Friday, March 27, 2026

On By vhao

Dear Upper School Families,

It was so lovely to welcome our students back to school on Tuesday after the March Break! I love days back after extended breaks – students are so excited to see each other and their teachers. There is always a buzz that makes me know what a great community we have.

On Monday of this past week, our faculty and staff welcomed educational consultant Eric Hudson to campus for a professional development day on the future of generative AI in education. Eric guided us through AI skills and tools in the morning session, with a deep dive in the afternoon focused on assessment strategies and the future of writing.  Through hands-on learning, practical examples, and Q&A, Eric discussed what it means to be human in an AI world, emphasized the importance of thoughtful integration, and shared three AI skills for educators and students: literacy, learning, and ethics. We are excited to bring these insights to our work and classrooms. Eric highlighted the importance of seeking student feedback as we proceed, and that is certainly at the forefront as we consider next steps.

To our families celebrating Passover next week, we hope it is a lovely time with family and friends.

Warmly,

Krista

Next Week In The Upper School

Upper School (7-12)

Middle School (7-8)

Senior School (9-12)

Boarding School

HCPA

Reminders

Next Week in the Upper School

Monday, March 30

  • Senior School Student Leadership Applications due by 8:30 am
  • US Winter Athletic Assembly, 8:40 am (Gym)

Tuesday, March 31

  • Prayers: Nowruz (with a Parent Reception following)

Wednesday, April 1

  • Passover Begins

Thursday, April 2

  • Prayers: Easter (with a Parent Reception following)

Friday, April 3

  • No School, Good Friday

Upper School

Havergal Hygiene Drive

Havergal’s Hygiene Drive has started for our Community Partners, Youth Without Shelter, and the North York Harvest Foodbank. This initiative ensures easy access for many individuals and families and supports the idea that hygiene is a basic human need. Each grade is encouraged to donate its assigned hygiene products: 

  • Grade 7-8: Soap and Deodorant
  • Grade 9: Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
  • Grade 10: Shampoo & Conditioners
  • Grade 11: Diaper sizes 1-4 and baby formula
  • Grade 12: Feminine Hygiene products

Students can drop off their assigned items between now and April 10 at the bin outside the staffroom.

Relay For Life

Relay for Life is a meaningful community event that brings people together to raise funds and awareness for cancer research and support. It is a time to reflect, connect, and stand in solidarity with those who have been impacted by cancer.

Event Details
Date: Monday, April 30 from 4 pm to 9 pm
Location: Upper Canada College

Whether you are a student, parent, or cancer survivor, we would be truly honoured to have you join us for this special evening. Register here. If you are a cancer survivor and would like to attend the Survivor Lounge & Reception, please complete this form.

Registration for Founders’ Day: Thursday, April 23

Founders’ Day is a longstanding tradition in the life of Havergal that brings together students and faculty from both the Junior and Upper Schools alike to mark the anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone on Avenue Road in 1926.

This year’s Founders’ Day celebration will be held at 9:45 am on Thursday, April 23, at St. Paul’s Bloor Street Church (227 Bloor Street East) – Havergal’s original parish church. Attendance is mandatory for all Upper School students.

A part of the Founders’ Day tradition includes hearing the Junior School (Grades 1-6), Middle School, and Senior Choirs perform. The Graduating Class will receive and process into the church wearing Marguerite Pins awarded by Dr. Samson – a gift from the Havergal Old Girls Association (HOGA). The Marguerite Pin symbolizes a graduating student’s passage into the Old Girls/Alums network of over 9,500 members.

We request that you show your support of the school by ensuring your daughter attends this important celebratory event.

All US parents must register by Friday, April 10, at 9 am. Please see the AAR here.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FOUNDER’S DAY 2026

If circumstances prevent your child from attending, please indicate the absence on Veracross using the Report Attendance feature by Friday, April 10, at 9 am.

Important Details

  • Students must wear their #1 Dress Uniform: a pressed blouse, kilt, pants, or tunic; blazer; tie; black shoes; and green socks.
  • Upper School students are to make their own way to the church (227 Bloor Street East) by 9:15 am. The closest subway station is Yonge/Bloor or Sherbourne. They will then check in with their Form Teacher or Teacher Advisor for attendance.
  • Boarding students will be bused from Havergal to St. Paul’s, departing at 8:15 am.
  • Grade 12’s will be presented with their Marguerite Pins by Dr. Samson at 9:15 am in Cody Hall.
  • Upper School students will be bused back to the school from the church by Form/House.
  • Grade 12 students, if indicated on the permission form, may organize their own transportation back to school.
  • Regular Block C (Period 3) and Block D (Period 4) classes will be held in the afternoon after the service. See Special Schedule.
  • Middle School & Senior Choirs have received their own instructions about this event from Ms. Malach.
  • Two excursions leave directly from St. Paul’s Bloor Street after the service: parents will be contacted separately regarding these. Students must be present at the service to attend.

Please reach out to Matthew Varey, Director of Arts, if you have any questions.

June Final Exam Schedule

June Final Exams will take place at Havergal from June 1 – 10 for Senior School students and from June 8 – 10 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 Academics, Jennifer Goldberg.

Art Exhibition Opening: Tuesday, April 7, 3:45 pm

Please join us for our annual art exhibition, Salon, featuring work by students, staff, and faculty at 4 pm on Tuesday, April 7 in the Temerty Commons.

Middle School

Next Week in Morning Programming

Next week’s morning program will feature a variety of activities focused on physical wellbeing, led by our guidance counsellors. The students have been learning how physical activity affects brain function, academic performance, and improves sleep.  Students will have the opportunity to sign up for an activity during their Form period on Monday.

Senior School

Student Leadership & Spring Election Information

The deadline to apply for this round of leadership positions is Monday, March 30, at 8:30 am. There are no exceptions. All expectations, rules, and requirements are listed in the Leadership Handbook, which all students received via email in late February. Students will receive an email confirmation that their application has been received, so important to check for this detail. 

If your daughter is interested in creating a new club, please note that applications for new clubs will close on Thursday, April 30, and students may submit new club ideas until then. If your daughter has a question, please encourage her to contact Ms. Timusk.

Questions about Graduation?

We hope families have received the graduation invitation for the Class of 2026. There are many questions that may arise; here is another copy of the Graduation FAQ, included in that email. Please find here a list of key dates and events for our Grads in their last few months at Havergal.

Next Week in Morning Programming

Monday – We will have a slightly different rhythm next week, as we begin with our Athletic Assembly to celebrate our Winter Athletes. 

Wednesday – During House time, grade 11 students will be giving speeches for the role of House Captain.

Boarding School

What’s The Tea?

Click here to view this week’s Boarding Newsletter.

HCPA

The Gator Gala is Here!

Get Loud about our Silent Auction!

  • The Gator Gala is tomorrow (Saturday, March 28), and our ‘not-so-silent’ auction is open to everyone in the HC community, not just Gator Gala attendees.
  • Bid now from the comfort of your sofa on trips, spa services, tickets, behind-the-scenes experiences and more. 
  • All proceeds support the HCPA’s fundraising goals.
  • Browse, bid and check back often to win. Browse and bid here.

HCPA General Meetings 2026-2027

We are actively booking our monthly HCPA guest speakers for the 2026-2027 school year, and we want to hear from you! Who would you like to hear speak? What topics would you like addressed? Please share your ideas here.

Reminders

Prayers & Reception This Week

Nowruz Prayers are on Tuesday, March 31, at 8:40 am.  Families are invited to stay and enjoy a reception at 9:20 am. If you would like to attend, please RSVP here. 

Easter Prayers are on Thursday, April 2, at 8:40 am. Families are invited to stay and enjoy a reception at 9:20 am. If you would like to attend, please RSVP here.

The Havergal Tennis Club

As part of our commitment to promoting wellbeing, community engagement and the spirit of sport, we are pleased to announce the launch of the Havergal Tennis Club this spring, welcoming both the Havergal community and broader public to our campus. Havergal families are welcome to purchase memberships by visiting our facility rentals website; sign up, view membership details, and learn more. 

Grade 11 Parents and Students: Key Dates

We are so excited to support the Class of 2027 as they begin their journey into Grade 12! Please see here a calendar of key dates and upcoming milestones to help your student prepare for their final year.

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