Month: March 2024

Thursday, March 28, 2024

On By Havergal Upper SchoolLeave a comment

UPPER SCHOOL

Spring Athletics Tryouts Reminders

Spring athletics tryouts have started. A few reminders:

  1. Please consult the sports schedules (Google Schedule or Veracross Calendar) for exact tryouts dates and times. 
  2. It is the responsibility of the students to look at the schedules and show up to their various sports tryouts. There are no email reminders sent home. 
  3. If a student has to miss a tryout, they should email the relevant coach (not Ms. Di Filippo) to let them know. If they miss tryouts and do not email, the coaches assume they are no longer interested in trying out.

If you have any questions, please email Ms. Di Filippo.

Solar Eclipse Coverage – Monday, April 8

The University of Toronto’s Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics is offering a live, online coverage of the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, featuring expert correspondents stationed along eastern Canada’s path of totality. Learn amazing facts about the total eclipse and see how different locations are experiencing this extraordinary event. You will have a front row seat, watching safely no matter where you are on the planet.Register today to receive the link closer to the event, and invite your friends and family to register as well!

No Pausing on Menopause: An Evening with Lume Women + Health

Havergal Moms – this one is for us!

Join us on Wednesday, April 10 for an informative night with medical experts Dr. Woganee Filate, Dr. Amy Louis-Bayliss, Dr. Sarah Shaw and Lindsay Jephcott (Cofounders of Lume Women + Health).

In their talk, the panel will be addressing the health needs of women 40 years and older, focusing on perimenopause and menopause symptom management, sexual health, disease prevention and debunking mainstream menopause myths.

It’s a great chance to learn and commiserate with fellow parents about this important life milestone. Bring your questions, stories, and sense of humour to this special evening as we share and understand the ways menopause might impact us.

Current, new families, alumni as well as faculty and staff are welcome and encouraged to bring additional guests.  Registration for the event can be found here.

Please feel free to fill out our audience questionnaire in advance. 

Date: Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Venue: Havergal College, Junior School

Ramadan Mubarak

Ramadan began on March 10 and continues through April 9.  It is considered one of the holiest months of the year in the Muslim faith. During Ramadan, Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Qur’an. It is a time of reflection, spiritual growth, acts of service, and family and community connection.

Upon our return to school we shared with staff and students resources explaining the significance of Ramadan, and how best to support their peers, particularly those who are fasting.  The Chapel has been reserved for students during lunchtime and other breaks, for prayer, rest or respite – especially while their peers are eating.  

We look forward to acknowledging Ramadan and celebrating Eid-al-Fitr (the celebration marking the end of Ramadan) together as a Havergal community in US Prayers on Monday April 15 (and JS Prayers on Tuesday April 16). Parents, please keep an eye out for the invitation for the parent reception to take place after Prayers.  In the meantime, we extend our warmest wishes to all members of our school community who are observing this special time.

 

New Circles Prom Drive – Donations Accepted until Friday, April 5

We will be collecting any clothing items or accessories that can be worn to Prom for our community partner, New Circles. 

Items that we are looking for include:

  • Dresses
  • Dress Pants
  • Dress Shirts
  • Suit Jackets
  • Ties
  • Shoes
  • Purses 

Deadline to bring anything in is April 5. The white bin for collections is located outside of the Upper School Staff Room. Thank you!

A Message from the Health Centre

As we welcome spring and perhaps even begin some spring cleaning, please include a head lice check in your plans for this long weekend. For more information on Head Lice and how to check for it, please see the Toronto Public Health Head Lice Fact Sheet. 

If your child has lice or nits, please follow the steps outlined on the TPH fact sheet. When returning to school after head lice, the child is required to bring a letter to the Health Centre signed by the parent indicating the treatment used, and confirming that the child is free of lice and nits.  
Should you have any questions, contact Havergal’s Health Centre.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Register for COSSOT Events

April is filled with MS COSSOT events. Below you will find the registration links for the various events. 

April 12 MS Movie Night, commitment form: Movie Night 

April 19 Crescent Dance, commitment form: Crescent Dance

April 26 MS HaverCrest Bowling Excursion, commitment form: HaverCrest Bowling

In Form Next Week

This week students will delve into the world of skin care, learning how to make educated choices for themselves. Our #winatsocial program will encourage students to be aware of how influencers and peer pressure affect their choices in skincare products. We will discuss and raise awareness about social media and manufacturers increasing their sales by convincing teens they need to purchase many skincare products over having a simple routine. Finally, students will learn how to consider ingredients and seek guidance from an adult to ensure they’re making the best choices. If you’d like to learn more, this LINK has a curated list of articles related to teens and their use of beauty products. 

SENIOR SCHOOL

TC-9

We have had a very successful first week of TC-9, and look forward to another week of connection, direction and action. Last week, we worked with Maximum City to understand SDG #11 “Sustainable Cities” while doing a walking tour of Toronto’s waterfront, and with our Indigenous partners to look at SDG #15 “Life on Land.” This coming week, we will welcome several community partners and organisations onto campus over the week, as students connect and challenge UN SDG #13: Climate Action. They will develop their systems thinking skills to direct their action in ethical and responsible ways, and then deliver an action plan.

For more information see the resources below.

For more information, please contact Garth Nichols, Vice Principal, Experiential Education & Innovation (gnichols@havergal.on.ca)

In Advising Next Week

This week we will have a House Meeting during our regular advising time since we will be having Prayers on Tuesday. Students will be taking part in community building  activities planned by their House Captains.

UK & US University Information Session

On Thursday, April 4 in the Legacy Theatre from 7:00 pm – 8:45 pm the Guidance Department will be hosting a University information session about UK and US university applications. 

North York Harvest Food Bank Drive & Volunteer Opportunity

In the weeks leading up to Earth Week, the Forum for Change Council is collaborating with our community partner, North York Harvest Food Bank, as part of Havergal’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

From April 2 until April 15 students are encouraged to donate nonperishable food items in a collection bin by the staff room. Food items urgently needed are rice, pasta, grains, canned vegetables, canned tomatoes, canned fish, and cooking oil. 

In addition, students will be invited to sign up for a sort and learn experience at North York Harvest Food Bank on the afternoon of April 15. Sign-up will be limited to 20 students. More information will be posted in the Day School Office.

HCPA

Pre-loved Uniform Sale

Support the planet and the HCPA by shopping at our Pre-loved uniform sales: Monday, April 22 from 3:30 pm to 7 pm and Tuesday, April 23 from 8:00 am to 11:00 am outside the Junior School Learning Hub.

REMINDERS

HCPA Nominations

HCPA nominations for the 2024-25 school year are now open! Forms are due no later than Friday, April 12, 2024 at 9 pm.

Gator Gala 2024 – Saturday, April 13

This is your last chance to buy tickets for all Upper School students and an adult guest—the deadline has been extended to Friday, March 29.

Moms’ Night Out – Thursday, May 23

Tickets will go on sale next week! Watch for an invitation by email.

Grade 12 Parents Special Upcoming Events

Please take a moment to update your calendars with these exciting events Havergal is hosting to honour the Class of 2024.

Early School Closing on April 8 for Solar Eclipse

School will close early on April 8 for the solar eclipse. There will be a special schedule for the day and dismiss all students at 1:30 pm to ensure we are providing a safe dismissal time.

Global Education & Global Learning Project Information

We are excited to share with you the Global Learning Experiences for June, 2024, and for the academic year of 2024-2025: Please note: these are live documents and are subject to changes. 

Applications open on April 15, and close April 26.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Mon Apr 1   School Closed, Boarding opens at 4:00 pm 

Tue Apr 2:    TC-9

Wed Apr 3:  TC-9

Thu Apr 4:   TC-9 UK, US University Parent Information Session, Legacy Theatre,  7pm  

Fri Apr 5:     TC-9 Grade 8/9 Social at UCC, 7pm – 9pm

Friday, March 8, 2024

On By Havergal Upper SchoolLeave a comment

UPPER SCHOOL

New Security Cameras in the Green & Gold

In October, 2023, our Facilities team began Phase 1 of the upgrade of our security systems. Upgrades included installation of new security cameras in the corridors and dining hall for both the Upper School and the Junior School.

From March 11, new security cameras will be installed in the Green and Gold Shop in the Upper School. Dressing rooms in the Green and Gold Shop will not be monitored.

These cameras will assist the security team in protecting stakeholders, property and information in a more efficient future-forward manner.

Spring Athletic Tryouts – March 26 – April 9

Spring Athletics tryout will start as soon as we return from the March Break. Students and parents should consult the Veracross Calendar or the US Athletics 2023-2024 Schedule (tab: Spring 2024) for exact days, times and locations. If a tryout is located off-site (ex. The Hangar or Mayfair) there will be bus transportation provided by the school. 

There is no email sent to families about tryout dates or times – they must look at the schedule and show up accordingly. 

There are always conflicts with tryouts if a person is trying out for more than one team. As long as athletes can attend two tryouts for each sport, this is fine. Coaches are aware of the conflicts. 

Athletes should email coaches when they are going to be away from a tryout. If students are absent from tryouts and there has been no communication with the coach, we assume the athlete is no longer interested in that sport. 

Questions? Email Carla Di Filippo, Director, Athletics  

Prom Dress Donation Drive for New Circles

After March Break, we will be collecting items such as dresses or dress clothes in general for the Prom Drive with New Circles. If you have anything to donate, please bring it in after March Break to the white donation bin by the staff room. Thank you!

MIDDLE SCHOOL

COSSOT Events for April

In April there are several COSSOT events for our students. All registration forms will be made available in The Weekly on Thursday March 28.

April 12 HC Movie Night

April 19 Crescent Social

April 26 HaverCrest Bowling Night

Save the Date: March 24 – Student Immunization Clinic

Grade 7 and 8 students who were immunized in the Fall, will have their second inoculation in May. Consent forms are not required. If your daughter has already received her second inoculation, please let the school know that she will no longer require the appointment.

SENIOR SCHOOL

TC-9 Begins on March 26 for all Grade 9 Students!

Important information for Grade 9 families

You have already received a “Welcome Letter” that includes important links to AARs that you must complete in order to register your child for the two curricular excursions on March 27th and 28th. You are encouraged to read this with your daughter. 

Please complete the excursion AARs as soon as possible. 

Students should be prepared to work on TC-9 ‘homework’ to prepare for the days ahead; working with our Grade 9 faculty, they will have limited homework from academic classes that are on hold for the duration of this course.
Students should be in uniform, except for our excursions on March 27 and 28.

Student Leadership Webinar Recording

Thank you to those who were able to attend our webinar on 7-12 student leadership at Havergal. For those who missed it and are interested, here is the recording.

Advising after the Break

Grade 9 students will begin TC-9 after the March Break. Our Grade 10 students will learn about different pathways to attending universities all around the world. Finally our grade 11/12 students will be treated to a visit from alumni at our Career Spotlight. 

HCPA

HCPA Nominations 2024 – 2025

HCPA nominations for the 2024-25 school year are now open! 

REMINDERS

Traveling? Protect Yourself & Your Family from 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.

Parenting as Partners: Parenting for Wellbeing – Register Now

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 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 & caregivers play. Current and new families are welcome and encouraged to bring additional guests; registration for the event can be found here.

Early School Closing April 8 for Eclipse

School will close early on April 8 for the solar eclipse. There will be a special schedule for the day and dismiss all students at 1:30 pm to ensure we are providing a safe dismissal time.

Grade 12 Parents: Special Upcoming Events

Please take a moment to update your calendars with these exciting events Havergal is hosting to honour the Class of 2024.

Global Education & Global Learning Project Information

for the academic year of 2024-2025: Please note: these are live documents and are subject to changes. 

Applications open on April 15, and close April 26.

The Gator Gala – Saturday, April 13 – Buy Your Tickets Now!

Today’s the last day to BUY TICKETS for all Upper School students and an adult guest

Moms’ Night Out – Save the Date: Thursday, May 23

UPPER SCHOOL AFTER THE BREAK

Mon Mar 25       PD Day – no classes Boarding opens at 4pm

Tue Mar 26       Spring Tryouts begin

Wed Mar 27     Parent Speaker: David Bott, 7:00 pm   

Thu Mar 28       Boarding School closes at 6pm

Fri Mar 29        School Closed

Friday, March 1, 2024

On By Havergal Upper SchoolLeave a comment

UPPER SCHOOL

Important Information Regarding Early Class Dismissal – Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024

As you may have heard, on Monday, April 8 there will be a total solar eclipse in the afternoon between 2:04 pm and 4:30 pm ET. This rare meteorological event will impact parts of Ontario, including Toronto and will bring periods of darkness and possible safety risks during our dismissal time. 

After careful consideration, we have decided to alter our special schedule for the day and dismiss all students at 1:30 pm to ensure we are providing a safe dismissal time.

  • All students will be asked to leave campus at 1:30 pm. 
  • Any students remaining on campus must sign into the Library at 2 pm and stay in this space until 4:30 pm. It will be supervised by the Heads of School.
  • Boarders will be asked to remain in the Boarding School until 4:30 pm. 
  • It is the final day for TC9 and the program will wrap up at 1:30 pm. 

We understand the rarity of the eclipse can be exciting and offers a good learning opportunity for all ages. As we approach the date, we are looking forward to learning more about this unique event.

You can read more information about the solar eclipse here, along with guidance from the Canadian Association of Optometrists on safe viewing practices.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we adjust our daily schedule with everyone’s safety in mind.

Leadership Opportunities at Havergal

Parents from Grade 7 – 12 interested in learning more about student leadership at Havergal are invited to join a webinar on March 4 from 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm. 

We will outline the school’s approach to developing leadership at Havergal and some of the many opportunities students have to explore their interests in leading. Please contact Fiona Marshall if you have any questions. 

Please click the link to find the zoom information. This meeting will be recorded and shared in The Weekly after the presentation. 

Global Education & Global Learning Project Information

We are excited to share with you the Global Learning Experiences for June, 2024, and for the academic year of 2024-2025: Please note: these are live documents and are subject to changes. 

There will be a Student Information Session on April 10 in person (location TBC) and a Family Information Session on April 15 between 12:00 – 1:30 pm via Zoom. All Zoom sessions are posted on Veracross, and will be recorded and shared.

Student applications will open on April 15, and close on April 26. Selections will be made in mid-May.
Financial Assistance is available to those students who are currently on Financial Assistance. For more information, please CLICK HERE

Parents as Partners: Parenting for Wellbeing

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 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 & 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.

Report Cards – March 5, 4:00 pm

March Report Cards are available March 5 at 4 pm. The report cards are available on the parent portal. The instructions are linked here. 

June Exams

Final exams will take place June 3 – 12 for Senior School courses, and June 10 – 12 for Middle School courses. The detailed and finalised exam schedule will be published for students and families on April 2nd. 

Should you have questions about Havergal’s final exam planning or process, please don’t hesitate to contact the Director of Academic Operations, Jennifer Goldberg (jgoldberg@havergal.on.ca).

If you are wondering, “How many exams might my child be writing in total over the exam period?”

  • Middle School students: 2 exams (Science and Math)
  • Grade 9 students: 3 exams (Science, Math, Geography)
  • Grade 10 students: 4 exams (Science, Math, History, English)
  • Grade 11-12 students: variable depending on their elective course enrolment  

An Invitation from Lakefield College School

Lakefield College School invites Parents from CAIS Schools to join their upcoming THRIVE speaker event: “Never Enough: What we can do to Raise Healthy Strivers.”

Speaker: Jennifer Wallace, Award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and Journalism Fellow at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Date & Time: Tuesday, April 30 – 7:00 – 8:30 PM ET

Format: Hybrid (In-person and virtual options available) Register here

Spring Athletics Registration Open now; closes Friday, March 8

Registration for Spring Athletics opened Thursday, February 29 and will remain open until Friday, March 8 at 12:00 pm. 

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. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Next Week in Form

Middle School students will enjoy two assemblies next week. On Tuesday they will participate in full House assembly; on Wednesday, they will enjoy their monthly assembly hosted by our Grade 8 Forms. This month, Forms 8G and 8H have chosen “Marching your into your Break” as their theme. It promises to be a spirited event for all to enjoy.

SENIOR SCHOOL

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

Many of our Grads will start travelling around the world on their own starting as early as this March Break. Being away from home, without adult supervision, means that they may find themselves in different social situations. 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. The students will be hearing from the same presenter the next day at 3 pm.  We hope that you will join us to learn more so that you can continue the conversation at home. To register please CLICK HERE. 
If you have any questions please reach out to Deirdre Timusk.

Grade 12 Parents: Reminders of Special Upcoming Events

Please take a moment to update your calendars with these exciting events Havergal is hosting to honour the Class of 2024. 

Grade 11 Parents: Class of 2025 Upcoming Events & Important Information

Please take a moment to update your calendars with these special events for Grade 11 students and families. 

TC-9: Grade 9 Course begins after March Break

TC-9 begins for all Grade 9 students on the first day of school after the March Break, running from March 26 to April 8 inclusive. 

TC-9 focuses on the UN Sustainable Goals (SDGs). Being a UNESCO Associated Schools member, we believe that the UN SDGs offer an accessible framework for students to understand some of the most challenging issues of our time, while also seeing how they are interconnected and interrelated. TC-9 will also incorporate specific topics from Geography, Science, and Math, and will include Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing.

A welcome letter will be sent to all Grade 9 students and families next week containing: 

  • A link to an asynchronous course that all students are responsible for completing
  • Information on two curricular excursions (Geo and Science).
  • A Canvas link to the course with all of the resources. These resources will be important for their learning in TC-9 as well as other subjects.

We will be sending out the AARs for our two excursions early next week and appreciate your prompt attention to registering your student for these two important learning excursions.

For more information see the resources below.

For more information, please contact Garth Nichols, Vice Principal, Experiential Education & Innovation (gnichols@havergal.on.ca)

In Advising This Week

Our student grade representatives in grades 9, 10, and 11 have organised a series of engaging activities for their peers to enjoy during the last week before March Break. From a survivor game to a meditation session, our students have developed experiences that deepen the sense of community within each grade. Our Grads will have a university session focusing on the next steps in residence and admission offers. Ms. Crokam will be introducing the Grads to the HOGA mentor alumni site. This site lists alumni who have volunteered to mentor our students who are interested in careers that our Old Girls are pursuing . This will be a great resource for the class of 2024 for many years after they have left Havergal. 

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.

Monday, March 4 from 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm in Room B16 

  • Bangor University
  • University of Edinburgh 
  • University of Bristol 

Wednesday, March 6 from 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm in Room B16 

  • University of Birmingham

Senior School Music Night – March 6, 7:00 pm

We invite you to hear the phenomenal musicians in our Senior bands, choirs and orchestras performing in the Brenda Robson Hall on Wednesday March 6 at 7pm.

REMINDERS

The Gator Gala 2024 – Saturday, April 13

Moms’ Night Out

Save the date – Thursday, May 23

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Mon Mar 4    

Leadership at HC – Virtual Webinar for Parents – 6:00 pm  

Tue Mar  5     

Sexual Violence Prevention Speaker for Parents – Lexi Koster, Ellen Knox Library, 7pm  

Wed Mar 6   

Senior School Music Night, 7:00 pm     

Fri Mar 8       

Boarding School closes at 6:00 pm