The Weekly – Friday, September 16, 2022

On By Havergal Upper School

Dear Havergal Parents,

This week in the Upper School, we welcomed Middle School parents to the People and Program Evening where, in addition to meeting their children’s teachers, they attended information sessions on Middle School Exchange opportunities, and the upcoming Camp Kilcoo and St. Donat Trips. The week continued with the entire Senior School (Grades 9 – 12) departing for grade trips to numerous camps located in the Muskoka area. Students arrived home smiling, happy, and exhausted: clear indicators that the trips were a resounding success.  We look forward to hosting our first Prayers parent reception of the year on Monday September 19th, to recognize the Jewish High Holidays. Next Saturday, September 24th, marks the return of Celebration Saturday, a treasured school event.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Today’s edition contains updates on the following: 

Best regards,

Cissy Goodridge, Head of Middle School 

Deirdre Timusk, Head of Senior School 

Latest News

National Day of Mourning – September 19, 2022

The Government of Ontario has mandated that all schools take time on Monday Sept 19 to observe a moment of reflection on or around 1:00 pm in honour of Queen Elizabeth’s legacy of service to the people of Canada and the Commonwealth. Havergal will be marking this occasion from JK to Grade 12, in age appropriate ways.

High Holidays Prayers & Parent Reception

Parents are invited to attend the Upper School High Holidays Prayers on Monday, September 19 from 8:40 to 9:20 am in the Brenda Robson Hall, and afterwards for a reception of coffee, tea and snacks in the Temerty Commons from 9:20 to 9:50 am.

Truth & Reconciliation Week & Orange Shirt Day – September 25 – 30, 2022

Havergal is committed to Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous communities. We will acknowledge our commitment together as a school, through age-appropriate messaging, resources and activities leading up to Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30. This year’s Truth and Reconciliation Day will have week-long programming from September 25 to 30, culminating with Orange Shirt Day on Friday, September 30. Havergal students, faculty and staff are invited to acknowledge and validate Indigenous ways of knowing and learning, learn about the history of residential schools through books, speakers and discussions, as well as honour residential school survivors. On Thursday, September 29, Upper School Prayers will welcome guest speaker Riley Yesno, Anishinaabe scholar, writer and advocate, to address students, faculty and staff. Following Prayers, students who applied in advance, are invited to remain and speak in more depth with Riley Yesno.

Celebration Saturday – You’re invited!

We’re excited to welcome you to Celebration Saturday which is an event that raises funds to support Havergal’s Community Partners and brings together students, parents, Old Girls/Alum, faculty and staff for activities and games. Attendees will also have the opportunity to peruse our Silent Auction, purchase from Marketplace vendors and visit with fellow Old Girls/Alum in our dedicated Hava Java space. Bring your extended family and friends–everyone is welcome!

 Activity Wristband and Food Tickets

The HCPA is still accepting donations and looking for volunteers.  Please see the HCPA section below for more information.

  • Essential Information for Families
    • Attendance
      • Celebration Saturday is a community event for any and all that would like to attend!  Attendance is mandatory for students in Grades 7 – 12. 
    • Timing
      • 8:45 am – Students in Grades 7 – 12 go to Ratcliffe Field for attendance
      • 9:10 am – Opening Ceremonies on the South Quad
      • 9:15 am – Festivities begin!
      • 1:00 pm – Celebration Saturday concludes.
        • Students check out with their House Advisor
    • What to Wear
      • Students are asked to wear House Colours. 
      • Parents are encouraged to dress casually and comfortably
  • Parking
    • There is limited parking available at the school on this day.  Families are encouraged to walk, carpool, take the TTC, Taxi or alternate form of transportation.

Class of 2023 Grad Family Breakfast

Grade 12 students and parents/guardians are invited to the Class of 2023 Grad Family Breakfast on Friday, September 30 at 7:30 am. Parents/guardians and senior year students will be celebrated at this breakfast, as it signifies the beginning of a special year for both the Grads and their families. If one or both parents/guardians are unable to attend, students may invite another significant adult in their life. Please RSVP by Thursday, September 22.

Updating Your Child’s Health Information – Important Change

  • Havergal is implementing Magnus Health to manage our student records. This will mean a more efficient process for parents to manage their children’s information, while ensuring accurate and up to date information is accessible to the appropriate employees at our school.
  • You can now access Magnus Health from the Parent Portal by clicking on the Update My Child’s Health Information button located on all of the landing pages, or under the My Household menu in the navigation bar.  Please reserve 20-30 minutes per child to complete this process.

Reminders

HCPA Reminders

Celebration Saturday is coming soon!

Silent Auction donations needed. Click HERE to donate.

Havergal parents, alumni, and students invited to be a vendor at Marketplace. Click HERE to apply.

Volunteers needed – Click HERE to volunteer

Coffee Mornings  – Save the Date! (More details to follow)

We are looking forward to welcoming parents into the school for grade Coffee Mornings this fall.  Join members of our SLT for coffee and conversation on the following days:

Sept 29 Grades 7 & 8 7:30am – 8:30am

Oct 4 Grades 9 – 11 7:30am – 8:30am  

Parking on campus 

We have limited parking available for parents during school hours.  We encourage you to walk to campus whenever possible or park on surrounding streets.  Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

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