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