Laugh, Cry, Talk

Laugh,
Cry, Talk, Grow

Boarding at Havergal is a unique experience that students treasure

Written by Pat Morden
Photo by Danijela Gorley

760 Words

Josie Boehmisch remembers her first day at Havergal’s Boarding School. Despite being far from home—she’s from Germany—her transition was seamless. “I was overwhelmed by this amazing feeling,” she says. “Everyone was so kind and welcoming. When I got to know people, it just clicked. It felt like I’d known them for so long!”

The Havergal Boarding School accommodates 50 girls from grades 9 through 12. Some, like Boehmisch, are far from home, arriving from Hong Kong, China, the Caribbean, Europe, Russia, and beyond. Others live with their families in Toronto but find the commute too long to experience all that Havergal has to offer in the areas of athletics, arts, clubs, affinity groups, and leadership. Still others come from different parts of Ontario to experience the urban boarding experience. “Every family has its own reasons for sending their daughters to Boarding,” says Nicole Folkes, Head of the Boarding School, “but the one thing they all share is that they value a Havergal education.”

“Every family has its own reasons for sending their daughters to Boarding. But the one thing they all share is that they value a Havergal education.”—Nicole Folkes, Head of the Boarding School

Boarding students are watched over by a team of seven dedicated professionals, who also live in. The circle of care, as Folkes calls it, also includes guidance counsellors, teachers, social workers, the 24/7 security team, and dining staff. “We have a lot of mentors here,” says Dorothy Wat, a grade 12 student from Hong Kong. “They’re always ready to chat with you if you have a problem. It gives me the feeling that although I’m far from home, there’s always someone I can rely on.”

The biggest benefit of boarding, students agree, is the experience of living with a congenial group of girls. “I feel like I always have someone I can laugh, cry, and chat with,” Thalia Cornthwaite, a grade 11 student from North Bay, says. “Over the years, we have developed such special bonds with one another.”

Jade Lam, who is also from Hong Kong, agrees. “I love that I can actually live with my friends and see them 24/7. I can run into their rooms and talk about whatever—it’s a good feeling.”

Learning to live with and appreciate diversity is also a plus, says Boehmisch. “I really enjoy being able to experience the many different cultures.” Lam admits that it took time to adjust to the many different cultural practices she encountered. “At first it was difficult, but after learning more and trying different activities, I saw the fun in it.”

Boarding is a valuable learning experience in many ways. “One of the biggest things I’ve learned from boarding is independence,” Cornthwaite says. “At home I relied on my parents a lot, but now I’m much more self-sufficient.” Boarders develop a sense of autonomy at a young age, learning practical skills like doing laundry, managing their finances, and navigating an urban environment.

Just as important, they learn how to live communally, with everything that entails. “You get used to having a lot of people with different personalities surrounding you,” says Boehmisch. “You learn to respect their boundaries and to know your own, and that prepares you for university.” Boarding is also a journey of self-discovery, Wat says. “I now know what things I do best and under what environment I am most efficient. I can properly schedule my study time and then do whatever I want.” She loves to explore the city and go out with friends when time permits.

“One of the biggest things I’ve learned from boarding is independence. At home I relied on my parents a lot, but now I’m much more self-sufficient.”—Thalia Cornthwaite, grade 11 student

Conflict is, of course, unavoidable in any close community. Folkes says it helps that each staff member knows every student well. Interventions focus on giving the girls a voice and helping them develop empathetic listening skills. “Conflict is about relationships, and we take a restorative approach,” she says. There’s an opportunity to learn within conflict.”

The student-run Boarding Council, led by the Boarding Prefect, plans community dinners and other activities, and brings forward ideas for positive change. Cornthwaite’s grandmother was the Boarding Prefect in her day at Havergal, and Cornthwaite will be taking up the same leadership role next year. During the past term, the Council planned two successful school spirit events and several themed dinners, including one with a “boy band” theme that included costumes and lip syncing.

Wat says that to thrive in boarding, students need to step out of their comfort zones and open themselves to new experiences. “Just try any activity Havergal offers,” she urges. Cornthwaite says boarding is a unique experience, hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it. “I’ve learned so many things and made so many memories,” she says. “For anybody who gets the opportunity, I’d say do it!”