Friday, January 17, 2025

On By Havergal Upper School

A Message from the Heads: Cissy Goodridge & Deirdre Timusk

Dear Parents,

This week in Prayers, we were treated to two meaningful presentations. On Monday, our Boarder Prayers showcased talented musicians and testimonials from our boarding students about life living with a roommate and living far from home. A highlight was an engaging video exploring the myths of boarding life. Our school community gained an inside look at what it looks like to live at Havergal College outside of school hours. 

On Thursday, we welcomed the education team from Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre on Holocaust Studies. The presenters gave a thought provoking presentation on the historical and contemporary perspectives of antisemitism.  It was an important and at times difficult presentation, learning that antisemitism in Toronto has increased by 65% since 2020. 

These assemblies reflect our commitment to both fostering an inclusive community and ensuring our students engage with important historical and contemporary issues. Through these experiences, our students gain a deeper understanding of different perspectives and develop greater empathy for others. We look forward to continuing to offer such meaningful opportunities for growth and understanding throughout the school year.

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

Re-registration: January 27 – February 2, 2025

Re-registration for the 2025/26 school year will open on Monday, January 27.  Families will receive an email from the Board of Governors on that day with a link to reregistration and can also access reregistration through the Parent Portal.   Re-registration is due on Monday, February 2 and we cannot guarantee a place for students who re-register after this date.  While we are certainly hoping to be welcoming all of our students back next year, we recognize that family situations change and relocations occur.  If you are aware that your daughter is not returning to Havergal, please let us know by emailing Maggie Houston-White as soon as possible so we can ensure we have a fulsome admission process at all necessary years.

Prayers Updates: Educational Speakers Coming

Next week in Prayers on Thursday, January 23, we will be commemorating the National Day of Action Against Islamophobia (recognized nationally on January 29), by welcoming a guest educator from the Canadian Council of Muslim Women to talk about Islamophobia.  Our guest will talk about what Islamophobia is, common myths, stereotypes, gendered impacts, and how we can be allies in combating it. Grade 9-12 students interested in a deeper conversation with our speaker will also have the opportunity to sign up in advance for an optional session during the first period.

We understand these topics can be challenging. Our student support team will be available to assist students during and after these kinds of sessions. We appreciate your partnership in our ongoing commitment to educating against hate and continuing to nurture an inclusive, affirming school community.

Course Selection – Presentation Recordings 2025

On Thursday, January 16th the Guidance Counsellors hosted a Course Selection Information Night for parents of students in Grade 8-11. If you were unable to attend. Please find the presentation recordings below. The recordings will also be posted on the Guidance Portal. 

Student Safety

Lawrence Park CI shared an incident that occurred this morning that involved one of their students being approached by an unknown male in a vehicle. The student did the right thing by ignoring the man, making their way to school, reporting it to a trusted adult and the school contacted the police.

We regularly reinforce safety protocols with students and are lucky to have an exceptional security team that works hard to keep our campus safe. We would like to remind everyone in our community to report any suspicious or unusual occurrences.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

In Form Programming This Week

With the new year upon us, it’s a good time for the students to recommit to our values and community agreements. This week in our Form program the students will revisit the community agreements that they composed in September. They will be asked to consider how they have been living their values and what steps they will take to uphold these agreements for the remainder of the year. 

Please find a copy of the commitments for Grade 7 and Grade 8 here.

SENIOR SCHOOL

Grad Photos: February 3 – 7

Grade 12 Grad Portraits will be taking place on Monday, February 3 to Friday, February 7. Students can book their appointment HERE. 

  • Location: Rotunda
  • Time: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm 

Students are to follow the instructions below: 

  • Wear a white blouse or top (no t-shirts)
  • Do not wear a coloured undergarment
  • Do not book appointments during assessments 

The Grad Portrait Session Fee is $100 and includes: 

  • Sitting fee
  • Retouching 
  • 11 x 14 composite

Grad Wear: Final Orders Have Arrived

All backordered clothing has arrived. Please send your daughter to B10 to pick up her order.

Havergal’s Next Surgeon: February 6 & February 7

We are thrilled to announce an exciting partnership with St. Michael’s Hospital to provide students with a unique opportunity to explore the world of surgery. Havergal’s Next Surgeon, will offer an in-depth look at what it takes to become a surgeon, from academic preparation and internships to the realities of life in the field. Students will hear firsthand from surgeons specializing in various areas and participate in hands-on activities, including learning basic suturing techniques and CPR. This experience is designed to inspire and educate students about potential careers in healthcare while equipping them with valuable skills and insights.

This is a 2 day experience, Thursday, February 6 at 5:30 – 8:30 pm and Friday, February 7 (Timing TBD). 
Students can find the application in the DSO and/or reach out to Fatima Kaba for more information.

Havergal’s Next Futurist in Partnership with OCAD U CO

As part of Havergal’s Next Futurist, students will dive into the principles of Futures thinking, strategic foresight, and creative problem-solving through engaging, hands-on sessions. Participants will explore what it means to be a futurist, practice stakeholder insights, and gain access to tools and frameworks that help shape preferred futures. This program is designed to align with Havergal’s focus on preparing future-ready leaders and inspiring bold, thoughtful change-makers.

Credential Gained: Leading with Foresight Online Certification: By completing the 1.5hr online module, students will receive an additional industry-recognized certificate that adds value to post-secondary and career applications.

OCAD U CO is the Futures design studio of OCAD University. Grounded in a rigorous and disciplined process that integrates Futures thinking, systems thinking and design thinking. OCAD U CO brings an impressive team of seasoned faculty and accomplished alumni with extensive experience and industry insights to help students tackle the most pressing challenges.

  • When: Friday, February 7, 9 am – 2 pm 
  • Where: OCAD U CO’s Innovation Studio at 130 Queen’s Quay E. 
  • Transportation: Arranged by Student
  • Lunch: Available for purchase at nearby food court or brown bag lunch. 
  • Cost per student: $100 * Please ask about Financial Assistance, if applicable.

Students can submit their application in the DSO Announcements and/or contact Allison Campbell Rogers in HC-X for more information.

In Grade Programming This Week

This week the Grade 9 class will be reflecting on their course selections for Grade 10. Our Grade 10 and 11 students will attend a course fair where teachers from each subject area will be able to answer any specific questions. Our Grade 12 students will be attending a session on How to Navigate the Roommate Relationship: Tips and Strategies for First-Year Success.

HCPA

Pre-Loved Uniform Sale

Come to the Junior School Learning Hub Wednesday, February 5, from 2 – 5 pm for the Pre-Loved Uniform sale.  Excellent deals on gently used uniform items!   Sizing from JK – Grade 12. The team is also looking for parent volunteers.  Please click here to sign up to help before and during the event. 

In addition, the HCPA marketplace will be selling some additional items from their inventory.  You can also visit their website, HCPA Marketplace,  to purchase anytime during the year.

Gator Gala: Saturday, April 5

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

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, 2025, 7 – 9 pm

REMINDERS

Parent-Teacher Conferences: Thursday, February 6 & Friday, February 7

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held virtually on Thursday, February 6 at 3 – 8 pm and Friday, February 7 at 8 am – 4 pm.

  • The Pick-A-Time booking system will open on Wednesday, January 22 at noon and will close on Wednesday, February 5 at noon.
  • After Pick-A-Time closes, the only way to book appointments is by emailing teachers directly; only they will be able to add to their schedules.
  • Please ensure your Zoom account is up-to-date. See Zoom Instructions.
  • Once booked, individual conference schedules and Zoom links are accessed via Pick-A-Time.
  • Please note that the Senior Choir has a special workshop with a choir from Slovenia from 2 – 4 pm and the Chamber Choir will rehearse from 4 – 5 pm. This may affect when you book your appointments. 

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

Feminist Alliance and Youth Without Shelter Clothing Drive: January 13 – 31

The Feminist Alliance will be collecting essential items until Friday, January 31 such as Black hair care, body lotion, new sweatpants (all sizes), new twin-sized bed sheet sets, new twin-sized comforters, new bras (all sizes), new underwear (all sizes and types), and boxers (boxer briefs preferred). All donations are appreciated and may be left at our Resource Centre.

Update to Major Dates Calendar: JS Christmas Concert & US Carol Service moved to Wednesday, December 10

The Junior School Christmas Concert, and the Upper School Carol Service will now take place on Wednesday, December 10. As a reminder these are mandatory events for our students.

Parent Education Evening – Save the Date: Tuesday, February 18 at 7 pm in EK Library

Lexi Koster, a Toronto-based Sexual Violence Prevention Educator, Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist & Child Life Specialist will be here to present to our Grade 11 & 12 parents. Through uplifting workshops and keynotes, Lexi gives audiences the confidence to talk openly about sexual violence and take action toward its prevention. Parents are encouraged to join us on Tuesday, February 18 where Lexi will cover the landscape of campus sexual violence and impart strategies to continue the conversation at home. To register please click HERE.

Grade 11 Students – Special Workshop: Thursday, February 6 at 8:30 am – 1:40 pm

All Grade 11 students will be engaging in a special workshop aimed at helping them learn more about themselves and others as they begin to think about their transition to their graduating year. The day of programming begins at 8:30 am and ends at 1:40 pm, corresponding with the shortened school day for Parent Teacher Interviews. Attendance is mandatory and required for any students interested in any form of leadership in Grade 12.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Wednesday, January 22

  • Pick-A-Time Portal to book Parent Teacher Conferences opens at 12 pm
  • New-to-Havergal Parent Mixer 7-9 pm in the Ellen Knox Library

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