Thursday, November 10, 2022

On By Havergal Upper School

Dear Families: 

Remembrance Day is a time to reflect and think about the past and how it has shaped our country and the world. Our Remembrance Day Prayers on Monday was filled with beautiful music from our choirs and string ensembles, images and names of relatives of family members in our community who have died in conflicts and prayers of remembrance of those we have lost. We also heard from Katie S who reminded us about the importance of peace. She asked the audience, 

To look at this day as a time to reflect, to be grateful, and to work to find ways we can support and love those around us. We can take this day to be grateful for our current peace and to remind ourselves to take small actions of love in our own community so that we may be better and grow stronger. Fostering peace doesn’t have to look like grandiose actions but rather is something that can be active and practised everyday. 

Wishing you all a wonderful long weekend.

Cissy Goodridge, Head of Middle School 

Deirdre Timusk, Head of Senior School 

UPPER SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL

SENIOR SCHOOL

FORUM FOR CHANGE

HCPA REMINDERS

DATES ON THE HORIZON

UPPER SCHOOL

Strategic Directions – Student Input on Tuesday, November 15

As shared earlier this week via email, we are beginning a new cycle of strategic planning to help inform Havergal’s future direction and are seeking feedback from our community, including students.

On Tuesday, students in grades 7-12 will be given time in Form/Advisory after Prayers to participate in a short questionnaire to share their perspective on Havergal’s program, facilities and services. The questionnaire for students is the same one being sent to parents, and is composed of 13 Likert-scale questions (1- strongly disagree, 7- strongly agree) on topics like: academic program, co curricular options, mission, reputation, student services, etc. and seven open-ended questions on: attributes that make Havergal unique, areas Havergal should focus on in the future; future skills and experiences for graduates; mission and values; perspectives on quality of facilities.  The questionnaire is anonymous and participation in the questionnaire is optional. While students are being given time in Form/Advisory to complete the questionnaire if they wish, it will also be open for two weeks and can be completed any time in that window. 

Hearing from all members of our community is important to us and we thank all those who offer their perspective to help shape our future direction

Save the Date! Carol Service: Thursday, December 22 – 7pm – St. Paul’s Church, Bloor Street East

Carol Service is back and we are excited to welcome all families to celebrate with us at St Paul’s Church. This community event brings together Old Girls, students, families, and Havergal employees to celebrate and sing. New to Havergal? Here is a link to a video, taken in 2013 which can give you an idea of what to expect at this magical event. 

Study Buddies

The Study Buddies program is a student-led program where students in the Middle School can access academic support from a Senior School student mentor across various subject areas. Study Buddies provides time and space for students to work on homework and projects, and to get feedback, organizational and study tips and support from Senior School students. Study Buddies is part of a larger peer-mentoring initiative at Havergal, under the leadership of Madison M. The Co-Heads of the Study Buddies program are Julia M., Sam D., and Aarna P.. The Study Buddies mentors are a group of students in Grades 10-12 who give their time and energy to provide academic support to Middle School students. Mentors are available every other Tuesday, and every Thursday in room C32 for drop-in sessions during lunch across every subject area. Study Buddies is a mentorship program where students collaborate and learn from peers, while making meaningful connections along the way.

Senior school Study Buddies mentors participated in a training session last week with Ms. Marshall and Ms. Steele. Some of the topics covered were relationship building, bringing your best self to every session, setting boundaries, moving the learning forward, and asking open ended questions to promote student understanding.

The Study Buddies program starts after the November break. Students can follow the Study Buddies Instagram account where we provide study tips, celebrate success stories, and offer updates @hcstudybuddies2223.

Peer Tutoring

We are excited to announce a new initiative at Havergal, which offers one on one peer tutoring support to students in grades 7-10. The Co-Heads of the Peer Tutoring program are Kerry L., Zoe S., and Noor K. 

As a first step, students in grades 11 and 12 were surveyed as to whether they wanted to be a peer tutor, and in what subject area. Next, students in grades 7-10 were sent a Google form to find out if they were interested in having a peer tutor at Havergal, and then were asked in what particular subject area they might want support. Finally, the grade 11 and 12 peer tutors were paired and connected with their student mentees in grades 7-10.  Senior School Peer Tutors also participated in the same training session last week with Ms. Marshall and Ms. Steele (see above).

Peer tutors and their mentees are given the opportunity to set up which day(s) and time(s) work best for both of them. They can choose to connect via text, email, zoom, or in person. 

We are looking forward to a successful year filled with learning and meaningful cross grade collaboration!

Parking at the Upper School

Please read this important information about parking at the Upper School. 

In addition, we are communicating with Grade 12 students about parking in the neighbourhood. Students need to make sure that they are adhering to the parking time restrictions, parking in a considerate manner and driving safely. Thank you for supporting us as we help our students to become considerate and responsible citizens. 

Debate Information Evening

If your child has registered for Debate Club, we encourage you to attend our Zoom information evening on Tuesday, November 15th at 7 pm. We will be introducing the Debate program, an overview of tournament schedule, travel information and logistics as we head into a year with in-person tournaments. Please use this LINK to zoom in (passcode: 057875).  The recording will be shared at a later date. We hope to see you there! 

Winter Sports Registration: open now, closes November 15

Registration for winter term sports is open. The links for winter registration are below:

Winter/Spring Rowing – https://events.veracross.com/hc/384-WinterSpringRow2022-23

Winter Athletics Tryouts – https://events.veracross.com/hc/381-winterus 

The deadline to register for tryouts is Tuesday, November 15th. Tryouts are November 15th – 25th, 2022 with more specific times found HERE (tab 2 – “Winter 2022-2023”) and on Veracross. It is very important that students email their coaches if they are missing a tryout. 

Havergal College Giving Back

It’s the time of year where our school gives back to the community through two of our long-standing Community Partnerships, please read on to see how families can be involved:

North York Harvest Food Bank: Scare Hunger, November 19 & 26

Students have come together under the leadership of Andi M. to prepare over a thousand flyers and bags that will be dropped off at homes in our Havergal College neighbourhood on November 19 to contribute to our food drive for North York Harvest Food Bank. We hope our neighbours who receive a bag will fill it up with food donations, which will be picked up by Havergal students on Saturday November 26! The goal has been set to collect donations with a total weight of 12 Gators (the real ones, not our mascot)! Map route is linked here. If you live outside of our neighbourhood and wish to contribute please bring in donations the week of November 21-25! 

New Circles: Holiday Angels Program, November 15 – December 2

This year Havergal is sponsoring 17 families this year through the New Circles Holiday Angel Program! 7 in the Junior School, and 10 in the Upper School (one for each House). We really hope to show these families our true Havergal spirit, and practise our value of compassion as we fulfil each family’s holiday wishlist! Please stay tuned for more information.

December is two weeks away! Order your Child’s Portrait now!

Your child’s school portrait is available online, and now is the time to order to have them in time for the holidays. Visit echophotography.ca/havergal2022  Your child’s student ID number is your password. Should you have any questions, our school photographer, Cameron Hubbs, is more than happy to help. cameron@echophotography.ca

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Special Rehearsals for Music Students

In order to prepare for our Middle School Music Night Wednesday December 14 at 4pm and Carol Service there are a number of mandatory rehearsals students are asked to attend in order to practice altogether at lunch. 

Grade 7 Band students:

  • Tuesday, November 22 
  • Monday, November 28
  • Monday December 5
  • Wednesday December 14 (Dress rehearsal)

Grade 8 Band students: 

  • Tuesday, November 8
  • Monday, November 21
  • Tuesday, December 6
  • Wednesday, December 14 (Dress rehearsal)

Please note, all Middle School students should have tights to wear for the music performances, please order them early to ensure your daughter has them in time.

In order to prepare for our Middle School Music Night Wednesday December 14 at 4pm and Carol Service there are a number of mandatory rehearsals students are asked to attend in order to practice altogether at lunch. 

Grade 7 Band students:

  • Tuesday, November 22 
  • Monday, November 28
  • Monday December 5
  • Wednesday December 14 (Dress rehearsal)

Grade 8 Band students: 

  • Tuesday, November 8
  • Monday, November 21
  • Tuesday, December 6
  • Wednesday, December 14 (Dress rehearsal)

Grades 8 – 12 Tuba and Euphonium players:

  • Tuesday, November 15
  • Tuesday, November 29
  • Tuesday, December 13

Grade 7 & 8 TPH Vaccine Clinic

On November 18th, nurses from Toronto Public Health will be in the school to provide free vaccinations to Grade 7 and 8 students. The clinic will take place on-site, during school hours, and will offer Meningococcal, Hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. These vaccines prevent cancers and meningitis, and protect students against serious infections, please see this TPH Parent Letter for facts about the vaccines, and further information about the clinic. Your child was given a consent form in Form this week, the consent form was to be completed by a parent or legal guardian and returned to your TA by Wednesday before the break.  If you have not yet returned your consent form, please do so on Tuesday after the break. You won’t be able to receive these important life-saving vaccines at the school clinic without a completed consent form. Remember to wear a loose sleeved shirt and eat something the day of the clinic.

Marguerite & Ivy Award

Registration for the Marguerite and Ivy Award is now open for students in grade 7 and 8. The Award:

  • Promotes personal growth 
  • Inspires care and compassion for others
  • Nurtures a growth mindset
  • Encourages a health-conscious way of being

SENIOR SCHOOL

Special rehearsals for Music Students

Winter music concerts and Carol Service are quickly approaching. In preparation for the performances, there are a number of mandatory rehearsals students are asked to attend in order to practice altogether. 

Grades 8 – 12 Tuba and Euphonium players (lunch rehearsals):

  • Tuesday, November 15
  • Tuesday, November 29
  • Tuesday, December 13

Carol Service Brass Choir (morning rehearsals):

  • Tuesday, December 8
  • Tuesday, December 13
  • Tuesday, December 20

Save the Date! Senior School Music Night

The Senior School Music Night will be held on Wednesday December 14 at 7pm in the Brenda Robson Hall.

Mark your Calendar! Grade 9/10 Semi Formal – December 2

The “Dec-emi” is coming to Havergal for grades 9 and 10 on Friday, December 2 from 7 – 10 pm in the BRH. The theme is Out of this World. Tickets, which cost $25 each, will be charged to your account. Students who choose to bring a guest will be charged for their guest’s ticket as well and their guest will be required to complete a form that needs to be signed by their home school Principal.

YouthSpeak: Presenting to Grade 9/10 on November 16

On Wednesday, November 16, students in grades 9 & 10 are invited to attend an engaging, youth-led interactive presentation by YouthSpeak on the effects of substance use and addiction on their mental health and wellbeing. The guest speakers will address a variety of potential risk factors for substance use including self-esteem level and peer pressure with the overall goal of supporting the development of positive coping and decision making skills when confronted with choices regarding substance use. Youth speakers will share their personal experiences to increase awareness of the potential risks and implications of substance use while conveying a message of self-empowerment and hope. We hope that the lessons learned from the youth speakers and discussion can inspire an ongoing dialogue in the home that brings our students closer together with their families; where they can express their emotions, and also seek assistance for further mental health support when they need it. 

Grade 12 Families: The Year Ahead – Dates and Events Listed Here

There are many events on the horizon for the Class of 2023 in the upcoming months. Please review this letter which has a chart outlining all the exciting opportunities for students and parents. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to Deirdre Timusk

University Counselling News

Scholarship Opportunities

Please review the Havergal sponsored scholarship policy on the Guidance Portal as well as other opportunities regarding various scholarships.

U of T – Lester B Pearson Scholarship for International Students

If you fit the criteria to be considered for nomination for this scholarship, and U of T is one of your top schools, please submit your resume to the guidance office by Tuesday, November 15th.

Queen’s Chancellor Scholarship

If you wish to be considered for the nomination by the committee, you must submit your application to Mr. Frost in the guidance office by noon (12:00pm) Wednesday November 23, 2022. Late applications will not be considered. You do not need to include your reference letter with this practice application. The practice application which is the same as the actual application must be completed and submitted to the office (which is what will be considered when the nomination is made). This can be found at this website.

FORUM FOR CHANGE

Former Exchange Student Returns to Intern

We are welcoming Sophie Tenbergen back to Havergal as an intern in the Forum for Change. Sophie first came to Havergal from Germany as an exchange student in her Grade 10 year. Now, 3 years later, her love of her experience back then has inspired her to return and give back. She will be supporting our current exchange students in preparing for hosting and travelling abroad. She will be staying in boarding and providing some more international flair in that special community as well.

Round Square Regional Conference

We have extended the deadline for the Round Square Regional Conference to be held at Ashbury College. Spots are available for 5 students aged 16 to 18 for this RS Conference taking place 13th to 19th February 2023 with the theme of ‘Climate and Culture in the North’

Our hosts say; “This Conference will encompass adventure, leadership, and service. Delegates will discover what it means to live in winter weather as they enjoy experiences on ice and snow. Delegates will have the opportunity to learn about the North and Canada’s Arctic from the perspective of indigenous, political, and environmental voices. The speakers will spark intriguing and engaging Baraza discussions, where students can share their excitement and interpretation of living in winter. There will also be meaningful discussions about climate change, arctic sovereignty and the shared stewardship of the north, a fragile ecosystem with exceptional biodiversity. The conference features a variety of voices, winter sports, and activities where we bring the community together. Ashbury families will billet our guests and delegates can look forward to unique activities like a 2-night stay at the Chateau Montebello resort, an Ottawa Senators hockey game, an international dinner, and a snow-themed dance and more. The conference will be held over six days and overlaps with Ashbury’s winter carnival and Ottawa’s Winterlude.”

The application deadline is extended to Nov. 14th.

The application link is HERE.

The application for Financial Aid is HERE

HC-X – Grade 9s

On Tuesday, November 15th from 9:30-3:30, all Grade 9 students will be participating in TC-9: The Challenge (the new Grade 9 Transdisciplinary Course). After they take attendance with their TA and attend Prayers, they will reconvene in the Brenda Robson Hall. It’s a dress down day for all grade 9 students on this day. 

HCPA REMINDERS

HCPA Holiday Marketplace

The HCPA Holiday Marketplace is now online.  Click HERE to get your holiday shopping done.  Shop for customizable Havergal ornaments, beautiful wreaths, scented candles, comfy blankets, Havergal-branded lazypants, HC frames and more.

Ivy Market

Tickets are now on sale for the evening parent Cocktail Party on November 22.  Click HERE to purchase tickets.  Mingle and shop from 6 – 9 pm.

You can also join us during the day!  We will have a great vendor marketplace, a bake sale, used uniforms, spiritwear and more.Do you love to bake?  We are still looking for baked/purchased items and parent volunteers for the bake sale.  To donate or volunteer please click HERE.

DATES ON THE HORIZON

Fri Nov 11

Remembrance Day – no classes

Mon Nov 14

Holiday – no classes

Tue Nov 15

TC – 9 Day: Grade 9s dress down (only gr 9)

Winter sports registration closes

Virtual Debate Information Evening @ 7 pm

Thu Nov 17

Athletics Assembly

Fri Nov 18

HaverCrest Benchball, Grades 9-12 @ 4 pm

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