Friday, January 24, 2025

On By Havergal Upper School

A Message from Dr. Katrina Samson 

Dear Havergal Community,

Happy 2025! The start of the new calendar year turns our attention forward to the excitement ahead. Just as our grads look toward June and the transition that will come with graduation, we look forward to welcoming new families and team members.

Today, I’m sharing the bittersweet news that Mr. Garth Nichols, Vice Principal, Experiential Education & Innovation, has been appointed as the next Head of School at Kingsway College School in Etobicoke. Mr. Nichols will assume his new role this summer, and while we will greatly miss his leadership and vision at Havergal, I know you will join me in congratulating him on this exciting next chapter in his career.

Mr. Nichols has had a wonderful impact during his time with us and his contributions to Havergal will leave a lasting legacy. He has been instrumental in advancing experiential and global education at the College, including his leadership in developing the Global Learning and Leading Diploma and his exceptional guidance of HC-X, our innovation hub. He has also been a steadfast advocate for Havergal’s work in Truth and Reconciliation, nurturing relationships with Indigenous educators who have partnered with our students and staff to support our continued learning, growth and action.

I am also pleased to share that, over the next year, our global education initiatives, the Forum for Change, and HC-X will report to Deputy Principal Ms. Lindsay Norberg. With her deep understanding of Havergal’s vision and mission, her previous work with our global experience program, and her years of dedicated leadership, Ms. Norberg is well-positioned to guide these important areas of our programming. I am confident that, under her stewardship, these teams will continue to thrive and advance their impactful work.

Please join me in thanking Mr. Nichols for his many contributions to Havergal and wishing him every success in his new role. Warm regards,


Dr. Katrina Samson
Principal, Havergal College

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, 2025 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. 

HOCKEY DAY! Tuesday, February 11, 2025 – Registration Information

On Tuesday, February 11, at approximately 12:45 pm, Havergal College will face the Bishop Strachan School (BSS) U20 Hockey team in a battle for the Hewitt Cup. This is affectionately known as HOCKEY DAY! In this annual game, faculty, staff, and students are decked out in green and gold to cheer on our Gators with pride. Our Junior School Gators hockey team will play the BSS Junior School team during the first intermission.

Like last year, this year’s game will be played at the Mattamy Athletic Centre (Formerly Maple Leaf Gardens) located at 50 Carlton St, Toronto. Attendance is mandatory for students in Grades 4 to 8; students in Grades 9 to 12 are encouraged to attend. The parents of all attendees must complete the online registration and purchase tickets in advance. 

Transportation:

Students in Grades 7 & 8 have mandatory bus transportation to and from Mattamy AC.

Students in Grades 9 – 12 may ride the buses back to Havergal or be dismissed directly from Mattamy AC after the game. Their choice must be indicated on the registration form.

Please speak to your child before completing registration. We cannot make changes after registration is complete, as we order buses according to these requests.

Registration is now open and will close on Monday, February 4 at 12 pm.

To register your child, click here.

Student accounts will be charged $25 to attend the event, which includes bus transportation and admission to the arena.If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Di Filippo.

Parking & BRH Seating at US Lunar New Year Prayers on Thursday, January 30

We are looking forward to Lunar New Year Prayers and Parent Reception on Thursday, January 30 from 8:40 am to 9:50 am in the Upper School. We are expecting a number of guests in Prayers and for a reception in the Temerty Commons following.

Seating will be reserved with signage for parents and guests at the back of the BRH. As well, we encourage you to arrive early as this event may impact parking availability. 

We wish you a prosperous Year of the Snake filled with health, happiness and good fortune.

Incident Near Havergal Today

We want to inform you about an incident near our school earlier today. Toronto Police Services were contacted when a community member acted aggressively toward students in the area. We can confirm that no Havergal students were involved or harmed. 

Our security team is aware of the individual and has taken precautions to ensure student safety. The person has since been apprehended by police.

As always, the safety and wellbeing of our students remain our top priority. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Keep It Moving: Pick-Up & Drop-Off Tips!

To help ensure a safe and efficient flow of traffic during school drop-off and pick-up times, we are asking all parents to follow these updated guidelines:

During Pick-Up:
As cars leave the driveway, please move your vehicle forward to fill in any gaps. This will help maximize space and keep the process moving smoothly for everyone.

During Drop-Off:
Parents are asked to pull all the way up the driveway before letting their child out of the car. Please avoid stopping as soon as you enter the driveway. Students should only be dropped off on the east curb, closest to the school building, to ensure their safety and keep traffic moving efficiently.

By working together and following these simple steps, we can make the drop-off and pick-up experience safer and easier for everyone. Thank you for your cooperation!!

MIDDLE SCHOOL

In Form This Week

Grade 7 & 8 students have an exciting week ahead as they join the Senior School for House Games, building school spirit and connections across grades. The following day, they’ll participate in a fun and engaging Form activity designed to strengthen their bonds and foster teamwork within their year groups.

SENIOR SCHOOL

Grade 11 Retreat Update on Thursday, February 6: Special Speaker Announcement

We are excited to inform you that Monika Myers, a dynamic 16-year-old speaker, will be joining us as the keynote speaker at the Grade 11 Retreat on Thursday, February 6. Monika’s session will challenge and inspire the students as they explore the theme, “We need YOU! The power of authenticity and letting go of what gets in the way.”

The retreat will offer a day of reflection, engaging discussions, and activities designed to support the students as they step into leadership roles within the school community. We look forward to a day that will help shape their journey as future graduates and leaders. Thank you for supporting this important event!

Next Week in Grade Programming

Leading with Compassion is the theme of the session designed by our student Grade Reps this week. Grade 10 students will get to know their advisors. Our Grade 11 students will be learning and practicing stress management techniques. 

Our Grads are attending Part 1 of an exciting new session called Ready, Set, Hire: Interview Prep, Resumes, and LinkedIn for Career Success designed by our HR specialists. They’ll be addressing the key topics including:

  • Resume Tips
  • Best Practices for Interviews
  • LinkedIn & Social Media Impact on Jobs
  • Securing an Internship, Part-Time Job, or Co-op Placement in University
  • Building Skills that Will Make You Employable

This session will continue on Tuesday, March 4. 

HCPA

Pre-Loved Uniform Sale: Wednesday, February 5

Come to the Junior School Learning Hub 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.

US Bake Sale: Thursday, February 13

The Bake Sale is back! Please save the date on Thursday, February 13. All Upper School students will have an opportunity to attend our delicious annual bake sale during the day. US students are welcome to use cash or card/Apple Pay to make purchases. Please click here to sign up for donations.  We welcome all types of nut-free baked good donations. We are also looking for parent volunteers. Please click here to sign up if you can help with setup or during the bake sale.

Upcoming Grade Socials: Grade 11 Social Monday, Jan 27

Please save the date for the following evening parent socials:

  • Grade 11: Monday, January 27 at 7 – 9 pm, EK Library
  • Grades 9 & 10: Wednesday, February 19 at  7 – 9 pm, JS Dining Hall
  • Grades 7 & 8: Tuesday, February 25 at 7 – 9 pm, JS Dining Hall

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!

REMINDERS

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.

Grade 12 Graduate Portraits: February 3 – 7

Students can book their appointment HERE. Students should wear a white blouse or top (no t-shirts) and they should not wear a coloured undergarment. Students are reminded to not book appointments during assessments. 

The Grad Portrait Session Fee is $100 and includes the sitting fee, retouching, and an 11 x 14 composite.

Parent-Teacher Conferences: Book Your Appointments Before February 4 at Noon

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 opened on Wednesday, January 22; it will close on Wednesday, February 4 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.

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

Havergal College’s Next Surgeon Program Runs February 6 – 7

An amazing opportunity to shadow surgeons for a day to learn about what happens behind the scenes of being a surgeon. You will gain hospital & medicine exposure and get a closer look at careers in surgery! February 6 – 7 at St. Michael’s Hospital. Sign up HERE.

Havergal’s Next Futurist in Partnership with OCAD U CO: Friday, February 7

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. 

OCAD U CO is the Futures design studio of OCAD University. 

  • When: Friday, February 7 at 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.

Grade 11 & 12 Parent Education Evening: 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 where Lexi will cover the landscape of campus sexual violence and impart strategies to continue the conversation at home. To register please click HERE.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Monday, January 27

  • Re-Registration Opens 
  • Holocaust Remembrance Day Prayers 
  • Grade 11 Parent Social at 7 – 9 pm 

Tuesday,  January 28

  • House Colours Dress Up Day for House Games (No Uniform)

Thursday, January 30

  • Lunar New Years Prayers and Reception for Parents 

Friday,  January 31

  • Havergal Grade 11 & 12 Semi Formal at 7 pm

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