Havergal, an all-girls’ school, and De La Salle, a co-ed school, are both educational institutions in Toronto. Some call them “private” schools. Others, use the word “independent”.
I am sure both have graduated some fine young people. As a matter of fact, I know a fair number - because I wrote stories about them in the Toronto Star and interviewed others on THE HIGH SCHOOL SHOW heard Sunday mornings on THE FAN 590.
So, here’s the issue.
Both Havergal and De La Salle administrations have chosen to prevent their student athletes from receiving well-deserved media attention. I know, it sounds ridiculous.
Moms and dads, who spend thousands of dollars sending their kiddies to these schools, should know this.
Interesting at how some 40 other private, or independent, schools, welcome media sports attention. Not Havergal or De La Salle.
Havergal, for instance, had an athlete win an event at the recent Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association track and field championships but went as far as to prevent the name from being announced or even published. Yet, people did have access to a list of all competing athletes. I have one of those lists.
Yes. Track and field statistics show No. 2, No. 3, No. 4, etc. — but, no No. 1.
I asked why and was told. Havergal wanted it that way.
Sounds bizarre.
Claiming privacy violations and other stuff, the real reason is that these two schools appear to be worried about their student names and pictures ending up on — strange websites or in the hands of predators.
I asked a senior member of the Toronto Police Service about this and the facial expression said it all. The word “paranoid” almost roled off the lips of the police officer.
Short of hiring security cops to chaperone their students, I wonder how the administrations at Havergal and De La Salle would feel knowing that dozens of people - including “strangers” - were also at York taking pictures. Who knows, maybe some were across the street with movie cameras and equipment taking photos?
And can you imagine what went on during the CISAA swim championships - with people claiming to take pictures of their children. Does anyone really know who was taking photos?
Do they not understand that kids also do a fair amount of discussion and exchanging of pictures on a thing called FACEBOOK?
Fine. If Havergal and De La Salle choose to determine this as part of their school policy. I recall the comments of actor Yul Brynner in the movie, the Ten Commandments, when he said ”So it shall be written, so it shall be done”.
But Havergal and De La Salle, remember. Your colleagues at other schools think you’re also spoiling for them when members of the media choose to stay away from CISAA events.
One more thing. Havergal, as well as De La Salle names, are appearing on websites such as the Ontario Federation of Schools Athletic Association, also published in championship programs where teams are competing across the province and on and on….
I wonder how long it will take before parents insist on a change, Headmasters at other schools get involved or Havergal and De La Salle staff simply get in tune with reality and actually pick up the phone and start appealing for stories.
