Chronicle 2017

FORMER STAFF NEWS

FORMER STAFF NEWS 2017

Nancy Richards , former head of the Junior School at Havergal and present head of school at St. Mildred’s- Lightbourn School writes: “It was with great sadness that we heard of the sudden passing of Sandre Barnes , former executive assistant to the heads of the Junior School from 1998 to 2005. Sandre not only brought much joy and laughter to the entire school, she also brought great skill and expertise in running a school office and fully supporting the members of the leadership team, especially the head. She was born on August 1, 1946 in London, England and met the love of her life, Bill Barnes, in 1963. They were married in 1966, after which they emigrated to Canada. “Sandre absolutely adored children and had three beautiful children of her own, Mitchell, Andrea and Ashley. Her four grandchildren Cameron, Caden, Ave and Madison were all very dear to her. “Of the many friends I have known, Sandre was the one who knew best how to live life fully and to enjoy each and every moment. She had an incredibly generous spirit and provided inspiration to others through the good and bad times. Her high energy, positive spirit and joy were contagious. “Sandre loved to travel and spend family time at the family cottage on Canning Lake and she loved Maui, where she went every winter with Bill. Sandre and Bill celebrated 50 years of marriage in July 2016 with family and friends. She passed away on October 2, 2016. “The song, I Hope You Dance by Faith Hill, played at Sandre’s funeral. Her grandchildren spontaneously jumped up and danced at the front of the chapel. ‘Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance…and when you get the choice to sit it out or dance – I hope you dance.’ Sandre chose to dance throughout her life.” Sue Ditchburn (Havergal’s ninth principal, 1997-2008) writes: “I visited Toronto in early October to see dear friends, many from my Havergal days. Havergal has blessed me in so many ways. As well as many wonderful conversations over lunch and dinner, I went to the Chihuly exhibition at the ROM and to the McMichael for

its 50th anniversary exhibition. As always at McMichael, the windows reveal a canvas of nature that is exquisite. “Life in Calgary is wonderful. I am busy on several boards here and in Vancouver, including the senate of the University of Calgary, where I serve as co-chair of the executive committee. We move between here and our place in Canmore, a spiritual retreat for us in the beautiful mountains and only an hour’s drive away. “I do miss Havergal and all it means to me. My warmest wishes to all.” In January, Dr. Encarnita Gardner ’s family held a reception at Victoria College to launch Encarnita’s most recent book of poems, titled El hueco de to ausencia/ The space without you . This volume addresses (in both Spanish and English) two critical events in Encarnita’s life: her move from Granada to Canada and the death of her oldest child. She has now published three books of poetry. The lively event was attended by scores of friends, family and colleagues, all of whom warmly welcomed Encarnita and showed deep appreciation as she read (also in both languages) a selection of these poignant poems. Christine Harris-Kenalty (head of art), mother of Vanessa Kenalty, has another grandchild ‒ a grandson ‒ and has recently moved into her downtown condo. Alistair Macrae (social sciences, 1999 to 2009) continues to teach on a part-time basis for Ryerson University’s G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education and the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies. His two UTSCS courses – Film and Philosophy and Art that Asks Questions – will be offered again next year. He conducted a workshop about Plato and Protagoras at the annual conference of the Ontario Philosophy Teachers’ Association. One of his OPTA handouts, “How to Conduct Your First Harkness Discussion,” is available online at ontariophilosophy.ca/ conference/.

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