Taking a Look Backwards
Writer: Emily SuAs the new school year begins, we look forward. We look forward to starting our classes, making new friends, and enjoying events, such as Celebration Saturday, Hockey Day, and even graduation. However, if we take a look backward, just for a second, we will find Havergal’s rich history and key events that have shaped it into the school we attend today.
As you may know, Havergal College began in 1894 under Principal Ellen Mary Knox. The school was initially started as a Church of England Ladies’ College. However, did you know that Havergal was actually founded by a group of men led by The Honourable H. Blake? Dr. Catherine Steele, Havergal Old Girl, History teacher, and the school’s fourth principal, said: “The men had great faith in the future of Canada and wanted to provide a sound academic education for their daughters. Havergal was committed to the education of women long before it was commonplace.” Havergal College was named after Frances Ridley Havergal, a religious English poet and hymn writer. In fact, Frances Havergal wrote the House hymn “Take My Life and Let It Be.”
Havergal first opened its doors at 250 Jarvis Street in 1894. During its first thirty years, the school made thirteen real estate purchases and undertook three major building projects. From 1894 to 1899, enrollment grew from forty to over two hundred students and continued to increase. In the early 1900s, Miss Knox had the foresight to purchase farmland “up north” in order to build a school in the “country.” So, in 1926, the school relocated to its current location at 1451 Avenue Road.
The school’s main entrance today looks very much like it did when the school first opened. Wings were added to the existing building in 1959 and 1977. Then, in 1999, the Junior School and a new Upper School wing dedicated to the humanities, sciences, and technology were built. Following that, the athletic centr opened in 2006. Fun fact: the original Havergal Ladies’ Building built in 1889 is now the Margaret McCain Academic Building of the National Ballet School of Canada.
Over the years, Havergal has established a multitude of traditions, including Celebration Saturday, Reunion Weekend, Carol Service, Hockey Day, the Father Daughter Dance, Founder’s Day, House Shout, the Candlelight Ceremony, Prayers, and many more. These traditions shape Havergal’s history and your Havergal experience so be sure to take full advantage of them!
Since Havergal’s founding in 1894, the school has accumulated a treasure trove of historical materials including textbooks, photographs, and other mementos. The collection was formally recognized in 1997 for Dr. Catherine Steele and was officially opened in September 2006. It is a member of the Canadian Heritage Information Network and has developed a Community Memories exhibit as part of the Virtual Museum of Canada – Girls on the Homefront: A Toronto Girls’ School 1984 – 1945. One fun fact from this virtual museum is that Havergal students purchased and donated a station wagon (for the Red Cross, 1942), a motor ambulance and mobile canteen (for the Save the Children Fund, 1943), and a mobile dispensary (1944).
So, as this school year begins, look forward, but also remember to reflect on Havergal’s history. You are now part of the Havergal community and you are creating Havergal history!
Photo Natalie Cao