Friday, October 3

Thank you so much for the tremendous community response to Celebration Day and our first Friday Night Lights. The generosity and spirit on this campus were undeniable. We are grateful to the students, parents, alumni, and staff who contributed to this fundraising effort for our Community Partners and helped build such a strong sense of unity.

Have a great weekend,

The US Leadership Team (Krista, Cissy, Deirdre and Nicole)


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

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL (Gr. 7 – 12)

MIDDLE SCHOOL (Gr. 7 – 8)

SENIOR SCHOOL (Gr. 9 – 12)

BOARDING SCHOOL

HCPA

REMINDERS

Next Week in the Upper School

Monday, Oct 6

  • 8:30 am Period 1
  • Gr 7 – 9 Parent Coffee Morning, 7:30 am, Junior School Dining Room
  • AP Exam Registration Information, 6:30 – 7 pm, Library 
  • Parents as Partners, Jeff Seligo, 7 pm, BRH
  • Early Dismissal for students, 2:20 pm 

Tuesday, Oct 7

  • Thanksgiving Prayers

Wednesday, Oct 8

  • Canadian University Fair, 6:30 – 8:30 pm, BRH
  • Duke, Vanderbilt, Northwestern, Brown, Dartmouth Presentations, 7 – 9 pm, Legacy Theatre 

Thursday, Oct 9

  • Dress in House Colours for all students – House Games! 

Friday

  • No classes –  Boarding School remains open 

Upper School

Monday, October 6th: Special Schedule in the Upper School

To support Faculty Professional Development with Jeff Selingo, a university admissions and counselling expert, students in Grades 7-12 will be dismissed at 2:20 pm on Monday. Senior School students will have the opportunity to hear from Mr. Selingo before their dismissal. Period 1 classes will begin at 8:30 am.

Upper School Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held virtually on Thursday, October 23 at 3 – 8 pm and Friday, October 24 at 8 am – 4 pm. The Pick-A-Time booking system will open on Wednesday, October 8 at noon and will close on Wednesday, October 22 at noon.

After Pick-A-Time closes, the only way to book appointments is by emailing teachers directly; only they will be able to add to their schedules.

Please ensure your Zoom account is up-to-date. See Zoom Instructions.

Once booked, individual conference schedules and Zoom links are accessed via Pick-A-Time.

If your child has an Individual Education Plan, and you would like to connect with her Learning Support Specialist, please email them directly to arrange an appointment. If you have questions or concerns about Learning Support, please contact Kirsten Uhre, Director of Upper School Learning Support.

If you have questions or concerns about Parent-Teacher Conferences, please contact Jennifer Goldberg, Director of Academics.

Havergal’s Guidelines on Public Statements

At Havergal College, our role is to teach students how to think, not what to think. Following consultation with our Senior Leadership Team and a special task force of the Board of Governors, we have established guidelines on issuing public statements. The Board of Governors endorsed these guidelines earlier this week. In line with these, Havergal will not release public statements on geopolitical or sociopolitical events. As a day and boarding school with a diverse, international community, our responsibility is to help students develop the skills necessary to engage in respectful dialogue and critical thinking. You can find the guidelines on public statements and an accompanying FAQ in the Policies, Procedures & Agreements section of our parent portal

We know that both local and world events over the past few years have been difficult for many in our community, and we remind students and families that we have support available through our student support team, along with access to external supports for students as necessary.

Havergal Connections Panel: Self-Confidence in a Changing World

In today’s world of filtered selfies, fitness culture, and confusing ideals of wellness, girls face real pressures around body image and self-esteem. Come join us to learn more! 

Join moderator Christina Sorbara (Current Parent, business leader, corporate director, and former national team athlete) and a panel of experts as they share perspectives on how schools, families, and communities can help girls build confidence and self-compassion.

Panel:
Nicole Tapscott ’02 – Old Girl/Alum & Current Parent, Chief Commercial Officer at Knix
Dr. Nina Mafrici ’02 – Old Girl/Alum & Current Parent, Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Michele Foster – Clinical Psychologist
Krista Koekkoek – Head of Upper School

  • Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
  • Time: 6–8 pm
  • Where: Legacy Theatre, Havergal College

School Year Photos

Are you looking for photos from school events? We have a new way for parents to view albums this year! Visit our School Year Photos page on the Parent Portal to see our latest albums. Albums will be available until the end of the following month after they were posted (e.g. September photos will expire on October 31, October photos will expire on November 30, etc.) Be sure to visit the page often for images from our events. 

Attendance Reminders

When your daughter is late to school please remember to: 

  • Mark them as coming late with the time of arrival in our system. 
  • Remind them to check in at our Day School Office (DSO) when they arrive at school

This includes missing our Morning Programming time. Students who are unexcused from our Morning Programming are also subject to the school rules around missing class. 

Thank you in advance for your partnership. 

Student Portraits Are Now Available!

We are pleased to let you know that your daughter’s school portraits are now available online for viewing and ordering. To access your photos, visit echophotography.ca and enter your access code, which is your (student ID)-2526, for example 12345-2526.

Ordering is simple, with a variety of print and digital options to suit your family’s preferences. New this year, you can also choose which photo will appear in the Ludamus. Please ensure that you make your selection by November 16.

If you have any questions or special requests, please contact Cameron Hubbs at cameron@echophotography.ca.

Elite Sport Fitness Testing

Havergal Athletics has partnered with SportTesting.com to set up an elite fitness testing event at Havergal, a fitness combine, for any interested Havergal Athlete. For each session, the evaluators will equip the gyms with all the technology required for the tests and complete the session for all athletes. Each athlete will receive a personalized and private report card on their results. 

There are three testing dates throughout the year. There are no makeup dates, so you must make those dates (there is no penalty for missing, just a loss of opportunity to get more sport data). The dates are:

  • Tuesday, November 4th (end of Fall Season)
  • Monday, March 2nd (end of Winter Season, before March Break)
  • Monday, May 25th (end of Spring Season)

**These are 90 minute sessions; from 3:45 – 5:30pm 

For more information on this program and to view the tests in more detail, please click HERE. To see our 1-page information pamphlet, click HERE. To register for this program, please click HERE. For more details or if you have any questions, please email Director, Athletics, Carla Di Filippo.

Middle School

Save the Date: Havergal COSSOT Dance Oct 17th

On Friday October 17th, we will be hosting our annual COSSOT dance. All middle school students are encouraged to participate. The cost is $20 and the event runs from 7 – 9 pm. Students have already received the invitation and once the students have registered, parents will be sent a registration link confirming their participation and payment.

Important to note: this is the only dance where all MS students from HC may attend. The remaining dances have limited spots available.

In Morning Programming Next Week

On Monday our Grade 7 students will be introduced to our Win@social program. They will learn how to navigate software and begin discussions on important topics such as discovering positive role models online. 

This week, I’d like to highlight the ROBLOX playbook from our win@social parent toolbox. This playbook includes information on how our students are engaging with the app, parent controls and more. You can view the playbook HERE.

Thursday: It’s an Upper School House Spirit Wear day! Students will wear their House Colours and get ready for House Games, organized by our House Captains.

Senior School

University Support Bonanza This Week!

Monday, October 6th, 6:30 – 7 pm: AP Exam Registration Information

If your daughter is currently enrolled in either an official AP Course or a course that has been identified as supporting an equivalent AP exam, please join us for an in-person 30 min information session in the Upper School library.

Monday, October 6th, 7 pm: Havergal Welcomes Jeff Selingo

Join us in welcoming New York Times best-selling author and researcher, Jeff Selingo! He’ll be speaking about his new book, Dream School, which offers a fresh perspective and practical tools for families navigating the competitive university admissions process. Jeff will also be spending the day with our faculty and students. Click here to register.

Wednesday, October 8th, 6:30 pm: Canadian University Fair, Brenda Robson Hall

Havergal College will be hosting a Canadian University Fair. This is a great opportunity for students to see what the Canadian Universities have to offer. There will be over 20 Universities participating. 

Wednesday, October 8th, 7 pm: Havergal Welcomes Duke, Northwestern, Vanderbilt, Dartmouth and Brown. They will be presenting in the Legacy Theatre. Limited spaces are available. Please register here.

Individual University Visits

Individual University Reps will be visiting Havergal College to speak to Grade 9 to 12 students during the lunch hour. This is a great opportunity to see what the universities offer.

McMaster University

  • Date: Monday, October 6th
  • Time: 12:15pm-1:00pm
  • Location: EK 

Wake Forest University

  • Date: Tuesday, October 7th
  • Time: 9:30am – 10:00am 
  • Location: Guidance Office B57 

Ontario Tech University 

  • Date: Thursday, October 9th 
  • Time: 12:15pm – 1:00pm 
  • Location: Guidance Office B57

Next Week In Morning Programming

Monday: Special Schedule: Period 1 begins at 8:30am

Wednesday: TA session where students will continue to build connections with their small, mixed-grade groups.

Thursday: It’s an Upper School House Spirit Wear day! Students will wear their House Colours and get ready for House Games, organized by our House Captains.

Boarding Monthly Newsletter

Welcome to Boarding Life: Parent Edition.

Each month, we will share stories, updates, and upcoming events from Boarding to help you stay connected with your daughter’s experience at Havergal. This newsletter is a place to celebrate our community, highlight student life, and provide helpful information to our families.

HCPA

Used Textbook Collection

Used textbook collection: Families wishing to return or donate used textbooks may do so on Wednesday, October 22, 8 – 11:30 am in Ellen Knox Library. Complete instructions and details are in this week’s HCPA’s News You Can Use.

HCPA Coffee Mornings

Don’t forget to RSVP directly to your grade reps for our upcoming coffee mornings:

Monday, October 6: Grade 7-9, 8-9:30am (JS Dining Room)

Tuesday, October 21:  Grade 12, 8-10am (offsite) 

Wednesday, October 29: Grade 10-11, 8-9:30am (JS Dining Room)

US Bake Sale

The Upper School Bake sale will be held on Tuesday November 4. Full details on how to volunteer or donate baked-goods are available in this week’s News You Can Use.

HCPA General Meeting

Please join us at our next HCPA General Meeting on Wednesday, October 15 7 – 9 pm, (JS Dining Room).

Reminders

ACTION REQUIRED: All Senior School Parents – Please complete this permission form to cover many of our events this year.

We’ve partnered with COSSOT (Coalition of Single Sex Schools of Toronto) to offer students a variety of social events, including dances and bowling nights, where they can meet students from other schools.

To streamline the process, we’re asking parents to complete a single AAR (parent permission form) for all COSSOT events. This form gives permission for your child to participate in any of these events throughout the year.

  • For more specific details, please click on this link.
  • To go directly to the parent permission form (AAR), click on this link.

Tupperware, Everywhere!

Please ask your daughter to pick up your Tupperware and other types of containers that were left behind from baking cookies for the Celebration Saturday event. There’s a table full of these items outside of B10. Please note: If there are still any left on the table by the end of Tuesday, October 7, they will be recycled.

Friday, September 26

We’re writing to you today to ask for your support in reinforcing our school’s uniform policy. Our uniform is more than just clothing; it’s a key part of our school’s identity and community.

The “Why” Behind the Uniform
The school uniform is designed to foster a sense of school pride and belonging. When students wear the uniform correctly, they are visually representing our shared community and values. It’s like being part of a team—everyone wearing the same jersey. It helps students focus on what really matters: their character, actions, and thoughts, rather than their clothing.

We understand that for adolescents, pushing boundaries is a natural part of growing up. However, these boundaries, including our uniform policy, provide a necessary structure that helps them navigate their environment. The uniform sets an appropriate tone for the school setting, preparing them for future professional environments where dressing appropriately for the occasion is important.

Key Focus Areas
To make this a smooth and successful process, we’re focusing on a few key areas of the uniform. We’re not aiming to be overly strict or punitive, but rather to bring everyone back to the same standard.

  • Kilt Length: The official policy, which is in the student handbook, states that kilts should be no more than nine centimeters from the top of the knee. To help with a visual, this is about the length of a playing card. We are not going to be measuring kilts, but this is a helpful guide for students and families.
  • White Dress Shirt: Shirts should be neatly tucked in at all times.

We’re also reminding students about other uniform details, like wearing their tie properly, keeping their socks up, and wearing the correct shoes.

Next Steps
We’ve enlisted our student leaders to help us. Our prefects, house captains, and council members are actively modeling the correct uniform and will be assisting with gentle reminders; they are committed to helping their peers.We’ve been talking with all students in assemblies, and with the faculty to ensure consistent, kind messaging. We are providing students with a week grace to purchase any needed uniform items they have outgrown.We truly appreciate your partnership in this, and as always, reach out with any questions.

Thank you,
US Leadership Team (Krista, Deirdre, Cissy, and Nicole)

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

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL (Gr. 7 – 12)

MIDDLE SCHOOL (Gr. 7 – 8)

SENIOR SCHOOL (Gr. 9 – 12)

BOARDING

HCPA

REMINDERS

Next Week in the Upper School

Monday, Sept 29 

  • Virtual Vietnam Trip Parent Information Session: 7 pm 

Tuesday, Sept 30

  • National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (TRC); Orange Shirt Day (with uniform)
  • Prayers: TRC

Thursday, Oct 2

  • Prayers: Islamic Heritage Month

Friday, Oct 3

  • TRC Day: Students will be engaged in activities to better understand Truth & Reconciliation.
  • Castaway Drama Trip Departs

Upper School

School Photos

Your school pictures are almost ready!

This year, parents and students will be able to choose the picture they’d like used in the yearbook. Also, any orders placed during the first week will be shipped free of charge. To register, and be notified as soon as your pictures are available, please visit the Echo Photography website and enter your email address and access code. The access code is created by using her student number (ex. 123456) with the extension -2526, for example: 123456-2526.

Upper School People & Program Evening – Unable to attend?

Here are the curriculum slide decks developed by your child’s teachers. Please preview them here and email teachers directly with any questions.

Upper School Parent Teacher Conferences: Thursday October 23 and Friday, October 24

  • Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held virtually on Thursday, October 23 at 3 – 8 pm and Friday, October 24 at 8 am – 4 pm.
  • The Pick-A-Time booking system for making conference appointments will open on Wednesday, October 8 at noon and will close on Wednesday, October 22 at noon. Direct booking links and further instructions will be shared closer to the October 8th booking system opening.

If you have questions or concerns about Parent-Teacher Conferences, please contact Jennifer Goldberg, Director of Academics.

Middle School

Election Week

Next week in the Middle School, the students will be presenting their leadership speeches. How can you help? Encourage your child to practice delivering their speech. The speeches do not need to be memorized, however, being very familiar with the material will help the speech to sound more confident. Speak slowly and keep the speech to 60 seconds long.

Win@Social – Student Slang

In the first week of October, during our morning program,  we will be rolling out our #win@social program. The program aims to help our students “navigate learning and wellbeing in a tech-fueled world”. From time to time, I will share parent resources to support conversations at home. To start, you can explore the program and register for the parent toolkit HERE. Inside, you’ll also find the latest student slang trends—a fun way to spark discussion with your child.”

Senior School

Vietnam March 2026: Virtual Parent Information Session on Monday, September 29

Forum for Change is eager to connect with families interested in the Global Experience in Vietnam. Please see the student information slides linked HERE. We will be hosting a virtual Parent Information Session on Monday, September 29, at 7:00 PM, where you can learn more about the program.

AP Exam Registration Information: Monday, October 6 at 6:30 pm,  Upper School Library.

If your daughter is currently enrolled in either an official AP Course or a course that has been identified as supporting an equivalent AP exam, they have received the following message with information on the opportunity to write an AP exam this year. If you have any questions or would like more information, you are welcome to join us for an in-person information session on Monday, October 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Upper School library. If you are unable to attend this session, the slide deck will be made available the next week in The Weekly. Please reach out to Lam Nguyen with any questions.

University Visits Next Week

Individual University Reps will be visiting Havergal College to speak to Grade 9 to 12 students during the lunch hour and after school. This is a great opportunity to see what the universities offer.

University of Glascow

  • Date: Monday, September 29th
  • Time: 12:15pm – 1 pm 
  • Location: BRH

Queens University 

  • Date: Monday, September 29th
  • Time: 3:30pm – 4:15pm 
  • Location: The Legacy Theatre 

University of Southern California

  • Date: Wednesday, October 1st
  • Time: 3:15pm – 4 pm 
  • Location: EK

Trent University

  • Date: Thursday, October 2nd
  • Time: 12:15pm – 1 pm  
  • Location: B16 

Huron University

  • Date: Friday, October 3rd
  • Time: 12:15pm – 1 pm  
  • Location: B17 

Canadian University Fair: Wednesday, October 8

On Wednesday, October 8th Havergal College will be hosting a Canadian University Fair. This is a great opportunity for students to see what the Canadian Universities have to offer. There will be over 30 universities participating.

  • Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm 
  • Location: BRH

In Morning Programming Next Week

For the Grade 9 elections, students will listen to speeches for over 30 available positions. There are also other opportunities to get involved throughout the year. Grade 10s will focus on social awareness, while Grade 11s will participate in an activity organized by their student reps. Finally, Grade 12s will explore how their Core Strengths affect their behaviour in conflicts.

Boarding

Upcoming Boarding Programming & Events

  • Saturday, October 4: Toronto Argos Football Game
  • Wednesday, October 8: Thanksgiving Community Dinner
  • Friday, October 10: Live Theatre at Meridian Hall – The Thorn 
  • Tuesday, October 14: An Evening with Dr. Samson – Conversations in Boarding
  • Saturday, October 18: Puppy Yoga

Thanksgiving Break

Just a reminder that the Boarding School will remain open for the Thanksgiving Break. All student leave requests should be entered into Reach by Monday, October 6 for approval.

For boarding families who are interested in hosting a boarder over the break, please contact the 

Boarding School for more information.

HCPA

HCPA Coffee Mornings

Please join us for our HCPA coffee mornings in the JS Dining Hall, 8 – 9:30 am:

  • Grades 7, 8, and 9: Monday, October 6 
  • Grades 10, 11 and 12: Wednesday, October 29

Drop in for a quick coffee and chat with other parents in your class and meet new ones.

US Bake Sale

The Upper School Bake sale will be held on Tuesday, November 4. Look out for information on ways to volunteer your time, and your baking skills!

  • Setting up and staffing at the Bake Sale: click here to sign up 

Baking and donating nut-free baked goods: click here to sign up

HCPA Used Textbook intake

Our used textbook intake is Wednesday, October 22 (8 – 11:30 am), Ellen Knox Library. There are two options for used textbooks:

  1. DONATE used textbooks to the HCPA

    With this option, all proceeds from the sale of your books will go towards supporting the HCPA. (A representative from Batner Bookstore will collect the textbooks from Havergal campus and then issue payment to the HCPA after determining which books to buy. Batner will donate declined books to the Salvation Army.)
  2. RETURN used textbooks directly to Batner Bookstore

    Families can choose to return textbooks for payment (debit, credit or store credit) directly to Batner Bookstore (180 Steeles Ave. W., Unit 4).

For both options, please only return textbooks that were used from 2021 to 2025, and that are in reasonable condition, with no watermarks, excessive writing, stains or missing pages—the spine must be intact.

Reminders

October 6th: Havergal Welcomes Jeff Selingo for our Parents as Partners Series!

Join us in welcoming New York Times best-selling author and researcher, Jeff Selingo! He’ll be speaking about his new book, Dream School, which offers a fresh perspective and practical tools for families navigating the competitive university admissions process. Jeff will also be spending the day with our faculty and students.
Click here to register for the Parent Evening event at 7:00pm Monday, October 6th.

ACTION REQUIRED: All Senior School Parents – Please complete this permission form to cover many of our events this year

We’ve partnered with COSSOT (Coalition of Single Sex Schools of Toronto) to offer students a variety of social events, including dances and bowling nights, where they can meet students from other schools.

To streamline the process, we’re asking parents to complete a single AAR (parent permission form) for all COSSOT events. This form gives permission for your child to participate in any of these events throughout the year.

  • For more specific details, please click on this link.

To go directly to the parent permission form (AAR), click on this link.

VC Pay is now available – Pay Your Tuition Fees Automatically!

Havergal is pleased to introduce Automatic Payment for Student Billing through VC Pay-AutoPay. This new service conveniently eliminates the need to pay bills each month manually and helps avoid late payment fees and missed payments. Please click here for more information.

Friday, September 19, 2025

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL (Gr. 7 – 12)

MIDDLE SCHOOL (Gr. 7 – 8)

SENIOR SCHOOL (Gr. 9 – 12)

BOARDING SCHOOL

HCPA

REMINDERS

Next Week In The Upper School

Monday, September 22

  • Happy Rosh Hashanah to those who celebrate!

Tuesday, September 23

  • Prayers: Celebration Day & Community Partnerships

Wednesday, September 24

  • International University Fair, BRH, 6:30 pm

Thursday, September 25

  • Assembly: HC-X Futures & Foresight

Friday, September 2

  • Celebration Day (3:30 pm) and Friday Night Lights (7 pm)

Upper School

Celebration Day & Friday Night Lights: Friday, September 26

A reminder that Friday, September 26, is Celebration Day (3:30pm) and Friday Night Lights (7pm)!

Come and enjoy the bazaar, silent auction, food, House stalls with crafts and games, Haunted House, bouncy castles, arts and crafts and MORE!

Last Weekend to Get Your Tickets and Wristbands Now! 

Skip the line and click here to get your tickets now! Advance ticket sales will end on Sunday, September 21. Getting a pre-order wristband makes everything so easy! However, tickets will still be available for purchase at the event. Bring a debit/credit card!

This is a cashless event so tickets are the only way to get a coveted cookie gram, cotton candy, popcorn or this year’s exciting new addition from our partners at Chartwells: BBQ! Price lists can be found here

Celebration Day Silent Auction

The Celebration Day Silent Auction is live! Sign up in advance and bid now. Thank you to all who have donated items – we have fabulous opportunities for experiences, one of a kind items and HC special passes like reserved seating at events. Bid now, bid often and know the bidding closes at 6:00 pm at the event. 

Please note that Celebration Day is a mandatory event for all students in Grades 5-12.

Friday Night Lights – 7 pm

Join us for Havergal’s first-ever Friday Night Lights HC Gators face the Branksome Highlanders in a soccer game! This spirited evening is geared to Upper School students, but we’re inviting the whole HC community: parents, alumni, past parents, neighbours and friends—to come out in your best green and gold. Enjoy a drink in the Beer Tent, cheer on our athletes, support the Ahead of the Game campaign and show the Highlanders that no one outcheers Havergal in our house!

Want the best (and only) seats for the game? Bid on one of two VIP tables in the 19+ section.

Note: Parking will be extremely limited so plan to walk, TTC, carpool or Uber.

Celebration Day & Friday Night Lights Volunteers 

We’re still looking for Celebration Day volunteers. Show your support and sign up here (be sure to scroll through all the opportunities).

US People & Program Evening

Thank you to those who attended our People & Program evening last night. All curricular slide decks will be available in next week’s Weekly.

October 6th: Havergal Welcomes Jeff Selingo for our Parents as Partners Series!

Havergal is thrilled to welcome New York Times best-selling author and researcher, Jeff Selingo to speak about his new book, Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You. The book draws on more than two years of research and a survey of some 3,000 parents to give families permission to think more broadly about what signals a “good” college and then the tools to discover their dream school. For more than twenty-five years, his in-depth reporting and storytelling have provided practical insight about the future of higher education and the workforce to university leaders, corporate executives, as well as students and parents. 

As the climate of university admissions becomes increasingly more competitive, Jeff’s research and insights will be invaluable to students and families. Jeff will be spending the school day with our faculty and students.

Click here to register for the Parent Evening event at 7:00pm Monday, October 6th.

Middle School

In Form This Week – Student Elections

This week, our Middle School assembly will focus on the leadership positions available in Middle School. No prior experience is needed, and we encourage everyone to nominate themselves for a position. We’re looking for young people who want to develop the skills to become confident leaders. Please talk with your child about these opportunities and encourage them to apply.

2024-25 Middle School Social Events

Each year, Havergal works with its Coalition of Single Sex Schools of Toronto (COSSOT) partner schools to provide a number of social opportunities. This allows them to meet and enjoy time with students from other schools, participating in activities such as bowling nights, dances, and games.

To help you with your planning, below you will find the list of dates for all MS COSSOT events for the school year. We encourage you to chat with your child about which events they’re interested in applying for and mark the date on your calendar. Every Havergal student may attend the Havergal dance; however, there are limited spaces available for all other events.

2025-26 MS COSSOT Event Dates

Senior School

In Morning Programming This Week

This week our grade 9 students will be learning more about the election process and the leadership program at Havergal as well as finishing the Community Agreements for the Class of 2029. Our grade 10 and 11 student reps are working on special activities for their classmates.  Our Grads will be divided into groups to talk about their specific university destination, be it the US, UK or Canada.

International University Fair, Wednesday, September 24, 6:30 pm

On Wednesday, September 24th Havergal College will be hosting an International University Fair. This is a great opportunity for students to see what the International Universities have to offer. There will be over 65 universities from the US/UK and Australia. All are welcome and no registration necessary please drop in anytime after 6:30 pm and join us in the Brenda Robson Hall.

Lunchtime University Visits

Individual University Reps will be visiting Havergal College throughout the school year to speak to Grade 9 to 12 students during the lunch hour. This is an excellent opportunity to see what the universities offer.

Toronto Metropolitan University & Mount Allison University 

  • Date: Tuesday, September 23rd
  • Time: 12:15pm – 1:00pm 
  • Location: B16 

Carleton University, University of Birmingham, University of Exeter and University of Leeds

  • Date: Wednesday, September 24th
  • Time: 11:45am – 12:30pm  
  • Location: B16

Dalhousie University 

  • Date: Thursday, September 25th
  • Time: 12:15pm – 1:00pm  
  • Location: B16

University of King’s College and University of Bristol 

  • Date: Friday, September 26th
  • Time: 12:15pm – 1:00pm  
  • Location: B16

ACTION REQUIRED: All Senior School Parents – Please complete this permission form to cover many of our events this year. 

Each year, Havergal works with its COSSOT (Coalition of Single Sex Schools of Toronto) partner schools to provide a number of social opportunities for our students. This allows them to meet and enjoy time with students from other schools, participating in things like bowling nights, dances, games, artistic performance evenings and meetings to work on collaborative initiatives or share experiences.

In an effort to consolidate the AAR process (parent permission forms are referred to as AARs) for parents, we are asking that all parents who wish to allow their children to participate in any COSSOT events, complete this AAR, which indicates that you agree to allow your child to participate should they sign up. 

To go directly to the parent permission form (AAR), click on this link.

For more specific details, please click on this link.

University Application Session for Boarding Parents

For boarding parents and guardians who were unable to attend the September 9 session, Guidance has shared some helpful Ontario resources to support the application process. The session also provided an overview of applying to universities in the United States and the United Kingdom.

HCPA

HCPA at Celebration Day & Friday Night Lights

The HCPA will run a Pre Loved sale, Marketplace and Concession Stand on Friday September 26! 

  • The Pre Loved Uniform sale will take place in the EK Library between 3:30-6:30pm. Help the environment and your pocket book by shopping for gently used uniforms! All funds raised will go to the Ahead of the Game campaign.
  • The HCPA Marketplace will have a pop up shop on the South Quad. Show your Gator spirit and shop the HCPA Marketplace for all the best HC gear! Staying for Friday Night Lights? Grab some HC Swag like the HC Bracelet or Hat to show your HC support! All funds raised will go to the Ahead of the Game campaign.
  • The HCPA Concession Stand will run on the South Quad between 3:30-6:30pm to help raise money for our Community Partners! For Friday Night Lights, all funds raised from 6:30pm onwards will go to the Ahead of the Game campaign.

Pre Loved Uniform Donations

The Pre Loved Uniform team would like to remind parents of their permanent collection bins across from the Learning Hub at the Junior School and in the alcove by the glass door entrance to the Upper School (across from the Green & Gold shop).  They gratefully accept cleaned skirts, tunics, pants, polo shirts, dress shirts, sweaters, 1/4 zip sweatshirts, jogging pants, and blazers.

Reminders

VC Pay is now available – Pay Your Tuition Fees Automatically!

Havergal is pleased to introduce Automatic Payment for Student Billing through VC Pay-AutoPay. This new service conveniently eliminates the need to pay bills each month manually and helps avoid late payment fees and missed payments. Please click here for more information.

Vietnam March 2026, Virtual Parent Information Session on Monday, September 29

A draft itinerary was shared with students at our information session. It is shared HERE. We will be hosting a virtual Parent Information Session on Monday, September 29, at 7:00 PM, where you can learn more about the program.

HCPA Volunteering Opportunities

Interested in volunteering? Fill out the HCPA Volunteer Opportunities 2025-26 form.

Friday, September 12, 2025

Hello Families,

As we start the new school year, we would like to share some key takeaways from a recent forum on girls learning from the Laurel’s Center for Research on Girls.

SLEEP: Sleep is fundamental to mental and physical health. Encouraging physical activity, setting clear boundaries around technology, and practicing good sleep hygiene can help your daughter get the rest she needs to thrive.

TECHNOLOGY: Technology can be a positive tool when used mindfully. We can help our daughters set healthy limits on screen time and guide them to use technology for good, rather than as a distraction. 

FACING CHALLENGES: A reminder that avoidance fuels anxiety. It’s crucial for our daughters to face challenges head-on rather than avoiding them. Consistent routines, such as those for morning preparations or homework, can help minimize procrastination and build resilience, preparing individuals for future obstacles. 

Never hesitate to reach out to your daughter’s school supports (teachers, guidance counsellor, learning support specialist or head of school) if you want to discuss how any of these takeaways applies specifically to your child.


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

UPPER SCHOOL (Gr. 7 – 12)

MIDDLE SCHOOL (Gr. 7 – 8)

SENIOR SCHOOL (Gr. 9 – 12)

BOARDING

HCPA

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Upper School

Celebration Day & Friday Night Lights

A reminder that Friday, September 26, is Celebration Day and Friday Night Lights! 

Celebration Day (3:30 pm):
Tickets & wristbands are NOW ON SALE. Click here to get your tickets now! Advance ticket sales will end on Sunday, September 21. However, tickets will still be available for purchase at the event.

  • Calling all parents! Volunteers Needed! Want to lend a hand and be part of the fun? We need help both before and during the event with ticket sales, working with the students at stations, helping with the BBQ and more.  This is a great way to meet other parents and support our community partners. Sign up here.
  • Celebration Day Bazaar We’re excited for our Celebration Day Bazaar! It’s a fantastic opportunity to support our Community Partners, with all proceeds going directly to them. Want an early sneak peek before the official 3:30pm event starts? Parents and Old Girls/Alumni are warmly invited to drop by from 2:00pm onwards.

Friday Night Lights (7 pm):
Join us for Havergal’s first-ever Friday Night Lights HC Gators face the Branksome Highlanders in a soccer game!

  • Want the best (and only!) seats in the house? Bid on one of two VIP tables (19+ section, seats 6). Opening bid: $500/table. Click here to bid now!

Grade 8-12: People & Program Evening: Thursday, September 18, 6 pm

Our US People & Program Evening provides you with an opportunity to meet your child’s teachers and hear an overview of the curriculum for each course. Grade 12 families will also have the opportunity to sit in on a presentation from our university counselling team. You will receive an email with your personalized schedule just prior to this event and the agenda for the evening is linked here.

Drop Off Reminder

Thank you for using the main driveway to drop off your daughters in the morning. Though there is a driveway south of the main entrance, it is for employee use only.

VC Pay is now available – Pay Your Tuition Fees Automatically!

Havergal is pleased to introduce Automatic Payment for Student Billing through VC Pay-AutoPay. This new service conveniently eliminates the need to pay bills each month manually and helps avoid late payment fees and missed payments.

VC Pay is an automatic payment system integrated with Stripe, where parents register their payment information and authorize the college to automatically withdraw payment for Tuition and/or school fees on a set schedule.
Please click here for more information.

Middle School

Grade 7 Immunization Clinic

On Friday, September 19, Toronto Public Health will be on site to administer vaccinations for Grade 7 students who have already been registered to receive their dose. These nurses are skilled and compassionate health care workers, and we are grateful to parents for preparing their children for this critical step for their health.

In Form this week

Our students are off to a strong start, with each grade level focusing on key development areas. On Monday, our grade 7s and 8s will be finalizing the community agreements they’ve been building together, capturing the values and expectations that will guide them throughout the year. These agreements will soon be displayed in their classrooms as a shared reminder of the actions they will take to uphold their commitments. On Wednesday, the focus will shift to organizational skills, as students learn strategies for effectively using an agenda, Google Calendar, and Google folders to support their learning.

Senior School

International University Fair:  Wednesday, September 24, 6:30 – 8:30 pm, BRH

On Wednesday, September 24th Havergal College will be hosting an International University Fair. This is a great opportunity for students to see what the International Universities have to offer. There will be over 65 universities from the US/UK and Australia. All are welcome and no registration necessary please drop in anytime after 6:30 pm and join us in the  Brenda Robson Hall.

Upcoming University Visits

Individual University Reps will be visiting Havergal College throughout the school year to speak to Grade 9 to 12 students during the lunch hour. This is an excellent opportunity to see what the universities offer.

Toronto Metropolitan University

  • Date: Tuesday, September 23rd
  • Time: 12:15pm – 1:00pm
  • Location: B16

Carleton University, University of Birmingham UK and University of Leeds UK 

  • Date: Wednesday, September 24th
  • Time: 11:45am – 12:30pm
  • Location: B16

Dalhousie University 

  • Date: Thursday, September 25th 
  • Time: 12:15pm – 1:00pm
  • Location: B16

University of King’s College – Halifax and University of Bristol UK

  • Date: Friday, September 26th
  • Time: 12:15pm – 1:00pm
  • Location: B16

Vietnam March 2026

We are excited to offer grade 9-12 students an incredible March Break experience in Vietnam! This immersive trip will allow students to explore Vietnam’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes while engaging with local communities in meaningful ways. A draft itinerary was shared with students at our information session. It is shared HERE. We will be hosting a virtual Parent Information Session on Monday, September 29, at 7:00 PM, where you can learn more about the program, the itinerary, safety protocols, and how students will grow as global citizens through this experience.

In Morning Programming This Week

Our students are off to a productive start, with each grade level focusing on key development areas. On Monday, our grade 9s are finalizing the community agreements they began at camp, which will soon be displayed in their hallway. Meanwhile, grade 10 students are participating in a series of team-building exercises, and our grade 11s are kicking off their first leadership session of the year. Finally, our Grads are continuing to work on their university applications, building on the progress they made earlier this week at camp.

On Wednesday, all Senior School students will be participating in their House Meeting and getting ready for Celebration Day. At this event, each House hosts a stall for other students and younger members of our community. Options include a Haunted House, Shrinky Dinks, Paint-A-Pot, Bracelet making, Cookie-grams and more!

Boarding

Boarding Programming & Events

We are excited to share the upcoming boarding programming and events for September. These activities have been thoughtfully planned to help students feel connected, supported, and engaged—both within our community and beyond campus. Students sign up for activities using our Reach Management System. 

Upcoming Events

  • Saturday, September 13: Toronto Adventure Bus Tour
  • Tuesday, September 17: Boarding Advisory Time
  • Saturday, September 20: Create & Connect – Pottery & Painting Class
  • Wednesday, September 24: “Chip & Chat” with the Student Support team: Living Together – Respect, Conflict & Community
  • Thursday, September 25: Former Boarder & Class of 2026 Dinner

HCPA

HCPA Volunteering Opportunities

Interested in volunteering? Fill out the HCPA Volunteer Opportunities 2025-26 form.

Preloved Uniform Sale

Our next Pre-loved Uniform sale will take place on Celebration Day on Friday, September 26. Help the environment and your pocketbook by shopping for gently used uniforms from 3:30 – 6:30 pm in the Ellen Knox Library.

Next Week In The Upper School

Tuesday Sept 16

  • Prayers – High Holidays
  • MS Gator Games, 5pm

Thursday Sept 18

  • Prayers – Special Speaker – Tanya Taylor (‘03), Fashion Designer and sponsor of the Tanya Taylor Fashion Lab course
  • Grade 8-12: People and Program Evening, 6 pm 

Friday Sept 19

  • Grade 7 Immunization Clinic

Friday, September 5, 2025

It’s been a lovely week of new faces, new classes, and restarting routines. There is excitement in the air for the year ahead, and it’s clear that the first week of school has set the stage.

Take a look below for a list of the articles you will find in this week’s edition of ‘The Weekly’.

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

UPPER SCHOOL (Gr. 7 – 12)

MIDDLE SCHOOL (Gr. 7 – 8)

SENIOR SCHOOL (Gr. 9 – 12)

HCPA

REMINDERS

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Upper School

Grade 8-12: People & Program Evening: Thursday, September 18, 6 pm

Our US People & Program Evening provides you with an opportunity to meet your child’s teachers and hear an overview of the curriculum for each course. Grade 12 families will also have the opportunity to sit in on a presentation from our university counselling team. You will receive an email with your personalized schedule just prior to this event and the agenda for the evening is linked here.

Drop-Off Instructions

To make your morning drop-off smooth for everyone, please remember to:

  • Drive to the end of the driveway. Traffic gets backed up when cars don’t pull all the way forward.
  • Drop off on the right. Please only drop students off along the curb closest to the Upper School front steps.
  • Be ready to go. Have your student and their belongings ready to exit the car promptly.
  • Keep traffic moving. Please don’t park at the curb after drop-off, as this causes significant congestion.
  • Follow directions. Our Security team is there to help, so please make eye contact and follow their signals.
  • Keep the crosswalk clear. Let pedestrians cross safely.
  • Use your turn signal. Signal your intentions to other drivers and our Security team.

Your cooperation ensures a safe and efficient process for our entire school community.

Reporting Student Attendance Reminders

  • It is important to communicate your child’s absences with the school.
  • Reporting attendance is done directly on the Parent Portal. 
  • We recommend you bookmark this link.

Celebration Day & Friday Night Lights

A reminder that Friday, September 26, is Celebration Day (3:30pm) and Friday Night Lights (7pm)!

Mark your calendars, as details and tickets will follow. All students are expected to stay for Celebration Day until 6:15 pm. If your daughter is unable to attend the event please email the appropriate Head of Middle School or Senior School. 

Tickets & wristbands are now on sale.
Click here to get your tickets now! Advance ticket sales will end on Friday, September 19. However, tickets will still be available for purchase at the event.

Calling all parents! Volunteers Needed!
Want to lend a hand and be part of the fun? We need help both before and during the event with ticket sales, working with the students at stations, helping with the BBQ and more.  This is a great way to meet other parents and support our community partners. Sign up here.

Celebration Day Bazaar!
We are reaching out to Old Girls/Alum, parents, past parents, students and staff/faculty with an opportunity to participate in this year’s Bazaar or contribute an experience or prize to our Silent Auction here, it’s a great way to support our Community Partners as all proceeds will go directly to them. There are still a few vendor spots left at the Celebration Day Bazaar. Please email Martha Fell (martha@jaxxandmarbles.com).

2025-2026 Athletics Schedule

The athletic schedule for 2025-2026 is now posted: Us Athletics Schedule 2025-2026

Please bookmark this document as it is always the most up to date sports schedule.

Arts Co-Curriculars Registration Due Sunday, September 7

Sign up for this year’s co-curricular arts ensembles by the end of this weekend!
Co-curriculars such as:

  • Senior School (SS) Play Cast
  • SS Play Crew
  • Crescent Play
  • Senior Choir
  • Chamber Choir
  • Senior Orchestra
  • Concert Winds
  • Symphonic Band
  • Dance Troupe. 

Registration can be found via the “Arts Co-curriculars” button in the US Parent Portal.

Middle School

Grade 7 Camp – Monday, September 8, 6:45 am 

What to know for Monday, September 8:

  • Drop-off: 6:45 a.m. at the Upper School.
  • Return: We’re scheduled to be back at the school at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10. We’ll send an update when we are closer to arriving.
  • Medication: Please give any prescription medication to the school nurse in its original, pharmacy-labeled container.
  • Phones: A reminder that phones are not permitted at camp.

We’re looking forward to a great time!

Middle School Gator Games: Details and Registration

MS Gator Games is an active and fun event for parents and their children. It is all about connection—bonding with your child, meeting other families, and enjoying playful activities together. The games are designed to be easy, inclusive, and non-competitive so everyone can join in.

Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Timing: 5:45 – 7:30 pm (Games 5:45-6:50 pm, Finger food/awards 6:50-7:30 pm)
Location: Enter through the Athletic Wing Doors
Dress: Active wear
Activities: Benchball, Scavenger Hunt – Full School, Ultimate Chicken (like ultimate frisbee but with a rubber chicken), Disc Golf, Beach Ball Volleyball, Pickleball. *Some events are weather dependent*

REGISTER HERE: https://forms.gle/3ThBXDPktvrk8WJF8
If you have any questions, please email Ms. DiFilippo

Unable to make Grade 7 People & Program Afternoon?

Form and Curriculum Slide decks available here.

Senior School

Try-It Row Information

  • The ‘Try-It Row’ program is for any student in Grades 9-12 who is interested in trying out for the rowing team. The program consists of two 2-hour sessions designed to give students a taste of what it is like to be a rower at Havergal.
  • The first session is on Sunday. On September 21, at Havergal College from 10:30 – 1:00 pm, students will have the opportunity to try the poolside rowers and participate in a session on an erg (rowing machine). The second session is Sunday, September 28 at Hanlan Boat Club from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. During this session, students will visit the Havergal boathouse, view our fleet of boats, and (if weather and time permit) sit in a boat on the water.
  • If interested, sign up via Fall Athletics Registration: CLICK HERE 

In Morning Programming Next Week

Students will be taking part in grade programming on Monday mornings this year. This programming is designed to incorporate academic strategies and social emotions topics throughout the year. It is also a time for the students to spend time as a grade. On Wednesday, when the 9s and 12s are away at camp we will have a competition between the grade 10s and grade 11s.

Grade 9 & 12 Camp

Drop-off: 
Grade 12: drop off – 6:45 a.m. at the Upper School (dept 7:00 a.m.)
Grade 9: drop off – 7:00 a.m. at the Junior School (dept 7:30 a.m.)

Return: Both groups will return between 2 and 3 p.m. at their departure location

Phones: 
Grade 9 – Phones allowed on the bus; will be stored for students until the bus ride home
Grade 12 – Students will have phones off and away during programming time at camp.

If your child takes prescription medication, we are anticipating that they will handle their own prescription medication administration.  If your child would like assistance with medication administration or reminders about taking medication, please contact Ms. Timusk (Grade 9 Camp) or Ms. Miki (Grade 12 Camp).

University Information Session: Ivy+

On September 9 and September 23, Ivy+ institutions will be hosting  virtual sessions for students and families. Topics will include academic programs, campus activities, student life, admissions policies and financial aid.    

The institutions include Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Princeton University, Stanford University, University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University.

This will be a great opportunity to learn more about US Universities.

Please register below:

Grad Rings & Grad Hoodies

Grad rings will be distributed on Tuesday, September 16. If your daughter is absent, she will be able to pick up her ring from the Green & Gold shop. 

If your daughter was absent on Friday, September 5 for the Grad Hood distribution, she can find her hoodie in Ms. Timusk’s office. 

Does your Grad need another hoodie?If you wish to purchase another hoodie for your Grad, please complete this form by Thursday, September 18.

HCPA

HCPA Grade Coffee Mornings

Please look out for the HCPA coffee morning invites coming soon. This is a great opportunity to drop in for a quick coffee and chat with other parents in your grade.

HCPA General Meeting

The next HCPA General Meeting is Wednesday, September 10, 8:45 – 10:45 am in the Junior School Dining Room. 

Reminders

Sign up for Athletic & Arts Co-Curriculars this week!

Co-Curricular Athletic registration for the fall term closes Sunday, September 7, 2025 at 4 pm.

CLICK HERE to register for fall tryouts.

Tryouts are Sept. 8 – 19, 2025. Consult the schedule for specific tryout dates/times. There is no follow-up email after registration which lists specific tryout dates or times for your child. Athletes are expected to look at the sports schedule and show up to their first tryout or email coaches if they will be absent.

HC-X Digital Microcredentials: Fall Registration Deadline Extended

There is still time to register your Grade 9-12 student for the PreMedical Studies A: Organic Chemistry and Biology microcredential, in partnership with Harvard Student Agencies. It begins on campus on Monday, September 8th from 4:00-6:00pm.  Registration for Architecture (Oct-May), Contemporary Finance (Oct-May), Artificial Intelligence (Jan 2026) and Future Lawyers (Jan 2026) is also ongoing.
Please see the HC-X Digital Microcredentials site for program information and registration, or contact Adam Caplan, Director of HC-X.

Global Experiences: March 2026 – Vietnam!  

During March Break of 2026, we are excited to offer students the opportunity to take part in a Global Experience trip to Vietnam. More information will be shared with students in the coming weeks about registration. For now please click HERE for more information. If you are interested in learning more please contact Fatima Kaba or Courtney Pickering in the Forum for Change.

Next Week In The Upper School

Monday September 8

  • Grade 7 bus departs from Upper School at 7 am (Drop-Off at 6:45 am)

Wednesday September 10

  • Grade 9 bus departs from Junior School  – drop off at 7 am  (dept 7:30 am)
  • Grade 12 bus departs from Upper School – drop off at 6:45 am (dept 7:00 am)
  • Grade 7 bus arrives back to Upper School at 1 pm (Students Dismissed at this time)

Friday September 12

  • Grade 9 & 12 buses return between 2 and 3 pm 

Thursday, August 28, 2025

A Message from the Heads: Nicole Folkes, Cissy Goodridge, Krista Koekkoek, and Deirdre Timusk

Dear Upper School Families,

I hope this message finds you well and that you and your daughters have had a restful summer. It’s an honour to begin this school year as the new Head of the Upper School at Havergal, and I am so looking forward to the year ahead.

My role is to oversee the Upper School’s daily operations and to support our incredible administrative and faculty team. More importantly, with Cissy Goodridge (Head of MS), Deirdre Timusk (Head of SS) and Nicole Folkes (Head of Boarding), we’re here to cultivate a school culture where every student feels a strong sense of belonging. We are committed to ensuring that your daughters feel known, valued, cared for and have access to the resources they need to thrive.

I believe that our partnership is essential to your daughter’s success, and I’m eager to get to know you and your family. Together, we can make this a truly wonderful and memorable year for our students.

The ‘Weekly’, this newsletter, will come to your inbox every Friday. It is a key communication tool to know what is going on to contribute to that partnership. Wishing you all the best for a smooth start to the school year!

Warmly,
Krista

Celebration Saturday & Friday Night Lights: Friday, September 26

Mark your calendars for Friday, September 26 — you’re invited to two exciting HC community events!

Join us for Celebration Day from 3:30 to 6:30 pm, where our whole community will come together in support of our cherished community partners. Experience our school’s vision and mission in action through House-run games, fun activities, a lively Bazaar, BBQ and Silent Auction.

Interested in contributing to the Bazaar or donating to the Silent Auction? Click here to learn how you can get involved.

Tickets & wristbands will go on sale in mid-September, so be sure to check back here for the purchase link!

Friday Night Lights takes place directly after Celebration Day.  Kicking off at 7 pm, this special event will feature a competitive soccer match against Branksome Hall, and is open to all US students, parents, past parents, Old Girls/Alums and community members. Join us to cheer on the Gators, have a bite to eat and enjoy a beer in the 19+ Beer Tent. All proceeds will go toward Havergal’s Ahead of the Game campaign. Junior School students are also welcome to come with their parents. We hope you can come out and show your support!

Fall Athletics and Arts Co-Curricular Programming

Registration for Fall Athletics and Arts Co-curricular programming is open and will CLOSE Sunday, September 7th at 4 pm. Please click here to begin registration. If you need help, or a reminder, please watch this video that will walk you through the process.

Please note that students may attend tryouts/practices only if permission has been given during this registration period via Veracross. 

For Athletics:

  • Students may register to try out for TWO teams only (this does not include Coach Mentor, Yoga, Tennis Training or Try-It Rowing) – please consult with your child/children to confirm the two teams that they would like to try out for before you complete the online registration.
  • Fall Tryout Schedule – The tryout schedule is linked here and can be found on Veracross. The season schedule will be finalized on Sept.11. When you click on the link below, make sure you are looking at the first tab – “FALL 2025.” 
  • HAVERGAL TRACK JACKET or ¼ ZIP SWEATER: All students on a Havergal team must wear either the Nike track jacket or the Havergal ¼ zip to all games. Athletic clothing will be given out during uniform distribution days. Please write your child’s name on the clothing item as many students will have the same apparel. If your child participated in a fall sport, they likely already have one of these items. 

For Clubs:

  • Registration for clubs (community and competitive) will begin on September 25.

If you are having trouble with the registration process or have additional questions, please email Director of Athletics, Carla Di Filippo or the Director of Arts, Matthew Varey or watch the video!

Need Help When Submitting Attendance or Registering for Co-curriculars?

We are happy to walk you through our Parent Portal! Together with the Directors of Arts & Athletics, we have put together this short video that will take you through the registration process for tryouts and how to submit attendance.

A Reminder To Submit Your Child’s Health Information 

Please complete your child’s Vital Health Record in the Magnus Health Portal to ensure the following information is accurate and updated: health history and conditions, allergies, history of concussions, dietary restrictions and administration of medications from Health Centre nurses. Parents are responsible for updating the school on any changes in your child’s health status throughout the year by updating information in the Magnus Health Portal. 


In accordance with Havergal College’s Conditions of Enrolment, parents are required to ensure that their child’s immunization record is up to date and has been submitted to Toronto Public Health (TPH) via the Toronto Public Health Immunization Connect webpage. Immunization records are not kept by Havergal; parents are able to access these records through Toronto Public Health. The Health Centre will assist Boarding students in updating their immunizations.

Student Support 

Navigating adolescence can be challenging. At Havergal, we believe that the proactive and relational support of all students contributes to their overall wellbeing and ability to thrive in all areas of their lives. Students have access to a wide range of support to help them explore their future pathways, their social-emotional development, and their learning skills. 

A full description of Havergal’s student support can be found in the Family Handbook.

The student support team is comprised of:

RoleSupport Available
Form Teacher (for MS) &
Teacher Advisors (TA) (for SS)
See your child daily, and can support with day-to-day questions and weekly preparations. First point of contact for questions regarding your child’s experience at Havergal.
Guidance Counsellors
Guidance can support students with course selection, timetable updates, pathway planning (university, career), and social-emotional concerns (relationships, conflict, identity, grief, etc.) Guidance Counsellors and information on course change requests is linked here.
Learning Support SpecialistsSupport students with an Individual Education Plan.Grades 7-9 Learning Support Specialists are also their Guidance Counsellors (see above link).Grades 10-12 Learning Support Specialist: Jasmine Luk.
Social WorkersHavergal has a registered Social Worker available to students for short-term therapeutic counselling who can assist with referral to external community supports.School Social Worker: Caitlin Parsons.
Health CentreThe Health Centre is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and is proactive and responsive to all aspects of student health.Manager of the Health Centre & Lead Nurse: Kayla Kanner.
ChaplainThe Chaplain is available to students, staff and parents to support any pastoral needs that may arise. Chaplain: Rev. Jillian Ruch.

Global Experiences: March 2026 – Vietnam!  

During March Break of 2026, we are excited to offer students the opportunity to take part in a Global Experience trip to Vietnam. This journey will invite students to explore Vietnam’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, while deepening their understanding of global citizenship. Through immersive experiences, hands-on learning, and meaningful connections, students will gain new perspectives of the world around and themselves.

More information will be shared with students in the coming weeks about registration. For now please click HERE for more information. If you are interested in learning more please contact Fatima Kaba or Courtney Pickering in the Forum for Change.

Save the Date for Carol Service: Wednesday, December 10, 7 pm

Please save the date for the annual Carol Service!

This signature community event is a wonderful evening to share with your family. All Upper School students are expected to attend, so please mark this evening on your calendars and avoid scheduling other commitments. You can get a feel for the beautiful music we’ll enjoy by watching this video

Coming Soon – Automatic Payment for Student Billing

Havergal is pleased to introduce Automatic Payment for Student Billing through VC Pay-AutoPay. This new service conveniently eliminates the need to pay bills each month manually and helps avoid late payment fees and missed payments.  VC Pay is an automatic payment system integrated with Stripe, where parents register their payment information and authorize the college to automatically withdraw payment for Tuition and/or school fees on a set schedule.  Please click here for more information.

Community Involvement Hours Update

We are excited to share that we have moved to a digital process for submitting Community Involvement Hours. 

Students will now be required to complete a new digital Community Involvement Form, which must be uploaded directly to Veracross for submission. This transition will ensure more efficient and accurate tracking of student hours. 

Instructions on how to submit hours can be found in the following locations: 

  • Student Portal: On the home page under the green button labelled “Community Involvement” 
  • Parent Portal: Navigate to “Upper School” > “Student Life” > “Community Involvement” 

If you have any questions please reach out to Brittney Dos Santos.

Middle School

Digital Device Reminders

As we begin the school year with our new digital device policy, please review the following diagram with your child before they arrive to school on Tuesday or Wednesday:

Grade 7 Camp Information

Students will depart from the Senior School as per the schedule below. You will receive an email once the buses have arrived at camp and again when we have departed the camp, with their anticipated arrival time at Havergal. 

Grade 7 parents: If you have not done so already, please complete and submit this waiver for Campfire Circle Camp. 

 Please find a packing list here. If you have any questions, please reach out to Cissy Goodridge 

Please remember to update Magnus with your child’s health information. If a student has not done so by Sept 3, they will be taken off the roster to attend the camp. 

Save the date: Middle School Gator Games, Tuesday, September 16, 5:30 – 7:30 pm

Sport prefects, Emma and Izzy, Sports Council members, Ms. Di Filippo and Ms. Goodridge are thrilled to host you at the 2025 Middle School Gator Games. Join us for a fun-filled parent–child event where you and your child can team up to compete in a variety of games. The evening concludes with a BBQ and plenty of opportunities to connect with other families in your child’s grade. Be sure to save the date, we can’t wait to see you there!

Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 5:30-7:30pm

More information including registration details will be in next week’s The Weekly.

Senior School

Grade 9 and 12: Fall Camp Information – Wednesday, September 10 to Friday, September 12

We are so excited to take our students away to camp this fall once again! Students will depart from both the Junior School and the Upper School as per the schedule below.  

Please find a packing list here.  If you have any questions please reach out to Deirdre Timusk.

Grade 12 parents: If you have not done so already please complete and submit this waiver for Campfire Circle Camp. 

GradeDepartureReturn
9Wednesday, September 10
at 7:30 am – Junior School 
(drop off 7:00 am)
Friday, September 12
at Junior School
Approximately 2:30 pm
12Wednesday, September 10
at 7:00 am – Upper School
(drop off at 6:45)
Friday, September 12
at Upper School
Approximately 3:00 pm

Please remember to update Magnus with your child’s health information. If a student has not done so by Sept 3, they will be taken off the roster to attend the camp. 

Digital Device Use for Senior School Students

As we begin the school year, please review the following diagram with your daughter before she arrives at school next week. 

Allowed in dining areas during lunch?Allowed in other areas of school during lunch?Allowed in class? Allowed during spares anywhere in school 
SmartwatchNotifications OFFNotifications OFFNotifications OFFNotifications OFF
SmartphoneNot permitted Not permitted Not permittedNot permitted 
Tablet/LaptopNot permittedYESYES — notifications OFF YES 

HC-X Digital Microcredentials: Fall Registration Deadline Extended

There is still time to register your Grade 9-12 student for the PreMedical Studies A: Organic Chemistry and Biology microcredential, in partnership with Harvard Student Agencies. It begins on campus on Monday, September 8th from 4:00-6:00pm. Remaining seats will be available until Thursday, September 4 at 4pm. 

Registration for Architecture (Oct-May), Contemporary Finance (Oct-May), Artificial Intelligence (Jan 2026) and Future Lawyers (Jan 2026) is also ongoing.

Unfortunately, the fall sessions of Entrepreneurship & Design Thinking and Future Lawyers (Fall 2025) have been cancelled due to low enrollment. 

Please see the HC-X Digital Microcredentials site for program information and registration, or contact Adam Caplan, Director of HC-X. 

Reminders

Detailed Opening Week Schedule

The details of the opening week schedule may be found below. During Opening Day, students will spend time getting to know their Teacher Advisor, their school leaders and each other. They will also have their school photos taken, learn about our community expectations and attend important grade-level meetings. Please click on the relevant link below to learn more about the schedule for that day. 

Save the Date! Grade 8-12: People & Program Evening, Thursday, September 18, 6 pm

Our US People & Program Evening provides you with an opportunity to meet your child’s teachers and hear an overview of the curriculum for each course. The event will be held in person. Full details may be found in the link above. You will receive an email with your personalized schedule just prior to this event.

Next Week In The Upper School

Tue Sept 2            New-to-the-Upper School Student Orientation Day
Grade 7 People and Program 2pm – 4:30

Wed Sept 3          Opening Day – all students
Pizza lunch for Middle School students included (MS)
                           BBQ lunch for Senior School students included (SS)

Thu Sept 4            8:30 am Classes begin – Day 1                     

Fri Sept 5             Grad Family Breakfast 7:30 am – 9:00 am
                            9:30 am Classes begin – Day 2 (late start on Fridays)