Friday, April 11, 2025

On By Havergal Upper School

A Message from the Heads: Cissy Goodridge & Deirdre Timusk

Dear Parents & Students,

The surprise return of Winter arrived just in time for our Disney themed Athletic Assembly! Teachers and members of our sports council belted out songs from Frozen, in a fun filled assembly that honoured the athletic achievements of our students. 

Later in the week, Kelly Beale, who leads Ontario’s Legal Support Program for Victims of Human Trafficking, met with our parents and Grade 9 students.  She provided insights into how trafficking situations can develop—including online interactions and deceptive relationships—and offer strategies for fostering open conversations at home. 

If you would like to learn more, HERE is a list of resources that Kelly has shared with us. 

On Thursday we were delighted with the sounds and talents of our students at Senior Music night. The program featured music from a variety of genres and it was a wonderful way to end a busy week. Congratulations to all of our performers!

As we look forward to our upcoming long weekend, we’d like to wish Happy Passover to members of our community who are celebrating this weekend. May this time be filled with joy, connection, and rest for all. Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing weekend!

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

Empowering Excellence Progress Update: Year One

A year ago, we launched our Empowering Excellence Strategic Plan. As strategy expert Kathleen Eisenhardt puts it, “Strategy answers two basic questions: Where do you want to go, and how do you want to get there?” For us at Havergal, the answer is clear: to solidify Havergal’s position as a world leader in girls’ education by ensuring the long-term wellbeing and success of young women, empowering them to be change agents of the future and to make a positive, lasting difference in the world. 

Focusing on three key pillars — Connection, Wellbeing & Belonging, Future-Ready, and Transforming Tomorrow — we’ve begun our commitment by investing in programs, people and our campus.

We are pleased to share a Year One progress update, with key highlights and milestones we have achieved together. These initiatives underscore our commitment and build upon Havergal’s 130-year legacy of delivering excellence in girls’ education. We look forward to continuing our journey to prepare girls for success in every possible version of the future.

Parent Satisfaction Survey Reminder

A friendly reminder to please complete our parent satisfaction survey by Wednesday, April 16. You should have received an email last week from Independent School Management (ISM) with a survey invitation. If you have not received it, please contact surveys@isminc.com or parentsurvey2025@havergal.on.ca, and we will resend it.

This anonymous survey takes about 15 minutes to complete and is confidential. We would appreciate learning more about your experience with Havergal and look forward to your feedback. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL

In Form Program This Week

In Form this week, the students will be participating in MS House Games. On Tuesday, MS students are encouraged to wear a House colour accessory. This is NOT a dress down day and the accessory will have to be removed for Period 1. Our Grade 12 leaders have planned “minute to win it” battles between the Houses and the winning house will have points awarded towards our newly released Form Cup.

SENIOR SCHOOL

Rwanda Revisited: An Interdisciplinary Approach to the Rwandan Genocide in Grade 12

For the past 13 years, the Social Sciences department has hosted an evening of dialogue for Grade 12 students taking law, world issues, economics, politics, world history, and philosophy. The focus of this evening has been to bring interdisciplinary conversation around the events and case-study of the Rwanda genocide, and with a general question leading us to inquire, “What is the role of the social sciences in interpreting world-historical events of genocide?” This year, students will again participate in discussion and be treated to conversation with two very special guests—Associate Professor Ira Wells (Victoria College, UT) and former Deputy Prosecutor for the ICC, James K. Stewart.

Resume Checks for Grade 11 and 12 Students

For the month of April, the Guidance Department and HR Specialists are partnering to help Grade 11 and 12 students prepare for success. Students will have the opportunity to get their resumes checked by HR specialists. This is a great opportunity for students to improve their resume’s format, wording, professionalism and boost their chances of landing an interview. 

  • Where: Guidance Office B12 
  • How: Schedule an Appointment  

In Grade Programming Next Week

This week, students in Grades 9 to 11 will hear Grade Rep speeches during morning programming. Meanwhile, our graduating students will be working with our Director of Student Leadership to explore how to navigate some of the sticky situations they may encounter in university.

HCPA

Gator Gala Thank You!

Thanks to everyone who organized and attended the Gator Gala! 

  • To view the formal photos from the evening, please click HERE and enter code: Gator.  
  • Candid shots are available for viewing HERE.
  • A huge thank you to Vivian Silverson for posting and sharing her photos taken throughout the evening on Instagram. Please follow the account @gatorgala2025 on Instagram.

Pre-Loved Uniform Sale: Monday, April 28 at 2:30 – 5 pm, Junior School

Please meet us outside of the Learning Hub in the Junior School.

HC Photo Frames on Sale until Wednesday, May 1

Click HERE to order.

Save the Date – Moms’ Night Out: Thursday, May 22

Join us for a social evening at Taylors Landing.  Watch out for the official invitation coming this month!

REMINDERS

June Exam Schedule

Exams will take place at Havergal June 2 – 11 for Senior School students and June 9 – 11 for Middle School students.

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.

US and UK Information Night Slide Decks Available

On Tuesday, April 3, the Guidance Counsellors hosted a US and UK University Information Night. Please find the slide decks below. 

Grade 11 Parents – Blazer, Hoodie and Ring Order Due: Tuesday, April 15 at 5 pm 

See HERE for more information.

Join Us in Supporting Women in Sport! Saturday, April 19

Brenda Ha, a Havergal alumna, has generously offered our community discounted tickets to their Inaugural Match on April 19! Check out the THIS PDF for ticket details.

All Parents! Registration – Founders’ Day: Tuesday, April 22

Please use this Registration Link to register your daughter for Founders’ Day. For full information and instructions for arrival and dismissal, please see The Weekly from March 28. This is a mandatory event for all Upper School students.

Save the Date for Celebrate Grade 8: Friday, June 6 at 2pm

We look forward to you joining us to celebrate your child’s time in Middle School.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Wednesday, April 16

  • Senior School Arts Awards 

Thursday, April 17 

  • Easter Prayers 
  • Boarding School Closes, 6 pm 

Friday, April 18

  • School Closed 

Monday, April 21

  • School Closed 
  • Boarding School Opens, 4 pm

Tuesday, April 22

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