11 Questions with Catherine Thomas

Photo Stephanie Liu

“But I just want to... make an environment where everyone feels true inclusivity, whether that’s in regard to gender, race, sexuality, the list could go on and on.”

Favourite song and favourite HC hymn?

Catherine: “Whip It”, by LunchMoney Lewis & Chloe Angelides. As for hymns, “As the Deer” will always be a classic in my mind, but my favourite would have to be “Take My Life and Let It Be”. It has special meaning to me because I always sing it with my mom around the house or in the car. It’s the Frances Ridley House hymn, and my mom and I are both proud Frannies.

Favourite school tradition/event?

Catherine: One of the traditions I really like is the Grade 6 crossing of the bridge. I love looking back and thinking of how different I was being the oldest person in the Junior School and now being the oldest person in the Upper School. I like the idea of comparing and bridging the two. It’s really nice, because now I look back, and I really want to make a connection with the girls in Grade 6 and show them really what being in the Upper School means.

I’m also a HUGE fan of Spirit Week. I love seeing everyone all dressed up in their wackiest clothes and feeling their energy radiate in the halls. I find people just seem happier to be at school during Spirit Week. And, let’s not forget that we have Hockey Day during Spirit Week, which is always a highlight of my year!

Favourite spot at HC?

Catherine: I love the quad, and I love having picnics there. It’s so beautiful outside. You can really see all of Havergal, the ivy, and the stained glass windows in the BR hall. And you can just take it all in because you are truly, literally surrounded by HC. It’s the best feeling.

Describe yourself as an HC hot lunch meal.

Catherine: It’s not exactly a hot lunch meal, but I think I would be a Buddha bowl just because there are so many colors and flavors. When they all come together, they taste amazing. Each aspect of the Buddha bowl has its special quality that compliments its surrounding ingredients. And in the end, you get a nice fresh, crunchy meal.

Tell us your life story in one minute.

Catherine: I was born on July 23rd, 2001. I have a brother, two parents, and I had a dog named Pixie, but now I have a dog named Bindi. Pixie passed away when I was eight years old. Anyway, I went to Bayview Glen until Grade 5. I joined many sports teams when I was younger like soccer, swimming, volleyball, track... all that jazz. As I got older, I liked music more, so I start playing piano (but I had to stop) and guitar; I took singing lessons and joined Choir. Then I started my journey here at HC in Grade 6. And, ever since, I have been living my life and enjoying all the experiences Havergal has to offer.

Can you tell us about a fun behind-the-scenes moment from filming the Prefect video?

Catherine: We originally wanted to do a scare cam throughout our Prefect video. One time, Julianna was sleeping and Ana jumped on her and scared her. It was the funniest thing. We even got Mr. Nardi scared, but it, sadly, didn’t make the video.

What do you want to achieve this year?

Catherine: It’s hard because when I think about what I want to do, I don’t want to change anything too big that doesn’t need to be changed. But I just want to - and it sounds so cheesy - make an environment where everyone feels true inclusivity, whether that’s in regard to gender, race, sexuality, the list could go on and on. It’s just making sure that everybody has equal opportunities, whether that’s academically, with extracurriculars, or just the way they feel at this school. We’re really starting to push for this.

What advice would you give to new girls?

Catherine: The first few weeks are scary; they’re scary for everybody, and it’s very intimidating. Start by making at least a few friends and branch out from there. Join clubs even if they don’t seem the most interesting at the beginning, because you’ll get to know people in that club who will make your experience ten times better. The thing that I found really helpful was making connections throughout the grades. If you have friends who are younger or older, they’ll introduce you to their friends, and it makes your time at Havergal a much richer experience. You have more people with whom to laugh, smile, and just take it all in.

What is the most challenging part about being School Captain?

Catherine: So far, it’s just keeping my energy level up, but that’s a problem you will encounter for any role at HC. There are expectations for you to be a leader and a big thing is to lead by example, so you always have to be on your best behaviour. We’re not perfect, and I think sometimes it’s hard as we feel we’re expected to be. And even though administrators say, “No, no, everyone makes mistakes,” we’re expected to always have perfect uniforms, have smiles on our faces, and just help others--and I love doing that - but it takes the energy out of you.

What is one part about your job that you wish more people knew about?

Catherine: It’s such a great learning experience. Already I’ve learned to make speeches on the spot, be more comfortable with public speaking, and how to best present myself to others. The role also helps you get to know so many people across the school. I want people to know that, even outside this role, it’s good to get to know people around HC. For example, this includes those in South House, the kitchen staff. Since I’m in this role and go to more events, I’m getting to know them better. No matter what grade you’re in, really make the effort to reach out--when you have those connections, you can feel more comfortable to truly be yourself.

What are you most excited about for this year?

Catherine: It’s a bittersweet year, honestly, because I really don’t want to have to leave. The thing I would say I’m most excited for is seeing what people in the Havergal community will accomplish this year, especially my fellow grads. Now, they’re the ones leading the school, and already I can see all the amazing things they’re doing, whether it’s with new initiatives or just having the young girls look up to them. I’m so excited to see what members of the HC community will achieve this year and to just cheer them on.