Friday, January 26, 2024

UPPER SCHOOL

Parent/Teacher Conferences: Sign-up is Still Open!

Sign-up for Parent/Teacher Conferences will remain open until Tuesday, January 30 at 5 pm. Please see previous editions of The Weekly for complete instructions on how to sign up. After Tuesday, you must contact your daughter’s teachers directly to set up appointments. 

If you wish to schedule a meeting with your child’s Learning Support Specialist or Guidance Counsellor please email them directly to book an appointment.

March Break to the Long Weekend

There are three days of school between March Break and the next long weekend. During these three days classes will be taking place with the regular expectations for students. If your family is choosing to travel during those three days we ask that your daughter stays up-to-date by using Canvas and we will not require an extended absence form to be completed. 

On Tuesday, February 13, at approximately 12:45 pm, Havergal College will play against Bishop Strachan School’s (BSS) U20 Hockey team in a battle for the Hewitt Cup (HOCKEY DAY!!!).

In this annual hockey game—faculty, staff, and students are decked out in green and gold to cheer on our Gators with pride. Our Junior School Gators will play against the BSS Junior School team during the first intermission.

Similar to last year, this year’s game will be held at the Mattamy Athletic Centre (Formerly Maple Leaf Gardens) located at 50 Carlton St, Toronto.

Attendance is mandatory for students in Grades 4 to 8; students in Grades 9 to 12 are encouraged to attend.  The parents of all attendees must complete online registration and ticket purchase. 

Students in grades 9-12 may be dismissed directly from Mattamy Athletic Centre after the game. Parents, if you wish to grant your child permission to leave after the game (and not take the bus transportation back to Havergal) please check the appropriate box during registration. Only students who have this parental permission, via Veracross registration (no emails), may be dismissed directly from Mattamy. Please note that if you choose this option, there may not be space on a return bus should they change their mind later.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN AND WILL CLOSE ON MONDAY FEBRUARY 5 AT NOON

To register your child click here: https://events.veracross.com/hc/418-eaarexcursions23-24USJSD

Student accounts will be charged $25 to attend the event, which includes bus transportation, a spirit item and admission to the arena.If you have any questions please contact Ms. Di Filippo

Hockey for Health – a message from Wellbeing & Sports Prefects: Emerson, Paige & Kaitlyn

Hello Havergal Community,

We are beyond excited that the Hockey for Health initiative is continuing this year! The core of sports is community, the exact thing that makes Hockey Day so special. Along with the thrilling game on the ice, Hockey Day has the unique power to bring us together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared spirit. Highlighting this feeling emphasises the idea that none of us are alone, and strength truly lies in this community, no matter what day it is. The unity forged through cheering for a common cause and the shared moments of triumph, these experiences build bonds that extend far beyond the rink.

Hockey 4 Health is a powerful platform for our Havergal community to come together and address the stigma surrounding mental health. In addition to this amazing event, Havergal College and The Bishop Strachan School are coming together to raise funds for Kids Help Phone. This is just one of the ways we can work towards ending the stigma. By leveraging the strength of our shared experiences and love for our community, we aim to break down barriers, encourage open conversations, and create a supportive environment for all.

Link to Donate to Kids Help Phone CLICK HERE.**

To view the slidedeck made for this event, including an incredible video showcasing the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, please click HERE.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Course Selection Parent Information

The live recording from the Course Selection Parent Information Session is ready to view. Please feel free to reach out to your child’s guidance counsellor if you have questions. 

SENIOR SCHOOL

Course Selection Parent Information

The live recordings from the Course Selection Parent Information Session are ready to view. Please feel free to reach out to your child’s guidance counsellor if you have questions. 

Grade 11 Students – Special Workshop – Thursday, Feb 1 from 8:30 am to 1:50 pm

On February 1, all Grade 11 students will be engaging in a special workshop aimed at helping them identify their values as they begin to think about their transition to their graduating year, their role as the Class of 2025 leading the student body, as well as the choices they will face as they look beyond high school. All Grade 12 students at Havergal engage in the Core Strengths program, spending time considering values prior to engagement with this program will add even greater richness to it. 

The day of programming begins at 8:30 am and ends at 1:50 pm, taking advantage of the shortened school day for Parent Teacher Interviews. Students have signed up to attend smaller workshops during the day where they can work with teacher facilitators to learn more about themselves, what motivates and what drives them. 
Attendance is mandatory and we look forward to having them share with you some of their personal learnings from the day.

Grade 12 Parent Education Evening – Save the Date – Tuesday, March 5, 7:00 pm

On Tuesday, March 5 at 7:00 pm Lexi Koster, a Toronto-based Sexual Violence Prevention Educator, Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist & Child Life Specialist will be here to present to our Grade 12 parents. Sexual violence is a growing issue on post-secondary campuses, largely due to a lack of early education on topics like consent, bodily autonomy and bystander intervention. Through uplifting workshops and keynotes, Lexi gives audiences the confidence to talk openly about sexual violence and take action toward its prevention. Having formerly worked as Queen’s University’s Sexual Violence Prevention Educator, Lexi knows the difference it makes to have these important conversations before stepping foot on campus. Parents are encouraged to join us on March 5 where Lexi will cover the landscape of campus sexual violence and impart strategies to continue the conversation at home. To register please CLICK HERE

This will be followed on Wednesday, March 6 with a student presentation at 3:00 pm to the Class of 2024 in the Legacy Theatre. All Grads are expected to attend this important presentation. Students will take part in interactive case studies and walk away with practical tools to keep themselves and others safe as they transition to post-secondary life. 
Over the past seven years, Lexi has worked with thousands of high school students across Canada, mobilising them to be part of the solution. She hopes that through early education, we can reduce the incidence of sexual violence on post-secondary campuses in years to come. If you have any questions please reach out to Deirdre Timusk.

In Advising this Week

Our Grade 9 and 12 student reps have put together some typical scenarios for our Grads to talk about with our Grade 9s. These two grades will be meeting together to unpack different social situations with the Grads sharing their wisdom with their younger counterparts. Our Grade 10 students will attend sessions on learning how to make safe choices with their friends and partners in social settings and managing risky behaviour. Grade 11 students will be completing their course selection forms and consulting with their grade advisors and our guidance team. 

REMINDERS

Havergal Board & Committees Recruitment Reminder – applications due Friday, Feb 2

As we look ahead to planning for the next school year, we would like to remind parents/guardians that the opportunity to apply to serve on the Board of Governors or a Board Committee is currently open. This year the Board is especially interested in identifying potential candidates with one or more of the following: philanthropic board and/or charitable foundation board experience; capital infrastructure project oversight experience; and CPA/CFO/operational finance/public accountancy experience. 
The Board of Governors Application Form is located here, and the application due date is Friday, February 2, 2024. Applications will be reviewed in February/March with interviews taking place in March for those selected. Additional details on the role and responsibilities of Board and Committee members can be found here. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at boardofgovernors@havergal.on.ca.

Round Square Opportunities  

A reminder from the Forum for Change about information sessions about our two Round Square opportunities:

  • Recordings from our information session on Monday, Jan. 22nd are linked below:

Middle School

Senior School

  • Student information session coming up on Jan. 29th in person in the Forum for Change

Gator Gala – Save the date! Saturday, April 13

All Upper School students and an adult guest are invited to join us for an evening of dining and dancing “carnival style”—more details coming soon!

CAIS Middle School Leadership Conference – Grade 7 only

Students in Grade 7 have the opportunity to apply for the CAIS Middle School Leadership Conference, being held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, May 7 -10. More details, including registration can be found HERE.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Tuesday, Jan 30          

Grade 12: Our Grads Take the Cake,  7:00 pm – 8:45 pm

Thursday,  Feb 1                

Grade 11 – Workshop                       8:30am – 1:50 pm 

Parent Teacher conferences               3:00pm – 8:00pm

Friday, Feb 2               

Parent Teacher conferences               8:00am – 3:00pm

                

Friday, January 19, 2024

MIDDLE SCHOOL

CAIS Middle School Leadership Conference – Grade 7 only

Students in Grade 7 will have the opportunity to apply for the CAIS Middle School Leadership Conference, being held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, May 7 -10. More details, including pricing and the itinerary will be available on Friday, January 26.

Course Selection Parent Information

The slide decks from the Course Selection Parent Information Session are ready to view. Live recordings from the session will be available next week in The Weekly. 

Grade 8s going into Grade 9

Slidedeck

SENIOR SCHOOL

Grade 9 Parents: TC-9 Parent Virtual Information Session – February 2, 12:30 to 12:45 pm

TC-9 is an immersive “mini-mester” course designed to activate students to the call of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. From March 26 to April 8, Grade 9 students will be immersed in learning from our partners, exploring key parts of the city, and applying their learning to tackle UN SDG #13: Climate Action.

  • Please join Garth NIchols and Jeff Adams, course leads, to find out more
    • Feb. 2nd at 12:30PM
    • Zoom link HERE
      • Meeting ID: 850 0249 8770 & Passcode: 929709

Course Selection Parent Information

The Slide decks from the Course Selection Parent Information Session are ready to view. Live recordings from the session will be available next week in The Weekly. 

Grade 9s going into Grade 10

Grade 10s going into Grade 11

Grade 11s going into Grade 12

University Visits: Friday, January 26, at lunch

Individual University Reps will be visiting Havergal College to speak to Grade 11 and 12 students. This is a great opportunity to see what the universities offer. 

On Friday, January 26 we will host University of Gloucestershire, 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm

In Wednesday Advising Time

Grades 10 and 11 will be competing in an amazing race this week during advising time. Our Grade 9 students will be introduced to the TC-9 program during which students will be exploring the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Finally, Core Strengths training will take place for our Grade 12 students. This program has been running all year and helps all of our Grads recognize and lead from their strengths. You can learn more about this program here.

HCPA

US Grade Rep Meeting – Tuesday, January 23

All parents are welcome to attend the next US Grade Rep meeting on January 23, 2024 at 8:45 am in the JS Dining Hall. Principal Katrina Sampson and Executive Director of Advancement Annette Paul will introduce HC’s new initiative ‘Ahead of the Game: The Campaign for Girls Athletics, Outdoor Education and Play.’  In addition, Alex Shum, Head of Mathematics and Computer Science, will speak about the Math program at Havergal. We hope to see you there!

REMINDERS

Round Square International Conference September 2024

(This is for students who will be 16 yrs and older in academic year 2024 – 2025)

Application Deadline is February 2

All information and link to apply can be found HERE

Round Square Regional Conference: May 2024

(This is for students who are in the Middle School)

Application Deadline is February 2

All information and link to apply can be found HERE

Coffee with the Head of Middle School – February 6

Want to learn about the latest MS “slang” and what’s “in” and what’s “out”? Join us on Feb 6, 8:00 am – 9:30am for a fun and engaging session on #winatsocial, a new program that is being used in our Form program to promote healthy and high-character use of social media.  You can register HERE.

Sign-up for Parent/Teacher Conferences Closes Wednesday, January 24 at 6pm

Parent Teacher Interviews are taking place, via Zoom, on the following dates:

  • Thursday, February 1 from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  • Friday, February 2 from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Families will be able to schedule a time to meet with their child(ren)’s teachers using pickAtime.  

  • pickAtime opened at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, January 17
  • pickAtime CLOSES at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, January 24

Havergal’s online booking system – pickAtime

The online conference booking system used by Havergal College is called pickAtime. Please note that:

  • pickAtime does not permit the scheduling of back-to-back appointments. If you have two (or more) children who have the same teacher, or your child has one teacher for more than one course please contact Sally Danto and she will help with scheduling. She will also assist with booking if you have three or more children in the Upper School.
  • .the only way to book an appointment after the system closes is by booking directly with your child’s teachers. Ms Danto no longer has access to their calendars after 

Already have a pickAtime account?

  • CLICK HERE  to sign into your pickAtime account with your password.

Need to register for an account?

  • If you do not have a pickAtime account, please create a pickAtime link in advance of the online opening. 
  • Please be sure to select the “Upper School” option in the drop down menu (not the “Junior School” or “Green and Gold”).

How to Optimize your Experience on Zoom

In order to have the best possible experience at the upcoming event, it is strongly recommended that your Zoom application be updated to the latest version well before the evening begins. Zoom can take some time to update. 

The following information and links have been provided by our IT department for your use:

Need any Further Help?

For assistance with pickAtime, please contact the Service Desk at servicedesk@havergal.on.ca (416) 483-3843 ext. 6663 and they will assist you. Their hours of operation are from Monday – Friday 7:30 am to 5 pm

Gator Gala! Save the Date – Saturday, April 13

All Upper School students and an adult guest are invited to join us for an evening of dining and dancing “carnival style”—more details coming soon!

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER

Monday, January 22               

Holocaust Remembrance Day Prayers

Wednesday, January 24          

New Current School Year Parent Mixer 6:30pm

Friday, January 26                  

Re-enrollment opens

Beatstock, 6-9pm 

Friday, January 12, 2024

UPPER SCHOOL

Parent/Teacher Interviews – February 1 & 2

 Save the Date – Parent Teacher Interviews! 

Parent Teacher Interviews are just around the corner, taking place, via Zoom, on the following dates:

  • Thursday, February 1 (3:00 pm – 8:00 pm)
  • Friday, February 2 (8:00 am – 3:00 pm)

Families will be able to schedule a time to meet with their child(ren)’s teachers using Pick-a-Time.  

  • pickATime OPENS at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, January 17
  • pickAtime CLOSES at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, January 24

Havergal’s online booking system – pickAtime

The online conference booking system used by Havergal College is called pickAtime. Please note that:

  • pickAtime does not permit the scheduling of back-to-back appointments. If you have two (or more) children who have the same teacher please contact Sally Danto and she will help with scheduling. She will also assist with booking if you have three or more children in the Upper School.
  • the only way to book an appointment after the system closes is by booking directly with your child’s teachers. Ms Danto no longer has access to their calendars after that time.

Already have a pickAtime account?

  • CLICK HERE  to sign into your pickAtime account with your password.

Need to register for an account?

  • If you do not have a pickAtime account, please create a pickAtime link in advance of the online opening. 
  • Please be sure to select the “Upper School” option in the drop down menu (not the “Junior School” or “Green and Gold”).

How to Optimize your Experience on Zoom

In order to have the best possible experience at the upcoming event, it is strongly recommended that your Zoom application be updated to the latest version well before the evening begins. Zoom can take some time to update. 

The following information and links have been provided by our IT department for your use:

Need any Further Help?

For assistance with pickAtime, please contact the Service Desk at servicedesk@havergal.on.ca (416) 483-3843 ext. 6663 and they will assist you. Their hours of operation are from Monday – Friday 7:30 am to 5 pm.

AI Summer Program Taught by Stanford University Alumni – Toronto

Inspirit AI is offering an in-person, 30-hour pre-college AI program hosted at Havergal College that teaches students in grades 8-12 fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build socially impactful projects such as safe ChatGPT bots, exoplanet search, self-driving car systems, and more! 

Stanford and MIT graduates in AI will be present in person from July 15-July 26, 2024 to teach. 

Please read more information in the program brochure and apply here. If you cannot attend in person, students may apply to the live online program

Program contact: Jared Greene, jaredgreene@inspiritai.com. 

Extended Absence Procedure

Will your daughter miss more than three days of school in a row? If so please follow our extended absence procedure. Parents are required to contact their child’s Head of School to request an extended absence. Once the absence has been approved, the Head of School will inform the child of the next steps. This process is an important first step in supporting your child while she is away from school. Please do this well in advance to allow at least a week for the process. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Forum for Change Launching Round Square

We are looking for 5 – 7 Delegates to represent Havergal at the upcoming Round Square Regional Conference, being held at the Tim Hortons’ Camp in Kananaskis, Alberta. This is an opportunity to learn with and from students around the world! Financial assistance is available. Please contact Garth Nichols with any questions. 

Information & Application link can be found here

There will be a Zoom information session on January 22nd at Noon to 12:30 ~ this will be recorded and shared

Course Selection Parent Information Session

On Wednesday, January 17 the Guidance Department will be hosting a Course Selection Session for parents of students in Grade 8 via zoom, starting at 7:00 pm. 

  • Carrie Steele

Topic: Grade 8 going into Grade 9 – Course Selection- 2024

Time: Jan 17, 2024, 7:00 pm Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://havergal.zoom.us/j/83035954433?pwd=02wY4jgRTtXDgkdrIWWV8pDGNx2mGb.1

Meeting ID: 830 3595 4433

Passcode: 672483

Sterling Hall Social – January 19

Grade 7 and 8 students are invited to register their interest in attending the Sterling Hall Social, next Friday, January 19 from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Students were sent a registration form earlier this week. Registration closes at 9:00 pm on Friday, January 12. Successful candidates will be notified on Monday, January 15.

UCC Skating & Pizza Party

Grade 8 students have been invited to participate in a skating and pizza party at UCC on Wednesday, January 31 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm.

Students received an online registration form today; registration closes on Friday, January 19 at 9:00 am.

Grade 7 Leadership

On January 16, our Grade 7 students will have the opportunity to run for the position of Form or House rep. Students are able to nominate themselves and must prepare a one minute speech for their classmates. The speeches and elections will be held on Tuesday January 16 in their Form rooms. Interested students were sent the nomination form earlier this week and must nominate themselves by using this form no later than Friday, January 12 at 5:00 pm. Please encourage your child to put their name forward.

Coffee with the Head of Middle School

Did you know 56% of parents are concerned about their child’s technology use? Understandably, families feel overwhelmed and find it challenging to keep up with their children, dealing with new apps, video games, drama, and social situations. In partnering with The Social Institute, we’ve taken a positive, proactive approach to prioritise student well-being, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations and helping students develop essential life skills for success in and beyond the classroom, both online and offline. Wondering how it all works? Let’s dive in on Feb 6, 8:00 am – 9:30am for a fun and engaging session on #winatsocial.  You can register HERE.

SENIOR SCHOOL

Forum for Change Launches Applications for the Round Square International Conference 2024 in Bogota, Colombia

We are looking for 5 Senior School students to represent Havergal at the Round Square International Conference in September of 2024. This is the learning and adventure of a lifetime where students can learn with and from students from around the world. Financial assistance is available. Please contact Garth Nichols with any questions. 

Information & Application link can be found here

There will be a Zoom information session on January 22nd at 12:30 to 12:55 ~ this will be recorded and shared

Guidance Department News

Grade 12 Students: Important University Deadlines

  • A friendly reminder that Ivey applications are due Monday, January 15 at 11:59 pm. 
  • The deadline for Ontario high school students to submit their completed application to the OUAC is Monday, January 15 at 7:00 pm.

Grad Portraits

Grad Portraits will take place in the Rotunda from Monday, February 5 to Friday, February 9 at 9:00 am to 4:00 pm 

Students are to abide by these important photo instructions:

  • Wear a white blouse or top (no t-shirts)
  • Do not wear coloured undergarments
  • Jewellery is permitted

Grads can book their appointment HERE.

Course Selection Parent Information Session – January 17

On Wednesday, January 17 the Guidance Department will be hosting a Course Selection Session for parents of students in Grade 9 – 12 via zoom, starting at 7:00 pm. 

  • Grade 9 into 10: Jordy Winograd

Topic: Grade 9 going into 10 – Course Selection 2024

Time: Jan 17, 2024 7:00 PM 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://havergal.zoom.us/j/87560164023?pwd=NmBhAfOuIMIiOvAJiPmSbgdO4QwGMb.1

Meeting ID: 875 6016 4023

Passcode: 138992

  • Grade 10 into 11: Jordan Frost

Topic: Grade 10 going into Grade 11 course selection 2024

Time: Jan 17, 2024 07:00 PM 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://havergal.zoom.us/j/84348910767?pwd=jNz4uM2Fq7aVftMzlfdRa3o1A945HM.1

Meeting ID: 843 4891 0767

Passcode: 996939

  • Grade 11 into 12: Jennifer Mandala 

Topic: Grade 11 into Grade 12 course selection 2024

Time: Jan 17, 2024 7:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://havergal.zoom.us/j/83443285462?pwd=hWNhibxF9Rcyv4uc9U3IYJw7ZGFb1A.1

Meeting ID: 834 4328 5462

Passcode: 265013

HCPA

Grade Rep Meeting

All parents are welcome to attend the next US Grade Rep meeting on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 8:45 am in the JS Dining Hall. Principal Katrina Sampson and Executive Director of Advancement Annette Paul will introduce HC’s new initiative ‘Ahead of the Game: The Campaign for Girls Athletics, Outdoor Education and Play.’  In addition, Alex Shum, Head of Mathematics and Computer Science, will speak about the Math program at Havergal. We hope to see you there!

REMINDERS

Gator Gala Save the Date! Saturday, April 13

All Upper School students and an adult guest are invited to join us for an evening of dining and dancing “carnival style”—more details coming soon!

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Wed Jan 17    

Parents Course Selection Meetings – Virtual 7:00 pm

Fri Jan 19       

Sterling Hall Social Grade 7 & 8

BSS Winter Festival Grade 11 & 12