House & Community: Senior School

A vital and magical element of the Havergal experience is House. Started in 1932, the House System forms the basis for organization in the school and encourages cooperation and school spirit among students, faculty and staff–everyone belongs to and demonstrates loyalty for their House. The attachment to a House remains strong long after graduation.

The House system allows for community building within the school, fostering peer-to-peer mentoring and leadership development for students. Elected Grade 12 House Captains lead the Houses in the Upper School with pride and spirit as they guide members of their Houses through traditional and collaborative events such as Celebration Saturday and House Shout. They are responsible for biweekly programming to build connection and community within their House. The Teacher Advisor Program operates within the House system, playing an essential role in keeping Senior School students connected to teachers through small, cross-grade groups that are led by House Advisors. 

Currently there are 10 Houses, named after women who have made outstanding contributions to the life of the school. Some have been Principals of the school, some have been much loved staff members and others have influenced the growth of the school. Each House has its own colours, motto, characteristics, mascot, prayer and hymn.

Frances Ridley

Frances Ridley

Founded 1929

Havergal College is named after this outstanding early Victorian era woman (role model, composer, poet, author and humanitarian).

Mascot: Penguin

Colours: Black & White

Characteristic: Honesty

Ellen Knox

Ellen Knox

Founded 1929

Havergal’s First Principal for the first 30 years (1894 to 1924); Miss Knox laid the foundation for the school’s traditions and character.

Mascot: Frog

Colours: Green & White

Characteristic: Friendship

Marian Wood

Marian Wood

Founded 1929

A member of the Havergal faculty for 39 years; Havergal’s Second Principal (1924 to 1937).

Mascot: Bumblebee

Colours: Yellow & Black

Characteristic: Love

Kate Leonard

Kate Leonard

Founded 1936

The Leonard Foundation bequeathed a significant gift of $40,000 and mining stocks worth more than $100,000 that allowed the school to remain viable during the Great Depression.

Mascot: Elephant

Colours: Light Blue & White

Characteristic: Faith

Margaret Taylor

Margaret Taylor

Founded 1939

Named in memory of the wife of Reverend Dr. William Taylor, Chairman of the Board of Governors (1926 to 1951).

Mascot: Butterfly

Colours: Dark Blue & Orange

Characteristic: Kindness

Edith Nainby

Edith Nainby

Founded 1942

An admired teacher at Havergal for 41 years (1896 to 1937).

Mascot: Lion

Colours: Red & White

Characteristic: Loyalty

Agnes Hansen

Agnes Hansen

Founded 1979

A beloved Senior House Mother in the Boarding School and school nurse for 40 years (1930 to 1970).

Mascot: Panther

Colours: Pink & White

Characteristic: Courage

Catherine Steele

Catherine Steele

Founded 1979

An Old Girl (Class of 1928), faculty member (1934 to 1939) and Havergal’s Fourth Principal (1952 to 1972).

Mascot: Unicorn

Colours: Purple & Grey

Characteristic: Peace

Mary Dennys

Mary Dennys

Founded 1996

An Old Girl (Class of 1940), teacher and Havergal’s Sixth Principal (1975 to 1985).

Mascot: Dragon

Colours: Gold & Teal

Characteristic: Hope

Marcelle De Freitas

Marcelle De Freitas

Founded 1996

A beloved teacher for 40 years (1944 to 1984).

Mascot: Dolphin

Colours: Silver & Royal Blue

Characteristic: Joy