Friday, December 6, 2024

On By Havergal Upper School

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)

MIDDLE SCHOOL (Gr. 7 – 8)

SENIOR SCHOOL (Gr. 9 – 12)

HCPA

REMINDERS

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

Leave a comment