Friday, March 7, 2025

On By Havergal Upper School

A Message from the Heads: Cissy Goodridge & Deirdre Timusk

Dear Parents and Students

As we head into March Break, we want to extend our sincere gratitude for an engaging and productive second term. It is a privilege to work alongside our exceptional educators, our curious and capable students, and you—our amazing families.

This past week, we celebrated International Women’s Day with a special guest speaker, Brenda Ha, an alumna and parent of a Grade 8 student Mya. She shared her inspiring journey after graduation and her role as co-founder of AFC, Canada’s first professional women’s soccer club. In her speech she encouraged students to be part of history at AFC’s inaugural game at BMO Field on April 19. The celebration concluded with a powerful performance by the Senior Choir, who honored the occasion with What Happens When a Woman. You can see a previous performance of this powerful work by our choir here. 

Even over the break, our students remain active and engaged around the world. We have students on exchange in seven different countries — Australia, Argentina, France, Germany, South Africa, England, and Scotland — as well as over 40 rowers in Tennessee for a week of spring training. We know they will return with new experiences and perspectives, and we look forward to hearing their stories.

When we return, we eagerly anticipate the start of the spring athletic season, warmer weather, and the many cherished traditions that make this time of year so special.

Wishing you and your families a restful and rejuvenating March Break!

Sincerely,

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 Tryouts Begin after March Break

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”. Students are responsible for looking at the tryout schedule and coming on time and ready to go. 

Spring 2024 -2025 Schedule

Final Exams Information

Final exams will take place June 2nd – 11th for Senior School courses, and June 9th – 11th for Middle School courses. The detailed and finalized exam schedule will be published for students and families in early April. 

If you are wondering, “How many exams might my child be writing in total over the exam period?”

  • Middle School students: 2 exams (Science and Math)
  • Grade 9 students: 4 exams (Science, Math, Geography, English)
  • Grade 10 students: 4 exams (Science, Math, History, English)
  • Grade 11-12 students: variable depending on their elective course enrolment   

Should you have questions about Havergal’s final exam planning or process, please don’t hesitate to contact the Director of Academic Operations, Jennifer Goldberg ( jgoldberg@havergal.on.ca )

A Message from the Health Centre

As we welcome spring and perhaps even begin some spring cleaning, please include a head lice check in your plans for the March Break. For more information on Head Lice and how to check for it, please see the : Toronto Public Health Head Lice Fact Sheet.

If your child has lice or nits, please follow the steps outlined on the TPH fact sheet. When returning to school after head lice, the child is required to bring a letter to the Health Centre signed by the parent indicating the treatment used, and confirming that the child is free of lice and nits.  
Should you have any questions, contact Havergal’s Health Centre.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

COSSOT Events for April

In April there are several COSSOT events for our students. All registration forms will be made available in the Weekly on Friday March 28.

  • April 4 UCC Grade 8 / 9 Dance
  • April 21 Crescent Social 

Save the Date: Friday May 15, Student Immunization Clinic

Grade 7 students who were immunized in the fall, will have their second inoculation in May. Consent forms are not required. If your daughter has already received her second inoculation, please let the school know that she will no longer require the appointment.

SENIOR SCHOOL

Grade 9 Parents: TC-9 Begins on March 25 for all Grade 9 Students!

Please find a “Welcome Letter” for TC-9 that includes important links to AARs that you must complete in order to register your child for the two curricular excursions on March 28th and April 1st. You are encouraged to read this with your daughter. 

Please complete the excursion AARs as soon as possible.

Students should be prepared to work on TC-9 ‘homework’ during this time; working with our Grade 9 faculty, they will have limited homework from academic classes that are on hold for the duration of this course.


Students should be in uniform, except for our excursions on March 28 and April 1. All other information, including a schedule overview, are in the Welcome Letter.

Grade 11 Parents: Class of 2026 Upcoming Events & Important Information

Please take a moment to update your calendars with these special events  and deadlines for ordering Grad hoodies, rings and blazers for Grade 11 students and families.

Volunteer Hour Opportunity: Water First Citizen Science Initiative

Water is essential to life and carries spiritual and environmental significance. In Indigenous cultures, water is considered sacred and living, making it an integral part of their beliefs and traditions. Water First, one of Havergal’s community partnerships, invites students to show their care for water on campus. We are introducing a Citizen Science initiative where students in Grades 9-12 will be given the opportunity to take water samples from the Burke Brook (located within Havergal’s campus). The water samples retrieved will be used to collect data on the brook’s health and identify trends. By participating in this, students will receive ONE volunteer hour. We encourage students to sign up soon as spaces are limited! We are excited to introduce this initiative to the Havergal community, and are looking forward to your enthusiasm! 

Please contact Mr. Nichols at gnichols@havergal.on.ca for more information.

Dates: April 22nd, 2025 and May 22nd, 2025Sign Up Link is HERE.

Morning Programming The First Week Back

The first week back from break is a short one, with Prayers on both Tuesday and Thursday. On Wednesday, students will meet in their TA groups to spend time reconnecting with their peers and advisors. These opportunities to build relationships and strengthen our sense of community are an important part of student life, helping everyone feel supported and engaged.

HCPA

Moms’ Night Out, Thursday, May 22

Mark your calendars for the HCPA’s Moms’ Night Out (MNO) at Taylors Landing on Thursday, May 22. Watch for the official invitation in early April.

Gator Gala: Saturday, April 5

Join us for Kaleidoscope of Cultures on Saturday, April 5! All Upper and Middle School students and adult guests are invited to a fun night with a DJ, Bubble Tea, Mocktails, a 360-degree photo booth, and more! 

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE! – Ticket Deadline March 10

Donate to the Gator Gala:

  •  Items Needed: Snacks, beauty products, gift cards 
  •  Monetary Donations: Help buy essentials 
  •  Suppliers: Recommend wholesale suppliers 

For donations contact Christine Kwok at christinekwok@gmail.com. 

To support the Silent Auction, contact Jenn Ocampo-King at JenniferOcampo.King@tdsecurities.com or Michelle Yang at michelle3yang@gmail.com. Thank you!

Calling all volunteers! 

  • The HCPA is looking for volunteers on April 5 at Sheraton Parkway. It’s a fun day of event set-up and a good way to connect with other Havergal parents. Volunteer time slots are totally flexible; if you can help, kindly sign up here – thank you!

HCPA Nominations 2025-2026

HCPA nominations for the 2025-26 school year are now open! Forms are due no later than Friday, April 4, 2025 at 9 pm.

REMINDERS

Grade 12 Parents: Reminders of Special Upcoming Events

Please take a moment to update your calendars with these exciting events Havergal is hosting to honour the Class of 2025.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Monday, March 24

  • No classes 
  • Boarding Opens, 4 pm 

Tuesday, March 25

  • TC-9 begins for all grade 9 students and continues all week

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