Mr. Menzella joined Havergal in September 2014 as a teacher with over 15 years of experience in the independent school system, including a year of teaching abroad at the Canadian College Italy. His academic background includes a Bachelor of Science from Carleton University, a Master of Arts in Regional Planning and Resource Development from the University of Waterloo, and a Bachelor of Education from Brock University.
Mr. Menzella believes the social sciences are particularly positioned to help students develop a greater understanding of, and an informed concern for the world around them, and to inspire positive action both locally and globally. He strives to achieve this in his geography courses by working to develop innovative and meaningful ways of bringing the world into the classroom, coupled with a genuine and supportive approach to teaching and learning rooted in strong pedagogical foundations and aligned with Havergal’s values of integrity, inquiry, compassion and courage. Role playing for an international summit on Arctic sovereignty, assessing the walkability of urban communities and developing disaster management plans are just a few examples of the authentic learning students engage in.
Stepping out of the classroom to explore, serve, and learn about the ‘real’ world is also important. During his career, Mr. Menzella has organized and led a number of experiential learning opportunities for students such as field studies, service projects, and adventure treks centred around specific environmental and social issues in destinations of global relevance, including the United States, France, Italy, Greece, Costa Rica, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, Nepal and Australia. He always marvels at the inevitable transformation of students into stronger, more independent, confident and culturally sensitive people, further aware of their rights and responsibilities as citizens of the world and abilities to make a difference.
Mr. Menzella is equally passionate about sport, health and fitness, and coaching soccer and ice hockey. You can often find him on the pitch, at the court, or behind the bench supporting our Havergal athletes. His most memorable experience as a coach was being a part of the Hockey team when it successfully defended the prestigious Hewitt Cup.