Dear Parents,
With the recent time change and the arrival of darker evenings, our students’ sleep patterns are already shifting. Luckily, our upcoming November break offers the perfect opportunity for a “Sleep Reset” to establish healthier habits.
Many teenagers are not getting the rest they need. Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics, shows that electronic devices are a major culprit:
- Nearly 1 in 4 young teens have been woken up by a phone notification in the past week.
- Students who keep their phones within reach overnight get significantly less sleep than those who keep them out of the room (8.6 hrs vs 9.3 hrs).
The stimulating content, blue light exposure, and late-night notifications are all working against a good night’s rest.
During the break, we encourage you to try implementing the official recommendation: phones out of the bedroom overnight. Consider a central charging station instead, and buy a simple alarm clock. While this rule might seem tricky to enforce, remember that research shows that just having clear nighttime tech rules—whether or not they are perfectly followed—makes a difference in when teens go to bed and their total sleep time. At the very least, ensure notifications are turned off and the phone is placed across the room.
Sleep is foundational to wellbeing and academic focus. By resetting tech habits now, your child will return from the break better rested, more focused, and ready to go!
Have a lovely long weekend,
Deirdre
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, November 10
- Boarding School Re-Opens, 4 pm
Tuesday, November 11
- Remembrance Day Prayers (#1 Dress)
- Grade 11 University Campus Visits (Departing at 11:30 am)
- Winter Athletics Try Out Begin
Wednesday, November 12
- OSSLT for Grade 10 students
Thursday, November 13
Upper School
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. New Circles is a registered charity providing essential support to individuals in need. Students heard from New Circles founder, Cindy Blakely, last week in Prayers. Cindy is a former Havergal parent.
- Review the Family Profiles- Click here for more information.
- Purchase a Gift Card ($20-$50 recommended) Suggested stores: Walmart, Best Buy, Food Basics, No Frills etc).
- Write the amount of the Gift Card on the card and tape the activation receipt to the card.
- Have your daughter give the Gift Card to her Form Teacher/TA by November 28, 2025.
Next Steps
Tax Receipt Eligibility
Gift cards of $20 or more are eligible for a tax receipt. To receive a receipt, you must submit the Gift Card + its Activation Receipt + the Completed Form (including the family number) together. Please clearly indicate the gift card denomination when completing the form.
Thank you for your support of our Community Partnership with New Circles and providing joy to families in need this holiday season.
Final Reminder: Winter Sports Registration Closes on Monday, November 10
Registration for Winter Athletics tryouts is open and will close on Sunday on Monday, November 10.
Please click here to register for Winter Athletics tryouts. This link will take you to the Parent Portal, which contains the registration link (look for the green box labelled “Winter Athletics”).
Please note the following:
- Parents must consent for students to attend tryouts/practices. This is done through the registration link.
- Students may only register to try out for TWO teams (this does not include Coach Mentor, Yoga, or Rugby Training). Please consult with your child/children to confirm their selections before you complete the online registration.
- Winter Tryout Schedule (Tab: Winter): The season schedule will be finalized on November 19.
- There is no confirmation email or email reminder about when and where the tryouts take place. Families must look at the schedules and students must attend their specific tryout.
If you are having trouble with the registration process or have additional questions, please email the Director of Athletics, Carla Di Filippo.
Reflections: Self-Confidence in a Changing World
Last week, the Havergal Old Girls’ Association (HOGA) brought together Old Girls/Alum, parents, and educators for an authentic conversation about how confidence, body image, and belonging evolve in today’s world.
Moderated by Christina Sorbara, with panellists Nicole Tapscott ’02, Dr. Nina Mafrici ’02, Dr. Michele Foster, and Krista Koekkoek, the discussion explored how social and cultural shifts —including social media, perfectionism, and post-pandemic pressures —are shaping how girls feel about and in their bodies. From a psychological perspective, fostering confidence today means helping youth stay connected to their inner experiences, challenge unrealistic standards, and feel seen and supported in all aspects of who they are.
Five key takeaways emerged:
- Model body trust and self-compassion: Confidence begins with adults who respect and care for their own bodies and emotions.
- Focus on function, not form: Emphasize what bodies do (e.g., move, create, express), rather than how they look.
- Normalize emotions and body signals: Encourage awareness of hunger, rest, joy, and discomfort as gateways to self-understanding.
- Create safe, inclusive spaces: Confidence flourishes where diversity is visible and belonging is felt.
- Encourage agency and critical thinking: Help girls question cultural pressures, make authentic choices, and set healthy boundaries.
The evening served as an important reminder that when schools, families, and communities work together to nurture body trust, self-compassion, and a sense of belonging, we lay the foundation for resilience and authentic confidence to thrive. The positive response from parents and educators highlights a shared commitment to continuing this dialogue and to ensuring our girls grow up grounded, confident, and connected.
Health Centre Reminder – Viral Illness Season
As we move further into the viral illness season, we are seeing an increase in common respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses. We kindly ask families to monitor their children for any signs of illness and to keep students home if they are unwell.
Symptoms that warrant staying home include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Cough and congestion
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- General fatigue or feeling unwell
Keeping students home when they are sick helps protect classmates, staff, and our broader school community. Students may return to school once they are feeling better and able to fully participate in the school day.
Please refer to the image linked here for a helpful visual reminder of when to stay home and when to return.
Thank you for your support in keeping our school community healthy!
The Health Centre
Remembrance Day Prayers
There will be a Remembrance Service on Tuesday, November 11 morning from 8:40 – 9:20am, in the Brenda Robson Hall. We welcome any guests. We encourage your child to bring a toonie or loonie (or more!) for the poppy they receive when they arrive for attendance taking, on Tuesday morning. This contribution goes directly to the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Fund.
Thank you for the support of our veterans.
Middle School
In Form This Week
We have a short week and just one full form session. During that time the MS will travel to be with their House! Through purposeful mentorship and shared experiences that span all grade levels, we ensure the enduring spirit and unique traditions of Havergal are seamlessly carried forward.
Winter Clothing Drive
This week in Form, students launched the Winter Clothing Drive in support of our community partner, New Circles. Many families in our community are in need of gently used winter clothing. The upcoming long weekend is a great time to look through your closets and gather any items you no longer use.
We are especially in need of men’s and boys’ winter coats, hats, and gloves. Students are encouraged to bring their donations to their Form rooms by Friday, November 21.
Senior School
In Morning Programming This Week
This week, we are excited to welcome the Middle School students to House!
They’ll participate in activities designed to strengthen the vertical connections across our grades. This is how we purposefully pass on the incredible culture and enduring traditions that define Havergal.
Global Up Teen Microcredential
Havergal College in partnership with AFS Intercultural Programs is offering a microcredential on global competence called Global Up Teen. This program is a one-of-a-kind, blended program, open to teens (aged 14-17) to develop key global skills for the emerging future and build bridges across cultures, all while becoming part of a truly global community. Students will earn an HC Microcredential as well as an international certificate from AFS Canada.
Students interested in Exchange, Global Learning Experiences, International Relations Programs, Current Boarders and Global Learning Leading Diploma students would greatly benefit from the program’s Curriculum. Program details include:
- 4 in-person sessions, starting Thursday, November 20 at 3:45-5:00 pm.
- 1.5 hours of online course work per week, through an interactive LMS
- Cost $185.
- Contact Fatima Kaba for more information.
HC-X Digital Microcredentials 9-12 – Spaces available
Digital Microcredentials through Havergal’s HC-X Innovation Hub are bite-sized opportunities for students to explore their passion and build experience in a variety of high-interest areas.
There are still spaces available in the following four digital Microcredentials from HC-X:
- Architecture and Design (ongoing)
- Contemporary Finance (ongoing)
- PreMedical Studies B: Anatomy and Physiology (Tuesdays and Thursdays in January)
- Future Lawyers (Tuesdays and Thursdays in January)
For specific program information, pricing details and registration, please visit microcredentials.havergal.on.ca or contact Adam Caplan for more information.
Grade 10 Students Write the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test on Wednesday, November 12
This is a reminder that all Grade 10 students are writing the literacy test on Wednesday, November 12.
Students writing with standard time must be in the Brenda Robson Hall no later than 8:30 am. Students writing with extra time must be in the Ellen Knox Library no later than 8:00 am.
Students must bring:
- Havergal Student ID Card
- Laptop, fully charged
- Laptop charger
Students received preparation on all of these OSSLT details and more during grade programming time on Monday, November 3.
Boarding School
November Break Reminders
Please note that the following information:
- Boarding reopens on Monday, November 10 at 4:00 pm.
- All students are expected to return by 8:00 pm.
Please notify the Boarding School if there are any changes to travel plans.
Upcoming Programming & Events
- Thursday, November 13: Grade 10 Check-in with the Head of Boarding
- Saturday, November 15: Visit to the Royal Ontario Museum
- Sunday, November 16: Mario Kart Tournament in Boarding
HCPA
HCPA General Meeting: Wednesday, November 12
Join us at our next HCPA General Meeting on Wednesday, November 12 from 8:45 – 10:45 pm in the JS Dining Room. Our guest speaker is Lam Nguyen, Dean of Academics.
Parent Pub Night: Thursday, November 20
The Parent Pub Night is a chance to share laughter and build community with other Havergal parents. Join us at Local Public Eatery at Leaside on Thursday, November 20 from 7 – 11pm.
You can expect:
- To savor delicious food and drinks in a lively pub-style setting
- Join in on interactive games and light entertainment
- Win big with exciting raffle draws with themed gift baskets
Tickets:
- $85 per person (includes food & two drinks).
- $75 per person when two tickets are purchased together.
RSVP required — space is limited! Purchase your tickets here! We are looking for volunteers to help make this event run smoothly. Please support us by signing up here.
HCPA Holiday Marketplace on Shopify!
Looking for the perfect gift? Get your holiday shopping done early at the HCPA Holiday Marketplace. Visit our Shopify page today!
Reminder: Our green and white Patagonia-style fleeces must be pre-ordered on Shopify by Saturday, November 15 (delivery in early December). They are available in both adult and youth sizes.
Pre-loved Uniform – Volunteers Needed!
The Pre-Loved Uniform team needs your help to ensure this meaningful initiative continues to flourish. 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.
Your support right now is essential to helping us build on our success in 2025 and every bit of help makes a difference.
If you can lend a hand, please join us – email the Pre-Loved Uniform team to express your interest!
Reminders
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
The Schedule:
- 5:15 PM: Check-in for dinner (swipe card required)
- 6:00 PM: Check-in for Evening Study
Cost: $40 (for a 4-day study week)
Get Started!
The program will begin the week of Tuesday, November 11. We recommend signing up in advance to secure your spot, as space may be limited.
Sign Up here!
Questions about the program – contact Jessica Randall, Assistant Head of Boarding, Academics.
Food Drive – Bring in non-perishable food until Friday, November 21
This long standing drive with North York Harvest Food Bank brings goods to the food bank for the holiday season. Students are encouraged to get involved with the community drop off and pick up days or bring non-perishable food items to the box in Temerty which will be available until Friday, November 21.
Re-enrolment & Financial Support for 2026/27 – Mark your calendars!
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 who wish to apply for support for next year, must have a complete application, through Apple Financial, by Friday, January 2, 2026.
To ensure there’s enough time to review your information, we strongly encourage families to submit their Apple Financial application by Monday, December 15, 2025. This will allow time for any additional documents Apple Financial may request to be uploaded before the Friday, January 2 deadline.
Please note that applications not completed by Friday, 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.
Choose Your Yearbook Portrait!
A friendly reminder that student portraits are now available online at echophotography.ca! Please take a moment to select which photo you’d like to appear in the Ludamus (yearbook) by Sunday, November 16.
To access your photos, visit the website and enter your access code — your student ID number followed by -2526 (e.g., XXXXX-2526).
If you have any questions or special requests, please contact Cameron Hubbs.
Parents as Partners Presents: Exploring Futures Together – How foresight is shaping organizations and schools and why it matters for Havergal
Join us Wednesday, November 12, 6:30 – 8:30 pm in the Brenda Robson Hall/Legacy Theatre for an interactive, thought-provoking evening featuring:
- Suzanne Stein, internationally recognized futurist, Associate Professor at OCAD University, and Director of the Super Ordinary Lab.
- Lindsay Norberg, Deputy Principal at Havergal College.
- Facilitated by Allison Campbell-Rogers, HC-X.
Open to all parents, alumni, faculty/staff and prospective families, it’s a great opportunity to learn what futures thinking is, why it matters for young people, and how it’s being applied in education and beyond.
This free event requires registration. Click here to register.
The Weekly: Upper School 