Friday, June 13, 2025

A Message from the Heads: Cissy Goodridge & Deirdre Timusk

Dear Parents and Students

We can hardly believe it ourselves, but this is our last message for the year! Please mark your calendars to remind you to check for the summer mailings. The first one will arrive on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, containing information about ordering books for the fall. The second mailing, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, will be filled with lots of reminders and important links for you.

As the academic year draws to a close, it’s a bittersweet time filled with celebrations and goodbyes. We recently honored our graduating rowers at their banquet and saw the Class of 2025 pass the torch to the Class of 2026 at our 90th Candlelight Ceremony. Our boarding students are moving out this week, some off to new university adventures. This week culminates with our graduation ceremony, where we’ll celebrate the incredible Class of 2025 with their families on Ratcliffe Field.

As our Class of 2025 graduation speaker, Sarah M, eloquently said: “So, go be brilliant. Be bold. Be driven. Be relentless in your pursuit of justice. But don’t forget to be kind. Be open. And be present. Never forget about compassion as the force that gives us meaning.”

With that inspirational message, we wish you a wonderful summer. Thank you for your unwavering support this year; we’re so proud of our students and feel so lucky to be part of this great community.

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)

CELEBRATION DAY

HCPA

REMINDERS

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Report Cards available Wednesday, June 18 

Report cards will be available online at 9 am on Wednesday, June 18. 

How to Access Student Files:

  1. Sign into the Veracross Parent Portal
  2. In the upper left, select My Children, then select Student Files under the child you wish to view

In the Files section, select Download next to the file you wish to view.

Safety Reminder for Families

As we head into the summer, we wanted to share some resources with families to help support safety. A few Toronto schools have shared that there were incidents of students in their communities being approached. In each incident students sought support appropriately and reached out to their schools. 

Student safety is always our highest priority. Whether students are walking to school, taking transit, or spending time off campus during lunch or after school, it’s important they feel confident in how to respond if something doesn’t feel right.

Please also remind your child that our school security team is always available to help. They can be reached by calling the main school number: 416-483-3519. We encourage students to save this number in their phones.

You may find the following resources from Toronto Police Services helpful as part of your family conversations:

A Message from Toronto Public Health

Please take a moment to read THIS LETTER from Toronto Public Health. It contains vital information and tips to help your family stay healthy, active, and safe this summer. Key topics include vaccinations, sun safety, active living, and important resources for all ages.

Green & Gold Closes Today & Will Reopen Wednesday, August 6

The Green & Shop is closed for summer holidays on Friday, June 13 and reopen on Wednesday, August 6. It will also be closed on Friday, August 29.

Preparing for 2025-26 School Year 

“Back to School” information for the 2025-2026 school year will be communicated to families in two summer messages. The first message will be sent by email on Wednesday July 2 and the second message on Wednesday August 20.

Request from Marian Wood House: Save your clothes!

While you are cleaning out your closet this summer, we ask that you save old clothes that are in good condition to donate to the thrift for Celebration Day in support of our Community Partnerships.

Save the date: Friday, September 26

Mark your calendars for Friday, September 26 Celebration Day! We are reaching out to Old Girls/Alum, parents, past parents, students and staff/faculty with an opportunity to participate in this year’s Bazaar or to donate an experience or prize to our Silent Auction. All funds raised will be donated to our Community Partners. Click here to find out all the details and book your vendor slot by July 1!

Pre-loved Uniform Sale: Wednesday, August 27

Mark your calendars for a Pre-Loved Uniform sale on Wednesday, August 27 from 11 am to 2pm in the Brenda Robson Hall at the Upper School.

HCPA Volunteers Roles Still Available 

Interested in getting involved with the HCPA? There are a few positions still available, including Auction Coordinator Co-Chair. Email hcpa.committee@gmail.com for more information.

Exam Viewing: Optional Opportunity for Students:  Friday, June 20,  8 – 10:30 am

Havergal invites students to visit campus to review their exam(s) on a drop-in basis on Friday, June 20, from 8–10:30 am. Students interested in exam viewing can find the location for drop-in for each of their courses/exams here.

2025-2026 Athletics Schedule

The athletic schedule for 2025-2026 is now posted. The schedule will be added to Veracross over the summer, however, anyone who would like to see games, championships dates and (eventually) practices, feel free to look here: US ATHLETICS SCHEDULE 2025-2026. Please save this doc as it is always the most up to date sports schedule and please note that this schedule always has the potential to change.

Another Gentle Reminder: Time to Return School Items!

We kindly request that you return all athletic uniforms, band instruments, and library books to the school as soon as possible.

Community Involvement Hours Updated System Coming Soon! 

A new form has been created for any volunteering opportunities students attend over the summer. Please find the form linked below.

Important: Any old forms will need to be redone using the updated form linked above and submitted in September once the new process is live (instructions to be published on veracross). If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email Brittney Dos Santos.

Grade 8 Parents –  Final Reminder to Register for Camp! 

  • Click  HERE for the link to register your daughter.
  • Click HERE to review the AAR (Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk Form) 

If your daughter is not attending the trip please email Head of Senior School, Deirdre Timusk. Finally, a gentle reminder to update your daughter’s Magnus Health Information by July 1!

Grade 11 Parents – Final Reminder to Register for Camp! 

  • Click HERE to register your daughter
  • Click HERE to complete the waiver for Campfire Circle. Be sure to pick the correct camp from the drop down menu. 
  • Click HERE to review the AAR (Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk Form) 

If your daughter is not attending the trip please email Head of School, Deirdre Timusk. Finally, a gentle reminder to update your daughter’s Magnus Health Information by July 1.

Friday, June 6, 2025

A Message from the Heads: Cissy Goodridge & Deirdre Timusk

Dear Parents and Students

Our final week of Middle School was packed! Our Grade 7 students enjoyed a field trip to Black Creek Pioneer Village, organized by the Social Science department. In our final stage of service learning, we welcomed Joesphine Sandini, of JS Group to speak to our Grade 8 students about her journey from being a North York Harvest Food Bank recipient, to owning her own construction company. The students learned about programs and services that go beyond food donations and they were eager to recommit their service to this important organization. We ended the week on a high note with Celebrate Grade 8, a special event dedicated to recognizing our Grade 8 students’ talents and achievements.

As we look forward to next week’s events, including Graduation, Candlelight, and the Rowing Banquet, we know many of you are also starting to plan for the summer. With that in mind, we highly recommend listening to Dr. Lisa Damour’s podcast, “The Summer of Building Independence” In this episode, Dr. Lisa explores strategies to empower kids with life skills, from doing laundry to riding public transportation to managing personal appointments. If you are tired of doing everything for your kids, then give this episode a listen!

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

2025-2026 Athletics Schedule

The athletic schedule for 2025-2026 is now posted. The schedule will be added to Veracross over the summer, however, anyone who would like to see games, championships dates and (eventually) practices, feel free to look here: US ATHLETICS SCHEDULE 2025-2026. Please save this doc as it is always the most up to date sports schedule and please note that this schedule always has the potential to change.

On that note…please return your athletic uniform!

Please return all athletic uniforms to Ms. D in the HPE office. Replacement charges will be placed this week. We would prefer to have the uniforms returned. Thank you for your support.

Exam Viewing–Optional Opportunity for Students, Friday, June 20, 8 – 10:30 am 

  • Learning opportunities related to term assessment are rich and plentiful throughout every course, whereas the primary purpose of final assessment–scheduled at the end of the period of learning–is to summarize and convey what students know and can do with respect to the course’s overall curriculum expectations. 
  • Final assessments–including exams–sometimes raise questions for students about their next steps on a multi-year learning journey. For this reason and in such cases, Havergal invites students to visit campus to review their exam(s) on a drop-in basis on Friday, June 20, from 8–10:30 am.
  • This optional opportunity will offer students the chance to see their exam; it is not an opportunity to ask for their mark to be changed. Should the teacher or student uncover any numerical exam errors, these will be referred to the Director of Academic Operations for resolution.
  • Students interested in exam viewing can find the location for drop-in (Friday, June 20th, 8-10:30 am) for each of their courses/exams here.

Please Return Your Library Items! 

Please note that all Upper and Middle School students have been reminded that library items — including laptops — were due back at the end of May. Once a student’s account is cleared, they are welcome to borrow books for the summer. We also invite both students and families to explore Sora, our digital reading app, which offers eBooks, audiobooks, and now access to over 500 magazines.

Please be aware that unreturned items are subject to replacement costs, as outlined in the Havergal Library’s Book Borrowing Procedure. Any items not returned by June 20 will be charged to your child’s school account. No refunds will be issued after this date. If the item is found later, you are welcome to keep it or donate it back to the library.

Community Involvement Hours Updated System

The CI Tracker website is currently closed for maintenance as we work on creating a new and improved process. The new system will be ready and launched in the fall when students return from summer break.

In the meantime, a new form has been created for any volunteering opportunities students attend over the summer. Please find the form linked below.

Community Involvement Activity Form

Important: Any old forms will need to be redone using the updated form linked above and submitted in September once the new process is live (instructions to be published on veracross).If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email Brittney Dos Santos.

Celebration Day Silent Auction Donations & Bazaar Vendors Call

Mark your calendars for Friday, September 26 Celebration Day! We are reaching out to Old Girls/Alum, parents, past parents, students and staff/faculty with an opportunity to participate in this year’s Bazaar or to donate an experience or prize to our Silent Auction. All funds raised will be donated to our Community Partners. Click here to find out all the details and book your vendor slot by July 1!

Middle School Exams are on Monday, June 9 and Tuesday, June 10

  • The full exam schedule is here.
  • All Middle School exams are 90 minutes in duration, with start times at 9:00 am for morning exams and 1:00 pm for afternoon exams. 
  • Standard time exams will all take place in the Double Gym, and students with accommodations will write all of their exams in B65/B66.
  • If your child is ill on the day of the exam, please report their absence on the Parent Portal as you would on a regular school day.
  • Calculator Check: As hundreds of students are writing exams at the same time we ask that you double check with your daughter that she has her own calculator. She will not be able to borrow one from the Math Department for her exam.
  • Students should wear their regular uniform to exams and ensure they bring their swipe card.

Grade 8 Parents – Camp New Moon Webinar recording for the Class of 2029

Please find the link to the webinar from yesterday HERE. Here is a PDF of the presentation as well. 

  • Click  HERE for the link to register your daughter by Monday, June 9.  
  • Click HERE to review the AAR (Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk Form) 

If your daughter is not attending the trip please email Head of Senior School, Deirdre Timusk. Finally, a gentle reminder to update your daughter’s Magnus Health Information by July 1!

Grade 11 Parents – Campfire Circle – Webinar Recording Below

If you missed the webinar yesterday outlining the details of this grade-wide fall trip please find the webinar recording HERE . Here is a PDF of the presentation as well. 

  • Click HERE to register your daughter by Monday, June 9. 
  • Click HERE to complete the waiver for Campfire Circle. Be sure to pick the correct camp from the drop down menu. 
  • Click HERE to review the AAR (Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk Form) 

If your daughter is not attending the trip please email Head of School, Deirdre Timusk. Finally, a gentle reminder to update your daughter’s Magnus Health Information by July 1

Moms’ Night Out Thank You!

Thanks to everyone who attended this year’s amazing Moms’ Night Out! Click Here for photos. 

Pre Loved Uniform & Used Textbook Drop Off, Wednesday, June 11,  7:30 – 11:30 am 

Drop off pre-loved uniforms and used textbooks (for donation only) at the Upper School in the EK Library just inside the main doors.

Father’s Day – HCPA Marketplace

Find the perfect Father’s Day gift at the HCPA Marketplace! We have Yetis, baseball hats, unisex bathrobes, hoodies, and more to make Dad’s day extra special. Our popular custom frames are also still available! Celebrate Dad and support the HCPA community with your purchase here.

Update your daughter’s health records – Due July 1

It is that time of year when the Health Centre requires you to renew and update health information. You will receive an email prompting you to log in to Magnus (Havergal’s Medical Information System) on June 1st. You must log in even if no health information has changed.As a reminder, per Havergal College’s Conditions of Enrolment, your child’s immunization record must be up to date and submitted to Toronto Public Health Immunization Connect Ontario website.

Grade 11/12 Parents – Graduation & End of the Year Information

Thursday, June 12

  • No Uniform Required
  • Rehearsal for Candlelight Ceremony: Grade 11 & 12 students will meet in the BRH at 11:30 am – 12:30 pm Graduation Rehearsal: Grads meet in the BRH at 1 – 2 pm.
  • Candlelight Ceremony (Students Only): Students should arrive by 5:45 pm and meet in their assigned classrooms. Students are dressed in an all-white outfit.

Friday, June 13 – Graduation Day 

8 – 10 am – Grads pick up their cap & gown in the Drama Studio. Grad class will gather in the BRH for a light breakfast and to pick up their flowers from the school. Grad class will gather in the BRH for a class photograph on the stage (9 am). 

10 am  – Graduation Ceremony
12:30 pm (approx) Graduation Reception in the Athletic Centre.While there is no limit to the number of guests each family may bring, each family has one parking pass that was mailed to them with the invitation. Please refer to the email sent to Graduates and Families on Monday, May 26 for more information, as well as to Frequently Asked Questions.

Monday, June 9

  • Upper School Exams – uniform required for all exams

Tuesday, June 10

  • Upper School Exams – uniform required for all exams

Wednesday, June 11

  • Upper School Exams  – uniform required for all exams
  • Drop off Pre-loved Uniforms and Textbooks 7:30 – 11:30 am,  EK Library

Thursday, June 12

  • Grade 11 & 12 students only: Candlelight Ceremony, 6 pm

Friday,  June 13 

  • Class of 2025 Graduation, 10 am