As parents, educators, and fellow Canadians, our hearts are with the families and community of Tumbler Ridge as they face an unimaginable loss. We hold them in our thoughts and prayers during this immensely difficult time.
We also recognize that news like this can affect our own students in many ways. Yesterday, we reminded Upper School Students that support is available at the school, including our Guidance Counsellors, Social Worker, Health Centre, and Chaplain, as well as the option to speak with any trusted adult of their choice. Reverend Ruch also opened space in the Chapel for prayer and quiet reflection.
As we conclude Spirit Week at Havergal, we’re reminded that this week is a time intentionally set aside to build connection, belonging, and community. In moments like this, leaning into community and connection matters. By caring for one another and staying connected, we strengthen the kind of community our children need.
We wish you time with loved ones this Family Day long weekend.
Take care,
Dr. Katrina Samson, Principal
Next Week In The Upper School
Upper School (7-12)
Middle School (7-8)
Senior School (9-12)
Boarding School
HCPA
Reminders
- Clue Tickets On Sale!
- Book Drive for The Children’s Book Bank and New Circles
- First Year Advantage Program
- You are Invited to Havergal College: A Night of Music at Koerner Hall
- Lunar New Year’s Prayers & Reception
- Grade 12 Parent Social
- Gator Gala 2026
Next Week in the Upper School
Monday, Feb 16
- Boarding School re-opens (4 pm-8 pm)
Tuesday, Feb 17
- Ramadan begins
- Lunar New Year
- Prayers: The Power of Writing
- Registration for Global Learning Experiences for 2026 Closes
Thursday, Feb 19
- Prayers: Ash Wednesday
- Grade 12 Parent Social, 7:30 pm (Ellen Knox Library)
Friday, Feb 20
- Grade 8 Band Music Festival (Buses depart at 7:30 am)
- MS COSSOT Dance, 7 pm (St Clement’s)
Upper School
Celebrating our Student Achievements
For the first time since 2022, our U20 team hit the ice on Tuesday, February 10 and delivered an unforgettable 4–3 victory over our rivals at BSS. In a hard-fought game, our players showed incredible determination and teamwork, from the opening faceoff to the final buzzer. We are so proud of the way they represented Havergal with skill, sportsmanship, and true spirit. Congratulations on an outstanding game and a well-earned victory. The Hewitt Cup is home where it belongs!
Congratulations to our senior bands for their successful performances at the Ontario Band Association Festival this past week. Concert Winds earned a Silver Award, and the Symphonic Band earned a Gold Award with an additional invitation to compete at Nationals. We are proud of them for their continued commitment to our music program!
Finally, congratulations to our DECA team for an incredible showing at the Ontario Provincials! Among 18,000 members, our students excelled in Toronto, demonstrating exceptional professionalism and earning 48 awards, including 8 Provincial Champion plaques. Nine students have been selected to represent Havergal & Ontario at the International Career Development Conference (ICDC), taking place this April in Atlanta, Georgia.
Ramadan Mubarak
As we approach the beginning of Ramadan, from Tuesday, February 17 to Thursday, March 19, we would like to acknowledge this important and sacred time for many of our families. Ramadan is a month centered on reflection, spiritual growth, service, and community. Our school is committed to supporting students throughout the month, particularly those who may be fasting or participating in additional prayers. We encourage families to have their child share their needs with guidance counsellors, teachers and coaches so we can provide appropriate understanding and support. During Ramadan, the Chapel will be available for lunch and break times as a space for prayer, rest, or quiet reflection.
We look forward to celebrating Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr together at US Prayers on Thursday, March 26. Please keep an eye out for an invitation to the Parent reception following Prayers—we’d love for you to join us!
Wishing all who are observing a reflective and meaningful Ramadan.
Global Learning Experiences 26-27
As we enter the final registration period, we invite families to sign up for our Global Learning Experiences taking place between September and December 2026. For families considering a Round Square experience, we are pleased to share student videos that feature reflections and insights from past participants. The Global Learning Experiences sign-up is available on the portal and linked here. For more information, you can reach out to Fatima Kaba in the Forum for Change office.
Middle School
In Form Next Week, Win@Social
In Grade 7, the lesson will focus on navigating shifting friendships. Learning to make new friends and end existing ones can be difficult, and this lesson will provide students with language and strategies to navigate this challenging time.
In Grade 8, students will have the choice to learn about the dangers of Trendy Challenges or How Mindfulness Changes the Brain.
Grade 8 Band Music Festival
All Grade 8 band students are required to be at school by 7:00 am on Friday, February 20th. Students must be in Number 1 concert dress (including tights), have their music and instruments, and bring a snack. Buses depart at 7:30 am and will return to school at 1:30 pm.
St. Clement’s Dance
Students selected to attend the school dance were notified earlier today. Permission forms will be sent directly to parents and must be completed by Tuesday, February 17. Please ensure the Veracross link is completed to confirm your child’s attendance.
Senior School
Next Week in Grade Programming
Our Grade Programming will not run on Monday due to the holiday. On Wednesday, our students will meet in TA groups, and the interactive session will be led by our Grade 9 students. This is a wonderful opportunity for all of our grade 9s to develop their leadership skills and continue building bonds within their small TA group.
Boarding School
Mid-Term Break Information
We look forward to welcoming our boarders back on Monday, February 16. Boarding will open at 4:00 pm, and all students are expected to return to campus by 8:00 pm.
HCPA
HCPA Nominations 2026-27
The Havergal College Parent Association is seeking self-nominations for the 2026-27 school year. Please click here to view the self-nomination form. Nomination forms are due Monday, March 2, 2026, at 9 pm. We aim to offer a position to everyone who applies, and will be in touch in early May with the finalized roster. Please click here to hear Alison Markowitz (HCPA Co-Chair) speak about their positive experiences volunteering with the HCPA!
Reminders
Clue Tickets On Sale!
We are excited to announce that tickets for our Senior School Play, CLUE, are on sale! Get your tickets on the HC Box Office on Veracross!
Book Drive for The Children’s Book Bank and New Circles
Families are encouraged to send in gently used or new books. The Children’s Book Bank is particularly in need of preschool books, books with diverse characters, non-fiction books on topics such as outer space, dinosaurs, and sports, and popular children’s titles such as Harry Potter, Dog Man, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Please do NOT send books that are yellowing, have annotations or markings, are water-damaged, have tears, or are missing pages. The Book Drive will run until Friday, February 20, 2026.
First Year Advantage Program
This program will have current Grade 11 and 12 studentsspend four weeks living in a boarding school while mastering the skills they’ll need. The program will run from Monday, April 6th, to Friday, May 1. For more information, please see the program calendar. The cost is $4,500 and includes all meals, activities, coaching, and workshops. To register, please complete the attached form by Friday, March 6, 2026.
You are Invited to Havergal College: A Night of Music at Koerner Hall
The Spring Senior Music Night is taking place at Koerner Hall at the Royal Conservatory on Tuesday, March 3rd at 7 pm. Tickets are free and can be secured through the Royal Conservatory Box Office. Tickets will be available for pickup at the Koerner Hall box office before 6.50 pm on the night of the event. All are welcome, and we hope to see you there!
Lunar New Year’s Prayers & Reception
Havergal College is celebrating Lunar New Year on Thursday, February 24, at 8:40 am in Upper School Prayers. Families are invited to stay and enjoy a reception at 9:20 pm
If you would like to attend, please RSVP below by Thursday, February 12.
Grade 12 Parent Social
Grade 12 Parents’ evening parent social: Thursday, February 19, 7:30 – 10:00 pm (EK Library).
Gator Gala 2026
Saturday, March 28, 2026, 6:00 – 11:30 pm, Parkview Manor –55 Barber Greene Rd., Unit #1
- $165 per person until Friday, February 20 (tickets purchased after are $175 until March 2nd’s final deadline)
- Purchase your early bird tickets here.
- Interested in donating to the Gator Gala Silent Auction? Please submit your form here or contact Jenn Ocampo-King.
Calling all volunteers for day-of help! Sign up here — thank you for supporting the Gator Gala
The Weekly: Upper School 