Havergal Difference Maker

Havergal
Difference
Maker

Written by Lindsay Norberg

The work of shaping young women is always evolving at Havergal. In classrooms, on stage, on the field and in the wider community, today’s students stretch their thinking, build their confidence and grow through challenges. They learn to understand themselves and others, to stay curious and to turn that curiosity into action.

These experiences don’t just prepare them for what comes next — they shape the kind of school we are today and the kind of community we are building together.

Understanding Myself and Others
For one Grade 12 student, this work starts with self-reflection: “I strive to develop an understanding of myself and others by recognizing my strengths and capacity for growth and also acknowledging these qualities in others.” For others, it may take the form of mentoring younger students, leading community partnerships or councils, or championing equity and inclusion initiatives. However it unfolds, each step reflects a commitment to growth, connection and helping girls develop the tools to make a difference.

Grade 12 students have the opportunity to participate in the Strength Development Index that helps them understand their personal motivational values system and its connection to how they use their strengths. This program helps them learn more about themselves and others, and how they can lead from a place of their strengths and values.

At Havergal, students are encouraged to be aware of their own identities and to consider the identities of those around them. These perspectives shape how we see the world and how the world sees us. Anchoring decisions in values, broadening understanding beyond one’s own experience and engaging with difference are all part of the fabric of Havergal’s learning environment.

“I strive to develop an understanding of myself and others by recognizing my strengths and capacity for growth, and also acknowledging these qualities in others.”—Grade 12 Student

Continually Learning and Growing
Curiosity is a powerful driver in the Junior School. One group of students recently described their learning as “working together to solve puzzles, asking questions and sometimes even getting things wrong — because that’s when you learn the most.”

This philosophy runs deep: learning at Havergal is not grounded in perfection, but in resilience. Students learn to navigate setbacks, take ownership of mistakes and view them as opportunities for growth. They are taught to research effectively, read critically and apply rigorous thinking — skills that serve them well in a changing world.

As one student put it: “Continuous growth means not only learning new things, but also questioning what I know and being open to change.”

“Continuous growth means not only learning new things but also questioning what I know and being open to change.”—Junior School Student

Being Inspired to Act
The ultimate expression of a Havergal education is action. Whether they are leading initiatives for their peers at Havergal, taking action in their local community or standing up for issues that matter to them, Havergal students understand that they can make a positive impact.

This spirit of stewardship and commitment to others, so familiar to generations of Old Girls/Alums, has always been a cornerstone of the Havergal difference.

What Makes Havergal Unique
While many schools talk about preparing students for the future, Havergal’s Difference Maker framework is distinctive. It’s not just about academic excellence; it’s about developing the habits of mind and heart that enable students to thrive no matter where life takes them. From the earliest grades, Havergal students are encouraged to link learning to values, to connect with diverse perspectives and to act with purpose.

This intentional focus on shaping resilient, globally minded leaders is part of what makes a Havergal education unique and why generations of Old Girls/Alums recognize these qualities in themselves and in one another long after graduation.