Dear Alumnae,

I share with you the communication I recently sent to CHS parents as an update on the progress being made on our Strategic Plan 2015-2025: Beyond Buildings: Extraordinary Possibilities. While the focus of this update is on Pillar 1: Extraordinary Girls, I assure you work is also being done under Pillar 4: Extraordinary Community to strengthen our alumnae community and will be shared with you in the coming months.

Servabo fidem,
Pat Dawson

Features

President’s Welcome

As this is my first September serving as President of the CHS Alumnae Association, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to all Crofton House alumnae. I am excited about the upcoming year and the opportunities the Association has to reconnect and engage our CHS alumnae.

We’re off to a great start this year, and many alumnae have already had a few opportunities to reconnect, including the Alum Mum breakfast (an event hosted by the School to welcome alumnae with daughters currently attending Crofton House) and making jam for the Crofton House Winter Bazaar.

With much of the year ahead of us, there will be many more opportunities for our alumnae to reconnect with each other and the School — whether by volunteering at the Alumnae Country Kitchen Booth at the Bazaar, attending the Seasonal Social and Carol Service or attending lunch on the School’s birthday when the Alumnae Achievement Award is presented.

The Association is always seeking out new ways to engage even more Crofton House alumnae. In January 2017, the Association will be hosting an important and meaningful event that will help other women in the community. This event, to be organized by Soup Sisters, will see alumnae come together to make soups at a local cooking school, providing meals for a women’s shelter in the community.

With so much going on throughout the year, please visit the Events page on the Alumnae section of the Crofton House website for information and updates.

Again, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to the 2016–2017 year and hope to see many of you at this year’s events. Also, if you have an idea for an event, please don’t hesitate to reach out. The Association is always open to suggestions!

Gillian (Will) Reynolds ‘90
President, CHS Alumnae Association

A Warm Welcome to Our Newest Alumnae

The Class of 2016 has now graduated, packed up and moved out of their classrooms and lockers — leaving behind the campus and CHS family that have represented home to them for many years. While the rest of the student body has said goodbye and wished them well, this is the time we as alumnae say, “Welcome!”

Our 104 newest alumnae should feel proud of what they’ve already achieved, and where they are going. Members of the Class of 2016 received acceptance letters from more than 96 renowned universities across Canada, the U.S. and the globe. The total amount of scholarship monies received was $670,600 — a very impressive start to post-CHS life!

Alumnae in the Making
The Class of 2017 — Coming into their “Prime”

Head Girl Kat Uy '17 address the attendees at the Crofton House Opening Assembly

When thinking about the word “prime,” it has numerous definitions. Asking other Crofties what they thought, “prime rib” was the most popular response. Closely following that was “primetime television.” Clearly, Crofties know their priorities! Now, although the graduating class is honoured as 17 Prime, this year we urge everyone to become their own version of “prime.” Read the speech »

Beyond the Ivy Walls

Emily Margitan ’11 Found Crofton House a Magical Place

Arriving at CHS in grade 8, Emily is one of the few alumnae who can say she had classes in Gordon Hall, the Village and the new Senior School. As a young woman with deep roots in Vancouver and a love for historic homes such as the Old Residence, it’s no surprise she quickly came to regard the Crofton House campus as her home away from home. Read more »

Soup Sisters — Serving Those in Need

On the evening of May 25, a group of CHS alumnae met in Vancouver for a Soup Sisters session for the Alumnae Association’s wind-up party. Soup Sisters organizes soup-making events for small groups. In turn, that soup provides hundreds of litres of nourishing and nurturing goodness to women and children fleeing domestic abuse and family violence. Read more »

Upcoming Events — Get Involved!

Jam-Making, Part II

Each year, our Alumnae open up their Country Kitchen booth at the Crofton House Winter Bazaar and sell their homemade jams. With the jam now all made, packaging the jars with the Gordon tartan is the next step. Be part of this fun-filled evening at the Nocente Family Fireplace Lounge on Tuesday, November 15 from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. For more information, contact Gillian Reynolds.

Crofton House Winter Bazaar

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, November 19 at the annual Winter Bazaar. Enjoy afternoon tea in the Old Residence, or visit the Uniform Shop to stock up on Crofton House’s special blend of tea. The Bazaar is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Seasonal Social & Annual CHS Carol Service

On December 16, CHS and the CHS Alumnae Association will co-host the annual Seasonal Social at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre. An Evite will be sent out at the end of November. Mark your calendars!

Alumnae News

Alumnae Achievement Award Nominations now open!

If you know a classmate or CHS alumna making a difference in the world, consider putting her name forward by completing a nomination form.

What’s new in the Uniform Shop?

Lishe O’Kiely ’75 works tirelessly to bring new and exciting items into the shop. Gordon tartan pashminas are now available. If you’d like to order one, just send an email.

Alumnae Authors

We’d like to highlight several recent and compelling publications, from the creative minds of our fellow CHS alumnae.

Passings

It is with heartfelt condolences that we inform our alumnae of the passing of members of our Crofton House Community:

John Little, CHS Board of Governors (1977-82), CHS Foundation Board of Trustees (1980-82)

John worked in the property management and development industry but spent many hours serving on our CHS Board of Governors and the board of the CHS Foundation. For a number of years, he was also the School’s treasurer. John is survived by his wife and three daughters, including Jane (Little) Waldock ‘82, as well as nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Erin Brenner '93

Erin Brenner ’93, tragically passed away in a swimming accident on August 26, 2016. At Crofton House, Erin was a star athlete, A student, and friend to all in her class and beyond. Her 1000-watt smile and infectious laugh charmed everyone who knew her. Erin went on to graduate from Colby College in Maine, and pursue a career in finance in New York, where she rose fast in the ranks. Erin went out of her way to help people, stayed close to her Crofton friends over time and distance, and made new friends wherever she went. A celebration of life was held on October 22 where friends from across the continent came to honour her memory.

Barbara (McClatchie) Andrews '53

Barbara passed away on September 30, 2016 in Mexico where she had lived for many years. She is survived by her son, Julian Andrews, and her brother, Sam McClatchie. A former schoolteacher in Delta, Barbara was a passionate artist and photographer. She was also director of the Galería In La’Kech, a non-profit gallery in Merida, Mexico. Some of her works remain on display at Art Works Gallery in Vancouver.

We would also like to express our deepest sympathies to Anne Louise (Gibbins) Burnett '85. Anne Louise and her family were vacationing in the hamlet of Sommati, outside of Amatrice, Italy over the summer and were caught in the devastating earthquake that destroyed the village where they were staying with family friends. Her 14-year-old son, Marcos, was tragically killed. Anne Louise, her husband and daughter all sustained injuries and are recovering at home in London, England. While their lives will never be the same, they are exceptionally grateful to the Red Cross for providing medical care and emergency rescue. The family kindly asks that any donations be sent to Save the Children, which has a program dedicated to child survivors of this devastating earthquake.

November 15
6:00 to 8:00 pm
Jam Packaging Event

November 19
10:00 to 4:00 pm
Crofton House Winter Bazaar

December 16
10:00 am
Alumnae Seasional Social

11:00 am
Crofton House Carol Service

December 31
2017 Alumnae Achievement Award Nomination Deadline

January 19
6:00 pm
An Evening at Soup Sisters

Class Notes
Read about the significant accomplishments, marriage and birth announcements, and education or career successes of your fellow alum.

Share your Story
Submit your own class note.

Class Reunions

Class Representatives

The Alumnae E-Directory is a great way to stay connected with classmates, other alumnae, and the school. Register and update your profile, volunteer as a mentor or search for a fellow alumnae by profession, geography or class year.