Thursday, December 22, 2022

UPPER SCHOOL

Lunar New Year Parent Reception

The Upper School will be holding Lunar New Year Prayers on Thursday, January 19 at 8:40 am. Parents are invited to join the celebration. and students and parents can arrive early to meet and take photos with the Lion Dance Team in the US Rotunda. A reception for parents will be held in Temerty Commons at 9:20 am. Please RSVP here.  

Grade 7 – 9 Parents: Math Information Webinar

If you missed the information regarding the changes to the mathematics programme you can find here some of the resources from the parent information night. Here is some information, the slide deck from the presentation and the recording of the webinar. If you have any questions please reach out to Alex Shum, Head of Mathematics. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL

COSSOT Social Event: Sterling Hall Social

Middle School students are invited to sign up for the Sterling Hall Carnival House Party happening on Friday, January 20. There will be 30 spots available on a first come first served basis and the registration fee is $10. This will be charged to your child’s account.  There will be an additional 10 waitlist spots available.  The link to register can be found HERE

SENIOR SCHOOL

Virtual Course Selection Evening

Please find the links to the course selection evening on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 6:30 pm. 

All sessions will be posted for parents here in The Weekly after the evening. 

HCPA

Save the date for Gator Gala 2023!  Havergal students in Grades 7-12 (along with one parent/guardian) are invited to an extravagant Candyland-themed evening of dinner, dancing and surprises!  Look for ticketing details to come early next year!

Whether you were a guest at Gator Gala last year or just want to see what it’s all about, here is the link to the photos from the 2022 event: Gator Gala Photos 2022. Photos by Vivian Silverson and Event Imaging.

NEXT WEEK AT A GLANCE

Tuesday, Jan 10, 2023

First Day Back at School 

Grade 9 casual dress for TC9

Thurs Jan 12

Virtual Course Selection evening 6:30 pm

DATES ON THE HORIZON

Thursday Jan  19th

Lunar New Year Prayers & Parent Reception, 8:40 am 

December 16, 2022

UPPER SCHOOL

Locker Clean Out

On Wednesday December 21, from 3:30 – 3:40 pm, students will be asked to clean out their lockers. Locker shelves and textbooks can remain in the lockers over the break. All garbage – especially food waste – should be thrown out; and clothing, shoes and boots should be removed. These items must be taken home by December 22 and we encourage our students to begin cleaning their lockers on Monday December 19.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Sterling Hall Carnival

Middle School students are invited to sign up for the Sterling Hall Carnival House Party happening on Friday  January 20. There will be 30 spots available on a first come first served basis. The sign-up form will come out next week in The Weekly. 

SENIOR SCHOOL

Course Selection Parent Information Evening, Thursday, January 12 – 6:30 – 8:30 PM

There is a virtual course selection information evening for parents of students in grade 8 – 11. The zoom links will be posted on Veracross closer to the event. 

Uniforms for Grade 10 Exchange Guests

Some students who visit our school on exchange do not wear uniforms at their home school, so we traditionally lend them one during their stay. If you have extra uniform pieces at home that you are no longer wearing, we are looking to collect items to lend out to these students. We have 8 students coming from Germany January 14, and about 16 French students coming in April. These students are in Grade 10, so larger uniforms would be ideal

Please reach out to Jenn Russell jrussell@havergal.on.ca if you have uniforms you can lend us. 

We are looking for the following items:

  • Kilts/Tunic
  • Blazers
  • Ties
  • ¼ Zips
  • Golf Shirts
  • Knit Sweaters

FORUM FOR CHANGE

This week was our last week of Community Partnership programming before the winter break. Grenoble Homework Club, and Art City will resume in the new year starting Wednesday, January 18, 2023.

HCPA

Don’t forget that we are now collecting ALL uniform pieces for our future Used Uniform sales. There is a Used Uniform collection bin in the Rotunda—simply let Security know and they will guide you.  Drop off items any time!

Happy Holidays & Happy New Year from the HCPA!

Next Week at a Glance

Wed, Dec 21

Locker Clean Out

Holiday Inspired Casual Dress Day

Thu, Dec 22

Regular Dress during the day

Carol Service  at 7 pm – St Paul’s Church, Bloor St. East

#1 Dress for students at the church

Fri, Dec 23

Holidays Begin!  

No school

Tues, January 10

First day back at school

Dates on the Horizon

Tues, Jan 10

TC9 Day – Grade 9’s in casual dress

Thurs, Jan 12

Virtual Parent Course Selection evening, Thursday Jan 12 – 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Ontario University Application Centre (OUAC) deadline – January 12, 2023

December 9, 2022

UPPER SCHOOL

Message from the Principal: Strategic Planning & CAIS Accreditation Update

I want to thank the parents who participated in the strategic planning questionnaire and small-group consultations with our strategic consulting partners, Berlineaton.  We had an excellent response rate, more than doubling the number of responses that the Berlineaton team typically sees in a school our size and structure – a sign of a committed and engaged community!  The strategy development team is in the process of analyzing the data, including reviewing our Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) self study report, and will be utilizing the themes from the research with the team to develop areas of future opportunity and growth for Havergal.  We also had a 70% response rate from students for the questionnaire, in addition to the 60 students from grades 5 through 12 who participated in small group consultation sessions.  Thank you for your engagement in planning Havergal’s future direction.

 New Toronto Public Health Screening Tool for Students

Havergal College continues to see an increase in respiratory illness infections over the last 3 weeks. To protect both the students and faculty, as per Toronto Public Health recommendations, we are highly recommending masking in enclosed spaces along with frequent hand hygiene. 

Students and staff can screen for symptoms utilizing the tool provided by the Ontario Government linked here: https://www.ontario.ca/school-screening/

Students should not come to school if  they do not pass the screening tool. Thank you for your cooperation in helping keep the students and staff safe at Havergal.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Form Parties Next Week

On Tuesday the MS Forms will host a Holiday Door decorating contest. The MS Prefects will be the judges for this exciting event.

On Wednesday, the MS Forms will enjoy gingerbread cookie decorating and share their secret snowflake gifts during their Holiday party. Students are encouraged to bring in a nut free snack, if they wish.

SENIOR SCHOOL

University Counselling Updates

The Guidance Department is strongly encouraging all students to finish their OUAC, Common App, UCAS, and all other university applications before the holidays. Students are encouraged to attend the fireside chats, book an appointment with their counsellor, or come drop by the guidance office to receive support during their spare or lunch as well as before or after school. Grade 12 students must pay close attention to all the deadlines for all the applications, scholarships and supplemental applications. Students are reminded to check their emails and university portals regularly in order to stay up to date with all their university information.

HCPA UPDATES

Last chance to get a HC blazer or tunic ornament!  Tunics are almost sold out. Click HERE to place your order and get it before the holidays. Deadline to order – December 9.

We are now collecting ALL uniform pieces for our future Used Uniform sales. There is a Used Uniform collection bin in the Rotunda—simply let Security know and they will guide you.  Drop off items any time!

REMINDERS

Wellbeing and Resilence Survey Report

We are pleased to share the Wellbeing & Resilience Survey Report that outlines the findings from the Resilience Surveys that students completed in the spring of 2022.

The report includes the updated version of the Wellbeing Framework and an overview of the key findings from the Children’s Resilience Survey (Grades 2-5) and High Achieving Schools Survey (Grades 6-12).

At the end of the report there is a questionnaire about additional wellbeing topics and support you would like to see for students and parents. We appreciate your input and taking the time to complete it. 

Grade 7 – 9 Parent Math Update Webinar

Please join us to learn more about new pathways in our mathematics program, including two new extended mathematics courses,  which will be available in 2023-24. This information is helpful for parents whose children are in grades 8-9 math this year, as well as for parents in grade 7 looking ahead. Information will be posted if you are unable to attend. Please click HERE below to join the webinar. Passcode: 601038

NEXT WEEK AT A GLANCE

Mon Dec 12

Grad/Staff Dinner: 5 – 7 pm

Wed Dec 14

Middle School Music Night: 4 – 5 pm

Senior School Music Night: 7 – 8 pm

Senior School Course Drop Deadline

DATES ON THE HORIZON

Carol Service Thursday, December 22  at 7 pm – St Paul’s Church, Bloor St.

#1 Dress for students

Holidays Begin! Friday, December 23 – Tuesday, January 10, 2023

December 2, 2022

Dear Parents,

As we make our way through the darkness of shorter days and longer nights, it is wonderful to see the preparations and excitement that accompany this special time of year.

​Our Grads are looking forward to being able to celebrate with their teachers in a few weeks over dinner.  We are preparing for Carol Service, as well as two music nights, and music fills our halls each day. Our athletes have started going to practice and games and their energy and excitement is palpable.

​We are looking forward to seeing you all at these community events over the upcoming weeks. 

With best regards,

Cissy Goodridge, Head of Middle School

Deirdre Timusk, Head of Senior School

This week’s edition contains updates on the following:

Upper School 

Middle School

Senior School

Forum for Change

  • Exchange Application reminder for grade 11

HCPA Updates

Dates on the Horizon & Future Dates of Note

UPPER SCHOOL

Wellbeing & Resilience Survey Report

We are pleased to share the Wellbeing & Resilience Survey Report that outlines the findings from the Resilience Surveys that students completed in the spring of 2022.

The report includes the updated version of the Wellbeing Framework and an overview of the key findings from the Children’s Resilience Survey (Grades 2-5) and High Achieving Schools Survey (Grades 6-12).

At the end of the report there is a questionnaire about additional wellbeing topics and support you would like to see for students and parents. We appreciate your input and taking the time to complete it. 


Report Cards Available Thursday, December 8 at 4pm

Please see THIS LINK for more information about how to access your daughter’s report card. 

Grade 7-9 Math Update Webinar, December 12 at 4:30pm

Please join us to learn more about new pathways in our mathematics program, including two new extended mathematics 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 in grade 7 looking ahead.

Information will be posted if you are unable to attend.

Please click the link below to join the webinar:

https://havergal.zoom.us/j/84817502649?pwd=QTZWQjhCN1NFT0taT2dqREdPZnhKdz09

Passcode: 601038

Webinar ID: 848 1750 2649

Passcode: 601038

From Our Health Centre: Reducing the Spread of Respiratory Illnesses

We are sharing an important message from Toronto Public Health with regard to a number of steps that can be taken to help keep children and others safe from an increase in respiratory viruses among children including Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Influenza and COVID-19.

Please note that Toronto Public Health and Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health strongly recommends wearing a well-fitted mask in indoor public settings, including in schools and childcares. Upon entry to Havergal, masks will be made available.

To learn more about how to protect yourself, your family and your community from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, we invite you to read the Government of Ontario’s Public Health Measures and Advice

Safety on the TTC

Two students from St. Michael’s were accosted by a group on the TTC at St. Clair West subway last week over lunch and had some items stolen. The police were notified and have several suspects in custody. Please remind your children to be aware of their surroundings when travelling on public transit. Expensive items such as ear buds, cell phones, tablets and wallets should be kept out of sight. All suspicious activities should be reported to the transit authorities. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Middle School Music Night

The Middle School Music Night will be held on Wednesday, December 14 at 4 pm. If your daughter is wearing a kilt to this event, please ensure she has a pair of green tights! Please avoid booking any appointments for your child during lunchtime rehearsals, if possible.

SENIOR SCHOOL

Grade 10 Ice Skating & Cookie Decorating Social at UCC Wilder Arena

If your daughter would like to attend the social on December 8th from  4 – 6 pm, please complete the parent permission form. Students will be responsible for making their own way to the Upper Canada College campus. The event takes place in the Wilder Arena at the south end of the campus. Please complete the permission form here by Tuesday, December 6. Don’t forget to bring skates! 

Senior School Music Night

The Senior School Music Night will be held on Wednesday, December 14 at 7 pm. If your daughter is wearing a kilt to this event, please ensure she has a pair of green tights! Please avoid booking any appointments for your child during lunchtime rehearsals, if possible.

Grad Staff Dinner, Monday, December 12, 5-7pm

The Class of 2023 will be celebrating the Holidays with their teachers, coaches and other staff members on Monday, December 12. Students will begin with cookie decorating, music and conversation and move into dinner, sitting with their teachers. This is just the beginning of the events for the Class of 2023 that will take place over the next few months. June will be here before we know it! 

University Counselling Updates

OUAC December Submission

The December report card marks will be uploaded to OUAC. The Guidance Department spoke to OUAC who shared with us that, “The universities appreciate as much up-to-date information as possible and it may assist them in getting offers to your students sooner.” The upcoming major collection periods for OUAC are February and April. Many universities and competitive programs within Ontario and Canada wait until the April upload to make their offers. Any offers before the April upload from Canadian universities are considered early offers. Students who do not receive an early offer are considered for the next rounds of submissions. 

Fireside Chats

The guidance department will be having fireside chats from December 5th – 9th as well as the 13th-16th from 1-2pm in the Temerty. Grads are encouraged to stop by on their spares to come chat with their counsellors to ask questions and receive feedback on applications, supplemental applications and university choices. This is a great informal check-in that is an added way to receive support on top of the regularly booked grade 12 meeting seminars, university fairs/visits, and guidance appointments.  

FORUM FOR CHANGE

We would like to extend an enormous thank you to the Havergal community! You have shown incredible compassion for our community partnerships this past week, by donating and volunteering for others. Next week we will share an update on our We Scare Hunger Food Drive for North York Harvest Food Bank, and our Holiday Angel Program Drive for New Circles!

Exchange Program

Thank you to the families who attended our Grade 11 Exchange Program Preview and Application Launch. Reminder that applications are due Tuesday, December 6, 2022.

HCPA

Has your daughter outgrown her uniforms already? There is a Used Uniform collection bin in the US Rotunda—simply let Security know and they will guide you.  Drop off items any time!

If you missed your chance to get a HC blazer or tunic ornament at Ivy Market, it’s not too late! Click HERE to place your order and get it before the holidays!  Deadline to order – December 9.

DATES ON THE HORIZON

Mon Dec 5

National Day of Remembrance & Action on Violence Against Women 

Prayers,  Speaker: Human Trafficking, Ms. Kelly Beale 

Tue Dec 6

Exchange Application Due for Grade 11 students

Thu Dec 8

Grade 10 UCC Ice Skating Social: 4 – 6 pm

Future Dates

Grad/Staff Dinner

Monday, December 12 from 5 – 7 pm

Middle School Music Night

Wednesday, December 14 at 4 pm

Senior School Music Night

Wednesday, December 14 at 7 pm

Carol Service

Thursday, December 22  at 7 pm – St Paul’s Church, Bloor St.