Awards Ceremony – Upper School
At the annual Awards Ceremony, the previous year’s academic and character awards are presented. These awards are held in October and recognize the academic achievement of students in Grades 7 through 11. An Old Girl is invited to return to speak to the school community for the event.
Celebration Saturday
Traditionally held in the early fall before Thanksgiving and in conjunction with the Old Girls Reunion Weekend, Celebration Saturday brings together the entire school community for activities, games and opportunities to build connections with, and support for, our community partners in the city and beyond. This is a unique event as students, staff, parents, Old Girls, friends and neighbours of the school work and play together while developing a sense of our community spirit and an awareness of others in the greater community. Through the House system, students organize and carry out various activities. There are many opportunities for parents and Old Girls to be involved as volunteers for the day.
Carol Service & Christmas Concerts
The Junior School holds two Christmas Concerts during the season—one for the Junior grades and one for the Primary grades—while the Upper School hosts a Carol Service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church modelled after the service of “Nine Lessons and Carols” from King’s College in Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Closing Ceremony – Junior School (Grades 1 to 6)
The successful conclusion of each school year is celebrated on the last afternoon of school in June. Promotion certificates and prizes are awarded to girls in Grade 6. The ceremony includes singing by students and is followed by an informal reception.
Co-Curricular Fest – Upper School
This event occurs during a lunch hour in early October. Representatives from all clubs, community partners and co-curricular activities set up booths to inform and invite interested student participants to join.
Coffee Mornings
Hosted by the Grade Reps, these mornings provide an opportunity for parents, and in particular new parents, to meet one another, learn about the school and build relationships within their daughter’s class and grade.
Community Events
Community events include networking and personal development events hosted by the Havergal Old Girls Association (HOGA). These events are open to all members of the Havergal community.
Distinguished Speaker Event
Hosted by the Havergal Old Girls Association (HOGA) this is an educational annual event that offers Havergal students, parents, staff, Old Girls and members of the public the opportunity to hear accomplished keynote speakers, highlighting topics of relevance in today’s society.
Father/Daughter Dance
Organized by the Havergal Community Committee (HCC), the Father/Daughter Dance is held in the Winter term for students in Grades 7 to 12.
Founders’ Day
Held in April in St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Bloor Street, this service brings the entire school community together. The Founders’ Day Service may be held on a school day close to this date. A distinguished Old Girl is invited as the Founders’ Day guest speaker. It is compulsory for students from Grades 1 to 12 to attend. Parents, Old Girls and former staff are also invited.
Graduation – Upper School
Following June examinations, Havergal celebrates the academic achievements of its Senior Year at Graduation. Senior Year family members are invited to attend and share in this special occasion as the graduates conclude their years at the school.
Grandpals Day
Students are encouraged to invite a grandparent or special adult friend to visit the Junior School or Upper School on this special day held in conjunction with Remembrance Day Services.
Harvest Thanksgiving Service – Junior School
This service is held each year on the Friday of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Parents are invited to attend. Held in the Brenda Robson Hall in the Upper School, this service is conducted by students in Grades 1 to 6. Each girl is asked to bring an offering of non-perishable food to place on the altar. These gifts are later distributed to appropriate families in our city. Tea and coffee are served for guests immediately following the service.
Havergal Networking Events
These events provide an excellent opportunity for members of the Havergal community working in specific fields, or those exploring new opportunities, to meet others in the same profession and to make new connections. Past networking events have included the disciplines of law, the arts and medicine.
House Shout
The whole school gathers on the Upper Pitch to share their House and school spirit. The Junior School Prefects teach the girls a special “Junior School Cheer,” which is practiced and performed for all students and staff. Upper School students then compete in their various Houses during House Shout with specially-crafted cheers.
House Spirit Day – Junior School (JK to Grade 6)
The Grade 6 leaders plan a special “House Spirit Day” that begins with a Junior School House meeting. All students, including JK and SK, and all House Advisors, including affiliates, are invited to attend. The Ludemus crew takes photos for the yearbook and centrepieces are created for the special “House Lunch.” Everyone is invited to dress in House colours and bring House mascots.
Music Nights – Junior School
Students from Grades 1 to 6 perform for parents and family friends at these two musical evenings held each Spring.
Music Nights – Upper School
The Upper School holds several performances and concerts throughout the year, including the Band & Strings Night (Fall), two Music Nights (Spring) and a Music Recital (Spring).
New Parent Tea – Junior School
A morning tea hosted by the Havergal’s Old Girls Association (HOGA) to help build connections between new parents, current families and the Old Girl community.
Open House – Junior School
The Junior School Open House is held during Curriculum Week, which occurs during the last week of the Winter term. The event provides an opportunity for families and friends to visit all classes and specialty program areas in the Junior School.
Sports Day – Junior (Grades 3 to 6)
Parents are invited to the Cohen Family Sports Field to watch and cheer their daughters on as they compete in sprints, races and House relays. The House with the most points wins the “Sports Day Cup,” which is presented immediately following the event.
Sports Day – Primary (JK to Grade 2)
Grade 5 leaders, along with the Physical Education teachers, plan and run a fun-filled afternoon of non-competitive and competitive activities for the Primary students. Parents are invited to come and cheer on their daughters.
