Friday, November 29, 2024

On By Havergal Upper SchoolLeave a comment

A Message from the Heads: Cissy Goodridge & Deirdre Timusk

Dear Parents & Students,

Today we welcome our newest readers to The Weekly – our students! We hope that by sharing this important information with students and their parents it will keep everyone well informed about our community. 

As we wrap up another vibrant week at school, we are delighted to share several highlights from our community. Our Middle School’s production of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was a tremendous success! Congratulations to all performers, crew members, teachers, and staff who dedicated countless hours to bring this magical show to life.

In House activities, our House Captains have shown excellent leadership in organizing an engaging and colourful House Assembly. Our choristers are hard at work at the Carol Service rehearsals making sure that their music will be ready to delight us all. These activities continue to strengthen the close-knit fabric of our school community.

Finally, congratulations to the DECA participants who have advanced to the provincial level – a wonderful achievement!

Cissy Goodridge, Head of Middle School

Deirdre Timusk, Head of Senior School

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

Havergal Varsity Jackets For Sale

The Student Life departments at Havergal College have collaborated to offer Havergal College Varsity Jackets for purchase to students in Grades 9-12. Your daughter can show her school spirit by wearing Havergal’s own varsity jacket. Traditionally these jackets are worn to represent school and team pride as well as to display teams, clubs or other meaningful accomplishments throughout her time in the Senior School.  This is an optional purchase. The jacket cannot be worn in class but it can be casual wear, worn to sports games and other co-curriculars. A sample will be available to try on in the PE office. 

  • Cost: $265 (includes tax and shipping)
  • Additional Personalised Chevrons: $15 each
  • Due Date for Ordering: Monday, December 9. 
  • To purchase a jacket, please complete this link.

If you have any questions, please reach out to any of the following people: Carla Di Filippo, Fatima Kaba, Fiona Marshall, or Matt Varey.

Music Night on Wednesday, December 4

We invite everyone to join us next week for a double header of music in the Brenda Robson Hall! 

  • MS Music Night is at 4 pm on Wednesday, December 4
  • SS Music Night is at 7 pm on Wednesday, December 4

All are welcome and admission is free!

Students performing in Music Night are reminded to wear their #1 Dress with tights.

Parent Instructions: Carol Service on Thursday, December 12

We are looking forward to this year’s Carol Service at St. Paul’s Bloor Street (see maps & directions). Families are invited and welcome to attend. What follows are key instructions for Thursday, December 12.

During the day:

  • There is a Special Schedule on December 12. Students go directly to Period 1 at 8:30 am and classes end at 2:10 pm. 
  • Regular uniform (not #1) is required during the school day. 
  • Student performers (choir members, instrumentalists and readers) have special instructions for arrival to the Dress Rehearsal from their program directors.
  • Student performers involved in the Dress Rehearsal will return to school around 11:30 am and will be dismissed to go home and prepare for the evening concert. Performers are not required to attend classes (choir members, instrumentalists, and readers).  

Evening:

  • Student performers (choir members, instrumentalists and readers) have special instructions for arrival.
  • Students wear their #1 Dress Uniform for the Carol Service.
  • Students should arrive at 6:15 pm and be seated by 6:45 pm.
  • Grades 9 – 12 students are to store coats and boots in House-designated rooms on the main floor of St Paul’s, as marked by signage. Grades 7 & 8 will have a combined storage area, also marked by signage. The rooms will be locked during the service.
  • Grades 7 & 8 sit in spaces designated for their Forms. Grades 9 – 12 sit with their Houses.
  • The program begins at 7 pm and ends around 8:20 pm.

We encourage you to go to Youtube if you wish to see recordings from previous year’s Carol Service: Individual Songs (2023), Live Recording (2023), and Gaudete at Carol Service (2022). There is also a Spotify Playlist that has been created to give you a sense of what we will be singing together this year.

We look forward to sharing this beautiful community event with you on December 12.Please reach out to Matthew Varey or Rev. Jillian Ruch if you have any questions.Type

MIDDLE SCHOOL

UCC Prep Dance: Grade 7s Only – Friday, December 6

On Friday, December 6,  Upper Canada College Prep is hosting a Grade 7 COSSOT dance for invited schools. The dance will be held in Weston Hall and students should enter via the main entrance to the Prep School. Students should arrive at 7 pm and must be picked up promptly at 9 pm. MS COSSOT events have a strict “No Phone” policy; all students are required to hand in their phones upon entry to the dance. The Havergal chaperones will return the phones to your child at the end of the event. The dances have limited spots available and students will be chosen by lottery. The selected students and their parents will be notified on Monday, December 2 if they have been selected to attend.

Students were sent the registration information earlier in the week. The registration closes on Sunday, December 1 at 5 pm. Students may register their interest in attending the dance HERE.
Please reach out to Cissy Goodridge for any questions.

SENIOR SCHOOL

Grade 9/10 Dance & Social –  Friday, December 6 at Havergal College

Havergal is hosting a Grade 9/10 Dance (sanctioned!) & Social on Friday, December 6. We invite students from other COSSOT schools for a fun evening. There will be a DJ and dance hall, games and other activities and lots of food and snacks. The dance runs from 7:10 pm. Cost is $25 charged to the student’s account. 

Students have been sent a link to sign up. Please check in with your child. We always hope to have every student in these grades participate in these important community building events. If you have not already completed the COSSOT permission form for social events, please do this by clicking on this Link.

HCPA

Thank You for Attending The Ivy Market

Thank you to everyone who supported Ivy Market! We hope you enjoyed the shopping, treats and chance to mingle and reconnect with others. Click here to view photos from the event.

Staff Appreciation Donations Due Friday, December 6

Donations for HCPA Staff Appreciation are due by Friday, December 6. Send via e-transfer to hcpatreasurer@gmail.com with your daughter’s name and grade/cohort in the message.

Upcoming Parent Socials

Please save the date for the following evening parent socials:

  • Grades 11 & 12: Monday, January 27 at 7 – 9 pm
  • Grades 9 & 10: Wednesday, February 19 at 7 – 9 pm
  • Grades 7 & 8: Tuesday, February 25 at 7 – 9 pm

HCPA Marketplace Online Shop is Open Year-Round

The HCPA Marketplace Online Shop is open year-round with seasonal updates. Perfect for last-minute gifts or HC unique items!

REMINDERS

Financial Support for Returning Students Deadline: Friday, January 3, 2025

To be considered for financial support, please complete the Financial Assistance for Canadian Students (FACS) application form available on applefinancialservices.ca. Bursaries are granted on an annual basis; therefore an application must be submitted each year. Refer to Havergal’s guide on affordability, available HERE on the parent portal to learn more about the Financial Support program.

Global Learning Experiences: Family Information Session Recording Now Available

Thank you to everyone who attended our Family Information Session for Global Learning Experiences 2025-2026. Below, you will find links to the shared information and a recording of the presentation. 

MS Crafting with Grade 12s

This week the students in Forms 7GH /8FGH can enjoy lunch time crafting sessions, hosted by Grade 12 students. Please join us in Room C32 for some music, crafting and hanging out with friends. Students who missed their designated week are welcome to join in too.  Let’s get crafty!

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

This section highlights dates that are of interest for parents. Students should continue to use the Veracross calendar for the most comprehensive and up-to-date student events for the week. 

Wednesday, December 4

  • Music Nights: Middle School, 4 pm & Senior School, 7 pm in BRH

Friday, December 6

  • Grade 9/10 Dance & Social at Havergal College, 7 – 10 pm 
  • MS UCC Prep Dance for Grade 7 Students Only, 7 – 9 pm

Friday, November 22, 2024

On By Havergal Upper SchoolLeave a comment

A Message from the Heads: Cissy Goodridge & Deirdre Timusk

Dear Parents,

This week, our school community shone brightly with a range of diverse experiences on offer, reminding us of the incredible variety our students enjoy every week. Diversity Week brought meaningful moments, from a heartfelt Prayers celebration to a thought-provoking webinar with a para-athlete and an engaging American Sign Language workshop, each broadening our students’ perspectives and understanding.

The festive spirit continued with the Annual Ivy Market—thank you to our families for making it a success! Meanwhile, the excitement in the halls is palpable as students gear up for the MS dance tonight.

Next week, we’re thrilled to celebrate our budding thespians in The Wizard of Oz. These moments, big and small, highlight the wide array of opportunities that enrich our students’ lives, week by week, fostering joy, connection, and growth.

Warm regards,

Cissy Goodridge, Head of Middle School

Deirdre Timusk, Head of Senior School

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)

REMINDERS

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL

Fall Music Nights on Wednesday, December 4

You are invited to join us for both the Middle School Music Night on Wednesday, December 4 at 4 pm in the BRH, and the Senior School Music Night at 7 pm!  

It is free and all are welcome.  Hope to see you there!

Carol Service Songs & Hymns

Families are invited and encouraged to attend this wonderful service at St. Paul’s Bloor Street on Thursday, December 12 at 7 – 8:20 pm. Ms. Malach has been sharing video clips from past services during Prayers to give everyone a sense of the space and event. We encourage you to go to Youtube if you wish to see recordings from previous year’s Carol Service: Individual Songs (2023), Live Recording (2023), and Gaudete at Carol Service (2022). There is also a Spotify Playlist  that has been created to give you a sense of what we will be singing together this year.  

We look forward to seeing you there!

Global Experience Family Information Session Recording

Thank you to everyone who attended our Family Information Session for Global Learning Experiences 2025-2026. Below, you will find links to the shared information and a recording of the presentation. An in-person student information session will take place on Friday, December 6 in Brenda Robson Hall.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Tickets on Sale NOW for the Middle School Play

Please Join Us for The Wonderful Wizard of OZ! in the Legacy Theatre on:

  • Thursday, November 28 at 4 pm and 7 pm
  • Friday, November 29 at 4 pm and  7 pm

Tickets go on sale TODAY and are available on the Parent Portal on Veracross.

In Morning Programming This Week

This week Form the students will have the opportunity to practise new study skills. A key component of this initiative is encouraging students to practise reflection and self-regulation by actively selecting and participating in study stations that best align with their learning needs.

Through these structured opportunities, students will develop valuable skills that extend beyond the classroom and contribute to their long-term academic growth.

SENIOR SCHOOL

University Visit: Trinity College Dublin

Trinity College Dublin will be visiting Havergal College on Wednesday, November 27 during lunch time from 11:45 am – 12:30 pm in room B49.

In Morning Programming This Week

This week, we are excited to welcome two alumni who will speak to our Grads about their experiences as physicians. Dr. Jessica Zive ‘03, a palliative care doctor, and Dr. Mary Grant ‘01, a radiologist, will share insights into their professional lives and personal journeys. This session is designed to inspire students by showcasing diverse career paths and life experiences, making it relevant and engaging for anyone curious about different journeys in the field of medicine and beyond. Our grade 10 students will be delving into learning more about their role in being an ally to others in our community. Grade 9 and 11 students will be taking part in programming focused on community building.

REMINDERS

Financial Support for Returning Students Deadline: Friday, January 3, 2025

To be considered for financial support, please complete the Financial Assistance for Canadian Students (FACS) application form available on applefinancialservices.ca. Bursaries are granted on an annual basis; therefore an application must be submitted each year. Refer to Havergal’s guide on affordability, available HERE on the parent portal to learn more about the Financial Support program.

Digital Microcredentials Registration Deadline: Monday, November 25

If your Grade 9-12 student is interested in exploring these areas and earning a microcredential, this is your last chance to sign up for January programming. 

Microcredential Program Offerings: 

  • Pre-Medical Sciences A – Organic Chemistry and Biology
  • Artificial Intelligence – AI and Machine Learning
  • Design Thinking & Entrepreneurship
  • Future Lawyers
  • Contemporary Finance
  • Intro to Architecture & Design

Please visit microcredentials.havergal.on.ca for course information and program fees, or contact Adam Caplan, Director of HC-X Innovation Hub, with any questions.

Registration takes place on Veracross.

Academy of Tomorrow Registration Deadline: Monday, November 25

The Academy of Tomorrow is a unique, highly interactive Leadership Development Program that equips the next generation with the mindsets and skills to lead and succeed in the world of tomorrow. 

Founder and CEO Lital Marom is a serial Tech Entrepreneur, a world-renowned keynote speaker on innovation and leadership and a Forbes contributor.

The Academy of Tomorrow is an extraordinary opportunity for students entering Grades 10 and 11 next year to prepare for success at university, in their career — and in life. Tomorrow’s greatest opportunities will unfold for creative leaders capable of excelling in a world of constant change. 

Winter 2025 program dates: Thursday, February 6 – Saturday, February 8, 2025
Location: On Campus at Havergal
Program Fee: $1100Please Register Here or see the Program Brochure for more information. Registration closes Monday, November 25.

Contact Adam Caplan, Director of HC-X Innovation Hub, with any questions.

Grad Wear Purchase Deadline: Tuesday, November 26

Don’t forget to order your Grad Wear for your daughter by Tuesday, November 26. There are a variety of items for everyone. All purchases will be delivered by December 10. Order HERE. Thank you to the HCPA Grade 12 team for their hard work pulling this together.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Monday, November 25       

  • HC-X Microcredentials Registration Deadline
  • Academy of Tomorrow Registration Deadline

Tuesday, November 26     

  • Grad Wear Purchase Deadline

Thursday, November 28      

  • MS Play: The Wonderful Wizard of OZ!, 4 pm and 7pm, Legacy Theatre

Friday, November 29     

  • MS Play: The Wonderful Wizard of OZ!, 4 pm and 7pm, Legacy Theatre

Friday, November 15, 2024

On By Havergal Upper SchoolLeave a comment

A Message from the Heads: Cissy Goodridge & Deirdre Timusk

Dear Parents,

We were thrilled to see so many familiar faces at the Parent-Teacher Interviews this week. These sessions are a wonderful reminder of how our partnership between home and school is vital for nurturing your daughters’ growth. We personally want to thank each of you for your dedication and support of our teachers and our school.

Next week we are looking forward to Diversity Week. This initiative, led by our students, is a testament to the vibrant cultures we celebrate at our school and it offers us a chance to learn something new and appreciate each other’s unique stories.

Cissy Goodridge, Head of Middle School

Deirdre Timusk, Head of Senior School

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

Financial Aid – New & Returning Students Entering Grades 7 to 12: Deadline January 3, 2025

To be considered, please complete the Financial Assistance for Canadian Students (FACS) application form available on applefinancialservices.ca.

Bursaries are granted on an annual basis; therefore an application must be submitted each year.Refer to Havergal’s guide on Affordability, available here on the Parent Portal to learn more about the Financial Support program.

Save the Date: Carol Service on Thursday, December 12

We are looking forward to this year’s Carol Service at St. Paul’s Bloor Street. 

Save the Date: Thursday, December 12 at 7 – 8:20 pm.

The Carol Service is a service that brings together the entire Havergal Upper School community. For one day in the school year, all students and faculty are all members of the Havergal Choir. Rehearsals will begin November 25th during Prayers. Key parent instructions for Thursday, December 12 will be shared in the coming weeks.

Please reach out to Matthew Varey or Rev. Jillian Ruch if you have any questions.

Global Experiences 2025-2026: Family Information Session: Thursday, November 21, 12 pm

Please join us via Zoom to learn about the exciting Global Experiences we are offering in 2025-2026:

  • Exchange (Year-Round)
  • Duke of Edinburgh in Algonquin Park (June)
  • French Language for Middle and Senior School (March Break)
  • American History: Washington, DC (Late March)
  • Space Camp for Middle and Senior School: Huntsville, Alabama (November)
  • Global Learning Project: Japan (March)
  • Round Square International Conference: Dubai, UAE (September)
  • Round Square Experience: Johannesburg & Cape Town, South Africa (June)
  • And how to apply…

There will be a brief overview of each of the offerings, and the presentation will be recorded and distributed via The Weekly.

Zoom Invitation: 

Dropping Off Your Daughter in the Upper School Front Circle?

We ask that parents pay special attention to requests from our Security Team when driving through and waiting to pick up students in our front circle. From time to time, it is essential to ask cars to move in order for buses to drop off or pick up students or for the ease of traffic. It is important for everyone in the community to respect their requests.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Toronto Public Health Vaccination Clinic: Friday, November 22

On Friday, November 22, 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 important step for their well-being.

Crafting with the Middle School

This week marks the beginning of a few weeks of lunch time crafting sessions, hosted by Grade 12 students. The goal is to welcome students to either the Ellen Knox Library or the Drama Studio over the lunch hour to decorate a personalized locker magnet while mingling with friends. Students will be invited to one of the sessions and if they miss their scheduled week, there will be a make-up date offered at the beginning of December. Let’s get crafty!

Registration for the Middle School COSSOT Dance at Havergal: Friday, November 22

On Friday, November 22 the Middle School is hosting a COSSOT dance for invited schools. The theme, Outer Banks, was chosen by the MS Council. Beach attire and summer clothing is recommended. The DJ is booked, the games room is ready and we are excited to get this party started! Students should arrive at 7 pm and must be picked up promptly at 9 pm at Havergal. COSSOT events have a strict “No Phone” policy; all students are required to hand in their phones to upon entry to the dance. The Havergal chaperones will return the phones to your child at the end of the event. 

All interested students must register for the dance HERE.
Please reach out to Cissy Goodridge for any questions.

Middle School Play: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz!

Havergal MS Theatre is excited to present The Wonderful Wizard of Oz!, the classic (non-musical) adaptation of the original literary novel by Frank L. Baum. This show will take you on a thrilling and visual journey full of suspense, comedy, and drama! 

Tickets will go on sale next Friday, November 22 through the Student and Parent Portals on Veracross!

Performances:

  • Thursday, November 28 at 4 pm and 7 pm
  • Friday, November 29 at 4 pm and 7 pm
  • Legacy Theatre

In Morning Programming This Week

This week in Morning Programming, Middle School students will explore two key themes. First, they will revisit the values and community commitments established in September, focusing on expressing gratitude to people both within and outside our community. Secondly, they will engage in an interactive session on the Foundations of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, led by our Director of EDIB, Nicole Cozier.

SENIOR SCHOOL

HC-X Digital Microcredentials Registration Now Open!

Registration for Digital Microcredential programs for January 2025 is now open through the Veracross parent portal. Spaces are first-come, first-serve and close on Monday, November 25. 

Microcredential Program Offerings: 

  • Pre-Medical Sciences A – Organic Chemistry and Biology*
  • Artificial Intelligence – AI and Machine Learning*
  • Design Thinking & Entrepreneurship*
  • Future Lawyers*
  • Contemporary Finance**
  • Intro to Architecture & Design**

*In-person programs will take place over 8 sessions beginning at 4 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays in January 2025.

**Hybrid-schedule programs will involve a blend of asynchronous online learning and in-person event options continuing until May 2025. 

Please visit microcredentials.havergal.on.ca for course information and program fees, or contact Adam Caplan, Director of HC-X Innovation Hub, with any questions.

Academy of Tomorrow: Grade 10 & 11 Opportunity

The Academy of Tomorrow is a unique, highly interactive Leadership Development Program that equips the next generation with the mindsets and skills to lead and succeed in the world of tomorrow. 

Founder and CEO Lital Marom is a serial Tech Entrepreneur, a world-renowned keynote speaker on innovation and leadership and a Forbes contributor.

The Academy of Tomorrow is an extraordinary opportunity for students entering Grades 10 and 11 next year to prepare for success at university, in their career — and in life. Tomorrow’s greatest opportunities will unfold for creative leaders capable of excelling in a world of constant change. 

Winter 2025 program dates: Thursday, February 6 – Saturday, February 8, 2025
Location: On Campus at Havergal
Program Fee: $1100

Please Register Here or see the Program Brochure for more information. Registration closes Monday, November 25. 

Contact Adam Caplan, Director of HC-X Innovation Hub, with any questions.

University Visit: Ontario Tech University

On Tuesday, November 19, Ontario Tech University will be visiting Havergal College at lunch time from 12:15 – 1 pm in Room B16.

Grad Wear Orders Next Week: Due November 26

The HCPA has kindly put together a list of items for the Grads to be delivered in time for the December Break! Orders will be taken online and are due by November 26 with a December 10 delivery date. Please see this link for prices and items. Students will be able to try on clothes on Tuesday and Wednesday this week between 11 am and 1 pm in the Grad Common Room.

In Morning Programming This Week

We are excited to welcome Jake Ernst back to work with our Grade 9 students on Digital Citizenship, following his engaging sessions with parents and Middle School students.

In this experiential workshop, students will delve into common scenarios involving friendship, social media, and making responsible decisions in the digital age. Through safe and guided discussions, they will practise leadership, friendship, and problem-solving skills while exploring familiar social media platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, and group chats.

The workshop emphasises collaboration as students work together to develop practical solutions to the challenges they encounter in the classroom and beyond, empowering them to become responsible and thoughtful digital citizens.

Our Grade 10 students will be taking part in a leadership workshop with our Director of Student Leadership. The Grade 11 student reps have planned a fun activity morning for their cohort. The Grads will be divided into groups based on their application so they can receive support to work on their supplemental applications.

HCPA

Ivy Market

Ivy Market is coming on Thursday, November 21!  

  • Please click HERE to learn more and pre-order custom Havergal gifts from a curated list of vendors. 
  • And please click HERE to volunteer for Ivy Market.

HCPA Holiday Marketplace

The HCPA Holiday Marketplace is now online on our new shopify website!  

  • Click HERE to get your holiday shopping done early. 
  • Password: hcpa2024

REMINDERS

Gift Card Collection for New Circles: Due November 28

The Holiday Angels program is back. Havergal’s Upper School has committed to support 10 families this year, 1 for each House. To learn more about the program please see HERE. We are collecting gift cards in House and Form every day until Thursday, November 28. Gift cards of $20 or more are eligible for a tax receipt.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Brittney Dos Santos.

Peer Tutoring Offered

Peer Tutoring is an opportunity for students in Grades 7 – 9 to be paired with an older Havergal student for free one-on-one tutoring sessions. For more information, please have your child reach out to guidance counsellor, Carrie Steele.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Thursday, November 21 

  • Athletics Assembly, 8:40 – 9:30 am 
  • Ivy Market, 10 am – 5 pm 

Friday, November 22 

  • MS Vaccination Clinic, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm 
  • MS COSSOT Dance at Havergal, 7 – 9 pm, Dance Registration –  LINK

Thursday, November 7, 2024

On By Havergal Upper SchoolLeave a comment

A Message from the Heads: Cissy Goodridge & Deirdre Timusk

Dear Parents,

Even a short week can be just as eventful as a full one! On Monday, our students welcomed Sailor 1st Class Robert Louthe to our Remembrance Day Prayers, offering a meaningful start to the week. Then, on Tuesday, the pumpkins from last week were put to good use at a “Smash the Stigma” event organized by our Wellbeing and Forum for Change Prefects, Hadley and Peyton, and their teams. Students took the opportunity to challenge ideas around mental health stigma—while smashing pumpkins!

As we move into the weekend, we wish you and your family a restful and refreshing break.

Cissy Goodridge, Head of Middle School

Deirdre Timusk, Head of Senior School

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

Holiday Angels Program

Havergal College families of Grade 7 to 12 students are invited to participate in our annual Holiday Angel Program for our Community Partnership New Circles. Havergal’s Upper School has committed to support 10 families this year, 1 for each House. To learn more about the program please see HERE.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Brittney Dos Santos.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

MS French Language & Culinary Trip to Quebec City

The languages department is offering an exciting culinary and language excursion in Quebec City for Middle Schoolers (Grades 7 – 8). Led by French-speaking guides and our Middle School French teachers, this trip encourages students to connect with the language and culture beyond the classroom, blending culinary arts, history, adventure, and immersive language learning.

  • WHO: Grades 7 – 8
  • WHERE: Quebec City
  • WHEN: May 16 – 20 (1 day of school missed)
  • HOW: Students can register by November 13 via this link. 
  • COST: Approx. $3,595 (cost lowers as sign-up numbers increase) 
  • CONTACT: Mme Hogan or Mme Kabakian 

Please find the e-brochure HERE with all trip details.

Peer Tutoring Offered

Peer Tutoring is an opportunity for anyone in Grades 7 – 9 to get paired with an older student here at Havergal for one-on-one tutoring sessions. Through Peer Tutoring, students can learn in a supportive environment, build connections, and thrive in the classroom.
For more information, please have your child reach out to guidance counsellor, Carrie Steele, for more information.

In Morning Programming This Week

This week’s Form time will be hosted by two Prefects sharing their experiences from Middle School in order to answer some common questions that the Grade 7s and 8s have asked. Topics to be covered are Dances and Socials – What to Expect and Havergal Traditions Explained.

SENIOR SCHOOL

Community Partnership Day Volunteering

We are excited to provide opportunities to deepen our engagement with our community partners. 

We are holding a “Community Partnership Day” on Friday, November 15 during Parent-Teacher Interviews. There are 15 spots left for our Great Lakeshore Clean Up happening from 9 am – 1 pm at Woodbine Beach – Ashbridges Bay. 

If your child is interested in volunteering and earning some Community Involvement Hours, please have them fill out this form. 

For more information, please email Brittney Dos Santos.

Grade 10 Students Write the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test on Tuesday

This is a reminder that all Grade 10 students are writing the literacy test on Tuesday, November 12. Students writing with standard time must be in the Brenda Robson Hall no later than 8:30 am. Students writing with extra time must be in the Extra Time Room no later than 8 am. Students must bring: 

  • Havergal Student ID Card
  • Laptop, fully charged
  • Laptop charger

All other items, INCLUDING CELL PHONES and SMART WATCHES, must be stored in their locker. Students received preparation on all of these OSSLT details and more during Grade time on Tuesday, November 5.

Grade 12 Updates and Information from the Guidance Team from November 5

Grade 12 students had an informative workshop with the Guidance team about Universities, Application Deadlines, OUAC and Community Hours this past Tuesday during Morning Programming.

Please click here to learn more about what was presented during this session.

University Visit – University of King’s College

University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia will be visiting Havergal College on Wednesday, November 13 from 3 – 3:45 pm in room B16. This is a great opportunity to see what the university has to offer.

In Morning Programming This Week

This short week is packed with engaging activities for our students! Our Grade 9 reps will have time to lead activities with their class, while our Grade 10 students tackle the OSSLT. Grade 11 students will focus on teamwork to strengthen bonds that support their leadership journeys, and our Grade 12s will participate in one of their final Core Strengths sessions.

HCPA

Ivy Market

Ivy Market is coming on Thursday, November 21!  

  • Please click HERE to learn more and pre-order custom Havergal gifts from a curated list of vendors.
  • Pre-order Robyn’s cookie dough HERE.
  • Please click HERE to volunteer for Ivy Market.

HCPA Holiday Marketplace

The HCPA Holiday Marketplace is now online on our new shopify website!  

  • Click HERE to get your holiday shopping done early.
  • Password: hcpa2024

REMINDERS

Parent-Teacher Conferences – Portal Open Now until Wednesday, November 13

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held virtually on Thursday, November 14 at 3 – 8 pm and Friday, November 15 at 8 am – 4 pm. 

  • The Pick-A-Time booking system is open now and will close on Wednesday, November 13 at noon.
  • After Pick-A-Time closes, the only way to book or change appointments is by emailing teachers directly; only they will be able to add to or change their schedules.
  • Please ensure your Zoom account is up-to-date. See Zoom Instructions.

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

Grade 11 University Tours on Tuesday, November 12 at 11:30 am – 5 pm

Students will be visiting one of four campuses for the Annual Grade 11 University Fall Tour: 

  • Wilfrid Laurier University 
  • University of Waterloo
  • University of Guelph
  • McMaster University 

During these tours, students will experience campus life and learn about different faculties, residences and student services. 

Additional Details:  

  • Students will be boarding the bus at 11:30 am.
  • Eat lunch prior to boarding the bus or pack a lunch.
  • Casual clothing appropriate for the weather
  • Comfortable walking shoes. 
  • Bring a water bottle.

Global Experiences 2024-2025 – Opportunities Still Open: Visit Beijing

There is still an opportunity to express your interest in Global Experiences for the two week Beijing Summer Camp, which takes place in late June 2025 just after exams. Please see the information video here. It is a language and cultural experience not to be missed! 

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Monday, November 11

  • No Classes (November Break: November 7 – 11)

Tuesday, November 12  

  • Classes Resume
  • Upper School Winter Athletic Tryouts (all week)
  • Grade 11 University Campus Tours, 11:30 am – 5 pm

Wednesday, November 13 

  • Dress Down Day
  • Certamen – Latin Competition at St. Clement’s School

Thursday, November 14   

  • HC-X Sneaker Workshop at DesignWith at the Eaton Center
  • Special Schedule, Period 1 at 8:30 am
  • School Closes, 1:40 pm
  • Parent-Teacher Conferences, 3 – 8 pm

Friday, November 15   

  • Parent-Teacher Conferences, 8 – 4 pm
  • HC-X Sneaker Workshop at DesignWith at the Eaton Center

Friday, November 1, 2024

On By Havergal Upper SchoolLeave a comment

A Message from the Heads: Cissy Goodridge & Deirdre Timusk

Dear Parents,

What a vibrant week it has been at our school! We kicked off the festivities on Monday by celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights. Our Upper School students shared their experiences of Diwali with the school and were even joined by 14 Junior School students in a final dance to end our prayers. Afterwards, it was heartwarming to see all the parents and students together at our Diwali Reception held in the Ellen Knox library.

On Tuesday, we welcomed Dr. Belle Liang and Mr. Tim Klein from Boston College, who shared insights from their book, How To Navigate Life. They explored the distinction between performance and passion mindsets and encouraged our students to pursue, instead, a purpose mindset. Their advice of “meet interesting people, do interesting things, and be interested” resonated with many as did their research about its importance in overall wellbeing and academic success. For those who want to delve deeper, their work with students and parents are linked:

As the week drew to a close, we fully embraced the Halloween spirit with pumpkin carving, costume contests, door decorating, candy, and games—making it a Halloween to remember!

Thank you for being an integral part of our community. We look forward to more exciting experiences in the coming weeks!

Warm regards,

Cissy Goodridge, Head of Middle School

Deirdre Timusk, Head of Senior School

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

Photo Retake Day and Form Photos on Wednesday, November 6

Form photos will take place on Wednesday, November 6 during Form Time (before Period 1). Our photographer will remain in the Ellen Knox library from 10:30 am – 1 pm for any student who would like a retake. Number 1 Dress is required. Please have your daughter complete this Google form to set up her appointment.

Winter Athletics Tryout Registration is Open!

Please click HERE to register for Winter Athletics tryouts. This link will take you to the Parent Portal, which contains the registration link (look for the green box labelled “Winter Athletics”). The registration link will remain open until midnight on Tuesday, November 5. 

Please note the following:

  • Students may attend tryouts/practices only if permission has been given during this registration period via Veracross. 
  • Students may register to try out for TWO teams only (this does not include Coach Mentor, Yoga, or Rugby Training) – 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.
  • Winter Tryout Schedule: The tryout schedule is linked here and can be found on Veracross. The season schedule will be finalized on Wednesday, November 20. When you click on the link below, make sure you are looking at the second tab: “WINTER 2024 – 2025.” 
  • There is no confirmation email or email reminder about when and where tryouts take place. Families must look at the schedules and students attend their specific tryout. 
  • There is no fee associated with the tryout process. Team fees are applied after rosters are finalized. 

If you are having trouble with the registration process or have additional questions, please email Carla Di Filippo, Director of Athletics.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Form Photos

On Wednesday, November 6, the school photographer will be onsite to take Form Photos in the Ellen Knox Library during regular Form Time (8:40 – 9:10 am).  Number 1 Dress is required.

Peer Tutoring Offered

Peer Tutoring is an opportunity for anyone in Grades 7 – 9 to get paired with an older student here at Havergal for one-on-one tutoring sessions. Through Peer Tutoring, students can learn in a supportive environment, build connections, and thrive in the classroom.

For more information, please have your child reach out to their guidance counsellor, Camille Prince, Carrie Steele or Jordy Winograd.

In Morning Programming This Week

This week, students in Grade 7 and 8 will be guided through a lesson with their Form teacher under the umbrella of Friendship. The lesson for Grade 7 is titled Navigating Friendships, and the lesson for Grade 8 will help students reflect on how they might handle difficult conversations with friends.

SENIOR SCHOOL

Sneaker Design Workshop – November 14 & 15 (Grades 10 – 12)

On Thursday, November 14 & Friday, November 15 during Parent-Teacher Interviews, students in Grades 10 – 12 can sign up for the Sneaker Design Workshop at DesignWith, a Social Innovation Lab located in the Eaton Centre. This workshop is run through HC-X. 

Throughout this 2-day workshop, students  will: 

  • Craft their own personalized sneaker
  • Deepen their understanding of the circular economy’s role in footwear design
  • Explore eco-friendly materials & ethical production
  • Gain hands-on experience
  • Design strategies that reduce waste and extend product life
  • Learn sustainable alternatives like using recycled materials, designing for disassembly, and incorporating repairability.
  • Cost is approximately $400 per person
  • Workshop Timing:
    • 1:30 – 8:30 pm on Thursday, November 14
    • 9:30 am – 4:30 pm on Friday, November 15
  • Interested? Fill out this Google doc by Monday, November 4.

Please reach out to Allison Campbell-Rogers with any questions.

Global Experiences 2024-2025 – Opportunities Still Open: Visit Beijing

There is still an opportunity to express your interest in Global Experiences for the two week Beijing Summer Camp, which takes place in late June 2025 just after exams. Please see the information video here. It is a language and cultural experience not to be missed!

University Visits

Individual University Reps will be visiting Havergal College on Tuesday, November 5 to speak to Grade 9 to 12 students during the lunch hour from 12:15 – 1 pm in the Ellen Knox library. This is a great opportunity to see what the universities offer.

  • University of New Brunswick
  • Huron University 
  • Carleton University

In Morning Programming This Week

This week students in Grade 9 will reveal their Community Agreements, which will be displayed in the Grade 9 hallway later this week. The OSSLT Practice session will take place for all Grade 10 students. Grade 11 students will take part in a Leading In Action session run by the Director of Student Leadership, Fiona Marshall. Finally, there will be a University Counselling session for our Grads.

HCPA

Ivy Market Details

Ivy Market is coming on Thursday, November 21!  Please click HERE to learn more and pre-order custom Havergal gifts from a curated list of vendors.

  • Pre-order Robyn’s cookie dough HERE.  
  • Please click HERE to volunteer for Ivy Market. 

The HCPA Holiday Marketplace is now online on our new shopify website!  

  • Click HERE to get your holiday shopping done early.  
  • Password: hcpa2024

REMINDERS

Rowing Parent Information Session: Monday, November 4

Is your child interested in rowing at Havergal? Please join us on Monday, November 4 from 7 – 8 pm via Zoom for an information session led by head coach, Micheal Greig. During the session you will learn everything there is to know about rowing, including information about coaching staff, practice commitments, regattas, Tennessee training camp, and the cost of the program.

Learning Skills Report Card Available: Tuesday, November 5

Your child’s Learning Skills Report Card will be available next week. Beginning Tuesday, November 5 at 4 pm, you can view the report card by logging into the Parent Portal and following the provided link. We hope this snapshot of progress so far provides helpful insights into learning skills and transition to the new school year. For complete instructions, please click here.

Grade 10 Parents – Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test: Tuesday, November 12

During morning Grade Time on Tuesday, November 5, Grade 10 students will attend a session guiding them through downloading and testing the software required by EQAO to write the OSSLT. During this session, students will also review the format of the test and have the opportunity to begin a full-length practice. 

The test itself is written on Tuesday, November 12. Attendance on both of these dates is critical for students to set themselves up for success in completing this graduation requirement.Contact the Director of Academic Operations, Jennifer Goldberg, with questions.

Parent-Teacher Conferences – Portal Now Open until Wednesday, November 13

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held virtually on Thursday, November 14 at 3 – 8 pm and Friday, November 15 at 8 am – 4 pm. 

  • The Pick-A-Time booking system is open now and will close on Wednesday, November 13 at noon.
  • After Pick-A-Time closes, the only way to book or change appointments is by emailing teachers directly; only they will be able to add to or change their schedules.
  • Please ensure your Zoom account is up-to-date. See Zoom Instructions.

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

School Photos Available for Ordering

We’re delighted to announce that your daughter’s school pictures are now available online for viewing and ordering. To access your photos, visit Echo Photography. When prompted for a password, enter your student’s unique Person ID.  If you have any questions or special requests, please get in touch with Cameron Hubbs at cameron@echophotography.ca or by text at 905-3557.

Take Your Kid to Work Day

If your grade 9 student will miss classes on Wednesday, November 6 for this event, please let the Day School Office (DSO) know by excusing their absence. Thank you!

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Monday, November 4

  • Remembrance Day Prayers 
  • Rowing Virtual Information Session, 7 pm

Tuesday, November 5  

  • Learning Skills Report Cards Available on the Parent Portal, 4 pm
  • Winter Athletic Registration Closes, 12 am (midnight)

Wednesday, November 6 

  • Form Photos and Photo Retake Day 
  • Take Your Kid to Work Day (Grade 9)
  • Boarding School closes, 6 pm
  • Last Day of Classes

Thursday, November 7   

  • No Classes (November Break: November 7 – 11)
  • Professional Development for Faculty

Friday, November 8   

  • No Classes (November Break: November 7 – 11)

Friday, October 25, 2024

On By Havergal Upper SchoolLeave a comment

A Message from the Heads: Cissy Goodridge & Deirdre Timusk

Dear Parents,

We’ve had a busy week here at school. Earlier this week, we observed Islamic Heritage Prayers, and we extend our thanks to everyone who participated and helped make it a reflective occasion for all. House Games brought together Middle and Senior School students, where we witnessed wonderful enthusiasm and teamwork. Our Middle School students and families also enjoyed an afternoon at the Gator Games, a chance to display some friendly competition run by our Sports Council. Adding to the excitement, Benchball will take place this afternoon and our students will face their opponents from Crescent in some high energy matchups!  

Looking ahead to next week, Diwali Prayers are scheduled for Monday, followed by a reception to celebrate this special festival of lights, and we look forward to marking this joyful event with our community. We are also preparing for Dr. Belle Liang & Mr. Tim Klein’s visit, which will provide valuable insights into finding one’s purpose for students, faculty and parents.

Finally, morning programming is a key part of the Havergal experience. If you have a moment please take a look at these videos. The first video features a Grade 12 student talking about her experience with the Core Strengths which is a program we run with our Grads. The second video is an update from our Head of Middle School giving an overview of our community agreements and the launch of leadership positions for Grade 7s and 8s.

Cissy Goodridge, Head of Middle School

Deirdre Timusk, Head of Senior School

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

Learning Skill Report Card Available: Tuesday, November 5

Your daughter’s Learning Skills Report Card is available through a link on your Parent Portal beginning Tuesday, November 5 at 4 pm. Click here for more information.

Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test: Tuesday, November 12

The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) requires students in Grade 10 to complete the computer-based Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), which measures whether students are meeting the minimum standard for literacy across all subjects up to the end of Grade 9. Successful completion of this test is one of the requirements to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. 

  • Havergal students will write the OSSLT in person, on campus (per EQAO rules) on the morning of Tuesday, November 12. 
  • During morning Grade time on Tuesday, November 5, these students will attend a session guiding them through downloading and testing the software required by EQAO to write the OSSLT. During this session, students will also review the format of the test and have the opportunity to begin a full-length practice. 
  • Attendance on both of these dates is critical for students to set themselves up for success in completing this graduation requirement.

Contact the Director of Academic Operations, Jennifer Goldberg, with questions.

Parent-Teacher Conferences – Portal Opens: Wednesday October 30 at 12 pm

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held virtually on Thursday, November 14 at 3 – 8 pm and Friday, November 15 at 8 am – 4 pm. 

  • The Pick-A-Time booking system will open on Wednesday, October 30 at noon and will close on Wednesday, November 13 at noon.
  • After Pick-A-Time closes, the only way to book or change appointments is by emailing teachers directly; only they will be able to add to or change their schedules.
  • Please ensure your Zoom account is up-to-date. See Zoom Instructions.

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

Winter Athletics Tryout Registration Opens: Wednesday, October 30

Please click HERE to preview the Winter Athletics catalogue which lists all winter teams. Registration for Winter Athletics tryouts will open on Wednesday, October 30 at 8 am and will remain open until midnight on Tuesday, November 5. 

Please note the following:

  • Students may attend tryouts/practices only if permission has been given during this registration period via Veracross. 
  • Students may register to try out for TWO teams only (this does not include Coach Mentor, Yoga, or Rugby Training) – 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.
  • Winter Tryout Schedule – The tryout schedule is linked here and can be found on Veracross. The season schedule will be finalized on Wednesday, November 20. When you click on the link below, make sure you are looking at the second tab – “WINTER 2024 – 2025.” 
  • There is no confirmation email or email reminder about when and where tryouts take place. Families must look at the schedules and students attend their specific tryout. 
  • There is no fee associated with the tryout process. Team fees are applied after rosters are finalized. 

If you are having trouble with the registration process or have additional questions, please email Carla Di Filippo, Director of Athletics.

Fostering Purpose in Our Kids

As part of our Parents as Partners Speaker Series, Havergal is delighted to welcome Dr. Belle Liang & Tim Klein on Tuesday, October 29, authors of How to Navigate Life.   Their research and talk will focus on helping our kids find purpose and its vital connection to their wellbeing (and ours). The talk will be from 7 pm – 8:30 pm in the Legacy Theatre and will have relevant takeaways for parents of students of all ages. Registration for the event can be found here. 

Our guest speakers will also be working with our students from Grades 7 – 12 during their day and running professional development with our faculty. This commitment to fostering purpose in students at Havergal and embedding its principles in our programming is a part of a year-long partnership with Liang and Klein and we welcome your partnership on this key next step in our commitment to wellbeing.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Information Meeting for the Round Square Regional Conference: UK

Please find the recording of the Information Session HERE.

Applications are open for our Round Square Regional Conference to Milton Abbey in May.

  • Milton Abbey School, United Kingdom
  • Monday, May 26, 2025 – Saturday, May 31, 2025
  • Suitable for ages 12 to 14
  • Cost: approximately $3500
  • Contact Mr. Adams or Ms. Kaba for more information 

You can learn more here, or speak with anyone in the Forum for Change. 

Applications are OPEN NOW.  Students must select the appropriate conference for 2024-2025.* Applications will close on Friday, November 1.

Get Excited for Halloween Door Decorating

On Wednesday, October 30, our MS Hallways will be transformed into a Haunted House. During Form next week, the MS students will have a door decorating contest. Students in each Form need to bring in materials to decorate their door on Wednesday, October 30. Prizes will be awarded for Most Sustainable, Scariest/Wackiest, Most Creative, Best in Show. 

SENIOR SCHOOL

Save The Date: Rowing Parent Information Session on November 4

Is your child interested in rowing at Havergal? Please join us on Monday, November 4th from 7-8 pm via Zoom for an information session led by head coach, Micheal Greig. During the session you will learn everything there is to know about rowing (coaching staff, practice commitments, regattas, Tennessee training camp, cost of the program, etc).

Round Square Regional Conference: Buenos Aires, Argentina

We are excited to announce that applications are open for our Round Square Regional Conference to Michael Ham Memorial College.

The recording of the information session is here.

You can learn more here, or speak with anyone in the Forum for Change.

Applications are OPEN NOW. Students must select the appropriate conference for 2024-2025.* Applications will close on Friday, November 1.

University Visits

Individual University Reps will be visiting Havergal College to speak to Grade 9 to 12 students after school from 3:30 – 4:15 pm. This is a great opportunity to see what the universities offer.

  • Toronto Metropolitan University: Monday, October 28 from 3:30 – 4:15 pm in Room B16
  • University of Bristol: Thursday, October 31 from 3:30 – 4:15 pm Room B16

In Morning Programming this Week

On Tuesday all Senior School students will be together to learn more about fostering their purpose from Dr. Belle Liang and Tim Klien, authors of How to Navigate Life.  They will be dismissed at 12:20 pm after attending Period 1 and 2 so that faculty can attend a professional development session with the speakers. 

During House on Wednesday, each TA group will be carving a pumpkin and entering it into the House competition. These works of art will be judged during the Halloween Assembly on Thursday!

HCPA

Ivy Market

The Ivy Market is just around the corner on Thursday, November 21 from 10 am – 5 pm, where a number of carefully curated vendors will showcase HC specific designs.  Parents can also pre-order cookie dough and enjoy a coffee corner to connect with other parents and alumni. The HCPA is excited for this event and hope to see you all there!  Please click here for more details.

REMINDERS

Fostering Purpose in Our Kids – Tuesday, October 29 at 7 – 8:30 pm

As part of our Parents as Partners Speaker Series, Havergal is delighted to welcome Dr. Belle Liang & Tim Klein on Tuesday, October 29, authors of How to Navigate Life.   Their research and talk will focus on helping our kids find purpose and its vital connection to their wellbeing (and ours). The talk will be from 7 – 8:30 pm in the Legacy Theatre and will have relevant takeaways for parents of students of all ages (JK-12). Registration for the event can be found here.

Half Day on Tuesday, October 29 – Early Dismissal at 12:20 pm

We are thrilled that our teachers will have the opportunity to engage in professional development with Dr. Belle Liang & Tim Klein on Tuesday, October 29, prior to their presentation with our families. Students will be dismissed at 12:20 pm.  See Special Schedule.

Dates on the Horizon

Please note the following dates for your planning purposes. Students will not have classes on these days. 

  • November Break: November 6 – 11
  • Parent Teacher Conferences: Friday, November 15 

School Photos Available for Ordering

We’re delighted to announce that your daughter’s school pictures are now available online for viewing and ordering. To access your photos, visit Echo Photography. When prompted for a password, enter your student’s unique Person ID.  Ordering is a breeze, and you can customize your prints or digitals with several options to suit your preferences. Be sure to check them out and share them with your family and friends.If you have any questions or special requests, please get in touch with Cameron Hubbs at cameron@echophotography.ca or by text at 905-3557.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Monday, October 28

  • Diwali Prayers & Parent Reception at 8:40 am in the BRH

Tuesday, October 29   

  • Early Dismissal for Students at 12:20 pm
  • Parents as Partners Speaker Series: Dr. Belle Liang & Tim Klein at 7 pm in the Legacy Theatre

Wednesday, October 30  

  • Winter Athletic: Registration Opens at 8 am
  • Parent-Teacher Conferences: Pick-A-Time Opens at 12 pm 

Thursday, October 31    

  • Halloween Assembly: Costumes are encouraged.

Friday, November 1     

  • US Early Decision Application Deadline – End of Day

Friday, October 18, 2024

On By Havergal Upper SchoolLeave a comment

A Message from the Heads: Cissy Goodridge & Deirdre Timusk

Dear Parents,

The school is in full swing, with athletics and rehearsals well underway. As I write this, our music department is away on retreat, preparing for the upcoming festive season.

This past week, we were delighted to have you join us for High Holiday Prayers and the parent reception. Parent participation in school events is a wonderful way to connect with familiar faces and build new friendships within our community.

Looking ahead, there are several opportunities for parents to visit the school, and we hope you’ll join us whenever your schedule allows. In October, we will explore Islamic Heritage Month and Diwali through student presentations during Prayers. On Thursday, October 24, we’ll celebrate our students’ academic achievements at the awards ceremony, and on Tuesday, October 29, we invite you to attend the Parents as Partners Speaker Series, featuring Dr. Belle Liang and Tim Klein, who will share insights from their book How to Navigate Life.

Below you will see two dates of note. On Wednesday, October 30, the Parent Teacher Conferences booking system will open and this coming Thursday, October 24, we welcome our parents to our beloved Middle School Gator Games.

Whether you join us for Prayers, cheer from the sidelines at a game, or attend a concert, your presence means the world to our students. We look forward to seeing you soon and appreciate your continued support.

Cissy Goodridge, Head of Middle School

Deirdre Timusk, Head of Senior School

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

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held virtually on Thursday, November 14 at 3 – 8 pm and Friday, November 15 at 8 am – 4 pm. 

  • The Pick-A-Time booking system will open on Wednesday, October 30 at noon and will close on Wednesday, November 13 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.

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

Parent Speaker Series: Tuesday, October 29

As part of our Parents as Partners Speaker Series, on Tuesday, October 29, Havergal is delighted to welcome the authors of How to Navigate Life by Dr. Belle Liang & Tim Klein. Their research and talk will focus on helping our kids find purpose and its vital connection to their wellbeing, and ours. The talk will be from 7 – 8:30 pm in the Legacy Theatre and will have relevant takeaways for parents of students of all ages (Grades JK – 12). Registration for the event can be found here. 

Generative AI Update

Havergal’s Generative AI Framework is moving to Version 1.1. We are introducing FlintK12 to our Grade 7 – 12 students. This will be a 2-year pilot program designed to explore AI-powered learning in a secure environment. This initiative will provide students access to Generative AI tools that support their learning while ensuring data security and privacy.

What Makes FlintK12 Different?

FlintK12 operates entirely within our school’s network. No data generated by students or teachers is used to train the AI model, nor does any data go beyond the school’s secure environment. We are confident this approach prioritizes both safety and effectiveness in learning.

The platform offers two main functions:

  • Flint AI Chatbot: A chat-based GPT-4-mini agent to assist students in real-time learning tasks. This tool is designed to offer educational support tailored to the specific needs of each student.
  • Teacher-built Activities: Teachers can create customized activities aligning support with classroom instruction and enhancing individual learning experiences.

Havergal’s AI Learning Team, composed of educators across grade levels, will be working together to design, test, and refine the use of these tools. This collaborative effort helps ensure that the platform will evolve to meet the needs of our students. HC-X Leadership is also working closely with other schools, allowing us to build on the collective experience and ensure best practices.

Students will be oriented to the platform through a Prayers presentation and through Form and TA sessions. Faculty will be working with students in classes as well.If you have any questions or concerns about FlintK12, please don’t hesitate to contact Seonaid Davis or Garth Nichols.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Register for Middle School Gator Games

Registration: Middle School Gator Games 

Date: Thursday, October 24 at 5:30 – 7:30 pm 

* Registration will close on Tuesday, October 22 at 12 pm. 

This event is a great opportunity to play some low organizational games with your child and meet other families in the Middle School. After a brief warm-up and two fun games sessions there will be some finger foods and drinks to enjoy with all participants. The event is run by the Sports Prefects and Sports Council and promises to be an entertaining afternoon of friendly competition and laughter!

If you have any questions please email Carla Di Filippo.

Round Square Regional Conference: Milton Abbey, UK

We are excited to announce that applications are open for our Round Square Regional Conference to Hilton Abbey in May.

  • Milton Abbey School, United Kingdom
  • Monday, May 26, 2025 – Saturday, May 31, 2025
  • Suitable for ages 12 to 14
  • Cost: approximately $3500
  • Contact Mr. Adams or Ms. Kaba for more information 

You can learn more HERE, or speak with anyone in the Forum for Change. 

Applications are OPEN NOW.  Students must select the appropriate conference for 2024-2025.

* Applications will close on Friday, November 1.

We will have an information session on Tuesday, October 22 at 12:15 pm via Zoom.

  • Join Zoom Meeting HERE
  • Meeting ID: 846 6293 0505
  • Passcode: 397850

The meeting will be recorded and distributed in The Weekly.

SENIOR SCHOOL

Round Square Regional Conference: Buenos Aires, Argentina

We are excited to announce that applications are open for our Round Square Regional Conference to Michael Ham Memorial College

You can learn more HERE, or speak with anyone in the Forum for Change.

Applications are OPEN NOW. Students must select the appropriate conference for 2024-2025.

* Applications will close on Friday, November 1.

We will have an information session Tuesday, October 22 at 12:30 pm via Zoom.

  •  Join Zoom Meeting HERE
  • Meeting ID: 846 6293 0505
  • Passcode: 397850

 The meeting will be recorded and distributed in The Weekly.

University Visit: Monday, October 21

King’s College London will be visiting Havergal College on Monday, October 21 from 12:15 – 1 pm in Room B63.

In Grade Programming This Week

Students in grade 9-11 will be working in TA groups to learn more about themselves and their values. This is in preparation for our visit from Dr. Belle Liang and Mr. Tim Klein authors of How to Navigate Life. Our Grads have already done work on discovering and leaning into their values when working with others via the Core Strengths Program. They will continue to work through their Core Strengths this week.

HCPA

Ivy Market (Reminder)

Save the date for Ivy Market on Thursday, November 21.

Used Textbook Collection & Returns (Reminder)

Used Textbook Collection and Textbook Returns:  Monday, October 21 at 8 – 11:30 am in the Ellen Knox Library. More detailed instructions were sent out in the HCPA’s October News You Can Use.

REMINDERS

Half Day and Early Dismissal: Tuesday, October 29

We are thrilled that our teachers will have the opportunity to engage in professional development with Dr. Belle Liang & Tim Klein on Tuesday, October 29, prior to their presentation with our families. Students will be dismissed at 12:20 pm on this day. Blocks B and A will take place in the morning.  See Special Schedule.

Take Our Kids to Work Day

On Wednesday, November 6, it is Take Our Kids to Work Day for Grade 9 students.  Please use the Parent Portal if your child will not be at school that day.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Monday, October 21

  • Islamic Heritage Prayers

Wednesday, October 23

  • Upper School Open House,  #1 Dress

Thursday, October 24

  • Awards Ceremony and Parents Reception: 8:40 am in the BRH
  • Middle School Gator Games: 5 pm in the Gym

Friday, October 25

  • MS RSGC Dance: 7 – 9pm, @RSGC

Friday, October 11, 2024

On By Havergal Upper SchoolLeave a comment

Thanksgiving Wishes

Dear Parents,

As we welcome Thanksgiving weekend, I want to thank you for your engagement during the first month of the year.  We know that sending your daughter to Havergal takes commitment on several fronts. Your support of the girls, our program, and our community makes providing an exceptional student experience possible. Whether attending games, performances and events like Celebration Saturday, sharing your constructive feedback, supporting our philanthropic initiatives or dedicating your time to the school, your contributions are deeply valued and positively impact our community.

As a learning organization, we endeavour to build empathy in our students for the challenges within our local and global community contexts. As we approach Thanksgiving weekend in the Upper School, we have taken time to learn, reflect and pray for the pain and suffering of others – those who are living in fear for their safety, subject to discrimination, hate and isolation, and those in our community who will not have enough to eat, even during this time where we celebrate the bountiful Harvest. This past week, we spent time in Upper School Prayers reflecting on how we can honour the various worries, wonders, joys and sorrows that each of us might carry into the school each day. We recognize people in our community continue to feel the impacts of global conflict and human suffering. It is imperative that we seek ways to support one another, recognizing that we all deserve to feel safe and to be treated with dignity. 

As we celebrate this Thanksgiving weekend and give thanks for our blessings, I ask that we hold those in our community who are impacted by conflict or hate, who are isolated or lonely, and those who are struggling here in our local community close in our hearts and minds. 

We wish you and your family a safe and joyful Thanksgiving and to those observing, a meaningful Yom Kippur.

Dr. Katrina Samson

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

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL

Parent Speaker Series: The New Science of Finding Your Way

As part of our Parents as Partners Speaker Series, on Tuesday, October 29, Havergal is delighted to welcome the authors of How to Navigate Life: Dr. Belle Liang & Tim Klein. Their research and talk will focus on helping our kids find purpose and its vital connection to their wellbeing, and ours. The talk will be from 7 – 8:30 pm in the Legacy Theatre and will have relevant takeaways for parents of students of all ages (Grades JK – 12). Registration for the event can be found here.  

Our guest speakers will also be working with our students from Grades 7 – 12 during their day and running professional development with our faculty. This commitment to fostering purpose in students at Havergal and embedding its principles in our programming is a part of a year-long partnership with Liang and Klein and we welcome your partnership on this key next step in our commitment to wellbeing.

Half Day and Early Dismissal on Tuesday, October 29

We are thrilled that our teachers will have the opportunity to engage in professional development with Dr. Belle Liang & Tim Klein on Tuesday, October 29, prior to their presentation with our families. Students will be dismissed at 12:20 pm on this day. Blocks B and A will take place in the morning.

Parents Entering Lates and Absences on Veracross

Please ensure you are excusing any lates or absences for your daughter using the Parent Portal on Veracross (see the image on the right). Students may not excuse their own lates or absences. All unexcused absences or lates are followed up by the Head of School.

Thank you for your partnership!

MIDDLE SCHOOL

MS Gator Games: Registration Open Now

MS Gator Games are starting soon! 

Date: Thursday, October 24
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 pm

Each student is invited to bring one parent/guardian or significant adult with them to participate in the event. Parents may register their attendance by clicking on this link. Registrations will close on Thursday, October 22 at 12 pm.

Event Plan

  • 5:30 pm: Arrival through the Gator doors
  • 5:45 – 6:00 pm: Warm up in Gym A/B
  • 6:05 – 6:25 pm: Activity #1
  • 6:30 – 6:50 pm: Activity #2
  • 6:55 – 7:30 pm: Socializing with finger foods and  awards at the Biowall

Dress in comfortable clothing as you will be active. This year, the MS Gator Games will consist of the following options for activities:

  • Benchball – Gym A/B
  • Scavenger Hunt – Full School
  • Ultimate Rubber Chicken Frisbee – Lower Pitch Field
  • Disc Golf – Baskets on South Quad and around Ratcliffe Field
  • Tail Tag – Ratcliffe Field
  • Beach Ball Volleyball – Gym C

You are encouraged to dress in theme! There will be finger foods and drinks available after the games. There will be a slide show and awards given by the sports council. Some sample awards include: 

  • Best Dressed Alike/ Twins 
  • Most Competitive
  • Most Spirited
  • Dress as Your Favourite Athlete
  • “Coolest” Sports Jerseys
  • …. and More! 

We look forward to hosting you and having some fun while being active.

Any questions? Please email Carla Di Filippo, Director of Athletics.

COSSOT Dances

Branksome Hall Dance

Branksome Hall will be hosting their first dance on Friday, October 18. Selected students and their parents will be notified on Tuesday, October 15. Parents will be sent a registration link to confirm their child’s participation. 

RSGC Dance

On Friday, October 25, RSGC will be hosting their COSSOT dance. Interested students should register their interest by completing the Google form that was sent to them on Wednesday, October 9. It can also be found here. Selected students and their parents will be sent the registration form on Monday, October 21 to confirm their child’s participation.

As a reminder, students are chosen to attend the dances through a lottery system. We carefully review the participants to ensure every student has a fair opportunity to attend.

In Form This Week

Our highly anticipated Grade 8 assemblies return this week, with students from Forms 8A and 8B hosting the Middle School assembly under the theme Fall into Middle School. These assemblies give students the opportunity to plan, create, and execute an event, all while sharpening their public speaking and leadership skills. Whether they choose to take centre stage or work behind the scenes as executive producers, ensuring everyone has a role—big or small—each student plays a part. No matter how they participate, these assemblies are always a fun and valuable experience, filled with helpful tips for learning and growing.

SENIOR SCHOOL

Canadian University Fair

Date: Tuesday, October 15
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Location: Brenda Robson Hall 

There will be a meeting with various Canadian University representatives. For a list of the universities attending, please click here.

Music Retreat

We are looking forward to our annual Music Retreat at Campfire Circle from Wednesday, October 16 to Friday, October 18.  For everyone joining us, remember to bring bedding and weather appropriate clothing for the Fall temperature. We leave at noon on Wednesday and will be back at Havergal in mid-afternoon on Friday.

Take Our Kids to Work Day

On Wednesday, November 6, it is Take Our Kids to Work Day for Grade 9 students.  Please use the Parent Portal if your child will not be at school that day.

In Grade Programming This Week

Our Grade 9 students will be working on their time management skills and be introduced to different tools that they can use as their workload increases over the course of the upcoming years. Community building continues with our Grade 10 community. Our Grade 11 students will be led through stress management activities with their Grade 11 student representatives. Finally, our Grads will learn about the benefits of their lifelong connection to Havergal and will be invited to join our Old Girl/Alum portal called Havergal Connections. Through this portal, they’ll be able to seek advice directly from young alumni as they prepare their university applications and make important decisions about where to apply and attend. They’ll also explore how Havergal Connections serves as a key resource for staying connected to the alumni network throughout their lives.

HCPA

Ivy Market

Save the date for Ivy Market that is taking place on Tuesday, November 21. We all look forward to seeing you there!

Used Textbook Collection and Returns

Used Textbook Collection and Textbook Returns are on Monday, October 21 from 7:30 – 11:30 am in the Ellen Knox Library. More detailed instructions were sent out in the HCPA’s October issue of News You Can Use.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Monday, October 14  

  • No Classes (Statutory Holiday – Thanksgiving Day)

Tuesday, October 15    

  • High Holiday Prayers and Reception at 8:40 am in the Brenda Robson Hall  
  • Canadian University Fair at 6:30 – 8:30 pm in the Brenda Robson Hall

Wednesday, October 16  

  • Music Retreat leaves at 12:30 pm

Thursday, October 17    

  • CAIS Soccer, Head of the Charles Regatta

Friday, October 18      

  • Music Retreat returns at 2 pm

Friday, October 4, 2024

On By Havergal Upper SchoolLeave a comment

A Message from the Heads: Cissy Goodridge & Deirdre Timusk

Dear Parents,

Thank you for your participation in Celebration Saturday and your support of our community partners! We’re excited to share a video that highlights the incredible work our students are doing alongside these partners: Community Partnerships at Celebration Saturday 2024.

This week, Havergal observed Truth and Reconciliation Week, starting with Orange Shirt Day on Monday, September 30. This important time encourages all Canadians to learn about the legacy of residential schools and their impact on Indigenous communities today. We were honored to collaborate with members of our Indigenous, First Nations, and Métis communities to deepen our understanding and commitment to meaningful reconciliation. We also celebrated Hispanic Heritage month in Prayers. Students celebrated the diversity of the Hispanic community, shared family traditions, highlighted significant contributions and raised awareness about the economic challenges faced by many communities in Latin America.

Each week our students amaze us with all of their accomplishments and this year, from time to time, we will highlight some of them in this publication. For example, last weekend we had five students compete at the Rotman School of Business. Congratulations to Angela, ShuYue, Megan, and Emily for making it to the top 5 at the Rotman School of Business Boardroom. Out of over 100 submissions, only 12 teams were selected to move forward, and our students impressed everyone in the final round with their presentation in front of a packed audience. Finally, for all those celebrating Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we wish you a Shana Tova and a meaningful Yom Kippur!

Cissy Goodridge, Head of Middle School

Deirdre Timusk, Head of Senior School

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

Message of Support

As the school year progresses and its initial excitement ebbs and flows, the demands of classwork, co-curriculars and the pressure students place on themselves can feel daunting.

We also want to acknowledge that some students in our community may be carrying burdens beyond school. Family challenges, health and wellness concerns, local and world events, conflicts, and personal losses can weigh heavily upon them.

As a compassionate community built on trusted relationships, we want our students and their families to know that the following resources are available for support whenever needed. Havergal is invested in the growth, care and development of your children and we want to partner with you in times of need. Below please find a list of resources and contacts available:

Upper School:

Fostering Purpose in Our Kids

As part of our Parents as Partners Speaker Series,  on Tuesday, October 29, Havergal is delighted to welcome the authors of How to Navigate Life : Dr. Belle Liang & Tim Klein. Their research and talk will focus on helping our kids find purpose and its vital connection to their wellbeing, and ours. The talk will be from 7 – 8:30 pm in the Legacy Theatre and will have relevant takeaways for parents of students of all ages (Grades JK – 12). Registration for the event can be found here. 

Our guest speakers will also be working with our students from Grades 7 – 12 during the day and running professional development with our faculty. This commitment to fostering purpose in students at Havergal and embedding its principles in our programming is a part of a year-long partnership with Liang and Klein. We welcome your partnership on this key next step in our commitment to wellbeing.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

MS GATOR GAMES

The Gator Games will take place on Thursday, October 24 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. This event is a great opportunity to play some low organizational games with your child and meet other families in the Middle School. After a brief warm-up and two fun games sessions, there will be some finger foods and drinks to enjoy with all participants. The event is organized by the Sports Prefects and Sports Council and promises to be an entertaining afternoon of friendly competition and laughter! The registration link will be in the next issue of The Weekly.

SENIOR SCHOOL

Sanctioned School Socials

Grade 9 and 10 parents may have heard of the “HC 9/10 Semi” at the Lux on Friday , October 18. This is not a sanctioned Havergal event with faculty supervision. For a list of supervised events for the Senior School (SS), please refer to this link. While we will do our best to keep you informed about unsanctioned events, we cannot guarantee awareness of all occurrences. If you’re unsure whether an event will have adult supervision from a recognized school, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for clarification. This list is a live document that may be updated over the course of the year as schools add events to their calendars.

Advanced Placement Program at Havergal

If you are interested in Havergal’s Advanced Placement program but were unable to attend the informational webinar last week, we invite you to view this recording. All students in Grades 11 and 12 have also been emailed this information along with directions on the next steps for those interested in Advanced Placement Exams. If you or your daughter have questions, please contact Jennifer Goldberg, Director of Academic Operations and HC’s Advanced Program Coordinator at jgoldberg@havergal.on.ca.

Duke, Vanderbilt, Northwestern, Brown, and Dartmouth University Fair

On Monday, October 7, these universities will be having a fair in the Brenda Robson Hall from 7 – 8:30 pm. Limited spaces are available. Please register here.

University Visits

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

University of Southern California (USC)
Date: Monday, October 7 
Time: 3:30 – 4:15 pm
Location: B16

Mini University Fair (St. Francis Xavier University, King’s University College, Bishop’s University, and Wake Forest University) 
Date: Tuesday, October 8
Time: 12:15 – 1:00 pm
Location: Ellen Knox Library

Global Learning Leading Diploma (GLLD)

The Forum for Change is now accepting applications for the GLLD program. Students in Grade 10 and 11 who see themselves as emerging global leaders can apply. The application deadline is Tuesday, October 15 at 5:00 pm. More information can be found here. Please contact Fatima Kaba at fkaba@havergal.on.ca if you have any further questions.

HCPA

Used Textbook Collections

Used Textbook Collections and Returns start on Monday, October 21 between 7:30 – 11:30 am in the Ellen Knox Library. More detailed instructions were sent out in the HCPA’s News You Can Use.

HCPA Coffee Mornings

Don’t forget to RSVP to this email for our last HCPA coffee morning, to be held on Wednesday, October 9  from 8 – 9:30 am in the Junior School Dining Hall. This is for the students in Grades 10 – 12. We hope you will be able to join us.

REMINDERS

Grade 7 Immunization Clinic on Friday, November 22

Consent forms are now due. The paper copies were sent home with your daughter. If you need to print a new form, please click here.

SS COSSOT Events – Action Required

Students who want to participate in any COSSOT social events this year are required to complete the registration form here. All parents are asked to complete the form, as this permits your child to participate in school dances, benchball, coffee houses, and other upcoming school events.

Tupperware, Everywhere!

Please 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 8, they will be recycled.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Monday, October 7       

  • Prayers 
  • University Fair in the Brenda Robson Hall at 7 pm

Wednesday, October 9      

  • Thanksgiving Prayers   

Friday, October 11        

  • No Classes

Friday, September 27, 2024

On By Havergal Upper SchoolLeave a comment

A Message from the Heads: Cissy Goodridge & Deirdre Timusk

Dear Parents,

Things are definitely in full swing. Our co-curricular groups have officially kicked off, and our students are hard at work, showing great enthusiasm and teamwork. We also hosted our Club Fest, which was a fantastic opportunity for students to explore various clubs and activities. Sign-ups are currently underway for both Middle and Senior School students, so be sure to encourage them to get involved!

We are thrilled about seeing you all at Celebration Saturday which is our community event taking place tomorrow. It promises to be a wonderful day filled with fun and connection. Our entire community—students, faculty, and staff—have all dedicated countless hours to make this event truly memorable. We can’t wait to share it with you! It’s a chance to strengthen our bonds, celebrate our community spirit, and support our Community Partnerships.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you at the event!

Cissy Goodridge, Head of Middle School

Deirdre Timusk, Head of Senior School

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)

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL

Celebration Saturday Is TOMORROW

The campus is set and we are ready to host Celebration Saturday 2024!  A huge shout out to all of our volunteers for making this day possible. 

Here are some key details:

  • Plan your route! Here is the map of the campus with all of the details for the day.  
  • Bidding on the Silent Auction has started and closes at 11:30 am tomorrow.  See the items here or in the Brenda Robson Hall.  Winners can pick up the items at noon.  Bidding is online, so bid early and often!
  • Support the Old Girls/Alumni, parents, and student entrepreneurs at the Bazaar in the Brenda Robson Hall.  See a list of vendors here.
  • Parking will be extremely limited.  We urge you to bike, walk, take transit or an Uber.  Most of all, we urge you to have a ton of fun as we support our Community Partners!

Jake Ernst Visits Havergal On Monday, September 30 

Topic: Helping our children manage their digital devices and striking a healthy balance.

Parents in Grades 4 to 9 are encouraged to join us for an interactive evening with Jake Ernst, a registered social worker, psychotherapist and Clinical Director at Straight Up Health. On Monday, September 30 at 7 pm , please join us in the Legacy Theatre to learn about new strategies to help our children manage their digital devices and strike a healthy balance at home. Jake has extensive experience helping parents navigate the challenges of parenting during this digital age.

You can learn more about Jake Ernst here.  Please RSVP here.

US Student Photos Are Ready For Ordering

We’re delighted to announce that your daughter’s school pictures are now available online for viewing and ordering.

To access your photos, visit http://echophotography.ca/havergal2024. When prompted for a password, enter your student’s unique Person ID.  Ordering is a breeze, and you can customize your prints or digitals with several options to suit your preferences. Be sure to check them out and share them with your family and friends.

If you have any questions or special requests, please get in touch with Cameron Hubbs at cameron@echophotography.ca or by text at (905) 599-3557. Photo retake day will take place on Wednesday, November 6.

Private Music Instruction 2024-2025

Private Music Instruction is open!  Please register via the Veracross Parent Portal using the last green button under Registrations. Once registration is complete, follow these instructions to access musician contact information.

Gender Equality Week

This week in the Upper School, we recognized Gender Equality week with the below announcement in prayers and with some information highlighting the importance of this week and its history through slides on our school screens. 

Sunday, September 22 to Saturday, September 28 is Gender Equality Week, and we are excited to take a moment to celebrate and reflect on what that means for all of us.

This week was officially recognized through Bill C-309, passed in 2018, which made the fourth week of September Gender Equality Week. The week is dedicated to: 

  • Recognizing the important contributions women and gender-diverse communities have made to Canada
  • Celebrating the achievements and milestones that have been made in advancing gender equality
  • Recommitting to closing the gaps that still exist

Looking ahead, October is Women’s History Month. It’s important to remember that these two events go hand-in-hand. Women’s History Month allows us to celebrate the trailblazing women throughout history who’ve made huge strides in pushing for equality—many of whom have paved the way for the rights and freedoms we have today.  While Canada has a history full of important moments advancing women and gender equality generally, we still have work to do.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

MS Immunization On Friday, November 22

On Friday, November 22 we will be hosting the first of two immunization clinics. On Monday, September 30 your child will bring home a consent form. Should you wish for your child to be immunized, please fill out the form in its entirety and return it to school by Thursday, October 3.

Student Elections

This week at our MS assembly, the students learned about leadership positions that are available to students in the Middle School. Students are not required to have previous experience and we encourage all students to nominate themselves for a position. We are looking for students who want to learn the skills to develop into a confident leader. Please speak with your child about the positions and encourage them to apply.

SENIOR SCHOOL

International University Fair On Tuesday, October 1 

On Tuesday, October 1 Havergal College will be hosting an International University Fair. This is a great opportunity for students and families to see what schools from all over the world have to offer. There will be over 70 universities participating. All are welcome. 

Date: Tuesday, October 1
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Location: Brenda Robson Hall

Johns Hopkins University Visit

Johns Hopkins University will be visiting Havergal College to speak to the Grade 9 to 12 students during the lunch hour. This is a great opportunity to see what the university has to offer.

Date: Wednesday, October 2
Time: 11:45 – 12:30 pm
Location: B16

Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test – Mark Your Calendars

The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) requires students in Grade 10 to complete the computer-based Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), which measures whether students are meeting the minimum standard for literacy across all subjects up to the end of Grade 9. A successful completion of this test is one of the requirements to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. 

Students will write the OSSLT in person, on campus (per EQAO rules) at Havergal College on the morning of Tuesday, November 12. This is the only opportunity for students to write the OSSLT this year. 

More information will be provided closer to the date. Contact the Director of Academic Operations, Jennifer Goldberg with questions.

In Grade Programming Starts On Tuesday, October 1

Next week our Grade 9s will be doing speeches for the Grade 9 elections. Students will be running to be on the House Council, a Grade 9 Representative or one of our Councils. Other students will be applying to be on some councils that require applications. Grade 10 students continue to work toward building a supportive community by participating in bracelet making and exchanges. Our work with Life Maps will be revisited with our Grade 11 students and they share their peak experiences with each other so they can begin to reflect on their past so they can begin to look to their future. Our university counsellors will be working with Grade 12 students on US, UK and Canadian destinations in small group settings.

NEXT WEEK IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Monday, September 30

  • Orange Shirt Day – to be worn with the regular school uniform 
  • Parent Presenter: Jake Ernst at 7 pm in the Legacy Theatre 

Tuesday, October 1

  • International University Fair at 6:30 pm in the Brenda Robson Hall

Friday, October 4

  • Special Schedule for Truth and Reconciliation Programming at 9:30 am