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THE DARLENE S. HOWARD THEATRE
 Darlene Howard, her husband Paul and their two children - Christopher '00 and Reid '02 - have had a long and dedicated relationship with Collingwood School beginning in 1987, when Darlene was researching school options on the North Shore for her young sons. Christopher enrolled in 1988 in Grade 1, and Reid followed two years later. The Howards were not initially thinking of independent schools for their sons, but after visiting Collingwood School, Darlene was impressed with the emphasis on courtesy and respect, academic rigour and the four stranded philosophy of a Collingwood education. "I vividly remember our initial tour when we walked into a Grade 1 classroom and all the children immediately stood up and greeted us with 'Good Morning Mr. and Mrs. Howard!"
These were the early 'pioneer' days of Collingwood, and Darlene quickly became involved as a parent volunteer, first by cooking hot dogs in the old kitchen, then with Parents' Council and then as Chair of Parents' Council. During that time, she was also very involved with the school's performing arts program, first as the piano accompanist and director for the Junior School musicals and then as the piano accompanist for the Senior School choirs and musical director for Senior musicals. She would be at every rehearsal, performance and concert tour for over five years - all as part of her volunteer role. She served on the Board of Governors for nine years and was active on a number of committees, including the Communications Committee, the Education Committee, the Governance Committee, Chair of the Human Resources Committee, Secretary of the Board and finally Vice Chair. She also served on the Search Committee that ultimately hired our current Headmaster, Rodger Wright.
"I've been very fortunate to be in a position to be able to dedicate my time, talent, and treasure into three key areas I am passionate about: Education, The Arts and Community. It has been important for me to set a strong example for my children and to make a difference in any way I can. I absolutely believe that to whom much is given, much is also expected."
In 2000, the Howards made a significant donation to Collingwood School - at the time, it was the largest single donation that the school had received, with the wishes that these funds be held in the Capital Fund of the Collingwood School Foundation, to be used for the building of a new performing arts facility. As Darlene notes, "A great school needs great spaces, and a great performing arts program needs the right working conditions to soar to new creative levels." We are so grateful and delighted that our new state of the art teaching and performance theatre will be The Darlene S. Howard Theatre.
Even though their sons have long graduated from Collingwood and are thriving in post-graduate studies, Darlene and Paul have continued to have a strong interest in and connection to the School. They have often attended Senior School concerts or drama productions and were here recently for an alumni event, where they were able to see the construction site first hand. "I am so pleased to be able to support Collingwood School in this way and at this time. Collingwood offers an excellent well-rounded education with so many opportunities and choices for young people. It is clear that the school continues to cultivate good citizens who graduate well prepared for what post-secondary options and life have to offer them"
We look forward to inviting Darlene and her family to open the Darlene S. Howard Theatre in September 2014!
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Construction is coming along nicely on the new Morven build, with each day yielding visible progress. The steel frames for the new gymnasiums are now being installed: we are beginning to have a true sense of the size and scope of the new building. Heatherbrae remains on schedule which is precisely what we all want to hear!
