Friday, September 13, 2024

On By Havergal Upper School

A Message from the Heads: 
Cissy Goodridge & Deirdre Timusk

Dear Parents,

It’s been a busy week with our Grade 7, 9 and 12 classes out for camps around Muskoka. Students arrived home smiling, happy and exhausted – clear indicators that the trips were a resounding success.  Students cheered each other on, whether it was for jumping off a tower into the water for the first time or during a performance in front of their peers. We hope that you followed our adventures on our Havergal Instagram account. 

This upcoming week we look forward to welcoming our parents onto campus for our People & Program Evenings: Middle School Schedule and Senior School Schedule. During this evening you will meet your daughter’s teachers and Form Teacher (Middle School) or Advisor (Senior School). You will receive an email with your child’s personalized schedule soon. Please keep an eye on your inbox next week for this important communication.   

We are also getting ready to welcome you all back onto campus on Saturday, September 28 for Celebration Saturday!  This is a fun, school-wide event for the whole family which puts our mission into action as together we raise funds for our Community Partners. There will be cookie grams, bouncy castles and a host of other fun activities for the whole family. See below for more information about buying your wrist band in advance. We are excited to see you there! 

Best regards,

Cissy Goodridge, Head of Middle School 

Deirdre Timusk, Head of Senior School

Today’s edition of The Weekly contains information on the following:

UPPER SCHOOL (Gr. 7 – 12)

MIDDLE SCHOOL (Gr. 7 – 8)

SENIOR SCHOOL (Gr. 9 – 12)

HCPA

REMINDERS

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL

Webinar –  AP Info Session: 
Tuesday, September 24 at 4 pm

Students and families in the Upper School are invited to learn about the Advanced Placement offerings at Havergal, including the school’s policies and procedures related to AP courses and exams as well as the role AP credits play in university admissions. Please join the Vice Principal of Teaching and Learning, the Director of Guidance (Academic and University Counselling), and the AP Coordinator in an informational webinar on Tuesday, September 24 at 4pm. A recording of this session will also be posted and shared on the AP section of the Guidance Portal for those interested but unable to attend live.

TRC ½ Day:
Friday, October 4

Havergal’s Truth and Reconciliation 1/2 day is scheduled for October 4, which coincides with the second day of Rosh Hashanah. We recognize this may affect some of our families who observe this important celebration.

While we cannot change the date of this event, we are committed to providing alternative resources and opportunities for those who will miss it. We deeply respect all cultural and religious practices and are working to improve our scheduling to better accommodate the diverse needs of our community in the future.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your continued support.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Jake Ernst Visits Havergal:
Monday, September 30

As Havergal transitions to a cell phone-free environment, we have invited Jake Ernst, Clinical Director of Straight Up Health, social worker and psychotherapist, for a parent session and a workshop for students. At the parent session, Jake will provide a brief overview of the history of social media and recent research about the impact of these apps on teen wellbeing. He will also provide us with some practical tips on how to manage the shift to device free zones.

Jake says teens (and adults) need support to change their habits when it comes to screens and social media. “Screen use affects everyone differently,” he says. “But we know that algorithms feed us distressing and distracting content that actually disconnects us from each other.”

He says that a phone-free environment will require some ‘re-norming’. “Things like planning where to meet at break, or pre-arranging pick-up from school. It will take getting used to but it can be done.”

Please join us on Monday, September 30 at 7 – 8 pm in the BRH as we welcome Jake and learn how to engage with each other in a phone free environment. You can learn more about Jake Ernst here.

Middle People & Program:
Tuesday, September 17 at 6 pm

We look forward to you joining us this Tuesday, September 17 at 6 pm for our Middle School People & Program Evening.  Please click here to see the agenda and to familiarize yourself with the transition schedule for the evening.  We encourage you to print your child’s personalized schedule that will be emailed to you – please keep an eye on your inbox next week!

SENIOR SCHOOL

Girls Take Flight:
Saturday, September 21

An opportunity exists for our students to participate in the Girls Take Flight program, aimed to break down barriers and encourage girls and underrepresented groups to pursue their dreams in the dynamic and rewarding fields of aviation and aerospace. Through hands-on activities, interactive exhibits and inspiring talks from industry professionals, participants will gain valuable insights and motivation to consider these rewarding careers.

Date: Saturday, September 21
Time: 10 – 4 pm
Location: Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

What to Expect

  • Close-Up Aircraft Views
  • Inspiring Speakers: Hear from female pilots, engineers and mechanics (among others) about their journeys and achievements.
  • Career Guidance: Learn about educational pathways and career opportunities in aviation and aerospace.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Engage in flight simulations, aircraft engineering challenges and more.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry professionals and like-minded peers.
  • Exploration Flights: Volunteer pilots connecting participants with the joy of flying.

Who Should Attend

  • Girls interested in aviation, aerospace, science, technology engineering and math (STEM).
  • Educators and parents looking to support and guide girls toward these careers.

Please click here for more information.

Mini University Fair:
Thursday, September 19

Individual University Reps will be visiting Havergal College on Thursday, September 19 to speak to Grade 9 – 12 students during the lunch hour from 12:15 pm – 1 pm. This is a great opportunity to see what the universities offer. All are welcome. 

Date: Thursday, September 19
Time: 12:15 – 1 pm
Location: EK Library

  • University of Leeds
  • University of Exeter
  • University of Nottingham
  • University of Birmingham
  • University of Dundee 
  • Savannah College of Art and Design

Senior School People & Program:
Thursday, September 19 at 6 pm

We look forward to you joining us this Thursday, September 19 at 6 pm for our Senior School People & Program Evening.  Please click here to see the agenda and to familiarize yourself with the transition schedule for the evening.  We encourage you to print your child’s personalized schedule that will be emailed to you – please keep an eye on your inbox next week!

HCPA

Volunteers for Celebration Saturday Needed

We’re still looking for Celebration Saturday volunteers – even an hour or two helps. Please sign-up here (click through the pages to see all opportunities).

REMINDERS

CELEBRATION SATURDAY – Wristband And Ticket Pre-Sale On Now!

Skip the Line – Get your tickets and wristbands now!

Families can order tickets and wristbands now!  Pre-sales close on Monday, September 23. This is a cashless event so tickets are the only way to get a coveted cookie gram, cotton candy, popcorn or new, this year from our partners Chartwells, breakfast poutine.  Price lists can be found here. Order tickets and wristbands here.   Please know this is a popular event, so expect ticket lineups the day of. Ordering tickets in advance is really encouraged.

Athletics: Tryouts & Schedule

Next week is the second and last week for tryouts. Please consult the Athletics Schedules on Veracross or save this link, which is a Google calendar of all sports for the entire year. The regular season will start on Monday, September 23. 
If you have any questions, please email Carla Di Filippo, Director, Athletics.

Athletic Therapy

Ms. Krausz, Havergal’s Athletic Therapist, will provide immediate emergency care at sporting events and attend athletic events to provide on-site care for our athletes in addition to providing 1:1 support for students through a clinical service program. Our clinical service program allows students to book appointments to receive treatment related to musculoskeletal injuries with the Athletic Therapist. 

**Parent permission must be provided for students to utilize this service.**To provide permission for the Clinical Services Program at any point this school year, click here.
Please reach out to Carla Di Filippo with any questions about the program.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Tuesday, September 17

  • MS People & Program Evening, 6 – 8:30 pm

Thursday, September 19

  • Senior School: People & Program Evening, 6 – 9:15 pm

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