Friday, November 15, 2024

On By Havergal Upper School

A Message from the Heads: Cissy Goodridge & Deirdre Timusk

Dear Parents,

We were thrilled to see so many familiar faces at the Parent-Teacher Interviews this week. These sessions are a wonderful reminder of how our partnership between home and school is vital for nurturing your daughters’ growth. We personally want to thank each of you for your dedication and support of our teachers and our school.

Next week we are looking forward to Diversity Week. This initiative, led by our students, is a testament to the vibrant cultures we celebrate at our school and it offers us a chance to learn something new and appreciate each other’s unique stories.

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

Financial Aid – New & Returning Students Entering Grades 7 to 12: Deadline January 3, 2025

To be considered, please complete the Financial Assistance for Canadian Students (FACS) application form available on applefinancialservices.ca.

Bursaries are granted on an annual basis; therefore an application must be submitted each year.Refer to Havergal’s guide on Affordability, available here on the Parent Portal to learn more about the Financial Support program.

Save the Date: Carol Service on Thursday, December 12

We are looking forward to this year’s Carol Service at St. Paul’s Bloor Street. 

Save the Date: Thursday, December 12 at 7 – 8:20 pm.

The Carol Service is a service that brings together the entire Havergal Upper School community. For one day in the school year, all students and faculty are all members of the Havergal Choir. Rehearsals will begin November 25th during Prayers. Key parent instructions for Thursday, December 12 will be shared in the coming weeks.

Please reach out to Matthew Varey or Rev. Jillian Ruch if you have any questions.

Global Experiences 2025-2026: Family Information Session: Thursday, November 21, 12 pm

Please join us via Zoom to learn about the exciting Global Experiences we are offering in 2025-2026:

  • Exchange (Year-Round)
  • Duke of Edinburgh in Algonquin Park (June)
  • French Language for Middle and Senior School (March Break)
  • American History: Washington, DC (Late March)
  • Space Camp for Middle and Senior School: Huntsville, Alabama (November)
  • Global Learning Project: Japan (March)
  • Round Square International Conference: Dubai, UAE (September)
  • Round Square Experience: Johannesburg & Cape Town, South Africa (June)
  • And how to apply…

There will be a brief overview of each of the offerings, and the presentation will be recorded and distributed via The Weekly.

Zoom Invitation: 

Dropping Off Your Daughter in the Upper School Front Circle?

We ask that parents pay special attention to requests from our Security Team when driving through and waiting to pick up students in our front circle. From time to time, it is essential to ask cars to move in order for buses to drop off or pick up students or for the ease of traffic. It is important for everyone in the community to respect their requests.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Toronto Public Health Vaccination Clinic: Friday, November 22

On Friday, November 22, Toronto Public Health will be on site to administer vaccinations for Grade 7 students who have already been registered to receive their dose. These nurses are skilled and compassionate health care workers and we are grateful to parents for preparing their children for this important step for their well-being.

Crafting with the Middle School

This week marks the beginning of a few weeks of lunch time crafting sessions, hosted by Grade 12 students. The goal is to welcome students to either the Ellen Knox Library or the Drama Studio over the lunch hour to decorate a personalized locker magnet while mingling with friends. Students will be invited to one of the sessions and if they miss their scheduled week, there will be a make-up date offered at the beginning of December. Let’s get crafty!

Registration for the Middle School COSSOT Dance at Havergal: Friday, November 22

On Friday, November 22 the Middle School is hosting a COSSOT dance for invited schools. The theme, Outer Banks, was chosen by the MS Council. Beach attire and summer clothing is recommended. The DJ is booked, the games room is ready and we are excited to get this party started! Students should arrive at 7 pm and must be picked up promptly at 9 pm at Havergal. COSSOT events have a strict “No Phone” policy; all students are required to hand in their phones to upon entry to the dance. The Havergal chaperones will return the phones to your child at the end of the event. 

All interested students must register for the dance HERE.
Please reach out to Cissy Goodridge for any questions.

Middle School Play: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz!

Havergal MS Theatre is excited to present The Wonderful Wizard of Oz!, the classic (non-musical) adaptation of the original literary novel by Frank L. Baum. This show will take you on a thrilling and visual journey full of suspense, comedy, and drama! 

Tickets will go on sale next Friday, November 22 through the Student and Parent Portals on Veracross!

Performances:

  • Thursday, November 28 at 4 pm and 7 pm
  • Friday, November 29 at 4 pm and 7 pm
  • Legacy Theatre

In Morning Programming This Week

This week in Morning Programming, Middle School students will explore two key themes. First, they will revisit the values and community commitments established in September, focusing on expressing gratitude to people both within and outside our community. Secondly, they will engage in an interactive session on the Foundations of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, led by our Director of EDIB, Nicole Cozier.

SENIOR SCHOOL

HC-X Digital Microcredentials Registration Now Open!

Registration for Digital Microcredential programs for January 2025 is now open through the Veracross parent portal. Spaces are first-come, first-serve and close on Monday, November 25. 

Microcredential Program Offerings: 

  • Pre-Medical Sciences A – Organic Chemistry and Biology*
  • Artificial Intelligence – AI and Machine Learning*
  • Design Thinking & Entrepreneurship*
  • Future Lawyers*
  • Contemporary Finance**
  • Intro to Architecture & Design**

*In-person programs will take place over 8 sessions beginning at 4 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays in January 2025.

**Hybrid-schedule programs will involve a blend of asynchronous online learning and in-person event options continuing until May 2025. 

Please visit microcredentials.havergal.on.ca for course information and program fees, or contact Adam Caplan, Director of HC-X Innovation Hub, with any questions.

Academy of Tomorrow: Grade 10 & 11 Opportunity

The Academy of Tomorrow is a unique, highly interactive Leadership Development Program that equips the next generation with the mindsets and skills to lead and succeed in the world of tomorrow. 

Founder and CEO Lital Marom is a serial Tech Entrepreneur, a world-renowned keynote speaker on innovation and leadership and a Forbes contributor.

The Academy of Tomorrow is an extraordinary opportunity for students entering Grades 10 and 11 next year to prepare for success at university, in their career — and in life. Tomorrow’s greatest opportunities will unfold for creative leaders capable of excelling in a world of constant change. 

Winter 2025 program dates: Thursday, February 6 – Saturday, February 8, 2025
Location: On Campus at Havergal
Program Fee: $1100

Please Register Here or see the Program Brochure for more information. Registration closes Monday, November 25. 

Contact Adam Caplan, Director of HC-X Innovation Hub, with any questions.

University Visit: Ontario Tech University

On Tuesday, November 19, Ontario Tech University will be visiting Havergal College at lunch time from 12:15 – 1 pm in Room B16.

Grad Wear Orders Next Week: Due November 26

The HCPA has kindly put together a list of items for the Grads to be delivered in time for the December Break! Orders will be taken online and are due by November 26 with a December 10 delivery date. Please see this link for prices and items. Students will be able to try on clothes on Tuesday and Wednesday this week between 11 am and 1 pm in the Grad Common Room.

In Morning Programming This Week

We are excited to welcome Jake Ernst back to work with our Grade 9 students on Digital Citizenship, following his engaging sessions with parents and Middle School students.

In this experiential workshop, students will delve into common scenarios involving friendship, social media, and making responsible decisions in the digital age. Through safe and guided discussions, they will practise leadership, friendship, and problem-solving skills while exploring familiar social media platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, and group chats.

The workshop emphasises collaboration as students work together to develop practical solutions to the challenges they encounter in the classroom and beyond, empowering them to become responsible and thoughtful digital citizens.

Our Grade 10 students will be taking part in a leadership workshop with our Director of Student Leadership. The Grade 11 student reps have planned a fun activity morning for their cohort. The Grads will be divided into groups based on their application so they can receive support to work on their supplemental applications.

HCPA

Ivy Market

Ivy Market is coming on Thursday, November 21!  

  • Please click HERE to learn more and pre-order custom Havergal gifts from a curated list of vendors. 
  • And please click HERE to volunteer for Ivy Market.

HCPA Holiday Marketplace

The HCPA Holiday Marketplace is now online on our new shopify website!  

  • Click HERE to get your holiday shopping done early. 
  • Password: hcpa2024

REMINDERS

Gift Card Collection for New Circles: Due November 28

The Holiday Angels program is back. Havergal’s Upper School has committed to support 10 families this year, 1 for each House. To learn more about the program please see HERE. We are collecting gift cards in House and Form every day until Thursday, November 28. Gift cards of $20 or more are eligible for a tax receipt.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Brittney Dos Santos.

Peer Tutoring Offered

Peer Tutoring is an opportunity for students in Grades 7 – 9 to be paired with an older Havergal student for free one-on-one tutoring sessions. For more information, please have your child reach out to guidance counsellor, Carrie Steele.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Thursday, November 21 

  • Athletics Assembly, 8:40 – 9:30 am 
  • Ivy Market, 10 am – 5 pm 

Friday, November 22 

  • MS Vaccination Clinic, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm 
  • MS COSSOT Dance at Havergal, 7 – 9 pm, Dance Registration –  LINK

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