UPPER SCHOOL

Support for Turkey & Syria

Students at Havergal are asking for our community’s support. As most of you know, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 hit 11 cities in Turkey and Northwest Syria last week. Turkey was also hit with an aftershock with a magnitude of 7.5. The current death toll is estimated to be around 30,000 and the numbers keep increasing. This is why we decided to raise money to donate to victims in both countries. Havergal has partnered with Red Cross Canada to create a donation page to send donations, which you can access via the link below. 

Please remember that even with $5 you can donate 13 loaves of bread, 10 bottles of water, 7 pairs of socks, or 2 blankets. Every dollar matters. Thank you, Havergal! Our goal is to raise $3000 in aid by March Break!

DONATE HERE

Student Leadership Parent Information Virtual Evening

Parents with children in Grades 7-11 are invited to a short virtual webinar on Thursday, March 9 to learn more about the leadership opportunities available in the Upper School. The link will be provided next Friday. 

Grade 12 Drama Presents: Time4Change

On Tuesday, February 28 from 7:45 – 8:20 am, the Grade 12 Drama class will be busking in the front circle drive for Youth Without Shelter’s annual Time4Change fundraiser. This community partner is a charity offering shelter and support for youth facing homelessness in the GTA. Over the past 12 years, Time4Change has raised over $1,000,000 and we’re excited to participate again this year to help them reach this year’s goal of $100,000. Please consider bringing your change to donate on this morning or donate online.

DONATE HERE

Senior School Play: Midsummer Night’s Dream – March 1, 2, 3 at 7:30 pm

Buy your tickets in advance in the Temerty Commons or at the door! Tickets are $20.

Senior School Music Night – Wednesday, March 8 at 7pm

Senior Music Night will feature Grade 9 Band, Symphonic Band, Orchestra, Senior Choir, and Chamber Choir.

June Exam Conflicts

Students need to meet with their Guidance Counsellors if they have a June Exam Conflict. Please ensure that you follow the instructions of an exam conflict carefully. An exam conflict occurs when a student has:

• two or more exams scheduled at the same time;
• more than two exams scheduled on the same day;
• four or more exams scheduled on two consecutive weekdays;
• two or more exams scheduled on the same day for a student who has a documented learning support and/or guidance assessment accommodation;
• a school-sanctioned athletic tournament, provincial, national, or international competition;
• documented extenuating circumstances.

If you have a conflict, please see your guidance counsellor as soon as possible to resolve it.

Link to the Exam schedule

MIDDLE SCHOOL

UCC Grade 8 Social: Thursday, March 2

Grade 8 students will host a social with the Grade 8 students from UCC on Thursday, March 2 from 4:15 to 6pm in the Double Gym.

MS Musical Revue: Born to Be Brave

Auditions for the MS musical revue are this week. Information can be found HERE

SENIOR SCHOOL

Grade 12: Learn to Cook at University – Wednesday, March 1 & Wednesday, March 8

As part of our University 101 series, our grads will be treated to two weeks of “How to Feed Yourself” lessons from Shauna Lindzon, a local chef and nutritionist during our morning advising time. The goal of the sessions is to show students how to make healthy and tasty foods wherever they are living next fall. 

Grade 10 Parents: Literacy Test Practice – Wednesday, March 8

On Wednesday, March 8, Grade 10 students will be completing a practice of the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) during Advisory Time. They will be instructed to download and install the test software from the Veracross Student Portal prior to the practice.

The OSSLT will be written the morning of Tuesday, March 28. More details will be shared with Grade 10 students and parents in the coming days.

AP Exam Confirmation

Students who registered for an AP Exam in May should have received an email to confirm if they still intend to write the exam. Students are to respond to the email only if they are no longer interested in taking the exam. Families should remember that the late cancellation fee comes from the AP College Board and not Havergal College. Students can find the exam schedule here. Students should talk to Mr. Jordan Frost, the AP Coordinator, if they have a conflict. Keep in mind a very specific criteria must be met in order to be eligible for a late exam. All these details will be discussed in the AP Exam Information session in April.

HCPA NEWS

The deadline to order Gator Gala tickets is quickly approaching. Order by February 27! Click HERE to purchase tickets now.

HC Fleece Pullovers are now on sale. Click HERE for more information. Youth and adult sizes are available to order until March 10. Don’t miss out!

Get involved with the HCPA in 2023-24! The HCPA’s nomination process is now open. Connect with other parents, support the school and have fun by getting involved. Learn more HERE.

If you would like to make a donation (items, tickets or experiences) to the Gator Gala Silent Auction, please contact Donna Wilson at donnasmythe@hotmail.com or Jennifer O’Campo-King at JenniferOCampo.King@tdsecurities.com. Proceeds will be put toward HCPA parent engagement activities and the Limitless Campaign.

REMINDERS

UCC Grade 8 Social: Thursday, March 2

Grade 8 students will be hosting a social with the Grade 8 students from UCC on Thursday, March 2 from 4:15 to 6pm. Sign up HERE . 

Extended Absence Reminders

If your daughter will be away three or more consecutive days please remind her to email the appropriate Head of School to request an extended absence form. This will be shared with the student and their guidance counselor to help manage the academic workload in a supportive way.  

Updating your Daughter’s Vaccines: March 3

On Friday. March 3, nurses from Toronto Public Health will be at Havergal to provide vaccinations to students. This optional catch-up clinic will take place during school hours, and will offer Meningococcal, Hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. To get vaccinated, be sure to complete and return your signed consent form.  Students will be able to book their appointments themselves on Veracross.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Wed Mar 1

Vaccine forms due 

Senior School Play – 7:30 pm

Thu Mar 2

Grade 8 Social – 4:15 pm

Senior School Play – 7:30 pm

Fri Mar 3

TPH Vaccine Clinic

Senior School Play – 7:30 pm

DATES ON THE HORIZON

Wed Mar 8

Senior School Music Night

UPPER SCHOOL

Time4Change Fundraising

On Wednesday, February 22 and Thursday, February 23 from 7:45 – 8:20am, the Grade 12 Drama class will be busking in the front circle drive for Youth Without Shelter’s annual Time4Changefundraiser. This community partner is a charity offering shelter and support for youth facing homelessness in the GTA. Over the past 12 years, Time4Change has raised over $1,000,000 and we’re excited to participate again this year to help them reach this year’s goal of $100,000. Please consider bringing your change to donate on either of these mornings, or donating online at https://yws.on.ca/time4change/.

Extended Absence Reminders

If your daughter will be away three or more consecutive days, please remind her to email the appropriate Head of School to request an extended absence form. This will be shared with the student and their guidance counselor to help manage the academic workload in a supportive way.  

Senior School Play: Shakespeare Meets the Beatles – March 1, 2, 3, 2023

This year’s Senior School Drama Department production is a new take on the beloved Midsummer’s Night Dream by William Shakespeare with songs by The Beatles. The Legacy Theatre has been transformed into an enchanted forest and must be seen to be believed! Tickets are $20 and can be purchased either in the Temerty Commons at lunch or by ordering online at Playtickets@havergal.on.ca If we don’t sell out, tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

OBA Celebrations

Congratulations to our Grade 8, Grade 9, and Symphonic Bands for their successful performances at the OBA Festival this week!

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Havergal Grade 8s host UCC – Thursday, March 2 – 4:15 to 6 pm

Our Grade 8 students will be hosting a social with the Grade 8 students from UCC on Thursday, March 2 from 4:15 to 6pm. If your daughter wishes to participate, please sign her up HERE .  

SENIOR SCHOOL

Senior School Music Night

The Senior School Spring Music Night is on the horizon. Mark your calendars for our concert on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 7pm.

Guidance Meetings Links

Students are encouraged to use the “Book a Meeting” button on the Guidance Portal to schedule an appointment with their Guidance Counsellor. Guidance Counsellors are happy to provide support and answer student’s questions or concerns. Students are able to view a Guidance Counsellor’s calendar and book a time slot that works for them. Students are reminded to not book a meeting during an assessment. If students do not know how to use the booking system, they can come speak to Mr. Frost for assistance.

OUAC Update

The February upload to OUAC has been completed. Universities will look over the updated marks and some will extend offers. Please note that many competitive programs will wait until after the April OUAC upload to extend offers. Grads are reminded to update their Naviance account when they receive an offer.

Grade 10 Bowling Social

Students in grade 10 are invited to attend a “Bowling Social” hosted by Royal St. George’s College on Friday, February 24, from 4 – 6pm at Playtime Bowl. The cost is $25 per person which includes, pizza, pop and bowling. Registration closes on February 21 at 4pm. Click HERE to register. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the event. AAR forms will be emailed to registered students and parents once sign up closes. 

HCPA NEWS

The deadline to order Gator Gala tickets is quickly approaching. The deadline to order is February 27. Click HERE to purchase tickets now!

If you would like to make a donation (items, tickets or experiences) to the Gator Gala Silent Auction, please contact Donna Wilson at donnasmythe@hotmail.com or Jennifer O’Campo-King at JenniferOCampo.King@tdsecurities.com. Proceeds will be put toward HCPA parent engagement activities and the Limitless Campaign.

NEW – HC fleece pullovers are on sale now! Click HERE for more information. Youth and adult sizes are available to order until March 10. Don’t miss out!

The HCPA’s nomination process is open now for the 2023-24 school year. Connect with other parents, support the school and have fun by getting involved with the HCPA! Learn more HERE.

REMINDERS

Student Information and Student Demographics Reporting

All schools in Ontario are required to submit student demographic information for JK-12 students for the Ministry of Education’s reports on school information and student demographics. We are asking parents to submit this information to us by February 24, 2023 so that our Ministry report is up to date and accurate.  Please complete ONE submission for each child you have enrolled at Havergal College.  The submission form can be found here.  Please direct any questions you have to data.services@havergal.on.ca.  Thank you for helping us complete this important information.

Updating Your Daughter’s Vaccines – March 3

On Friday. March 3, nurses from Toronto Public Health will be at Havergal to provide vaccinations to students. This optional catch-up clinic will take place during school hours, and will offer Meningococcal, Hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. To get vaccinated, be sure to complete and return your signed consent form.  Students will be able to book their appointments themselves on Veracross. Signed and completed forms should be returned to Ms. Danto in B10.

Dance Troupe Reminder

CIS Dance Fest is on Thursday February 23. We will be departing school at 8:15am, and returning at 4:45pm. Please refer to the information letter sent last week for more information.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Fri Feb 17

School Closed

Mon Feb 20

School Closed

Tue Feb 21

Grade 9 – TC-9 Excursions 

Wed Feb 22

Waterloo Math Contest Grade 9, 10 in advising

Grade 11/12 & MS Pink Shirt Day mentoring in advising 

Thu Feb 23

Ash Wednesday Prayers

Fri Feb 24

Demographic Survey due

DATES ON THE HORIZON

Wed Mar 1

Vaccine forms due 

Fri Mar 3

TPH Vaccine Clinic 

Wed Mar 8

Senior School Music Night

UPPER SCHOOL

School Information and Student Demographics Reporting

All schools in Ontario are required to submit student demographic information for JK-12 students for the Ministry of Education’s reports on school information and student demographics. We are asking parents to submit this information to us by February 24th, 2023 so that our Ministry report is up to date and accurate.  Please complete ONE submission for each child you have enrolled at Havergal College.  The submission form can be found here.  Please direct any questions you have to data.services@havergal.on.ca.  Thank you for helping us complete this important information.

Updating Your Daughter’s Vaccines – TPH is coming to Havergal

On Friday. March 3, nurses from Toronto Public Health will be at Havergal to provide vaccinations to students. This optional catch-up clinic will take place during school hours, and will offer Meningococcal, Hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. These vaccines prevent cancers and meningitis, protect students against serious infections, and are usually offered to students in Grade 7. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, some students did not receive these life saving vaccines, especially those students currently enrolled in Grades 9 and 10.

If your child is missing any doses of these vaccines, they can still catch up! To have your child vaccinated, be sure to complete and return your signed consent form. The consent form must be completed by a parent or legal guardian. Students won’t be able to receive these important vaccines at the school clinic without a signed consent form. On the day of the clinic, we ask that students remember to wear a loose sleeved shirt, eat something before the clinic, and bring a mask. Also bring valid ID or a health card and their yellow immunization card, if available.

Parents and students can review an information package and access the consent form by clicking the links below. Please print the completed consent form, sign it, and have your child bring it to Ms. Danto in room B10 by Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Students will sign up for a time slot on their Veracross page. Sign up details will be communicated directly to the students. 

Consent Form (print this and bring to B10); Translations; Student/Parent Checklist; Student/Parent Letter; Frequently Asked Questions; School Immunization Fact Sheet

Upper School Curriculum Outlines

Click on this link to view the Upper School Curriculum Outlines. Please note that these continue to be revised as new curriculum becomes available. Please contact your child’s teacher if you have questions. You can also access the link directly from the Parent Portal under the Resources tab. Navigation Hint: If you hit the X in the left hand corner, you will be taken to Havergal’s external website.

HC Spirit Unleashed

Next week is Spirit Week in the Upper School! Students put away their uniforms and bring out their Spirit Wear (see schedule below). If you have blazers, kilts etc. in need of repairs or alterations, this is the best week to get these done as each day is a themed dress down day. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL

UCC Grade 8 Social: Thursday, March 2

Grade 8 students will be hosting a social with the Grade 8 students from UCC. Sign up will be available on Thursday, Feb 16 in The Weekly.  

SENIOR SCHOOL

Senior Dance Troupe

CIS Dance Fest is on Thursday February 23rd. We will be departing at 8:15 AM, and returning at 4:45 PM.

Media Arts Exhibit

You are invited to the “Emergence Youth” photo exhibition hosted by Camera Links: Gallery 44. 

Please find the exhibition invitation and information in the link. The show runs from February 10th – February 20th with a closing reception on February 20th from 12pm – 3pm. We hope you have a chance to visit the gallery and see the wonderful photographic works of our students and other participating schools. 

FORUM FOR CHANGE

Thank you very much to our students and their families who are on their final weekend hosting their exchange partners from Germany and British Columbia! We are very grateful for the generosity and effort you’ve given to our visiting students!

HCPA NEWS

Don’t miss out on one of the highlights of the Havergal calendar! On Saturday, April 1 we will whisk you away to a Candyland confectionery dream of an evening. Gator Gala 2023 tickets are on sale now till Feb. 27. Click here to purchase tickets!

REMINDERS

Hockey Day Livestream

 Hockey Day is Tuesday, February 14th at 12:45 pm. The game will be streamed! Here is the livestream link: link to livestream Tune in to cheer on the Gators!

Grade 8 Band Rehearsals for OBA in C26:

Tuesday February 14th – 7:15 AM

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Mon Feb 13

Spirit Week

Dress up as a Celebrity

Symphonic Band at OBA – bring lunch

DECA Provincials

Tue Feb 14

Hockey Day

Dress Up:  Green & Gold 

Wed Feb 15

Grade 9 & 8 at OBA – bring lunch

Dress up: Grade Decade

Thu Feb 16

Cheer Off! 

Dress up:  Grade Colours

Fri Feb 17 School Closed

DATES ON THE HORIZON

Mon Feb 20

School Closed

Fri Feb 24

Demographic Survey due

Wed Mar 1

Vaccine forms due 

Fri Mar 3

TPH Vaccine Clinic 

 

UPPER SCHOOL

Re-registration 2023-24

The link for registration for the 2023-24 school year will be sent to families on Wednesday, February 8.  Completed re-registration forms are due, along with payment, by Wednesday, February 15, 2023.

The Admission Department appreciates your prompt response, as our re-registration numbers help guide us in the number of offers we will make to new families later in February.  Please do not hesitate to contact Admissions at admissions@havergal.on.ca if you have any questions.

Day School Students in the Building after 6pm

Students who remain at Havergal after 6pm who are not directly involved in school programming are asked to move to the Rotunda at this time. The security team will make an evening announcement each evening asking students to relocate to the Rotunda. This will enable us to provide oversight for students on campus. The Boarding School has regular programming in the library and other areas of the school and it is important that these spaces are made available to them.

Toronto Public Health Catch-up Immunization Clinic for Grades 9-12

Toronto Public Health will be holding a Catch-up Immunization Clinic at Havergal on Friday, March 3, 2023 from 9:30am-3:30pm.

This clinic is for all grade 9-12 students who are overdue for routine immunizations required under the Immunization of School Pupils Act -Hep B, HPV and Meningococcal Disease. These vaccines are normally provided in grade 7 and 8, however due to COVID, Toronto Public Health did not go into schools for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school year hence your child may be missing these important vaccines. Please look out for an information package and consent form that will be sent to all parents of grade 9-12 students in the coming week.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Grade 8 Band OBA

On February 15th, the Grade 8 band will attend their first band festival at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto (5183 Sheppard Ave. E.). Parents are invited to attend to watch the performance at 10am. Please refer to the information letter sent out for further information.

SENIOR SCHOOL

Upcoming Social Events

As the world gradually returns to normal, more schools are adding exciting events to the calendar. This evening, Havergal students will embark on an enjoyable COSSOT social with their peers at Branksome Hall. This social was open exclusively to students in grade 9 and 10.  After March Break, UCC will host another social for students in grade 8 and 9. For a comprehensive list of all the upcoming sanctioned events, please follow the link provided: here. 

WELLBEING UPDATE

Seasonal Blues

Written by Sarah Brodie, York University Master of Social Work Student

As we move into February many of us have had our fill of cold, grey days. Coming down from the excitement of beginning a new year and realizing spring is still a ways away can be tough. 

It is not uncommon to experience seasonal blues. You may be finding that it takes extra effort to fill your cup and perhaps some days it doesn’t even feel possible. While some of us may find it helpful to label our experience through a diagnosis (such as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD), others may find it more helpful to simply recognize it as a normal part of the human experience living in Canada at this time of year. Whatever your opinion, there are basic things you can do that can help shift your mood. From these four simple actions big shifts are possible. To learn more click on this link. 

HCPA REMINDERS

Gator Gala tickets (April 1) are now on sale!  To get your tickets before February 27, 2023 click HERE.

REMINDERS

Black Cultural Prayers & Reception

The Upper School will be holding a Black Cultural Prayers on Monday, February 6, at 8:40 am. Parents are invited to join. A reception for parents will be held in the Temerty Commons at 9:20 am. Please RSVP here.  Parents and students are welcome to wear traditional celebratory attire.

Hockey Day 2023

The registration link is below and will close Monday, February 6th at noon. 

https://events.veracross.com/hc/368-eaarexcursions22-23USJSD

Grad Portrait Retakes

Retakes for grad portraits will take place on February 6th and 7th. Please book the appointment using this link: https://calendar.app.google/E7Q1kgqFEBTKY1P38

Grade 8 Band Rehearsals for OBA in C26:

• Monday February 6th – 12:00 pm
• Tuesday February 7th – 12:00 pm
• Wednesday February 8th – 7:15 am
• Tuesday February 14th – 7:15 am

CIS Dance Fest – Feb 23

The Dance Troupe excursion to CIS Dance Fest is coming up on Thursday, February 23. Participating students will not be attending any classes on this date. Please refer to the information letter sent out earlier this week for more information.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Mon Feb 6

Black Cultural Prayers and Reception

Wed Feb 8

University visit: St. Francis Xavier University (St.FX), at lunch

Thur Feb 9

University visit: Queen’s University, after school 

Fri Feb 10

Beatstock 6-9 pm

DATES ON THE HORIZON

Feb 13-19

Spirit Week (various dress down days)

Feb 14

Hockey Day (Mattamy Arena)

Feb 15

Re-registration due 

Feb 17

School Closed for Family Day Weekend

Feb 20

School Closed for Family Day Weekend 

UPPER SCHOOL

Update on Havergal’s Strategic Planning Process

As highlighted earlier in the fall, Havergal is well-positioned and the time is right to think about our future direction. The work on the CAIS accreditation Self-Study and the data collection phase with our strategy consulting partners at Berlineaton has closed and we have begun the work of prioritizing and planning. We are grateful to the many parents, students, Old Girls/Alums, past parents, faculty, staff, and board members who participated in the questionnaire and discussion groups on Havergal’s future.  

We had over double the number of responses that Berlineaton typically sees for a community our size. In addition, we had strong participation in the group consultations with over 120 students, parents, faculty/staff leaders, and Old Girls/Alums in our CAIS review and strategy focus group sessions. This period of reflection has ignited excitement about our future.

From the questionnaire and focus group sessions, we saw broad community alignment with our school mission – to prepare young women to make a difference – and our core values of inquiry, integrity, compassion & courage. Our position as a leading girls’ school, grounded in the advancement of girls and women, and giving the next generation of girls the skills needed to make positive change, resonates with our internal and external community.

From this internal and external Scan phase, a number of consistently articulated school strengths and areas for investment emerged.

Identified areas of strength included: the breadth and strength of our academic and cocurricular program; a track record of successfully preparing students for the rigours of university study; the strength of our caring, dedicated, and skilled teaching faculty; the size and scope of our campus and facilities; the many global and experiential learning opportunities; an exceptionally strong school community and pride in the school.

Identified areas for investment included: increasing the socio-economic and cultural diversity in the student body and faculty/staff; more exposure for students to learning opportunities such as internships, credential-earning, GAP year, and further post-secondary options; facility upgrades in outdoor athletics, boarding, student commons, older classrooms, and wellbeing space; the recruitment and retention of top faculty in an increasingly competitive labour market; and finally, further investment in personalized, comprehensive wellbeing support for students.

The strategy development team continues to work in collaboration with the Board on the development of Havergal’s strategic direction and is looking forward to sharing updates with our community over the coming months.  You can view the status of our progress on our website. Thank you to all those who participated in sharing your feedback, ideas, and hopes for Havergal’s future.

Black Cultural Prayers & Reception

The Upper School will be holding a Black Cultural Prayers on Monday, February 6, at 8:40 am. Parents are invited to join. A reception for parents will be held in Temerty Commons at 9:20 am. Please RSVP here.  Parents and students are welcome to wear traditional celebratory attire.

Major Dates Calendar

We are pleased to share next academic year’s Major School Dates Calendar for 2023-2024 with you.   The Major Dates Calendar outlines the start of school, major academic holidays, significant events that families need to be aware of and end of the year dates.

SENIOR SCHOOL

Grad Workshops Beginning: Life after Havergal

Grads are being offered four morning sessions titled University 101 focused on some of the non-academic issues faced in the transition from high school to university life. With themes like “keep yourself safe” and “keep yourself fed” grads will review the skills and strategies needed to partake in the social scenes more safely, learn how to organize themselves at university, and have two cooking sessions with a guest instructor, Shauna Lindzon. These sessions will take place during our Wednesday morning programming time over the next few months. If you have any questions please reach out to Jeany Ellis who is leading this programming. 

Grade Collections for Universities

Havergal College will be collecting grades to ensure universities are up to date with our grads marks so schools have the information needed to send the Class of 2023 their offers. The mid-year report will be sent out to US schools at the beginning of February. OUAC will be sent mark updates for their big collection periods in both February and April. 

HCPA REMINDERS

US Grade Rep Meeting

US Grade Rep Meeting on Feb. 1 at 8:35am in the JS Dining Room. All parents are invited to attend. Our IT Dept will be giving an update on the Parent Portal.

REMINDERS

Grade 8 Band Rehearsals for OBA in C26:

• Monday February 6th – 12:00 PM
• Tuesday February 7th – 12:00 PM
• Wednesday February 8th – 7:15 AM
• Tuesday February 14th – 7:15 AM

Course Selection

Please remember course selection is due on Friday February 3rd in Veracross. Students are encouraged to book a meeting with their Guidance Counsellor through the Guidance Portal if they have any questions about course selections or the outside of Havergal summer school form.

Hockey Day 2023

On Tuesday, February 14, at approximately 12:45 pm Havergal College will play against The Bishop Strachan School’s (BSS) U20 hockey team in a battle for the Hewitt Cup. This annual hockey game is a highly spirited athletic contest—faculty, staff and students are decked out in green and gold to cheer on our Gators with pride. As well, our Junior School Gators will play against the BSS Junior School team during the first intermission. F-U-N!

An email was sent this past Monday by Upper School Athletic Director, Carla Di Filippo, to purchase a ticket for the event. The registration link is also below and will close on Monday, February 6th at noon.

To register your child click here: https://events.veracross.com/hc/368-eaarexcursions22-23USJSD

If you have any questions, please email Carla Di Filippo. 

Go Gators!!

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Sun Jan 29

Grade 8 – St. Donat: 6:45 am departure

Mon Jan 30

Grade 8 – St. Donat

Tue Jan 31 G

Grade 8 – St. Donat

Wed Feb 1

Grade 8 – St. Donat: 5:00pm return

Thu Feb 2

Classes end at 1:50 pm

Virtual Parent Teacher Interviews: 3 – 8 pm

Fri Feb 3

No Classes; Course Selections Due

Virtual Parent Teacher Interviews: 8 – 3 pm

DATES ON THE HORIZON

Feb 6

Black Cultural Prayers and Reception

Grad Portrait Retake Day

Feb 7

Grad Portrait Retake Day

Feb 13

Symphonic Band at OBA – bring lunch

Feb 14

Hockey Day

Feb 15

Grade 9 & 8 at OBA – bring lunch

UPPER SCHOOL

Hockey Day 2023!

On Tuesday, February 14, the Havergal Gators hockey team will be facing off against The Bishop Strachan School Bobcats in a battle for the Hewitt Cup. An event rich in history, the hockey game is mentioned in the Ludemus (Havergal yearbook) as early as 1955! Students will be bussed to Mattamy Athletic Centre (old Maple Leaf Gardens) after lunch to cheer on the Gators! The schedule for the day can be found HERE. 

Ticket sales for the beloved Hockey Day will be open on Monday, January 23 via email from Athletics Director, Carla Di Filippo. The email will include all details for the event. Ticket sales will close on Monday, February 6, 2023. Please email Carla Di Filippo if you have any questions.

Go Gators!!

Course Selections

Students had the opportunity to learn more information about course selections from the Guidance Department during their advising this week. Teachers from all the different departments were available for students to ask questions and learn more about the courses they are interested in taking next year. Students are reminded to visit the Guidance Portal – Course Selection page for more information, review the 2023-2024 Course Calendar/Uncalendar, and to book an appointment with their guidance counsellor if they need assistance. Course selections are due Friday, February 3rd.

Guidance Counsellor availability during Parent/Teacher Interviews

Please contact your child’s Guidance Counsellor by email if you need to book a meeting with them during Parent-Teacher Interviews. Please visit the Guidance Portal and click the Meet the Team button to access all the contact information for your child’s guidance counsellor.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Music Festival

Grade 8 Band students are attending the OBA Festival on Wednesday February 15th. Students will be missing periods 1 and 2, and will be late for period 3. Please send your child with a bagged lunch on this day. In preparation for this competition there will be a few additional rehearsals. The dates are listed below:

Grade 8 Band Rehearsals in C26:

• Wednesday January 25th – 7:15 AM
• Wednesday February 8th – 7:15 AM
• Other dates as required

SENIOR SCHOOL

Music Festival

The OBA (Ontario Band Association) Festival is on February 13 & 15.

Students must bring a bagged lunch on this day. Students will miss period 1 and 2, and will be late for period 3 on the days they attend the festival. 

• Symphonic Band – Monday, Feb 13 
• Grade 9 Band – Wednesday, February 15

Grades 11/12 Semi Formal

The Grade 11/12 Semi Formal is being held at HC on January 27 from 7-10 pm. Sign-up closes on Monday, Jan 23. To complete the required AAR enabling your teen to attend, please go to the link in Veracross and complete form: https://events.veracross.com/hc/368-eaarexcursions22-23USJSD 

Student guest application forms need to be submitted to us via a google form which has already been sent to the students directly.

UCAS Deadline – January 23

Many of our Grads have already applied to UK universities using the UCAS (University and College Admissions Service) system. For those who have not completed their application, an important reminder that the final application must be submitted by Monday, January 23rd. Please remember to consider the time change as the UK is ahead of Canada so students are encouraged to submit early.

Reminders

Gator Gala

Save the date for Gator Gala 2023!  Havergal students in Grades 7-12, (along with one parent/guardian), are invited to an extravagant Candyland-themed evening of dinner, dancing and surprises!  Look for ticketing details to come soon!

St. Donat

The Grade 8 excursion to Saint-Donat, Québec is fast approaching (January 29th-February 1st 2023). Please ensure that the following two items are completed this week: 

1. Confirmation of medical information permission: Please ensure that you have completed this permission form that was sent prior to the holidays. https://events.veracross.com/hc/385-eaarexcursions22-23USONMed 

2. Digital copy of OHIP/medical insurance: Please send a picture or scanned image of BOTH sides of your child’s OHIP/medical insurance card to their Form teacher. It is important that the number, code and expiry date are visible.This information will only be used if a trip to a medical facility were required.

Next Week in the Upper School

Monday Jan 23

Pick-A-Time opens for Parent Teacher Interviews: 8 am

Prayers: Bell Let’s Talk – Special Speaker:  Hannah Laird ‘15

University and College Admissions Service (UCAS) Deadline

Wed Jan 25

Bell Let’s Talk Day 

Thur Jan 26

Holocaust Remembrance Prayers

Friday Jan 27

Grade 11/12 Semi-Formal: 7 pm – 10 pm 

Dates on the Horizon

Feb 2, 3

Virtual Parent Teachers Interviews

Feb 3

Course Selections are due

UPPER SCHOOL

Parent/Teacher Interviews: Thursday, February 2 and Friday, February 3

Parent teacher interviews will take place on Thursday, February 2 (3 pm – 8 pm) and Friday, February 3 (8 am – 3 pm). All interviews will be held virtually. Our booking portal, pickAtime, will open on Monday, January 23 at 8:00 AM. The link is HERE. Please be sure you select Senior School (SS PTC) for your children who are in Senior School. If you have three children in the Senior School, or you have two children who share one or more teachers, please contact Sally Danto at sdanto@havergal.on.ca and she will help you with your scheduling.

Update to Concussion & Head Injuries Policy

Havergal College has recently updated and revised the Concussion & Head Injuries Policy

We are excited to share this new version.  This update has been written to support both the cognitive and physical development to the greatest benefit of our students. This new version of the policy requires that all parents/guardians/students sign off of the Concussion Code of Conduct.  Traditionally this was only completed in athletics but must now be completed by all students. 

If you need to sign off on the Concussion Code of Conduct, you will get a direct email from your child’s Head of School next week with a registration link. 
We invite you to view the following VIDEO explaining our Concussion Information Session for Parents to learn more about Concussion & Head Injury management at the College.

Parent Learning Opportunity: An Invitation from Lakefield College School

“Feeling Seen: Reconnecting in a Disconnected World”: As part of Lakefield College School’s Community and Connection: Speaker Series for Parents, we invite CAIS parents and educators to join us for a talk from Dr. Jody Carrington on Tuesday, January 23 at 7:00 PM ET via Zoom. Dr. Carrington is a psychologist, best-selling author, and public speaker with an affinity for helping teams and organisations overcome their most complex, human-centred problems. Her radiant energy and incomparable ability to connect with audiences result in compelling keynotes and life-changing workshops. The message is simple: we are wired to do the hard things, but we are so much braver together. Jody speaks passionately (and humorously) about resilience, burnout, mental health, leadership, grief and trauma– and how reconnection answers so many of the root problems we face.Register for Dr. Carrington’s talk.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

St. Donat Update

The Grade 8 excursion to Saint-Donat, Québec is fast approaching (January 29-February 1, 2023). Please ensure that the following two items are completed this week: 

1. Confirmation of medical information permission: Please ensure that you have completed this permission form that was sent prior to the holidays. https://events.veracross.com/hc/385-eaarexcursions22-23USONMed 

2. Digital copy of OHIP/medical insurance: Please send a picture or scanned image of BOTH sides of your child’s OHIP/medical insurance card to their Form teacher. It is important that the number, code and expiry date are visible.This information will only be used if a trip to a medical facility is required. 

Sterling Hall Social

Parents of students registered to attend the Sterling Hall Social on Friday, January 20, are required to drop off and pick up their child at the school. Upon their arrival, students must check in with our chaperones, Ms. Jennifer Mills and Ms. Renee Virc. Students are also required to check out when they leave. 

Form Representative Elections: January 24

On January 24, we will hold our second Form Rep Election. Students who have not held a leadership role in the MS are encouraged to consider running to be a Form Rep. Students can self-nominate and must prepare a one minute speech to present to their peers. Presentations will be made in Form on January 24.

SENIOR SCHOOL

Grade 11/12 Semi Formal: Friday, January 27

Sign up for the Grade 11/12 semi-formal is open today. Parents complete the sign up and AAR on Veracross (large orange button). Students have been informed via email.

University Counselling

Course Selection

The Grade 8, 9, 10 and 11 students had an information seminar from the Guidance Team on Wednesday morning; parents had the opportunity to attend an information session on Thursday night to review the course selection process. The recordings to these information sessions are listed below and can be found on the guidance portal:

Gr. 8 to 9: https://youtu.be/mJdrRyZMGGQ

Gr. 9 to 10: https://youtu.be/WB1J8bSrqhI

Gr. 10 to 11: https://youtu.be/NFVivsg8_sk

Gr. 11 to 12: https://youtu.be/jRTNovmaPgs

Parents and students are encouraged to use the Guidance Portal as a resource, especially the Course Selection section as all slide decks and information sheets are attached there. Please review the 2023-2024 Course Calendar (including the Courses at a Glance and Uncalendar sections) to prepare you for course selections. The Guidance Team will support your child, so students are encouraged to book a meeting with their Guidance Counsellor following the instructions given to them this week. 

Feminism Conference

St. Clement School is holding a full day conference to explore issues related to Feminism and its Intersections. This is an opportunity for students, staff and parents to reflect on what feminism means and the many layers that make up identity. Limited spaces are available, please complete the form if you are interested. 

Date: Saturday February 11, 2023

Time: 9am-4pm

HCPA REMINDERS

Next Week in the Upper School

Monday Jan 16

Diversity Week Prayers

Thursday Jan 19

Lunar New Year Prayers and reception 8:30 – 10:00 am

Friday Jan 20

Sterling Hall MS COSSOT Social

UPPER SCHOOL

Lunar New Year Parent Reception

The Upper School will be holding Lunar New Year Prayers on Thursday, January 19 at 8:40 am. Parents are invited to join the celebration. and students and parents can arrive early to meet and take photos with the Lion Dance Team in the US Rotunda. A reception for parents will be held in Temerty Commons at 9:20 am. Please RSVP here.  

Grade 7 – 9 Parents: Math Information Webinar

If you missed the information regarding the changes to the mathematics programme you can find here some of the resources from the parent information night. Here is some information, the slide deck from the presentation and the recording of the webinar. If you have any questions please reach out to Alex Shum, Head of Mathematics. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL

COSSOT Social Event: Sterling Hall Social

Middle School students are invited to sign up for the Sterling Hall Carnival House Party happening on Friday, January 20. There will be 30 spots available on a first come first served basis and the registration fee is $10. This will be charged to your child’s account.  There will be an additional 10 waitlist spots available.  The link to register can be found HERE

SENIOR SCHOOL

Virtual Course Selection Evening

Please find the links to the course selection evening on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 6:30 pm. 

All sessions will be posted for parents here in The Weekly after the evening. 

HCPA

NEXT WEEK AT A GLANCE

Tuesday, Jan 10, 2023

First Day Back at School 

Grade 9 casual dress for TC9

Thurs Jan 12

Virtual Course Selection evening 6:30 pm

DATES ON THE HORIZON

Thursday Jan  19th

Lunar New Year Prayers & Parent Reception, 8:40 am 

UPPER SCHOOL

Locker Clean Out

On Wednesday December 21, from 3:30 – 3:40 pm, students will be asked to clean out their lockers. Locker shelves and textbooks can remain in the lockers over the break. All garbage – especially food waste – should be thrown out; and clothing, shoes and boots should be removed. These items must be taken home by December 22 and we encourage our students to begin cleaning their lockers on Monday December 19.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Sterling Hall Carnival

Middle School students are invited to sign up for the Sterling Hall Carnival House Party happening on Friday  January 20. There will be 30 spots available on a first come first served basis. The sign-up form will come out next week in The Weekly. 

SENIOR SCHOOL

Course Selection Parent Information Evening, Thursday, January 12 – 6:30 – 8:30 PM

There is a virtual course selection information evening for parents of students in grade 8 – 11. The zoom links will be posted on Veracross closer to the event. 

Uniforms for Grade 10 Exchange Guests

Some students who visit our school on exchange do not wear uniforms at their home school, so we traditionally lend them one during their stay. If you have extra uniform pieces at home that you are no longer wearing, we are looking to collect items to lend out to these students. We have 8 students coming from Germany January 14, and about 16 French students coming in April. These students are in Grade 10, so larger uniforms would be ideal. 

Please reach out to Jenn Russell jrussell@havergal.on.ca if you have uniforms you can lend us. 

We are looking for the following items:

• Kilts/Tunic
• Blazers
• Ties
• ¼ Zips
• Golf Shirts
• Knit Sweaters

FORUM FOR CHANGE

This week was our last week of Community Partnership programming before the winter break. Grenoble Homework Club, and Art City will resume in the new year starting Wednesday, January 18, 2023.

HCPA

Don’t forget that we are now collecting ALL uniform pieces for our future Used Uniform sales. There is a Used Uniform collection bin in the Rotunda—simply let Security know and they will guide you.  Drop off items any time!

Happy Holidays & Happy New Year from the HCPA!

Next Week at a Glance

Wed, Dec 21

Locker Clean Out

Holiday Inspired Casual Dress Day

Thu, Dec 22

Regular Dress during the day

Carol Service  at 7 pm – St Paul’s Church, Bloor St. East

#1 Dress for students at the church

Fri, Dec 23

Holidays Begin!  

No school

Tues, January 10

First day back at school

Dates on the Horizon

Tues, Jan 10

TC9 Day – Grade 9’s in casual dress

Thurs, Jan 12

Virtual Parent Course Selection evening, Thursday Jan 12 – 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Ontario University Application Centre (OUAC) deadline – January 12, 2023

UPPER SCHOOL

Message from the Principal: Strategic Planning & CAIS Accreditation Update

I want to thank the parents who participated in the strategic planning questionnaire and small-group consultations with our strategic consulting partners, Berlineaton.  We had an excellent response rate, more than doubling the number of responses that the Berlineaton team typically sees in a school our size and structure – a sign of a committed and engaged community!  The strategy development team is in the process of analyzing the data, including reviewing our Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) self study report, and will be utilizing the themes from the research with the team to develop areas of future opportunity and growth for Havergal.  We also had a 70% response rate from students for the questionnaire, in addition to the 60 students from grades 5 through 12 who participated in small group consultation sessions.  Thank you for your engagement in planning Havergal’s future direction.

 New Toronto Public Health Screening Tool for Students

Havergal College continues to see an increase in respiratory illness infections over the last 3 weeks. To protect both the students and faculty, as per Toronto Public Health recommendations, we are highly recommending masking in enclosed spaces along with frequent hand hygiene. 

Students and staff can screen for symptoms utilizing the tool provided by the Ontario Government linked here: https://www.ontario.ca/school-screening/

Students should not come to school if  they do not pass the screening tool. Thank you for your cooperation in helping keep the students and staff safe at Havergal.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Form Parties Next Week

On Tuesday the MS Forms will host a Holiday Door decorating contest. The MS Prefects will be the judges for this exciting event.

On Wednesday, the MS Forms will enjoy gingerbread cookie decorating and share their secret snowflake gifts during their Holiday party. Students are encouraged to bring in a nut free snack, if they wish.

SENIOR SCHOOL

University Counselling Updates

The Guidance Department is strongly encouraging all students to finish their OUAC, Common App, UCAS, and all other university applications before the holidays. Students are encouraged to attend the fireside chats, book an appointment with their counsellor, or come drop by the guidance office to receive support during their spare or lunch as well as before or after school. Grade 12 students must pay close attention to all the deadlines for all the applications, scholarships and supplemental applications. Students are reminded to check their emails and university portals regularly in order to stay up to date with all their university information.

HCPA UPDATES

Last chance to get a HC blazer or tunic ornament!  Tunics are almost sold out. Click HERE to place your order and get it before the holidays. Deadline to order – December 9.

We are now collecting ALL uniform pieces for our future Used Uniform sales. There is a Used Uniform collection bin in the Rotunda—simply let Security know and they will guide you.  Drop off items any time!

REMINDERS

Wellbeing and Resilence Survey Report

We are pleased to share the Wellbeing & Resilience Survey Report that outlines the findings from the Resilience Surveys that students completed in the spring of 2022.

The report includes the updated version of the Wellbeing Framework and an overview of the key findings from the Children’s Resilience Survey (Grades 2-5) and High Achieving Schools Survey (Grades 6-12).

At the end of the report there is a questionnaire about additional wellbeing topics and support you would like to see for students and parents. We appreciate your input and taking the time to complete it. 

Grade 7 – 9 Parent Math Update Webinar

Please join us to learn more about new pathways in our mathematics program, including two new extended mathematics courses,  which will be available in 2023-24. This information is helpful for parents whose children are in grades 8-9 math this year, as well as for parents in grade 7 looking ahead. Information will be posted if you are unable to attend. Please click HERE below to join the webinar. Passcode: 601038

NEXT WEEK AT A GLANCE

Mon Dec 12

Grad/Staff Dinner: 5 – 7 pm

Wed Dec 14

Middle School Music Night: 4 – 5 pm

Senior School Music Night: 7 – 8 pm

Senior School Course Drop Deadline

DATES ON THE HORIZON

Carol Service Thursday, December 22  at 7 pm – St Paul’s Church, Bloor St.

#1 Dress for students

Holidays Begin! Friday, December 23 – Tuesday, January 10, 2023