Friday, May 2, 2025

On By Havergal Upper School

A Message from the Heads: Cissy Goodridge & Deirdre Timusk

Dear Parents and Students

This week we had some significant events take place off campus. The first found our students in Florida for 5 days at ICDC – the International Career Development Conference in Orlando.  Over 25000 students worldwide came together to participate in a business case competition.   We had 12 students qualify to attend the conference, including Angela L, Shuyue L, Megan P, Emily Z, Kiana K, Claire H, Ani T, Helen C, Emma W, Victoria L,tLauren S. and Samantha Z. They worked incredibly hard, studying for their exams, practicing role plays and supporting each other. Samantha Z received a top 10 medal, and Ani T made it to top 20. 

We couldn’t be prouder of the dedication and effort our students have shown as members of HC DECA.

In addition, students taking Grade 12 Canadian and International Politics traveled to Ottawa. They toured the Senate, meeting with two clerks to discuss the role of committees in both the House of Commons and the Senate. In the afternoon, they toured the West Block, seeing the House of Commons, before meeting Kate Harrison, Vice-Chair of Summa Strategies, and Oksana Kishchuk, Director of Strategy and Insights at Abacus Data, to uncover the role of strategy and public relations firms. They finished the day meeting with Chris Hall, Managing Principal at Navigator Ltd. to chat about the outcomes of the federal election, before touring CBC’s Ottawa Bureau and being a guest audience for David Cochrane’s Power and Politics. It was a very busy day, learning about the various careers and facets of life on the Hill.

On Thursday evening, over 340 Havergal students, alongside faculty and staff, participated in the 7th Annual COSSOT Relay for Life—an inspiring event that raises awareness and funds for the fight against cancer. Thanks to the incredible dedication of more than 20 student organizers and the unwavering support of our community, we raised over $205,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Despite the rain, student spirits remained high as we pivoted indoors and continued with moving tributes, including a luminous ceremony honouring those affected by cancer. A powerful speech from a Grade 10 student, bravely sharing her personal experience with cancer, reminded us all why this cause matters so deeply.

We are thrilled to share that, with this year’s contributions, COSSOT Relay for Life has now raised over $1 million in just six years—a monumental achievement made possible by our students, families, and wider school community.Thank you for your generous support of this event. Click here to learn more.

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

Pride Week: Monday, May 5 – Friday, May 9

At Havergal, we are deeply committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where every student feels safe, seen, and valued throughout the entire year. Our inclusive practices are thoughtfully woven into our curriculum, school events, and classroom discussions to ensure that all children and families—regardless of background, identity, or ability—are celebrated and respected.

As we approach Pride Week, we take time to specifically recognize and honor the experiences and contributions of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. This year, our theme is Love to Be, a celebration of self-expression, identity, and belonging. Through this theme, students will share what it means to feel proud and safe in our city and at our school—highlighting the inclusive spaces, acts of allyship, and community connections that help them thrive.

By centering student voice and highlighting the beauty of diversity, we continue to nurture a school community where every student can be proud of who they are and know without a doubt that they belong.

Parents As Speakers: An Invitation to Share your Knowledge and Skills with Havergal Students 

We’re excited to invite you to volunteer for a new initiative, “Parents As Speakers”, at Havergal College. This initiative aims to build stronger connections at HC by creating meaningful opportunities for parents to share their stories, talents, and experiences in ways that can directly enrich our students’ lives.

Whether it’s by volunteering to offer career insights, speak at Prayers, engage in informal student discussions, or participate in creative formats like our Human Library, your involvement can make a real impact.If you’re interested in volunteering, we invite you to express your interest by completing the Google Form HERE. There’s no commitment at this stage—we’ll follow up with more information about each opportunity as it becomes available.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

MS Spring Music Night 2025

Save the Date!  Please join us on Wednesday May 14 at 4pm in Brenda Robson Hall for our spring edition of Middle School Music Night! 

Celebrate Grade 8

The Celebrate Grade 8 invitations were sent out to parents on May 1st. Please RSVP so we can adequately prepare for the event. The invitation can also be found HERE. We look forward to seeing you on June 6 at 2:00 pm.

Grade 7 Immunization Clinic

Grade 7 students who received their immunizations in the Fall will be receiving their second immunizations on May 15th. Students who missed their first dose can receive it during the clinic. Only those who have not yet received their first dose need to submit a completed consent form which can be found  HERE.

BSS Social

Bishop Strachan will be hosting a social event on Friday May 9th. Interested students have signed up for the event and parents will be notified on Monday. The registration must be completed by Tuesday May 6, at 8pm.

SENIOR SCHOOL

The Underground Semi-Formal: A Parent Heads-Up

You may hear your daughter talking about a spring semi-formal planned for May 23 at a venue on College Street. Please note that this is not a Havergal-sanctioned event and is not affiliated with the school in any way. 

Next Week in Morning Programming 

Our Grade 11 and 12 students are beginning the process of “passing the torch” of leadership from the Class of 2025 to the Class of 2026. As part of this tradition, this week students will begin to learn the songs and customs associated with our beloved Candlelight Ceremony, which will take place on June 12.

Meanwhile, our Grade 10 students are reflecting on their year together and writing “warm fuzzies” — thoughtful notes of appreciation — to strengthen the sense of connection and community within their grade.

Our Grade 9s will spend time with our Guidance team this week, engaging in programming designed to support their academic and personal growth as they finish their first year of Senior School.

Round Square Experience: South Africa June 2026

This experience will provide an incredible opportunity for students to experience South Africa through the Round Square I.D.E.A.L.S. During this experience, students will deep-dive into Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism and Service.

Students will learn about environmentalism at the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, where they will search for the Big Five on game drives and safari experiences. After a few days of outdoor adventure, students will head to our Round Square partner school Tiger Kloof, where we will learn more about this highly regarded educational institution and engage in service learning through giving back to the local community. Finally, our time in Cape Town will be spent learning about South Africa’s rich and difficult history. As we explore different neighborhoods and historical sites we will learn more about the history and legacy of apartheid, the important work and experiences of figures like Nelson Mandela, as well as the vibrant and diverse cultural heritage of South Africa.


For more information you can contact Ryan Brown and/or Krista Koekkoek. Student Application deadline May 20, 2025.

HCPA

Moms’ Night Out: Thursday, May 22

Get your tickets for the HCPA’s Moms’ Night Out (MNO) at Taylors Landing on Thursday, May 22. Click here to purchase your tickets by May 10!

US Staff & Faculty Appreciation Day

To all US Staff & Faculty:  The HCPA would like to thank you for joining us for the Staff Appreciation Day at the Upper School! We hope you enjoyed the DIY activities, delicious food, handmade dumplings, lucky draw, photo booth and relaxing moments designed to celebrate you! 

  • Photo Booth – If you would like to see some of the fun shots taken throughout the day at our photo booth click here. Please note: Photos may not be shared or posted publicly without the consent of everyone pictured.
  • Post-event survey coming soon! – Share your feedback and get entered to win another Lucky Draw prize!

JS A-mazing Race – Student Volunteers Needed!

  • The JS A-mazing Race is looking for student volunteers (Grades 9 – 12) to help out with the race on May 4 between 11am – 3pm. If you know someone who can help out, have them reach out to Courtney McNeille at cmcneillie@havergal.on.ca for more information. We would LOVE to have their spirit and enthusiasm, and volunteer hours can be earned!

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.

Haver-Honey Available

We are pleased to offer Haver-Honey, harvested directly from our school’s own beehive in partnership with Alvéole, our urban beekeeping collaborators.Haver-Honey jars are available for purchase at $10 each, with proceeds supporting ongoing eco-initiatives and learning opportunities for students. If you would like to place an order, please email Fatima Kaba in the Forum for Change. Thank you for supporting our bees, our students, and the planet—one sweet jar at a time.

Global Learning Project: Japan March 2026:  Application Deadline May 20 

We are excited to share an upcoming student travel opportunity to Japan that will immerse students in the vibrant contrasts between tradition and modernity. A very draft itinerary can be found HERE. For more information you can contact Fatima Kaba. Student Application deadline May 20, 2025.

Immersive Trip to Guadeloupe in March 2026: Application Deadline May 20 

This Global Experience to Guadeloupe brings the French language to life through an unforgettable cultural experience. For more information you can contact Kayleen Hogan. Student Application deadline May 20, 2025.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Monday, May 5

  • Pride Week

Friday, May 9

  • MS COSSOT Dance at BSS, 7 – 9 pm

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