Friday, October 17

On By vhao

Dear US Families,

It has been another great week in the Upper School. The Diwali Prayers was especially colourful and engaging; we thank all of the students, staff and families involved in its creation.

Students were reminded this week that their collective efforts on the uniform have been appreciated and those still struggling to meet the kilt length requirement (9 cm or a playing card above the knee) will be invited to a detention Friday morning. We appreciate your partnership as we work with students on this important community piece.

We will, however, forsake our Gator Green kilt for blue this weekend as we cheer on our Toronto Blue Jays.

Have a great weekend,

The US Leadership Team

Today’s edition of The Weekly contains information on the following: 

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL (Gr. 7 – 12)

MIDDLE SCHOOL (Gr. 7 – 8)

SENIOR SCHOOL (Gr. 9 – 12)

BOARDING SCHOOL

HCPA

ADVANCEMENT

REMINDERS

Next Week In The Upper School

Wednesday, October 22

  • Prayers 
  • Used uniform, used textbooks and tech recycle drop off, EK Library, 8 – 11:30 am 

Thursday, October 23 

  • Special Schedule
    • Period 1 begins at 8:30 am 
    • Early Dismissal 1:40 pm
  • Photo Retake Day, 8:30 – 1 pm 
  • Parent Teacher Conferences, 3- 8 pm 

Friday, October 24 

  • Parent Teacher Conferences, 8 – 4 pm 
  • No classes for students today

Upper School

Music Retreat 2025 + Koerner Hall Performance, March 3, 2026

Music Co-Curriculars are very excited to return to Campfire Circle this October 20-22 for our annual and extraordinary Music Retreat.  We will be accompanied by a host of gifted musicians as we rehearse and prepare for upcoming performances at Fall Music Night on December 2nd, our beloved Carol Service on December 10, and a very special Spring Music Night on March 3rd.

Music Retreat carries extra significance this year as we look forward to the remarkable opportunity of performing Spring Music Night at Koerner Hall.  It will be a memorable evening with special guests, and it will provide our students with the opportunity to perform in the most acoustically engaging hall in Toronto.  We hope you will join us!

We will email information about reserving tickets for March 3rd as soon as possible.

Feel free to contact Matthew Varey with any questions.

Parent-Teacher Conferences, Thursday, October 23 and Friday, October 24

We are looking forward to next week’s Parent-Teacher conferences. These conferences provide an opportunity for teachers to share with you your daughter’s progress, celebrate successes, and discuss next steps for continued support. At this early stage, the focus is on observable learning skills and initial understanding of course content rather than on evaluations or marks. You might find the following guiding questions helpful in framing the conversation:

  • “What areas and concepts in the course does my daughter understand well? What areas does she find challenging?”
  • “What learning skills is my daughter showing that contribute positively to her learning? What are some learning skills that might be causing barriers to her learning?”
  • “What can I do to support my daughter’s learning at home?”

Instructions on how to book a time with your daughter’s teacher and set up the Zoom call are found in the Reminders section of The Weekly just below.

Reminder – Safety at Havergal

Though we appreciate the safe environment the Havergal campus affords, please speak with your daughters about what to do if they ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe walking or taking public transit to school. It is helpful for them to be aware of their surroundings and know what to do.

Middle School

Round Square Regional Conference: Munich, Germany

We are excited to announce that applications are open for our Round Square Regional Conference to Lanheim Ammersee in Munich, Germany.
***Please note Havergal is currently Waitlisted for this conference and applicants will be confirmed once we hear about the school’s ability to participate. 

Applications are OPEN NOW. Students must select the appropriate conference for 2025-2026.

* Applications will close on Monday October 27, 2025

MS French Language & Culinary Trip to Quebec City

The languages department is offering an exciting culinary and language excursion in Quebec City for Middle Schoolers (Grades 7 – 8). Led by French-speaking guides and our Middle School French teachers, this trip encourages students to connect with the language and culture beyond the classroom, blending culinary arts, history, adventure, and immersive language learning.

  • WHO: Grades 7 – 8
  • WHERE: Quebec City
  • WHEN: May 14th – 18th, 2026 (1 day of school missed)
  • HOW: Students can register by October 27th via this link.
  • COST: Approx. $3,600
  • CONTACT: Mme Hogan or Mme Kabakian 

Please find the e-brochure HERE with all trip details.

In Form Programming Next Week:

Grade 7’s will engage with our Win@social program as they engage in a lesson called: Culture is not a Costume. The focus of the lesson is to understand the history of different cultures and why traditional dress is not a costume.

In Grade 8’, students will continue to work with Nicole Cozier, our Director of EDIB, as they discuss the importance of learning how to navigate mistakes. Learning to hold yourself  accountable when something doesn’t go as planned, is an important skill that students will need as they make their way through their Middle School life.

Senior School

Upcoming Lunchtime University Visits

Individual University Reps will be visiting Havergal College to speak to students during the lunch hour. All Senior School students are welcome. This is a great opportunity to see what the universities offer.

Ivey Business School at Western University

  • Date: Monday, October 20th
  • Time: 12:15pm – 1:00pm 
  • Location: EK 

Rice University and Tulane University 

  • Date: Tuesday, October 21st
  • Time: 12:15pm – 1:00pm
  • Location: B16 
  • Topic: US application process 

University of Toronto Visit & Wolf Scholars at UofT

On Thursday, October 30th University of Toronto will be visiting HC to discuss their programs and application process. Following the presentation, Margot Ghersin from Wolf Scholars UofT will be discussing the Wolf Scholarship to Grade 12 students, where students can receive a full academic tuition scholarship and annual stipend.  The Wolf Scholars Program invites educators and students to nominate outstanding students who demonstrate academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, and strength of character.

Date: Thursday, October 30th
Time: 12:15pm – 1:00pm
Location: C32

For more information on Wolf Scholarship and to start the application process click HERE.

The application is due on November 10th. 

Round Square Regional Conference: Marrakech, Morocco

We are excited to announce that applications are open for our Round Square Regional Conference to Elaraki School in Morocco.

Applications are OPEN NOW. Students must select the appropriate conference for 2025-2026.
* Applications will close on Monday October 27, 2025

In Morning Programming Next Week

Grads: Our Grads will continue to dive into their Core Strengths profiles. Understanding their key motivations and strengths is a crucial step for crafting genuine and compelling university application essays.

Grade 11: They will explore character strengths, the positive qualities that shape who they are and how they connect with others. They’ll learn about the science of positive psychology, identify their own strengths using the VIA Character Strengths framework, and take part in an interactive strength-spotting activity. The session aims to help students recognize what’s strong in them and understand how using their strengths can boost confidence, wellbeing, and resilience.

Grade 10: Students are teaming up with our HR department! They will practice writing professional inquiry emails for volunteer opportunities and rehearsing typical interview questions. They will also learn how to effectively search for local opportunities.

Grade 9: The Grade 9 class will work together to develop their Community Agreements. These essential guidelines will be a foundational document that the Class of 2029 will refer to throughout their Senior School journey.

Boarding School

Upcoming Programming & Events

  • Saturday, October 18: Puppy Yoga
  • Wednesday, October 22: “Chip & Chat” with our Student Support Team – Creating Healthy Habits
  • Friday, October 24: Canada’s Wonderland – Halloween Haunt

HCPA

Parent Pub Night, Thursday, November 20

Join fellow Havergal parents at our very first Parent Pub Night on Thursday November 20, 7 – 10 pm at Local Public Eatery – Leaside. Parent Pub will be a relaxed evening of great food, drinks, and community connection! Expect lots of conversation, laughter, and fun games throughout the night as we raise funds for our school initiatives. Invitations have been sent directly but you can also purchase tickets here!

Used Textbook Collection, Wednesday, October 22

Families wishing to return or donate used textbooks may do so next Wednesday, October 22, 8 – 11:30 am in Ellen Knox Library. Complete instructions and details are in the HCPA’s October edition of News You Can Use.

Upper School Bake Sale, Tuesday, November 4

We’re looking for parent volunteers for the following:

  • Setting up and staffing at the Bake Sale: click here to sign up 
  • Baking and donating nut-free baked goods: click here to sign up

Upcoming HCPA Coffee Mornings

Our coffee mornings are a great way to connect with other parents and staff. We look forward to seeing you there. Please RSVP to your grade reps.

  • Tuesday, October 21:  Grade 12, 8 – 10 am (offsite) 
  • Wednesday, October 29: Grade 10 – 11, 8 – 9:30 am (JS Dining Room)

Advancement

Havergal Connections Presents: Reflections – Self-Confidence in a Changing World

Girls and young women today face immense pressures around body image and self-esteem. Join us for a thoughtful panel discussion moderated by Christina Sorbara (Current Havergal Parent), featuring:

  • Nicole Tapscott ’02 (current Havergal Parent), Chief Commercial Officer, Knix
  • Dr. Nina Mafrici ’02 (current Havergal Parent), Clinical Psychologist
  • Dr. Michele Foster, Clinical Psychologist
  • Krista Koekkoek, Head of the Upper School.

Together, they’ll explore how to build confidence, resilience, and well-being in today’s complex world. This free event requires registration. Click here to register.

  • When: Tuesday, October 28, 6 – 8 pm
  • Where: Legacy Theatre

Havergal Connections Presents: Beyond the Bar – Conversations with Legal Leaders

Join fellow Havergal Old Girls/Alums and parents in the legal field – or those curious to learn more – for a morning of conversation, connection, and inspiration. Hosted by Jill Fraser ’87, Chair of the Board of Governors, and Christina Beharry ’97, Partner at Foley Hoag LLP. This event is free, but requires registration. Click here to register.

  • When: Tuesday, November 4, 8 – 10 am
  • Where: Aird & Berlis LLP, Brookfield Place, 181 Bay St., Suite 1800, Toronto

Reminders

Parent Teacher Conferences Bookings CLOSE on Wednesday, October 22 at Noon

  • Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held virtually on Thursday, October 23, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Friday, October 24, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • After Pick-A-Time closes, the only way to book appointments is by emailing teachers directly; only they will be able to add to their schedules.
  • Please ensure your Zoom account is up to date. See Zoom Instructions.
  • Once booked, individual conference schedules and Zoom links are accessed via Pick-A-Time.

If you have questions or concerns about Parent-Teacher Conferences, please contact Jennifer Goldberg, Director of Academics.

Photo Retake Day | Thursday, October 23 

The photographer will be back from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. Your daughter should sign up for an appointment using this link.

Need a Tutor for Your Daughter?

Students in Grades 7–9 can be matched with an older Havergal student for one-to-one tutoring. Sessions focus on strengthening understanding, building study habits, and boosting confidence across subjects. If your child would like a tutor, more information can be found HERE.

Student Portraits Are Now Available!

We are pleased to let you know that your daughter’s school portraits are now available online for viewing and ordering. To access your photos, visit echophotography.ca and enter your access code, which is your student ID number followed by -2526 (e.g., XXXXX-2526).

Ordering is simple, with a variety of print and digital options to suit your family’s preferences. New this year, you can also choose which photo will appear in the Ludamus. Please ensure that you make your selection by November 16.If you have any questions or special requests, please contact Cameron Hubbs at cameron@echophotography.ca.

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