The Portal

36 Pages·2001·3.9 MB·English

by  Balmoral Hall

THE PORTAL
Founded in 1901
me Number Two
- . .. Thirteen,
Fail 2001
BALMORAL HALL SCHOOL
630 Westminster Avenue, Winnipeg, IVIB R3C 3S1
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]
www.balmoralhall.com
ofHavergal College
mi
from to 1906.
The following is transcribed from Miss M. J. Daiton's handwritten notes, which are undated but are believed
to have been written in about 1950 atthe request of some Rupert's Land graduates who were compiling information
a aboutthe history of Havergal and Rupert's Land Colleges.
n tfie spring ojigoi, severaf Jor tdose days, notjarjrom Occasionaiivlfy,, wfien ricfinff dorses
iprominent men in Winnijjeg government Q-fouse. coufdSe fiired, ajewgirls fiad
decidedtfiat the City sfiouldfiave wonderjuirides with 'Miss Tfaiton
agoodgirfs' coffegejvr residents and It was dijficuit to settfe on tke size across tfieprairie tdat degan in
dayjjupifs, to avoidtde necessity oj ofStaff, number ojcfassrooms and tdose days at tde top oj'Broadway
sendinggirfs T.ast, ijtfieir-parents dormitories, wfien tfie number oj dy tde Osdorne Barracks, near 'Ad
wisfiedthem to fiave aprivate scfioof prospectiveyupifs was vague. Tfay Saints Cdurcd.
education. 'As many Winnipeg girfs andhoarders hegan to he
girCs daddeen sent to Q-favergaf registeredandpreparations were A crest, with motto andemhfem,
Coffege in l'wonto, tdese men made made according to tde numhers hadto he decidedon and, afso,
contact witd tdat codege and coming in. 'Butjust tdree days Coffege cofours dadto he chosen.
odtainedinjormation to defp hejore tde Opening, a numher oj Affergreat consuftations ojStaff
estadfisd a simifar one in Winnipeg, parents wdo dadheen away aft andgirfs, the motto Afta 'Petens,
joundedongoodeducationafand tde summer,pouredin anda farge the emhfem a Soaring 'Eagfe and
refigious fines. numher (8o,j)erdaps) ojnewpuyifs the COfours ojan ox-eyedaaisy
were entered.T'dis meant rapidfy (hfack, white andorange) were
T'dejrst tding to do, ajter a meeting getting more Staffandmore decidedupon. I'his motto "Seeking
ojprospectiveparents daddecided accommodation in a douse on idgher 'Things"gave the aim oj
tdat they woufdgo adeadwitd tde ^Edmonton Street. the Coffege andthe restfess soarin,ig
project, was to finda suitadfe douse. eagfe typijiedthe vigour and
T'fiis was difficuft, hutjinaffy, a I'dese crowdedconditions coufdnot persistence with which that aim
douse known as tde Austin 'House continue indejinitefy, anda new hadto he sought.
was cdosen. It was on Carfton near wing to tde house waspfannedto
'Broadway anddadgoodgrounds provide a O-faffjor daify morning Such, were ajew ojthe doings ojthe
andwas in agoodcentrafposition 'Prayersjor the whofe schoof, jirStyears oj1-favergaf, Winnipeg.
entertainments, fectures and
physicafexercises in the winter.
Haiipv 'iOOUi Baimorai Hall! 15 Ournew Chair of the Board 28 Crestlines
What students will be doing to celebrate An interview with Ken Bicknell Catch up on the lives of school friends
Alumnae Centennial Reunion 16 The Debt Reduction Campaign
Find out why you should attend How the BH Family can make a difference
An Alumna in the News 21 Returning to our Roots
A look atAshleigh Banfield's life since 1985 Balmoral Hall plans a trip to Scotland
.
FROM TODAY
1901 TO
Miss Dalton's memories of Havergal College bring to lightthe incredible changes
that have taken place in the world and to our School in the last 100 years.
Balmoral Hall, a leading
Today, students communicate by e-mail, cell phones, and use computers in their contemporaryall-girls
daily lives. It is believed that advances in technology and knowledge are no school, is committed
longer yearly changes but hourly advancements. To this end, the community of to a tradition of
BH has spent the last ten months crafting a strategic plan that incorporates a academic excellence.
planning, implementing, evaluating and improving framework. Details of this plan We educate, encourage
will be incorporated into Balmoral Hall's Year End Report available in November 2001 and empower ourgirls
and young women
As in the past, our goal is to provide students with a well-balanced foundation for
to achieve their
personal and professional success by offering them an enriched and challenging
personal best.
program specifically tailored to the way girls learn. Both the academic and
extra-curricular activities are designed to motivate and challenge students to
achieve their personal best. ThePortal, a publication of
Balmoral Hall School's
As in the early 1900s, we continue to welcome day and boarding students and we continueto grow. In fact, Development&Alumnae Office, is
distributedto over4,000members
withinthe lastthreeyears, the numberofstudents in residence has doubled and our international students form a ofthe BH Family—parents,
wonderful global community that enriches everyone's educational experience. alumnae, grandparents, staff,
former parents,formerstaffand
Today, enrollment is at an impressive 545 students with three out of every four applicants registering. As friends ofthe School.
several grades are full, many eager applicants are currently on waiting lists. My congratulations go out to Head ofSchool
all the BH staff who have worked so hard to build our exciting community of learners. As in 1901, inquiries Claire Sumerlus
keep coming in! Evidence that after 100 years of dedication to the education of young women, girls and Editors
boys (JK & K), families recognize that BH is the best educational choice in Manitoba. Genevieve Delaquis
Tina Alto
Some things also remain the same. BH students are encouraged to become critical and compassionate thinkers, Contributors
lifelong learners, and responsible citizens of both their local communities and the global community. Our global MaryetBatenchuk '01
community is being invited back to the School over the course of our centennial year to events such as the Cheryl Briggs
Lisa Calsbeck
Yes She CanAwards Dinner in January, the Parent Association Dinner/Dance & Auction in March and the T'shura-Ann Elias '94
Alumnae CentennialReunion in May. Marisa Louridas '02
Maria Lysack'82
look forward to welcoming back our BH Family - hope many of you will join us at our monthly Decade Jennifer McDonald
i I
Gaelyn McGregor
Assemblies listed on page 4.
Jennifer(Thamer) Meister'85
Deborah Metcalfe '76
Meliora Petens,
Keisey Mills '01
'OMl Tennis Leach '83
Murray Peterson
Claire Sumerlus, Head of School
— Heather(Hinchliffe) Ragot'81
Strategic Goals Balmoral Hall will... Susan Sammons
Continue to provide a personalized well rounded cooperatively as a team and to provide ample Joanie Shops
Tracy Smith
educational and social program that best addresses professional growth opportunities to enhance the Sarah Young '98
the needs of an all girls environment. productivity and dynamism of the school.
Balmoral Hall School
Further advance its national and international Continue to work in a supportive partnership with 630WestminsterAvenue
reputation as an international girls' school by parents, the Board of Governors and community to Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3C3S1 Canada
providing a global education emphasizing social ensure the continued success of our students. Tel [phone]
responsibilities and global awareness. Optimize overall enrollment, striving to sustain and Fax[phone]
Be E-mail: [email protected]
a leading all girls school providing a distinctive and enhance the rich diversity and high academic profile vvvvw.balmoralhall.com
outstanding student centered learning experience of Balmoral Hall's student body.
Design, Layout& Production
noted for its high standards, enhanced curriculum, QExpand and diversify its sources of revenue and Bulman Communications
technology curriculum, technology integration, manage its expenses with fiscal responsibility to Group Limited.
academic rigor and engagement of students with ensure that BH can achieve its mission and Please send your comments,
faculty in the process of inquiry, discovery and critical strategic goals. articles, pictures and
Crestlines newstothe
thinking. Continue to maintain and enhance its facilities to Development&Alumnae
Continuously build a highly qualified and effective support curricular and extracurricular programs and, Office atthe above address.
faculty and administrative staffthatworks thereby, enhance student learning.
THE PORTAL-FALL
r 2001 1
ES OF THE SCHOOL UNIFORM
Wfien 1 was at %upe, (eotarcJis fiadnot ^een
mvente({ancfwe dadto ^eep our fisfe
stockings up means ojagarter 9e[t.
CEvery now andagain, oJcourse agarter
wouldsnaj) andyoujust hopedandyrayed
tfiat tke otfier one woufddofdor efse tfie
stocking woufdsfitfier down to your ankCe,
Mary (Tucker) Taylor, Rupert's Land '48
Rupert's Landstudents in the 1940s
One visuafremembrance about cfotfiing at
(Bafmorafl-fadwas tde vision ofour headmistress,
lAiss Iviurred-WrigfLt, rushing down the centre
aisfe at Trayers in the morning with her academic
gawnjiying behindher andthe mortar hoard
which sat scjuarefy on her headmaking her fook
very stern indeed 'Injact, ^ discovered, especiaffy
in mygraduating year, that she reafly hada
marshmadow heart andher caringfor thegirfs
was outstanding.
Mary (Bruce) Graham BH '66
Seen here in 1951 are
when Q was at It was a Johanna (Wintemute) Ferguson,
time when your seij-expression firstBHHead Girl, Cathy(Young) IVIontrose,
was shown hy what was on Head Girl in 1952andMiss G. Murrell-Wright,
HeadofSchool
the inside, not the outside,
hy your hoxersl
Aynsley Baldwin BH '99
1 wonder haw manygirfs who
hadsworn redandgrayjor
off
foundthemsefves wearing
fij-e
just those cofoursjrecjuent(y
in the years to comel 1 stiff
dojrom time to time.
Marion (Hambley) Campbell,
Riverbend '45
Riverbendstudents hardat work
in the mid 1930s
2 FALL 200 - THE PORTAL
1
MEMORIES OF THE SCHOOL UNIFORM
T'de Sest tding aSout wearing
a uniform was tdat xjou never
fiadto tfiin^ adoutyour
outfit in tde morning. Infact,
1gainedone invafuadfe skidin wearing
afew ofus Hez kids woufa
tdis uniform. Q (earnedto tie a tiel
sleep in our sdirts andtigdts
witd our ties tiedanddove 'iAntturnoidvuecrtsiiotny,totdmisandeycaymoeunaggrmeeant
stwdeeamterr,eaadnydnsedxotestontedaerktid(te, wdo askedfor lessons and
were suitadfy impressed!
door - tdat way, you coufd
sfeej) rigdt uj) untifyou Suzanne Evans BH '62
deardtde dreakfast vefC
Mira (Sahay) Black BH '90
Students wore tunics until the 1960s
Video of School Uniforms
I'dey triedtartan
pantsfor a few years, With inputfrom alumnae around the world, a video ofthe school
tdey were (B'A'Dl We uniform is now complete! Leah Wong and Katie Reynolds, currently
usedto (ike to ro(( in Grade 10, have been digging in the Archives, flipping through
dawn our socks. 'My yearbooks and compiling responses from alumnae abouttheir
daugdter now tries fondest memories ofthe uniform.
to do tdat, andl
won't (et derl This contribution to the centennial celebrations is one of many
activities students have been a part of overthe lastyear as BH
Tannis Leach BH '83
prepares for its 100* anniversary. The video includes photographs .
that show the evolution ofthe Rupert's Land, Riverbend and
JudyPrzibislawsky
wearing tiie BH Balmoral Hall uniforms. Also included are quotes from alumnae
pants in 1977 aboutthe impact ofthe uniform on their lives then and now.
Students plan to showthe video to current students at a school
assembly and to alumnae attending the CentennialReunionm May
2002. They also hope that itwill be accessible on the school's
Our Leaders website soon!
2001/02BoardofDirectors AdvisoryBoard 2001/02ParentAssociation
• KenBicknell,Chair • OssamaAbouZeid • CherylMaidment,President ParentAssociation
• GeneDunn,PastChair •JohnC.Carstairs •CarrieStefanik,Vice-President MembersatLarge
• RuthAsper • DitteCloutier,BH'66 •Cher/IFitzpatrick,Secretary • LindaAlexander
• RoyCook • StephenJ.Coyle • MonicaHerzberg,Treasurer •SusanHalprin
• KeithJordan • HughC.Ellis •PritiMehta-Shah,AllocationsChair •GaelynIVlcGregor
• EdwardKennedy • KerryHawkins • LindaMitchell,ArchivesChair •SusanIVIurdoch
• LoganKruger • IanL.Jessiman •AnnPrendiville&LesaCampbell, • LoriStewart
• RosanaLeungShing • RobertM.Kozminski BarbequeCo-Chairs • MargaretWolstencroft
• Chep/IMaidment, • CyrilG.Labman • MelanieMaksymyk,BingoChair • MonicaWood
President,BHParentAssociation •J.HughMcDonald •YolandaKozlowski,CommunicationsChair
• DeborahMetcalfe,BH76,President, •W.JohnMcKeag •PatMain,CommunicationsAssistant
BHAlumnaeAssociation • IrenePalmer • CharlotteSytnyk,DanceChair
•LindaMitchell • RolandE.Rivalin • ColleenMoir,DanceAuctionCo-Chair
•TannisLeachBH'83 • RodRRoblin •KenHorch,GolfTournamentChair
• ChrysPappas •JohnD.Shanski •WandaZajac,JuniorSchoolLiaison
• LawrencePrendiville • GaryT.Steiman •LorelieSmith,LibraryChair
• LynnRomeo • LydiaSurasky-Matte •ElainePigden,Middle&SeniorLiaison
• GraemeSifton •WilliamE.Watchorn •PamSimmons,NeadyNewSaleChair
• LydiaSurasky-Matte • Kan/nGloberman,ResidenceCo-Chair
• MaureenWatchorn •VernaDanylchuk,SocialChair
rTHE P O RTA L-FALL
2001
1APPY 100'" BALMORAL HALL!
A Message from the 100*'' Head Girl
ByMarisa Louridas '02
It is an honour for me as Head Girl to be able to represent the student body during such
a special year. The preparation of Balmoral Hall's centennial year has already been filled
with new adventures and surprises. am looking forward for the rest of the year to
I
follow this same path and for the executive council to always be faced with new and
exciting challenges.
know that the centennial spirit will be carried throughout the year with each grade
I
profiling a specific decade at an assembly. Reuniting with the past BH Family will be a
dominant focus with the help of the new Alumnae Prefect. Our Centennial Prefects are
also ready to organize new events in order to add to the uniqueness of this year. am
I
very excited to be representing all BH students and graduating in this unforgettable year!
Congratulations Balmoral Hall! A Lasting Keepsake...and a Great GiftI
By CherylBriggs, Judy Christie & Christina Kowalec A few copies are still available of the anniversary
Centennial StaffCommittee Co-Chairs CD featuring the five choirs of Balmoral Hall School!
Professionally manufactured, "A Centennial Choral
With Balmoral Hall's centennial year now here, staff and
Celebration" is a 75 minute CD featuring thirty-seven
students are eagerly preparing for their part in the celebrations.
musical selections sung by girls from Grade One to
Each grade level from Senior 4 (Grade 12) down to Grade 3 is Twelve. This CD was recorded in the spring terms of
responsible for one decade leading up to our 100* year as 1999 and 2000 as a special project to celebrate the
Balmoral Hall. The activities will include a special assembly School's 100* anniversary.
acknowledging that decade and one other activity during the
Cost: $18 (add $2 to have it mailed)
month. The decades will coincide with each month of the
school year from September to June. Pick up your copy at the School today or to order call
[phone] or e-mail [email protected]
The Senior 4 students kicked off our celebrations with an assembly
in September and helped organize and carry out the various
activities at the annual Bar-B-Q which had a 1900s picnic theme.
Each of the primary grade levels will work with one of the
older grades to help plan and take part in the activities. The
celebrations promise to be fun and exciting with students
from all grades helping to honour a decade.
Join us at our special assemblies in the Richardson Hall
Athletic Centre:
• Celebrating the 1910s (Grade 11 assembly)
-
Friday, October 12, 2001 9 a.m.
• Celebrating the 1920s (Grade 10 assembly)
Friday, November 9, 2001 - 9 a.m.
• Celebrating the 1930s (Grade 9 assembly)
Wednesday, November 28, 2001 - 9 a.m.
• Celebrating the 1940s (Grade 8 assembly)
Friday, January 11, 2002 - 9 a.m. A Centennial Choral Celebration
4 FALL 200 - THE PORTAL
1
THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS
BALMORAL HALL SCHOOL
Centennial Reunion
May3-5, 2002
Your Centennial Reunion Planning Committee
Chair Heather (Hinchliffe) Ragot '81
Reunion Advisors Ditte (Lansky) Cloutier '66
Linda (Leach) Radcliffe '63
Carolyn (Dowler) Reid Graham RIV '49
Treasurer Deborah Metcalfe '76
Secretary Shelley Muir '81
Communications Jennifer (Thamer) Meister '85
Join us at the Centennial Reunion in 2002! Liz Robertson '80
ByHeather(Hinchliffe) Ragot '81, Reunion Chair Angela (Nichol) Dyborn '85
It's hard to believe but the Centennial Reunionweekend is right Accommodations Aynsley (Hinchliffe) Cockshott '83
around the corner! May 2002 is approaching with great speed Hospitality Jocelyn Peifer '80
and the organizing connmittee has been hard at worl< getting Transportation Jackie Cantin '83
events and activities ready for returning alumnae! Registration Daphne (White) Lindsay RIV '49
Maria (Clark) Lysack '82
Our nnonthly meetings are well attended by a group of dedicated Tours of Aikins House Aria (Button) Sidebottom RLS '47
volunteers committed to keeping the interests of all alumnae as the Carole Ann (Cory) Baron '59
central focus. The basic frameworkforthe weekend is now in place. Archive Displays Lyn Stephen '57
At our last meeting in June, the Committee setthe registration fee Decade Parties Sarah Young '98
at $150 with an 'early bird' fee of $135 for those registering before Laura Fletcher '00
mid-March. This fee includes decade parties on Friday night, a Sarah Coates '00
luncheon at Balmoral Hall on Saturday afternoon and the Gala Fete at BH Heather (Jessiman) Partridge '90
Dinner laterthat evening. Avariety of events will be held throughout Erin Palmer '00
the weekend so stay informed about upcoming announcements! Amanda Aldous '02
Keeping this in mind, the Committee is planning for large numbers Jennifer Baron '91
of alumnae returning to visit former classmates and staff. In order Darlene (Andison) Burke '88
to keep numbers manageable, we've decided that the weekend Rachel Corrin '00
will be an "alumnae-only" celebration. Ardyth DeFehr '91
Megan Jessiman '83
Thus, the focus of the CentennialReunionwill be on events of Danielle Matte '02
interest to alumnae and former staff. And don't worry, the Aliza Sharfe '02
Committee recognizes that alumnae love to visit with each other! Rebecca Staunton '90
Time has been set aside for uninterrupted talk time. Come Gala Dinner Drew Salter '77
prepared to chat!
Lisa Shore '75
Church Service Leslie (Stove!) Sprange '67
If you would like to register now, you can use the form We are still in need ofvolunteers. Can you help out?
inserted in this issue of The Portal. We look forward to Please checkthe list of possible volunteer positions on
page 6 and on the School websiteto keep up-to-date on
receiving your registration!
how you can get involved.
rTHE PORTAL-FALL 2001
TTING READY FOR A GREAT GATHERING
We Need Your Help! Centennial Reunion Schedule of Events
"I can't wait to see this reunion come to life!" Here is what we have in store for you next May. We hope
Jennifer(Thamer) Meister '85, Communications Co-Ciiair you will be able to join us as we reunite 100 years of
- alumnae at one big weekend celebration!
"It's been great connecting with alums from other decades
each has their own perspective of what BH is and was to them To get up-to-date information, keep your eye on our website,
and brings their own unique ideas and spirit to the table." www.balmoralhall.com
Sarali Coates '00, Decade Parties Committee
Friday, May 3, 2002
"Don't forget to register early to ensure your participation in a
2:30 p.m. School Assembly
wonderful event!"
Dapiine (White) LindsayHIV '49, Registration Co-Chair 3:30 p.m. Registration at BH
To pull offthis large reunion, we need many of you to get 4-8 p.m. Dinner on own
involved. We hope one ofthe following positions will be -
7:30 9:30 p.m. Registration at The Fairmont Winnipeg hotel
of interestto you: (Portage & Main)
Souvenirs Coordinator
8 p.m. Decade Parties at The Fairmont Winnipeg
This volunteer will select and order souvenir items that appeal • Entertainment by Mira (Sahay) Black '90
to alumnae, provide input on the promotional brochure, set up a Saturday, May 4, 2002
booth during the weekend to sell souvenirs and coordinate
10:30 a.m. Registration
volunteers at the booth.
Volunteers & Supply Coordinator 1 1 a.m. New Directions - a special meeting of the
Alumnae Association
This alum will maintain a list of all volunteers and volunteer
requirements, provide volunteers to committees as required, Noon - 4 p.m. "Fete" at Balmoral Hall School
maintain a list of supplies required and ensure prompt and safe • Includes lunch, tours, demonstrations
return of each item, greet and direct volunteers on-site during by students, show in theatre, archive
displays, souvenirs, group photos
the reunion, and organize a volunteer recognition event following
the reunion. 6 p.m. - 1 a.m. Gala Dinner at The Fairmont Winnipeg
Volunteers are also requiredto: • Ashleigh Banfield '85,
Master of Ceremonies
• Set up archive displays
• Oversee the Saturday Luncheon Sunday, May 5, 2002
• Assist with the Gala Dinner 1 p.m. Service at Westminster Church
• Help at the Registration Desk
P.S. Your Registration Form is enclosed in this issue!
• Assist with the Church Service
It will be enclosed once again in the January 2002
To find out more, please contact the Alumnae Office at issue of The Portal.
[phone] or e-mail [email protected]
Party for Former Staff To All Centennial Reunion-Goers!
All current and former staff are invited to attend the Centennial Although we are still a few months away from the alumnae
Reunion. However, if you are unable to attend the entire weekend, Centennial Reunion in May 2002, you may like to know that
we hope you will consider joining us at the Decade Parties on a block of hotel rooms has been booked at The Fairmont
Friday, May 3'^ at 8 p.m. at The Fairmont Winnipeg. This will be Winnipeg. This hotel is located at the corner of Portage &
a great opportunity to see your former students and colleagues! Main (formerly the Lombard and the Westin).
This option is only available to current and former staff at a cost A special rate of $109 (single or double) per night is
of $10 per person. Please use the enclosed registration form. available for alumnae. Please call the hotel directly at
1-800-441-1414 to make your reservation.
FALL 200 - THE PORTAL 1
1
TOMORROW
YESTERDAY, TODAY,
Deborah Metcalfe 76(left) receives theAlumnae
Pin from Catherine (Coughlin) Thiessen 78at the
Alumnae Brunch in April2001
The pin was a gift to Anne (Crowe) Collum, the first
Havergal College Alumnae President at the time of
her marriage in 1913. Shaped like the Havergal
College crest, this gold and diamond pin continues
to be passed down to Alumnae Association
Presidents who wear it with great pride.
Report on the Annual General Meeting Here are a few of the events that took place over the
held April 22"', 2001 past year:
ByDeborah Metcalfe 76, AlumnaeAssociation President
• The Class of 1968 held a birthday celebration in Canmore,
would like to thank everyone who took the time to attend the Alberta in October 2000.
I
AGM this year. There were many familiar faces but also a lot of • Our Alumnae Office staff, Genevieve Delaquis, met with two
new people among us. This year, no nominations were held alumnae in Montreal in November while she was attending
because the existing board members are staying on in various a conference.
capacities on the Centennial Reunion Committee. • Alumnae reception in Victoria, B.C. in November hosted by
Claire Sumerlus, Head of School.
T'shura Elias '94 gave a report from the Heritage Committee on
• Students from Kindergarten to Grade 9 sent holiday greeting
the restoration of Aikins House. The work has included not only
cards to over 400 alumnae who graduated from our founding
the House but the paintings and furnishings as well. The remainder
schools prior to 1951.
of the main floor restoration activities are smaller finishing
• Over thirty young alums attended the "Home for the Holidays"
touches prior to the reunion weekend. Heather Hinchliffe '81
reception in Aikins House in December 2000.
gave a report on the Centennial Reunionweekend. Preparations
• Alumnae reception in London, England hosted by Claire
are well underway for a fabulous weekend for all of us. I encourage Sumerlus, in March 2001.
all alumnae to attend!
• The graduating class of 2001 was welcomed in April to our
During the 2000-01 school year, alumnae contributed a total of Association at the Alumnae Brunch and received their key chains.
$7,300 to different funds of the Annual Giving Campaign. An
Several activities have been Initiated recentlyto encourage
additional $3,700 was received for the Debt Reduction Campaign
a greater understanding of our history and a connection
which is being matched dollar-for-dollar by the Carolyn Sifton
with alumnae:
Foundation until June 30, 2002.
• Two Grade 10 students initiated a project to create a video on
aOtntceenadgeadinthIewoAuGldMlaiknedtoI tlhoaonkkfaolrlwoafrtdhotsoesAeleuinmgnaaellwohfoyou at "Memories of the School Uniform."
the CentennialReunionweekend May 3-5, 2002. • The Grade 1 1 History class interviewed 14 alums in an effort
to collect memories of the School. The oral histories were then
compiled into a book which is in the school libran/ and archives.
Plan a Class Dinner on Friday! • Several alums have volunteered to be mentors via the Alumnae
On Friday, May 3'^ Decade Parties will be held atThe Fairmont E-mail Directory.
Winnipeg hotel starting at 8 p.m. To allow classes to get • The search for lost alums continues in order to update
together for dinner, no activities have been scheduled from
our database.
4 to 8 p.m. We invite you to contact your Class Rep (listed
on page 12) to help coordinate a dinner. If your class does • The BH E-mail Directory currently contains information on over
not yet have a Class Rep, please contact the Alumnae Office 425 alumnae, and the website hosts a list of lost alumnae
so that we can provide you with a complete class list. which is regularly visited and updated.
ITHE P O RTA L-FALL 2001
LUMNA PROFILE
Ashleigh: unique, upbeat, entertaining and insightful. "It's like the
Today Show on speed," jokes Banfield.
As one ofthe fastest rising media stars in the United States,
Banfield's days are filled bringing Americans the latest news - and
that's just how she saw herself on graduation day in June 1985.
ays wanted to work in broadcast journalism," says the
former Head Girl and star of BH operettas such as Oliver and
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. "I was blind to
the possibility of failure. This is where I was aiming to be - in
the world of TV news."
About a year ago, Banfield found herself in the middle ofTV-news'
biggest story in years, as chief-correspondent during the
Bush-Gore post election saga. Her astute reporting helped triple
MSNBC's ratings and Banfield became a recognizable face across
America. MSNBC executives rewarded her with the co-anchor
position at A/eiA/sfranf(airing on MSNBC at? p.m. EST Monday
through Friday).
Banfield's success has been attributed to her upbeat personality,
her ability to see the nuances in a story, and her ambition. One
thing is for sure - she has worked hard to realize her dreams.
"I called BH when I got back from Paris to say 'you have no idea
After graduating from BH, Ashleigh moved on to Queen's where how much I needed French,'" says Banfield. "I had to work in
she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and French. French the entire week, trying to set up crews, deal with the City,
."
Just weeks after Oueen's convocation, Banfield began working get permits, deal with grief and aeronautics.
.
at CJBN-TV in Kenora, moving eventually to stations in Winnipeg,
Whatever future success comes her way, one thing is for sure:
Edmonton and Calgary- where she received numerous awards
BH provided Banfield with some very solid building blocks.
for her chronicle of the life of a homeless man. Also while in
Calgary, Banfield freelanced as an associate producer for ABC's "I had great experiences in debating with Mrs. Martin and what
World News Tonight, covering the 1991 Bush/Gorbachev Summit learned in Mrs. Sharpe's History classes clearly plays a huge
I
in Russia and the 1992 Clinton/Yeltsin Summit in Vancouver. role in what I do now, as does what I learned in Mrs. Friesen's
Geography classes," Banfield says. "Our gym teacher Mrs.
In 1995, Banfield moved to Dallas - co-anchoring KDFW Fox 4
Westdal taught me a lot about communicating, she was very
nightly news at 5 and 9, a job that nabbed her a regional Emmy
good at communicating with students."
as well as a Texas Associated Press award.
Banfield doesn't say which class prepared her for bantering with
"Without a doubt the highlight of my career so far was traveling
Jay Leno when she appeared on his show last February. But
to the Middle East and doing a documentary on the future of
those who know her know that she was just being the same old
terrorism in America," says Banfield. "I ended up in the West
upbeat, entertaining Ashleigh.
Bank in a skirmish - pretty eye opening stuff."
Editor's Note
Another highlight of Banfield's career - and one that brought
- Atthetime of publishing,Ashleigh Banfield was in NewYork reporting
back fond memories of Madame Dammerman's French classes on the terrorist attacks. We hope to share her experience with you
was traveling to Paris to cover the crash of the Concorde.
in our next issue. Balmoral Hall extends its sympathies and prayers
to all members ofthe BH Family affected bythese tragic events.
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