THE
A MAGAZINE FOR THE ROYAL ST. GEORGE’S COLLEGE COMMUNITY
Spring 2017
SHIELD A Celebration of Georgian Women
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Contents
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The Shield Spring 2017 Email: shield@rsgc.on.ca General Inquiries: 416.533.9481 Alumni Inquiries: 416.516.5202 Headmaster: Stephen Beatty ’86 Editor: Lauren Mandarino Copy Editor: Dave Mitchell Designer: Jonathan Cresswell-Jones Photography: CanGrad Studios, Tim Hutton, Lauren Mandarino, RSGC Archives, RSGC Community, Tom Stevens Editorial Committee: Stephen Beatty ’86, Drew Blanchette ’96, Maria Jordan, David Lee, Lauren Mandarino, Jasmin von Teichman, Lynn Woollcombe
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RSGC Board of Governors Officers
FEATURES 12 Alumni Spotlight BY LAUREN MANDARINO Jon Bell ’04: From patient to caregiver. 14 Student Spotlight BY LAUREN MANDARINO Henry Vendittelli, Class of 2021, has discovered the importance of volunteering. 16 Family Spotlight BY LAUREN MANDARINO The Von Teichman Family: Coming full circle. 18 Faculty Spotlight BY LAUREN MANDARINO Julie Girvan has the perfect job mix. 20 Pioneering Women at the College BY SUMNER & LANG In the male-dominated culture of a boys’ school, there have always been women on faculty and staff at St. George’s. 24 Diverse Perspectives: The Role of Women and Girls in a Georgian Education BY SUMNER & LANG While an all-boys education is a huge benefit to students, RSGC has a responsibility to prepare Georgians for life in a co-ed world. 27 Christine Allen: A Pillar of RSGC’s Mentorship Program BY MARILYN LAZAR Marilyn Lazar explores how boys from the Senior School have worked with Georgian parent Christine Allen as a mentor to discover their respective career paths in science.
DEPARTMENTS 4 Events 6 Tributes 8 Giving 30 Retrospective 32 Time Capsule
Chair: James Crossland Vice Chair and Nomination and Governance Committee Chair: Bruce Chapple ’87 Past Chair: Paul Clark ’85 Treasurer, Audit and Finance Committee Chair: Cathy Bateman Headmaster: Stephen Beatty ’86 Chief Financial Officer, Board Secretary: Jane Nyman Governors Peter Furnish, Advancement Committee Chair Lynne Woollcombe, Guild Representative Alex Edmison ’02, Alumni Representative Dorothy Byers Ryan Cookson ’03 Cathy Cranston Roma Dubczak Steve Geist Jennifer Keenan Adrian C. Lang Caroline Newall Jesse Parker ’01, Clergy Gordon Raman The Shield is the official magazine of Royal St. George’s College. Serving RSGC’s alumni and community, it strives to engage, inform and connect all audiences.
FPO The Shield Spring 2017 • Royal St. George’s College 1
LETTER FROM THE HEADMASTER
Dear Fellow Georgians,
O
n my first day as a Georgian, in September of 1976, I recall having the distinct sense of being transported not just across the city from Etobicoke to the Annex, but also across the centuries and across the ocean to an English “Public” School of the era of Mr. Chips. We had Masters instead of teachers, many of whom wore their academic gowns throughout the day. I began using the word “Sir” for the first time in my life and the Chapel became a regular part of my experience. Perhaps the biggest difference, though, after four years at Etobicoke’s Sunnylea Public School where I had a total of one male teacher, was that I was in an all-male environment, both students and adults. The legendary Mrs. McKellar worked in the front office next to the Headmaster, but other than that, I can recall
no women playing a part in my school life. Thirty-five years later, when I returned to the College as Headmaster, the single biggest difference between the SGC I attended as a student and the RSGC I returned to, was the gender make-up of the staff. If the ratio of males to females on staff is not 50:50, it is very close to that number. Additionally, half of the Senior Leadership team at the College are women. While we remain committed to the value of an all-boys education, both pedagogically and in terms of the opportunities it affords boys, we are also committed to maintaining a community that allows the boys to establish relationships with both men and women. One of the great values of an all-boys education is that it allows students to break away from a number of prevailing
gender stereotypes. The boys are free to shine in domains where they may not otherwise feel comfortable in a coeducational school due to social norms and gender stereotypes. I often point out to parents in admissions that the best singer, actor, artist or writer in the class is a boy. The popularity of our all-boys choir speaks to this. Gender diversity on our faculty and staff provides the boys with a range of role models and mentors.
While this issue of The Shield is a celebration of Georgian women, it is, more accurately, a celebration of the members of our community who have broadened our Georgian horizon.
Stephen Beatty ’86 Headmaster
Message from the Editor
A
nd just like that, another year is over and another issue of The Shield put to bed. This time, when the Editorial Committee met
at the beginning of the year, we were talking about how neat it was that Jasmin von Teichman was the President of the Parents’ Guild several decades after her motherin-law, Gill von Teichman, held the same position. That led us to a theme about Georgian women – from the von Teichman clan and faculty, to honorary Old Boys and parents. In addition to reading about some of the amazing women that make up the Georgian community, you will also find some interesting
2 The Shield Spring 2017 • Royal St. George’s College
articles about the role of girls in boys’ education; an alumni spotlight on Jon Bell ’04, who after a battle with leukemia as a child, chose a career as a nurse; and a student spotlight on the Class of 2021’s Henry Vendittelli, who has gotten involved with St. Thomas’s Friday Food Ministry program. One of my favourite things about putting together this magazine is re-engaging people from the community who haven’t been in touch for a long time. Meeting with Jon Bell and his family was lovely,
and tracking down T-Bu Grieve via her son was fun! I’m honoured to put four special women on the cover as a tribute to the incredible women in our Georgian family. Enjoy!
Lauren Mandarino Editor, The Shield lmandarino@rsgc.on.ca
RSGCAA Executive
MESSAGE FROM THE RSGCAA PRESIDENT
A Close-Knit Georgian Community Dear Fellow Georgians, I am happy to share with you that the beginning of 2017 was very bright with respect to alumni events and initiatives. In keeping with our goal of strengthening and increasing the Georgian alumni community, we started the year with several successful events focused on mentoring. For the University Breakfast, recent alumni used Skype to virtually join our current students, share their post-secondary experiences and give advice. Our annual Old Boys mentoring event was well attended again this year and resulted in strengthened connections and valuable new relationships among recent and long-standing alumni. Also this year, we were fortunate enough to have Mark Kryshtalskyj ’10 come in and advise our Grade 9s as they completed their Foundation Year Projects: student-created and led social entrepreneurship projects that challenged the students to address social and environmental issues in their community through collaboration, creativity and critical thinking. The RSGC culture and sense of community are two of the things that make the College such a special place. The Alumni Association Executive Committee and I want to support the continuation of this culture and community long after boys graduate. Speaking on behalf of the committee, I am thrilled to see that our focus on facilitating mentorship between current students and Old Boys, and indeed amongst Old Boys themselves, has already resulted in a stronger and more connected alumni community. We will continue to roll out more new initiatives to encourage mentorship among alumni.
President Drew Blanchette ’96 Vice President Eddie Beqaj ’08 Committee Chairs: Jonathan Lucas ’03, Fundraising Chair James Patava ’03, Communications Chair Geoff Osborne ’08, Mentoring & Networking Chair Colin Watson ’94, Social Media Chair Committee Members and Alumni Liaisons: Peter Antonoff ’82 Tim Clark ’03 Dan Mitchell ’99
I would also like to wish David Lee, Director of Advancement and Alumni Development, all the best in his upcoming retirement. After 25 years at the College, including over a decade working directly with the alumni, he will be missed by all of us at the RSGCAA. David, we hope to see you at future RSGCAA events and Old Boys’ Dinners! My hope is that through The Shield, our RSGCAA-sponsored events and word of mouth, all past Georgians and their families come to know that their connection to the Georgian community is still strong. We have a Georgian community with diverse experiences and expertise. I believe that staying in touch and sharing these experiences with other Georgians is the best gift we can give to our RSGC community. I would like to thank all who have taken part in alumni events this year and I look forward to seeing more of you. I would also like to extend a hearty congratulations to the Class of 2017 and their families, and wish everyone a happy and healthy summer break!
Drew Blanchette ’96 President, RSGCAA
Committee Representatives: Alex Edmison ’02, Past President and Representative to the Board of Governors John Buckingham ’71, Representative to the Foundation Board Adrian Thornbury ’87, Alumni Representative to the Faculty and Students Robbie Bruce ’17, Alumni Steward Jeremy Burleton ’17, Alumni Steward
RSGC
ALUMNI
ALWAYS GEORGIAN
A Note from Yvonne and Victor Blanchette, Georgian Alumni Parent Representatives As our son Drew will continue in his role as the RSGCAA President for the 2017/18 school year, we are also pleased to continue as the College’s Alumni Parent Representatives. We have enjoyed reconnecting with the school and hope to encourage more past parents to do so as well. We shall be circulating a newsletter in the early fall that will include information about upcoming events and other exciting RSGC initiatives. Until then, have a wonderful summer! Yvonne and Victor Blanchette Parents of Mike ’91, Nick ’94, Drew ’96 and Phil ’98
The Shield Spring 2017 • Royal St. George’s College 3
EVENTS
Georgian Highlights Staff & Alumni Hockey Night On February 9, RSGC staff and alumni got together for a friendly hockey game at the Mattamy Centre. The Alumni prevailed 4-2.
University Mentoring Breakfast On February 2, a group of alumni attending Queen’s, Western, McGill and U of T joined the Class of 2017, offering advice and insight at the annual University Mentoring Breakfast.
RSGC Reads At RSGC Reads on March 30, Bear Standing Tall, Mike Downie and Tanya Talaga led an important conversation about reconciliation.
Conference of Independent Schools Music Festival (CISMF)
Hidden Gems February 9 also featured the celebratory concert to showcase the incredible hidden talents of our community in support of the Georgian Scholarship for the Arts. A special thank you to Molly Johnson, Stephanie Martin, Masters of Ceremonies Nathan Chow, Jesse Wilson ’17 and Jonathon Fisher ’17, and the Hidden Gems Committee for helping make this event such a success.
April 9 was a big day for 17 Junior and Senior School boys, who participated in the CISMF at Roy Thompson Hall.
Alumni Reunion Halifax Headmaster Stephen Beatty ’86 was in Halifax on March 23 and caught up with several Old Boys at the Arms Public House in The Lord Nelson Hotel and Suites.
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Memorable Moments Don’t forget to add these exciting events to your calendar: September 22
Terry Fox Day September 24
Knights’ Fayre October 12
Grad Alumni Speed Mentoring Event October 12
RSGCAA AGM October 17
Grad Mothers’ Tea
RSGC Open House
This special day for mothers of boys graduating in 2017 was held in Ketchum Hall on April 21.
October 24
Legacy Father & Sons Breakfast November 1
Grade 9 Take-Your-Kids-toWork Day November 3
Old Boys’ Dinner November 17
Senior School Day of Service November 20
Mistletoe Market and Cocktail Reception November 27
Georgian Round Table December 1
Toronto Alumni Reunion On May 8, Toronto-area Old Boys and their dads gathered in Ketchum Hall to watch the Blue Jays on the big screen.
7th Annual Networking & Mentoring Event On May 25, the RSGCAA hosted its popular annual mentoring event featuring Old Boys from 1971 to 2014.
Admissions Application Deadline December 18
Grandparent and Neighbourhood Carol Service December 19
Alumni Legends Ball Hockey Game December 20
Service of Lessons and Carols December 20
Alumni & Alumni Parent Carols & Cocktails
The Shield Spring 2017 5
TRIBUTE
The Many Hats of David Lee: A 25-Year Career at RSGC
D
avid Lee began his education career as a teacher with the Metropolitan Toronto Separate School Board. In 1992, however, RSGC Headmaster John Latimer offered David a one-year contract… that lasted 25 years! During his tenure at Royal St. George’s College, David wore numerous hats. He taught Grade 5, Grade 6 Science, Grade 7/8 Physical and Health Education and Grade 12 Media Studies, and served as the Director of Community Service, Director of Admissions & Marketing, Director of Admissions & Alumni Development and Director of Advancement & Alumni Development. He even managed the school shop, The Dragon’s Lair, for a year. Over the years, David has coached a number of school teams, including lacrosse, soccer, softball and hockey. He was the Advisor to the Junior School Captains and he founded “Dragonslayer Studios”, which was a collaboration of the Junior School Drama Club and the Grade 12 Media Studies Class. Together, they produced six unforgettable feature films. In 2003, David received the CAIS Executive Director’s Award for Admissions, in recognition of his outstanding leadership, and in 2006, he was awarded the CAIS Advancement Rising Star Award. As RSGC’s Director of Advancement & Alumni Development since 2005, David has focused his energy on developing new projects and events that would lead to an enhanced experience for the boys. His customized events and activities have become part of the fabric of RSGC culture. For a guy who has worn so many hats at the College, there was always one constant with David: his unbridled enthusiasm for helping to make RSGC the best version of itself. Thank you, David, and all the best in your retirement. 6 The Shield Spring 2017 • Royal St. George’s College
TRIBUTE
A Deserving Honorary Old Boy: Wanda Ho
W
anda Ho has been an active member of RSGC’s community since her son Kjell Pladsen started at the College in 2002. When he graduated in 2012, she continued volunteering. So perhaps only Wanda was surprised when, at the Georgian Round Table on November 28, 2016, RSGC and the RSGC Alumni Association presented her with the distinguished designation of Honorary Old Boy. “Never in my wildest dreams did I expect something like this,” said Wanda, who says that most of her friends are people from the RSGC community. “If they had put a plaque somewhere for me, that would have been normal, but this is way beyond that. I’m so thrilled and honoured.” Wanda’s resume at the College is extensive. She has held numerous positions on the Georgian Parents’ Guild, including social convenor, First and Second Vice President, President and Past President. On the RSGC Board of Governors, she has been Chair of the finance committee, member of the advancement and facilities committees, and Parents’ Guild representative. She was also a parent ambassador on behalf of the College’s admissions department. She has sat on numerous steering committees, including Co-chair of the HALA Gala committee, and was a member of the 40th Anniversary Bootlegger Ball, Spy Who Known & Loved Me, 50th Anniversary Gala, Hidden Gems and Mistletoe Market committees, among others. She has been actively involved in fundraising as Co-chair of the Honouring Our Past/Building Our Future campaign, member of the Great School, Great Boys campaign and member of the Georgian Round Table. She has also been a major contributor to the College. Wanda says she never expected any recognition for her work. Months later, she is still having trouble processing the honour. “I don’t volunteer expecting to be rewarded – I do it for my own selfish reasons,” said Wanda, who is the first non-employee to be awarded the distinction. “It’s fun and I enjoy it. Besides, when your kids really don’t need you anymore, you like to think you’re contributing to something.” Kjell ’12 admits it will be an adjustment to see her at Old Boys’ Dinners from now on, but is proud of his mother and thrilled that the College has recognized her efforts. “It’s a super big honour and she deserves this 100 per cent,” said Kjell.“I know first-hand all of the hours she has put into the school. It’s above and beyond anything that anyone would commit to, especially on a volunteer basis. She just loved what the school did for me and she wanted to repay that however she could.” Alex Edmison ’02, Past President of the RSGC Alumni Association, said it was an easy decision to reward Wanda. “We have a motto that we want to create lifelong Georgians, and Wanda exemplifies that,” he said. “Her son graduated several years ago and she’s still here. She’s active in the community and enriching students’ experience even after her son is gone. We want her to continue to be a lifelong Georgian.”
“Despite her small stature, she is a powerhouse of inspiration, dedication, commitment and hard work.” – Kjell Pladsen ’12
Honorary Old Boys Wanda Ho - Class of 2017 Giles Bryant - Class of 2013 Gage Love - Class of 2011 Evelyn Miller - Class of 2010 John R. Latimer - Class of 1996 Mary McKellar - Class of 1981 John (Jack) L. Wright - Class of 1978
The Shield Spring 2017 • Royal St. George’s College 7
GIVING
A Modern Stained Glass Addition to Ketchum
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alking into Ketchum Hall is a completely different experience now than it was a year ago, thanks to the generosity the Georgian community showed during the Great School, Great Boys campaign, as well as to the vision of architect, alumni parent and former board chair Tye Farrow. The fireplace, alumni mantel, bright windows and inspirational quotes on the ceiling all contribute to the transformation of the space into a great hall. Over the March break, as the finishing touch, spectacular stained glass windows were installed across the top of the west windows. Sisters Jane and Kathryn Irwin, both stained glass artists with Toronto’s Art Zone, created the impressive pieces in a process that lasted almost two years. “We developed the design using the same kind of strategy we do with all of our designs,” said Jane, who has been working in stained glass since 1979. “We visited the site, took photographs and had a close look at the situation. We met with a committee that included Steve Beatty, architect Tye Farrow and some faculty and staff, and we listened to what they thought would be required in the windows.” 8 The Shield Spring 2017 • Royal St. George’s College
Jane and Kathryn, who had previously either created or restored many of the windows in St. Alban’s Chapel, developed a design direction based on committee feedback and began to generate ideas. “One of the things that sticks in my mind from the committee meetings is that they wanted the windows to be about the boys, and that was key,” said Kathryn. “They wanted the windows to be relevant to the boys in the future – not just now
or in the past. They wanted them to be relevant to every student.” One way to make the four stained glass windows relevant was to give them a contemporary look. “In the case of these windows, we quickly decided that something more modern than what we had done in the chapel would be appropriate,” said Jane. “It’s a brand new redevelopment of the space, so we wanted the windows to be contemporary as well. What we landed on was banners in the four house colours that created a rhythm across the four windows as a great foundation on which we could then add details and photographs from the archives.” The artists worked closely with RSGC archivist Sara Griffiths to identify iconic photos that would be embedded into the glass. They took into consideration school spirit, community service, athletics, the arts and academics. The end result is four stunning works of art that you can admire from afar or spend time appreciating the intricate details. Jane and Kathryn are certainly pleased with the way they turned out. “It’s such a dynamic spot for the stained glass because all the windows are on the same wall, so they’re all receiving the same light,” said Jane. “We think they really look beautiful with the new architectural features.” Maria Jordan, Executive Director of Advancement, is delighted by
the end result and, after seeing the hundreds of pieces of glass at their studio waiting to be put together, can certainly appreciate all of the hard work that Jane and Kathryn put into the stained glass. “They are truly beautiful and representative of RSGC, with so many wonderful images that depict Georgian culture,” said Maria. “I’m hoping that the stained glass windows in Ketchum Hall will become iconic in years to come, that they will really resonate with students.” Maria is also thrilled that the campaign’s major donors will have an everlasting tribute. “It’s such a beautiful tribute to the traditions of the College, echoing the architecture and design of the chapel while demonstrating the College’s gratitude to the major donors of the project,” she said. “Two windows have been dedicated to major campaign donors – the DiCapo family and the Bhalwani family. We’re tremendously grateful to leadership giving at that level that helps us make our spaces better for our boys and their school experience.” If you haven’t seen the new Ketchum Hall and the stained glass windows, please be sure to stop in for a visit. Members of the Georgian community are always welcome! For more information about giving at RSGC, please contact Maria Jordan at mjordan@rsgc.on.ca or 416-533-9481 ext.298.
Georgian Opportunity Fund Since the opening of the College in 1964, needs-based financial aid has always been made available to outstanding Georgians who might not otherwise be able to attend the College. Indeed, it was one of the dreams of our College’s Founders, as seen in a brochure from the early 1960’s, that “any boy may enter St. George’s College, regardless of financial circumstances, if his character and academic ability show sufficient promise.” The College Foundation has been growing an endowment since the College opened, and our recent Great School, Great Boys campaign included building our endowment as one plank of the campaign, which also supported the Ketchum Hall/Junior School revitalization. Needs-based financial aid is made available to support a portion of the tuition for a number of boys in the College and allows us to continue the Founders’ goal of greater accessibility to promising young men. Last year, the new Georgian Opportunity Fund was created to provide a full scholarship, annually, for a promising boy whose circumstances required full tuition support in addition to uniform, books, laptop, lunch and travel allowance. The Georgian Opportunity Fund was embraced by parents of the Class of 2016, many of whom accepted the Headmaster’s request to consider “one more month of tuition” to give a boy the gift of an RSGC education that their sons had received. The support of these families and others allowed us to welcome our first Georgian Opportunity Fund scholar to the school last September. In his first year as a Georgian, he has thrived. Through the support of our community, a second Georgian Opportunity Scholarship has been awarded for a Georgian arriving this September. Our hope is to be able to continue to build the fund and make real our Founders’ vision.
The Shield Spring 2017 • Royal St. George’s College 9
GIVING
Around the World in 80 Bites April 29, 2017
On April 29, over 450 Georgian guests gathered at The Carlu in downtown Toronto for the Around the World in 80 Bites Gala. The talented Ali Hassan, stand-up comic, actor and chef, emceed the evening, and guests enjoyed a silent and live auction, cocktail reception, live cultural entertainment and dancing to a live band. The Gala raised $163,000, which will support the muchneeded renovation of the College’s kitchen facility as part of our Junior School Redevelopment Plan. Special thank you to our dedicated Gala Chairs, Heather McGowan and Jane Halverson, and our over 40 tireless volunteers, as well as our generous sponsors and live auction donors: • Lisa and Brian Barney, Northern Air • Jennifer & Ugo ’89 Bizzarri and Andrew & Karen Jones, Timbercreek Asset Management • Brian Culbert and Denise Loft • The DiCapo Family Foundation, The Estate of Villa La Calvane • Wilma and Anthony DiPierdomenico • Roma and Roman Dubczak • Lynn Grogan and David Ferguson • Norman Hardie Vineyard & Winery • Humbertown Jewellers • Douglas Laxdal and Nancy Campbell, Gas Company Inc. • Polar Latitudes • Richardson GMP • Ed Robertson & Natalie Herbert • Michael Stevenson and Claire Sturgess • Toronto Police Service • Triaxis
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The Shield Spring 2017 • Royal St. George’s College 11
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
FROM PATIENT TO
CAREGIVER
Jon Bell '04
BY LAUREN MANDARINO
W
When Jon is not working at the hospital, he spends as much time as he can with his family: wife Hailey, daughter Zoey and son Rhys. In the opposite photo, Jon (#8) on the U12 soccer team in 1995-96.
12 The Shield Spring 2017 • Royal St. George’s College
hen Jon Bell ’04 started at Royal St. George’s College in Grade 4, he had no hair. It wasn’t a fashion statement – he was battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), otherwise known as cancer of the white blood cells. Showing remarkable resilience, Jon took it all in stride and accepted that his life went from kicking soccer balls and playing hockey to chemotherapy treatment at SickKids hospital. “As a kid, you don’t really understand the impact of it,” said Jon, who specifically remembers that when he was a New Boy at RSGC, no one teased him for his lack of hair. “Dealing with it sort of just ‘is’ and as a kid going through it, that just becomes routine. It’s more your parents who go through the worst part of it. You’re the one who is physically sick, but you don’t deal with the things that an adult would.” Jon’s father, Bob, is grateful that the school provided such a caring environment for his son during such a trying and scary time for his family. “It’s always scary as hell – even more so when you understand what it’s all about,” said Bob, an orthopedic surgeon who was appointed Ontario’s Deputy Minister of Health and Long-Term Care in 2014. “Thank God he was a really strong and brave little guy who managed to keep his spirit. He was always playing sports and liked hockey and soccer. Singing too! But all of a sudden, his whole life came to a crashing halt and his life became SickKids.” It was Jon’s stepmother, Diann, a developmental pediatrician, who recognized the signs that led to the early diagnosis. According to Jon, she was “the fundamental piece of managing school and the cancer.” She would wait in the RSGC library while Jon was in class and pick him up at lunchtime. Then she would take him to his appointments and help him do his homework. Teachers brought homework to his house.
“My stepmother is a huge, huge superstar. She was instrumental in helping me get through this stuff,” said Jon. “How well my parents rose to the occasion has to be commended.” His parents inspired Jon to follow their footsteps into the medical field. After he graduated from RSGC in 2004, he went to McGill University in Montreal to study nursing. His first job was, remarkably, at SickKids hospital. Now, he works in the emergency department at Brampton Civic Hospital, where he focuses on pediatrics. He sees up to 150 patients a day. Jon says his illness had nothing to do with wanting to go into the medical field. He credits his parents – his father, in particular – for the inspiration. “In Grade 12, I was flirting with the idea of going into kinesiology or physiotherapy. It was my dad who suggested that nursing would be a huge career in the future,” said Jon. “I also talked to him about sports therapy, but he said the scope of practice is very narrow and that nursing is very broad. His advice made me go for it.” Bob is thrilled that his son took his advice and went into nursing, but he does think that having cancer at a young age may have also had an impact on his career choice. “Based on his early experience with illness himself, he was interested in being a care provider,” said Bob. “I could see the scope of practice getting bigger for nurses, so I thought it would make sense for him. He sees kids, assesses them and then starts protocols. It’s a very satisfying career.” But despite constantly being surrounded by sick children, Jon still doesn’t see the link with his past. “Quite honestly, I don’t think of a connection with having had cancer and being a nurse,” said Jon. “I think the person I am, not the cancer, is what makes me a good nurse.” Adrian Thornbury ’87 coached Jon in many sports during his years at RSGC and isn’t even remotely surprised at how Jon has chosen to make a living. “I think it speaks to how passionate and compassionate a person he is,” said Adrian, who remembers Jon as one of those guys you always wanted to have more of on your team. “It’s not at all surprising that he’s in an arena of helping people. He was always the guy who just picked things up and got stuff done. He wasn’t very ‘rah rah’, but when you heard from him, people listened.” It certainly doesn’t faze Jon that he works in what has traditionally been seen as a female profession. “In my department, we are maybe seven guys out of about 100 nurses,” said Jon, who says that the number of male nurses is growing. “I’m just happy to have a full time job!” Bob is glad that his son ended up in a rewarding field. “Gender bias in healthcare is changing and is largely a thing of the past,” he said. “It used to be that there weren’t many doctors who were women! His job is endlessly stimulating.” But perhaps the best part about Jon’s job is that his hours allow him to spend mornings with his wife of six years, Hailey, and their two young children, Zoey, four, and Rhys, two. “I spend as much time as I can with them – it makes me happy,” said Jon. The Shield Spring 2017 • Royal St. George’s College 13
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
HENRY VENDITTELLI Class of 2021
THE
IMPORTANCE OF VOLUNTEERING
Glen Algarvio’s Grade 8 class takes on a Friday Food Ministry dinner as part of its curriculum, including menu planning, buying the groceries and cooking in the science lab.
14 The Shield Spring 2017 • Royal St. George’s College
In addition to being involved in the Friday Food Ministry program, Henry is a Junior School House Rep and a GTHL hockey player. His brother, Jack, is in the Class of 2022.
BY LAUREN MANDARINO
F
or almost a decade, Royal St. George’s College has been partnering with St. Thomas’s Anglican Church on Huron St. to help put on the Friday Food Ministry dinner for the homeless and marginally housed. Every week, groups of four to six students head over to the church from 3:00-5:00 pm, where they chop, slice, dice and boil. Then, they set up the dining hall for the meal that feeds approximately 125 guests each week. Henry Vendittelli, Class of 2021, has been a regular attendee at the Friday Food Ministry dinner – often called Out of the Cold – and really enjoys the community service opportunity. “It’s really important to contribute to the community and it’s nice to help out,” said Henry, who started at RSGC when he was in Grade 7. “Whenever I arrive at St. Thomas’s, they’re all smiling and thanking me. It’s really nice.” Henry has also been helping Emma Totten, Coordinator of Global Partnerships and Real World Connections at RSGC, to recruit other volunteers from the Junior School for the dinner. He makes announcements during morning assembly, gets the boys together and coordinates them after school. But while Henry may have started attending the Friday Food Ministry thanks to the coaxing of his mother, Jane Halverson, it has turned into a highlight of Henry’s week. Enough so that Henry has continued to volunteer beyond the 20 hours of community service hours required before graduation from the Junior School. “I’ve stopped counting the hours,” said Henry, who is also a Junior School House
Rep and GTHL hockey player. After spending time with the meal program, Henry appreciates that its value goes beyond the meals it serves. “I definitely think it’s important to contribute to society and help people out,” he said. “It’s not just about a meal. It’s also giving them a social place. They’re talking and playing cards, enjoying themselves and having a nice warm meal. It’s really nice to see.” Jane, Henry’s mother, comes from a volunteering family and knows the importance of giving back. “Volunteering is something that makes your life meaningful. You feel good when you do it,” said Jane, who isn’t at all surprised that Henry has stepped up to help out with the Friday Food Ministry program. “You feel good when you connect with people and know that you may have contributed to someone else’s happiness and satisfaction.” Jane also believes that exposure to the guests who attend the Friday Food Ministry dinner is important for Henry and other Georgians. “Henry and most of the boys at St. George’s are very fortunate,” said Jane. “If everyone can do a little bit, it makes life better for everybody. I truly believe that as Canadians, we have a responsibility to the people in our community and in our country. We want to do well for ourselves, but we should always be thinking about the people around us.” Emma Totten, who has been working with boys like Henry for over a decade as coordinator of the program that brings them to St. Thomas’s, has also seen the
value the Friday Food Ministry program brings to Georgians. “The program teaches basic cooking skills, learning the value of hard work, rolling up their sleeves and washing dishes, and that there are a variety of stories behind why people come to a program like this,” she said. “It also helps to break some of the stereotypes and build a better understanding of homelessness and poverty in the GTA.” The partnership with RSGC, St. Thomas’s and the Friday Food Ministry has strengthened over recent years. Three times a year, the College takes care of the entire evening: supplying the food, cooking, serving and cleaning. In December, Glen Algarvio’s Grade 8 class – including Henry – leads the effort as part of its curriculum, including menu planning, buying the groceries and cooking in the science lab. On the actual evening, the band joins the boys to play Christmas songs. In January, the Grade 12 class hosts one dinner, and in April, the entire RSGC community hosts another. Emma is glad that Henry has stepped up as a leader. “He has been a good spokesperson,” said Emma. “And because he knows how the kitchen works, he has been a leader in the kitchen. He’ll help any new boy who has come to volunteer. Henry plans to continue helping with the program when he heads off to high school next year.” Emma loves that students have taken over volunteer opportunities as their own. “When students run the initiatives, it’s good to see,” she said. “I think it’s good to have it be part of everyone’s mindset.”
The Shield Spring 2017 • Royal St. George’s College 15
FAMILY SPOTLIGHT
THE VON TEICHMANS: COMING FULL CIRCLE BY LAUREN MANDARINO
W
hen Gill von Teichman made the decision to send her eldest son, Desmond ’90, to RSGC back in the 1980s, she had no idea that the school would have such a huge impact on her entire family. She didn’t know much about the College, but she was impressed when she and her husband, Wolf, brought Desmond in for a campus tour. “The students were outside playing and every single one stopped to say good morning to us,” she recalled. “That just wasn’t the case at the other schools we visited – the kids just kept on doing whatever they were doing. We knew that if Des got in, that was it – the place just had such a great feel.” Wolf and Gill were so happy with RSGC that they also sent their three other sons, Matt ’92, Andrew ’96 and Michael ’98. “There’s a really special culture there – they care about people,” said Gill. “The Manners Maketh Men thing is very true in life, and education is more than just marks. It’s very hard to find that balance between coming out on top and being a good man
"I love that I’m involved in a little piece of history and am doing similar things that Gill and her team did so many years ago." – Jasmin von Teichman
who cares about other people. All of our kids seem to have that balance.” With their four boys spending their formative years at the College, the von Teichmans almost had no choice but to become active in school life. Wolf was a member of the Board of Directors, while Gill volunteered with the Georgian Parents’ Guild, holding the position of President in 1991-92. For Matt, his parents being involved in the school was just par for the course. “I don’t think I knew anything different – it just sort of was,” he said. “They were always such an important part of the school and were always more than just parents. At one point or another, my dad was on the Board or my mom was on the Guild. They were intimately involved and so were we as kids.” Now, things have come full circle, with Matt’s son, Connor, in the Class of 2020 at the College and his wife, Jasmin, as the President of the Guild, both of which are extra special for Gill. “It’s just marvellous. I’m very excited to have Connor here. All of the things that were true when I was a parent here are still true now, which is hard to say in education,” said Gill. “And the fact that Jasmin is the President of the Guild is great. It’s all about the continuation and history repeating itself.” Jasmin, for her part, is thrilled to carry on the tradition, not only in holding the same title that Gill held as President, but also in running some of the same events that Gill and the Guild held almost 30 years ago, including the Gala and the Used Blazer Sale. “I love that I’m involved in a little piece of history and am doing similar things that Gill and her team did so
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many years ago,” said Jasmin, who began volunteering at the school when Connor started in Grade 5 and became Guild Secretary when he was in Grade 7. “It’s significant that we have a lot of the same values that the school had when Matt and his brothers were here that we can carry on now. And, of course, the parent involvement gives it such a nice feel.” Matt also thinks it’s great to have a second von Teichman at the Guild’s helm. Only this time, he realizes the amount of work that goes into the job. “I think it’s really great that there’s a second von Teichman in the role. She loves it and so does Connor,” said Matt, CEO and President of Green Space Brands. “Seeing it come back full circle and all the work she puts into it, I guess it’s something I didn’t appreciate when I was a kid. What Jasmin does is quite something. It’s nice to see her giving back and nice to see such high-level involvement in the school. It’s good all around.” And, of course, it’s nice for everyone that Jasmin and Gill get along so well, sharing a love for RSGC, the Guild and the von Teichman boys. Gill never made it a secret that she always wanted a daughter and is very close with her three daughters-in-law. Every year at Christmas, she gives them a gift – usually jewellery. Over 10 years ago, she gave Jasmin a necklace given to her by Linda Bunting, the incoming Guild President. It’s a horse stirrup, and the engraving reads, “RSGC GVT 91-92.” That necklace is now a very important part of Jasmin’s wardrobe. “I wear the necklace to each of my Guild meetings as a good luck symbol to think about the connection to RSGC,” she said. “It’s a symbol to everything in the past and everything the school represents.”
Clockwise from left: Jasmin and Gill in RSGC’s Guild Room; Wolf von Teichman presenting an award to son Matt; Connor, Class of 2020, during his Grade 9 Outdoor Education trip; Gill’s Guild necklace that she gave to Jasmin.
The Shield Spring 2017 • Royal St. George’s College 17
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
JULIE GIRVAN In the Lab and In the Woods: The Perfect Job Mix BY LAUREN MANDARINO
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ulie Girvan started working at Royal St. George’s College in January of 2004. Fresh out of teacher’s college, she was an eager, bright-eyed biology teacher. From the beginning, Julie was excited to join the Senior School Science department and was struck by how warm and inspiring the school was. “When I had my interview here, there were photos everywhere and it felt like camp,” she remembered. “It was small, people were friendly and everyone said hi to me. I ended up getting other offers, but this place had an amazing feel.” Julie has never regretted her choice. In fact, her teaching position has evolved into a unique job that suits her personality to a tee. In 2008, Julie began running the Senior School’s outdoor education program, and over the years, her role has expanded to include helping organize the Junior School trips and developing an
outdoor education leadership program for senior students. Her job title is now Outdoor Education Coordinator and Senior School Biology Teacher. Taking the boys on trips in Ontario and British Columbia that involve hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking and other outdoor activities is a favourite activity for the former camp director. “I grew up going to and working at summer camp,” said Julie, who was the Director of Camp Wapomeo, an all-girls Taylor Statten Camp. “For my first five years of teaching, I still worked at the camp every summer. It was an interesting balance – all girls in the summer and all boys during the year.” When the College approached Julie to take over the outdoor education program, the timing was perfect for her to say goodbye to her life at summer camp. “I had just introduced AP Biology and work was very hectic,” said Julie.
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“Camp was also really busy and I realized that trying to balance both jobs was getting to be too much.” In addition to the canoeing and hiking Julie gets to do on the outdoor education trips, the leadership retreat and the Duke of Edinburgh trips, she and Senior School Math and Business teacher, Rickesh Kotecha, manage the House Captains and the various house activities they plan throughout the year. She also coaches the ski and ultimate frisbee teams and has supervised numerous March Break trips abroad, including trips to Italy, Cambodia, Vietnam, Belize, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. “It’s a pretty perfect job for me,” said Julie. “I’ve been very lucky to be able to land in a place where I get to do all of the things that I love: biology, camping, canoeing, skiing, travelling and interacting with people. I also get to help the students develop leadership skills.” Jamie Linsdell ’16 had Julie as his Grade 11 biology teacher. She was also his Advisor, worked with him closely when he was a House Captain and an Outdoor Education leader, and was his supervisor on a March Break trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Needless to say, he got to know Julie quite well during his time as an RSGC student. “She was a great teacher,” said Jamie, who is currently studying engineering at Queen’s. “She would always review everything and hammer home what we were learning. Everyone enjoyed being in her class. She really loves the school – it shows in everything she does.” Jamie says that Julie was one of the teachers who really influenced him during his time at the College, especially when it came to applying to universities and trying to figure out what to study. She was always there for support and to offer advice.
“She’s very compassionate and really cares about her students and helping them succeed,” he said. “She is so dedicated. Everything she works on, she does really well.” Julie’s good friend Ashleigh Gledhill, Senior School English and French teacher, echoed Jamie’s sentiments. “She’s the type of person who, when she commits to something, she commits 110% – she doesn’t know any less,” said Ashleigh, who has coached skiing with Julie since 2005. “She loves what the school stands for; its values are very much in line with her values. It’s the perfect fit.” For Julie, it’s easy to be committed to the College because there are so many things she loves about it. “It’s an amazing community. I love the faculty and the support – both personal and professional – that you feel from the staff,” said Julie. “The boys are great and they make me laugh every day. The parents are also wonderful and incredibly supportive. When you reach out to them, they’re appreciative and want to be part of the discussion.” And despite her love of the outdoors, Julie’s favourite part of her job is not camping. “It’s the interactions with the boys and the relationships that you form with them that continue on after they graduate,” she said. “That’s what I love the most – the relationships inside and outside the classroom. I’m definitely a people person and I love working with kids. It’s those interactions that make me love my job.” The Shield Spring 2017 • Royal St. George’s College 19
F*&!ed Up
FEATURES FEATURE
Pioneering Women at the College
Mme. Macfarlane
Patty McRory
Catherine Kirkland
In the male-dominated culture of a boys’ school, there have always been women on faculty and staff at St. George’s. From secretaries, librarians and art teachers, to science teachers, Heads of the Junior School and Board Chairs, the role of women at the College has always been an important one.
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A Female Touch In this iconic photo from Dealing with Dragons, the original faculty stand outside See House. From L to R: Mr. Armitage, Mr. Gardner, Mr. Allen, Mr. Wright (Headmaster), Ms. Macfarlane, Rev. Scott and Mr. Bradley.
BY SUMNER & LANG
T
here’s an iconic photo in Father Scott’s 1984 book Dealing with Dragons that chronicles the first 20 years of the College’s history. It’s a photo of St. George’s College staff from the opening day of school, taken on what was then the lawn outside the back of See House, and features a grand total of seven teachers. Included in the photograph is Mme. Macfarlane, a French teacher and the first woman to teach at the College. In the male-dominated culture of a boys’ school, there have always been women on faculty and staff at St. George’s. Students in the 1960s and 1970s will recall Mrs. McKellar, who was the Headmaster’s secretary, but also the Bursar for the first 15 years of the College. In the 1980s, Patty McRory was the longstanding Librarian and is also believed to be the first female coach in the school’s history. In the 1990s, as more and more women were joining the faculty, Janet Somerville and Nancy Steinhauer were given the position of Co-Heads of the Junior School. Since then, the College has had pioneering women in all domains, including our first science teacher, first woman to join the senior leadership team and the first female Board Chair. Why are milestones like these so important? Because the best schools are flexible, responsive and progressive. It’s not in students’ best interests to be frozen in time, whether in the curriculum or the social culture. A great school maintains the traditions that matter, while at the same time ensuring it remains relevant and able to provide the best possible education. These milestones are also important because they speak loudly of the strength and talent of the women who forged new paths. Women at RSGC haven’t always been leaders in academic departments, in management meetings or in the boardroom. Much is required of women who enter into a traditionally masculine environment and offer an alternative perspective: courage, integrity, open-mindedness and, of course, a deep appreciation of boys. Evelyn Miller (now Moore) and Mary “T-Bu” Grieve are two former RSGC faculty members who arrived in 1988 with those qualities.
“I taught boys who had never been taught by a woman before,” said Evelyn. “They called me ma’am and every once in a while, one of them would slip and say ‘mom’ by mistake! It took time to make the transition to a female teacher. One boy in my Grade 13 English class even went to Headmaster John Latimer’s office and said, ‘I’m not going to be taught by a woman!’ John replied, ‘It’ll be tough to graduate without your
T-Bu Grieve
Evelyn Miller
English credit.’ While everyone was adjusting to the change, the men at the school were so supportive. “I’ve got two sons of my own,” said Evelyn. “I love the energy of boys and their sense of humour. I attended Havergal, but I never wanted to teach girls. I was so delighted to be at this small, welcoming school where eccentric, unusual personalities were accepted, both among the boys and the faculty.” The Shield Spring 2017 • Royal St. George’s College 21
Miller
In addition to teaching English, Evelyn worked with Richard Holdsworth to build the drama program and instituted “Final Curtain,” the OAC drama performance exam to which families were invited. She also introduced debating and public speaking as extracurricular activities, taking the College into the international arena. “When I left in 2011, the faculty was very balanced,” said Evelyn. “There were female coaches for the sports teams as well. It was all totally accepted by the boys. Diversity itself is a great teacher.” Starting at the same time as Evelyn, T-Bu Grieve arrived with a fine arts degree from the University of Toronto and many years of experience teaching in the public system. She first worked in the school as a volunteer in her son Andrew’s Grade 5 class, alongside teacher John Birkett. Ten years later, John called to say the school needed an art teacher. “They called me the Art Mistress,” recalled T-Bu. “And I was so happy to be there. I had picked up a lot of amazing curriculum ideas in my time in the public system, so I brought them with me when I started working with the boys. They were very keen to try new things, and we had this fantastic studio in See House, which is still there. It’s a beautiful space under the eaves, a very human space. It was inspiring for the boys and for me. “There were very few women at the College when I started,” said T-Bu. “We
Grieve
became a little group. But we also enjoyed working with the men. I loved everything about the school – the Anglican flavour, the city location, the faculty and staff. And the boys, of course. They were great fun.” Two years after T-Bu’s retirement in 1997, Laura McPhedran became the first woman to join the science department. “I was one of five women in the Senior School,” recalled Laura. “Having studied biology and chemistry, and having taught science in two schools before RSGC, I was used to being in the minority. I hadn’t taught in an all-boys environment before, but I had always been in a traditionally male field of study.” Laura learned quickly and Laura McPhedran made many subtle adjustments in her teaching to meet the needs of science to boys,” said Laura, who also her students. coached basketball and volleyball in her “Their relationship with their teachers first three years at the College. “As the matters more to boys than anything,” she only biology teacher in the school, I explained. “When boys believe that you needed to reach out beyond the walls of know them and like them, they will take RSGC to make that happen. The school their learning further than you asked. was very supportive of growth opportuniThey also need to know why they’re doing ties off campus. [Then-Headmaster] Hal something. Boys aren’t motivated by being Hannaford encouraged me to pursue told what to do. They want to understand research on boys’ science education, the reasons. So I made sure that became a which led to my completing an MA at natural part of my teaching. OISE/UT and the school’s participa“It was very important to me to learn tion in the International Boys’ Schools more about best practice in teaching Coalition.”
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Now the Senior School learning strategist, Laura considers how RSGC has changed over the past 18 years. “There’s a significant female presence across the College that wasn’t there two decades ago,” she said. “Hal played a role in that. He felt strongly that female teachers and role models were essential in the education of boys.” Catherine Kirkland, who became Head of the Junior School in 2001 and the first woman on the senior leadership team, also credits Hal with changing the culture of the school. “Hal had great respect for female educators,” said Catherine. “He was also influenced by Stephen Lewis, who once said that he would never stay in a meeting that had no women in it. Hal adopted the same policy and never had a board without women members. And he consistently hired women in his time here.” Catherine was formerly at Kingsway College School, which had a predominantly female faculty. “When I arrived here, there was wonderful collegiality, a lot of freedom, and also a lot of looseness,” said Catherine. “I think women have brought a little more structure to RSGC, but we can also take things too seriously. The men keep a lightness and levity going. I know that sounds like gender stereotypes, but it’s true to some degree, maybe because we’ve been socialized differently. Whatever the reason, there’s a fantastic balance here now. It’s a very creative alliance.” Catherine sees that creativity in all areas of the school. “It comes out of diversity,” she explained. “Women can have different conversations with boys. They bring different experiences to their teaching and pastoral care. Boys need as many role models as we can give them. They need to see themselves in the people around them. The more perspectives we bring into education, the richer the students’ lives are.” The same could be said for school oversight: multiple perspectives enrich the vision. When Ruth Woods became the first chair of the board in 2011, she had already witnessed that at the school. “Many members of the board are women, and the Parents’ Guild is a powerful force,” she explained. “When I became chair, I had already worked
with several accomplished professional women at the College. I suppose there’s something to being the first female chair, but the way was paved by many others.” Always very involved in Toronto’s Bishop Strachan School, which daughter Shannon attended, Ruth only joined the RSGC community in a leadership position when her son Derek ’12 asked why she didn’t volunteer at his school. “It was a good question, so I was delighted when I was asked to join the board,” said Ruth, who is Chief Operating Officer of Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt. “During my time on school boards, I’ve worked on strategy formulation, fundraising and facility development. Tye Farrow and I worked closely on the RSGC head search and the strategy for transforming the campus. When his term as chair was over, it seemed like a natural development for me to step into the chair role.”
With the long-term interests of the school as Ruth’s responsibility, Derek didn’t have much of a chance to enjoy the campus transformation. “The heaviest construction was in his last year here,” she laughed. “I think he suffered through a lot of disruptions. But you put aside the parent hat and put on the governance hat. At the same time, though, it brought Derek and I closer. It was a way to connect. He appreciated my involvement and I appreciated his perspective.” With her time at RSGC behind her, Ruth also appreciates the school’s commitment to progress. “Diverse teams make better institutions,” she said. “RSGC has done extremely well in this regard. Hal set the tone and Headmaster Steve Beatty has the same beliefs and commitment. That’s a good thing for RSGC today and going forward.”
Kirkland
Ruth Woods with her family The Shield Spring 2017 • Royal St. George’s College 23
FEATURE
Diverse Perspectives The Role of Women and Girls in a Georgian Education
"There are fantastic female educators at RSGC." - Johanna Skippon
BY SUMNER & LANG
I
n the last 20 years, Royal St. George’s College has engaged in a deliberate and strategic effort to enrich the learning environment by offering a wide range of experiences for boys to work closely with girls and women. This shift has been driven by a commitment to ensuring a Georgian education is marked by a rich balance of specialization and diversity. “A boy-centric environment is a huge advantage to our students,” Headmaster
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Stephen Beatty ’86 explained. “It gives them great freedom to engage deeply and passionately without concern for gender stereotypes. Yet we have a responsibility to prepare our boys for life in a co-ed world. We pay attention to ensuring they have women and girls in their day-to-day lives. “But it wasn’t always this way,” he said. “When I was in high school, interactions with young women were high-stakes experiences like dances. In Grade 12, I went on a March Break trip to Italy with students from Bishop Strachan School. It
Stephen Beatty ’86 went on a March Break trip to Italy with students from BSS, where he met Lisa McMeans, mother of Joey McMeans ’16.
was the first time I had been in a relaxed friendship situation with young women my own age.” Alumni parent Lisa McMeans was on that same trip as a Grade 13 student from BSS. Like Steve, she had spent her entire school experience in a single-sex environment. “That trip was one of the first opportunities I had to just hang out with boys,” she said. “I remember sitting in the aisles of the plane and talking. It was a real novelty.” As mother of Joey ’16, Lisa sees the College’s commitment to normalized co-ed experiences as part of an overall effort to ensure the boys are well prepared for life after graduation. “Joey’s transition into the Foundation Year Programme at Dalhousie’s King’s College was very smooth, including his adjustment to learning with women. He is thriving, and we credit RSGC with preparing him so well.” Johanna Skippon, whose son Thomas is in the Class of 2024 at RSGC, has also had a long association with the College. Her brothers Mark Thompson ’90 and Trevor Thompson ’02 attended the school, and her husband Richard Skippon ’90 is one of Mark’s closest friends. Her nephew, Logan Mahaffy, is
Above right: Johanna and Rich married in 1998, with several Old Boys in the wedding party. Right: Johanna and Rich at the prom in 1994. Below: The Skippon family in Georgian Bay.
also in the Class of 2023. Johanna and Richard also have a long list of friends who are Georgians, all of whom she called “wonderful, interesting and respectful people”. From the perspective of a woman who has seen the school evolve, Johanna points out that one of the College’s strengths is that women make up a significant percentage of the faculty and half of the senior leadership team. “There are fantastic female educators at RSGC,” said Johanna. “For example,
Ms. Kirkland is an exceptional leader who is an important presence for the boys. Women offer the boys diverse perspectives. I think the boys just take it for granted that women are leaders and are as capable as men.” Over the years, RSGC has actively added co-ed program options. Prominent examples include Grade 6 Linden School girls coming to work in the Design Engineering Studio; the Gay/Straight Alliance, which draws students from single-sex schools across Toronto; students cast in dramatic productions at other single-sex schools; the new co-ed ultimate frisbee team with Branksome Hall; co-ed service learning and cultural experience trips; and the AP Capstone course seminars with students from St. Clements. What is it like for boys when they are immersed in a co-ed program? Will Graham, Class of 2017, has been at RSGC since Grade 3 and is a member of the Canadian Children’s Opera Company. Pursuing his passion for singing, Will spent the last three years performing in musicals at Branksome
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Will Graham has performed in three Branksome Hall musicals, including Grease in 2014-15.
Hall, including playing the male lead in both Grade 11 and 12. “We are all just artists,” he said. “We focus on creating an incredible show. The fact that there are only a few guys in the cast is kind of a non-issue.” That said, Will pointed out that while gender is not a focus of the cre-
ative process, the opportunity for casual social interactions with young women his age was a distinctive experience. “I really value people who are willing to set aside their masks and talk openly,” he reflected. “When there was down time during rehearsals, the cast would sit around talking. I found that the girls were really open about how they felt about issues. I enjoyed hearing their perspectives.” Providing the boys with access to diverse perspectives is a central focus
Girls from the Linden School attended an event at RSGC that included a panel discussion about being a teenage girl.
of the new Social Justice course in Grade 8. In the first half of the year, the boys explore social issues such as privilege, gender, sexuality and consent. In the second half, they select a topic to explore in depth and engage in an Action Project that they present at a Social Justice Fair in June. In one instance, the boys watched 10 Hours of Walking in NYC as a Woman, a documentary about street harassment. In the video, a woman is filmed by a hidden camera as she walks down
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various streets around the city. At the end of one day of filming, there had been 108 instances of her being targeted with catcalls and verbal assault. “The boys had a lot of questions,” said Justin Briginshaw, who teaches the course and is studying social justice education at the University of Toronto. “It’s a complicated issue, and discussion gives them an opportunity to understand a woman’s perspective and why she would not feel safe in that situation.” After the in-class discussions, the boys attended an event at the College that included a panel discussion with girls from the Linden School who had watched the same video. “It was remarkable,” said Justin. “The boys were free to ask questions and the Linden students shared their impressions and experiences. It was powerful for our students to hear directly from young women.” It has been 30 years since Steve Beatty, Lisa McMeans and a group of other senior students had their first co-ed experience on a trip to Italy. Since then, a Georgian education has been transformed to ensure that the boys will always benefit from the presence and perspective of women and girls.
FEATURE
Photo: Chris Sorensen, U of T News
CHRISTINE ALLEN
A Pillar of RSGC’s Mentorship Program BY MARILYN LAZAR
C
hristine Allen, with a PhD in Chemistry, holds the GSK Chair in Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery and is a full Professor at the University of Toronto where she runs the Allen Research Group. Christine is managing a young family with two active boys and she has also chosen to be a pivotal part of RSGC’s Mentorship Program. What motivates her to steward the Georgian boys?
“My son Ivan is in the Class of 2023 and he is thriving,” said Christine, whose younger son, Ryan, will start Grade 3 at the College in September. “I believe in the school and I wanted to give back. As a working mom, this is something I can offer since I am not able to help out in the day time.” Four years ago, Christine reached out to Paul O’Leary, the Head of the Senior School, to offer placements
in her Research Group. The selected students have visited for a day or for three to four months. One student spent two summers working in her Research Group. “It’s really important to give kids an opportunity to see science in action,” said Christine, who vividly recalls trying to break into science and having no idea what she was getting into. “The boys who have come from RSGC really want to be here.
It’s good for my graduate students to see the boys’ enthusiasm and keen interest in research. The graduate students are working so hard that they often forget how much they’ve accomplished. It also gives the RSGC students the opportunity to speak one-on-one with students in university and to see the university experience through their eyes.” Some RSGC students crunched data from home
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When Christine is not busy in the lab, she loves spending time with her family: husband Michael and sons Ivan and Ryan.
academic backgrounds were all working at the Lab in the Allen Research Group. That’s really what it’s all about – studying what you enjoy and finding ways to make it relevant.”
Different than school
during their placement, while others fulfilled a structured Monday-through-Friday workweek. Research proves that mentoring enhances learning and complements lesson plans through handson experience. Skills include inquiry, analysis, critical thinking, written and oral communication, information literacy and problem solving, deepening students’ understanding in areas of interest. Connecting boys to the world beyond the college is one of the key objectives of RSGC’s 2013-18 Strategic Plan. How is this goal playing out in reality? Matviy Prokipchuk ’15, who just finished his second year at Queen’s, is working
towards his Bachelor of Science, Honours in Chemistry. He recalls not being sure of what he wanted to study going into first year because he didn’t know what doors a science degree could open. Through his work with Christine, he realized that any science degree would help him attain the skills required for success, whether in industry or academia. This freed him to pursue studies that truly engage him. “Working at the lab showed me that a science degree needn’t limit me to a particular discipline,” said Matviy. “Chemists, biochemists, engineers, biologists, mathematicians and probably even people with other
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How does working in a lab differ from being in school? Desks and chairs are replaced by cubicles, textbooks by scientific articles, and lockers by shelves of chemical substances and fume hoods. Instead of quizzes and assignments, students observe a project from start to finish, getting a real sense of the scale. Shawn Wu ’14, who just finished his third year of Health Sciences at McMaster University, was surprised by how much of the learning in the lab was through self-direction and collaboration. He learned that professors provide guidance, but don’t feed students material in the conventional way. Graduate students provide constructive feedback to each other on the feasibility, integrity and overall quality of their theses, ideas and experiments.
“There were cellular structures, metabolic functions, and anatomic and physiological interactions that were mind-boggling. I was blown away by the details and the intricacy of biochemistry,” said Shawn. “It was an absolute challenge when I first worked in the lab; however, it was that very challenge that allowed me to be more confident, more inquisitive and fascinated by the marvelous nature of science.” RSGC mentees all view their time in the lab – often during holidays – as an opportunity rather than an obligation. The benefits of being mentored extend beyond the lab, providing RSGC boys with a window on campus life. They have lunch with grad students and get comfortable on campus. Professors become less intimating. “Students accomplish developmental steps that are valuable in lasting ways at university and beyond,” said Head of Senior School, Paul O’Leary, who has placed numerous boys in the Allen Research Group over the past four years. “They establish working relationships with
Clockwise from left: Shawn Wu ’14, Turner Garrow ’15 and Matviy Prokipchuk ’15 all spent valuable time in Christine’s lab.
individuals who are successful and inspiring, learning to be contributing team members and to build confidence interacting with professionals or grad students.” Paul sees huge value in the mentorship program because the boys are forced out of their comfort zones and have to manage challenges. “Within a professional environment, they gain a sense of pride and accomplishment, often increasing self-esteem and confidence in ways that reaffirm their ability to contribute meaningfully,” he said. Turner Garrow ’15 never had aspirations in pharmacology and ruled out biology after his first course. He recently completed his second year at Queen’s University, happily studying physics and computer science. He describes his mentorship as structured but flexible, mainly involving statistical and image analysis. “My goals were to help the PhD student I was working for and to see if I liked scientific research,” said
Turner, who recalls being very helpful and getting his work done quickly and accurately. “I realized that scientific research is probably not what I’d like to do in the future, but at least I know what it’s all about. Even though my internship was in an unrelated discipline, it proved to be an asset on my resume. The professors hiring were looking for hands-on experience – any experience is an asset in academia-related positions and not many people have any.” Even preparing for mentorship gives students a solid platform. Christine notes that they check her website and ask good questions. They know to shake hands and look somebody in the eye. Sometimes she has to help university students with these life skills, which are important beyond mentorship. “This experience has reinforced my belief in RSGC,” she said. “These boys are not only bright, they are also engaged, polite, conscientious, punctual and they can communicate. I believe these
soft skills provide a strong foundation for future success.” Without exception, all the students who worked in the Allen Research Group believe in the concept and hope to mentor others in the
future. Christine says that she maintains contact with the students she has mentored and remains a reference in the long term. Perhaps most tellingly, she adds, “I hope my kids get this chance.”
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Retrospective 1980s Fripp
Will Fripp ’88 Will, a political risk and policy analyst, plus intelligence/espionage historian, recently published his fourth review article in the subscriber version of the peer-reviewed academic journal Intelligence and National Security, this one on the American President’s Daily Brief (PDB) process. Will also recently addressed fellow Georgian Jamie Thompson ’84’s University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies’ class on the subject of “Alan Turing and the Enigma Machine.”
1990s Andrew Bennett ’91 Following the federal government’s decision to close the Office of Religious Freedom, Andrew decided to leave the federal public service after 15 years to continue working in the field. He works as a Senior Fellow with Cardus, Canada’s leading faithbased think-tank and also recently took up an appointment as a Senior Fellow at Georgetown University’s Berkley Center for Religion, Peace and World Affairs, where he is working with their Religious Freedom Research Project.
Want to share your latest news, proud moments and achievements with the RSGC community? Send details to shield@rsgc.on.ca
2000s Ed Conroy ’95
Dave McCarthy ’04
Ed & Sarah Conroy are thrilled to announce the arrival of Aiden Cameron Conroy, born March 11, 2017 at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. He weighed 8 lbs. 2 oz. and joins sister Ellie Catherine Conroy, age 2.
Dave recently joined NHL.com, covering the Toronto Maple Leafs in Toronto. He writes pieces on games and shares news from practices. Not a bad gig!
Kevin Drury ’06 Kevin has been a member of the Canadian Ski Cross team since 2016 and finished the 2016 season ranked 17th in the world. Earlier this year, he placed sixth in a World Cup Ski Cross race in Russia. Prior to ski cross, he competed in alpine racing.
Aiden
McCarthy
30 The Shield Spring 2017 • Royal St. George’s College
Savory
2010s Andrew Savory ’11 Andrew graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2015 with a double major in English and Film. He recently completed his first of two years in the Master of Journalism program at Carleton University and immediately took on an internship as a sports journalist at the National Post. This summer, Andrew heads to Danang, Vietnam for a 10-week communications position, which will allow him to conduct his thesis research prior to graduation next summer. After he graduates, Andrew’s focus will be directed towards pursuing his career ambition of becoming a basketball play-by-play commentator for an NBA franchise.
shop. Go visit their flagship store and follow them at @spiritofyork on social media.
Dylan Tulett ’16
Pladsen
Kjell Pladsen ’12 Kjell is working as the Marketing/Product Manager at the Spirit of York Distillery Co., where he helps with traditional advertising, social media, product launches and life cycles. Using the finest locally sourced ingredients and world-class distillation equipment, the
Spirit of York Distillery Co. aims to capture the essence of Toronto’s dynamic spirits in its small-batch, premium gin and vodka. Located at 12 Trinity Street in the heart of Toronto’s Distillery District, the company is open 11:00 am – 9:00 pm every day for both sampling and as a bottle
Dylan just can’t get away from the Knights! In September, Dylan will be playing Division 1 NCAA lacrosse for the Bellarmine Knights in Louisville, Kentucky. He hopes to work towards a major in microbiology.
Tulett
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TIME CAPSULE
Then & Now:
Evelyn Miller Moore One of the early longstanding female faculty members to join RSGC, Evelyn Miller Moore was a prominent face at RSGC from 1988 until 2011. She taught English and Drama in the Senior School and had a one-year stint as the Grade 3 and 4 art teacher. Evelyn was the debating and public speaking coach, playing an important role in establishing both extracurricular activities at the College. A year after Evelyn retired from teaching, she bought 54 acres of land about 25 minutes outside of Peterborough, Ont. It took no time to adjust to the country life and Evelyn is very much at home there, doing a lot of organic gardening, participating in drumming circles, spending time with her six grandchildren and enjoying her quiet little haven.
32 The Shield Spring 2017 • Royal St. George’s College
authentic, artistic, empathetic, versatile, knowledgeable, imaginative. We asked each boy to describe himself in just six words. Their answers were as diverse and as individual as the school itself; a place where each boy is challenged and inspired to become the best version of himself.
Experience the difference at our Open House: October 17, 2017 from 9:30-11:30 am. Call 416.533.9481 rsgc.on.ca
RSGC. Here, I am.
100% 100% GEORGIAN PARTICIPATION
This year, the annual fund will be used to complete Phase 2 of the Junior School Redevelopment Plan. This includes the construction of new kitchen facilities that will allow our chef to further work with an increased amount of fresh products for a wholesome approach to cooking and eating; refurbishment of the second floor classrooms with new lighting, conditioned air and better acoustics; and the creation of a new Junior School Learning Studio providing more break-out space for students to work together solving problems and sharing knowledge. Our goal continues to be 100% participation. Any donation, whatever the amount, makes a difference. Thank you for your support! Please use the enclosed form to make your gift or visit the Giving tab at rsgc.on.ca Charitable Registration Number 887281087RR0001
Annual Giving 2016/2017
For more information, please contact Maria Jordan at mjordan@rsgc.on.ca or call 416-533-9481 x298