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Return to Campus – Tuesday, February 16, 2021

The Ontario government announced that schools in Toronto will be permitted to reopen for in-person learning beginning on Tuesday, February 16. Given this news, Havergal’s campus will reopen, as planned and previously announced, on Tuesday, February 16. The government announcement can be viewed here. 

We are pleased to welcome our students back to the College for in-person learning. Returning to campus will allow them to gain a deeper level of engagement between their teachers and peers, helping to foster stronger connections and support cognitive, social and emotional learning and development.
As before, we have numerous safety measures in place to help minimize the infection and spread of COVID-19 on campus, which meet or exceed the requirements of both the Ontario Ministry of Health, Ontario Ministry of Education and Toronto Public Health. Havergal has made extensive efforts to ensure a high level of safety for our community. Some of our key safety measures include the investment in bipolar ionization technology and air purification devices, physical distancing, hand sanitizing and our updated masking protocol. Our health and safety protocols have been updated in the Return to Campus Parent & Student Handbook.

Screening Update – Action Required February 10 & 11

All parents must complete the daily online screening prior to students arriving on campus each day. Proof that the screening has been completed will be checked upon arrival at the College. We ask that parents complete screening on February 10 and 11 next week so we can stay informed of any pertinent COVID-19 related health concerns or travel prior to returning to on-campus learning. Parents will be asked to confirm they have read the updated parent agreement when screening is completed on February 10 and 11.

Mask Update – Action Required Grades 4-12

In light of the emerging COVID-19 variants, we ask that all students in Grades 4 to 12 wear a medical mask (non-cloth) at all times indoors during the school day. All students must now wear masks while outdoors. A supply of masks will be available in the Junior and Upper Schools for students who may be without one. Students should change their mask when soiled or wet; this means students may need to bring two to three masks to school per day. 

Travel Requirements – Out of Province Travel

While the provincial lockdown order is in place, the Ontario government is recommending that individuals who travel domestically outside of the province self-isolate for 14 days upon their return to Ontario. Havergal College will be following this recommendation and students will be asked to learn from home until their 14-day quarantine period is complete. Questions related to inter-provincial travel and international travel will be part of the daily screening.

Arriving and Departing From School

Students must refrain from congregating as they arrive and depart from school. Parents are encouraged to remain in their cars, not to linger or gather outside the school. A reminder that we continue to ask parents to be masked on campus. 

While we have been permitted to re-open for in-person learning, the province encourages us to limit our contacts. We ask that families continue to follow all general public health guidelines and avoid congregation and socialization outside their own households. 

Remote Learning

We understand that some families may opt to continue with remote learning at this time. If you wish your child to continue as a remote learner for longer than 14 days, please register for remote learning here. If your daughter is currently registered as a Remote Learner, but is returning to campus on February 16th, please email Maggie Houston-White at mhw@havergal.on.ca.

Toronto Public Health and COVID Testing

The Ontario Government announcement referenced the availability of targeted asymptomatic testing and rapid tests for students. These tests are to be distributed through local public health units. We will continue to engage with Toronto Public Health about access to these tests. Based on the availability of rapid-testing technology and current Ontario COVID-19 testing eligibility, we will not be offering widespread testing to our general community at present.

Food Services Update

Since we first started adapting to COVID-19 last September we let safety and care for our community be the driving force behind our departmental decision-making.  After having to temporarily suspend operations in order to support the public health response, we are excited to announce the Food Service department is preparing to reopen once again. 

With this in mind, we would like to provide you with a few updates: 

• Dates of operation – Food Services will officially reopen to all students, staff and faculty beginning on Tuesday, February 16. 
• Ordering through CaterTrax – We are delighted to share our new menu updates with you!  CaterTrax will reopen again on Monday, February 8, at which time new lunch orders may be placed up to one month in advance.  
• Order deadline – The deadline to place lunch orders has been shortened to 48 hours, allowing you to order lunch two business days in advance. If you are placing an order for lunch on Tuesday, February 16, your order must be submitted by Thursday, February 11.
• Order cancellation – Any orders placed for delivery during the month of January have now been cancelled. You will not be billed for this. 

While it was difficult to press pause, we are grateful to have been given the time to carefully prepare a reopening plan that keeps all those connected to our department – customers and team members alike – safe. We are very much looking forward to seeing you again soon. 

Semester 1 Report Cards

Semester 1 Reports Cards will be available on Monday, February 8 at 4 pm through Veracross. Please follow the instructions linked here to access your child’s report. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to the teacher directly.

Parent-Teacher Interviews – Change of Date to Friday, March 5

Please note that the Semester 2 Parent-Teacher Interviews will be on Friday, March 5, which was previously designated as a Professional Development Day for the Upper School. Therefore, March 26th will be a regular school day (Day 2). We have made this change to maximize on-campus learning and have chosen to use a day already designated for Professional Learning.

Updates from Guidance

• Grade 12 University Marks

Grade 12 marks are being sent to OUAC Monday, February 8, 2021.

• Grade 8-11 Course Selection – due today, Friday, February 5th at 4pm 

For students in Grades 8-11, course selections for the 2021-2022 school year are due today through Veracross. If your child requires assistance, please have them contact their Guidance Counsellor. You can view your child’s choices in the parent portal under the ‘Links’ tab, then ‘Course Requests’. Parents do not need to sign off on their child’s course selections. An email reminder was sent to your child on Thursday, February 4. Please note that Grade 7 students do not need to complete course selections.

• Grade 9 & 10 Students – Preparing for Post Secondary Programs in the United States

Heather Johnstone, Head of Guidance, delivered a presentation to Grade 9 & 10 students during their Wellbeing Program about applying to the United States for post-secondary programs. The presentation is posted to the Grade 9 & 10 Guidance Veracross page and can be viewed here.

People & Program Evening Follow-up

Thank you for joining us at the Semester 2 People & Program evening last night. If you were unable to attend any of the sessions, please visit the course Veracross pages to see the recordings. You can view the welcome session through this link.

Student Leadership & Wellbeing Presentations

On Wednesday, February 3rd, the Grade Reps had presentations on Student Leadership and Student Wellbeing During the Pandemic. Recordings of the sessions can be found below. As a reminder, parents are welcome to attend the Grade Rep Meetings held periodically throughout the year. Your invitation to attend can be found in the Grade Rep emails.  

• Student Leadership, presented by JJ Patterson, Head of Middle School and Jenn Ryan, Coordinator of Student Leadership
• Supporting Student Wellbeing During the Pandemic, presented by Caitlin Parsons, School Social Worker

Grade 5-8 Parent Webinar with Phyllis Fagell – Tuesday, March 2, 2021, 6:30-7:30 pm

Save The Date – Phyllis Fagell presented to parents in the spring of 2020 and we are fortunate to have her join us again in March. She will focus on presenting strategies from her book Middle School Matters: The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond — and How Parents Can Help in addition to addressing the challenges of parenting during the pandemic. Phyllis is the school counsellor at Sheridan School in Washington, DC, a therapist who works with kids and families in private practice, and an author and journalist. She’s a frequent contributor to the Washington Post and writes for Psychology Today, Working Mother, U.S. News & World Report and Your Teen. Her ideas have been shared in outlets including The New York Times, The Atlantic, The New Yorker and NPR.

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Ongoing Student Support During Remote Learning

As we continue with remote learning, please be reminded that your child’s Form Teacher/Cohort Advisor, subject teachers and Guidance Counsellors are available to continue to support them. If needed, please encourage your child to reach out via email to the appropriate adult. Additionally, you are always welcome to reach out to those adults if you have any questions or concerns that you feel should be brought to the attention of the school. 

Semester 2 Timetables

Semester 2 begins on February 2 and while we are remote, we will be following the schedule that is below: 

Students will be able to see their class schedule on Veracross on Monday, February 1st.  This will include their Form/Cohort group for Semester 2. Students will be in classes no larger than 20. For most students in Grades 9-12, and all students in Grades 7-8, their Form/Cohort is composed of students in one of their classes. 

When students return to campus, they will find that the school has been zoned by grade to reduce grade cross-over as much as possible.  Maps showing the grade zones will be posted on the Guidance webpages on February 1st.

People & Program Night – Thursday, February 4, 2021

The Semester 2 People and Program Evening is your opportunity to meet your child’s Form/Cohort Advisor, Grade Lead/Guidance Counselor, and Teachers on February 4, 2021 at 6:30 PM.  Below is the agenda for the evening.  The Zoom links you need will be sent to you via email on Tuesday, February 2.

The Havergal College IT Service Desk Team is here for you!

As you and your child use digital tools in the course of their schoolwork, you may encounter difficulties and require assistance. The first step is for you or your child to notify their teacher, who may be able to provide support for websites or applications that are specific to that course/class/grade. It is important for them to be aware when their students are experiencing technical difficulties.

If their teacher is unable to resolve your issue or if the problem is with a laptop or tablet issued by the school to your child, your next step is to contact the Havergal College IT Service Desk Team. They are available to help with systems and equipment provided by the school.
The IT Service Desk Team is available Monday to Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm, and can be reached by email at servicedesk@havergal.on.ca or by calling 416-483-3843 x6663.

Grade 7 Math Contest Achievement

Amazing performances! Our Grade 7 students’ most recent Caribou math contest scores were very impressive. In particular, we want to congratulate our top two students: Sophie Zhang and Alice Song who TIED for 1^st.

Sophie and Alice not only tied for 1^st in our school and region but were in fact tied for:

• 1^st in Ontario
• 1^st in Canada
• 1^st worldwide

This particular contest was written by over 7600 students worldwide. Congratulations!

Reminders

Toronto Public Health – Grade 7 Immunization Program Suspended

Over the past week, we have received some inquiries from Grade 7 parents about the Toronto Public Health (TPH) Grade 7 Immunization program and we thought it best to send a reminder to parents on this topic. In previous years, Havergal has provided the location for Toronto Public Health to run their Grade 7 Immunization Program whereby our Grade 7 students could receive their immunizations during the school day for HPV, Hep B, and Meningococcal. In the October 9th Upper School Blog, parents were informed that Toronto Public Health had suspended all of their in-school immunization for this school year. At that time, according to TPH, families could book an appointment to have their child vaccinated at a Toronto Public Health clinic. However, after exploring their website again this week, it appears that TPH will not have any clinics operating until further notice. Please click HERE for this bulletin from Toronto Public Health. 

Knowing this, students who are currently in Grade 7, or those in Grade 8 who missed their final doses last spring, should obtain these immunizations through their family doctor or primary care provider. Alternatively, a family can choose to wait until TPH begins their student immunization clinics but there is no indication as to when this will take place.

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Academic Program & Course Selection Evening January 13, 2021, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

All parents with children in Grades 7-11 are invited to attend this Parent Webinar to learn about the Academic Program for the 2021-2022 school year followed by grade-specific course selection information. If you are unable to attend, the materials from the presentation will be shared. Zoom Update – Please ensure your Zoom app is updated prior to joining this event.

Zoom link for Academic Program and Course Selection Evening

Meeting ID: 975 8357 5681 Passcode: 624352

Upcoming Math Contests for Grades 9-11 February 23, 2021

Each year, Havergal hosts several University of Waterloo math contests. The upcoming Pascal (grade 9), Cayley (10), Fermat (11) are currently scheduled for February 23^rd. Our tentative plan is:

• All students in Grade 9  would write the Pascal contest during math class in Semester 2 on Feb 23 – no action is required on your part or from the student.
• Students in Grades 10 and 11 who are interested would write the Cayley (grade 10) or Fermat (grade 11). They would receive information about registration so that they can indicate their interest to us later this month. Our plan is to have them write midday on Feb 23. No action is required on your part.

As we have seen, the situation and policies in the province, ministry and city remains fluid. Our hope is to continue to host as many of these contests as possible. We are also looking into other options with the University of Waterloo including the possibility of writing online, if needed. We will continue to share updates as well as provide information about subsequent contests which take place later in the spring such as the Fryer (9), Hypatia (10), Galois (11), Euclid (12), and Gauss (7-8) as more details are confirmed.

Thank you for your understanding, enthusiasm and support.

Middle School Interschool Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA)

What is the Middle School GSA? 

The Middle School Interschool GSA is created with the goal to offer a space to engage in dialogue around shared interests and experiences about identity. This is a wonderful opportunity to grow diversity and inclusion programming for Middle School students. Havergal Middle School students will be invited to join this optional program and meet once a month virtually along with other Middle School students from nearby COSSOT schools (Coalition of Single-sex Schools of Toronto). This initiative has been created as a direct response to student inquiries and requests and is aligned with the Interschool GSA that is already offered to students in Grades 9-12. This group provides a safe and welcoming co-educational environment for students in Toronto Independent Schools. In this space, a variety of issues affecting middle school students can be addressed. Some topics may include friendships, relationships, mental health, parent expectation, sexuality, etc. 

What supervision and support will be provided? 

All discussions are monitored in this virtual environment as one faculty/staff/adult representative from each participating school is required to attend. The meeting is guided by these staff representatives who are responsible for identifying themes and discussion questions based on the needs and interests of the group. Staff and Faculty members also assist with defining and setting boundaries and guidelines for the virtual space, redirecting conversations that may need some guidance, answering questions, keeping the flow of the conversation going, stepping in to support when needed and follow-up with their respective students at school, if needed. 

Who is invited to attend? 

At Havergal, this is an optional program that any Middle School student will have the choice to sign-up for. After learning about this opportunity on Thursday, January 7, Havergal’s Middle School students are first invited to attend an informational meeting on January 11 with Caitlin Parsons, Havergal’s School Social Worker. Then, they may sign up in advance of attending the first interschool meeting which is scheduled for January 21. As a pilot, the schools involved will be Crescent, RSGC, Branksome Hall and St. Clements, and Havergal.

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Carol Service

Please enjoy our reimagined Carol Service and the program that aligns with the service. Thank you to Cissy Goodridge, Jessica Lloyd, Paul McCulloch, Sara Spigott, Stephanie Bryant, Jennifer Goldberg, Natalie Connelly, Carol Tsang, Marketing and Communications, the Facilities staff, and the students who created this for us to enjoy.

December 9 Parent Webinar Recording

For those of you who were unable to attend the Parent Webinars on Wednesday, December 9th, the recordings are available through the following links:

• Grade 7-9 Parent Webinar Recording
• Grade 10-12 Parent Webinar Recording

Additional Professional Development Day, Monday, February 1, 2021

Please note that in order to complete report cards and prepare for Semester 2, Monday, February 1 is now a Professional Development day. Therefore, Semester 1 will conclude classes on Wednesday, January 27th and students will begin Semester 2 classes on Tuesday, February 2nd. 

Academic Program & Course Selection Information Session – January 13, 2021, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

All parents with children in Grades 7-11 are invited to attend this Parent Webinar to learn about the Academic Program for the 2021-2022 school year followed by grade-specific course selection information. The zoom link will follow closer to the date but please mark your calendars for this event. 

Return to Campus Protocols for January, 2021

We will continue to monitor the recommendations of Toronto Public Health and the Ministry of Education as we plan for a safe return to campus after the December break. We will be in touch over the break if we have updated information to share.

We continue to ask for your cooperation by adhering to Toronto Public Health and the Ministry of Education guidelines. Toronto Public Health has asked that we share this letter with you regarding guidance for the holiday season.

• If your child will not be returning to campus on January 4th due to travel quarantine or other reasons, you are asked to complete this survey. Please feel free to contact the Day School Office (dso@havergal.on.ca) directly should you have additional details to submit related to your child(ren)’s delayed return in January.
• If your child will be away from school for more than 14 days but is able to learn online, please register them as a remote learner using this link.
• If your plans include international travel, please be reminded that you are required to quarantine for 14 days after your return to Canada, as per the Government of Canada Quarantine Act
• Following your quarantine to meet the Ministry of Education guidelines, you must submit a negative Covid-19 test to the school by emailing the test results to the Havergal College Health Center at covid@havergal.on.ca. The test results must be received before the student is permitted on campus.

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Toronto Public Heath Daily Screening Update

Parents should be advised that today Toronto Public Health (TPH) announced changes to the COVID-19 screening process in schools, to further prevent opportunities for viral spread. TPH requires that students with one or more symptoms associated with COVID-19 must stay home, self-isolate and get tested before returning to school. Additionally, siblings or children in the same household as the symptomatic student will need to stay home and self-isolate while awaiting test results. 

As a result, the Havergal Screening Protocol will mirror these changes effective this Monday, December 7, 2020. See here for What to do if your child has COVID19 symptoms   

Thank you again for adhering to our safety protocols and for your diligence in completing our daily screening tool.

Return to Campus Protocols

As the December break draws near, we are looking ahead and planning for everyone’s safe return to campus on January 4th. In order to best support our students, faculty, and staff, we are asking for your assistance in the following ways.

• If your child will not be returning to campus on January 4th due to travel quarantine or other reasons, you are asked to complete this survey by Friday, December 11th. If your plans change after December 11th, please contact the Day School Office at dso@havergal.on.ca.
• If your plans include international travel, please be aware that you are required to quarantine for 14 days after your return to Canada, as per the Government of Canada Quarantine Act

Following your quarantine to meet Ministry of Education guidelines, you must submit a negative covid-19 test to the school by emailing the test results to the Havergal College Health Center at covid@havergal.on.ca. The test results must be received before the student is permitted on campus.

Parent Webinar Reminder

As we approach the end of the first term, we would like to invite you to a Webinar on Wednesday, December 9. The webinars are grade-based and you are invited to attend the session that is best suited to you.

• Grade 7-9 Parents – Wednesday, December 9 from 6:00 – 6:45 pm
• Grade 10-12 Parents – Wednesday, December 9 from 7:00 – 7:45 pm

The purpose of this event is to:

• Celebrate and communicate some of our student and College-wide accomplishments;
• Reflect upon the College’s top learnings throughout the term; and
• Share important information about health and safety protocols.

Please note that the webinars will be recorded and shared with the community if you are not able to attend.

Grade 7-9 Parent Webinar

Please click the link below to join the webinar:https://havergal.zoom.us/j/97592015594?pwd=dlhRdEJ2a2k2b1JhZEEvNjlJOWs2UT09 Webinar ID: 975 9201 5594 Passcode: 470773

Or iPhone one-tap : Canada: +16473744685,,97592015594#,,,,,,0#,,470773# or +16475580588,,97592015594#,,,,,,0#,,470773#

Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): Canada: +1 647 374 4685 or +1 647 558 0588 or +1 778 907 2071 or +1 204 272 7920 or +1 438 809 7799 or +1 587 328 1099 or +1 613 209 3054

International numbers available: https://havergal.zoom.us/u/aPABUgSJd

Grade 10-12 Parent Webinar

Please click the link below to join the webinar:https://havergal.zoom.us/j/93540038606?pwd=Y3RzV3JCcFVpcUxwWlhhdG5KSW5hQT09 Webinar ID: 935 4003 8606 Passcode: 470773

Or iPhone one-tap : Canada: +12042727920,,93540038606#,,,,,,0#,,470773# or +14388097799,,93540038606#,,,,,,0#,,470773#

Or Telephone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): Canada: +1 204 272 7920 or +1 438 809 7799 or +1 587 328 1099 or +1 613 209 3054 or +1 647 374 4685 or +1 647 558 0588 or +1 778 907 2071 Webinar ID: 935 4003 8606 Passcode: 470773

International numbers available: https://havergal.zoom.us/u/auBJeondz

Carol Service – December 14

While we are unable to gather in person for our annual carol service at St. Paul’s Bloor Street Anglican Church this year, we will celebrate some of the favourite traditions such as student readers, recorded choir performances, musicians, and soloists. On Monday, December 14th, students will view the prerecorded service during Prayers and parents will receive a video link at 7:00 pm to enjoy the service in the comfort of their home. Please note: students are asked to wear #1 Dress to school on this day.

December Celebrations

As the holiday season approaches the Upper School students are getting into the holiday spirit. 

• The Prefects have initiated a number of fun, holiday-themed activities for the lead-up to Winter Break. These include:
  • The Holiday Gator which acts like an elf on the shelf, hiding in new corners of the Upper School from December 1 – 15th. 
  • The Holiday Kindness Tree, where students can leave kind notes in the form of ornaments on the tree in the Temerty Commons. 
  • The 12 Days of Fitness coordinated by our Sports Prefects. 
  • Holiday tunes will also be heard most mornings as students check in for their daily screening, wrapping up with the Holiday Assembly on December 15th!
• On Thursday, December 10th, our Senior Year Presidents will host a reimagined annual Grad/Staff Holiday Celebration. 
• On Friday, December 11th, our Prefects, House Captains, Senior Year Presidents, and Grade Reps have arranged a holiday treat in the morning! Following that, House Captains and Grade 9 House Reps will be leading a Holiday themed House activity.
• Forms and Cohorts are busy decorating their cohort rooms and perhaps participating in a cohort secret gift exchange. Health and safety protocols are being followed and it is important that any shared items are sanitised properly.
• Tuesday, December 15th, we are having a holiday dress down day and students are invited to dress in their favourite holiday dress. 

Holiday Angels Program

Yesterday marked the last day of our New Circles Holiday Angels Program. A huge thank you for your generous contributions, kindness and support. We raised over $15,000 in gift cards, which will be much appreciated by the organization and those families who will receive them. We have so very much to be grateful for, amidst all of the challenges we have faced this year. This important initiative provides our students and community with the opportunity to reflect on this. Thank you and Happy Holidays!

Havercrest Talent Show

On Friday, December 11th, our Havergal Social Council is excited to present the Havercrest Talent Show for our Senior School students in grades 9-12. Havergal and Crescent have teamed up to showcase student talent from both schools. Students are encouraged to join this virtual event to cheer on their peers, and be entertained by the talent our two schools will have on offer.  Performers have been signed up; and there are still audience spots open for this virtual event. Students have received a sign-up email from GatorBuzz.

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Covid-19 Updates

Christmas Break

Havergal College will close on Tuesday, December 15 at 4 pm for the Christmas holidays and reopen on Monday, January 4 at 8 am for in-person learning. Havergal will continue to follow directions from the Ministry of Education and will make adjustments to our plans if required. Students who are required to quarantine are able to learn remotely on a temporary basis. Families should notify the DSO of the student’s absence and the student should let their teachers know to expect them on Zoom.

Havergal continues to support the public health requirements as directed by the Ontario Government to limit indoor public social gatherings to members of your household and outdoor gatherings to 10 people while maintaining physical distancing. Students who have not followed the requirements are asked to learn from home for 14 days.

Importance of Cleaning Electronics – Phones and Laptops

The College has been advised by TPH that students should be cleaning electronics and laptops upon arrival at school every day. After arriving at school in the morning, each student should use a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe, Clorox Disinfecting Wipe, or disinfectant spray on a paper towel (provided in each classroom), gently cleaning the hard, non-porous surfaces of the phone or laptop such as the display, keyboard or other exterior surfaces. See here for further information on how to clean your Apple products. 

3-Ply Masks

A three-layered mask is now recommended by the Public Health Agency of Canada to improve protection from COVID-19. 

With increased time indoors as the weather gets colder, we are updating the Havergal mask policy to align with the latest Public Health Agency of Canada recommendations. Please see specific directions for mask use linked here.

The Return to Campus Handbook has been updated to align with changes to health recommendations. The Daily Screening letter is provided here as well for your reference.

Daily Screening

Students must enter the building at their designated time in order to complete the daily screening. If a student is late for school they must enter through the Rotunda Doors and complete their screening with Security. Please remind your child if they are arriving late to school that they must be screened before entry.

Wellbeing from the Guidance Department

Upper School students meet once every four days as a grade with their guidance counsellor and Form Teacher/Cohort Advisor for delivery of the Guidance and Wellbeing curriculum. We have been speaking with students and gathering feedback about their experience thus far and they identify that the material is important and supports their academic success although we all struggle with the COVID restrictions and the need to deliver this program over Zoom at times. Students and parents are able to reference details about these sessions through the Guidance Veracross page, however, we wanted to provide you with an update to let you know what has been accomplished thus far and what is upcoming.

Grades 7 and 8

• Grade 7 and 8 Wellbeing sessions have focused on the development of executive functioning skills as they pertain to planning, organization and time management; discussing our College values with a focus on both self-respect and respect for others; and learning about resilience, stress and the brain, stress management techniques, mindfulness and growth mindset. 
• Most recently, we had a guest speaker from the Youth Wellness Network who spoke about the importance of building confidence, courage, and resilience in order to meet challenges and support our mental health. 
• Next, we will be addressing communication skills, empathy and compassion, course selection for the grade 8s, and revisiting executive functioning and learning skills with the grade 7s. 

Grade 9

• Grade 9 Wellbeing sessions have explored strategies to get to know new peers, building a weekly planner and breaking tasks into chunks and using music as a tool for stress-relief. Students are each contributing to a cohort playlist with a song they find particularly calming. 
• Most recently, we had a speaker from the Youth Wellness Network who spoke about the need to be our “authentic selves.” Students completed a guided meditation and learned other wellbeing strategies such as “noting the good.”
• In the coming weeks, we will be having a “Myth Busting” session on course selection and university admissions. As well, we will be doing an empathic listening activity in cohort groups (on the theme of Covid).

Grade 10

•  Grade 10 Wellbeing sessions have helped students reconnect as a grade after the extended school shut down. Time has been spent exploring the concept of resiliency and how positive social connections, expressing gratitude, and practicing mindfulness can enhance one’s levels of resilience during challenging times.
• Moving forward into December, students will participate in a “Myth Busting” session to clarify questions that they have about university planning, summer school options and planning future pathways.

Grade 11

• Grade 11 Wellbeing sessions began with the review strategies and techniques for managing the increased workload of senior level courses and adjusting to the new pace of the semester system. 
• Moving forward our meetings will continue to review best practices for maintaining mental health throughout the school year. We will  introduce concepts, resources  and information designed to help the students begin to think about their post secondary options. We will be looking at university vocabulary – What is a bachelor’s degree? What is a major/minor? How do I navigate a university website? We will also take a look at the most common misconceptions that surround university admissions policies and practices.

Grade 12

• Grade 12  Wellbeing sessions have been focussed on organizing grads for their university applications. Topics have included how to match interests with programs, how to research admission requirements and averages, what programs are out there, scholarships, application deadlines, special workshops on the UBC application process.
• For the remainder of November and December, workshop topics will include the Queen’s Supplemental Applications for Engineering and Commerce, University of Toronto supplemental information, and The Ivey School of Business application. In January we will shift our focus to transition skills, managing stress, tips on maintaining physical and mental health and how to compare options of university programs.

New Circles Holiday Angels Initiative

Havergal College is extending it’s Community Partnership with New Circles by participating in the Holiday Angels Program, an anonymous gift giving program. New Circles is a not-for-profit agency that builds strong and caring communities by providing basic necessities, employment training, and settlement support to government-assisted refugees and to those living with lower-incomes. All services provided by New Circles operate to promote equity and dignity through their programming. 

The recipients of the Holiday Angels Program range from single individuals to households of up to ten people; many are newcomers to Canada and all are facing multiple challenges.

This year, to prioritize safety, we are asking our community to purchase gift cards for our New Circles families. New Circles will distribute gift cards to families that require extra support this holiday season.  There is no set limit for the gift card amounts, however, a tax receipt is available for all donations above $20 and with an original purchase receipt.

Suggested retailers:

Walmart

Best Buy/Source

Shoppers Drug Mart

President’s Choice

Toys R’ US

Gift cards can be dropped at each Grade Entrance until December 3rd and will be delivered to New Circles on December 4th.

Reminders

Grade 7 Students Applying for Reach Ahead Math

The first of two placement tests will take place during Form on Monday, November 23rd at 12:45 pm. This 40-minute test* is focused on each applicant’s ability to solve problems (in both familiar and unfamiliar contexts) by applying problem-solving strategies that they have already learned and practised in class. No additional studying or practice is required nor will any practice placement test or practice material be provided.

To maintain the comparability and integrity of the placement test, no other time or alternate version will be offered. This placement test is among several assessment criteria that will be examined by the selection committee, e.g., math contests, placement tests, in-class observations and in-class assessments, etc. The selection committee relies on multiple pieces of data so that an application could still be considered in the event that they are unable to complete all of the assessments. Nonetheless, it is recommended that all applicants try their best to complete all assessments to provide as complete a profile as possible.

*Students with learning needs defined within an Individual Education Plan (IEP) such as extra time will be provided with additional time.

School Photographs in Time for The Holidays

If you haven’t had a chance to order your child’s school portraits yet, and would like them for the holiday season, please order them as soon as possible as Canada Post deliveries are taking a little longer than usual. Use this LINK and know that your child’s student number is the password.

Latest News

Report Cards

The November Update Report Card will be available on Tuesday, November 17 through a link on your Parent Portal. The reports were intended to be available today but due to a technical error with Veracross they will not be available until November 17. Please see the linked information about how to access your child’s report and key points about the reporting cycle. Your child has access to their marks in all courses through the Gradebook program.

New Build

We are thrilled to announce that we have received occupancy of the Upper School new build. A number of Forms and Cohorts will be moving into the classrooms in the new build on Tuesday, November 17 when we return from the November Break.

Students whose cohorts are moving learned about the move from their Form Teachers/Cohort Advisors on Thursday, November 5 and they will be able to see their new Form/Cohort space on Monday and Tuesday November 9 & 10. 

Remembrance Day & Poppies – November 9th

On Monday, November 9th, we will be having our Remembrance Day Prayers and as per usual, we will be distributing poppies to all students during first period (Grade 7-9) and Flexblock (Grade 10-12). Students are not required to, but are invited to donate money to the Canadian Legion at the time of poppy distribution. Extra poppies are currently available in the rotunda.

Mental Health Awareness Week

We are looking forward to Mental Health Awareness Week (November 17-20). Ms. Parsons, the Upper School Social Worker has been working with the Prefects, Jack.org community partnership, and Guidance counselors to plan an engaging week for all Upper School students.

To kick the week off, students will receive a daily email with an article and linked resources that focus on different aspects of mental wellbeing. These articles explore topics such as sleep, stress, and anxiety, and will provide students with strategies and tools to help them cope and add to their Mental Health Toolkit. 

Students will be invited to take part in daily lunch time activities, organized by the Prefects. Highlights from the week: 

Wednesday, November 18

• Grades 7-9 will hear from (virtual) guest speaker Anastasia Virginillo from Youth Wellness Network who will address self awareness, how to build confidence from within and how to harness one’s internal strength. 
• Grades 10-12 will hear from (virtual) guest speaker Kaitlyn Axelrod from Sheena’s Place. Students will learn about body image and how it relates to mental health and our relationship with food. 

Thursday, November 19

• Grade 9-12 students are invited to join the first Periscope of the year on the importance of mental health. Periscope is a cafe-style forum that takes place after school, where students share their stories, experiences, and thoughts in front of a student audience.

Friday, November 20 

• In Prayers, students will listen in to a panel discussion exploring mental health through the lens of adolescents and mental health professionals. Joining us on this panel will be our Jack.org student lead Ella Lee, our school captain Emma McCurdy-Franks, Ms. Parsons School Social Worker and Adolescent Medicine Physician and Havergal Board member, Dr. Ian Chen. 
• Students, staff and faculty will also be invited to participate in a dress down day with the theme of “Comfy Clothes.”

Invitation to Join ‘Parenting In Place’ 8-Week Masterclass Series (beginning November 17, 2020):

We’ve received an invitation from one of our parent speakers, author of Middle School Matters, Phyllis Fagell, to join the Masterclass Parent Speaker Series that she is helping to organize and will be participating in. Please see below for the details and the link to join.

Are you burned out, concerned about your child’s well-being and wondering how your family will manage during the holiday and flu seasons? There’s a SPECIAL LIVE MASTERCLASS SERIES designed to help you this fall: Parenting in Place: Helping Families Thrive in Challenging Times, featuring 8 live, interactive, weekly masterclasses with parenting experts including Tina Payne Bryson, Mona Delahooke, Tiffany Dufu, Devorah Heitner, Rosetta Lee, Cornelius Minor, Laura Vanderkam, Katie Hurley, Phyllis Fagell and more. Registration for the entire series— including access to replays, a bundle of more than two dozen bonus downloadable resources from our speakers, and a closed moderated Facebook group for the event — is only $39 US. See the whole line up and register here:

Parenting in Place Masterclass

Operational Items

Winter Boots and Coats

Over the past number of weeks, we have been evaluating different approaches to the storage of students’ winter boots and coats. Unfortunately, due to the current state of Covid-19 spread in Toronto, we cannot use lockers as a storage space because it will lead to additional congregation and gathering in the hallways. Our plan for boot and coat storage is laid out for you below. Students have been informed of this plan by their Form Teacher/Cohort Advisor. As is always the case, it is critical that all boots and shoes be clearly labelled with the student’s name prior to bringing them to school. To aid in sharing this message with the students, some student leaders have created the following video.

Boots: 

• Boot mats will be laid out near the Grade-specific entry doors and labelled according to cohort. Each student will be required to remove their boots upon entry and walk to their assigned mat where they will neatly organize their boots and leave them there for the day. 
• Students may choose to leave their school shoes on the mat overnight. If they do this, they will pick up their shoes when depositing their boots and proceed to their first classroom of the day and put their shoes on there. 
• We do not want people gathering at the boot mats and we will encourage students to do a quick drop-off and pick-up.
• The process of removing boots at the door and leaving them on an assigned mat is not new to the students in the Upper School as it’s been common practice for many years. 

Coats: Without lockers, we are asking students to keep their coats with them for the day and simply put them on the back of their chairs.

Middle School Study Buddy Program

It is with great excitement that on Tuesday, Nov. 3rd, the Study Buddy co-heads and Grade 12 students, Tori McCarvell and Hannah Tahami, and a team of extremely talented Senior School peer mentors (from grades 10-12), launched the reimagined Study Buddies program for students in the Middle School. 

The Study Buddies program is an opportunity for students in the Middle School to access support from a Senior School student mentor across various subject areas. This year’s virtual approach offers a personalized, on demand, homework and study skills support program for your child. It does not replace the extra help provided by their own subject teachers, but offers peer academic support when they need it outside of school hours. Senior student peer mentors are available Monday – Thursday from 4:30 – 8:30 pm for drop-in sessions and by appointment at other times. 

The Middle School students were introduced to the Study Buddies program during their Wellbeing time on October 27th and have been given access to three separate links that allow them to reach out to a peer mentor/tutor of their choice in a specific subject area (posted on their Guidance page and sent to them via email). 

Latest News

Student Safety during Drop-off and Pick-up

We are asking for your help in creating a smooth and safe traffic flow in the front circle by adhering to the following:

• Please pull all the way up the driveway before stopping to allow your child to exit the car. Refrain from stopping at the first walkway as this causes traffic to back up all the way onto Avenue Road.
• Only drop off along the east curb (right side). Do not drop off in the middle or west curb. 
• Drivers are asked to remain patient and wait in the queue to drop off.
• Always signal your intentions when merging to pulling over during drop off. Approximately 80% of drivers do not do this and there have been many near misses.
• Havergal Security is outside to help with the process and facilitate a smooth and efficient drop-off — please follow their directions. 
• After dropping off your child, promptly move along and exit the driveway. 
• Drivers need to remain in the car and refrain from unloading items from the trunk. Please have your child do this. Exiting your car slows down the process for all. 
• When exiting, you can exit through the North Parking Lot as well as the main driveway exit.

Reminders

Ordering your child’s school photo

Your child’s school photos are now ready to be viewed and purchased.  You will need your child’s student ID number which can be found in Veracross. This number can be used to log in and is also the password to access the photos. Go HERE to view and order your child’s photos at your convenience.

Halloween Dress-up Day

On Friday, October 30, Havergal will be celebrating Halloween with a dress-up day for all students. Your child is encouraged to wear an appropriate costume to school on this day. The Grad Presidents are organizing a costume competition as well as a fun-filled student assembly.

Grade 7 Parents: Reach Ahead Math 8 Reminder

If your child in grade 7 is interested in applying for Reach Ahead Math 8 for our next school year (2021-22) and you did not have an opportunity to submit your application before today’s deadline (Fri., Oct 23^rd at 4pm), you can still apply by emailing ashum@havergal.on.ca with:

• your child’s name;
• your name and email address;
• optional parent #2 name and email address; and
• with the subject line: Reach Ahead.

For more information on the program, please click HERE.

If you submitted your application before the deadline, you should have received a confirmation email earlier today (Fri., Oct 23^rd) from Alex Shum, Head of Mathematics.

Operational Items

Grade 12 Canadian University Parent Event Recording

The Guidance Department hosted an information session for Grade 12 families focused on Navigating the Canadian University Applications and Admissions Cycle, on Thursday, October 22, from 7-8 pm.  Much like the session they hosted in the spring that covered the UK and US admissions process, this evening focused on the Canadian University landscape. They looked at the process, deadlines, factors to consider when choosing where to apply and navigating university websites. 

The recording of the presentation is linked HERE for families who were not able to attend the evening.

Dear Parent,

We are grateful for the time we have had together on campus so far this fall. It is another beautiful day and the air is filled with the sound of students enjoying being together.

Please take the time to read through this latest blog post.  It is filled with news, operational items of interest, and reminders.

Warmly,

Lindsay Norberg  (Associate Head & Head of Senior School) and JJ Patterson (Head of Middle School)

Latest News

Adjustments to the Semester 1 School Calendar

As we continue with a successful start to the school year we have identified a need for Professional Development time in order for faculty to continue to deliver a high quality program. As we move forward, we will continue to reflect and adjust the calendar as required. We thank you for your ongoing support as we navigate this unique school year.

Please note the following adjustments in the Upper School Calendar. 

• Monday, November 2, 2020 
  • Teachers will be engaging in Professional Development 
  • Students (Grade 7-12) are not at school and will have an independent study day.
• Wednesday, December 2, 2020
  • Teachers will be engaging in Professional Development
  • Students (JK – Grade 12) are not at school
  • Students in Grade 7-12 will have an independent study day.
• Wednesday, December 16, 2020  
  • The Christmas Break will now begin on this date. 
  • The last day of classes before the break will be Tuesday, December 15
• Thursday, January 28 & Friday, January 29, 2021
  • Teachers will be engaging in Professional Development on these days.
  • Semester 1 will end on Wednesday, January 27, 2021. 
  • Students (Grade 7-12) are not required on campus. They will not have any work as the Semester will be complete and this will be a good time for them to rest and re-energize before starting Semester 2 on Monday, February 1, 2021.  

Daily Screening Update

As you are aware, Toronto Public Health made changes to our daily screening this week. Thank you for attending to these screening questions carefully and completing this prior to your child’s arrival to campus. It is important to note that even if your child is absent, regardless of the reason for the absence, you must still complete the daily screening. Finally, once the screening is complete you are sent detailed instructions with next steps should any of the answers have been yes. 

Over the past four weeks, our families have supported the safety and health of our school remarkably well through our Veracross process. In consultation with our Return to Campus taskforce, we have determined that we will not be moving forward with Edusafe. Also, because of the success, and the routines families have developed around the screening process, we feel that to introduce a new procedure at this time is not in the best interest of the College. 

Toronto Public Health Suspends In-School Grade 7 Vaccination Program

The College has received word that the Toronto Public Health Grade 7 in-school vaccination clinics (Hep B, HPV, Menatcra) are suspended this year. Starting later in October, families can book an appointment to have their child vaccinated at a Toronto Public Health clinic. Click HERE for the bulletin from Toronto Public Health. 

Digital Academic Support for Grade 10-12 Students

• It is with great excitement that Havergal is launching a pilot in Grade 10, 11 and 12 for digital academic support and skill building. Introducing “Paper”, a digital education support system. Click here for more information from Mr. Nichols about “Paper”.

Reminders

Parent Teacher Conferences

• Parent Teacher Conferences will be held on Thursday, October 15th. The sign-up closes on Tuesday, October 13th at noon. For additional details related to the sign-up process, please refer to the previous blog post dated October 5th.

Attendance

• It is critical that you continue to email the DSO if your child’s attendance differs from the designated hours of the school day. Specifically, if your child is arriving later than 8:30 am (Grade 7-9) or 9:00 am (Grade 10-12), the DSO must be informed before the start of the day. The same is true if your child needs to be dismissed early. It is essential that our attendance records are accurate and we need your help in ensuring this.

Green & Gold

• There are a number of uniform items that need to be picked up in the Green & Gold. Please remind your child to go at their designated grade time to pick up these items as soon as possible.

Operational Items

Upper School Awards Ceremony

• The Upper School Academic, Character and Leadership Awards Ceremony will be held virtually on Friday, October 23 from 10:30-11:15 am. This ceremony celebrates awards from the 2019- 2020 school year as well as the entrance scholarships for the 2020-2021 school year. Families of students who are being presented with an award will receive an invitation by email to attend the virtual ceremony on Friday, October 16.

Grade 12 Parent University Information Evening

• Grade 12 Parents are invited to a virtual university application information session on Thursday October 22 at 7pm. The session is led by Heather Johnstone, Head of Guidance, and Jennifer Mandala and will include key information about the university application process. Grade 12 parents will receive an invitation with a Zoom link from the Guidance department.

Middle School Update from the Math Department

• Please see the links below for an update from the Head of Mathematics, Alex Shum, regarding math contests, optional math resources, and the Reach Ahead application process for students currently in Grade 7.
  • Grade 7 Math Contests and Reach Ahead application 
  • Grade 8 Math Contests and Optional Resources

Student Photos Available

Your child’s school photos are now ready to be viewed and are available for purchase. Go HERE to view your child’s photos at your convenience. (Your child’s student ID number, which can be found in Veracross, will be your password.)

Dear Parent, 

We continue to enjoy being here on campus together and we are grateful for the multitude of spaces at Havergal. At the same time, we are being vigilant with our health and safety protocols to support the health of our community. We continue to reinforce these messages at school and appreciate your support in reinforcing at home the same messages about mask wearing, physical distancing and hand washing. 

We are monitoring the trends and regular communications from Toronto Public Health. In the event that schools are directed by the government to close and that teaching and learning must occur remotely, please be assured that the College is prepared to do this quickly, and as seamlessly as possible. We appreciate your support in ensuring your child is organized and has the necessary materials such as their laptops, textbooks, paper and pens at home to support this potential transition. 

The first Upper School Parent/Teacher Conferences of the school year will take place virtually via Zoom on Thursday, October 15.  The online conference booking system that Havergal College uses will open on Tuesday October 6 at 6:00 PM. Sign-up closes on Tuesday, October 13 at 12 noon.

Please note:

• Appointments are five minutes long and are booked on a first-come-first-served basis.
• The online booking system does not permit the scheduling of back-to-back appointments. However, if you are the parent of two or more daughters that have the same teacher or if you are the parent of three or more Upper School students please contact my assistant, Ms. Sally Danto, by Thursday, October 8 before noon by emailing: sdanto@havergal.on.ca.
• Should you wish to meet with your daughter’s Guidance Counsellor, or Havergal College Social Worker, Caitlin Parsons, please email them individually in advance to book an appointment.
• CLICK HERE to sign into your Pick A Time account with your password.
• New to Havergal parents will have to establish a Pick A Time account, which can be done in advance of the online opening.
• If you need help navigating the site, please contact Havergal Information Technology Service Desk at 416-483-3843 ext. 6663. It will be open between 6:00 and 6:30 PM on Tuesday, Oct. 6 when the Pick A Time sign-up goes live. IT support is also available from 7:30 AM to 5 PM Monday to Friday. 
• Online bookings close on Tuesday, October 13 at noon.
• Boarding School Parents: In order to help you plan a time that will work for you, and fits within the established conference time in Toronto, click on this time zone converter  to determine what time you need to establish a meeting in your own time zone.

We also invite you to email your daughter’s teachers or her guidance counsellor at any point in the year to ask for an update on her progress. 

With best wishes for continued good health,

Lindsay Norberg & JJ Patterson