Friday, September 20, 2024

On By Havergal Upper School

A Message from the Heads: 
Cissy Goodridge & Deirdre Timusk

Dear Parents,

For those new to Havergal, Prayers (Mondays and Thursdays 8:40 – 9:20 am) is a time where the whole school gathers together in Brenda Robson Hall, and shares 40 minutes of music, singing, prayers, and messages on various topics.  It is a time where we come together for reflection and grounding.  Some of the messages are given by our students, faculty, guest speakers and our chaplain Rev. Ruch. Prayers is a time, when students look back, they miss very much once they leave Havergal.  Please know that you are welcome to attend Prayers as a parent as well.  For several of our cultural prayers, invitations are sent to the community specifically inviting you to join us, but please know you are welcome to join us for any prayers throughout the year.

This week, for both of our Prayers, we focused on Community Building here in Havergal.  On Monday, Rev. Ruch and Ms. Cozier (VP, EDIB) broke down what a community is, how we are created to be in a community, and some of the barriers that can get in the way of that work. They focused on the spiritual and EDIB strands of community building. On Thursday, we heard more from the student voices, with a video being shared about “What community means to me at Havergal….”. Rev Ruch also leaned into the sense of wellbeing that comes from being part of a community.  Finally, we heard from Grade 7 student Emma M. and Grade 12 student Becca S. about what community means for them. They shared their experiences about how they see themselves as being a part of this community.  Looking into the future, they also shared how they expect this community – that they are building right now – will be with them for the rest of their lives.   

This week we hosted both the MS and SS People and Program events. It was wonderful to welcome all of our parents on campus. As they moved from classroom to classroom, you could hear their excitement build. One highlight was when we overheard a parent saying, “I wish I could go to school here.” Our teachers are a remarkable group of educators, who care deeply about fostering a love of learning. As Katrina mentioned in her message to parents, we want to teach your children “how” to think, not “what” to think. We look forward to seeing you at future events and, if you have time, you are always welcome to join our community during Prayers. 

Sincerely,

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

CELEBRATION SATURDAY- GET YOUR TICKETS 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 that this is a popular event, so expect lineups for tickets that day. Ordering tickets in advance is really encouraged.

The Celebration Saturday Silent Auction is live! Sign up in advance and bid now. Thank you to all who have donated items – we have fabulous opportunities for experiences, one of a kind items and HC special passes like reserved seating at events. Bid now, bid often and know the bidding closes at 11:30 am at the event. 

Please note that this is a mandatory event for all students in Grades 4-12.

Digital Device Policy Clarification

Please note that due to the late start and early ending of our weekly scheduling, we wanted to clarify that:

  • Wednesday: School ends at 3 pm. Students MAY use their smartphone after 3 pm.
  • Friday: School begins at 9:30 am. Students MAY use their smartphone until 9:30 am.

For Senior School students, at all other times the phones must be off and away. For Middle School students, phones should remain in their lockers all day.  Phones should not be seen during the day, including at lunch. Thank you for your support.  

Private Music Instruction

There is a new process for Private Music Instruction at Havergal in 2024-2025, designed to support the well being and musical ambitions of our students.  Families interested in Private Music Instruction in 2024-2025 are welcome to access this link for details. Private music instruction is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, October 1.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

2024-25 Middle School Social Events

Each year, Havergal works with its COSSOT (Coalition of Single Sex Schools of Toronto) partner schools to provide a number of social opportunities for its students. This allows them to meet and enjoy time with students from other schools, participating in things like bowling nights, dances, and games.

To help you with your planning, below you will find the list of dates to all MS COSSOT events for the school year. We encourage you to chat with your child and discuss which events they would like to apply for and mark the date on your calendar. Every Havergal student may attend the Havergal dance, however, there are limited spaces available for all other events.

2024-09-13 – MS COSSOT Events – Dates

SENIOR SCHOOL

ACTION REQUIRED: All Senior School Parents – Please complete this permission form to cover many of our events this year.

Each year, Havergal works with its COSSOT (Coalition of Single Sex Schools of Toronto) partner schools to provide a number of social opportunities for our students. This allows them to meet and enjoy time with students from other schools, participating in things like bowling nights, dances, games, artistic performance evenings and meetings to work on collaborative initiatives or share experiences.

In an effort to consolidate the AAR process (parent permission forms are referred to as AARs) for parents, we are asking that all parents who wish to allow their children to participate in any COSSOT events, complete this AAR, which indicates that you agree to allow your child to participate should they sign up. 

  • For more specific details, please click on this link.
  • To go directly to the parent permission form (AAR), click on this link.

AP Information Session (Note: Revised Webinar Link)

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 4 pm. 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. 

Global Experiences 2024-2025 Opportunities Still Open

There is still an opportunity to express your interest in Global Experiences for:

  • Technology, Innovation, Design & Ethics in San Francisco (T.I.D.E.S.): March 2025 – Information Video here.
  • The Kingdom of Bhutan: March 2025 – Information Video here.
  • Beijing Summer Camp: June 2025 – Information Video here.

For those already enrolled, we will be updating you on the status of these experiences in the near future. Please contact Garth Nichols for more information.

University Visit – Imperial College London: Monday, September 23

Individual University Reps will be visiting Havergal College on Monday, September 23 to speak to Grade 9 – 12 students after school from 3:30 – 4:15 pm. This is a great opportunity to see what the university has to offer. 

Date: Monday, September 23
Time: 3:30 – 4:15 pm 
Location: B16

University Session at SS People & Program

Did you miss the University Session at People & Program Evening?
The University Session from our People & Program Evening will be available to view on the Guidance portal via Veracross.

HCPA

Volunteers 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

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.

Please Note: Parental 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.

Does your Grad need another hoodie?

If you wish to purchase another hoodie for your Grad, please complete this form by Friday, September 27.

Celebration Saturday: Thrifting for Marion Wood

Please bring in your used clothes for our thrifting stall at Celebration Saturday.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Monday, September 23

  • Thrive Prayers

Tuesday, September 24

  • Celebration Saturday Prayers
  • AP Parent Webinar at 4 pm 

Friday, September 27

  • Special Schedule for Celebration Saturday  
  • Period 1 starts at 8:30 am and school ends at 2:30 pm

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