Friday, February 21, 2025

On By Havergal Upper School

A Message from the Heads: Cissy Goodridge & Deirdre Timusk

Dear Parents and Students

Last Thursday’s snow day brought plenty of challenges with travel, and we hope everyone is managing to dig out from the snow!

This week we wrapped up our Grade Cheers in a rip-roaring assembly filled with energy and school spirit! Meanwhile, our bands have continued competing at the OBA, demonstrating their dedication and talent.

Next week we will come together to acknowledge and discuss bullying through various initiatives. Shreya G., a Senior School student and recent recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal, will share insights from her book Flamingo Feet. Additionally, our Grade 12 students will lead small-group discussions with Middle School students as part of a bullying awareness program co-designed by our well-being team and student leaders. For more information about Pink Shirt Day be sure to visit the Pink Shirt Day website.

As always we are excited to keep building a positive and supportive community together!

Best 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)

MIDDLE SCHOOL (Gr. 7 – 8)

SENIOR SCHOOL (Gr. 9 – 12)

HCPA

REMINDERS

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL

Spring Athletics Registration: Opens Thursday, February 27 until Friday, March 7, 12 pm

Below are some important reminders to help you with this season’s registration. 

  • Parents may register by visiting the Parent Portal. Currently there is an athletics catalogue that displays spring sports. The link to register will be updated on Feb. 27th. 
  • ONLY PARENTS may complete registration – This registration allows parents to log on and provide permission via an eAAR approval process for the teams that your Upper School child(ren) would like to try out for.
  • Spring Tryout Schedule – The tryout schedule is below and can be found on Veracross. The season schedule will be finalized on April 9, 2025. When you click on the link below, make sure you are looking at the third tab – “SPRING 2025”. 

Spring 2024 -2025 Schedule 

  • Students may only register to try out for TWO teams (this does not include Coach Mentor, OFSAA Badminton, Learn to Golf or Triathlon) – please consult with your child/children to confirm the two teams that they would like to try out for before you complete the online registration.
  • Please note there is no reminder email of when specific tryouts take place. It is the responsibility of the students and parents to look at the schedule to know when and where the tryouts are occurring. 

If you have any questions, please email Carla Di Filippo, Director of Athletics

Musical production of Matilda: February 27, 28, and March 1 at 7 pm

Matilda is here!  We would love to have you join us for our 2025 Musical production of Matilda, Thursday, February 27, Friday, February 28 and Saturday, March 1 at 7 pm in the Legacy Theatre. Tickets may be purchased here:

We have a remarkable theatre experience waiting for you and look forward to having you in our audience!

Extended Absence Reminder

If your daughter will be absent for three or more days, please contact the Head of Middle School or Head of Senior School for approval. They will initiate the support process to help manage the extended absence.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

In Form This Week

We have been busy in Middle School. This past week during Form programming, the students studied Black History Month. They had the opportunity to research various young leaders who are making a difference in the world and then chose one leader to present to their peers.

Additionally, as we began our 1000 can food drive, the timing was ideal for the students to learn about food insecurity and how members of our community are affected by it. We are excited at the prospect of reaching our goal and over the next two weeks, look forward to students bringing in 4 cans of food along with a bag of pasta.

Pink Shirt Day: Wednesday, February 26

On Wednesday February 26, the MS will honour Pink Shirt Day and students are encouraged to wear a pink shirt with their uniform. Our morning program will be led by our Grade 12 students who will work with our Grade 7 and 8’s, in small groups, in an anti bullying activity.  Working with our Senior Students is one of their favourite activities.

SENIOR SCHOOL

In Grade Programming This Week

On Tuesday, February 25, as part of our leadership program, students in Grade 9-11 will learn more about different opportunities where they can lean into leadership at the next grade level.  Our Grade 12 students will participate in a session with the Health Centre focused on making informed and responsible decisions about health and well-being.

On Wednesday, February 26, all students are encouraged to wear pink shirts with their uniforms for Pink Shirt Day. 

During the morning program, Grade 12 students will lead anti-bullying activities with Grades 7-8 in small groups. 

Our Grade 9 and 10 students will be participating in the Waterloo mathematics contest the morning of Wednesday, February 28. All Grade 9 and 10 students should arrive no later than 8:15 am in order to start the test at 8:30 am. It is a great challenge for our students and many win awards they can talk about later on their university applications!

Grade 11 students will be having their health related questions answered by some of our amazing alumni volunteers! 

Alessandra Palombo ’00 Family Physician, Associate Clinical Professor at McMaster University and TMU; Director of Sites and Wellness, TMU

Victoria Myers ’10 Emergency Physician and Trauma Team Leader, St. Michael’s Hospital

Ashley Vandermorris ’99 Staff Paediatrician in Division of Adolescent Medicine, SickKids

RSGC Travel Fair: Saturday, February 22

Grade 9-12 students interested in travel summer courses, working abroad or a gap year opportunity are welcome to attend RSGC Travel Fair this Saturday, February 22 at Royal St. George’s College from 11:00am – 2:00pm. This is a great opportunity to connect with many organizations and see what they have to offer. More information can be found HERE.

HCPA

Grade 7 & 8 Parent Social:  Tuesday February 25, 7-9 pm, Junior School

We warmly welcome all members of our Middle School parent community to join us.

Gator Gala – Tickets on Sale Now: Saturday April 5

All Upper and Middle School students, along with an adult guest, are invited to experience a Kaleidoscope of Cultures on Saturday, April 5! Enjoy a night full of fun, featuring a DJ, Bubble Tea Station, Mocktails, a 360-degree photo booth, and much more!

  • Ticket sales are now open – PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!
  • If you would like to make a donation to the Gator Gala Silent Auction, please contact Jenn Ocampo-King at JenniferOcampo.King@tdsecurities.com or Michelle Yang at michelle3yang@gmail.com. Thank you for your support!
  • Help make the Gator Gala unforgettable! Here’s how you can contribute:
    • ✨ Donate items (snacks, beauty products, gift cards, etc.)
      💰 Monetary donations to buy essentials
      🔗 Recommend suppliers for wholesale items
  • Local businesses can also gain exposure by supporting the event!

For more info or to donate, contact Christine Kwok at christinekwok@gmail.com. Let’s make it a night to remember!

2025 – 26 HCPA Nominations

The 2025 – 26 Havergal College Parent Association (HCPA) nomination process will begin later this month. This is a great chance to get involved with the school and join our parent leadership team! Please check out the email that was sent out earlier this week with a list of open positions.

  • We encourage self-nominations and are committed to an open, transparent, and inclusive process. For more information, contact the HCPA Co-Chairs at hcpa.committee@gmail.com.
  • Join us for a hybrid Q&A on Monday, February 24 from 9 – 11 am in the JS Dining Room, or via Zoom:
    • HCPA Zoom Link:
      Meeting ID: 904 931 5824
      Passcode: 742107

https://havergal.zoom.us/j/9049315824?pwd=V0o4SkZaY2c3NWNsMWNFZXU1RE0yUT09

HCPA Volunteering Video

Please click the images below to hear Alison Markowitz (HCPA Vice Chair) and Leah Li (HCPA WeChat Liaison) speak about their positive experiences volunteering with the HCPA.

Mom’s Night Out: Thursday, May 22

Mark your calendars for the HCPA’s Moms’ Night Out (MNO) on Thursday, May 22. 

Watch for the official invitation in early April

REMINDERS

Mini UK University Visit: Thursday, February 27

The Guidance team will be hosting a mini UK University Fair during lunch time from 12:15 – 1:00pm in the BRH. This is a great opportunity to see what the universities have to  offer.

  • UK universities attending: University of Reading, Nottingham, Leeds, Ulster, Aston, Bradford, Chichester, Birmingham, Oxford,  Liverpool, Essex, St. Andrews, Brunel and Queen’s University Belfast.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Tuesday, February 25

  • HCPA Parent Social, Junior School Dining Room, 7 – 9 pm

Wednesday, February 26

  • Pink Shirt Day – Students can wear pink shirt with uniform

Thursday, February 27

  • Spring Athletics Registration Opens
  • Senior School Musical – Matilda, 7 pm 

Friday, February 28

  • Senior School Musical – Matilda, 7 pm 

Saturday, March 1

  • Senior School Musical – Matilda, 7 pm

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