Dear Parents,
While it has been a short week it has been busy! COSSOT Benchball returned to Havergal and the kids’ excitement is off the charts!
Our Grade 9 students took part in the first full day of TC-9, a new HC-X course that is building students’ capacity, understanding and critical thinking toolkit so that they can take action on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. TC-9 is an opportunity for students to address a major challenge and we believe that these cannot be solved with the same thinking that brought us to these very same challenges, and so students are developing systems thinking and design thinking approaches to help them think in a transdisciplinary way.
This morning, Seonaid Davis shared a publication with faculty entitled: Waypower, Willpower, and Hope. This article, written by Bryan Goodwin, cites research on three habits of mind that help students become self-directed learners and achieve ambitious goals. The TC-9 program is an excellent example of how Havergal engages students’ waypower and willpower and we invite you to read more about the article HERE
With best regards,
Cissy Goodridge, Head of Middle School
Deirdre Timusk, Head of Senior School
This week’s edition of The Weekly contains news and updates on the following topics:
UPPER SCHOOL
- Carol Service
- Thrive Week
- Holiday Gifts? School Portraits!
- Grade 7 – 9 Math Update Webinar – December 12
- Havergal College Giving Back
MIDDLE SCHOOL
SENIOR SCHOOL
UPPER SCHOOL
Save the date! Carol Service: December 22 – 7pm – St. Paul’s Church, Bloor Street
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.
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Thrive Week
Thrive Week at Havergal College is a week-long series of events building a culture of wellbeing by promoting mental health awareness. The theme of Thrive week this year is “Connect to Thrive.” Social Connection is the “subjective experience of feeling close to and a sense of belongingness with others” and each day of the week our programming will include age-appropriate messaging, resources and student-led events.
On Monday, November 21, Ms. Nicole German, co-founder of the Maddie Project will speak to our Upper School community in Prayers. The Maddie Project aims to initiate discussions about youth mental health and help provide resources and support for youth and their families.
On Tuesday, November 22, students are invited to a presentation by and participate in a discussion with Adam Wicke on building community and wellbeing with Indigneous communities. Mr. Wicke’s work in the Yukon relied on strong collaboration with the First Nations in each community and regularly involved identifying communal concerns, issues, and opportunities for growth. Considering the small population sizes and authority of self-governance in many of these communities there were some unique opportunities as a Social Worker to develop truly collaborative and effective relationships with First Nation partners. Mr. Wicke is currently completing his MSW at Laurier University.
A highlight of Thrive Week will be a visit from Sunshine Therapy Dogs on Friday, November 25. Pet therapy is a service that offers animal-assisted emotional support to people of all ages struggling with a variety of mental health challenges. “Comfort dogs” are a great support for our wellbeing and our students will soon learn that their sweet demeanours will help them relax and replenish. Friday is also a dress down day.
We know that mental health and wellbeing is very individual and that the activities planned for Thrive Week may have varying impacts on students. In light of this, we remind students and families of the multiple supports available to them, including but not limited to their Guidance Counsellors, our School Social Workers and our members in our Health Centre. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Thrive Planning Team, Nicole Waisglass nwaisglass@havergal.on.ca and Caitlin Parsons cparsons@havergal.on.ca
Holiday Gifts? School Portraits!
Your child’s school portrait is available online, and now is the time to order to have them 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
Grade 7 – 9 Math Update Webinar for Parents – December 12, 4:30pm
Please join us to learn more about new Math pathways, including two new Extended Math courses, which will be available in 2023-24. This information is helpful for parents whose children are in Grades 8 & 9 this year,as well as for parents looking ahead for their children who are currently in Grade 7.
If you are unable to attend, the presentation will be posted on the Parent Portal.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://havergal.zoom.us/j/84817502649?pwd=QTZWQjhCN1NFT0taT2dqREdPZnhKdz09
Webinar ID: 848 1750 2649
Passcode: 601038
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:
Holiday Angels – Middle & Senior School Houses to Support New Circles Program, Nov 15 – Dec 2
Havergal’s long association with New Circles continues this holiday season as we launch Holiday Angels on Tuesday in our House groupings. Each House has taken responsibility for a New Circle family’s needs. Students from Grades 7-12 are asked to make a donation to ensure that the family identified by New Circles is supported. New Circles asks for gift cards so families may purchase the most appropriate items for themselves, as well as gently used winter coats and boots. Students will receive details from their House Leadership team on November 22nd with donation delivery date requested for November 29th. Havergal families as a whole are encouraged to participate and support this program through their Houses! More information can be found HERE.
North York Harvest Food Bank: Scare Hunger, November 19 & 26
Please be reminded that students will be starting this drive on Saturday for North York Harvest Food Bank. 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. Thank you!
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Middle School Play
“The Phantom Tollbooth” by Susan Nanus is based on the book by Norton Juster. Shows are Thursday, November 24 at 4pm & 7pm; Friday, November 25 at 4pm & 7pm. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased during lunch starting Monday, November 22. Cash or Student charge. Seating is limited so buy your tickets in advance!
COSSOT Dances
Friday November 25, St Andrew’s College will be hosting a Grade 7 and 8 COSSOT Dance. Interested students are invited to sign up to attend. We will be taking a bus from HC to St. Andrew’s. We will depart at 6pm and return at 10:15pm. The cost of this dance is $25.00 and will be charged to your daughter’s account.
Friday December 9, UCC will be hosting a Grade 7 and 8 COSSOT Dance. Interested students are invited to register to attend. Parents will be responsible for dropping off and picking up their child. The cost of the dance is $10.00 and will be charged to your daughter’s account.
Sign up for the UCC and the St. Andrew’s Dances here: COSSOT Dance Registration
Save the date! Middle School Music Night
The Middle School Music Night will be held on Wednesday December 14 at 4 pm.
Middle School Music Rehearsals
Winter music concerts are quickly approaching. In preparation for the performance, there are a number of mandatory rehearsals you are asked to attend in order to practice altogether. When you are expected at a rehearsal, please avoid booking any make-up assessments or extra help during your lunch time rehearsals if possible.
You are required to pack a lunch on these rehearsal dates:
Grade 7 Band students:
- Tuesday, November 22
- Monday, November 28
- Monday December 5
- Wednesday December 14 (Dress rehearsal)
Grade 8 Band students:
- Monday, November 21
- Tuesday, December 6
- Wednesday, December 14 (Dress rehearsal)
Please note, all Middle School students should have tights to wear for their music performances, please order them early to ensure you have them in time.
SENIOR SCHOOL
Save the date! Senior School Music Night
The Senior School Music Night will be held on Wednesday December 14 at 7 pm.
Grade 9/10 Semi
The sign-up for the Grade 9/10 Semi Formal Dance on December 2 will open on Monday, November 21, and close on Friday, December 25 at 5pm. To register your child for this event please see the link to register below.
All Havergal students bringing a guest will be required to submit a Guest Application form for Grade 9/10 Semi at Havergal College to Ms. Danto no later than Dec 1st, 2022. All guests are subject to approval by the Havergal Administration.
Link to register https://events.veracross.com/hc/368-eaarexcursions22-23USJSD
Information for Parents of Debaters
Please see the notes from the parent presentation last week HERE.
FORUM FOR CHANGE
Grade 11 Families are invited to a Grade 11 Exchange Information evening on Tuesday November 29, 2022, from 6-7pm at Havergal College in the Back Dining Room.
HCPA
Ivy Market
You can still get tickets for the evening Cocktail Party on November 22! Parents, alumni and past parents are all welcome. Mingle and shop from 6 – 9 pm. Click HERE to purchase tickets.
You can also join us during the day! An amazing group of curated vendors will join our HC vendors (including a fantastic bake sale) for both the day and evening events.
We need volunteers! Please consider helping at the US on November 21 or 22. Click HERE to sign up. Would you prefer to bake or sell baked goods? Please click HERE.
Reminder for US students: Bring exact change or credit, debit or Apple Pay for the bake sale!
HCPA Holiday Marketplace
The HCPA Holiday Marketplace (with the exception of wreaths and HC ornaments) will be closing this Friday. 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.
Dates on the Horizon
Mon Nov 21
Thrive Week Prayers: Special Speaker
Tue Nov 22
Ivy Market, Brenda Robson Hall/Ellen Knox: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Ivy Market Cocktail Party: 6-9 pm
Thu Nov 24
MS Play, The Phantom Tollbooth: 4 pm or 7 pm
Fri Nov 25
HOGA Thanksgiving Drop in: Ellen Knox 12 – 1pm
MS Play, The Phantom Tollbooth: 4 pm or 7 pm
Dress down day for Thrive Week
The Weekly: Upper School 