What Makes HC, HC?
Writer: Lauren LaCalamita
Editor: Angelina Polygenis
Recently, someone asked me what my life is like at an all-girls private school. I was asked what it was like to go to an all-girls private school. Sure, I could have gone on about the rigorous curriculum, Harkness-style classrooms, and all the various programming that goes on day to day. Yet, to describe a school such as Havergal, it's imperative to go beyond its many surface-level operations. As I stood there, I started to ramble. I couldn’t tell you the number of clubs Havergal has or list a course syllabus. I found myself explaining how we break into choreographed dance twice a year, and how each sports assembly entails a “pieing” of some sort. I watched as my listener's face twisted into a confused, bewildered expression, one that mirrored the one I had on my very first day here. Havergal is bursting with vibrant life, from decades-old traditions to inside jokes that carry throughout high school; it is a space where connections form and transcend past secondary school. I only hope I can justify what lies behind our ivy walls in this article, hopefully encapsulating the character, compassion, and spirit that make up our HC community.
Tradition is a large part of the HC community. A school with as rich a history is bound to harbour traditions that stand the test of time. One of them is known as the Carol Service. Mid-December at St. Paul's, right at 7 pm, the church is filled with alum, community, and hundreds of voices made one. In a way, it stands as a metaphor for Havergal’s holistic community and welcoming walls. With student speakers and warm messages from school leaders, Carol Service reminds everyone in the Havergal community that they are part of something bigger. Some traditional carols include "Guadete" and "Carol of the Bells”, and our outstanding choir are proof that music can bring everyone together. Another important tradition is Celebration Day (previously known as Celebration Saturday). It stems from Ellen Knox’s famous question, “What will you do?”, and the Havergal community answers it every year. This event is multifaceted, from raising funds for our community partnerships to strengthening our HC spirit and community. It celebrates our school’s mission and the dedication of all members of our community. These traditions and many more shape the character of the Havergal Community and work to strengthen the bonds within.
However, Havergal is not “Havergal” without its students. To make a ship sail smoothly, everyone must be motivated to work and play hard. That's precisely what we strive to do here. From our ever-growing academic climate to the competitive spirit of the athletics, and the captivating nature of our arts program, each student works tirelessly to create a community of passion and dedication. One student, Ava Singer, gave me some insight into what life is like at Havergal. Ava is a committed academic student and a passionate club co-head. She runs the Pre-Med Club at the Senior School and often connects her love of healthcare with her classes. Ava tells me, “Havergal is a place where connection is so easily found. Through my involvement with Pre-med, I find myself connecting it with what we learn in Biology and Chemistry. With these opportunities on hand, I feel prepared to enter the next chapter of life”. As a grad student with many responsibilities, Ava (like many of our other students) feels grateful for the support of our guidance centre. Amidst the hustle and bustle of Havergal life, our guidance centre provides a place where students unwind and organize their busy schedules. Outside the academic part of Havergal, students also prepare for spirit events, such as house and grade cheer, as well as working hard on the field and court. Balance is key within the school, and student support and spirit work help relieve stress and build connections with peers and teachers.
This is a brief glimpse into life at Havergal and the values that have helped shape this establishment. In short, Havergal is more than a school; it is a community and a place where students feel supported, challenged, and encouraged to become their best selves.