Keep Troth - Fall 2020 KHC Newsletter

Keep Troth The Fall 2020 KHC Newsletter

r A Note from our 32nd Head of School r The KHC Corner r What Gillard Means to Us

1 Keep troth KHC Newsletter Fall 2020

Members of our community proudly model KHC colours with their 50th reunion scarves.

2

from glass passage KHC Newsletter Fall 2020

A Note from Linda As we approach the 50th anniversary of the union between KHC and BCS, my thoughts have often turned to what the decision to unite the two schools must have meant to the students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni at that time. I suspect there were pockets of reluctance and resistance, and that the decision, though prudent, was not immediately greeted with unanimous approval; big decisions rarely are. I don’t envy the leaders of the school during that period. Change, even when it is well planned, necessary, and within your control, is hard to manage. In hindsight, we might salute those deciders for their courage. The spirit of KHC remains alive at BCS and the school continues to look for legitimate ways to weave the story of KHC

Linda celebrates the opening of our newest residence alongside former Head of School Will

into the story of BCS.

Mitchell.

Today, our school is facing an unanticipated, external challenge that requires us

achieve excellence in teaching, learning,

those traditions will bind our new chapters

to consider many changes to our organiza-

residential life, athletics, and leadership.

together with the ones that preceded

tion. Having wrestled with the seriousness

For positive change to ‘take’—whether

them.

of a global pandemic, we are now well

it is responding to an external, internal,

advanced with plans for safer learning and

planned, or unplanned driver, I think it has

in the history of our school, the arrival

As we approach an important milestone

living spaces, strategies for keeping our

to find a way to attach itself to a solid

of KHC girls at BCS fifty years ago, KHC

community healthy, and innovative ways to

foundation. In a previous ‘Note from Linda’

continues to be an important leitmotif in

continue to deliver the full BCS experience

in Keep Troth, I wrote about the roots that

the chapters that are written on Moulton

in light of the new reality. In addition to this

KHC alumnae symbolized. The change we

Hill.

unanticipated external change, we have

must embrace now also requires strong

a foreseen, internal change: the transfer

roots to support it, and I have begun to

of Headship from Will Mitchell to Michel

think of the changes we need to make as

Lafrance, our 32nd Head of School. We

new chapters in the long history of KHC

Linda Rodeck, BCS’81

thank Will for facilitating a very smooth

and BCS. These chapters of change will

BCS Association Board Chair

transition to Michel and welcome the

need a strong spine; the old-fashioned kind

Lafrance family to BCS. We are also in the

that is not glued together but sewn for

final year of our five-year strategic plan,

maximum durability. The traditions we have

which means we are about to dive into

safeguarded and celebrate, the legacy of

a period of intense self-reflection, with

KHC and BCS together, form that strong

research on best practices and extensive

spine that will support these new chapters.

community engagement to determine

Whether written as a result of planned or

where we need to take our school to

unplanned change, internal or external,

3 Keep troth KHC Newsletter Fall 2020

Head of School Michel Lafrance looks forward to celebrating the 50th anniversary of the merger of KHC and BCS.

A Note from Michel As I begin my tenure at Bishop’s College School, I already feel part of the BCS/KHC

As I look to the future, I am eager to meet as many KHC alumnae as possible,

community. I was introduced to the history

celebrating the much anticipated 50th

of KHC and the joining of both schools in

anniversary of the joining of KHC and BCS,

1972 by our archivist Merrylou Smith and

and steering the school towards its 200th

have had the distinct pleasure of meeting

anniversary in 2036. My family and I plan

with Margot (Graham) Heyerhoff, KHC’69,

to be integral members of this community

on several occasions. Each conversation

for a long time and I hope that you will

has revealed a little more about the

share your stories, your memories, and your

way of life at the quaint all girls’ school

passion for your school in order to help us

in Compton. What I have learned so far

fully appreciate your experience.

is that KHC was a community built on

When I walk through the glass passage,

trust, respect, rigour, and support—it

please know that you are always in my

was essentially a family! As I have come

thoughts.

to know the BCS community, I see those

Stay safe. Be well.

same values emanating from the students, the staff, and the alumni. The transition that occurred in 1972 was clearly done successfully and the spirit of both schools

Michel Lafrance

lives on today.

Head of School

4

stories KHC Newsletter Fall 2020

Margot Heyerhoff, KHC’69, and Head of School Michel Lafrance met in early July to discuss where to house the St. James the Less church bell on the Moulton Hill campus.

The KHC Corner

By Merrylou Smith If anyone were to ask a current student

location for the bell, and the design of the

we are creating a display table that will

who Dr. Gillard was, they would most

artistic structure that will hold it. Margot

contain KHC memorabilia. At a future date,

likely answer, “someone from the past

also met with the former Head of School,

the stained-glass windows recuperated

that has a building named after them.” We

Lewis Evans, BCS’65, to discuss a pedestal

from the St. James the Less church will be

are creating a KHC corner to educate our

he has generously offered to build to

installed somewhere on campus. Our goal

students about the legacy of King’s Hall,

display the bronze bust of Dr. Gillard. Once

is to have the permanent KHC commem-

Compton. As we near the

50th

completed, this commemorative piece will

orative display installation completed for

of the BCS and KHC amalgamation, it is an

be on display in a high traffic area of the

the 50th anniversary of the KHC and BCS

opportune time to raise awareness with our

school which we are dedicating to King’s

amalgamation at the beginning of the 2022

students of the impact and influence of

Hall, Compton alumnae. This location is at

academic year.

KHC throughout the years.

the juncture of the glass passage, between

anniversary

In early July, Margot (Graham) Heyerhoff,

School House and the Peter Holt Memorial

KHC’69, had the opportunity to visit with

Library, in the Hartland Molson Student

Michel Lafrance, the 32nd Head of School.

Centre.

They discussed the St. James the Less

This location was chosen as it commem-

church bell and its proposed location on

orates the glass passage at King’s Hall,

campus. In August, Margot will return

Compton, and is also a display area hallway

with the architects to discuss the best

lined with KHC photographs. In addition,

5 Keep troth KHC Newsletter Fall 2020

Cala Tesolin and Violetta Zeitlinger-Fontana, both of the Class of 2020, were privy to the legacy of sisterhood that Dr. Gillard left behind as boarders in Gillard House.

What Gillard Means to Us

By Cala Tesolin and Violetta Zeitlinger-Fontana Boarding school is a formative experience

is unique for many reasons but what really

international community. As student

for every student but the one thing that

sets it apart is the diverse group of young

leaders, it was our job to make everyone

will be most influential in their growth is

women from all corners of the globe who

feel welcome as soon as they stepped foot

their residence. Gillard House is named

come together to form not just a tight-knit

on campus. Although Dr. Gillard herself may

after former Headmistress Dr. A. E. Gillard

community, but a family. Having close to

not have been the one to teach us these

who was an integral part of the King’s

40 sisters meant there was never a dull

ideals, it was her legacy that helped shape

Hall, Compton community. Her continuous

moment. There was nothing like the thrill

our moral compasses.

service to KHC is what earned her this

of our gift exchange during the Christmas

To anyone who has never been a part of

permanent tribute within the Bishop’s

season at Gillard House. Sometimes, if we

the Gillard sisterhood, it is hard to describe

College School and KHC communities. Dr.

had to get a gift for someone we did not

the effect that such an experience can

Gillard was a pioneer in empowering women

personally know very well, we would take

have on you for years to come. Our time

to reach their full academic potential and

this as an opportunity to strengthen our

at Gillard House had its highs and lows but

her legacy of bravery and excellence lives

bonds with everyone regardless of age,

at the end of the day living there made us

on in Gillard House today.

form, or interests.

who we are today. Gillard House is more

As students who have spent most of

This is only one example of the many

than what its name alludes; it is a home, a

their time at this school living in Gillard

practices of inclusion that immensely

safe space, and an environment that has

House, we have first-hand experience

prepared us for our role as prefects in

always encouraged positivity, and for that,

when it comes to our House values of

our final year. If there is anything that our

we will always be grateful.

inclusion and perseverance. Gillard House

school is known for, it is being an extremely

Stories 6 Fall 2020 KHC Newsletter

Gillard Houseparent Mary MacLachlan organized a flash mob for this year’s International Women’s Day.

Celebrating Women’s Rights in an ‘Old Boys’ School’

By Bethany Rothney When Mary MacLachlan arrived at Bishop’s

York women who protested their terrible

house is clearly a perfect fit. Both Miss

College School as a Houseparent in Gillard

working conditions. The United Nations

Gillard and Mary looked for and found ways

House, her goal was to make the girls in

made March 8th the official International

of empowering the young women in their

her house feel empowered. “I want the

Women’s Day in 1975 – International

charge. Mary’s ongoing pursuit of empower-

girls to be able to recognize when they are

Women’s Year.

ment for young women is just one way BCS

being harassed and mistreated,” she said,

In the post-‘Me Too’ world, International

“Sometimes it feels like we’re going a bit

Women’s Day has become globally celebrat-

backwards.”

ed. Mary’s initiative to give the special

It was on International Women’s Day that

day a bigger platform at BCS stems from

Mary decided she should do something.

these sources of inspiration. As the 50th

The special day was mentioned during the

anniversary of the amalgamation of KHC

day’s chapel assembly, however women’s

and BCS approaches, celebrating alumnae

contributions to the school and society

women’s contributions to the school is

were not necessarily celebrated. There was

even more timely. “BCS was an ‘Old Boys’

no mention of why International Women’s

school,’ and you can feel that still lingering

Day was celebrated, nor why the day is

in the air,” Mary said.

significant.

Miss Gillard was one of the most notable

The first International Women’s Day took

Headmistresses of King’s Hall, Compton.

place in 1911 in celebration of 15,000 New

Mary’s position as Houseparent in Gillard

celebrates International Women’s Day and continues Miss Gillard’s legacy.

7 Keep troth KHC Newsletter Fall 2020

We’re grateful to have reminders of the legacy of King’s Hall, Compton throughout campus, including this sculpture displayed in the Peter G. Holt Memorial Library.

Stories 8 Fall 2020 KHC Newsletter

Compton Cemetery is the final resting place for many members of the KHC community.

Compton Cemetery

By Tyler Gordon Over the last few years, the legacy of the

Laura Joll, Lady Principal of King’s Hall,

KHC Old Girls and its connections to BCS

Compton from 1905 to 1928; Reverend

has been the centre of attention for the

George H. Parker, who was responsible for

Advancement team. As we continue to find

returning and rebuilding St. James the Less

ways to showcase and enlighten the BCS

church to its original location (the current

community about the KHC legacy, its spirit

location) in 1887, and who was the first

still emanates from Compton and KHC Old

priest to live in the parsonage next to KHC.

Girls. In conversations about KHC, many

There are also members of the Bliss Family

Old Girls ask about the Compton Cemetery,

who owned Maplehurst Farm, and Mrs.

adjacent to St. James the Less church.

Bliss had a tearoom there for the KHC girls.

Established around 1815, this cemetery is

There is also a member of the Kellam family

the final resting place of some of the first

who owned Kellam House, nicknamed “The

Compton area settlers and was originally

Cottage” by the KHC girls. Connections

called the St. James Anglican Church

between BCS and KHC are also to be found

Cemetery. The fine ornamental iron fence

here, as James B. Winder, BCS’52, Old Boy,

and gate was gifted by Senator Matthew

librarian, and founding archivist of the

H. Cochrane in 1875 and still stands today.

BCS Archives was also laid to rest in this

This cemetery is also the final resting

cemetery.

place for members of the KHC community, founded in 1874.

The KHC Community members include; Richard Dinzey, son of Reverend Dinzey, the founder of Compton Ladies College; Senator Matthew Cochrane, whose daughters attended Compton Ladies College; Miss

9 Keep troth KHC Newsletter Fall 2020

Gillian (McLaren) Frith, KHC’61, Recalls Some of us were lucky enough during our

we had wonderful philosophical discussions

by the powers that be. That was always

time at Compton (or more properly, King’s

about life and about books and about

the most fun––their road and house were

Hall) to have known the ‘GBs’ (or more

funny things too. I particularly remember

‘out of bounds’, so it was always great fun

properly, Mr. and Mrs. Gilpen Brown). They

conversations about J. D. Salinger and Raise

to run the risk and get away with it! They

were a retired couple who had moved from

High the Roof Beam, Carpenters and The

would show concern that THEY might be

somewhere in Ontario to a modest house

Catcher in the Rye––books we were certain-

in trouble with the school, but they always

on a country road in rural Quebec. Their

ly not officially reading in our literature

let us in for a visit and a hot chocolate or a

white clapboard house could be seen from

classes. The GBs were always interested in

cup of tea!

the driveway of the school, just beyond

what we had to say and what we thought,

the soccer field and a short hop across an

and we were mutually interested in their

they first moved to Compton, the role they

unmowed field.

points of view.

would play in the lives of many teenage

Sometimes a few of us would be invited

They were our escape hatch, our

I often wonder if they had any idea when

girls hungry for the kind of open-hearted

by them for tea or even supper on a Sunday

salvation, our confidants, and our friends.

companionship and understanding they

afternoon. Mrs. GB usually made scones

Looking back on that time I think they were

provided.

for tea and if it were supper it would be

somewhere between a much older brother

something delicious and unlike anything we

and sister and a very indulgent aunt and

heard they had moved back to Ontario at

had at the school.

uncle.

some point. I do not really have a concept

Often, when not formally invited and

We would sit on the floor in front of the

I lost touch with them over the years but

of how old they were then, and though they

fire and forget for a few hours all our petty

therefore sanctioned by the school author-

could not possibly be alive now, they will

goings on across the way. We talked about

ities, a couple of us would ‘sneak’ over to

always be alive in my memory.

all manner of things, complained a bit

their house for an impromptu short visit

about the drudgery of school, but mostly

during our free outdoor time, undetected

Wendy Rankin, KHC’64, Recalls In view of the fact that we are in the

We had one minor epidemic during those

throes of a pandemic, here are some of my

years. Chicken pox. I didn’t get the virus

memories about community health and

then, but I did have several stints in the

individual health at KHC.

infirmary when I had bronchitis.

When I was at Compton between 1960

After being in the infirmary, the rule was

and 1964 all the girls went into quarantine

that before returning to the gym, one had

upon arrival at the school. Miss Jenkins, the

to get permission from Miss Jenkins to do

school nurse would arrive every evening

so.

in the prep hall dressed in her crisp white uniform and white crepe soled shoes. I’m not certain but I think she wore a cap.

She carried a tray of thermometers propped in glasses filled with rubbing

I vividly remember standing outside the infirmary and asking Miss Jenkins “Can I take gym” and her response was “It depends on where you want to take him.”

alcohol and each girl was subjected to a thermometer for a few minutes as she made her rounds. I believe this happened for three weeks and included checks on Saturday as we went up the stairs to bed after the week’s movie.

Wendy Rankin, KHC’64, in her final year at King’s Hall.

Stories 10 Fall 2020 KHC Newsletter

Side by side, the KHC Class of 1965’s 20th class reunion in 1985 and 50th class reunion in 2015.

Jeannie (Walbridge) Blevins, KHC’65, Recalls The best aspects of my two years at

On early morning before Christmas,

Sunday evenings just before lights out

King’s Hall, Compton–Grades 10 and 11

the choir sang outside in the snow under

featured a recorded singing of the Lord’s

(Matric)–were my classmates. Without

sleeping students’ windows. “Past three

Prayer. A soothing ending to the weekend.

related family nearby, the girls became

o’clock, and a cold frosty morning, Past

my family. We depended on each other.

three o’clock. Good morrow masters all.”

was especially poignant when WE were

We risked minus points to have forbidden

The chilly concert was followed by a special

the Matric grads in 1965. And every time

chats with each other after lights out.

breakfast for us choristers. A definite

we Old Girls have reunions: 10th, 20th, 50th,

These memories have endured for over 50

highlight.

our class song is sure to bring tears to our

years with regular reunions, e-mails, and Facebook contacts.

Another major memory for me at KHC

During rare unscheduled time, we found precious opportunities to make music: folk music on guitars – “The answer, my

was music. There was no official music

friend, is blowing in the wind…”; and music

course, but there was a church choir. I loved

in basement piano rooms. Grade 9 student

singing. In my Grade 10 year, I was granted

Marty and I paired up on a piano. She

the honour of singing the only solo.

played the melody while I played lower

Funny story about the church choir. I had

harmony chords. Once we sang “Scarlet

just been confirmed at home in the United

Ribbons” to keyboard accompaniment. At

Church of Canada. Thus, I was not familiar

the end, we were startled by applause

with Anglican services. Headmistress Miss

outside the piano room window.

Gillard told us that anyone who was a

The only television available to us was in

member of their own church was permitted

the lounge. We students were permitted

to take communion at Saint James the

to watch a Beatles TV performance there

Less. Gilly reassured us: “If you don’t know

ONCE. Special treat. I remember feeling

what to do during the church service, don’t

frustrated with the teenage TV audience

worry. Just follow the choir.” Guess who

who were screaming so loudly that it was

was the only non-Anglican in the choir?

hard to hear the songs.

The graduation song “Forty years on…”

eyes. “When you walk through a storm… you’ll never walk alone.”

11 Keep troth KHC Newsletter Fall 2020

Left: No stranger to leadership, Dr. Stephanie Smith, BCS’90, was a prefect in her Form VII year at BCS, following in her mother Gill’s footsteps.

Right: Gillian (Rowan-Legg) Booth, KHC’61, was Head Girl in her graduating year.

Fighting Infectious Disease in the Year of COVID-19

By Bethany Rothney 2020 has been a year for the history books.

to plan.” In addition to all of the safety

that had always interested her, and she

While the world shut down, nurses, doctors

concerns, Stephanie says that calming

says that a trip to India, while she was at

and infectious disease specialists have

the anxieties of staff who were concerned

BCS, exposed her to the burden developing

been working around the clock, fighting to

about taking the illness home with them,

countries face due to infectious diseases.

halt the spread of COVID-19. Dr. Stephanie

was also a major part of her job leading

While she may not have had her exact

Smith, BCS’90, daughter of Gillian (Row-

up to COVID-19 reaching Canada. As the

career in mind at the time, she acknowl-

an-Legg) Booth, KHC’61, is an associate

lockdown persisted and economically

edges the impact that attending a private

professor at the University of Alberta in the

suffering businesses wished to reopen,

boarding school had on her. “Infection

division of Infectious Diseases and Director

Stephanie said, “The issue became, how do

control, especially right now, requires a

of Infection Prevention and Control at the

we do that safely?”

lot of leadership skills, conflict resolution

university hospital.

While the rest of us bunkered down

“Shutting down was easier than opening

skills and thinking on your feet, and the

back up,” she said, “COVID hasn’t gone

opportunities that I had at BCS helped me

in our homes to wait out the pandemic,

away… we’re really not in a different

and allowed me to be where I am now.”

Stephanie was right in the centre of it.

situation.” Learning to live differently in

As the Director of Infection Prevention

the next six to nine months, the time until

and Control, it has been a busy time for

a vaccine will be available, will be key

Stephanie. She says that she was prepared

to preventing another major outbreak.

for the oncoming pandemic, so her ensuing

Maintaining physical distancing as much as

workload has been manageable. “When we

possible, hand hygiene, and wearing a mask

first heard about COVID in January, there

Stephanie says, are the keys to keeping

was obviously concern, but it was [still] in

ourselves and those around us safe.

China,” she said. “We were watching very

Stephanie credits her attendance at BCS

closely…but when it started to spread

as one of the factors that led her to the

into Europe, that’s when we really started

field of infectious disease. It was a topic

Stories 12 Fall 2020 KHC Newsletter

The KHC legacy proudly lives on in the many prizes and awards offered to our current-day students.

KHC Awards 2019-20 End-of-Year School Assembly

The “40 Years On” Award

exemplifies what Martin Luther King, Jr.

Donated by Ann McNally Budge, KHC’54,

called “content of character” and stresses

this award is for the senior girl who best

kindness, caring, and courage of one’s

The Stoker Prize for Art

displays the love of sport in the out-of-

conviction. This year, the prize was awarded

Given in memory of Shirley Harrison Stoker,

doors and who is likely to have the same

to Aidan Feddema.

KHC’46, and Chair of the BCS Board from

enthusiasm 40 years on. This year, the prize

1984-1988. This year, the prize was

was awarded to Maeve Maclachlan.

awarded to Chloe Seehafer.

Special Prizes

The Hewson Prize for Music

The Laura Joll Award Donated by the KHC Old Girls’ Association for the girls who have shown most effort in contributing toward house spirit. This year,

Named to honour Dorothy Hewson and her

Prix Mlle Cailteux

the prize was awarded to Sarah Francoeur

36 years of teaching music at KHC and

Ce prix est remis à la jeune fille dont

(Gillard House), Fiona Mercure (Ross

BCS. This year, the prize was awarded to

l’attitude face au français comme langue

House), Cemre Naz Kurun (Glass House),

Aidan Condo.

d’apprentissage et de communication a

Violetta Zeitlinger-Fontana (Williams

servi à la communauté de BCS. Présenté

House).

2019-20 Graduation Ceremony Athletic Awards

annuellement à la mémoire de Mlle Odette Cailteux, professeure de français

The Gillard Award

à King’s Hall, par Mary Cochrane Holt

Donated by the KHC Old Girls’ Association.

The King’s Hall Cup

Cowans, KHC’54, et John Douglas Cowans,

Awarded to a girl in the school for

Given to the Girls’ All-Round Athletic

BCS’54. Cette année, le prix est décerné à

leadership, integrity, industry, and games.

Champion. This year, the prize was awarded

Elizabeth Couture.

This year, the prize was awarded to Cala

to Lia Heggman.

Tesolin.

The Jennifer Prosser Wade Award Donated by Jennifer Prosser Wade to recognize a Form VI student who best

13 Keep troth KHC Newsletter Fall 2020

Proudly displaying its storied history, this 50-year-old award is still presented to deserving young women every year. This year, it was given to Cala Tesolin.

Read her story on page 5.

14

class notes KHC Newsletter Fall 2020

Clockwise from above left: Gillian (Rowan-Legg) Booth, KHC’61, has travelled across North America with her trusty KHC blazer; The KHC Class of 1959 reunited for a weekend of fun in Ottawa; The KHC Class of 1961 found new ways to connect over Zoom during the pandemic.

Nancy Petry, KHC’48

Not long ago I went to the hospital for a

having them delivered to our rooms. Friends

“Hi. I graduated many years ago from King’s

test (it was negative). When I got back a staff

and family will be able to visit and we them.

Hall, Compton but I still remember how

member was waiting for me and escorted me

Activities will resume and bingo fans will be

happy we were to be at such a wonderful

to my room. I was told I was in quarantine

delighted. I am keeping well and keeping

school. I have been very busy lately

and would not be able to leave my room for

safe. Hope all of you are too.”

making a new website of my art works.

14 days. That happened to residents when

I have been a visual artist all my life and

they went off the property for any reason,

the very pleasant Applefest Lodge Senior

I think many people who read Keep Troth

in case they were close to someone with

Retirement Residence in Brighton, Ontario

would be interested to look at my website:

the virus while out. I told my escort that

for almost two years. She can be reached at

www.nancypetry.com. Best wishes.”

prisoners on death row got out for an hour

the following address:

Barbara has been living comfortably at

each day. That won’t happen here she said.

Barbara Gibaut, KHC’54

As regulations and restrictions eased, my

Applefest Lodge Retirement Residence

“This is quite the experience being in lock

quarantine period was shortened by a few

120 Elizabeth St Box 850

down at a Seniors’ Residence. What it means

days. I was able to leave my room, walk out

Brighton, ON KOK 1HO

for the 65 residents at Applefest Lodge is no

of the building, and roam happily around

Tel # 613 707 7949

visitors, no activities, and no meals in the

the property. Only time will tell when there

E-mail barbaragibaut36@gmail.com

dining room. This situation creates a feeling

is some normalcy in our lives such as going

of loneliness for some of us.

to the dining room for our meals rather than

15 Keep troth KHC Newsletter Fall 2020

Above: Martha MacDonald, Jennifer Croome, Lindy Farrell, Lalage Hackett, Esther MacLeod, Mary Usher-Jones, Emily Black, Margot Cowen, Lalage Hackett, Dodi Hornig, and Lindy Farrell, all Class of 1963 at their reunion in Tadoussac last September. Below: Members of the KHC Class of 1963 reunited in Tadoussac.

Farrell, Nancy (Glass) Carter, Elizabeth (Price) McCrudden, and Penny (Throsby) McDonald.”

Gillian (Rowan-Legg) Booth, KHC’61 “I thought you might be amused to know that my blazer has travelled from 1961 to 2011 from Compton, Quebec to Halifax, Nova Scotia to Brooklandville, Maryland to Lancaster, Pennsylvania to Tarboro, North Carolina to Colorado Springs, Colorado to Toronto, Ontario to Erindale, Ontario to Caledon, Ontario to Chester, Nova Scotia to Lenox, Massachusetts and finally back to Chester, Nova Scotia. Maybe it will surface in September 2021 when we gather in Montreal for our 60th reunion!”

Judy (McColm) Boswell, KHC’56

on a Double Decker Bus, then took tours

KHC Class of 1961

Judy has spent the last 23 years competing

of the House of Commons, the National

Submitted by Gillian (Rowan-Legg) Booth, KHC’61

in synchronized swimming. She swims in

Gallery of Canada, the Gaugin Exhibit, and

“Fifty-nine years on when afar and asunder,

the Masters League and participates in the

the Canadian Mint. We enjoyed a lovely

parted are those who are singing today...

provincial events.

evening at the home of Cynthia Joan

Yes… parted but still connected. The

(Cordeau) Baker and ended our reunion

wonders of Zoom have allowed at least

KHC Class of 1959

with an excellent dinner at the Courtyard

twelve of us from the Class of 1961 to gather

Submitted by Rosemary Christensen, KHC’59

restaurant followed by the ‘Northern Lights’

virtually for wine and conversation during

“Planned by our classmate, Joan (Wright)

sound and light show on Parliament Hill.

the COVID-19 pandemic. From Scotland to

Gale, our reunion was held in Ottawa from

It was great to catch up with Cynthia

Colorado, Florida to Bermuda, Nova Scotia

September 3-5. We stayed at an ideally

(Cordeau) Baker, Joan (Wright) Gale, Kate

to Ontario and Quebec, we enjoyed sharing

located small hotel, ByWard Blue Inn on

Reed, Lorna (Murray) Beverley, Elaine

experiences and laughter as we interacted

Clarence Street in ByWard Market. We took

(Audet) Kirschner, Barbara (Murray)

fifty-nine years after our KHC graduation—a

in all the Ottawa sights and sounds—we

Norton, Wendy (Whitehead) Nelles, Ann

testament to the strength of the bond forged

started by boarding the Hop-On-Hop-Off tour

(Taylor) Collombin, Helen (Gibb-Carsley)

during our Compton years!”

Class Notes 16 Fall 2020 KHC Newsletter

Submitted by Kathy MacCulloch, KHC’63

When time came for all to say goodbye

We’ve Been to a Marvellous Party (circa 2019)

It was hard for some of them not to cry.

By Kathy MacCulloch Again, with apologies to just about everyone, especially Noel Coward We’ve been to a marvellous party - to celebrate 56 years on.

This time we were summoned by Anne Evans Belton To Tadoussac, home to her heart.

The place was so charming, she may find it alarming To hear she’s voted Hostess for Life!

We’ve been to a marvellous party - again, girls came from near and afar.

Martha and Peter (yes, Peter!) Lindy and Anne came the West While Kathy and Sue came from Down East.

The gals left by plane, train and car Heading for places both near and far.

Not all the KHC Class of ‘63 were able to come But they were included in thoughts & calls, so not so glum.

We all want to thank Anne and her Family Crew Without them what would we ever do?

They were all so gracious, fun and kind Making us feel at home, with peace of mind.

Then came Emily, Callie and Janet, Pam, Mary and Penny.

Next time we meet will likely be

Lal, Margot and Esther, Dodi and Jennie.

Our big KHC Reunion Year “60”

And we couldn’t have liked it more!

So long for now, please all stay in touch We’ve been to a marvellous party - and no one had changed AT ALL!

& until then, Anne, THANK YOU EVER SO MUCH.

… unless you count hearing aids, new knees and cataract surgery.

All useful for talking, walking, whale watching and dune surf-ery.

Submitted by Margot Cowen, KHC’63

The food was divine and the wine quite sublime,

Great limerick, I have been working on a haiku sooo here goes...

All catered by our Anne and super tour guide Jane And we couldn’t have liked it more!

We’ve been to a marvellous party - and since we’re so hip and inclusive, We allowed BOYS to join us …. and what a good idea THAT was!

Lew, Tom, Alan and Ian jumped into the fray and kept the drinks flowing, swept dishes away.

(It was the LEAST we could do to include Anne’s family!)

And we couldn’t have liked it more!

We’ve been to a marvellous party - VIVA the Class of ‘63!

Sixteen happy souls One incredible hostess Four memorable days Submitted by Janet (Burgoyne) Partridge, KHC’63 WELL DONE, Dodi … you’ve sent us all reeling, Able to express what we were all feeling.

To Anne and her “fam”, can’t thank you enough For all that you did to put up with our guff!

It’s easy to see and I think you’ll agree

You opened MY eyes to Quebec’s north shore,

That the bonds remain strong as the years roll along

So, I’ll certainly get back to explore some more.

Take care and stay well till we gather again.

Follow up! Follow up! Follow up! we cried

Alan’s prayer in the Chapel was certainly moving,

And we couldn’t have liked it more

And “Forty Years On” really sounded quite grooving!

Submitted by Dodi Hornig, KHC’63

So, until our 60th … it will be a bonanza …

There once was a woman, her name was Anne

“Forty Years on” might need a new stanza.

Who took on a task more than most people can.

She set up a reunion for a gaggle of gals, All boarding school buddies & lifelong pals.

“Hasta la vista” and “a la prochaine” ..

Thanks to you, Anne … again and again Submitted by Mary (Cape) Usher-Jones, KHC’63

She organized lots of fun things to do,

Oh boy! / Old girl!!

Like walking, fabulous meals & whale watching too.

You sure have delivered a pearl. I got as far as:

Everyone giggled, talked and caught up on news

There once was a girl called Anne Evans

Some even had time for an afternoon snooze!

Who lived in her own slice of heaven She invited her pals

Four days these gals hung around together

For food wine and whales

They were blessed with mostly fabulous weather.

And we all think she’s some special woman

17 Keep troth KHC Newsletter Fall 2020

Clockwise from left: The KHC Class of 1965 held a Zoom reunion to catch up over the summer; The ladies from the Class of 1964 reunited virtually over Zoom in June; Jeannie (Walbridge) Blevins, KHC’65, is still sporting her signature smile 55 years later.

KHC Class of 1963

my clothes, or KHC sweaters etc., but I love

KHC Class of 1965

The KHC Class of 1963 reunited at Anne

this scarf.”

Submitted by Gillian “Jill” Stainforth, KHC’65; Photos submitted by Sara (Peck) Colby, KHC’65, and

(Evans) Belton’s home in Tadoussac at the beginning of September. The ladies had

KHC Class of 1964

Margot (Grant) Kyle, KHC’65.

a wonderful time catching up and even

Submitted by Andrea (Newman) Gordon, KHC’64

“We were 20 or 21 of our graduating class 55

did some whale-watching. See the series

“Ann (Stikeman) Garland was able to

years ago, and four of our classmates have

of poems recounting their reunion on the

work her magic and photoshop various

died so 87% were online.”

opposite page.

pictures from our 1964 class Zoom meeting which was held on the 20th of June. Present

Jeannie (Walbridge) Blevins, KHC’65

Dodi Hornig, KHC’63

were: Andrea (Newman) Gordon, Ann

“I’ve sent along my KHC grad photo (1965)

“We had a ball! The weather the two full

(Stikeman) Garland, Andrea Jellicoe,

with the cartoon of me by Sara Peck Colby.

days we were in Tadoussac was perfect.

Julienne “Julie” (Clarke) Douglas,

(She was our class artist). There is also a

Had a great time whale-watching and

Elizabeth “Liz” Stikeman, Andrea

current photo of me.”

were so lucky as we saw a mom and baby

(Ross) O’Rourke, Barbara Monk, Cheryl

humpback, beluga, fin and two other types

(McDermid) Lumley, Wendy Rankin,

Margot (Grant) Kyle, KHC’65

plus porpoises. We saw a number of each

Betty Jane Punnett, Judith “Judi”

“I am back to swimming just over 1K along

which Anne says is unusual. We laughed,

(Fletcher) Dunn, Barbara (Little) Ring,

the shoreline here at the cottage every

giggled, gossiped, ate, drank and caught up.

Charlotte MacLatchy, Kathleen “Kathy”

day—my favourite activity. Though I don’t

Not sure what we can do for 2023 for our

Plow, Deborah “Debbie” (Gill) Cushing,

compete anymore, I had signed up to again

60th! The scarf is lovely and a great size so

and Susan “Suzie” (Graham) Wild.”

do the 3K Easter Seals ‘Bushtukah Bring

very versatile. I am not one to wear logos on

on the Bay Swim’ fundraiser in the Ottawa

Class Notes 18 Fall 2020 KHC Newsletter

Clockwise from above left: The KHC Class of 1967 celebrated 53 years together in Ottawa; In October, the KHC Class of 1968 celebrated their 51st class reunion in Toronto; Heather McAlpine, Heather Wyllie, Ann Rice, Betsy Johnston, and Felicity Smith, all of the Class of 1967, toasting to absent friends at their 50th reunion lunch at the Sea Glass Waterfront Grill; Brenda (Keddie) Sorley, KHC’56, and Gillian “Jill” Stainforth, KHC’65, connected by happenstance at a luncheon; Ladies of KHC Class of 1969 celebrated their 50th reunion last September.

River this summer which like so many other

and how KHC still remains an important part

events, had been cancelled.”

of BCS to this day. It was lovely to catch up

with each other at Fiona’s warm and inviting

with all of you—thank you for joining us!

home. A big thanks to her for hosting a

Gillian “Jill” Stainforth, KHC’65

It was wonderful to begin reconnecting

fabulous and yummy dinner which she and

Part way through a recent luncheon Jill and

KHC Class of 1968

Jeffie provided. BJ and Pam ensured that we

Brenda (Keddie) Sorley, KHC’56, who were

Submitted by Kathy (Winser) Robertson, KHC’68

didn’t miss dessert—Mr. Burt’s chocolate

sitting next to each other, discovered they

“For two days in October, 14 ladies of the

sauce is always a hit! Face-timing with Harps

were both KHC Old Girls. Small world!

KHC Class of 1968 reunited in Toronto to

(in New Zealand) was a bonus, the many

celebrate 51 years post-graduation. WOW—

bottles of vino….continuous laughter…

KHC Class of 1967

what a time and what a class we were (and

countless stories that only get better, reciting

In November, the KHC Class of 1967 gathered

are)! Several ladies live in Toronto or close

of Gilly’s sayings and some sort of rendition

in Ottawa to celebrate their

53rd

by and the rest of us drove, trained, or flew

of “40 Years On” (poor neighbours) WHAT A

Janet Turcot Vukovic was in attendance to

reunion.

in from the United Kingdom, Tennessee,

NIGHT!

present the ladies with their 50th anniversary

the Maritimes, Saskatchewan, Montreal,

scarves and to give an update on the school

Connecticut, and Seattle.

Oughtred chose a perfect place for lunch on Thursday and stories and laughter

19 Keep troth KHC Newsletter Fall 2020

we are experiencing today with self-isolation and what we experienced at the school when the War Measures Act that Pierre Trudeau invoked in 1970 as a result of political kidnappings by the FLQ in the province of Quebec. As a result of the War Measures Act and the many concerns with safety, the school was put in lock down mode from October to December and we weren’t allowed to leave campus. It is times like this that I learned more about self-reliance and the importance of friendships and school activities. Although over time these friendships have drifted apart, I still have fond school activity remembrances, such as: Mountain Climbing, Tea Dances at BCS, Above: Janus Fox, BCS’75, stopped in for a visit to BCS in October 2017, catching up with

Form Parties, BCS Carnival weekends, and

past KHC teacher, Mrs. Holland. Below: Twenty-one ladies from the Class of 1969 got to-

‘Sugaring-Off’ to name a few. These were

gether in North Hatley to celebrate 50 years since graduation.

great times.

In October 2017 while on vacation, my

KHC Class of 1969

husband and I stopped in for a visit to BCS

Members of the Class of 1969 gathered in

where Susan Cook kindly took us on a tour

early September to celebrate their 50th

and I was able to sneak a peek at my old

reunion. Spearheaded by Margot (Graham)

room in the Gillard House residence. Susan

Heyerhoff, Rhona (Sewell) Halpern,

also arranged a meet up with Mrs. Holland

Deborah “Debbie” Hornig, and Jane

who taught me Spanish at KHC. It was a

Meagher, the ladies travelled from near and

wonderful reunion. Following that we went

far to reunite for a weekend of friendship,

over to Compton to see the old KHC building.

remembrance, and memory-making at

It was an enjoyable visit and so good to relive

Margot’s Gillygooly Farm. The weekend was

some fond memories of school days gone by.

full of activities and included a visit to King’s Hall, Compton and BCS.

Besides school roots in the Eastern Townships there is also some family history, so we plan to visit again. I would love to

Jane Meagher, KHC’69

reconnect with my former school mates

“It was a fun day and very interesting for

to reminisce and share stories and can be

the girls to visit BCS, especially some who

reached at janusmfox@gmail.com. In the

had never been since the school became

meantime, be well and stay safe.”

co-ed. Thanks for everything you did to help organize our weekend. Special moments, including Jean getting ready to serve 21 continued! Janet Turcot Vukovic, joined us

women who got together in North Hatley

to relay the news and updates regarding BCS

to celebrate 50 years since graduation from

and also what was happening with the KHC

high school at Kings Hall, Compton. I think

buildings. She also distributed the beautiful

everyone had a truly wonderful weekend and

KHC Old Girl scarves. KO and Steph K got

the scarves were really appreciated by all.”

the award for best way to wear them!!

The bond created all those years ago

Janus Fox, BCS’75

certainly was rekindled during our few days

“I am living in Ottawa where I am retired

together. Here is to an inspiring group of

from my hectic career in the high-tech

women who not only WERE my classmates

industry. My focus now is covering off my

but also ARE my friends for making our 51st

adventure bucket list which unfortunately

Reunion such a memorable time.”

is temporarily on hold these days due to COVID-19. I find many similarities of what

20

From the archives KHC Newsletter Fall 2020

A year for the books

by Merrylou Smith, Archivist COVID-19 was not the first disease

laughter is the best medicine and these

epidemic to wreak havoc in the lives of

girls did their best to lighten the burden

students. KHC students expressed their

of affliction. Here are some humourous

feelings about being infected with measles

reflections from the past about their

and mumps in yearbook entries. They say

experiences.

21

fare thee well KHC Newsletter Fall 2020 Alice (Ross) Aird, KHC’45

Foundation, the Bahamas Humane Society

school at Concordia University to attain her

December 31, 1928 – October 10, 2019

and Operation Potcake. It was a common

BA in Psychology and later with great pride

Alice Evelyn Aird (née Ross) Passed away

sight to see Kate driving around town

graduated with her M.Ed. in Counselling

peacefully after a long illness in the Avalon

throwing dog biscuits to the potcakes at

from McGill University. Barbara enjoyed a

Care Center in Orangeville, ON. She was

the side of the road or in the Super Value

career as a Professional Counsellor working

born in Quebec City on December 31, 1928,

parking lot. She loved to support local artists

for various school boards in the Montreal

the second child of Gordon and Kathleen

and musicians and helped revive the Jazz

area, recognized for her testing of youth

Ross. She moved to Montreal after high

scene in 2005 supporting bands like Jazz

to identify learning challenges, as well as

school and met Peter John Aird, BCS’44, the

etc. In 2015, Kate moved back to Montreal

being in private practice. In addition to her

love of her life. They married in 1951 and had

and this was an opportunity for the family’s

career, Barbara was involved with many

three children: Janet, Robert and Brian. She

fourth generation to spend time with the

boards and charitable organizations as

loved her family and was loved in return. She

“Kate” they had heard so much about. She

well as having a great love and talent for

worked hard to support Peter’s career. She

was independent, principled and above all

her many creative interests. Barbara was

found joy in tennis, bridge, travel, business

stubborn!! She was quick to help others but

predeceased by her beloved husband of

and politics, and she was an active volunteer

never accepted help herself. At an age when

52 years William J. Maclaren, her parents,

in the community. She had an abiding faith

most people would say “I’ve done my bit, let

her sister Phyllis Townley (Bruce), brother

in God. Alice is survived by her husband

someone else volunteer”, she was still going

Bud Hyman (Anne) and brother-in-law Jock

of 68 years; her three children, seven

down to Chez Doris women’s shelter, twice

Maclaren. She is survived and will be forever

grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren;

a week, to serve lunches to between 60 - 80

cherished by her daughters, Heather (Ajay),

and her brother Robert Ross. She will be

women. Kate loved the outdoors, enjoying

Catherine, and Judith. She will be dearly

missed but the memories are strong and will

skeet shooting and fly fishing with her

missed by her brother Major David Hyman

continue living in the hearts of those whose

father. She returned regularly to the Godbout

(Helgard), sister-in-law Margaret Maclaren,

lives she touched. We thank Judy McCracken,

River to salmon fish with FS, Lucy, cousins

nine nieces and nephews, and seven great-

Candace Skinner, the Avalon, the Alzheimer

Stephen and the Rat. In skeet shooting she

nieces and nephews. Barbara will always

Society of Dufferin County, and the many

represented the Bahamas at the Canadian

be remembered for her beautiful spirit,

others who supported Alice through her long

Open in St. Janvier and in Puerto Rico. In the

devotion to family and friends, kindness,

and trying illness. In lieu of flowers, please

clay pigeon shooting sequence of the James

generosity, zest for life—including her

send donations to the Alzheimer Society.

Bond movie Thunderball in 1965, she was

Zsa Zsa ‘sparkle,’ sense of humour, that

the shooter making Sean Connery look like

wonderful twinkle in her eye, and her smile

Kate (Molson) Seiler, KHC’53

a pro.Kate made an impression wherever

which lit up everyone who encountered

– April 15, 2020

she went. She will be missed by so many

it. If so desired, memorial tributes may be

On April 15, 2020 Kate passed away at

friends and family for her joie de vivre, good

made to the Montreal General Hospital

home after a short battle with cancer. She

sense of humour and generous spirit. In lieu

Foundation. Condolences may be offered to

was the daughter of Clair (nee Jeffery) and

of flowers, donations can be made to Chez

mountroyalcem.com/index.php/en/online-

Stuart Molson and predeceased by her sister

Doris, www.chezdoris.org.

memorials.html.

Seiler. She will be missed by her nieces and

Barbara (Hyman) Maclaren, KHC’54

Leslie “Lali” (Kennedy) Jones, KHC’57

nephews Cindy (Ian) Derek, Peter (Micki) and

1936– May 8, 2020

March 7, 1940– January 2, 2019

Jill, great-nieces and nephews Jeffery (Dalida),

It is with great sadness that our beloved

Died suddenly at the age of 78 at the Jewish

Katie, Alex, Tory,

mother, Barbara C. Maclaren has passed

General Hospital. Mother, grandmother,

Lucy and husbands Stirling Moss and Don

away at the age of 83 on May 8, 2020 in

wife, sister, aunt, friend, artist, and educator,

Christian and Lance Seiler. Kate was a free

David and Nicolas as well as stepchildren

Montreal. Barbara was born and raised in

Lali wore many different hats. Her joyous

spirit and settled in Nassau spending the next

Gaspe, Quebec to Percival G. Hyman and

laugh and large smile lit up every room

60 years there fully embracing the culture

Mabel I. (Reynolds). She attended school at

she entered whether in Westmount, Saint-

and the people. Kate never sought praise or

King’s Hall, Compton and Bishop’s College

Adolphe, Morin Heights, Ste Agathe, or the

the spotlight for the acts of kindness she

before entering nursing school at the

many places she travelled. Lali is survived by

performed; some of the charities that she

Montreal General Hospital. After she married

her three daughters Jennifer (Tim Frantz),

supported were The Tara Xavier Hepburn

and had three daughters, she returned to

Meredith, Tamara (Tristan Barr), and her five

Fare Thee Well 22 Fall 2020 KHC Newsletter

grandchildren Samantha, Allison, Kirsten,

Hope at www.rossfuneralchapel.com. A

Phoenix, and Cora. She was predeceased by

celebration of life will be organized later in

her husband Dick and her beloved sisters

the summer.

Nan and Shirley. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Westben Arts Theatre

Jennifer Lois Byers, KHC’66

westben.ca/donate with “In Memory of Lali

December 18, 1950 – April 28, 2019

Jones” in the program line.

Jennifer Lois Byers, age 68, of Bowen Island, British Columbia passed away on Sunday

Caroline (Massey) McLimont, KHC’60

April 28, 2019. Jennifer was born December

April 4, 1946 – May 17, 2020

18, 1950. Fond memories and expressions of

Caroline Lillias Massey, aged 74, died

sympathy may be shared at www.MeM.com

peacefully in her sleep at Northumberland

for the Byers family.

Hills Hospital in Cobourg on May 17, 2020.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama on April 4,

Patricia Ann “Pam” (Morgan) Candlish,

1946 to Melodie Frances Willis-O’Connor

KHC’66

and Roland Fields Crisson; she was adopted

June 18, 1949 – January 8, 2019

by her stepfather Hart Massey, architect and

She died peacefully in her home surrounded

son of Govenor General Vincent Massey after

by her loving family on January 8, 2019 after

Melodie and Hart were married in 1947. A

a long battle with Huntington’s Disease.

bon vivant with a gypsy spirit, she lived in

She was a strong, independent woman,

London, England and Trieste, Italy during

born in Montreal, Quebec June 18, 1949 to

the sixties, before opening her high-end

Ivy Senkler and Dr. George Morgan. Pam

fashion store, Justine, in Ottawa. After a

is survived by her husband of 46 Years,

decade of dressing many of Ottawa’s finest,

Ross, her four children Tiffany, Barbara

including Margaret Trudeau, Caroline moved

(Keith), William (Melissa), and Reid (Bonnie).

to Toronto where she became a commercial

She will always be remembered by her

wardrobe stylist working on advertising

three grandchildren: Jonathan, Erica, and

campaigns, music videos and television

Roberta. Pam was predeceased by her

shows. Much in demand, she was known as

sisters Mary-Jean (Hugh), Joan, and her

Princess Carolina within the industry. She

brother Bob Morgan. A graduate of McGill

knew how to make clothes look right for

University, Pam earned a Master’s Degree

her clients who delighted in being dressed

in Library Sciences. Pam was an author,

by her. But most of all Caroline loved the

teacher, webmaster, artist, environmentalist,

company of others. She was a fabulous

gardener, photographer, cancer survivor,

cook, threw many glamorous and often

and an accomplished musician. She loved

wild parties, loved fun and laughter and

dogs, chocolate, coffee, and had a legendary

cared deeply about her friends. She was

passion for road trips. In lieu of flowers,

never happier than after having cooked a

please send donations to the Huntington

superb meal, accompanied by lots of wine,

Society at huntingtonsociety.ca.

when she was able to kick back with a Flaming Sambuca and really enjoy those dearest to her. As her energy diminished and working as a stylist in Toronto became too demanding, she retired to Port Hope.

Although her life in a small Ontario town was far less boisterous, she remained, with her big hair, brightly polished nails and her storied past, La Princesse. She is survived by her brother, the artist, John Massey, her beloved cat Kung Foo and the enduring love of her many friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Northumberland Humane Society in Port

How to contact us: alumni@bishopscollegeschool.com

819.566.0227 x253

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Honouring your stories to build a stronger future You can help us preserve the KHC legacy for future generations King’s Hall, Compton was more than a

But we can’t do it alone! We would love

school. It was a community of caring

to hear your stories about your time at

teachers, dedicated staff, and inquisitive

KHC and learn about the memories you

students who built its rich history. Today,

hold dear. Whether it’s a story about order

the legacy of that history lives on at

marks, French class with Mlle Cailteux,

Bishop’s College School.

or the infamous ‘croc walks,’ we want

As part of an initiative in our Alumni

to hear it all. To find out how you can

Office, we want to celebrate the stories of

share your story with us, please email

our alumni, starting with our KHC girls, in an

alumni@bishopscollegeschool.com or call

ongoing effort to build the body of archival

819.566.0227 x253.

materials about life at KHC and BCS.

Photos and stories from King’s Hall, Compton will serve as an important reminder of our school’s history.

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