UPPER SCHOOL

Parents as Partners Speaker Series: Lisa Damour

As part of our Parents as Partners Speaker Series, Havergal is proud to welcome Dr. Lisa Damour as our first speaker on November 28. Dr. Damour will be working with our students from Grade 7 – 12 during the day and also running professional development with our faculty in the afternoon.

Dr. Damour will be speaking with parents from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm in the Brenda Robson Hall.  Her talk will focus on understanding adolescent’s emotional development; and strategies that foster connection, self-awareness and self-regulation.  There will be an opportunity to ask questions. Parents are welcome to bring additional guests; registration for the event can be found here. 

We are grateful to the Southam family for their contributions to Thrive Week and to the Class of 2023 for their donations to our wellbeing program that allow us to have speakers and programs like this.

Winter Sports Registration Opens Thursday, November 2

Registration for winter sports tryouts will open on Thursday, November 2 at 8:00 am and will close on Wednesday, November 8 at 8:00 pm. The link to register is found on the parent portal (parent portal → Upper School → Under Registrations “Winter 23-24 Registrations”).

To view the winter sports tryout dates and times, as well as the dates and times of practices, games and CISAA finals, please click HERE (be sure you are looking on tab 2 “Winter 2023-2024”. Once you are registered for tryouts, the specific practice times will appear on your household calendar.

Please email Carla Di Filippo, Director of Athletics, with any questions. 

Applying for Financial Support/Bursary – Deadline: Friday, December 1

New and returning students entering grades 7 to 12 should submit their application by December 1. To be considered, please complete the Financial Assistance for Canadian Students (FACS) application form available on applefinancialservices.ca.

Bursaries are granted on an annual basis; therefore an application must be submitted each year. Refer to Havergal’s guide on Affordability, available here on the Parent Portal to learn more about the Financial Support program. 

Diwali Prayers & Reception

The Upper School will be acknowledging Diwali during Prayers on Monday, November 6. Parents and grandparents are invited to join us for this event, following which there will be a reception for those families in attendance. Please fill out this Google form if you would like to attend: US RSVP Form.  

Parent Teacher Interview Sign-up Opens Next Week

The pickAtime booking system will open on Thursday, November 2 at 12:00 pm. Here is the link for pickAtime: LINK.  The sign-up will close Monday, November 13 at 5:00 pm.  After pickAtime closes, the only way to book appointments is by emailing teachers directly; only they will be able to add to their schedules.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

St. Andrew’s & St. Anne’s Dance – Friday, November 24

On Friday, November 24, St. Andrew’s and St. Anne’s will be hosting a COSSOT dance. Students will be sent a form on Monday, Oct 30 at 8:00 am. Those who wish to attend this dance can indicate their interest in this form. Sign-up will close on Friday, November 3 at 8:00 am. Students will be selected by lottery and notified if they have been selected for the dance on November 14.

In Form Next Week

On Monday, we will host our annual halloween door decorating contest. Each Form is asked to select a theme and to bring in supplies to decorate. Winning Forms will be announced at the Halloween assembly on Oct 31.

Three times a year, we host Grade 12 chats with our MS students. Next week, our senior students will be visiting Forms to have discussions about attending a school dance. 

SENIOR SCHOOL

Virtual Information Session for Rowing Parents – Thursday, November 2

There will be an information session on Thursday, November 2 from 7:00 – 8:00 pm for all athletes and their families who are interested in the Havergal rowing program. The session will be led by Michael Greig, Head Rowing Coach.  

The session aims to answer questions about the rowing season such as the tryout process (including the team selection document), expectations about commitments to practices and racing, associated costs, etc. 

Please join the meeting via this zoom link. 

University Visits

Individual University Reps will be visiting Havergal College to speak to Grade 11 and 12 students during the lunch hour from 12:15 pm -1:00 pm or after school from 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm in room B16. This is a great opportunity to see what the universities offer.

Thursday, November 2 from 3:30 pm – 4:15pm

• University of Calgary

Thursday, November 9 from 3:30 pm-4:15 pm

• Ivey Business School

Friday, December 1 from 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm

• Queen’s University 

In Advising Next Week

Grade 9s will continue to get to know Havergal and one another with a special game designed by their Grade 9 Representatives. Grade 10 students will have a second prep session for the OSSLT exam. Grade 11 students will continue to work through their leadership, wellbeing and EDIB modules. Finally, our Grads will have another university counselling session to help prepare them for the road ahead, answering any questions they may have. 

REMINDERS

OSSLT Preparation Continues

In Advisory on Wednesday morning, students will log in and test the software they downloaded last week to allow them to write the Ontario Secondary School Literacy test at Havergal on November 14. Students will receive this reminder email on Monday morning.

Ivy Market

Save the date for this fantastic holiday market and cocktail party. Watch your inbox for more details on Monday!

HCPA Coffee Mornings

Don’t forget to RSVP! The HCPA is hosting two coffee mornings in the beautiful Biowall/Student Commons space at the Upper School from 8:00 – 9:30 am! RSVP to hcpa.parentevents@gmail.com. 

• Wednesday, November 8: Grades 10 to 12 parents
• Wednesday, December 6: Grades 7, 8 and 9 parents

Next Week in the Upper School

Tues Oct 31      

Halloween Assembly (dress up day)

Wed Nov 1      

Learning Skills Report Cards available to parents at 4pm

Thurs Nov 2     

Upper School Winter Sports Registration Opens at 8am

Pick-A-Time System Opens for Parent-Teacher Interviews at 12pm

Rowing Parent Meeting 7pm

Fri Nov 3         

MS Havergal Dance 7pm

UPPER SCHOOL

Parent Teacher Interviews in November

Parent Teacher Interviews will be held virtually on Thursday, November 16, from 3:00 to 8:00pm; and on Friday, November 17, from 8:00am to 4:00pm.  The pickAtime booking system will open on Thursday, November 2 at 12:00pm and will close Monday, November 13 at 5:00pm.  After pickAtime closes, the only way to book appointments is by emailing teachers directly.

Please ensure your Zoom account is updated. Linked HERE are the Zoom instructions. Every Zoom meeting will have 1451 as the passcode. During your interviews, please advise the teacher if the student you are discussing is in the room; they should be visible to the teacher.

If you are the parent of two or more daughters that have the same teacher, or if you are the parent of three or more Upper School students please contact Sally Danto at sdanto@havergal.on.ca.

Security Updates

Starting October 16, 2023, our Facilities team will be starting Phase 1 of the upgrade of our security systems. This includes the installation of new security cameras, replacing cameras that have aged out of usefulness, and new intercom stations. The new security cameras will be installed in the corridors and dining hall for both the Upper School and the Junior School. These cameras will assist the security team in protecting stakeholders, property and information in a more efficient future-forward manner including improved response time to unforeseen conditions. This will also ensure that Havergal College remains as the apex for security compared to its CAIS peers.

The cameras and intercom stations will be monitored by trained and dedicated Havergal security staff, allowing for effective and instantaneous communication with staff, students, and visitors to our campus.  

Learning Skills Report Card

Please see this LINK to learn more information about your child’s Learning Skills Report Card which will be available on Wednesday, November 1 at 4:00 pm.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Advising

This week, students have been honing their organizational skills. Students are learning how to write emails, organize Google folders, and navigate Canvas. With COSSOT social events upon us, during Form time we will turn our attention to relationships. Students will learn about the different types of relationships they can have, including family, friends and romantic relationships. We will focus on the characteristics of a healthy relationship and how to build positive relationships.

Havergal College Middle School Dance

The registration for the Havergal Middle School Dance opened last Friday, Oct 13. Interested students who have not registered for the dance which takes place on Friday, November 3 should sign up HERE. The registration will close on Monday Oct 23 at 4:00pm. 

SENIOR SCHOOL

Next Week in Advising

On Wednesday morning Grade 9 students will be exploring the big questions “Who am I?” and “Who are we?” For the next two Wednesdays, Grade 10 students will be preparing to write the OSSLT which takes place on Wednesday, November 14. Grade 11 students continue to explore Leadership, EDIB, and Wellbeing.  And our Grads will be meeting three Old Girl entrepreneurs who will be talking about their careers and taking questions from the students.

University Visits

Individual University Reps will be visiting Havergal College to speak to Grade 11 and 12 students during the lunch hour from 12:15-1:00pm or after school from 3:30-4:15pm in room B16. This is a great opportunity to see what the universities offer.

Thursday, October 26 from 3:30-4:15pm

• Brandeis University (Waltham, Massachusetts)

Monday, October 30 from 3:30-4:15pm

• Bond University (Australia)

HCPA

US Grade Rep Meeting

Be sure to join us at our next Upper School Grade Rep meeting – Tuesday, October 24 at 8:45am (JS Dining Hall). All parents are welcome! Nicole Cozier, Executive Director, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging will be our special guest. 

Coffee Mornings

Join us for coffee and conversation in the beautiful Biowall/Student Commons space at the Upper School from 8:00 – 9:30 am! (RSVP to hcpa.parentevents@gmail.com). 

• Wednesday, November 8: Grades 10 to 12 parents
• Wednesday, December 6: Grades 7, 8 and 9 parents

REMINDERS

Special Alumnus Speaker: Joanna Griffiths, CEO, Knixwear

Date: Thursday, October 26

Time: 7 – 9 pm

Ticket Details – Cost: $25 per person. 

Link to Register:  HERE

Order Your Child’s School Portrait Now

Beat the holiday rush and order your child’s school portrait now!

To view your photos, visit echophotography.ca/havergal2023. When prompted for a password, enter your daughter’s student ID number. Ordering is a breeze, and you can customize your prints or digitals with a variety of options to suit your preferences. If you have any questions or special requests, don’t hesitate to contact Cameron Hubbs at cameron@echophotography.ca or by text at 905-3557.

Ivy Market – Tuesday, November 21

Save the date for this fantastic holiday market and cocktail party. More details will arrive in your inbox on October 30.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Thursday, October 26

 Joanna Griffiths, registration required,  7 – 9 pm

Friday, October 27

Grade 7 & 8 Immunization Clinic

UPPER SCHOOL

Important Upper School Message

In Prayers on Thursday morning, Upper School students, faculty and staff gathered as a community to reflect and hold space to acknowledge those impacted by the terrorist attacks on Israel and the ensuing acts of violence in both Israel and Gaza. Ms. Norberg and Rev. Ruch shared that in times of profound tragedy and helplessness it is important to check in on one another, listen with compassion and engage in necessary self-care to remain grounded. We are mindful of the effect that disturbing imagery and commentary can have and, as such, we have suggested that students consider limiting their social media usage in the coming days. During these uncertain times, students may seek more information online; however, they were encouraged to reference reputable news sources and do their best to find moments to disconnect. 

To help your child maintain a balance between staying informed and minimizing stress, consider asking them some of the following questions:

• What are you seeing on your social media feeds?
• Do you have any questions about what you’re seeing? 
• How are you feeling about what you’re seeing?
• How do you know if what you’re reading and seeing is from a reliable source?
• Are there social media accounts that might be best to unfollow right now?

Over the course of the week we have connected with students and faculty both individually and collectively. In particular, our Jewish Student Affinity faculty leads held space for students during each lunch period this week. In Form and TA, Grade 10 students talked about allyship as a key element of community building, care and connection.   

As always, school supports are available to our students should they require any additional guidance or conversation with trusted adults. If you are worried about your child, please reach out to your child’s guidance counsellor as a starting point for a discussion about their wellbeing.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

COSSOT Dance Sign-up

Middle School students must register their interest in attending the Havergal Dance using the Google form that was sent to them this morning at 8 am. Once the students have completed the form, a registration link will be sent to their parents.

Middle School Gator Games

The moment has finally arrived: registration for Middle School Gator Games is now open! Sports Prefects, Kaitlyn and Paige, Sports Council members, Ms. Di Filippo and Ms. Goodridge are thrilled to invite you to the 2023 Middle School Gator Games. This team has been working hard to make the event a memorable one for your family. 

For registration and more information, click on Middle School Gator Games. Registration will close on Tuesday, October 17 at 12 pm.

SENIOR SCHOOL

Grade 9 Parents: Take Our Kids to Work Day

Wednesday, November 01 is Take Our Kids to Work Day for Grade 9 students.  Please let us know using the Parent Portal if your child will not be at school that day.

In Advising This Week

This week each grade will focus on building relationships with their House group and advising team. In addition, team building activities will take place that focus on learning more about improving team dynamics when working together.

University Counselling and Guidance Updates

Canadian University Fair

All Grade 9 – 12 students and families are invited to the Canadian University Fair. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to explore Canadian Universities this Wednesday, October 18 from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm in the Brenda Robson Hall.

October University Visits

Individual University Reps will be visiting Havergal College to speak to Grade 11 and 12 students during the lunch hour from 12:15 pm – 1 pm or after school from 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm in room B16. This is a great opportunity to see what the universities offer.

Monday, October 16 from 12:15 pm – 1 pm

• Boston University (Boston, Massachusetts)

Monday, October 16 from 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm

• Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.)

Tuesday, October 17 from 12:15 pm – 1 pm

• Syracuse University (Syracuse, New York)
• Union College (Schenectady, New York)
• Hamilton College (Clinton, New York)
• Colgate University (Hamilton, New York)

Tuesday, October 17 from 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm

• Oberlin College (Oberlin, Ohio)

Friday, October 20th from 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm

• Elon University (Elon, North Carolina)

Thursday, October 26 from 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm

• Brandeis University (Waltham, Massachusetts)

Monday, October 30 from 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm

• Bond University (Australia)

HCPA

Grade Rep Meetings

All parents are welcome to attend the US Grade Rep meeting – Tuesday, October 24 at 8:45 am (Junior School Dining Hall). Nicole Cozier, Executive Director, Equity Diversity and Inclusion at HC will be our special guest.

REMINDERS

Special Alumnus Speaker – Joanna Griffiths, CEO Knixwear

Date: Thursday, October 26

Time: 7 – 9 pm

Ticket Details – Cost: $25 per person. 

Link to Register: HERE

Drama Retreat

 The CastAway Drama Retreat, will take place at Mono Cliffs Outdoor Education Centre over the weekend of October 20 – 22. Students will board the bus from Havergal at 4 pm on Friday, October 20, and return to Havergal by 12 pm Sunday, October 22. This trip is in partnership with Crescent School.

HCPA Coffee Mornings

Don’t forget to RSVP (hcpa.parentevents@gmail.com) for the upcoming HCPA coffee mornings, to be held from 8 am to 9:30 am in the Upper School’s Biowall / Student Commons. We hope you will be able to join us.

Wednesday, November 08: Grades 10, 11, 12 Parents

Wednesday, December 06: Grades 7, 8, 9 Parents

Ivy Market

Save the date for Ivy Market – Tuesday, November 21. More details coming soon!

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Monday, October 16

Gator Day – Dress Up Day for all Upper School students (Green & Gold)

Wednesday, October 18

Open House #1 Dress required for all Upper School students

Canadian University Fair 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Thursday, October 19

Gator Games 5 – 9 pm

Friday, October 20

Senior School CastAway Retreat busses leave Havergal at 4 pm

MS COSSOT Dance at Royal St. George’s College 7 – 9 pm

UPPER SCHOOL

Special Alumnus Speaker – Joanna Griffiths, Knixwear

Discover the incredible journey of Joanna Griffiths, a pioneering Havergal College alum from the Class of 2001. She is the Founder and CEO of Knixwear, a brand that has revolutionised the world of women’s intimate apparel.

Date: October 26, 2023

Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Location: Havergal College’s Junior School Dining Hall

Address: 460 Rosewell Avenue (parking available)

Light Refreshments: Provided

But that’s not all! We’re thrilled to announce that this event will be moderated by acclaimed video journalist Pauline Chan ’83.

Joanna’s entrepreneurial journey began with innovative leak-proof underwear, rapidly expanding into bras that generated an impressive $2 million in pre-sales. Since Knixwear’s 2013 launch, Joanna has not only disrupted the industry but also set new standards in the $250 billion underwear market.

Gain exclusive entrepreneurship insights as Joanna shares her strategies for identifying unmet consumer demands and strategically positioning Knixwear for remarkable growth. Whether you’re a Knixwear enthusiast, aspiring entrepreneur, or just eager to learn, don’t miss this chance to hear from one of Canada’s most influential female founders.

Ticket Details

Cost: $25 per person. Proceeds support the Havergal Fund, specifically programming and innovation.

Join us for an inspiring evening with Joanna Griffiths ’01 and Pauline Chan ’83. Secure your spot today by registering below!

Link to Register: HERE

HC-X

Since 2020, Havergal College has been developing a Blended Learning model to promote student agency: providing students choices over the pace, place, path and time of their learning. 

In May of 2024, Havergal is inviting educators from across CIS Ontario, and from within our own community to take part in sharing their learning. NOTE: we are looking for student volunteers and they can check daily announcements for the link to volunteer. For more information, please contact Vice Principal, Experiential Education and Innovation, Garth Nichols.

Canvas & Assessment

Our new Learning Management System, Canvas, calculates student grades based on an arithmetic mean, which is different from our previous gradebook. Please click on this link to read more details about how the Canvas Gradebook works. For questions, please contact Dr. Davis, VP Teaching & Learning. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL

TPH Immunization Clinic

The final date to submit Toronto Public Health immunization consent forms is Tuesday Oct 10. If you would like your child to have her Grade 7 immunizations done at school, please make sure that her consent has been submitted to her Form teacher no later than Oct 10.

COSSOT Dances & Socials 2023-24

In 2023, MS students will be selected to attend a dance by lottery. Students will be sent an email and can register their interest to participate. Once the lottery is completed, selected students will be notified via email and a registration form will be sent to their parents. Once a student has attended a COSSOT social (excluding Havergal) their name will not be entered into the lottery, until all MS students have had a chance to participate. 

RSGC COSSOT Dance

The RSGC dance will be held on October 20, 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Students can register their interest for the dance on Tuesday October 10 at 8:00am.  A link will be sent directly to their emails and will remain open until 4:00pm. Once the designated students have been chosen, parents will be emailed the registration link to attend the dance.

Havergal Dance Save the Date!

On November 3, Havergal will host our COSSOT dance. All MS students are welcome and they must register to attend. A link will be sent directly to their email address on Friday October 13 at 8:00am and will remain open until 4:00pm.

Athletics – Middle School Gator Games

The Middle School Gator Games will take place on Thursday, October 19 from 5:30 – 7:30pm in the Athletic Wing of the school. Registration and more details about the event will be shared next week. Save the date!

SENIOR SCHOOL

University Counselling – Canadian University Fair – Wednesday, October 18

The Canadian University Fair will take place on Wednesday, October 18 from 6:30pm-8:30pm in the BRH. All Grade 9-12 students and families are invited. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to explore Canadian Universities!

AP Webinar Recording

The recording from last week’s AP Webinar is available here and on the AP Guidance Page. Students seeking to register for AP Exams in May must submit this form by October 11th at 8AM. 

Wednesday Advising Next Week

Students will learn more about time management and different tools that might help them during the Grade 9 session. Our Grade 12 students will continue to unpack their Core Strengths together. Grade 11 representatives will lead their class in a fun round of Family Feud. Finally, our Grade 10 students will continue to be engaged in allyship and the power of laughter workshops. 

HCPA

Coming Soon: Used Textbook/Book Collection, Textbook Returns & Used Technology Drive

October 12, 7:30 – 11:30am in the Rotunda. We are also accepting donations of used books of any kind.

Click here for more information about the technology drive. Look for more detailed instructions in the October edition of HCPA News You Can Use.

HCPA Coffee Mornings at HC

Be sure to RSVP (hcpa.parentevents@gmail.com) for upcoming HCPA coffee mornings, to be held from 8 to 9:30 am in the Upper School Biowall/Student Commons. We hope you will be able to join us.

Wednesday, November 8: Grades 10, 11 and 12 Parents

Wednesday, December 6: Grades 7, 8 and 9 Parents

REMINDERS

Order Your Child’s School Portrait Now!

Your daughter’s 2023 school pictures are now available for viewing and ordering online.

To access your photos, simply visit echophotography.ca/havergal2023. When prompted for a password, enter your child’s unique person ID or student number. Ordering is a breeze, and you can customize your prints or digitals with a variety of options to suit your preferences. If you have any questions or special requests, please contact Cameron Hubbs at cameron@echophotography.ca or by text at 905-599-3557.

Ivy Market – Save the Date – Tuesday, November 21

OSSLT – Grade 10 Students

All Grade 10 students at Havergal will write the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) the morning of Tuesday, November 14. Technical preparation for the test will occur during morning grade programming (8:30–9:10AM) on October 25 and November 1.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Mon Oct 9

School closed

Tue Oct 10

Return to school

Wed Oct 11

Music retreat departs – 12:30  pm 

Thu Oct 12

Used Books and Technology Drive – 7:30 am – 11:30 am 

Fri Oct 13

Music retreat returns – 2:00 pm