Friday, November 21

On By vhao

In 1894, Ellen Knox asked the Havergal students: “What are you going to do?” This past week, we discussed this question in our Middle School council meeting. At this time of year, when we are called upon to give, our goal is to help our students explore the world of philanthropy and service. 

During this holiday season, we are asking our students to contribute to three deserving programs. We Scare Hunger and the Winter Clothing Drive invite you to take a moment to look through your cupboards or closets. This simple act costs nothing, just a few minutes of your time. The Holiday Angels program requires a donation of your time and money. This decades long tradition supports 12 families who are new to Canada, often relocating from a difficult situation. 

This past week, our student leaders shared the stories of each of these families with their peers. In Middle School, the girls did the math and realized that a donation of 10 or 20 dollars would cover every request on our families list. The girls committed to act, to remind each other to bring in a gently used item and to create a Form challenge of $500 in gift cards from Best Buy or No Frills. Our hope is that our entire community will get behind these initiatives and commit to an action that will make a difference in the lives of others. 

With gratitude,

Cissy

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

Next Week In The Upper School

Upper School (7-12)

Middle School (7-8)

Senior School (9-12)

Boarding School

HCPA

Advancement

Reminders

Next Week In The Upper School

Tuesday, Nov 25

  • Prayers: Carol Service Rehearsal

Wednesday, Nov 26

  • Thrive Day – US Dress Down Day (Winter Cozy Theme)
  • After-School Thrive Day Activity for students: Movie & Chill (3:15 PM)

Thursday, Nov 27

  • Prayers: Advent & Care for Self
  • MS Play (7 pm)

Friday, Nov 28

  • Last day to send in gift cards and winter clothing for New Circles 
  • Grade 12 Advanced Functions (Semestered) Exam
  • MS Play (4 pm and 7 pm)

Upper School

Winter Months: Entrances and Exits

During the winter months, please remember to wear appropriate footwear to mitigate the hazards of this season.

Please note that during the winter months there are three pathways that will be closed with signage as of the morning of Friday, November 21st.

Please adhere to the signage and utilize safe walking paths. Please refer to the diagram and photos below to see which pathways are closed for the winter.

Please note: for those parking at the Junior School and travelling to the Upper School, kindly enter/exit at the designated doors as indicated by the yellow circles, and only use the bridge to travel back and forth.

Middle School

New Science of Learning & Wellbeing Course

Two years ago, we welcomed Dr. Lisa Damour, a renowned clinical psychologist and New York Times bestselling author specializing in adolescent development, to spend time with our students, faculty, and parents.

When we asked Dr. Damour how we could best support our students’ growth in an increasingly complex world, her advice was clear: create a dedicated course that helps students understand their brains, their emotions, and how to navigate the sensitive challenges unique to teenage girls.

This insight led to the development of our new, Havergal-developed course: The Science of Learning & Wellbeing.

Launching in January, all Grade 7 students will participate in this 10-lesson program. It will be co-taught by a cross-functional team of our experts, including Guidance Counsellors, Learning Support Specialists, our Social Worker, and the Chaplain.

The primary goal is simple: to give students the knowledge to become active agents of their own learning and emotional health. Students will explore core concepts in neuroscience, psychology, and education—all tailored to be age-appropriate and immediately applicable.

They will develop a deeper, scientific understanding of:

  • How their brains process information and learn most effectively.
  • The connection between stress, attention, and focus.
  • The best strategies for taking care of their mental and social-emotional wellbeing.

By understanding the science, we aim to empower every student with the essential knowledge and skills needed to flourish both inside and outside the classroom.

A Note for Grade 7 Parents: Stay tuned! We will provide you with a learning guide early next year so you can engage in meaningful conversations with your daughters about their new insights. Please contact Director of Guidance (7-9), Kirsten Uhre, if you have questions about the course.

Next Week in Form Programming

Grade 7 and 8 students will discuss the complexities of friendships. Working in small groups they will explore four different case scenarios and the steps needed to navigate tricky situations.

A Middle School favourite returns, Grade 8 assemblies! Form 8C/D  will walk us through a Winter Wonderland as they reflect on and celebrate the events of  2025.

MS Play: Sense & Sensibility – Thursday November 27th & Friday November 28th

Tickets on Sale through Veracross at HC Box Office!

Showings:

  • Thursday November 27th, 7:00 pm show 
  • Friday November 28th, 4:00 pm show & 7:00 pm show 

Middle School Music Night: Monday, December 8, 4 pm 

Please join us for Middle School Music Night on Monday, December 8 at 4 pm in Brenda Robson Hall. This concert will highlight our grade 7 and 8 instrumental students. Come and celebrate our budding HC musicians.

Senior School

Next Week in Grade Programming

Grade 9 – Special Speaker, Jake Ernst, will be here to talk to the grade 9s about their online presence and how this affects their wellbeing.

Grade 10 – Students will participate a community building activity organized by their Grade Reps.

Grade 11 – Our HR department is leading an exciting session where students will be given tips for writing their resumes and interviewing when looking for internships and summer jobs. 

Grade 12 – As part of our Core Strengths programming students will discuss their overdone strengths and how they can get back to their core values when working with others.

Senior School Music Night:  Tuesday, December 2, 7 pm

The Music Department invites you to join us for a remarkable evening of music on Tuesday, December 2 at 7pm in Brenda Robson Hall. It is free to attend and will highlight the work done at our annual music retreat and in the many rehearsals so far this year.  
We would also like to remind you to mark your calendars for our annual Spring SS Music Night which will be held at Koerner Hall on Tuesday March 3, 2026.  Ticket information will be available in the new year. We hope to see you there.

Boarding School

Upcoming Programming & Events

  • Saturday, November 21: University of Toronto Women’s Volleyball Game
  • Sunday, November 22: Holiday Crafts 
  • Tuesday, November 24: Dinner & Movie – hosted by Chartwells 
  • Wednesday, November 26: Workshop with Ms. Cozier, Executive Director, Equity Diversity and Inclusion – Intent, Impact & The Gap Between
  • Friday, November 28: Open Gym with Ms. McDonald

HCPA

Pre-Loved Uniforms: Volunteers Needed!

We are looking for volunteers to help once per year by collecting donations from the Junior and Upper School bins, sorting and washing uniforms, and returning items to the HCPA closet.

If you can lend a hand, please contact us on hcpapreloveduniform@gmail.com

Advancement

Support the Havergal Fund

Starting in 2026, families will be invited to support the Havergal Fund during registration and re-registration, making it simpler than ever to participate. Every gift plays a vital role in enriching programs, supporting faculty excellence, and creating opportunities for our students to grow, thrive, and reach their potential. When families make Havergal one of their top philanthropic priorities, our girls feel the impact of that support in their everyday experience.

If you haven’t made your 2025 gift to the annual fund, you can do so now by clicking here. Gifts made before the end of the year may provide tax advantages while having an immediate impact.

Reminders

Havergal Annual Carol Service – Wednesday, December 10, 7 pm 

We are very excited for our Carol Service, which will take place on Wednesday, December 10th at 7 pm at St. Paul’s Bloor Street. If your daughter can not attend this mandatory event, please email the appropriate Head of School.

The Havergal Evening Study Program for Day Students

This program is perfect for day students in Grades 9-12 who are looking for a dedicated time and space to boost their academic focus. Please look back at the last edition of The Weekly for more information. Questions about the program: contact Jessica Randall, Assistant Head of Boarding, Academics.

Holiday Angel Program: Support New Circles – Collecting Gift Cards Until Friday, November 28

Grade 7-12 families are invited to support 10 families through the New Circles Holiday Angel Program. For more details please see last week’s edition of The Weekly.

Reminder: Re-enrolment & Financial Support for 2026/27

Re-enrolment for the 2026/27 school year opens on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, and closes on Monday, February 2, 2026.

Families who currently receive financial support or wish to apply for support next year must have a complete application through Apple Financial by January 2, 2026.

To ensure there’s enough time to review your information, we strongly encourage families to submit their Apple Financial application by December 15, 2025. This will allow time for any additional documents Apple Financial may request to be uploaded before the January 2 deadline.

Please note that applications not completed by January 2 will only be reviewed if funds remain available.

If you have any questions about Financial Support at Havergal, please reach out to Maggie Houston-White, Executive Director of Strategic Enrolment Management.

HCPA Staff Appreciation Donations

Please send your contribution by December 8 via e-transfer to hcpatreasurer@gmail.com. Please include your daughter’s name and grade/cohort in the message field. Please see last week’s edition of The Weekly for more details. 

Thank you for your generosity and for joining us in showing appreciation for our outstanding faculty and staff.

Shop Online with the  HCPA Holiday Marketplace

The perfect gift does exist! Get your holiday shopping done early at the HCPA Holiday Marketplace. Visit our Shopify page today. 

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