Upper School College Blog – Friday, November 26, 2021

On By Havergal Upper School

Dear Parents,

Thrive Week is all about trying to reduce the stigma around mental health issues that students may have, while also teaching them how to cope — and even thrive — when things get tough. The week began with a riveting talk by alumnus, Kendra Fisher. She spoke to students about how she grappled with Severe Anxiety Disorder and other mental health issues but, with the help of a therapist and other health professionals, discovered strategies, including exercise and nutrition, to learn to live a healthful life of purpose. At lunchtime, therapy dogs had many eager student visitors lined up to say hello. The Prefects also put on the first ever Prefest, an all-day carnival to help students connect and give them a chance to relax and laugh with each other. We capped off the week with a talk at lunch with Gail Whitlow, a First Nations Holistic Healer. 

We hope that talking openly about mental health issues will destigmatize them, and educate our students to be more aware, enabling them to recognize potential issues in themselves, and in their friends, and be open to getting help early on. By showing courage and compassion, and working together we can support each other to be stronger, better versions of ourselves.

The US Blog contains information and updates on the following: 

Latest News:

Reminders:

Photos from the Week

Sincerely,

JJ Patterson, Head of Middle School

Deirdre Timusk, Head of Senior School

Latest News

The Middle School Play, Ten/Two – Tonight!

We are delighted to welcome back our parents to attend the Middle School Play this evening at 7 pm in the Legacy Theatre. This is an invitation-only event; parents of the participants in the show are welcome to attend the play. Please refer to the information that was sent to all invited guests by Cissy Goodridge on Saturday, Nov 20 and Friday, Nov 26. Parents with surnames A-M enter through the glass doors nearest the north parking lot and with surnames N-Z enter through the main school doors.  For your convenience, visitor information is in a reminder message below.

Unsanctioned Semi

It has been brought to our attention that there is a privately run semi-formal, “Blue Semi”, being run Saturday, November 27, 7:30 –  10:30 pm. Please know this is not affiliated with any school in Toronto and is not a school-sanctioned or supervised event.

Opening the Servery/Cafeteria for Same-day Purchases

We are excited to let you know that we are working with Chartwells Food to move to a more traditional model for purchasing breakfast, lunch, and after-school snacks in mid-to-late January. Currently, we are in the consultation stage with students on the food that will be available for purchase, and we are beginning to plan for the operational changes necessary within the servery space. Please stay tuned to our upcoming Blog entries for additional updates.

Junior School Vaccine Information Webinar Recording

On November 17, our Junior School families were invited to attend an information webinar related to COVID-19 vaccinations for children aged 5-11 years old, featuring Dr. Sheana Desson, Family Physician, Havergal Class of ‘95, and Havergal JS parent. If you would like to view the recording, please visit this LINK.

Reminders

Visitors to Campus

All visitors will be required to complete a wellness screening and provide proof of vaccination and valid photo identification (including name and date of birth).  

Visitors may enter the College for the reasons below:

  1. A scheduled appointment – If you have been invited on campus for a meeting, upon arrival you will need to check in with security, complete a wellness screening, and show proof of vaccination (with valid ID).
  2. Athletics event – If you are attending athletics you will need to check in at the Athletic Centre doors by completing an online Wellness screening and show proof of vaccination (with ID).  Please note that spectators are permitted into the building a maximum of 30 min before the athletic event.
  3. Havergal Group Event – If you are attending a Havergal Group event you will receive instructions from your event organizer regarding entry, screening, and proof of vaccination requirements, as they may vary depending on the size of the event.

Resources

New Circles Holiday Angels Program – Last Day!

This coming Monday, November 29th is the last day to contribute to the New Circles Holiday Angels Program, a gift-giving program that serves individuals and families, many of whom are newcomers to Canada. If you would like to contribute, students can bring their gift cards and completed donor tax forms to their Form or Advisory Teacher. 

Gift cards from the following stores would be most appreciated: Walmart, Metro, No Frills, Toys r Us, President’s Choice, Winners, Ikea

You can access a donor tax form here.

Please reach out to Ms. Wowk (awowk@havergal.on.ca) if you have any questions. Thank you so much for your help and support with this initiative.

Please Collect Your Orders at the Green & Gold

There are a number of unclaimed orders in the Green & Gold Shop. Please be aware that December 10 is the last day to collect these items. After that date, any held items will be returned to store stock and student accounts will be credited. If you are unsure as to whether or not you have an outstanding order, please contact Margie Fleming at mfleming@havergal.on.ca.

Dates on the Horizon

Friday, Dec 3: PD Day (no school for students)

Wednesday, Dec 8: Grade 9-12 Band & Strings Performance: 7 pm

Wednesday, Dec 15: Carol Service

Grades 7-10: 2 pm (students only)

Grades 11-12:  7 pm (students & grade 11/12 parents invited)

Dec 16 – Jan 3: (inclusive): School Closed for Christmas Holidays

Thursday, Dec 16: Boarding School closes at noon

Monday, Jan 3: Boarding School opens at 4 pm

Tuesday, Jan 4: Classes Resume for Students

Photos from the Week

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