UPPER SCHOOL

HC-X Innovation Series II: Artificial Intelligence – Parent/Guardian (online) – Monday, April 29

Parents & Guardians: Level Up Your Digital Wisdom!

On Monday, April 29 from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm, HC-X will present an online workshop about how our relationship to Artificial Intelligence 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 toolkit and that of your child(ren).
Sign up using –this link– to Veracross to receive the Zoom link.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Last COSSOT Dance of the Year!

The BSS Dance is being held on Friday May 3, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Interested students are asked to sign up using this FORM. Students were sent the registration form via email this morning.

Parents of the students who have been selected to attend, will receive a confirmation email on Tuesday, April 30.

House Shout Practices Begin – Tuesday, April 30

This week Middle School students will begin their House Shout Practices. As an introduction to House Shout, our Head of House, Evelyn T, wrote this message to our MS students. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this tradition, I encourage you to read her message HERE.

SENIOR SCHOOL

In Advising Next Week

Grade 9-11 students will have the opportunity to meet 1:1 with their TA to connect, reflect on the year and talk about goals for next year. Grade 12 students will be discussing final details of accepting offers, residence, updating Naviance, scholarship information and preparing Grad comments for graduation.

House Shout Practises Begin – Tuesday, April 30

House Shout is a unique Havergal tradition; an event that showcases our students’ creativity, cooperation, and amazing spirit. Students in the Upper School perform elaborate choreographed, cleverly worded routines for our entire community (JK to 12). You can see what it’s all about in this YouTube clip from last year. Parents are welcome to come and watch all the fun at the final performances on Thursday, May 16. 

HCPA

Junior School A-mazing Race – looking for student volunteers!

The JS A-mazing Race is looking for student volunteers (Grades 9 – 12) to help out with the race on May 5. If you know someone who can help out, have them contact the Forum for Change for more information. We would LOVE to have their spirit and enthusiasm, and volunteer hours can be earned!

REMINDERS

Mom’s Night Out – Thursday, May 23

Don’t delay – get your tickets here!

HC Frames

Havergal frames are on sale until Wednesday, May 1. Click here to order.

HCPA Parent Team – Relay for Life

Join the HCPA’s parent team for this year’s Relay for Life – held at UCC at 4:00 pm on May 2.

AP Exams begin Monday, May 6

AP Exams run Monday, May 6 to Friday, May 17, with additional Late Testing on Thursday, May 23. Please refer to The Weekly that was sent on April 19 for more information. 

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Mon Apr 29      Senior School Dance Troupe Show, 4pm Virtual Parents Information Session on AI, 7pm 

Thu May 2        Relay for Life, 4pm UCC

Fri May 3           MS BSS Dance, 7pm

UPPER SCHOOL

COSSOT Relay for Life – May 2

We are encouraging students from Grades 7-12 to sign up to participate in the COSSOT Relay for Life at Upper Canada College from 4:15 pm-9:00 pm on May 2. This incredible event brings students from COSSOT schools together to unite in the fight against cancer. Relay for Life was started in 2019 by two brothers from UCC whose lives had been forever changed by cancer. They wanted to do whatever they could to ensure others did not experience this. Havergal students have become key organizers of the event, which has become the largest of any in Canada. This year, we have the chance to make history, by being the first event to raise $1 million in 5 years.  

Your child will likely need your support to sign up for the event as registration on Relay for Life requires a credit card. The $25 registration fee includes dinner and incredible experiences and tons of fun, all for a wonderful cause. 

The HCPA also has a team for parents interested in participating.  See below in the HCPA section of this newsletter.

The link to sign up is HERE.

Founders’ Day Photographs & Videos

It was a pleasure to come together as a school community (Grades 1 – 12) and celebrate Founders’ Day.  We are delighted to share with you photographs and video footage that were taken at the April 18 service:

• Photographs
• YouTube Clips

It was wonderful to be together with the students to celebrate Havergal’s history and ongoing impact on young women.

Meatless Monday – April 22

Monday marks the beginning of Earth Week, and to kick it off we will be enjoying a Meatless Monday! By opting for plant-based meals, even just for one day a week, students can substantially reduce their carbon footprint and support sustainable food practices. On Monday the only hot meal option will be meatless. They will continue to offer the deli bar, grab ‘n go and corner bites for those who prefer to have meat for lunch.

SENIOR SCHOOL

Supporting Our Grads in their Transition to Post-Secondary

In her New York Times opinion piece, Mathilde Ross, a senior staff psychiatrist at Boston University Health Services, discusses the growing parental anxiety surrounding their children’s mental health during the transition to post-secondary. Ross names that “anxiety about anxiety” can develop amongst parents and notes its self-fulfilling nature. She advises parents to take a more balanced approach and offers practical guidance for supporting children through their move to university, emphasizing the importance of listening and providing reassurance. Ross urges parents to view the transition as an opportunity for growth and relationship-building.

JS A-Mazing Race – Student Volunteers Needed – May 5

The JS A-mazing Race is looking for student volunteers (Grades 9 – 12) to help out with the race on May 5. If you know someone who can help out, have them reach out to the Forum for Change for more information. We would LOVE to have their spirit and enthusiasm, and volunteer hours can be earned!

Global Experience Update – Applications Due April 26

Thank you to all of the families that joined us for Monday’s Global Experience Information Session. 

• All of the recordings from the various sessions are available, as well as past resources, HERE
• Applications are now open: these are to be completed by students only, and you can share the link with your child HERE (It is the last two slides)
  • This information will also be shared with all students in the DSO announcements and on the screens throughout the school

Applications are due on April 26th

AP Exams Begin Monday, May 6

• AP Exams run Monday, May 6th to Friday, May 17th, with additional Late Testing on Thursday, May 23rd.
• Last Friday, students attended an information session on writing AP Exams at Havergal to understand the supports available and their key responsibilities, which include:
  • Knowing when and where their exams are happening
  • Alerting their teachers to classes they’ll miss because they’re writing an AP Exam
  • Checking the AP website to ensure they understand what materials they need and what ones are prohibited for their exam(s)
  • Reviewing the AP Exam Terms and Conditions to ensure they do not engage in any prohibited behaviours.

Next Week in Advising

Our Grads will be having their final Core Strengths session today. Grades 9 & 10  will take part in grade activities run by their Grade Reps. Grade 11 will learn how to sign up for our Naviance system which will be a vital platform for their university applications.

HCPA

Gator Gala – Thank you!

Thanks to everyone who organised and attended the Gator Gala! Click here for some pictures from this fabulous evening. The password is Gator.

REMINDERS

Havergal Connections Presents: Finance Perspectives: Empowering Insights and Networking Opportunities – April 24, 2024

Broaden your professional network and gain valuable insights into the finance world from seasoned professionals at our upcoming panel discussion! 

Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Location: Forthlane Partners, 145 Adelaide St W 2nd floor, Toronto, ON M5H 4E5

Join us for a panel discussion hosted by Martha (Cohen) Simmons ’99 at Forthlane Partners and moderated by Jennifer Kerr ’93. Gain candid anecdotes, insights, and success strategies from our panellists Lauren Epstein ’03, Robyn Doritty ’04, and Alice Popescu ’99.

Register here: https://events.veracross.com/hc/472-financeperspectives

Moms’ Night Out

Tickets are still available! Please click here to purchase.

Preloved Uniform Sales

• Monday, April 22 from 3:30 to 7 pm and Tuesday, April 23 from 8:00 to 11:00 am outside the Junior School Learning Hub. 
• We’re still accepting donations – click here for details.
• Click here to volunteer.
• Also available for purchase will be HC-branded Yeti cups, puffers, vests and Lazypants

HCPA Team – Relay for Life

Join the HCPA’s parent team for this year’s Relay for Life – held at UCC at 4:00 pm on May 2. The link to sign up is HERE.

HC Frames

Havergal frames are on sale until Wednesday, May 1. Click here to order.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Mon Apr 22    Preloved Uniform Sale 3:30 pm-7:00 pm at Junior School

Tue  Apr 23    Preloved Uniform Sale 8:00 am – 11:00 am at Junior School   

Fri Apr 26       UK Application Workshop for Grade 11 Students – 8:20 am, B65/66 MS Bowling NIght  Applications for Overseas Excursions Due

UPPER SCHOOL

Havergal Connections Presents: Finance Perspectives: Empowering Insights & Networking Opportunities

Broaden your professional network and gain valuable insights into the finance world from seasoned professionals at our upcoming panel discussion! But hold on, this event offers more than just professional insights. It is a golden opportunity to connect with the HC community!

Date: April 24, 2024

Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Location: Forthlane Partners

Address: 145 Adelaide St W 2nd floor, Toronto, ON M5H 4E5

Lunch: Provided

Join us for a panel discussion hosted by Martha (Cohen) Simmons ’99 at Forthlane Partners and moderated by Jennifer Kerr ’93. Gain candid anecdotes, insights, and success strategies from our panellists Lauren Epstein ’03, Robyn Doritty ’04, and Alice Popescu ’99.

We hope to see you there – RSVP below!Register here: https://events.veracross.com/hc/472-financeperspectives

Exchange 2024/25 Family Information Evening – April 17 – 6:30 pm

Current Grade 7 and 9 students, and their parents/guardians, are invited to learn more about next year’s Grade 8 and 10 Exchange Programs. This meeting is mandatory for all students who intend to apply, plus one parent/guardian. 

• April 17, 2024
• 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
• Brenda Robson Hall 

Please contact Ms. Jessica Randall (jrandall@havergal.on.ca) if you have any questions. Thank you!

Founders’ Day: Thursday, April 18

This year’s Founders’ Day celebration will be held at 9:45 am on Thursday April 18 at St. Paul’s Bloor Street Church (227 Bloor Street East) – Havergal’s original parish church. Attendance in #1 Dress is mandatory for all students in the Upper School.

Our request is that you show your support of the school by ensuring your daughter attends this important celebratory event.  Parents must complete this linked registration for students to attend by Friday April 12, 2024 at 9:00 am. 

Havergal’s Work to Uncover the Burke Brook

We are delighted to share this exciting article that was published yesterday afternoon, on CBC News, highlighting Havergal’s restoration work on the Burke Brook Ravine over the years: 

This school uncovered a buried stream and transformed its schoolyard The story will also be included in CBC’s What On Earth weekly newsletter; it relates to a larger CBC interactive video focused on the daylighting of lost rivers across Canada, published last week. A huge thank you to our Marketing and Communication Team, and our Facilities Teams for helping to bring this good news story to life.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

In Form Next Week

The MS school students will be learning about how companies use personal data for targeted ads and how they can play on our insecurities. This lesson will focus on how to keep their privacy safe, while they are online. If you’d like to learn more, HERE are some articles curated by our #win team, that offer starting points for conversations with your child.  

Lost & Found

We currently have several items including, skates, shoes, blazers and more that have been in the Middle School Hallway for months. These items are now in The Pound, Havergal’s Lost and Found, right next door to the Green & Gold shop. Please encourage your daughter to pick up any items they may be missing by Friday April 19. Items that have not been picked up will be donated.

SENIOR SCHOOL

In Advising Next Week

Grade 10 will be attending a leadership session with our Director of Student Leadership, Fiona Marshall. Our Grade 11 students will learn more about their options for US and UK universities. Finally, our Grade 12 students have signed up to learn about different life skills that they will need after they leave Havergal. The basics of auto mechanics, food prep, and lessons about learning in boarding are some of the options that students will have to choose from.

New Global Experience Trip – Beijing – Summer, 2025

There has been an exciting new addition to the list of Global Experiences that will be available to students in Grades 9-12. Please refer to the SLIDE DECK of offerings and ONE PAGER for more information.

University Visits This Week

Individual University Reps will be visiting Havergal College to speak to Grade 9 to 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 wonderful opportunity for students to see what the universities offer, and to consider the paths they might like to take. 

Tuesday, April 16 from 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm in Room B16 

• Huron College at Western University

Thursday, April 18 from 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm in the Ellen Knox Library

• Universities from Ireland
  • University of Limerick
  • University of Galway
  • University College Cork
  • Queen’s University Belfast

Friday, April 19 from 8:45am – 9:25 am in Room B16

• University of St. Andrews, Scotland 

Thursday, April 25 from 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm in Room B16 

• Johns Hopkins University

Getting Started with US Applications

The Senior Guidance team is offering workshops to Grade 11 students who are interested in the process of applying to US Universities. 

• Tuesday, April 16 from 3:40 pm – 5:00 pm in Room B65
• Friday, April 19 from 8:20 am – 9:25 am in Room B65

REMINDERS

June Exams

The 2024 June exam schedule is available here. Should you or your child have questions or concerns about this schedule, please contact Jennifer Goldberg, Director of Academic Operations (jgoldberg@havergal.on.ca). 

Global Experiences Reminder

Gator Gala Silent Auction

Whether or not you’re going to the Gator Gala, you can bid on items in the silent auction until 10 pm on Saturday, April 13!

Relay for Life – Parent Team

Join the HCPA’s parent team for this year’s Relay for Life – held at UCC at 4:00 pm on May 2.

Moms’ Night Out – Thursday, May 23

Tickets on sale now!

Pre-loved Uniform Sales

• Monday, April 22 from 3:30 to 7 pm and Tuesday, April 23 from 8 to 11 am outside the Junior School Learning Hub. 
• We’re still accepting donations – click here for details.
• Click here to volunteer.
• Also available for purchase will be HC-branded Yeti cups, puffers, vests and Lazypants

HC Frames

Frames are on sale until Wednesday, May 1. Click here to order.

North York Harvest Food Bank

This is the last weekend to grab some non-perishable food from your local grocery store to donate to North York Harvest Food Bank. On Monday, 20 students will be taking all donations to our sort and learn program. Thank you so much to all families who have supported us so far.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Mon Apr 15     Parent Global Experiences Zoom Info Session – 12 pm – 1:30 pm 

Wed Apr 17      Parent & Student Exchange Information Evening – 6:30 pm 

Thu Apr 18       Founders’ Day 

Fri Apr 19        COSSOT Middle School Dance – 7 – 9pm

UPPER SCHOOL

Founders’ Day – Thursday, April 18

This year’s Founders’ Day celebration will be held at 9:45 am on Thursday April 18 at St. Paul’s Bloor Street Church (227 Bloor Street East) – Havergal’s original parish church. Attendance in #1 Dress is mandatory for all students in the Upper School.

A part of the Founders’ Day tradition includes hearing the Junior School (Grades 1-6), Middle School, and Senior Choirs perform. As always, the Graduating Class has a special role to play at Founders’ Day as they process into the church wearing Marguerite Pins – a gift of the Havergal Old Girls Association (HOGA).

Founders’ Day is a birthday, of sorts, that builds community – our community. It’s a longstanding tradition in the life of Havergal that brings together students and faculty from both the Junior and Upper Schools alike. It marks the anniversary of the cornerstone being laid at the “New School” on Avenue Road in 1926.  It is very special indeed.Ice cream will be served to commemorate the anniversary back at Havergal, and regular classes will be held in the afternoon.

Our request is that you show your support of the school by ensuring your daughter attends this important celebratory event.  Parents must complete this linked registration for students to attend by Friday April 12, 2024 at 9:00 am.  Please check your email for more details.

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

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.

Current, new families, alumni as well as faculty and staff and friends 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 – 9 pm

Venue: Havergal College, Junior School

June Exams

The 2024 June exam schedule is available here. Should you or your child have questions or concerns about this schedule, please contact Jennifer Goldberg, Director of Academic Operations (jgoldberg@havergal.on.ca). Ms. Goldberg will be managing exam scheduling conflicts for all students. A conflict occurs when a student has:

1. two or more exams scheduled at the same time;
2. more than two exams scheduled on the same day;
3. four or more exams scheduled on two consecutive weekdays;
4. two or more exams scheduled on the same day for a student who has a documented learning support and/or guidance assessment accommodation;
5. a school-sanctioned athletic tournament, provincial, national, or international competition;
6. a documented extenuating circumstance.

For more information about the purpose and structure of Havergal’s final examination process, please see this guide.

Arts Week – April 8 – 12

We look forward to an exciting Arts Week in the Upper School April 8-12.  

On Tuesday, April 9 we invite you to attend the opening of Salon 2024, a visual art exhibition featuring work by 40 faculty, staff and students.  Please join us at the Bio Wall for our official opening from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm. There will be art, music, and snacks for all.  

We invite you to join us for a very special Arts Week Award Assembly on Wednesday, April 10 from 8:40 to 9:10 am.  Grads who have participated in Havergal Arts for the majority of their last four years will receive recognition.  There will be a brief reception following the assembly for award recipients and their families.  

On Thursday, April 11 we look forward to Arts Week Prayers from 8:40 am to 9:20 am.  All are welcome.

Thank you for your ongoing support of the Havergal Arts Community and we look forward to welcoming you to the opening of Salon, our Awards Assembly, and Prayers.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Middle School Assembly led by Forms 8I/8J – Expectation vs. Reality

This week,  Forms 8I and 8J will lead the Middle School assembly. Their theme, Middle School Expectation vs. Reality is sure to be engaging. The students report that the MS assemblies are the best part of Form time.

Middle School Social

April is filled with social activities for the Middle School. Next Friday, April 12, our MS council will host the MS movie night. The event begins at 3:45 pm and ends at 5:30 pm. We encourage all students to attend. Registration can be found HERE.

SENIOR SCHOOL

In Advising This Week

Due to the special schedule to accommodate the eclipse on Monday, we have moved the Arts Awards to our advising time on Wednesday morning. We are excited to spend this time celebrating all of the Senior School students who have enriched our community through their music, art, and performances. 

Class of 2025 Blazer & Ring Fittings

Please remind your daughter to sign up for the blazer and ring fittings for next year. The link for the sign-up sheet is HERE. She will have received this link in her email from the Green & Gold shop.

UK & US University Information Session links

On Thursday, April 4 the Guidance Department hosted a University information session about UK and US university applications.  

The information links can be found below. 

• Applying to UK Universities
• Applying to American Universities

HCPA

The Gator Gala 2024 – Saturday, April 13

The Silent Auction is now open. Place your bids HERE! We are also still looking for volunteers—please help out if you can.

Moms’ Night Out – Thursday, May 23

Tickets are on sale now! Buy your tickets HERE.

Relay for Life Parent Team

JOIN the HCPA’s parent team for this year’s Relay for Life. It will be held at UCC beginning at 4:00 pm on Thursday, May 2.

HC Frames on Sale Now!

Frames will be on sale until May 1. Click HERE to order.

REMINDERS

North York Harvest Food Bank Drive – closes April 15

We are continuing to collect non-perishable food items for our North York Harvest Food Bank. Food can be dropped off in the large white bin by the staff room. Drive will run until Monday, April 15.

Pre-loved Uniform Sales – Mark Your Calendar!

Join us on Monday, April 22 from 3:30 to 7:00 pm and Tuesday, April 23 from 8:00 to 11:00 am outside the Junior School Learning Hub. Click here to volunteer.

HCPA Nominations – one more week!

HCPA nominations for the 2024-25 school year are open. Forms are due no later than Friday, April 12 at 9:00 pm. We hope you will join us!

Watch the Solar Eclipse Live!

The University of Toronto’s Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics is offering a live, online coverage of the total solar eclipse on April 8, featuring expert correspondents stationed along eastern Canada’s path of totality. Register today to receive the link closer to the event.

Early School Closing – Monday, April 8 – for Solar Eclipse

There will be a special schedule for the day. All students will be dismissed at 1:30 pm.

Ramadan & Eid Prayers and Parent Reception – Monday, April 15

All parents are invited to attend our Ramadan & Eid Prayers on Monday, April 15. It will be followed by a reception in the Temerty Commons.

Global Experiences Reminder

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. 

• CALENDAR OVERVIEW of Offerings
• SLIDE DECK of Offerings
• ONE-PAGER with more details 

There will be a Student Information Session on April 10 in person (location TBC). The Family Information Session will be on April 15 between 12:00 – 1:30pm via Zoom. All Zoom session links 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

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Mon Apr 8  TC-9 Celebration of Learning Special Schedule for Solar Eclipse; 1:30 pm dismissal

Tue Apr 9   Art Salon and exhibition, BioWall 4:00 pm 

Wed Apr 10  Arts Awards and Parent Reception, 8:40 am 

No Pausing for Menopause Parent Speaker: 7 – 9 pm  Register HERE

Thu Apr 11   Arts Prayers, 8:40 am