T he Meliora Petens
T H E I NS I G H T E D I T I ON VOLU M E 27
A PU BL I CAT I ON OF BAL M ORAL H AL L SCH OOL
PUBLISHER Tina Alto, Executive Director EDITORS Genevieve Cloutier ’03, Alumnae Relations Coordinator Jennifer Pawluk, Communications Specialist
THE INSIGHT EDITION
CONTRIBUTORS Joy Loewen, Chair of Board of Governors Nancy Cipryk ’86, Alumnae Association President Joanne Kamins, Head of School Lyn Stephen ’57, School Archivist Terry Lee, Photographer
VOLUME 27 SPRING 2017
BALMORAL HALL SCHOOL 630 Westminster Ave. Winnipeg MB R3C 3S1 (204) 784-1600 balmoralhall.com alumnae@balmoralhall.ca
CONTENTS
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Patricia (Glover) Bover ’66
TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION Leah (Wong) Guenther’04
08
11
HEAD GIRL’S MESSAGE Anne Campbell ’17
ALUMNAE PREFECT’S MESSAGE Gillian Chiu ’17
10
20
The Portal is published yearly for Balmoral Hall School’s community by its Alumnae and Communications offices. Information herein may not be reproduced without permission. Views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of Balmoral Hall School. Canada Post Publications Mail Agreement No. 40017087
03
Message from Board of Governors
04
Strategic Vision: 2012–17
06
Being Bold: Planning our Future
08
Insight — Social Responsibility
10
Head Girl’s Message
11
Insight — Technology & Innovation
12
Centre for Arts & Design
14
Meliora Petens Legacy Society
16
Crestlines
18
In Memoriam
20
Alumnae Prefect’s Message
22
The Last Word
M E S S AG E F R O M O U R C H A I R
W
e’re all better off when we’re all better off.”
Senator Patricia (Glover) Bovey ’66 echoed this quote from The Gardens of Democracy, by Eric Liu and Nick Hanauer, during her remarks at our inaugural Strategic Insights Symposium on March 3; her late husband, former Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba Hon. John Harvard, said it often.
The truth of this statement – that we’re better off individually when we’re better off collectively, and vice versa – reverberated in many of the conversations throughout the afternoon. Now, six years after the initial development of our current strategic plan, I believe that we – individually and collectively – are better off.
Through the dedicated efforts of Head of School Joanne Kamins and her team of skilled employees, the strategic vision became a living document that purposefully charted advances in all areas of Balmoral Hall School.
Highlighted throughout this issue of The Portal are the many successes realized in finances, facilities, communications, programs (especially university preparation), and people.
As we focus our attention on building on these successes, our 2017-22 strategic plan – “Being Bold” – is in development. This process has afforded an opportunity for board members and administrators to consult with diverse stakeholders, internally and externally. As a board member, and especially as the mother of a BH girl, I found the recent symposium awe-inspiring.
Most rewarding, however, was the moment when my daughter, Lia, told me she was planning to attend.
To share her insights from the symposium, she wrote the following in earnest. I heard about the symposium at an assembly and decided to attend because I was curious. As a BH girl since the age of three, I wanted to be part of the school’s strategic planning process. I was inspired by the presenters who at one time were students like me.
It was refreshing to hear successful, polished professionals talk about how they made mistakes or changed their minds. Also, it was fun (surprisingly) to participate with board members, administrators, and professionals regarding programs that the school might consider in the future. The Strategic Insights Symposium is one of many ways that Balmoral Hall has enriched my educational experience by helping me see that not knowing all the answers immediately is okay.
The expectation of academic excellence may be overwhelming — especially, if, like me, you excel in other pursuits. While I am a good student, I am most passionate about dance. I love expressing myself through the performance of movement. Balmoral Hall has given me the academic tools to succeed as well as the confidence to pursue my dream of a career in dance.
As I enter Grade 12 in September, I will begin the formal process of planning my future beyond BH. I am grateful that the symposium motivated me to be what I dare!
Similarly, I, too, will be planning my future beyond BH as my term as Chair ends June 30.
With delight, I welcome Nancy Cipyrk ’86 to the role, as I am confident that she, along with the entire BH family of dreamers and doers, will continue to seek the betterment of all.
Joy Loewen Chair, Board of Governors
STRATEGIC PLANNING DELIVERABLES 2012–17
1
UNIVERSITY PREP
FINANCE
PROVIDE A PERSONALIZED ACADEMIC PROGRAM THAT IS RIGOROUS, RELEVANT, AND RESEARCH-BASED
PREPARE GIRLS TO MAKE CONFIDENT, INFORMED CHOICES ABOUT POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION
DIRECT FINANCE ACCORDING TO STRATEGY
3 Facilitate inquiry-based learning from International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) in Junior School to Capstone, Balmoral Hall School’s educational model, in Middle and Senior School.
Coordinate career awareness 3
3 Support students’ understanding through a Centre for Learning, providing educational resources as well as opportunities for enrichment.
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3
PROGRAM
3 Challenge students in Advanced Placement (AP) studies in Grade 11 and/or 12 prior to enrolment at universities of choice.
4
2
experiences throughout Junior School.
3 Offer university guidance,
including alumnae mentorship, beginning in Middle School.
3 Conduct on-campus tutorials for
university entrance examinations (e.g. IELTS, SAT, and ACT).
Increase enrolment gradually 3 (from 452 in Fall 2012 to 514 in Spring 2017).
3 Raise annual giving levels to
exceed $600,000 in 2016/17.
3 Develop a long-term capital plan
spanning five to 10 years.
4
5
6
COMMUNICATIONS
FACILITIES
PEOPLE
FOSTER AN ENGAGED SCHOOL COMMUNITY OF AMBASSADORS
CREATE FACILITIES THAT INSPIRE LEARNING
Position Balmoral Hall School as 3
Sustain a campus 3
SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS AS INNOVATIVE, LIFELONG LEARNERS WHO DEMONSTRATE OUR MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES IN THOUGHT AS WELL AS ACTION.
the best choice for girls’ university preparatory education.
3 Produce valuable content
with consistency.
3 Nurture relationships with
students, parents, faculty/staff, alumnae, and other stakeholders.
maintenance plan.
3 Upgrade technology
according to curricular and administrative needs.
3 Build a Centre for Arts & Design.
Prioritize professional 3 development.
3 Adopt best practices in human
resource management.
3 Execute the strategic vision
with integrity.
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5
Being Bold Planning our future
O
ne of the highlights of the 2017-22 strategic planning process was our Strategic Insights Symposium, held on March 3, 2017 at Balmoral Hall School. Facilitated by Berlineaton, a Canadian management consulting firm with independent school experience, the symposium was attended by 125 members of the school community, including alumnae, students, parents, faculty, and staff. Head Girl Anne Campbell ’17 delivered a keynote address, which you can read excerpts from on p. 11 of this issue of The Portal. Two panel discussions, the first on the topic of social responsibility, and the second on technology and innovation, were facilitated by Shirley Muir, who volunteered her time as a friend of Balmoral Hall. Sharing their insights on social responsibility were Andi Sharma ’03, Isha Khan ’91, and Patricia (Glover) Bovey ’66. Later, Joelle FosterBalaktsis ’86, Jason Myers, and Leah (Wong) Guenther ’04 spoke about their experiences with technology and innovation. The symposium allowed us to start a meaningful conversation about what the future holds for BH girls. (Read more on pp. 8-11.) Thanks to all who participated!
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Isha Khan ’91, the mother of a BH girl, shared her insight on social responsibility.
JUNIOR SCHOOL TEACHER EMILY QUINTON ’11 TOOK NOTES DURING THE PANELISTS’ PRESENTATIONS.
JASON MYERS, THE FATHER OF A BH GIRL, SHARED HIS INSIGHT ON TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION.
SUSAN DELANEY, WHO TEACHES MIDDLE SCHOOL FRENCH, GAVE A SUMMARY OF HER TABLEMATES’ FEEDBACK.
ANDI SHARMA ’03 OPENED A PANEL DISCUSSION ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.
JOELLE FOSTER-BALAKTSIS ’86 OPENED A PANEL DISCUSSION ON TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION.
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Insight — Social Responsibility Patricia (Glover) Bovey ’66
S
ocial responsibility: arts and culture are its foundational pillars and beacons. Committed to community, I have lived my life through arts and culture — the soul of who we are as individuals and communities. Neither frill nor folly, the arts touch every profession and every aspect of life. In preparing tomorrow’s leaders, innovators, and creators in all fields, we have the difficult, almost impossible, task of predicting the tools today’s students will need and indeed what society will look like.
rapidly changing world. The best gift we can give them? A healthy curiosity. No, on reflection, curiosity is not a gift, but a most critical tool. We must encourage the question: Why? We cannot silence the questioners. Being that youthful questioner once, my curiosity was, and still is, empowering, integral to my career and various roles in every community I served.
As a student in grades 7 and 8, and the first term of 10, I was frequently in trouble for talking in the halls and asking too many questions no one wanted to answer! But I learned a lot here, particularly from Miss Oswald’s English and geography classes, about the wider world, its peoples and societal interactions, and ideas expressed in multiple forms through the ages. You would think I would have loved art — no, drawing flowers was not my thing. Reading about artists was, but art history was not in the curriculum. Music — yes, only singing. Learning about composers and artists and their times became my solo pursuit. In predicting the future we build on the past as we try to determine the needs of students as they take their places in our 8
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I firmly believe the arts will be increasingly critical, whatever the future. Music, visual art, and dance are the three international languages — passports to understanding global cultures and diversities. We certainly need scientists, mathematicians, doctors, and all the myriad professions. Each is critical. But, remember, people make this world what it is. We must give our children opportunities to understand people, and to create stories, artwork, or performances about their worlds. These international languages reveal ourselves to others, communicating in ways words cannot. They are also essential in realizing our social responsibilities in every dimension. The story of Harlem born dancer and New York lawyer, Donna Walker Kuhn, says it all. Bored with law, she returned to Harlem, and asked the director of the struggling performing arts company if she could work for him. His response? Okay. Her challenge? To develop audiences that mirror the cross-section of New York’s subway ridership. She did.
SENATOR PATRICIA (GLOVER) BOVEY ’66
Her conclusions? The arts are the best tool we have for social change. When we experience great works of art –
in that moment – we transcend our differences and feel a common humanity. The arts cultivate non-violence, trust, solidarity, community and breadth of mind. Simon Brault, Canada Council for the Arts CEO, once wrote: “Arts and Culture cannot save the world but can help change it. Art’s power to transform and enchant is gaining ground.… Culture is the future.” Why? Because the arts present societal truths, just as our children’s stories present their truths. Are you aware that galleries and museums are the most respected institutions in contemporary society? They are, because they have and present the real thing. The report “A Sense of Place: A Sense of Being” noted: “The role of our artists is not only to mirror the values of the society in which they live, but also to reflect on the issues that society must address if it is to know itself better.” Tomorrow’s leaders need those reflections – those touchstones, real facts, not alternative facts, but primary facts, – integral to social responsibility going forward. Art’s role in health is significant. Did you know that people who engage in the arts live two years longer, cost the health system less, and get out of hospital a day or two earlier than others after elective surgery? Why? An international study noted: People intuitively turn to the arts for their restorative power. The single most important thing about a live arts experience
is the sense of participating in an exchange with the artist and being part of life rather than absent from life. The arts also play a huge role in crime prevention. In Fort Myers, a pilot project focused on at-risk, vulnerable 11 to 14-yearolds though a theatre, visual art, and writing project, led by professional artists, and held in a safe place. The youth wrote the plays, mentored by playwrights; made the sets, assisted by visual artists; produced the plays, guided by theatre directors. Some youth were actors, others directors, stagehands, or costume designers. Together they developed marketing strategies and sold tickets, collectively involved in the whole, knowing they could not let their colleagues down. At its outset 75% of the children were making less than a C average, and that quickly rose to 80% making a C average or better. Since the program’s inception, juvenile crime dropped 28%, and for youth 11 and 12 the rate of recidivism dropped 64%. Why? It allowed youth to lead and accept responsibility. These projects are brought out into the community for viewing and sharing. The kids are responsible for the success. Artists, often about 20 years ahead of society, sound poignant societal alarm bells in their work, such as warnings of environmental fragility. Important in renewing the relationship between Canada and our Indigenous peoples, the arts are critical in the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s
recommendations. The arts have also saved small communities — Elora, Powell River, Stratford. The arts build bridges between and among peoples. So, why do we cut our late teens and early adults from the arts? Why can students take three sciences, but only one art? Industry frequently tells us they want to hire problem solvers, skills learned by studying fine art. They say they can teach their trade, but not the three-dimensional problem-solving skills that come from the arts. Knowledge is changing at a hitherto unparalleled rate. Our youth must be prepared to steward change. They must continue exciting socially responsible innovations. They must be armed with the tools they will require for a society we do not know. I hope BH will continue to instill insight, curiosity, and passion in tomorrow’s leaders. Let’s inspire creative innovation, cherish, not crush imagination, and herald compassion so essential to society. To be socially responsible we must all look out for the best in all. My recently deceased husband frequently said: “We are all better off when we are all better off.” Let that be our mantra. Encourage excellence in society’s beacons and foundations — arts and culture. I know Balmoral Hall has that capacity! We never know who is going to bloom and when. It is our social responsibility to nurture that growth. THE PORTAL – SPRING 2017
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Head Girl’s Message Anne Campbell ’17
A
s I walk through the halls of Balmoral Hall in my last few weeks of Grade 12, I cannot help but remember a time when the classrooms were just rooms and my best friends were just strangers. It may have been only a few short years ago, but as I think about embarking on my next adventure I will also be saying goodbye to a place that has become my home. In a future full of uncertainty, where technology is changing at an exponential rate, BH is challenging the status quo and embracing innovation as a school community. Teaching students how to think critically and how to solve problems with resilience are some of the most
beneficial tools that I will take away from my time here. We are preparing for jobs that do not yet exist. In some ways that is a bit daunting, however the school community recognizes that we have the power to prepare our student body to be confident risk-takers as we address the problems of tomorrow. As Head Girl, I have had the opportunity to see our student leaders in action. There is a certain energy that fills the air. You see it as the girls walk by, whether that be Junior Kindergarten or Grade 12 students; the drive and determination radiates from the student body. It is not by coincidence, it begins at the top with Mrs. Kamins and the administration, who embody what it means to seek better things. When I was asked to be the keynote speaker at the inaugural Strategic Insights Symposium, it was apparent that the school values the perspective of the students with a belief that it is essential to constantly push the limits of what is possible in order to create an inspiring learning environment. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to study under the guidance of incredible teachers and next to the leaders of tomorrow. I have grown into the young woman that I always hoped I would become and it is due in large part to a supportive yet intellectually challenging environment. The decision to attend BH in Grade 10 has put my life on a completely different trajectory, one that I look forward to embracing to its fullest. I know without a doubt I will be hearing the names of my classmates in the news due to their groundbreaking research, thought-provoking art exhibitions, and powerful philanthropic work. It has been a privilege to be a part of the 2017 graduating class, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for the young women of the BH family.
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THE PORTAL – SPRING 2017
Insight — Technology & Innovation Leah (Wong) Guenther ’04
I
nnovative: it’s a word that we like to use to exclusively talk about a great product, an original idea, or to describe the best and brightest minds of our generation. What you may not realize is that being innovative is actually not reserved for the best and the brightest minds. We are all wired differently, and because of that, we are all capable of thinking differently. But how do we awaken that potential? One way is to embrace our failures. Great things can happen from making mistakes! It’s our historical record, a history that we can learn from — if not to change the world, then to change ourselves. But we need to talk about them.
Since graduating from BH, I have had my fair share of failures. The one that still resonates with me today happened after I got my first F in an engineering math course. I can still feel the embarrassment of that moment. I wasn’t at the top of my class, but I was a hard worker, and I thought it would be enough to pull me through the unfamiliar concepts of infinite series and complex numbers. It wasn’t enough, and I was ashamed because my GPA defined my worth. It took me two years (and a few more Fs on my transcript) to realize what I was doing wrong: I was failing to connect, because I was trying to find success within myself. I was in my third year of engineering when I took a chance and joined a few study groups. We were studying for a notoriously difficult exam one night when my friend said casually, “Hey, if we fail, at least we’ll fail together!” Cue: nervous laughter. At the time, that remark was a little too close for comfort, but that moment still resonates with me today because it reminds me how important it is to be a part of something bigger, to be part of a community. Each one of us brings something
unique to the table in all our strengths, our weaknesses, and our failures. By sharing in all these experiences, we connect with each other, and, through these connections, we form perspective and meaning. In all my experiences, I’ve found that my successes are not because of me, but because of my community. Our world changes daily because of technology and innovation — there is uncertainty in tomorrow. How can we prepare our girls for the unknown? The simple answer is: we can’t. What we can do is support them through their mistakes, encourage them to make connections and gain perspective with the hope that they will one day find their value and meaning within the context of our world, and not in a number. These relationships are what drive us to innovate, because we can see the world differently, and we want to make it a better place for each other. Failure ensures that tomorrow will be even better than today, because if we fail together, we’ll rise … together.
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CENTRE FOR ARTS & DESIGN Balmoral Hall is embarking on a transformational project to create spaces that will strengthen our learning community. The Centre for Arts & Design will become a prominent, inspiring site for student collaboration on campus, providing: 3 flexible spaces for visual arts, performing arts, dance, music, digital music and video production; 3 opportunities for 3D modelling, fashion, robotics, and virtual reality to intersect;
LANGSIDE STREET W E S T M I N S T E R AV E N U E
3 learning commons where lifelong connections will be forged; and 3 vibrant spaces to showcase student innovation. CENTRE FOR ARTS & DESIGN
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT BALMORALHALL.COM/FULLSTEAMAHEAD. 12
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Our new 16,970 sq. ft. centre will be a 3-storey building on the riverside of the campus, behind Sifton Family Theatre and adjacent to the Boarding house. Floor plans can be viewed online.
How much will it cost? The total projected cost is $6 million, including fees, furnishings, and construction costs.
How much has been raised so far? As of spring 2017, nearly $4 million has been secured. Large or small, every gift helps. Thank you to donors for believing in this important project!
When will construction begin? This project is dependent on fundraising, which means construction can begin as soon as a minimum of $4 million is raised. Our target date is February 2018.
“Large or small, every gift will help us complete the matching gift challenge to guarantee construction next year.” ~Nancy Cipryk ’86, Chair of Board of Governors, 2017-19
11 +
DOLLAR
Where will Centre for Arts & Design be located?
Make your gift before June 30, 2017, and then watch it double!
DOLLAR
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
UP TO $250,000
=
$500,000
FOR OUR CENTRE FOR ARTS & DESIGN
We’re almost there. Help us meet our $6 million goal!
Why should alumnae support this? There is a strong tradition of philanthropy at Balmoral Hall and a desire to “pay it forward” to the next generation of young girls who will make their mark. As a small independent school, we rely on the generosity of our community, past and present, to make projects such as this possible.
Can I make a pledge over more than one year? Absolutely! Our hope is to receive the majority of donations as soon as possible; however, donations of all sizes can be pledged over 3 to 5 years.
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ORIGINAL CRESTS
REDRAWN CRESTS
We invite you to become a member of Meliora Petens Legacy Society today. ORIGINAL CRESTS
Since our centennial in 2001, Meliora Petens Legacy Society has been recognizing individual donors who have made a commitment to the future. Although charitable bequests may not be realized for many years, members of the society are recognized now.
REDRAWN CRESTS
WHY INFORM US OF YOUR GIFT? • Membership encourages others, inspiring them to give. • Appreciation can be shown during your lifetime.
• Your wishes can be discussed and aligned with student needs. REDRAWN CRESTS
PREFER TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS? • Public recognition is not necessary, and your anonymity will be taken seriously. • Nonetheless, disclosure of your gift helps us to plan for the future, sustaining important programs.
Our heritage will never be forgotten. Our legacy is a shared commitment to philanthropy. Inform us of your charitable bequest in order to be gratefully recognized (publicly or anonymously) as a member of Meliora Petens Legacy Society.
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THE PORTAL – SPRING 2017 2016
The Legacy of Betty-Lou (McPhail) Phillips Gr. 11 ’54 By Genevieve Cloutier ’03, Alumnae Relations Coordinator
E
arlier this spring, I had the opportunity to interview Betty-Lou (McPhail) Phillips Gr. 11 ’54 as the newest member of our Meliora Petens Legacy Society.
She spoke fondly of Headmistress Miss Gwendolyn Murrell-Wright, who had been impressed with her talent in piano, as well as her aptitude, and so enrolled her at Balmoral Hall School regardless of her physical disabilities. This was a decision ahead of its time, as the school was not at all accessible then, but Betty-Lou used her crutches or canes as needed. A proud member of Glen Gairn – her (late) sister, Dianne (McPhail) Labossiere Gr. 11 ’56, went on to become House Head – she was actively involved in student life, from refereeing basketball games to volunteering in the library. “I was always in the books, and I still am,” she said. Betty-Lou lives in London, Ont. with her son and daughter-inlaw nearby. Her husband passed away in 2015, and since then Betty-Lou has become an avid philanthropist. Her father, who was an insurance salesman, had convinced her and her husband to purchase life insurance policies, and now she draws on her assets to make charitable gifts. Philanthropy brings her considerable joy. She supports a variety of causes, including healthcare, especially children’s, diabetes, and heart/stroke, civil liberties, and wildlife conservation.
In this bequest to Balmoral Hall School, she has honoured the memory of her late son, Christopher David Phillips, requesting that a plaque be mounted on one of the seats in Sifton Family Theatre. At one point during our recent conversation, she noted that she often spoke of Balmoral Hall when Christopher was a child. Unfortunately, however, they were unable to visit the school together, as they had discussed from time to time, before his death at age 24. She explained to me that a legacy gift is her way of making him a part of a memorable chapter in her life — that is, her school days at Balmoral Hall. “I really enjoyed my time there,” affirmed Betty-Lou. As an alumna, and, notably, one who also belongs to Glen Gairn House like me, I am delighted to include her in our Meliora Petens Legacy Society. To encourage others to consider Balmoral Hall when creating or amending their wills, she was happy to share her story with us. Thank you, Betty-Lou.
Betty-Lou McPhail Gr. 11 ‘54
Further, Betty-Lou has chosen to support her alma mater with a gift in her will. THE PORTAL – SPRING 2017
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Crestlines 2010s
KRISTIN (COCKERILL) FILLION ’09 My husband Dan and I are proud parents of Natalie Marie Fillion. Born on March 11 at 8 lbs. 1 oz., she’s already working on power skating and faceoffs!
BRYANNA SHERBO ’13
ASHLEY FREDETTE ’09
In May, I graduated with my Bachelor of Science with Honours from Acadia University in Environmental Science. My Honours research was on the proportions of seals (harbour, bearded, and ringed) in western Hudson Bay assessed using genetic methods. This research began when I was working at Assiniboine Park Zoo last summer. I will now be working at IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA) doing research for my Master’s project on ecosystem indicators of fish productivity at University of Manitoba. I am both nervous and excited to leave Wolfville, NS, a beautiful university town beside the ocean, to return to Winnipeg and reconnect with old friends.
I am putting on a show at Winnipeg Fringe Festival this summer from July 19–30. It’s a new work featuring all original music by me; it’s called, Resilient: An Adoptee’s Fight for her Identity. I hope to see some fellow alumnae there!
ELLA THOMSON ’13 I spent the last four years at University of Manitoba. I will be graduating this spring with a B.Sc. in Electrical and Computer Engineering. While at U of M, I was involved with the engineering students’ society as treasurer. I was also president of UMEARTH, which is an environmental engineering group. Through UMEARTH, I initiated a student volunteer group to help repair medical equipment that is shipped to developing countries by International Hope Canada. I spent the last summer in Germany on an international internship at Hochschule Ravensburg-Weingarten on a Baden Wurttemberg Stipendium. My plans are to start a Ph.D. program this fall. I was accepted by and received scholarships from graduate programs at Cornell, Princeton, and Stanford. I accepted the offer from Stanford that included the prestigious Stanford Graduate Fellowship. Of course, sunshine and palm trees are a bonus!
CHLOE VICKAR ’11 I am graduating this June from University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours), double majoring in Women’s & Gender Studies and Sociology.
2000s JULIE CLARK ’09 I completed a Master’s in History at Wilfrid Laurier University and then embarked on a solo adventure to northeastern Asia before returning home briefly. In August, I embarked on a six-month internship with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) in Geneva, Switzerland, working directly with the Secretariat for the Conference on Disarmament – attending meetings, 16
writing reports, and conducting research. Additionally, I was lucky to be mentored by the Secretariat for UNODA and was also able to speak directly with the Canadian Deputy throughout the process about Canada’s position on disarmament. It was an experience of a lifetime that has ignited my passion for disarmament, diplomacy, and Canada.
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KATIANA KRAWCHENKO ’09 I now live in Washington, D.C. and have become the White House associate producer for CBS News. I have spent four years with CBS, and until recently I worked in New York. My job makes me part of a unit covering the White House, including physically sitting in our booth there some days, just steps from the Oval Office!
MICHAELA VICKAR ‘08 I am engaged to be married in Spring 2018.
SARRY KLEIN & LISA GREGORY ’06 Both of us graduated in 2006 after having been classmates since Grade 7. After graduation, Sarry attended University of Manitoba and completed a degree in Environmental Design, while Lisa went to University of Toronto to study Architecture. In 2012, we were reunited as classmates by chance as we both started our Master’s in Landscape Architecture at University of Toronto. Following convocation, the two of us, along with two other classmates, decided to form 1:1 Collaborative. As a group of landscape architects, we were looking to explore the field outside of the professional environment. In January, we had the opportunity to participate in Come Up to My Room 2017 at Gladstone Hotel in Toronto. The event is a four-day exhibition that is part of Toronto Offsite Design Festival. Each artist is given a room within Gladstone Hotel to transform through their own design. Our design dealt with the concrete landscape of Toronto and the invisible systems of plant pollination that help to green the city. The exhibit was very well received, and our work was shown in Toronto Life and blogTO. We hope to continue to have more opportunities to express our passion for landscape architecture!
AMANDA ALDOUS ’02 I’m very excited to have been selected as a participant in the 2017 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference with 249 other young Canadian leaders. The conference, spanning two and a half weeks in June, will take me from Whistler to Tuktoyaktuk to Ottawa! Later this summer I will be transferred from Cold Lake to Toronto, where I have been selected for the Joint Command and Staff Programme at Canadian Forces College.
in London for RHS Chelsea Flower Show, then I will be home for the summer. Christmas 2017 I will spend with my sister Barbie in Mexico for a getaway from the rain and snow!
1990s
ALYSSA REID ’97
MARGOT (GOODER) MCDERMOTT GR. 11 ’60
Sage Reid Parenteau was born at 11:17 p.m. on December 8, weighing in at 8 lbs. 9 oz.
My years were 1957–60. In my last year, I was a prefect as House Head of Braemar. I attended on scholarship with Royal Winnipeg Ballet as were Margaret (Fisher) Aldren Gr. 11 ’60, Donna Day (Washington) Newmark Gr. 11 ’59 – deceased, and Elaine Glena ’62. My closest friend was and still is Lynn (Funnell) Pady Gr. 11 ’60, who lives in Toronto. My very lengthy career (1962 to 2009) was as a teacher, choreographer, and artistic director for Academy of Dancing at The Young Canadians School of Performing Arts, Triangle Theatre School. I retired in 2009 as ballet mistress for Decidedly Jazz Danceworks and ballet teacher for Central Memorial High School’s performing arts program when I moved from Calgary to White Rock, BC. Balmoral Hall holds a very special place in my heart with lasting appreciation for the wonderful teachers who inspired my lifelong love of learning!
1980s ASHLEIGH BANFIELD ’85 I started a new show in October called, Primetime Justice with Ashleigh Banfield. It airs weeknights at 8 p.m. EST on HLN, CNN’s sister network. I remain a legal analyst on CNN. I was also recently named a Canada 150 Ambassador in the United States and had a great opportunity to meet a few prominent Canadians here in New York, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Jean Chrétien, and Mike Myers!
KATHRYN (SCANES) EVE ’83 I am including a photo of my 11-year-old son Noah and I, which was taken recently by the ocean in Mexico. We had just finished participating in a sunset conservation project. We helped release rescued baby sea turtles back into the ocean. It was a very moving experience. I am married and live in Toronto, working as a social worker.
1970s
BRENDA (ASHBY) LANGE ’70 The Class of 1970 had a small reunion in Vancouver on Mother’s Day weekend.
1960s
1950s NORA (RICHARDS) FRANCIS GR. 11 ’53 I have just visited Sonja (Nelson) Woods ’54, my best friend when I was in Grade 11, in Salmon Arm, BC. We had many reminiscences to share about Balmoral Hall. She has recently retired from a long and very successful career as a ballet instructor.
1940s ELSPETH (YOUNG) NICKERSON RLS GR. 11 ’45 Although my sister, Cathy (Young) Montrose Gr. 11 ’52, sadly passed away in October 2014, I have visited her Scottish family since, and in September my daughter, Patti, and I attended the wedding of her youngest son, Ronnie. He married an English girl near Birmingham, and we had a wonderful visit with the family. A lovely English garden was the setting for the celebrations.
JOYCE (LAMONT) HUGHES RLS GR. 11 ’44
CLASS OF 1967 We are holding a Grand 50th Anniversary Reunion September 28–31. We have many activities planned that will give you an opportunity to see what is new in Winnipeg as well as lots of time to catch up with our former classmates and their last 50 years! If you have not contacted us already, please do so and we will fill you in on all the details: Leslie (Stovel) Sprange: lsprange@mymts.net; Denise (Roulston) Deben: denisedeben@gmail.com; or Nancy McQuade: nancymcquade@me.com.
HEATHER “JOANNE” (BRODIE) MELIDONES ’65 After a fabulous two weeks in Morocco and kayaking with the Beluga whales in Churchill last year, with my passport in hand and my bucket list in the suitcase, I began the year with a threeweek trip to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Hong Kong for a memorable and fascinating history and archeological tour. In May, I left for two weeks in Egypt, cruising the Nile. I hope to spend a few days
I recently returned from a marvy river cruise in Belgium and the Netherlands, where I had a great day with friends from there who Jean Brown RIV Gr. 11 ’44 and I had met 10 years ago on a Norwegian cruise. Europe is so crowded. I am hanging up my travelling shoes and staying on this continent – I think!
JOCELYN (HIGHMOOR) RYLES RLS ’43 As a former Rupert’s Land student during WWII, I live in Toronto at a Don Mills retirement home for the winter months. This last one was my third winter there, but I returned to my more recent home in Prince Edward County in mid-May. I have been living in Hillier, ON with my son and daughter-in-law, who operate the lavender farm that draws many people each growing season to witness lavender’s beauty. I plan to keep up my current enjoyment of watercolour painting, likely decorating my son’s bee boxes with flower patterns in acrylics. It’s fun to watch the bees’ reaction! I hope to be in touch by email with other former students of many decades ago who are amazed at all the wonderful accomplishments of recent alumnae.
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In Memoriam 1930s
BARBARA (HAMON) ALDOUS RLS ’39 Barbara passed on August 20, 2016. Born in Newfoundland, she spent most of her early life in Winnipeg, where she met and later married her late husband, Brig. General George Galt Aldous, MC, CD. Married for 66 years, they lived in Montreal and Ottawa where they raised their children. Barbara’s love of children radiated during her 28-year career as assistant headmistress and teacher of IB art history at Elmwood School in Ottawa. After retiring, she and George returned to Winnipeg, where she volunteered with elementary school children, sharing her passion for art history. Her deepest love was the cottage at Lake of the Woods. She is survived by many family members, including her granddaughters Kathryn (Aldous) McCullins ’91 and Amanda Aldous ’02.
JOCELYN (RICHARDSON) THACKER RLS ’39 Jocelyn passed on June 29, 2016 at 95 years old. She led a very active and productive life, was a hard worker, had an adventurous spirit, enjoyed a good sense of humour, and had many good friends. She attended Rupert’s Land Girls’ School where she excelled in scholastics and athletics and won many awards. In 1936, she had the honour of being one of two girls chosen by the student body to represent the school at the coronation of King Edward in London, England. In 1938, she was chosen as Head Girl of the school. Her yearbook described her as being “more than popular – she has been 18
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liked and looked up to by all of us.” In the 1940s, Jocelyn and her husband moved to Vancouver, where they raised their two children. She always worked and became very involved in the early days of the fledgling figure skating community, skating in many shows. She went on to start the BC Thin Ice magazine. In 1971, after her two children had left home, she went out on her own. She was brave and adventurous.
1940s WINNIFRED (MCINTYRE) DAVIES RIV GR. 11 ’41 On March 12, 2017, in Owen Sound, peacefully after a rich life, Winnifred passed at age 93. She was predeceased by her husband Robert, daughter Adair Bauer, and sisters Marjory-Lynn (McIntyre) Rich RIV Gr. 11 ’46 and Mary Elizabeth (McIntyre) Malmaeus RIV Gr. 11 ’32. Survived by her sons Gordon, Donald, and Evan, and the rest of her large and grateful family.
PATTY FORD HELLAND RLS ’45 Patty passed peacefully at her home on April 30, 2016. She was devoted to her family and lived life to the fullest. She had a deep strength, grace, and elegance that only an English-Canadian Texan could possess. Patty was born in Birmingham, England, and at the age of one, her family migrated to Montréal. The family moved across Canada from Winnipeg to Calgary, where, in 1950, she met, married, and later settled with Jim Helland in Texas, where she raised four children.
Patty enjoyed politics, golf, realty, and travelling. She was predeceased in 2010 by her sister Beryl (Ford) Chown RLS ’40.
ELAINE (MORTON) GOLDBERG RLS GR. 11 ’46 Elaine passed at home in Winnipeg on February 28, 2016. She is survived and will be deeply missed by her husband, Percy, four children, and seven grandchildren, including alumna Rachel (Corrin) Nedelec ’00. Elaine lived her life fully and all in. She was born in Winnipeg in 1930. Her father died suddenly in 1951 when Elaine was 21. Elaine was especially close with her mother, Beck. She cared for many of her aunts in their later years with a tradition of caring that she extended to all her family and friends. She and Percy met in the lobby of Royal York Hotel before the 1953 Grey Cup game. They were married four months later, and in less than five years they had four children. Family was always the most important thing in Elaine’s life, and she planned wonderful meals, parties, and activities. Always active in the community, she volunteered at many organizations in Winnipeg. Elaine was an elegant, kind, and passionate woman who loved a good laugh. She played golf and tennis intensely and was an avid sport fan her entire life.
MARY (NIELSEN) SWAIN RLS GR.11 ’47 Mary passed on January 31, 2017, in Carman, where she was born after her parents immigrated from Denmark. Their home was a place for Danish folks to reminisce and enjoy many traditional meals. She was married in 1949 to Jack and farmed in the Brigdenley area. In the early days, their farmyard was a barren
landscape. Together, they transformed it into a prairie woodland. After her husband passed, she moved back to Carman, where she developed great friendships.
SUSAN (CLIFFORD) ALLEN RLS GR. 11 ’48 Sue graduated from nursing at Winnipeg General Hospital in 1953 and with her husband Sid and three children lived in Winnipeg until 1976, when they moved to Vancouver. She was widowed less than a year later and despite being a newcomer chose to make that city her home. In the 40 years between that decision and her death, Sue’s generosity, energy, and great sense of humour endeared her to all who were lucky enough to cross her path. Driving the yellow convertible that she had promised to buy herself upon her retirement, she became a familiar sight. Until illness overtook her last autumn, she was involved in house checks, church, golf, bridge, and quickly responding to anyone who needed her help.
CYNTHIA (MCDONALD) HUNTER RLS ’48 Cynthia was born to John Hamilton and Marion McDonald in Winnipeg. She studied photography in Toronto and Switzerland. Cynthia valued family above all else. Her magnetic personality and unquenchable optimism brought people together. In her community, she was instrumental in several heritage projects, for which she received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal and several other awards. She had a flair as an entertainer. Cynthia passed on March 16, 2017, in Kelowna. She leaves behind her husband, children, and extended family, many of whom are Balmoral Hall alumnae.
JULIA (HARRIS) MCINNES RIV GR. 11 ’49 MELIORA PETENS LEGACY SOCIETY
Julia passed on August 28, 2016 at Grace Hospital. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Donald McInnes, her sister Mary (Harris) Campbell RIV Gr. 11 ’39, her five daughters, Mary McInnes ’82 (Rob), Donnie (McInnes) Straker ’83 (Peter), Margie (McInnes) McConnell ’85 ( Jeff ), Sandy (McInnes) Rozecki ’87 (Lance), and Christine McInnes ’88 (Steve), and grandchildren. Julia was predeceased by her sisters Caroline (Harris) Andrews RIV Gr. 11 ’38 and Joan (Harris) McCrae RIV Gr. 11 ’42, her brother, and her son. Julia was born in 1931 in Winnipeg, where she lived most of her life. She attended University of Manitoba to acquire her B.A. Hon. After graduating, she spent six years teaching in Neepawa and Winnipeg before meeting and marrying Don in 1960. She enjoyed spending her spare time at Lake of the Woods. Julia has left a legacy gift to Balmoral Hall School in her estate.
LINDA (WRIGHT) TALLIN RIV GR. 11 ’49 Linda passed on December 30, 2016. She was born in Winnipeg and earned her B.A. degree from University of Manitoba before marrying Rae Tallin in 1955. Linda and Rae moved to their beautiful home on River Road, Old England in 1964, where they lived for many happy years raising their children. Their homes and their cottage at Minaki were always open to family and friends. Linda was a warm and gracious hostess, whose excellent cooking and renowned parties showed her love for people. She was very community-spirited and an animal lover. She had a great capacity for love and made everyone feel special.
1950s PAM (GARTON) MACIVER RLS GR. 11 ’50 Pamela passed on August 27, 2016. Pam was born in Deloraine, MB. She was predeceased by her husband, Donald, her son, and three brothers. She is survived by her children and grandchildren, including Balmoral Hall alumnae Alexandra Martin ’10 and Laura Martin ’12. Pam attended United College, Red River College, and Forum Art Institute. Pam was an intelligent, elegant, compassionate, wise, and thoughtful woman who was loved and respected by so very many.
PAM (BIRCHER) MUIRHEAD ’52 A Rupert’s Land alumna, Pam passed away on January 28, 2017, in the United Kingdom.
INA (HUEHN) WEISNER ’52 Ina passed away on December 30, 2016, in Richland, WA; no obituary was published, as per her wishes.
1960s ANN (MASON) CURRY ’63 Ann passed at home in Toronto on September 26, 2016. She grew up in Winnipeg and graduated from Winnipeg General Hospital as a registered nurse, and shortly after that she met Gerald Mark Curry, to whom she was married for 43 years. An avid reader, Ann could often be found curled up on a chaise lounge engrossed in a novel. Later in life, she caught the crossword bug, at which point the Sunday
New York Times couldn’t arrive fast enough. A keen traveller, Ann had fond memories of Africa, the Baltic states, and, her favourite, New York City. Her two yellow Labradors could always be found by her side. Ann lived life to the fullest and did things her way.
CAROL (LOUNT) ROGERSON ’63 Carol passed on December 7, 2016. She met the love of her life, Michael, and they were married in 1966. They were avid travellers and music lovers who were known especially for their support of the jazz scene in Winnipeg until his passing in 2009. She loved her summers at the lake, lunching with friends, and spending many winters in Deerfield Beach and most recently Palm Springs. Carol, known for her generosity, always loved to surprise her family in making forever memories. She took great pride in her grandchildren and felt blessed watching them grow.
CATHERINE (GOURLEY) PEARS ’65 Cathie passed on August 8, 2016, after a courageous 15-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Cathie worked as a journalist in business and finance in Winnipeg and Vancouver. She also wrote Island in the Creek, a book about the history of False Creek, where she lived. She obtained degrees from University of Manitoba, UBC, and Carleton University. During their 34 years in marriage, Cathie went on many exotic trips with Ron around the world as well as annual family trips with their two daughters. She treasured time with her family and their summers spent together at their cabin in Buccaneer Bay, BC. She loved art and was an enthusiastic skier, tennis player, and golfer. Cathie loved any activity that brought her together with her friends.
STAFF FLORENCE “ELSIE” (BAINS) LOW Elsie passed on August 15, 2016. She was born in Cromar, MB. She later moved to Virden and then to Winnipeg in 1936. She attended normal school and taught at various rural schools as well as Riverbend School. Elsie was an active member of St. Andrew’s Altar Guild and volunteered at Misericordia and Deer Lodge hospitals. She enjoyed sewing and entertaining family and friends at her homes in Woodhaven and Victoria Beach.
LOUISE WILMOT Louise passed on January 26, 2017, in Winnipeg. Born in Morden, MB, she graduated from Manitoba Teacher’s College and studied at University of Alberta and Canterbury School of Fine Arts in England. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours from University of Manitoba. Louise had a lifelong love of learning and took courses in film production, French, computers, meditation, and public speaking. For most of her life, Louise taught – first, as an elementary school teacher, including at Balmoral Hall in the 1950s, and, later, as an arts specialist for high schools in Edmonton. Louise had a successful international career as a professional artist, working in oil painting, watercolour, printmaking, and photography. Louise was also a published writer, working in both prose and poetry and receiving the editor’s choice award from the American Library of Poetry. Louise had a huge heart, a beautiful smile, and an extremely generous nature. She was a truly compassionate person. THE PORTAL – SPRING 2017
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Alumnae Prefect’s Message By Gillian Chiu ’17
O
ne of the most unique and meaningful traditions at Balmoral Hall School is the creating and gifting of the dolls. It’s personally my favourite tradition at the school, and all throughout my 13 years here I have highly anticipated the day I get my own. The BH custom of giving gifts to the Grade 12 students dates back to the 1960s. However, it wasn’t until 1976 that Mrs. Teresa Friesen joined the Grade 11s to officially begin the process of making, decorating, and accessorizing the dolls.
It has been more than 40 years since this tradition began, and the dolls have maintained a firm place in BH girls’ hearts. As Alumnae Prefect, I’ve tried to find ways to open communication between alumnae and students. The one thing that truly connects all students, past and present, of Balmoral Hall is the dolls. Making someone’s doll means they will never forget you and your hard work. Receiving a doll from a member of this family ensures that you will always remember your fondest times at Balmoral Hall. Having reached out to the alumnae about this tradition, I’ve heard back from so many women who not only still have their doll with them as a souvenir of their time at Balmoral Hall, but they remember whose doll they made and who made theirs. It is a tradition like no other. It includes hours of stressful and precise work, countless drafts until the face is exactly right, finding the perfect accessories, and so much more. In the end, it’s all worth it because the dolls of Balmoral Hall are treasured forever.
ONLINE ARCHIVES
NEW AND IMPROVED — NOW MOBILE FRIENDLY www.balmorahall.com/archives Featuring all yearbooks dating back to 1910 and almost 2,000 photos. Fully searchable format. Check it out, and search your name! 20
THE PORTAL – SPRING 2017
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2017 Meet a few of our graduates. They are lifers who have spent 12 or more years pursuing excellence at Balmoral Hall. We wish them all the best in their postsecondary endeavours! • Alexandra Blake
• Anais Casselman-Green • Gillian Chiu
• Morgan Dubyts
• Samantha Machado • Olivia Meier
• Danielle Moreau • Maya Schwartz
• Emily Thompson
• Claudia Venevongsa
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THE LAST WORD
W
hat a difference a year can make,” my mother often said. In this case, as I sat down to write, these words once again came to me. However, I was not thinking of only the past year; I was thinking of the five that have passed since a group of employees sat with the board in hopes of creating a strategic plan that we were committed to keeping off the shelf, thus setting Balmoral Hall on a new path. Within the structure of six pillars, 30+ strategic priorities were developed. I am proud to share that all were initiated, most were completed, and a few led us onto new paths. We prepare BH girls for a world we cannot imagine with a solid academic foundation based on adaptability and creativity. Our preparatory program invites girls to peer
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inward to discover their talents, skills, and passions and then outward in their pursuit of post-secondary studies. We sustain disciplined financial stewardship. Girls of promise are enrolled thanks to financial aid. Our facilities are being refreshed. The Centre for Arts & Design will be our first building project in more than 20 years. Schools locally and nationally are looking to Balmoral Hall for our leadership, knowledge, and experience in areas such as assessment, girls’ learning, boarding programs, ESL studies, and strategic planning to name a few. In these areas, and more, I am proud to say that we are trailblazers. During this past year, a similar group of employees and board members have been talking with you to hear your thoughts on the next five, 10, and 20 years. Our vision
still seeks the better, and our mission is still to provide girls with an outstanding, relevant educational experience; however, we have been truly inspired. Given the success of the current plan, your encouragement to be bold has been heard loud and clear.
Fall 2017 brings with it a new plan, which, I assure you, will allow us to continue to be recognized as one of the most forwardthinking all-girls schools in Canada. The future of Balmoral Hall School is exciting, and we should all look forward to what it holds. Stay tuned!
Joanne Kamins Head of School
STAY CONNECTED! UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION Have you recently moved, married, or changed phone numbers and/ or email addresses? Perhaps you are wondering why you no longer hear from Balmoral Hall School? Help us ensure future editions of The Portal, The e-Portal, and other alumnae communications reach you. Please keep your contact information up-todate. If in doubt, confirm yours today!
GET INVOLVED Our students need your support. Volunteers make a difference at panel interviews, tournaments, and community events. As mentors, you provide insight to students as they consider career options. There are opportunities for everyone! ALUMNAE@BALMORALHALL.CA
BACK: Mrs. Teresa Friesen, Mrs. Jennifer McDonald, Katelyn Battad ’18 FRONT: Rachel Bernhardt ’18, Claire Meier ’18, Kirsten Benidickson ’18
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