A Message from the Heads: Cissy Goodridge & Deirdre Timusk

Dear Parents & Students,

The fall term ended on a high note with our Senior Year Presidents’ Holiday Assembly. The Havergal Staff Band—decked out in antlers and Santa hats, playing everything from trumpets to triangles—set the festive tone with walk-in and walk-out music. Every Grad lit up the stage with a dance performance with their House, all set to festive songs that had us laughing and cheering. The assembly wrapped up with a joyful sing-along and the announcement of our Holiday Angels Fundraiser for New Circles. We’re thrilled to share that, with your incredible support, we raised over $22,000 to help families in the Toronto area. Thank you for your generosity!

As students look forward to a well-deserved winter break filled with family, friends, and holiday cheer, we wish you all a restful and restorative time together. To those celebrating, we wish you a very Merry Christmas, and we can’t wait to see everyone refreshed and ready for an exciting new year ahead!

Warm 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)

• Major Dates Calendar for 2025 – 2026
• NEW HC Microcredential – Global Competence

SENIOR SCHOOL (Gr. 9 – 12)

• Grad Parents – Grad Wear Awaits You! 

HCPA

• Happy Holidays!

REMINDERS

• Upcoming Parent Socials
• Gator Gala on Saturday, April 5
• Financial Support for Returning Students Deadline: Friday, January 3, 2025
• Exchange Program Introduction Session: Wednesday, January 15, 6 – 7:30 pm, BRH
• Global Experiences Applications: Due Monday, January 20

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL

Major Dates Calendar for 2025 – 2026

Please see the link to the Major Dates School Calendar for 2025-2026. We send the link to this calendar out at this time to allow employees and families to plan for the upcoming school year.

Please be aware that it is subject to change and from time to time we need to make adjustments to it.

NEW HC Microcredential – Global Competence

Havergal College in partnership with AFS Intercultural Programs is offering a microcredential on global competence called Global Up Teen. This program is a one-of-a-kind, blended program, open to teens (aged 14-17) to develop key global skills for the emerging future and build bridges across cultures, all while becoming part of a truly global community. Students will earn an HC Microcredential as well as an international certificate from AFS Canada. 

Students interested in Exchange, Global Learning Experiences, current Boarders and Global Learning Leading Diploma students would greatly benefit from the program’s Curriculum. Watch a DEMO here. All necessary info can be found below:

• 5 in-person sessions, starting Thursday January 23 from 3:45 – 5 pm
• 1.5 hours of online course work per week, through an interactive LMS 
• Cost $185
• REGISTER HERE
• Contact Fatima Kaba for more information

SENIOR SCHOOL

Grad Parents – Grad Wear Awaits You!

If you ordered grad wear and haven’t picked it up yet, it’s waiting for you at the school! Swing by anytime to claim your gear—your items will be ready for you at the security desk.

HCPA

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays from the HCPA! 🎄✨  We wish you a joyful and restful holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished moments with loved ones. Thank you for being such an important part of our community—we look forward to an exciting year ahead!

REMINDERS

Upcoming Parent Socials

We look forward to you joining us on:

• Grade 11: Monday, January 27,  7 – 9 pm
• Grades 9 & 10: Wednesday, February 19,  7 – 9 pm
• Grades 7 & 8: Tuesday, February 25,  7 – 9 pm

Gator Gala on Saturday, April 5

All Upper School students and an adult guest are invited to join us for an evening of dining and dancing, “A Celebration of Asia”— more details coming soon!

Financial Support for Returning Students Deadline: Friday, January 3, 2025

To be considered for financial support, please complete the Financial Assistance for Canadian Students (FACS) application form available on applefinancialservices.ca. Refer to Havergal’s guide on affordability, available HERE on the parent portal to learn more about the Financial Support program.

Exchange Program Introduction Session: Wednesday, January 15, 6 – 7:30 pm, BRH

Current Grade 7 and Grade 9 students and families interested in this opportunity are invited. For more information about the program, visit the Global Exchange Program page.

Global Experiences Applications: Due Monday, January 20

For more information about the program, visit the Global Experience Offerings or review the Zoom Recording and Global Experience Slide Deck.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Monday, January 6

• No Classes
• Boarding School Opens, 4 pm

Tuesday, January 7

• Classes Resume

A Message from the Heads: Cissy Goodridge & Deirdre Timusk

Dear Parents & Students,

Our festive month of entertainment continues! Last night we welcomed our current and past community to St. Paul’s for the Carol Service. It was a spectacular evening filled with wonderful music which featured many of our talented students. 

The celebrations continue with an exciting week ahead! On Monday, our Tuba and Euphonium players (Grades 8-12) will bring holiday cheer to Prayers with their annual performance and on Tuesday, we’re proud to partner with Crescent School for an upcoming film festival. To cap off our week, the Class of 2025 will treat us to spirited performances at our Holiday Assembly.

As we embrace this season of giving and gratitude, we want to express our heartfelt thanks for your continued generosity and support of our community. We are very grateful for the gifts provided by your donation to the HCPA fund. If you choose to share an additional token of appreciation, we kindly ask that it remains modest, under $100 in value, in line with our employee policies. Thank you for your understanding and generosity during this special time of year.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful weekend.

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)

• Locker Clean Out on Wednesday, December 18
• COSSOT Permission Form Reminder

MIDDLE SCHOOL (Gr. 7 – 8)

• In Form Programming This Week 

SENIOR SCHOOL (Gr. 9 – 12)

• University Workshop for McMaster Health Sciences Applications
• In Grade Programming Next Week

HCPA

• Upcoming Parent Socials
• Gator Gala – Save the Date: Saturday, April 5
• HCPA Marketplace: Online Shop Open Year-Round
• Global Experiences Applications – Due Monday, January 20

REMINDERS

• Havergal Varsity Jackets For Sale – Deadline Extended To Thursday, December 19
• Financial Support for Returning Students Deadline: Friday, January 3, 2025
• Exchange Program Introduction Session: Wednesday, January 15
• Global Experiences Applications – Due Monday, January 20

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL

Locker Clean Out on Wednesday, December 18

The official locker clean out time will take place on Wednesday, December 18 at the end of the school day. Reminders will be sent to the students on Sunday to start taking things home. Students are allowed to leave binders, books and shoes in their lockers and they are allowed to keep their decorations up. We ask that clothing and all perishable items are removed from the lockers. Please ensure that your daughter has the necessary bags to bring her items home. 

COSSOT Permission Form Reminder

Havergal is a member of the Coalition of Single Sex Schools of Toronto (COSSOT). We have events with this group of schools throughout the year. Please ensure that you have completed your child’s COSSOT Event Registration Form. Without your completion of this form, your student will not be eligible to attend dances and other events with COSSOT schools.  There is now a link at the top of the parent portal of Veracross to facilitate completion.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

In Form Programming This Week

Our Form and Spirit Reps have been busy planning winter celebrations for our entire middle school. Next week, our classes will be creating a winter wonderland in the MS hallway. Students are encouraged to bring in trimmings to decorate their classroom doors in a winter/holiday theme. On Wednesday, the students will participate in end of term parties, equipped with cookie decorating and treats.

SENIOR SCHOOL

University Workshop for McMaster Health Sciences Applications

On Wednesday, December 18, there will be a McMaster Health Sciences workshop for Grade 12 students in room B16 at 11:45 am. This workshop will focus on university applications. This is a great opportunity for students to discuss their applications and brainstorm ideas.

In Grade Programming Next Week

Next week, we will have winter celebrations for Grades 9, 10, and 11, with games, a scavenger hunt, and plenty of fun activities planned by their Grade Reps. Meanwhile, our Grads will meet in small groups to discuss university tasks to complete before the break and start reflecting on their upcoming transition from Havergal to university. Their insights will shape our programming for the rest of the year, ensuring we support their preparation for this exciting next step.

HCPA

Upcoming Parent Socials

Please save the date for the following evening parent socials:

• Grade 11: Monday, January 27,  7 – 9 pm
• Grades 9 & 10: Wednesday, February 19,  7 – 9 pm
• Grades 7 & 8: Tuesday, February 25,  7 – 9 pm

Gator Gala – Save the Date: Saturday, April 5

All Upper School students and an adult guest are invited to join us for an evening of dining and dancing “A Celebration of Asia”—more details coming soon!

HCPA Marketplace: Online Shop Open Year-Round

The HCPA Marketplace Online Shop is open year-round with seasonal updates. It is not too late to order your HC Swag for the holidays. Deadline for pre-holiday orders is Sunday, December 15. Collection at HC by Thursday, December 19!

REMINDERS

Havergal Varsity Jackets For Sale – Deadline Extended To Thursday, December 19

The Student Life departments at Havergal College have collaborated to offer Havergal College Varsity Jackets for purchase to students in Grades 9 – 12. Your daughter can show her school spirit by wearing Havergal’s own varsity jacket. Traditionally these jackets are worn to represent school and team pride as well as to display teams, clubs or other meaningful accomplishments throughout her time in the Senior School.  This is an optional purchase. The jacket cannot be worn in class but it can be casual wear, worn to sports games and other co-curriculars. A sample will be available to try on in the PE office. 

• Cost: $265 (includes tax and shipping)
• Additional Personalised Chevrons: $15 each
• ***NEW Due Date for Ordering: Thursday, December 19***
• To purchase a jacket, please complete this link.

If you have any questions, please reach out to any of the following people: Carla Di Filippo, Fatima Kaba, Fiona Marshall, or Matt Varey.

Financial Support for Returning Students Deadline: Friday, January 3, 2025

To be considered for financial support, please complete the Financial Assistance for Canadian Students (FACS) application form available on applefinancialservices.ca. Refer to Havergal’s guide on affordability, available HERE on the parent portal to learn more about the Financial Support program.

Exchange Program Introduction Session: Wednesday, January 15

Havergal’s exchange program provides an exchange opportunity for Grade 8 and Grade 10 students in the academic year 2025 – 2026. Current Grade 7 and Grade 9 students and families interested in this opportunity are invited to the Introductory Session to the Global Exchange Program for 2025/26 on Tuesday, January 15 from 6 – 7:30 pm in the BRH. For more information about the program, visit the Global Exchange Program page.

Global Experiences Applications – Due Monday, January 20

Students interested in applying can find the application links on Veracross under the Student Announcements tab. For more information about the program, visit the Global Experience Offerings or review the Zoom Recording and Global Experience Slide Deck.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Monday, December 16

• Grad/Staff Dinner (Students Only), 5 – 7 pm 

Tuesday,  December 17 

• Havercrest Film Festival at Crescent School, 6 – 8 pm 

Wednesday, December 18

• Full Report Card Available on Parent Portal, 4 pm

Thursday, December 19

• Festive Dress Up Day
• Boarding Closes, 6 pm 

Friday,  December 20

• No Classes

   

 

A Message from the Heads: Cissy Goodridge & Deirdre Timusk

Dear Parents & Students,

Affectionately known as the month of entertainment, December is the month that showcases the talents of many of our student artists.  Last week, we kicked off the month with our Middle School Play and this week we were delighted by the Middle and Senior School Music Nights. Our students appreciate your presence at these events, and we are grateful for your support in celebrating their achievements.

Looking ahead, there is more entertainment in store for you!  We are excited to welcome you to our annual Carol Service at St. Paul’s. This beloved tradition captures the spirit of the season and demonstrates the vibrant artistic life of our school community. As a reminder, all students are expected to participate in the Carol Service. If for some exceptional reason, a student is not able to attend a note must be sent to the appropriate Head of School. We value this opportunity to come together as a full school community.

We look forward to seeing you as we celebrate this service of music and community.

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)

• Applications Now Open for the 2025 – 26 Global Experiences Programming – Due Jan 20
• Global Exchange Program Introduction Session: January 15, 2025 
• Celebrating STEM Excellence: Beaver Computing Challenge Highlights
• Haver-Honey
• Dive Into the Joy of Reading This Holiday Season!

MIDDLE SCHOOL (Gr. 7 – 8)

• In Form Programming This Week
• MS Crafting with the Grade 12s

SENIOR SCHOOL (Gr. 9 – 12)

• Grade 9/10 Social and Dance This Evening!
• In Grade Programming Next Week
• Guidance Team Fireside Chats

HCPA

• HCPA Staff Appreciation
• Parent Socials
• HCPA Marketplace
• Gator Gala

REMINDERS

• Parent Instructions: Carol Service on Thursday, December 12, 7 pm – 8:20 pm
• Havergal Varsity Jackets For Sale – Orders Due Monday, December 9
• Financial Support for Returning Students Deadline: Friday, January 3, 2025

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL

Applications Now Open for the 2025 – 2026 Global Experiences Programming  – Due January 20

Students interested in applying can find the application links on Veracross under the Student Announcements tab. Be sure they review the program details and application instructions before submitting their application. The applications close on January 20, 2025.

For more information about the program, visit the Global Experience Offerings or review the Zoom Recording and Global Experience Slide Deck.

Global Exchange Program Introduction Session: January 15, 2025

Havergal’s exchange program provides an exchange opportunity for Grade 8 and Grade 10 students in the academic year 2025 – 2026. Current Grade 7 and Grade 9 students and families interested in this opportunity are invited to the Introductory Session to the Global Exchange Program for 2025/26 on Tuesday, January 15 from 6 – 7:30 pm in the BRH.

The nature of our Global Exchange program requires us to have a mandatory, in-person session for families who are interested in applying to the exchange program for the 25/26 school year. The student who is interested in participating in the exchange and one parent/guardian are required to attend this meeting to be considered for the program. 

This meeting will provide a comprehensive overview of the Global Exchange Program, an incredible opportunity for students to immerse themselves in diverse cultures, build global connections, and gain invaluable experiences abroad. The session will cover the application process, exchange locations, the commitment level we require from families, as well as the benefits of participating in this life-changing program.

We will have our exchange student ambassadors attending this meeting to share their experiences and answer any questions families have about the program. 

We look forward to seeing you there! For more information about the program, visit the Global Exchange Program page.

Celebrating STEM Excellence: Beaver Computing Challenge Highlights

The Beaver Computing Challenge is just one of the University of Waterloo contests that are offered by the Math & Computer Science Department. For more information on upcoming math contests, students are encouraged to speak with their math teacher.  

Congratulations to Jessie G and Mia T in Grade 7 who earned perfect scores on the Beaver Computing Challenge. A six way tie for second place went to Aubrie C, Shannon G, Kaylee J, Xinyue Z, and Rachael Z in Grade 9, and Yutong W also in Grade 7. Bravo! Thank you to Mr. Cardinale for hosting this opportunity for our young STEM minds.

Haver-Honey

🐝 Sweeten the Holidays with School Hive Honey! 🐝

Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer? Or a delicious treat to sweeten your morning toast? Look no further than our very own school-made honey! 🍯 Buzz-worthy and delicious, it’s the gift that’ll have everyone saying, “Bee mine!”

Support our hive, spread some holiday cheer, and give a gift that’s as sweet as can bee. 🐝

100 ml for $10 of unpasteurized honey. Order Here

Dive Into the Joy of Reading This Holiday Season!

Looking for the perfect page-turner to enjoy during the holidays? We’ve curated a special Holiday Reading List with something for everyone!

• Middle School adventures
• gripping YA stories
• heartwarming holiday fiction
• thought-provoking adult fiction
• fascinating nonfiction

You’ll find books to keep your imagination alight during the break.

Most books are available in our library or are on order.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

In Form Programming This Week

In Form programming this week, our MS students will be delighted by our Grade 8 Exec Holiday Assembly. Our student leaders have planned an exciting program filled with Middle School trivia, name that movie and team challenges. Thank you to our MS Prefects for helping our Exec plan this programming.

MS Crafting with Grade 12s

This week the students in Forms 7IJ /8IJ and all others who like to participate can enjoy lunch time crafting sessions, hosted by Grade 12 students. Please join us in Room C32 for some music, crafting and hanging out with friends. Students who missed their designated week are welcome to join in too.  Let’s get crafty!

SENIOR SCHOOL

Grade 9/10 Social and Dance This Evening!

Over 350 students from Havergal and other local independent schools will be coming to Havergal tonight for the dance. Students are to arrive between 7 and 8 pm as the doors close by 8 pm. The dance ends at 10 pm and we ask that all students are picked up promptly. We are looking forward to a great evening!

In Grade Programming Next Week

Next week our Grade 11 students will be taking part in a session entitled “The Leader in You” which builds on the work they started a few weeks ago. Students in Grade 10 will explore the importance of self and social awareness in building healthy relationships and fostering emotional intelligence. There will be another university counselling session with our Grads and finally, our Grade 9 reps have something special in store for their fellow students.

Guidance Team Fireside Chats

The Guidance Counsellors will begin their annual Fireside Chats from December 9 – 18 for Grade 11 and 12 students. This is a great opportunity for students to drop by the Temerty Commons during their spare or lunchtime and ask any questions they may have about current courses or university preparation.

HCPA

HCPA Staff Appreciation

Donations for HCPA Staff Appreciation are due today! Send via e-transfer to hcpatreasurer@gmail.com with your daughter’s name and grade/cohort in the message.

Parent Socials

Please save the date for the following evening parent socials:

• Grades 11 & 12: Monday, January 27 at 7 – 9 pm
• Grades 9 & 10: Wednesday, February 19 at 7 – 9 pm
• Grades 7 & 8: Tuesday, February 25 at 7 – 9 pm

HCPA Marketplace

The HCPA Marketplace Online Shop is open year-round with seasonal updates. Perfect for last-minute gifts or HC unique items!

Gator Gala

Gator Gala! Save the Date – Saturday, April 5, 2025

All Upper School students and an adult guest are invited to join us for an evening of dining and dancing “A Celebration of Asia” .  More details coming soon!

REMINDERS

Parent Instructions: Carol Service on Thursday, December 12, 7 pm – 8:20 pm

• Location:  St. Paul’s Bloor Street (see maps & directions). 
• Regular uniform (not #1) is required during the school day. 
• Students wear their #1 Dress Uniform for the Carol Service.
• Students should arrive at 6:15 pm and be seated by 6:45 pm.
• Grades 7 & 8 sit by Form. 
• Grades 9 – 12 sit by House.
• For families with alumni who would like to watch the service, the streaming link can be found HERE. The link will be activated just prior to the start of the service.

Havergal Varsity Jackets For Sale – Orders Due Monday, December 9

• Cost: $265 (includes tax and shipping)
• Additional Personalised Chevrons: $15 each
• To purchase a jacket, please complete this link.

Financial Support for Returning Students Deadline: Friday, January 3, 2025

To be considered for financial support, please complete the Financial Assistance for Canadian Students (FACS) application form available on applefinancialservices.ca. Refer to Havergal’s guide on affordability, available HERE on the parent portal to learn more about the Financial Support program.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Thursday, December 12     

• Special Schedule: Period 1 – 8:30 am; Dismissal – 2:10 pm 
• Carol Service: 7 – 8:15 pm, St. Paul’s Bloor Street