Friday, October 25, 2024

On By Havergal Upper School

A Message from the Heads: Cissy Goodridge & Deirdre Timusk

Dear Parents,

We’ve had a busy week here at school. Earlier this week, we observed Islamic Heritage Prayers, and we extend our thanks to everyone who participated and helped make it a reflective occasion for all. House Games brought together Middle and Senior School students, where we witnessed wonderful enthusiasm and teamwork. Our Middle School students and families also enjoyed an afternoon at the Gator Games, a chance to display some friendly competition run by our Sports Council. Adding to the excitement, Benchball will take place this afternoon and our students will face their opponents from Crescent in some high energy matchups!  

Looking ahead to next week, Diwali Prayers are scheduled for Monday, followed by a reception to celebrate this special festival of lights, and we look forward to marking this joyful event with our community. We are also preparing for Dr. Belle Liang & Mr. Tim Klein’s visit, which will provide valuable insights into finding one’s purpose for students, faculty and parents.

Finally, morning programming is a key part of the Havergal experience. If you have a moment please take a look at these videos. The first video features a Grade 12 student talking about her experience with the Core Strengths which is a program we run with our Grads. The second video is an update from our Head of Middle School giving an overview of our community agreements and the launch of leadership positions for Grade 7s and 8s.

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

Learning Skill Report Card Available: Tuesday, November 5

Your daughter’s Learning Skills Report Card is available through a link on your Parent Portal beginning Tuesday, November 5 at 4 pm. Click here for more information.

Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test: Tuesday, November 12

The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) requires students in Grade 10 to complete the computer-based Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), which measures whether students are meeting the minimum standard for literacy across all subjects up to the end of Grade 9. Successful completion of this test is one of the requirements to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. 

  • Havergal students will write the OSSLT in person, on campus (per EQAO rules) on the morning of Tuesday, November 12. 
  • During morning Grade time on Tuesday, November 5, these students will attend a session guiding them through downloading and testing the software required by EQAO to write the OSSLT. During this session, students will also review the format of the test and have the opportunity to begin a full-length practice. 
  • Attendance on both of these dates is critical for students to set themselves up for success in completing this graduation requirement.

Contact the Director of Academic Operations, Jennifer Goldberg, with questions.

Parent-Teacher Conferences – Portal Opens: Wednesday October 30 at 12 pm

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held virtually on Thursday, November 14 at 3 – 8 pm and Friday, November 15 at 8 am – 4 pm. 

  • The Pick-A-Time booking system will open on Wednesday, October 30 at noon and will close on Wednesday, November 13 at noon.
  • After Pick-A-Time closes, the only way to book or change appointments is by emailing teachers directly; only they will be able to add to or change their schedules.
  • Please ensure your Zoom account is up-to-date. See Zoom Instructions.

If you have questions or concerns about Parent-Teacher Conferences, please contact Jennifer Goldberg, Director of Academic Operations.

Winter Athletics Tryout Registration Opens: Wednesday, October 30

Please click HERE to preview the Winter Athletics catalogue which lists all winter teams. Registration for Winter Athletics tryouts will open on Wednesday, October 30 at 8 am and will remain open until midnight on Tuesday, November 5. 

Please note the following:

  • Students may attend tryouts/practices only if permission has been given during this registration period via Veracross. 
  • Students may register to try out for TWO teams only (this does not include Coach Mentor, Yoga, or Rugby Training) – 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.
  • Winter Tryout Schedule – The tryout schedule is linked here and can be found on Veracross. The season schedule will be finalized on Wednesday, November 20. When you click on the link below, make sure you are looking at the second tab – “WINTER 2024 – 2025.” 
  • There is no confirmation email or email reminder about when and where tryouts take place. Families must look at the schedules and students attend their specific tryout. 
  • There is no fee associated with the tryout process. Team fees are applied after rosters are finalized. 

If you are having trouble with the registration process or have additional questions, please email Carla Di Filippo, Director of Athletics.

Fostering Purpose in Our Kids

As part of our Parents as Partners Speaker Series, Havergal is delighted to welcome Dr. Belle Liang & Tim Klein on Tuesday, October 29, authors of How to Navigate Life.   Their research and talk will focus on helping our kids find purpose and its vital connection to their wellbeing (and ours). The talk will be from 7 pm – 8:30 pm in the Legacy Theatre and will have relevant takeaways for parents of students of all ages. Registration for the event can be found here. 

Our guest speakers will also be working with our students from Grades 7 – 12 during their day and running professional development with our faculty. This commitment to fostering purpose in students at Havergal and embedding its principles in our programming is a part of a year-long partnership with Liang and Klein and we welcome your partnership on this key next step in our commitment to wellbeing.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Information Meeting for the Round Square Regional Conference: UK

Please find the recording of the Information Session HERE.

Applications are open for our Round Square Regional Conference to Milton Abbey in May.

  • Milton Abbey School, United Kingdom
  • Monday, May 26, 2025 – Saturday, May 31, 2025
  • Suitable for ages 12 to 14
  • Cost: approximately $3500
  • Contact Mr. Adams or Ms. Kaba for more information 

You can learn more here, or speak with anyone in the Forum for Change. 

Applications are OPEN NOW.  Students must select the appropriate conference for 2024-2025.* Applications will close on Friday, November 1.

Get Excited for Halloween Door Decorating

On Wednesday, October 30, our MS Hallways will be transformed into a Haunted House. During Form next week, the MS students will have a door decorating contest. Students in each Form need to bring in materials to decorate their door on Wednesday, October 30. Prizes will be awarded for Most Sustainable, Scariest/Wackiest, Most Creative, Best in Show. 

SENIOR SCHOOL

Save The Date: Rowing Parent Information Session on November 4

Is your child interested in rowing at Havergal? Please join us on Monday, November 4th from 7-8 pm via Zoom for an information session led by head coach, Micheal Greig. During the session you will learn everything there is to know about rowing (coaching staff, practice commitments, regattas, Tennessee training camp, cost of the program, etc).

Round Square Regional Conference: Buenos Aires, Argentina

We are excited to announce that applications are open for our Round Square Regional Conference to Michael Ham Memorial College.

The recording of the information session is here.

You can learn more here, or speak with anyone in the Forum for Change.

Applications are OPEN NOW. Students must select the appropriate conference for 2024-2025.* Applications will close on Friday, November 1.

University Visits

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

  • Toronto Metropolitan University: Monday, October 28 from 3:30 – 4:15 pm in Room B16
  • University of Bristol: Thursday, October 31 from 3:30 – 4:15 pm Room B16

In Morning Programming this Week

On Tuesday all Senior School students will be together to learn more about fostering their purpose from Dr. Belle Liang and Tim Klien, authors of How to Navigate Life.  They will be dismissed at 12:20 pm after attending Period 1 and 2 so that faculty can attend a professional development session with the speakers. 

During House on Wednesday, each TA group will be carving a pumpkin and entering it into the House competition. These works of art will be judged during the Halloween Assembly on Thursday!

HCPA

Ivy Market

The Ivy Market is just around the corner on Thursday, November 21 from 10 am – 5 pm, where a number of carefully curated vendors will showcase HC specific designs.  Parents can also pre-order cookie dough and enjoy a coffee corner to connect with other parents and alumni. The HCPA is excited for this event and hope to see you all there!  Please click here for more details.

REMINDERS

Fostering Purpose in Our Kids – Tuesday, October 29 at 7 – 8:30 pm

As part of our Parents as Partners Speaker Series, Havergal is delighted to welcome Dr. Belle Liang & Tim Klein on Tuesday, October 29, authors of How to Navigate Life.   Their research and talk will focus on helping our kids find purpose and its vital connection to their wellbeing (and ours). The talk will be from 7 – 8:30 pm in the Legacy Theatre and will have relevant takeaways for parents of students of all ages (JK-12). Registration for the event can be found here.

Half Day on Tuesday, October 29 – Early Dismissal at 12:20 pm

We are thrilled that our teachers will have the opportunity to engage in professional development with Dr. Belle Liang & Tim Klein on Tuesday, October 29, prior to their presentation with our families. Students will be dismissed at 12:20 pm.  See Special Schedule.

Dates on the Horizon

Please note the following dates for your planning purposes. Students will not have classes on these days. 

  • November Break: November 6 – 11
  • Parent Teacher Conferences: Friday, November 15 

School Photos Available for Ordering

We’re delighted to announce that your daughter’s school pictures are now available online for viewing and ordering. To access your photos, visit Echo Photography. When prompted for a password, enter your student’s unique Person ID.  Ordering is a breeze, and you can customize your prints or digitals with several options to suit your preferences. Be sure to check them out and share them with your family and friends.If you have any questions or special requests, please get in touch with Cameron Hubbs at cameron@echophotography.ca or by text at 905-3557.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Monday, October 28

  • Diwali Prayers & Parent Reception at 8:40 am in the BRH

Tuesday, October 29   

  • Early Dismissal for Students at 12:20 pm
  • Parents as Partners Speaker Series: Dr. Belle Liang & Tim Klein at 7 pm in the Legacy Theatre

Wednesday, October 30  

  • Winter Athletic: Registration Opens at 8 am
  • Parent-Teacher Conferences: Pick-A-Time Opens at 12 pm 

Thursday, October 31    

  • Halloween Assembly: Costumes are encouraged.

Friday, November 1     

  • US Early Decision Application Deadline – End of Day

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