Spring is a wonderful season full of renewal and promise. As I reflect on the 2011-2012 school year, much of it has been marked by a similar sense of revitalization and energy. The Early Childhood Education Centre opened in September and we have watched with joy as our mini “Crofties” flourish. We launched a new website, which has breathed new life into our communications. This newest in technology allowed us to create an e-condolence book, where alumnae shared their fond memories of the late Miss Addison. The revitalization project of the Old Residence continues and the beautiful heritage building will soon resume its place as the heart of
our campus.

The Alumnae Association also continues to evolve. I would like to thank outgoing President, Celia Dawson for her tremendous efforts and for leading the Association through a very meaningful strategic planning process. In turn, I congratulate Christine Applegarth on her appointment as the 40th President of the Alumnae Association.

As we near the end of the school year and spring turns to summer, I’d like to wish you and your families much warmth and happiness. I invite you to visit the campus whenever your schedule should allow.

I am very honoured and pleased to serve you as the new President of the Alumnae Association. Crofton House has always remained close to my heart, and I am extremely proud to now have my daughter at such a great school. She is currently in grade two, and she reminds me each day of the excitement of learning and the joy of friends. As President, I hope to continue to engage our community to nurture Crofton’s rich and proud traditions for the generations ahead. I look forward to meeting all of you, and wish everyone a memorable summer filled with laughter, love and sunshine.

Watch online: Interview with Christine Applegarth

The Alumnae Association is proud to honour Kerry Lynne-Findlay ’71 as the recipient of the 2012 Alumnae Achievement Award. Kerry-Lynne has distinguished herself as a lawyer and as a member of parliament, achieving regional, provincial and national recognition as a passionate advocate and articulate debater. She is a mother of four, three of whom are Crofties. Science teacher, Zaitun Mahedi, was recognized for 25 years of service in March 2012. In a heartfelt speech, Zaitun stated, “each one of you, past and present, my students and my colleagues – each one of you is a golden thread in the fabric of my life. You’ve become part of my song, and I will sing it forever.” Zaitun began teaching at CHS in 1987. We congratulate her on her dedication and service to CHS.

May 30, 2012

Golf Classic (Sold Out!)

December 21, 2012

Seasonal Social & Carol Service

There are many exciting volunteer opportunities for the alumnae community to become involved. For details, please visit the Alumnae Volunteer page.

It’s the perfect time to start organizing your class reunion for 2013. If you graduated in 1963, 1973, 1983, 1993 or 2003 and are interested in gathering classmates together to celebrate, contact the Alumnae Relations Office at alumnae@croftonhouse.ca.

Would you like to share the story of a significant accomplishment, news of your marriage, new family members, or an education or career success? To share your story, visit the Class Notes page.

Call for Nominations for the 2013 Alumnae Achievement Awards

Do you know an Alumna or Old Girl who should be recognized for:

• making a significant contribution to her profession, the community, or the arts
• making a difference in her chosen field
• expanding the role of women in society
• showing exemplary leadership

To nominate an Alumna, visit the Alumnae Achievement Award nomination form.

The Alumnae Relations Office is temporarily located in the Village (behind the Old Residence).

Every CHS student has passed through The Old Residence and will have fond memories of the building. Today, it is designated as heritage status and is the oldest residential building still standing in the area. In the summer of 2011, Crofton House School began a renovation to the house to preserve its historical significance.

Built in the early 1900s, the Old Residence was home to three families, including the founder of the Vancouver Sun, Robert J. Cromie, before Crofton House purchased it in 1942. That year, the CHS Board decided to move the school out of the rapidly commercializing West End where Jessie Gordon founded the school nearly five decades earlier. Funds were raised to purchase the $15,000 estate and the Old Residence became a permanent and important part of the Crofton House identity. The Old Residence subsequently became home to its most distinguished guests – CHS boarding girls.

All boarders lived in the Old Residence until 1943, when an additional property was purchased as a junior residence. The Old Residence continued to house grades nine to twelve students until the old Bedford-Jones Hall was completed in 1967. The school’s boarding program ended in 1990. The Old Residence is now the administrative building of the school.

The Old Residence is a delicate historical artifact with heritage features that must be preserved during the renovations – including the three facades (front and both sides of the house), the interior curved staircase, and the plaster ceiling in the Heritage Dining Room. To meet this architectural challenge, the school commissioned historical architecture consultant, Robert Lemon, who has managed many acclaimed restoration projects such as the Robert Lee YMCA and the Hotel Georgia.

In the course of the renovation, construction crews discovered that six additions had been made to the house over its lifetime. Support pillars were full of rubble and some rooms were literally tacked on to the building. Other notable findings include a bathtub and calendar from 1947 with a portrait of a very young Princess Elizabeth.

The Old Residence is a delicate historical artifact with heritage features that must be preserved during the renovations – including the three facades (front and both sides of the house), the interior curved staircase, and the plaster ceiling in the Heritage Dining Room. To meet this architectural challenge, the school commissioned historical architecture consultant, Robert Lemon, who has managed many acclaimed restoration projects such as the Robert Lee YMCA and the Hotel Georgia.

Watch online: Crofton House School archivist, Reto Tschan, talks about the Old Residence.

The plaster ceiling in the Old Residence was created by sculptor Charles Marega, who, among other famous Vancouver sculptures, also created the lions at the Stanley Park entrance of Lions Gate Bridge.

1902 - 1909

Richard Byron Johnson builds the house now known as ‘the Old Residence.’ The residence’s history parallels that of the school – it was built in the early 1900s as Jessie Gordon was opening her first school.

1909 - 1914

A German businessman, Count Alvo von Alvensleben, buys the house for his family in 1909. The Count commissions major renovations during his five years in the residence, including adding the veranda on three sides of the house and an extension to the upper floors.

1917 - 1919

The Count loses his fortune in the economic downturn prior to the First World War. The house is wrapped up in legal disputes as he tries to repay his creditors. The Count is interned as an ‘Enemy Alien’ in the U.S. after 1917.

1919 - 1941

After two years of vacancy, Robert J. Cromie buys the house. He names the estate ‘Edgemont,’ and it remains a private residence for the Cromie family until 1941.

1942 - Present

Crofton House School buys the 10-acre Cromie estate when the Board of Governors decides to move the school out of the rapidly commercializing West End community. Since then it has become a permanent and important part of the Crofton House history and identity.

Do you have memories of the Old Residence to share? Send them to us!