The 128th Crofton House School Birthday
On Friday, March 6, Crofton House School welcomed alumnae back to campus to celebrate the School’s 128th birthday. The day was filled with energy as alumnae from across generations gathered to revisit familiar spaces and share in the traditions of the Crofton House community.
The celebration started with the birthday assembly, featuring performances from Junior and Senior Kindergarten students, the Junior School Primary Choir, and Senior School Concert Choir and Concert Band, including “The Great Rubber Chicken Galop” and a festive birthday cha-cha-cha!
Ena Harrop, Head of School, Aeris (Amy) Wren ’26, Head Prefect, and two Grade 7 students shared birthday wishes.
In her remarks, Ena reflected on the profound impact Crofton House teachers have had in shaping the school and inspiring generations of students. She paid tribute to previous CHS teacher, Moira Schulte, British Columbia’s first female physics teacher, whose passion for science encouraged many young women to pursue studies in fields that were far less common for them at the time. She also highlighted alumna Diane Sawchuck ’74, whose influential work in women’s health was inspired by Ms Schulte.
Aeris '26, Head Prefect, then encouraged fellow students to lead with empathy and take action—no matter how small—to make someone else’s day, or life, a little better. “Today, on Crofton House’s birthday, let’s make a wish for courage—to care, even when it’s hard. Maybe that's by learning about an issue you’ve been avoiding. Maybe it’s listening to someone whose experience is completely different from yours. Maybe it’s letting your empathy feel uncomfortable, so that it can move you to action, even if that action starts small.” View a recording
of the assembly.
Following the assembly, alumnae joined Grade 3 students and the Senior School Student Executive for cross-generational conversations, sharing their favourite places and memories on campus. These conversations are part of the Mapping Memories initiative, facilitated by Manda Haligowski, Archivist, and Kara McDonald, Deputy Head, which connects students in Grades 1–12, staff, alumnae, and meaningful places and spaces at Crofton House. Inspired by A. A. Milne’s whimsical map of the Hundred Acre Wood, Chloe Heng ’26—supported by Kelly Poole, Teacher, Arts and Applied Design Skills & Technology, Senior School—illustrated a map of the Crofton House campus. The map now serves as a canvas for plotting memories, celebrating stories of Crofton House,
and building community.
The celebration continued with the traditional birthday lunch in the Heritage Dining Room, where alumnae gathered to reconnect. Among those celebrating were members of the Class of 1976, who marked their 50th reunion.
Thank you to all of the alumnae who attended the 128th School Birthday. View more photos from this special annual event.
Warm regards,
CHS Alumnae Relations
Get to Know the CHS Alumnae Association
Founded in 1915 by former students, the CHS Alumnae Association continues today as a volunteer-led organization that represents more than 4,500 graduates and former students worldwide.
From the beginning, the Association and the School have worked in partnership to foster and sustain meaningful connections among alumnae and the CHS community—celebrating friendships, mentoring across generations, and supporting one another through every stage of life. Whether planning social and networking events, hosting the Alumnae Career Exchange (ACE), or engaging with alumnae across North America and overseas, the Association continues its legacy in deepening alumnae connections at home and abroad.
Meet the 2025-2026 CHS Alumnae Association Advisory Board
Pictured (L-R):
Sonya Zeitler Fletcher ’87 - Vice President
Alison Sagar ’05 - Director
Sarah Lo ’91 - Director
Darcy Coard ’00 - Treasurer
Tien Tien Woo ’95 - Director
Carmen Newnham ’04 - Director
Kelly (McCarthy) Eng ’90 - President
Erin (Somerville) MacWilliams ’00 - Director
Jacqueline Lising ’08 - Director
Not pictured:
Ashley Armstrong ’00 - Secretary
Haley McDonald ’89 - Director
Audrey Watt ’14 - Director
Learn more about the CHS Alumnae Association Advisory Board and Directors.
Looking Forward: Exciting Events for CHS Alumnae
This spring, alumnae are invited to connect through a series of special events.
On Sunday, April 19, alumnae in California can gather at the Los Angeles Alumnae Mixer, an opportunity to reconnect with fellow graduates and build new connections.
There will also be an Alumnae Tea in Victoria on Friday, May 15, to connect with all CHS alumnae in Victoria and the surrounding areas.
Later in May, alumnae can attend Fleurs de Villes Floral Exhibition, WONDER, a vibrant floral celebration at VanDusen Botanical Garden on Sunday, May 24. Additional details coming soon.
The season concludes with the Crofton House Community Weekend (June 5–7). On Saturday, June 6, alumnae are welcomed back to campus for a full day of festivities, including a Student–Alumnae Field Hockey Game, the Alumnae Association AGM, and reunion celebrations. Graduates from class years ending in 1 and 6 are especially invited to celebrate their milestone reunions.
The Classes of 1991, 1996, 2006, and 2011 have already expressed an interest in bringing their cohorts together on Saturday, June 6. Please email alumnae@croftonhouse.ca to let us know if you are interested in celebrating your reunion during the Crofton House Community Weekend.
Alumna Reflections: Supporting the CHS Work Experience Program
Each year, the CHS Work Experience Program gives motivated Grade 11 and 12 students the opportunity to gain real-world experience, contribute meaningfully to organizations, and explore potential career paths. Alumnae play an important role in the program by offering opportunities and sharing their expertise and guidance with current students. Learn about the placements of Lucy ’26 and Alina ’26 with physiotherapist Chelsea Eng ’15.
28th Annual CHS Golf Classic: Save the Date
We’re delighted to share that the 28th Annual CHS Golf Classic will take place on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the University Golf Club. This CHS tradition has something for everyone—whether you’re an avid golfer, a first-time player, or simply looking forward to an evening of celebration and connection with the CHS community.
Registration opens Wednesday, April 8, so be sure to pencil the date into your calendar and keep an eye out for the official registration email. In the meantime, we invite you to watch a short highlight video from last year’s tournament to get a taste of the fun.
For sponsorship opportunities, please email alumnae@croftonhouse.ca.
All Upcoming Events
- Tuesday, April 14: CHS Career Conference
- Sunday, April 19: Alumnae Mixer, Los Angeles
- Friday, May 15: Alumnae Tea in Victoria
- Sunday, May 24: Fleurs De Villes Floral Exhibition, 'WONDER', VanDusen Gardens
- Friday, June 5 to Sunday, June 7: Crofton House Community Weekend
- Saturday, June 6: hosted by the CHS Alumnae Association and the School, welcoming alumnae back to campus for a Student–Alumnae Field Hockey Game, the Alumnae Association AGM, reunions & reception. All classes that graduated in the years that end with a ‘1’ or ‘6’ are invited to attend the reception to celebrate their milestone reunions on campus. See the full schedule of events.
Visit the Alumnae Events page for more details and registration info.
Be in the know, and stay connected. Follow us on Instagram (@chsalumnae), LinkedIn and Facebook, and join the alumnae network at croftonconnect.ca.
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