Boarding School Blog

Over the past 13 years I have come to know the Havergal Boarding School as my second home. Not only because I sleep behind the ivy covered walls on the weekends, but because of the girls that have brought me so much joy over the years. 

When I started this journey I didn't know what to expect, meeting 40 to 50 new girls from all over the world. It didn't take long to break down the barriers before I realized I had plenty of new daughters. In my first few years of working in the Boarding School, I saw lots of changes. The building changed physically to keep up with the times. Cell phones and the internet made a huge difference to the girls for keeping connected with their families and completing school work. 

I can honestly say I am very blessed by being a part of the Havergal community and for working with such amazing people. Thank goodness for Facebook where I can keep in touch with so many past boarders and watch them grow in their futures. As my 13th year comes to a close I am fondly remembering all the wonderful times I've had in boarding. Without it, my weekends wouldn't be the same!

Ms. Davis

Bright and early on Friday February 17th, 15 boarders, Dons Ms. Catracchia and Ms. Kingsley, and physical education teacher Ms. Wowk departed on their skiing weekend adventure to Horseshoe Valley Resort in Barrie, ON. 12 of the boarders tested their abilities at snowboarding while the remaining 3 explored skiing. 

That night, Ms. Kingsley’s chalet was in charge of cooking dinner and produced a delicious chicken and veggie stir-fry. The group enjoyed both the meal and each other’s company by the fireplace. Later on, we bundled up and ventured out to try another exciting activity: snow-tubing! This winter event was filled with many laughs as each boarder went flying down on their inner-tubes in various combinations: partnered in long trains, holding hands in a circle, sliding down backwards, or being wildly spun around! What a joyful way to end the long day! 

The next morning, we woke up with the rising sun for another ski/snowboard lesson. After breaking for a warming lunch of tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches (as wonderfully prepared by Ms. Wowk’s chalet), the girls enjoyed another set of fun-filled hours on the slopes! Following a few hours of rest, Ms. Catracchia’s chalet made delicious cheese, pepperoni, and veggie pizzas that were quickly devoured by all! The chalets then ended the evening with some relaxing down-time, walks in the village, baking chocolate chip cookies, and watching the adventure classic The Goonies. 

Sunday morning was met with even more skiing before our final check-out from the resort. The sun was shining high and everyone left in good spirits! We successfully arrived home and were greeted by warm showers and our own comfy beds!

All in all, this Boarding School winter excursion was an absolute blast! Many laughs were shared, photographs were taken, and memories were made!

Ms. Catracchia

The Boarding School has been filled with some holiday cheer these past few weeks.  The girls have been busy decorating gingerbread houses, our Boarding School Christmas tree as well making their bedroom doors look festive in theme of the upcoming Christmas holiday.  

 Last week, the entire boarding community was invited to the Principals Residence, where Dr. and Mr. Groesbeck organized an evening of traditional Christmas activities for the girls to take part in.  Each girl contributed to decorating the Christmas tree using an assortment of beautiful ornaments and their very own decorated gingerbread man cookie. We sang Christmas carols while drinking hot chocolate and apple cider.  It was a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit.

 We also completed a weeklong activity called “Earth Angel”.  Each girl randomly selected someone to show acts of kindness toward for an entire week.  Some of these gestures included a hot cup of tea after a long day or a creative card with kind encouraging words.  At the end of the week, the girls had to guess who their earth angel was and show their appreciation by presenting them with a gift.

 On Monday December 12, the Boarding School hosted our Annual International Boarder Holiday Dinner.  Many faculty and staff members joined us in enjoying an array of different foods from all 17 countries that our boarders represent.  This definitely was a highlight; the kitchen staff really outdid themselves.

 The first term is quickly coming to an end and the boarders are preparing to head home for the holidays.  It has been wonderful to see how the dynamics in boarding have progressed into a truly lively and exciting place.   I think I can speak for all the Dons when I say that we a very proud of what the girls have accomplished this term and cannot wait to see what the New Year will bring.

 Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday!

 Ms. Knapp