Friday, March 28, 2025

On By Havergal Upper School

A Message from the Heads: Cissy Goodridge & Deirdre Timusk

Dear Parents and Students

Welcome back! It has been such a joy to welcome everyone back to school after the March Break. While the weather may still be catching up, the arrival of spring brings longer days, warmer temperatures, and the excitement of all that’s ahead. The final term always seems to fly by, and with summer just a few months away, we are looking forward to making the most of every moment.

On Tuesday, during the Noria STEM Speaking Series, we welcomed alumnae Sonja Agarwal to Prayers. Sonja, currently the Global Account Executive for Google Cloud, shared the winding journey of her career—including being rejected from her top university choices, earning a degree in criminology, and her time at IBM. At times emotional, her message of perseverance, the power of being the only woman on her team, and the importance of finding joy in the process resonated deeply with our students. We are grateful for the amazing alumni who are willing to share their experiences with our students.

On Thursday, our students took center stage with their Nowruz presentation during Prayers. Emma, Jana, Maya and Stephanie, shared stories of their family traditions, and we were treated to a beautiful traditional Persian dance. The morning concluded with a moving announcement about the upcoming Relay for Life, as Becca shared her personal reason for participating. We look forward to joining this meaningful COSSOT event next month.

Next week is Arts Week, and we are excited for the opening of the Salon, along with a variety of creative activities for our community to enjoy.

As we step into this season of reflection and renewal, we also extend our warmest wishes to our families celebrating Ramadan. May this time bring you and your loved ones joy, peace, and happiness.

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

ISM Parent Survey Coming in April: Share Your Feedback

As we shared with you earlier this week in Inside Havegal, we will be conducting a parent satisfaction survey in collaboration with Independent School Management (ISM) in April. The purpose of the survey is to gain a better understanding of your experience with Havergal. Your honest feedback will provide us with valuable insights into our partnership with families, how we can improve our offering and highlight areas of strength for the school. 

The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete and will be anonymous and confidential. For more information, review our Frequently Asked Questions. We look forward to hearing your voice and shaping the future of Havergal together.

Registration for Founders’ Day: Tuesday, April 22

This year’s Founders’ Day celebration will be held at 9:45 am on Tuesday April 22 at St. Paul’s Bloor Street church (227 Bloor Street East) – Havergal’s original parish church. Attendance is mandatory for all students in the Upper School.

A part of the Founders’ Day tradition includes hearing the Junior School (Grades 1-6), Middle School, and Senior Choirs perform. This year’s Graduating Class plays a special role at Founders’ Day, and will process into the church wearing Marguerite Pins awarded by Dr. Samson – a gift from the Havergal Old Girls Association (HOGA). The Marguerite Pin symbolizes a graduating student’s passage into the Old Girls/Alums network of over 9,500 members.

Founders’ Day is a birthday, of sorts, that builds community – our community. It’s a longstanding tradition in the life of Havergal that brings together students and faculty from both the Junior and Upper Schools alike. It marks the anniversary of the cornerstone being laid at the “New School” on Avenue Road in 1926. It is very special indeed.

We request that you show your support of the school by ensuring your daughter attends this important celebratory event.

  • Parents must register their daughter by Friday April 11 at 9 am. Here is the registration link.
  • If an extraordinary circumstance prevents your child from attending, please indicate the absence on Veracross by Friday April 11 at 9 am so we know not to expect a permission form for this event.
  • Two excursions leave directly from St. Paul’s Bloor Street after the service: Grade 8 French/Social Science Walking Tour and Grade 11 & 12 History trip to the Reference Library. Parents will be contacted separately in regards to these excursions. Students must be present at the service to attend these excursions.

Important Details

  • Upper School students make their own way to the church by 9:15 am (227 Bloor Street East, Map & Directions).  The closest subway station is Yonge (West of church) or Sherbourne (East of church).
  • Boarding students will be bussed from HC to St. Paul’s Bloor Street. The bus departs @ 8:15 am.
  • The Graduating Class will be presented with their Marguerite Pins by Principal Dr. Samson and HOGA Directorate President Lexi Ensor at 9:15 am in Cody Hall at St. Paul’s Church.
  • Students must wear their #1 Dress Uniform: pressed blouse, kilt, pants or tunic, blazer, tie, Oxfords and green socks.
  • Upper School students must check-in with their respective Form Teacher or Teacher Advisor at the church by 9:15 am, where attendance will be taken.
  • The Service begins at 9:45 am and will last approximately one hour.
  • Upper School students will be bussed back to the school from the church by Form/House.
  • Grade 12 students, if indicated on the permission form, have the option of organizing their own transportation back to school.
  • Middle School & Senior Choirs have received their own instructions about this event directly from Ms. Malach.
  • Once back on campus ice cream will be served to commemorate the anniversary at Havergal.
  • Regular Block A (Period 3) and Block B (Period 4) classes will be held in the afternoon after the service. See Special Schedule.

Please reach out to Matthew Varey, Director of Arts  or Rev. Jillian Ruch, Chaplain if you have any questions.

Parent Speaker Invitation:  Human Trafficking Speaker:  Tuesday, April 8, 7 pm

On April 8, grade 9 students will hear from Kelly Beale who currently leads Ontario’s Legal Support Program for Victims of Human Trafficking. As independent counsel for victims of human trafficking, she provides confidential legal advice and support to victims of human trafficking across the province to help them escape their trafficking situations. This program is the first of its kind in North America and Kelly regularly presents at human trafficking conferences, in the media, and at schools on how it assists with efforts to end human trafficking. The talk will define and explain human trafficking, how it happens in today’s context, including warning signs to identify a trafficking or luring situation. She will also speak to the students about what to do if they, or a friend, find themselves in this position. We know that our students will greatly benefit from learning more about this important topic.

We invite all parents to join us at 7 PM for a talk by Kelly on human trafficking. She will discuss its potential impact on your daughters and share strategies for open and effective conversations at home. If you are interested in attending please complete this registration form.

Salon Art Exhibition Opening: Tuesday, April 1, 4 pm

Please join us for our annual art exhibition Salon featuring work by students, staff, and faculty at 4:00 pm on Tuesday April 1 in the Temerty Commons.

Student Leadership At Havergal

At Havergal, leadership is guided by five key attributes: Integrity, Collaboration, Resilience, Empathy, and Vision. These qualities help students develop confidence, build meaningful connections, and make a positive impact in their school community. Parents can support their children by reinforcing that leadership is not just about titles but about everyday actions that inspire and support others.

Havergal College offers a wide range of leadership opportunities for students in Grades 7-11, including over 200 informal roles and 300+ formal positions. Leadership pathways include student councils, service initiatives, themed events, performing arts, and athletics. The selection process involves applications, speeches, and elections, with final decisions announced in April. Many other opportunities emerge throughout the school year and students are informed about those additional opportunities at that time. 
If you would like to learn more please see this video recording.

Music Ensembles at Ontario Festivals

Two of our amazing musical ensembles will be participating in provincial festivals in April.  Our Senior School Choirs will perform at the Ontario Vocal Festival on Friday March 28, and our Strings Ensemble will participate in the Ontario Strings Festival on April 17.  We wish them both luck and look forward to remarkable performances.

Join Us in Supporting Women in Sport!

Brenda Ha, a Havergal alumna, recently spoke to our students about her journey and the exciting launch of Toronto AFC, Toronto’s new professional women’s soccer club. She has generously offered our community discounted tickets to their inaugural match on April 19! This is a fantastic opportunity to cheer on elite women athletes and show our support for the growth of women’s professional sports.

Check out the THIS PDF for ticket details—we’d love to see strong Havergal representation at this historic event!

MIDDLE SCHOOL

UCC Grade 8 and 9 Dance: Friday, April 4

Grade 8 students are invited to attend the UCC dance on Friday, April 4th. Interested students have signed up and parents will be receiving their permission forms today. The signed forms are due on Monday March 31st by 4pm.

In Form This Week

This week in Form, our Grade 7 students began discussing identity and celebrating the unique characteristics that make each of us who we are. Next week, they will create an “identity flower” to represent their individuality, with the opportunity to display them in their Form rooms—symbolizing the diverse and vibrant community we have in the Middle School.

Meanwhile, our Grade 8 students revisited their community agreements, engaging in thoughtful discussions about real-life scenarios that may challenge these commitments. In small groups, they explored meaningful questions, leading to insightful reflections such as:

• If we go about our day without actively thinking about our agreements, are we truly making the school a better place?

• When you’re added to a group chat that makes you uncomfortable, step up and remove yourself.

• To honor personal boundaries, it’s important to recognize that not everyone is comfortable sharing or borrowing personal items. Always ask first.

Our students never cease to impress with their depth of thought and understanding of complex issues. In the coming weeks, we will continue exploring themes of food security, justice, and charity—culminating in a visit from the North York Harvest Food Bank.

SENIOR SCHOOL

Senior School Spring Music Night: Thursday, April 10, 7 pm

Please join us for SS Spring Music Night – everyone is welcome – Thursday April 10th from 7 to 8:30pm in BRH.

US and UK University Information Night: Thursday, April 3, 7 pm – 8:30 pm

On Thursday, April 3rd the Guidance Counsellors will be hosting a US and UK University Information Night in the Legacy Theatre. All parents are welcome. This is a great opportunity to see what the US and UK Universities have to offer.

Grad Photo Retake Day

Grad Photo retakes will be taking place on March 31st from 10:00am – 3:30pm in the Rotunda. If students did not take their Grad photo or would like a photo retake please book their appointment HERE. 

The Grad Portrait Session Fee is $100 and includes: 

  • 11 x 14 composite
  • Sitting fee
  • Retouching 

In Morning Programming Next Week

Next week, each grade continues to participate in important sessions designed to support their growth and development. Our grade 9s will work with our Indigenous consultant Mike Carlson and grade 10s will be taking part in their second leadership workshop. The guidance team will be working with grade 11 students and we are delighted to be bringing in three alumni who will be speaking to the grade 12 students about their chosen careers. 

These sessions are carefully designed to provide students with meaningful learning experiences, whether through leadership development, career exploration, or personal growth. By engaging in these opportunities, students will gain valuable insights, build essential skills, and prepare for their future academic and professional journeys.

Grade 9 Parents: TC-9 Continues!

We have had a very successful first week of TC-9, and look forward to another week of connection, direction and action. This coming week, we will welcome several community partners and organisations onto campus over the week, as students connect and challenge themselves. They will develop their systems thinking skills to direct their action in ethical and responsible ways, and then deliver an action plan.

Please complete the excursion AARs for the excursion on April 1, if you have not already.  
As a reminder students should be in uniform, except for our excursions on April 1. All other information, including a schedule overview, are in the Welcome Letter.

Grade 12 Parent Event – Wine & Cheese to Celebrate the Class of 2025 and Learn More About Grad Giving!

Come enjoy some wine and cheese while hearing from students and parents about their experiences with athletics and giving back. Learn how the Ahead of the Game campaign is making a lasting impact by supporting women in sport and leadership. It’s a great opportunity to connect and celebrate the spirit of Grad Giving.

When: Wednesday, April 2

Time: 7:00PM – 8:30PM

Where: Ellen Knox Library

Register by clicking HERE

For more information, please contact Ashley Karp, Associate Director, Major Gifts at 416-483-3519 ext 6746 or email akarp@havergal.on.ca.

HCPA

HCPA Nominations 2025-26: Due Friday, April 4

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

Gator Gala: Saturday, April 5

Silent Auction

  • The Gator Gala is just one week away (April 5)! Whether you’re attending or not, the ‘not-so-silent’ Silent Auction is open to the entire school now.
  • We’ve gathered incredible items, including exclusive tickets, behind-the-scenes tours, and more, thanks to generous donors.
  • BROWSE AND BID HERE! 

Calling all volunteers! HCPA is seeking volunteers for April 5 at Sheraton Parkway! Help with event setup and connect with other Havergal parents. Time slots are flexible— kindly sign up here – thank you!

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.

Pre-loved Uniform Sales: Monday, April 28

Monday, April 28 from 2:30 to 5 pm outside the Junior School Learning Hub.

HCPA Marketplace

The HCPA Marketplace Online Shop is open year-round with seasonal updates. Perfect for last-minute gifts or HC unique items!

REMINDERS

COSSOT Events for April

In April there are several COSSOT events for our students. Please see the registration forms below.

  • Grade 9-10 Social at Crescent: 4-6 p.m. Games, snacks, social time. Cost $10. Click here to register. 

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 finalised exam schedule will be published for students and families in early April. 

  • 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).

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. 

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

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 31 

  • Arts Week Prayers

Tuesday, April 1

  • Final Exams for Grade 12 students start at 6 am 
  • Art Salon Opening, 4 pm Temerty Commons (seriously)

Wednesday, April 2

  • Grad Giving Wine & Cheese: Ellen Knox Library,  7 pm

Thursday, April 3

  • Ramadan/Eid Prayers & Reception 
  • US and UK Information Night, Legacy Theatre, 7- 8:30 pm

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