Dear Parents,
It has been an eventful few weeks, capped off with an unprecedented two day “snow day” in Toronto. Even though we were all at home, our Havergal students pivoted effortlessly and continued to work on both school work and their co-curricular projects. Please read on to see what these amazing students have been up to!
In this edition
- Sharing COVID-19 Data
- Major Dates Calendar
- Semester Change Over – Jan 27-31, no classes
- Student Life Updates
- Ordering Lunch: Chartwell’s Form
- Dates on the Horizon
Sincerely,
JJ Patterson, Head of Middle School
Deirdre Timusk, Head of Senior School
Latest News
Sharing COVID-19 Data
We will be posting a daily update about COVID-19 positive cases (rapid antigen and PCR), that are reported to the College through Thrive Health. The data will be identified by cohort and will include the student’s last known date on campus. Updates will be posted to the Parent portal under the Parent Resources area on the link named “Thrive Test Reporting.”
The information for Thursday, January 20, 2022 can be found here. Note that only cases after January 10, 2022 are reported here, and that last dates on campus in December are approximations, as the Upper School was in remote learning.
Major Dates Calendar
The Major Dates Calendar for the 2022-2023 school year is linked here. We have looked strategically at the planning for Professional Development days and have aligned them with holidays when there is a natural synergy with family time as well as what works well for faculty professional development.
Semester Change Over: January 27-31, no classes
Semester 1 ends on Wednesday, January 26th at 3:30 pm. Students are off school on January 27 through Janaury 31 inclusive as teachers are writing report cards and preparing for the beginning of the new semester. Classes resume for Semester 2 on Tuesday, February 1st. It will be a Day 2 on the rotation schedule.
Student Life Updates
Virtual Speakers in Class
While being online has drawbacks, it has allowed us to access speakers for our students who might be located in another part of the world. Just in the past week our grade 12 politics classes had the pleasure of hearing from former MP Celina Caesar-Chavannes. She spoke to our students about transformative leadership and the importance of knowing our values and beliefs clearly in order to lead with empathy and courage. “Don’t just do what is easy – do what is right.” Our media arts classes heard from Louie Palu, an award winning Canadian documentary filmmaker known for covering social-political issues, including war and human rights. His work has been published in the National Geographic Magazine, The New York Times, The Washington Post Magazine, The Guardian, Der Spiegel, and El Pais. Another photographer, filmmaker and storyteller, Jenny Jay, CEO of The Double Jay Collective came and spoke to our Communications class as well.
Period Project Launched
The Student Council revealed the plans for the Period Project. They have designed a pilot project to bring free, emergency menstrual products into the washrooms for our students in both the Junior School and the Upper School. There will be an educational component as well as a drive for donations for feminine products for Covenant House, spearheaded by Sloane in Grade 7. Stay tuned for more details. Thank you to our Student Council: Hannah H, Irene C, Kirsten GS, Natasha S, Lulu D, Lara C, Kaitlyn D, Leah A, Claire R, Hannah I, Hana N, Katie S for all their hard work.
Covenant House: Personal Care Products Drive – Starts Monday, January 24
Alongside the Period Project, there is a personal care product drive for Covenant House being led by Sloane P. in Grade 7. As part of their extensive programming for homeless youth, Covenant House provides hygiene and feminine products to support young women who need immediate shelter and who are transitioning to stable housing. In order to support this initiative, all students are encouraged to bring new personal care products such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, combs, brushes, pads and tampons. Drop off locations can be found in various locations around the Upper School. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Course Selection Help for Grade 8s
With course selection coming for our Grade 8 students, the older students worked hard to support them. Over 25 Upper School students worked with the MS Guidance counsellors to create videos for each of the many electives that students will be choosing. Take a look at one of the videos advertising the art elective by Emily N. These videos are all on the Grade 8 Guidance section of your child’s Veracross page. Thank you to Lillian W, Kovi Z, Noor H, Joella L, Eve U, Ella C, Madison C, Naomi M, Asiya M, Khushi S, Shirley R, Olivia Z, Katie C, Catharine C, Kelly W, Karishma K, Frances B, Olivia M, Zoe S, Chelsea T, Mackenzie L, Grace L, Erin H, Hillary S.
Tea Party
The Prefects hosted a Tea Party for their fellow students. Over 60 students attended this event. School Captain, Marley M said, “The Zoom Tea Party provided a virtual opportunity for students from Grades 7-12 to discuss course selection, leadership, and student life. There were great fascinators and great tea selections, but most importantly, there were great conversations!” It was a great opportunity for students in different grades to connect with each other.
Ordering Lunch: Chartwell’s Form
For the week of January 31, you are invited to submit your lunch orders by Wednesday, January 26 at 12 noon: Chartwell’s Order Form
Dates on the Horizon
Jan 24 – Feb 18: Personal Care Products Drive for Covenant House
Jan 27, 28, 31: No classes – semester change over
Jan 27 – February 8: Online re-enrolment
February 1: Semester 2 begins
February 7: Full Report Card available at 4 pm via Veracross
Feb 10: Semester 2: People & Program Evening (6:30 pm)
Feb 18 – Feb 21 (inclusive): Mid-Term Break
March 11 – 27 (inclusive): March Break
The Weekly: Upper School 