MEANINGFUL Relationships
ENA HARROP , HEAD OF SCHOOL
We are proud to share the 2023 – 2024 edition of The Ivy magazine with the Crofton House community . This annual publication builds on the legacy of The Ivy Leaf publication ( 1987 – 2009 ) and , with its overview of the significant events and experiences of the past year , it has become a new point of connection for our community . Over its 125-year history , Crofton House has evolved , and yet , as you turn the pages , I am confident you will recognize in them the feeling or experience that first connected you to CHS and our community .
This was a particularly meaningful year : in addition to our 125-year celebrations , 2023 also saw the launch of our new strategic plan , Thriving in Possibility . At the heart of the strategic plan is the CHS Identity : what we believe in , what we do every day and what happens as a result .
The CHS Identity brings to light those CHS features that anyone who has been part of the School at any point in its history will recognize : the power of girl-centred education , meaningful relationships as the foundation of personal growth , and a better future for all through the agency of women . Our founder , Dr Jessie Gordon recognized back in 1898 that the world was a poorer place without the voices of women , and that education provided the key to women occupying their rightful place in public life . I would argue that the presence of girls ’ and women ’ s voices has never been more pressing than in 2023 , as we meet the challenge of building a fairer , more sustainable and more prosperous society for all . For a school that began purposefully and successfully maintained an understanding of its place in the world for 125 years , this plan represents an opportunity to build on its strengths and ensure its relevance in the future .
Forging relationships , the key component of our identity , is possible only through opportunities to connect . For students , a diverse and relevant curricular and co-curricular program creates connections with others that broaden their perspectives and enrich their experiences . You can read in this magazine how our music program contributes to establishing such connections across the School , and how financial assistance continues to create those opportunities for students joining the School in Grade 8 .
And yet , as we know , meaningful relationships can only flourish in an environment where emotional support , acceptance and trust flourish . Belonging , one of our plan ’ s commitments , has long been at the heart of the social and emotional learning program at CHS . This year , we have had a specific focus on neurodiversity . Working in partnership with Rae Morris , staff learned how to best support different types of learning profiles in the classroom .
You can read in this magazine about how this work progressed and how it extended to parents and students in the second half of the year .
Our 125th year is a special opportunity to connect and strengthen relationships with alumnae and parents . We were thrilled to welcome so many alumnae back to campus for the school birthday , special reunions and through their involvement with Senior School students as part of the career conference , speaker series , and Work Experience Program . At the same time , the Parents ’ Auxiliary took advantage of this year to add some new events and re-envision others , with tremendous success . I hope the sense of connection and joy comes through in the magazine and serves as encouragement for everyone to get involved next year .
The five strategies articulated in our strategic plan will translate into action beginning this fall . We look forward to sharing our immediate priorities once they are approved by the Board of Governors in September . You can expect to see a focus on student agency , sustainability and financial assistance . We are excited about the initiatives this plan will inspire and are confident it will ensure the School ’ s continued success .
We hope this magazine shares some of the year ’ s learning , connections , and spirit of the CHS community !
Servabo Fidem
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