Dear Alumnae,

It was wonderful to celebrate the school’s 118th birthday in Manrell Hall for the very first time with the entire student body and a number of alumnae present. Because Manrell Hall is a multi-purpose space, we had the assembly at 9:00 am followed by a reception for the alumnae in the Old Residence and then tours of the campus including classroom visits. This allowed the Hall to be re-set for the Alumnae Association Annual General Meeting and Alumnae Lunch at noon. The students, of course, also appreciated their noon dismissal and half -holiday!

This year, in addition to honouring the Alumnae of the Year, Leigh Boyle, this was also the occasion when president Cathy Hunt passed the gavel to Gillian Reynolds. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the valuable role Cathy played as a member of the Board of Governors in the completion of the school’s new Strategic Plan 2015-2025: Beyond Buildings. I am also very excited to be working with Cathy on this year’s combined Mother/Daughter Graduation Tea and Inspiring Women event. I believe it is a way to build on a long-standing tradition while also providing the graduates and their mothers with the opportunity to hear from three inspiring alumnae. I hope to see you there!

Servabo fidem,

Pat Dawson

Features

Leigh Boyle ’05, recipient of Crofton House School Alumnae Association’s 2016 Achievement Award

Community, whether local or international, has always been at the heart of Leigh Boyle’s passions. The fundraiser, philanthropist, and former Head Girl, Leigh Boyle ’05, received the Crofton House School Alumnae Association’s 2016 Alumnae Achievement Award at the School’s 118th birthday Assembly on March 4, for her outstanding commitment to philanthropic endeavours.

Read more »

Crofton House School’s 118th Birthday

March 4, 2016 marked the 118th Birthday of Crofton House School. Once again, the girls, staff and alumnae all gathered together for a birthday Assembly in the new Manrell Hall and then the girls enjoyed a half day, allowing the Alumnae to explore the campus. The birthday lunch saw many happy tables of classmates reuniting for a time of reliving old memories and making new ones!

Gillian Reynolds ’90 President of Crofton House School Alumnae Association

The School Birthday on March 4 also marked the Annual General Meeting of the Alumnae Association and the passing of the torch from one President to another but in this case it wasn’t a torch but a blazer! Cathy (Fraser) Hunt ‘81, now Past President, presented Gillian (Will) Reynolds ’90 with the official Gordon Tartan Blazer, signifying the beginning of her term as President of the Alumna Association – welcome Gillian and thank you Cathy!

Gillian Reynolds ’90 is a Registered Psychologist, mother of three children, and an avid chef. She is also the new president for the Crofton House School (CHS) Alumnae Association. Gillian has deep roots at CHS. She attended the School from grade 3 to 12, her sister was a lifer, her father was on the board and her two daughters are present-day students.

As the new leader of the Association she wants to continue to bring new faces with fresh ideas to the Association’s strategy planning. “Cathy (Fraser) Hunt ’81, past President of the CHS Alumnae Association was very successful at getting many alumnae reconnected with the school over the past two years. My vision is to continue to build on these strong connections, and to inspire these women to be involved with the school and each other.” Gillian is very clear that the Alumnae Association is part of the school and would like to cultivate continued involvement with the alumnae, and with past and present students.

Gillian believes that her strength is bringing people together. “I understand how to get people involved in tangible activities. Although we have a strong core of women involved in the executive, not all alumnae are able to be this active. I think that there are many people who would like to be involved, but in ways that engage them in a specific and a purposeful task – so that their interaction with each other and the Association is not only social but contributes to the Association in a useful way.” She believes that too often women sell themselves and their achievements short. “The CHS alumnae are amazing women. It brings a great sense of pride to me, knowing where we all came from. I would like to celebrate the successes my fellow alumnae have achieved, and would like to encourage these women to be a more active part of the school,” she says.

Alumnae Association Executive for 2016/2017

We are pleased to announce the new Alumnae Association Executive for 2016/2017

Gillian (Will) Reynolds ’90 President
Jennifer (Connell) Fotheringham ’84 Vice President
Cathy (Fraser) Hunt ’81 Past President
Kelly (McCarthy) Eng ’90 Secretary
Karen Fryer ’85 Treasurer
Lishe O’Kiely ’75 Uniform Shop Manager

Alumnae In the Making: Simran Cheema, Class of 2016

Simran Cheema, Head Girl for the Class of 2016, gave an entertaining speech at the School Birthday Assembly about the new era in birthday wishes. Please enjoy this teaser from her speech and then click on the audio link to hear her full presentation.

"We all know what Birthdays really mean in the 21st century. With the rise of social media and modern technology, they hardly are what we once knew them to be. A new mixture of frantic teenage angst and expensive birthday dinners, they have taken an entirely different spin.

So, I ask you: what kind of friends to CHS would we all really be, if we didn’t post a long, heartfelt, inside ­joke filled, Birthday ESSAY AND picture collage on their Facebook Wall on this glorious day of their birth? I say, one’s truly worthy every unfollow, unfriend and dislike that would surely ensue after such a tragic mistake.

Now, I know what you’re all thinking: how could you commit such a crime? How could you forget? How will you ever ask for forgiveness??
BUT, ladies, don’t fret, there’s no need, don’t rush for your phones,
don't worry, I got you."

Alumnae News

Calling all Reunion Years

The school birthday celebration may be past but the reunion events keep happening!

Class of 1986
A full weekend of reconnecting, celebrating (and eating) is being planned for June 10-12. For full details of the events please contact Madlene Lazarian Rathsack at madlene@gmail.com.

Class of 1996
Olivia Bornik, Jenn Rollins and Alexandra Faber are spearheading a reunion weekend July 8-10th. Please contact any of these hardworking ladies at bornikos@hotmail.com, jenn.rollins22@gmail.com, or alexandrafaber@gmail.com for details.

Class of 2006
May 28th is the date to mark in your calendar for a reunion event at Mahoney’s & Sons! Forfull event details please contact Heather Beaty at heatherbeaty7@gmail.com or Paisley Smith at paisleyymsmith@gmail.com

April 29, 2016
Mother & Daughter Tea: Be Inspired!

May 27, 2016
19th Annual Golf Classic

November 19, 2016
Crofton House Winter Bazaar

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.