UPPER SCHOOL

Important Announcement Regarding Measles

As families prepare for their upcoming March Break, it is important to note that Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health has issued a statement to public health officials regarding the potential outbreaks of measles. If you are planning to travel, we encourage you to refer to this infographic from Toronto Public Health for useful tips and information.

Spring Athletics Registration Opens Thursday, February 29

Registration for Spring Athletics will open Thursday, February 29 and will remain open until Friday, March 8 at 12pm. 

Below are some important reminders to help you with this season’s registration. 

Parents may register by visiting the Veracross links below: 

https://programregistration.veracross.com/App/hc/ProgramRegistration/USAthleticsSpringParent/Landing/Auto

• ONLY PARENTS may complete registration – This registration allows parents to log on and provide permission via an eAAR approval process for the teams that your Upper School child(ren) would like to try out for.

• Students may not attend tryouts unless permission has been given during this registration period via Veracross. This is the only way to complete the spring athletics registration. Please do not email me your child’s registration. It is important that online (Veracross) registration is completed. 

• Students may register to try out for only TWO teams (this does not include Coach Mentor or OFSAA Soccer) – please consult with your child/children to confirm the two teams that they would like to try out for before you complete the online registration.

• Students may participate in one spring sport with the only exception being OFSAA soccer.
  
• Spring Tryout Schedule – The tryout schedule is below and can be found on Veracross. The season schedule will be finalised on April 5, 2024. When you click on the link below, make sure you are looking at the third tab – “SPRING 2023-2024”. 

Spring 2023 -2024 Schedule 

• Please note there is no reminder email of when specific tryouts take place. It is the responsibility of the students and parents to look at the schedule to know when and where the tryouts are occurring. 

• HAVERGAL TRACK JACKET or ¼ ZIP SWEATER: All students on a Havergal team must wear either the Nike track jacket or the Havergal ¼ zip to all games. Athletic clothing will be given out during uniform distribution days. Please write your child’s name on the clothing item as many students will have the same apparel. If your child participated in a fall sport, they likely already have one of these items. 

Athletic Fees

An athletic fee will be charged to help cover the escalating costs of entry fees, transportation, awards, equipment, uniforms, referees, outside coaches, facility rentals and other costs that are incurred by the department. Student accounts will be charged for athletics at the end of each sport season.

Please see a list of student charges by activity below:

• Badminton – $225
• Golf – $225
• Learn to Golf (TBD) – $225
• Rugby (Touch) – $225
• Rugby 7’s (Full Contact) – $225
• Soccer (OFSAA Tournament) – ~$1100 (inclusive)
• Softball – $225
• Tennis – $225
• Track and Field – $225
• Triathlon – $225
• Ultimate – $225
• Coach Mentor Program – $0

Clothing

• Havergal Nike track jacket – $130.00
• Havergal ¼ zip sweater – $70.00

What is the Coach Mentor Program?

The coach mentor program develops the leadership skills in our older students and at the same time helps develop the fundamental athletic skills of our younger students. It is a program that bridges the gap between the Junior, Middle and Upper School. Students in grades 7-12 will be paired with a grade 3-8 team and help the coach and athletes at practices and/or home games. They are required to attend at least 6 practices throughout the term. A Google form to assess team interest will be sent to registrants during the tryout process. 

DATES TO REMEMBER FOR REGISTRATION

• Registration will close Friday, March 8 at noon. 
• Tryouts will run from Tuesday, March 26 to Tuesday, April 9 – please consult the schedule for exact times.

If you are having trouble with the registration process or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Carla Di Filippo.

Period Product Drive – Thank you!

Thank you to all of the families and students who donated to our Period Product Drive in support of our Community Partnership, Youth Without Shelter. They were so grateful to receive three large bags worth of products that will benefit many of their clients. Thank you for your continued support! 

Senior School Play – The Children’s Hour – Tickets on Sale Now

Tickets are now on sale for this year’s Senior School Production of The Children’s Hour by Lillian Hellman.

To purchase a ticket, please email playtickets@havergal.on.ca. Tickets are $20.

Show Date/Times:

Wednesday, February 28th @ 7pm

Thursday, February 29th @ 7pm

Friday, March 1st @7pm

Senior School Spring Music Night

You are invited to attend our 2024 Senior School Spring Music Night on Wednesday March 6 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm in the Brenda Robson Hall.  We would love to see you there!

MIDDLE SCHOOL

This Week in Form

This week in Form we are welcoming Guest Speaker Keka DasGupta who will speak to the students about how Every Small Gesture Matters. In her presentation, Keka will address bullying, gratitude, and how being an upstander can have a positive effect on your perspective.

On Wednesday senior student Finley C will be sharing her anti-bullying presentation with our MS students. Her presentation will focus on the importance of promoting inclusivity and not excluding others.

Grade 8 Band in the Golden Horseshoe Music Festival

Our Grade 8 Band will be travelling to Ancaster, Ontario on Friday, March 1, to participate in the Golden Horseshoe Music Festival. Musicians need to be at Havergal by 6:30 AM as the bus departs promptly at 6:45 AM.

SENIOR SCHOOL

In Advising Next Week

Our Grade 9 and 10 students will be participating in the Waterloo mathematics on the morning of Wednesday, February 28. All Grade 9 and 10 students should arrive no later than 8:15 am in order to start the test at 8:30 am. It is a great challenge for our students and many win awards they can talk about later on their university applications. We are trying something new with our Grade 11 students: The Human Library. Inspired by Denmark’s Human Library, this event aims to foster connections between students and teachers by allowing discussions on various topics like travel, life experiences and books. Finally, our Grads will be able to ask questions of our nurse and Phys Ed teachers, in a private setting, to learn more about any health and social concerns they may have. 

UK 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. This is a great opportunity to see what the universities offer.

Thursday, February 29 from 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm in Room B16 

• Ulster University 

Friday, March 1 from 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm in the Ellen Knox Library 

• University of Leeds
• University of Exeter 
• University of Surrey 
• Newcastle University 

Grad Portraits Available

We’re pleased to let you know that the 2024 Havergal grad portraits will be online later today. To view and order grad portraits, please visit echophotography.gotphoto.com Your access code is your daughter’s Havergal ID number. Thank you.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Cameron Hubbs at cameron@echophotography.ca.

HCPA

Gator Gala 2024 – Saturday, April 13

• Tickets are on sale now for all Upper School students and an adult guest
• Volunteer before or during the event—we would appreciate your help!
• Donate an item or experience to the Silent Auction
• Donate items for swag bags

REMINDERS

Grade 12 Parent Education Evening – Tuesday, March 5, 7 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. 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. If you have any questions please reach out to Deirdre Timusk.

Community Partnership Book Drive

From February 20 through March 8, in partnership with The Crescent School, we are collecting children’s books for Grenoble, New Circles, and the Children’s Book Bank! Please send in any gently used children books, graphic novels, and YA novels. 

HCPA Yoga at the BioWall

Parents are invited to join the HCPA at 2pm for yoga on February 29. Register now!

HCPA – Moms’ Night Out

Save the date – Thursday, May 23. More details will be coming soon.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Wed Feb 28 

Waterloo Math Contest, 8:30 am

School-Wide Pink Shirt Day (with uniform) 

Senior School Play, 7:00 pm

Thu Feb 29  

Upper School Athletic Registration opens,  12 pm

HCPA Yoga at the BioWall, 2 pm

Senior School Play, 7:00 pm

Fri Mar 1     

Grade 8 Band Golden Horseshoe Competition in Ancaster, depart Havergal College 6:45 am 

Senior School Play – 7:00 pm

Sat Mar 2    

HCMUN, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm

UPPER SCHOOL

Havercrest Book Drive: Feb 20 through Mar 8

Start your spring cleaning early by donating to the Havercrest Book Drive from February 20 to March 8! All proceeds will go to The Children’s Book Bank, an organization that provides free books to underprivileged children in Toronto, and Havergal’s various community partners (Grenoble Public School and New Circles). We are looking for gently used books for babies, children, and teens but are particularly in need of baby books and graphic novels. There will be boxes around the school for students to place their donations. 

Please note the Book Bank does not accept: Adult books, textbooks/school workbooks, self-published books, magazines, or damaged books. 

For more Information, please reach out to the Forum for Change.

Time 4 Change Fundraiser – Friday, Feb 23 – during drop-off

On Thursday, February 22 at lunch in the Temerty Commons, and Friday, February 23 at 9:00 am in the front drive during morning drop-off, students from the Grade 12 Drama class will be collecting donations for our community partner Youth Without Shelter, in connection with their “Time 4 Change” fundraiser. This fundraiser aims to educate Toronto students about youth homelessness through fundraising and art activism. Any and all donations are welcome, so please bring your change and support this important community partner.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

This Week in Form

On Tuesday, students will be working with our new #winatsocial program. The topic of discussion will be “Learning and growing from the mistakes we make.” Parents can access the lesson and parent resources HERE.

On Wednesday students will be discussing how to build trust and the importance of developing solid relationships. 

SENIOR SCHOOL

The Week in Advising

All students in grade 9-11 will receive information about the upcoming leadership opportunities. There are both elected and application-based opportunities. Grade 12 students will have university counselling. 

Grade 12 – St. Frances Xavier University Visit

On Thursday, February 22, a representative from St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) will be visiting Grade 12 students who have been accepted to their university.  This is a great opportunity for students to ask questions and find out more about StFx.

Date: February 22

Time: 12:15 pm-1:00 pm

Location: B16 

HCPA

Moms’ Night Out

Save the date for this year’s Moms’ Night Out—Thursday, May 23, 2024. More details coming soon.

REMINDERS

Gator Gala – Saturday, April 13, 2024

Tickets are on sale now for all Upper School students and an adult guest.

The Gator Gala Committee is looking for volunteers on Saturday, April 13—find out more here. If you would like to make a donation to the Gator Gala Silent Auction, please contact Jenn Ocampo-King at JenniferOcampo.King@tdsecurities.com or Donna Wilson at donnasmythe@hotmail.com. Thank you for your support!

Yoga at the BioWall/Student Commons

Parents are invited to join the HCPA at 2pm for yoga on February 22 or February 29. Sign up soon as space is limited!

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

On Tuesday, March 5 at 7 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. To register please CLICK HERE. 
This will be followed on Wednesday, March 6 with a student presentation at 3 pm to the Class of 2024 in the Legacy Theatre. If you have any questions please reach out to Deirdre Timusk.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Mon Feb 19:   

School Closed – Family Day

Fri Feb  23:    

9/10 Havergal Dance

UPPER SCHOOL

Important Message from Havergal Security

Havergal’s Security Team recently conducted a traffic flow audit of Upper School drop-off and pick-up procedures. They were alarmed by some of the behaviours they observed, which they noted placed the safety and wellbeing of students at risk. 

What follows are important points for drivers to immediately address going forward:

1. DO NOT drop your passenger(s) off at the public bus stop in front of the school. This is a practice that endangers the Havergal and wider community.
2. Drop off on the right side of the driveway. Drop off is permitted only along the curb closest to the front steps of the Upper School, which is duly noted by signage. Our Security Team observed drivers unloading students along the curb that runs adjacent to Avenue Road. Other drivers unload passengers in the middle of the driveway. This creates a dangerous situation because students can, and do, cross the school driveway in haste without looking.
3. Be patient. Impatient drivers race to the front of the line–weaving in and out of traffic. Please remain patient and take your place in the queue to drop off and pick up your passenger(s).
4. Signal your intention to other drivers and Security. 80% of drivers do not signal their intentions when they drop off, pick up, and/or merge.
5. Comply with Security directions. Many drivers ignore the signals our Security Team gives drivers. Here it is always helpful to make eye contact with Security personnel so that you can follow their signals and directions.
6. Don’t park at the curb after drop off. Some drivers stay parked after dropping off their passenger(s) in order to check their phones. This impedes traffic flow patterns significantly and slows the entire process down.
7. Passengers should be ready to exit the vehicle safely and promptly. Drivers leave their vehicles to unload items from their trunk, which also slows down the drop off process. Passengers should be ready to exit quickly. Items stored in the trunk should be easily accessible. Hockey bags should be dropped off as close to the glass doors as possible.
8. DO NOT turn into the driveway from Avenue Rd if the entrance is not clear!  You will end up blocking Avenue Rd. traffic.
9. Drive past the bend to the end. Many drivers do not move all the way up past the first bend in the drive past the main doors to drop off passengers. This impedes traffic flow patterns significantly.
10. There are two exits from the front driveway, indicated by signage. Please use the other exit if the first exit is backed up.

Dropping off and picking up students can be a stressful time — especially when drivers are late, pressed for time, and otherwise in a hurry to begin their day. It is also a time when student safety can be unnecessarily compromised. At Havergal, signage very clearly demarcates drop off and pick up locations.

Please be courteous and respectful of fellow drivers and members of Havergal’s Security Team. The safety and wellbeing of our students depend on your following through on the school’s expectations around drop off and pick up.

An Evening with David Bott: Wednesday, March 27

As part of our Parents as Partners Speaker Series, Havergal is proud to welcome David Bott as our next speaker on March 27 at 7:00 pm. David is a best-selling author, consultant, former teacher, and expert in designing and implementing system-level approaches to wellbeing and cultural change. His talk will focus on Parenting for Wellbeing, including the evolution of wellbeing science, what wellbeing is not, and the key role parents and caregivers play. There will be an opportunity to ask questions. Current and new families are welcome and encouraged to bring additional guests; registration for the event can be found here. 

David Bott will be at Havergal for the week of March 25, working with our Upper School students as well as running professional development with our faculty and staff throughout the week.

Leaving Items for your Daughter

If your child forgets something at home you are welcome to leave it on the wooden table in the small room off the Rotunda.  Please be sure to put your daughter’s name on the item. If necessary, we will remind her to pick it up. The room will be cleared of any leftover items at the end of the week. Thank you.

HC-X Innovation Series: Digital Wisdom Parent/Guardian Experience (online)

Parents and Guardians, Level up your digital wisdom.

On Monday, Feb 12 from 7:00 – 8:00 pm, HC-X will present an online workshop about how our relationship to digital devices and social media is impacting our lives, identities and skills for the future. Participants of all ages are welcome and will leave with more confidence, strategies and mindsets when it comes to your own devices and that of your child(ren).
Sign up using this link to Veracross to receive the Zoom link.

Semester 1 Report Cards (MHF4U/MHF4UP)

Parents of students in Grade 10 Careers and Grade 12 Advanced Functions can access the Semester 1 Report cards by clicking on the September-March report card. The instructions are linked here

Spirit Week!

Spirit Week is the week when students show their love for their school and their grade: Students wear special dress every day! This is great time to get kilts and blazers dry cleaned because they will not be needed all week. 

Monday: Dress Up or Dress Down

Tuesday: Green and Gold from head to toe

Wednesday: Music Genres 

Grade 7: Pop; Grade 8: Rock, Grade 9: Hip Hop, Grade 10; Disco, Grade 11: Classical; Grade 12: Country

Thursday:      Grade Colour

                     Grade 7: Green; Grade 8: Purple; Grade 9: Red; 

                     Grade 10: Pink; Grade 11: Blue; Grade 12: White.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

This Week in Form: Spirit Week!

The MS Spirit Reps are busy organising practices for the Grade Cheer-Off Assembly on Thursday. The leaders will encourage our middle schoolers to get involved in the scheduled daily activities all week long.

SENIOR SCHOOL

Grade 12 Graduation Gown Sizing

February is the month for the Grade 12s to get sized for their graduation gowns! This is an exciting and important (and fun) step.

From February 5 to February 23, Grade 12 students will be measured for their gown in the Guidance Office (B12). Students are asked to remove their shoes in order to get the most accurate measurement.

Students may not miss class for this opportunity. Measurements can be taken during students’ spares, during lunch, between classes, or before/after school. 

Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test

We are thrilled to announce that our Grade 10 students earned a 100% pass rate on the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test. Documentation of each student’s success is available now. Access to this digital file is via the same means as student report cards: 

Log in to the Havergal College Parent Portal.

In the upper left, select “My Children”, then select “Student Files” for your child.

In the “Files” section at the bottom, find the file called “OSSLT Results” and select the “Download” button.

This Week in Advising

We have spirit activities all week this week. This Wednesday each grade will be working on their CHEER for Thursday’s Cheer Off Assembly!

HCPA

Gator Gala – Saturday, April 13!

Tickets are on sale now for all Upper School students and an adult guest.

The Gator Gala Committee is looking for volunteers on Saturday, April 13—find out more here. If you would like to make a donation to the Gator Gala Silent Auction, please contact Jenn Ocampo-King at JenniferOcampo.King@tdsecurities.com or Donna Wilson at donnasmythe@hotmail.com. Thank you for your support!

Yoga at the Biowall Student Commons

Parents are invited to join the HCPA at 2pm for yoga on February 22 or February 29. Sign up soon as space is limited!

Mom’s Night Out

REMINDERS

HC-X Reminders

We held a great session on Friday of last week, discussing what TC-9 is and what it will be for your child(ren). As a reminder, here are the key links for all information:

• FAQ
• Schedule
• Recording of previous recorded session

Please contact Garth Nichols, Vice Principal of Experiential Education & Innovation for any further questions.

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

On Tuesday, March 5 at 7 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. To register please CLICK HERE. 
This will be followed on Wednesday, March 6 with a student presentation at 3 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. If you have any questions please reach out to Deirdre Timusk.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Spirit Week All Week!

Mon Feb 12     

Digital Wisdom Parent Meeting, Virtual  7 – 8pm

Tues Feb 13     

Hockey Day  1:15 Mattamy Center

Thu Feb 15      

Cheer-Off Assembly

Fri Feb 16       

School Closed – Family Day Weekend

UPPER SCHOOL

Drop-off & Pick-up

Please be advised that only the Front Circle entrance can be used for student drop offs and pickups. Private driveways, such as the South House driveway, are not to be used for entry and exit of the School. This will ensure smooth operations and maintain high safety levels across the campus during the busy periods.

Solar Eclipse – April 8

On Monday April 8 Toronto will experience a Solar Eclipse in the late afternoon. Planning is underway to add learning opportunities on that day and a review of our schedule and plans to ensure students are kept safe. Classes will be in session on this day. We are not planning to adjust our Professional Development days as some of the school boards are considering.

HOCKEY DAY 2024: Online Registration & Ticket Purchase – Closes Monday at 12 pm

• REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN AND WILL CLOSE
• ON MONDAY FEBRUARY 5th AT NOON
• To register your child click here: https://events.veracross.com/hc/418-eaarexcursions23-24USJSD

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 link is also located on the Parent Portal**

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 

Attention Parents of Grade 9 Students: What is TC-9?

Today we held our second TC-9 information session for parents of Grade 9 students. 

• Read our Frequently Asked Questions document
• View the current draft of our Schedule Overview 
• For more information, please contact Garth Nichols, Vice Principal of Experiential Education and Innovation (gnichols@havergal.on.ca)

Period Product Drive

We are collecting period products from now until February 15th for our community partnership, Youth Without Shelter. Please donate any items you have to the bin outside of the staff room. For more information on the topic of period poverty, please check out this video. Thank you for your support!

HC-X Innovation Series: Digital Wisdom Parent/Guardian Experience

Parents and Guardians, Level-up your Digital Wisdom. On Monday, February 12 from 7:00 -8: 00 pm, HC-X will present an online workshop about how our relationship to digital devices and social media is impacting our lives, identities and skills for the future. Participants of all ages are welcome and will leave with more confidence, strategies and mindsets when it comes to your own devices and that of your child(ren).
Signup will be available next week here in The Weekly.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Form this Week

Our House leaders will be leading each Form in a House-themed Kahoot that they have prepared. 

Form 8E/F will host the MS Assembly with the theme of Spirit and Sportsmanship. We look forward to seeing what they have in store for us!

#winatsocial Coffee with the Head of Middle School

If you are interested in learning more about the #winatsocial parent tool-kit, join us on February 6 at 8 am in the Ellen Knox Library. We will demonstrate the ways your child is using social media, and share how we are helping them to make positive choices while on their devices.

SENIOR SCHOOL

In Advising this Week

This week in Advising, we kick off our second Careers Spotlight event, a collaborative effort between Guidance and Alumni Engagement. We’re excited to welcome Interior Designer Cynthia Ferguson ’88, Interior Designer Clair Fitzgerald ’86, Textile Designer Kingi Carpenter ’81, and recent Master of Arts graduate and Western University doctoral candidate Calla Elia ’14. They’ll be joining us to engage with our Grade 11 and 12 students in an arts-themed discussion, shedding light on their careers.

Grade 9 students will be attending sessions using the #winatsocial platforms. The topics will be “Handling the pressures of representing something bigger than yourself“and “Respecting Boundaries and helping others to respect yours.” 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 9/10 Dance – February 23

Havergal will be hosting a Grade 9/10 dance on Friday, February 23. Students were already sent a google form to sign up and parents will be emailed directly to register their daughter. Please remind your daughter to check her email for the sign up.

REMINDERS

Re-registration is due TODAY!

Please remember to re-register your daughter for school. The link is on the parent portal. 

Course Selection Deadlines

All students should submit their course selections for 2024-25 by Friday, Feb 9.

Gator Gala – Save the Date – April 13

All Upper School students and an adult guest are invited to join us for an evening of dining and dancing “carnival style”—watch for an email in your inbox on Monday, February 5!

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Mon Feb 5    Black Cultural Prayers & Parent Reception – special speakers, 8:40am Tue Feb 6      MS #winatsocial Coffee with the Head of Middle School,  8:00am Wed Feb 7    Grad Photos, all day  Thu Feb 8     Lunar New Year Prayers & Parent Reception, 8:40am