Inside Havergal
Message from the Executive Director of Advancement
Ms. Kate Crokam
I remember walking into Brenda Robson Hall and seeing students huddled over a project in the midst of debating ideas and encouraging one another. One student hesitated, unsure of her approach, and another leaned in and said, “Try it, I think it could work!” That moment of courage and collaboration didn’t happen in a vacuum. It happened because someone believed in these young women enough to make this space, provide these opportunities and support their growth.
Philanthropy at Havergal is exactly that: creating the conditions for curiosity to flourish, for courage to take shape and for students to explore who they are and who they might become. Every gift and every act of support is a vote of trust in the next generation: a way of saying, “We see you. We believe in you. Go on, try.”
Contributions from parents, Old Girls/Alums, faculty and staff help create opportunities for exploration, mentorship and meaningful experiences that nurture confidence, spark curiosity and inspire bold thinking. These moments, made possible through generosity, allow students to take risks, discover new passions and grow into themselves.
Thank you for being part of this story. Your generosity isn’t just support; it’s a catalyst. It transforms experiences, nurtures growth and helps students believe in what they can achieve.
We are excited to introduce Havergal’s refreshed Annual Giving process. Annual giving is essential to delivering on an exceptional student experience, and donations to the Havergal Fund go to support the priorities that immediately impact our girls’ experiences at school — things like equipment for STEM, arts and athletics, student financial support and programs and speakers for wellbeing and innovation.
Starting in 2026, families will be invited to support the Havergal Fund during registration and re-registration, making it simpler than ever to participate. Every gift plays a vital role in enriching programs, supporting faculty excellence and creating opportunities for our students to grow, thrive and reach their potential. When families make Havergal one of their top philanthropic priorities, our girls feel the impact of that support in their everyday experience.
If you haven’t made your 2025 gift to the Havergal Fund, you can do so now, here. Gifts made before the end of the year may provide tax advantages while having an immediate impact.
Ms. Crokam
Message from the Board of Governors
Michael Copeland, Chair of the Governance Committee
I have the pleasure of writing to the Havergal community on behalf of the Governance Committee of the Board of Governors regarding the work that the Board of Governors undertakes.
The Board of Governors is entrusted with the overall stewardship of Havergal College, a fiduciary responsibility that is centred on providing strategic oversight and ensuring operating integrity. This includes supporting the school’s long-term plan and strategic priorities, ensuring alignment with the College’s mission and values, and overseeing its financial health and risk management. A key responsibility is the appointment of the Principal, to whom the Board delegates the necessary authority for the day-to-day administration of the College and all operational matters, including curriculum development, staffing and student life.
To effectively discharge its duties, the Board maintains several essential standing committees. These include the Governance Committee, which focuses on the Board’s structure and effectiveness, including Board recruitment; the Financial Sustainability Committee, which ensures the school’s economic viability; the Property and Development Committee, which oversees the physical assets and campus master plan; and the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee, which supports the College’s work of inclusion throughout the school community. Additionally, the Financial Sustainability Committee is supported by the Pension Sub-Committee. The strength of these committees lies in their diverse membership, which includes dedicated representation from the broader Havergal community and external expertise, ensuring that a wide range of perspectives inform every Board decision.
The Board of Governors is deeply committed to Havergal College’s mission. Our primary focus remains on ensuring the College’s long-term sustainability and success, providing a foundation for every student to reach their fullest potential. We remain dedicated to ensuring that the College is well-positioned for both today and into the future, always maintaining the high standards of excellence that define Havergal.
Michael Copeland
This Month
Game. Set. Growth.
Havergal’s newly revitalized tennis courts, named in honour of Old Girls/Alums Sharen Ho (Class of 1993) and Mia Ho (Class of 2025), are already buzzing with energy as students and community members enjoy the upgraded space. Thanks to the generosity of the Ho family, the courts now feature improved surfaces, drainage and fencing. The surrounding spectator areas were also enhanced thanks to donor support, with new gardens and paving creating a welcoming space to watch, cheer and connect.
This fall, the courts hosted the second annual Havergal Old Girls Association (HOGA) Pickleball Classic during Reunion Weekend, where Old Girls showcased their playful competitive spirit, reconnecting over laughter, cheers and friendly rivalry.
More than just a place to play, the courts and surrounding spaces are a hub for connection and curiosity. Students can test their skills, share a laugh or cheer on a peer, discovering new passions along the way.
Thanks to donor support, this is a place where ambition meets laughter, and the everyday sparks something unexpected.
Celebration Day Funds Raised
Maggie Houston-White, Executive Director of Strategic Enrolment Management
Ellen Knox’s timeless challenge — “What will you do?” — lives at the heart of Havergal’s mission. Celebration Day, rooted in our historic Bazaar, gives students the chance to put that mission into action, making a difference through participation, teamwork and community spirit.
This year’s move to a Friday proved a success, with 95% of students joining from Opening Ceremonies to the final Tug of War. Together with faculty, staff, 105 parent volunteers and community members, their efforts raised $58,939 for our Community Partners, a 16% increase from last year!
Adding Friday Night Lights to the day brought even more excitement. Under glowing field lights, the Havergal Gators faced off against the Branksome Highlanders in a fast-paced U20 soccer match, cheered on by students, parents and Old Girls/Alums showing their green and gold pride. A vibrant halftime show featuring students from Grades 7 to 12 kept the energy high.
A special thank you to current parent Corey Mandell, whose expertise and generosity made the night shine — literally. Mandell Entertainment Group provided the lighting and sound, and Corey himself brought the action to life as our announcer. Hearing their names called after scoring a goal was a moment our players won’t forget.
Events like these showcase the collective generosity of the Havergal community, through time, talent and treasure. It’s what keeps us at the forefront of education and creates a place where belonging thrives and making a difference is simply part of who we are.
I couldn’t be more proud or grateful to be part of this extraordinary community.
For highlights of the events, enjoy this video.
Show Your Love and Support for Havergal This Giving Tuesday
At Havergal, generosity is at the heart of our community. For generations, parents, Old Girls/Alums, faculty, staff and friends have shown that the giving of time, talent or resources creates the space for students to explore, take risks and grow with confidence.
This Giving Tuesday, December 2, we celebrate that spirit alongside communities around the world. The timing is perfect, near the close of another remarkable year, to reflect on what has been achieved and to support what comes next. Every act of generosity nurtures curiosity, sparks courage and strengthens connection, ensuring students have the experiences and guidance to discover their potential and step into the future with purpose.
Join us this Giving Tuesday to carry forward a legacy of generosity that has shaped Havergal for over 130 years. Every contribution matters and every voice counts.
Give back here.
Excellence Begins with Opportunity
Maggie Houston-White, Executive Director of Strategic Enrolment Management
At Havergal College, we hold a profound belief: excellence begins with opportunity. This principle guides our commitment to ensuring a diverse and talented student body, a commitment made possible by the enduring generosity of our community.
Our Scholarship Program recognizes the remarkable applicants whose talents and values promise to enrich the Havergal experience. For these students, a scholarship serves as a beacon, acknowledging their exceptional abilities and inviting them to share their gifts within our community. In September 2025, we were delighted to introduce new scholarships designed to attract exceptional students from Toronto and around the globe. The calibre of our applicants is exceptional and we know the new students who join in 2026 will be no different.
Equally vital is our Financial Support Program, which ensures financial circumstances never prevent a deserving girl from accessing a Havergal education, or continuing her education at Havergal. Our Financial Support Program doesn’t just provide support for tuition, it also ensures students can benefit from experiencing the full breadth of the co-curricular opportunities our school offers.
This culture of giving is not new; it is the foundation upon which Havergal was built. From our earliest days, the foresight and philanthropy of dedicated individuals have shaped our campus, programs and student support. Their generosity established the very tradition of excellence we enjoy today.
Thanks to the continuous support of current families, Old Girls/Alums and donors, this powerful legacy endures. Your commitment to philanthropy ensures that the door of opportunity remains wide open, continuing our tradition of attracting and nurturing the brightest minds for generations to come.
To contribute to scholarships and student financial support at Havergal, you can make your gift online here or contact Kate Crokam, Executive Director, Advancement, to discuss how your support can make a real impact.
Faculty and Staff Gifting and Appreciation
Thank you to all HC families who have already contributed to the Staff & Faculty Appreciation initiative.
For families who may be new to Havergal, the HCPA organizes a one-time annual collection on behalf of all HC families to show our gratitude to Havergal’s remarkable and dedicated faculty and staff. These funds support both a holiday and year-end gift for every employee, replacing individual family gifting. A portion of the collection also helps fund staff appreciation events in both the Junior and Upper Schools at the end of May.
To support these gifts and events, we are asking families to contribute $75+ per child, though donations of any amount are appreciated. To participate (with 100% of contributions going directly toward faculty and staff appreciation), please send an e-transfer to [email protected] by Monday, December 8. Remember to include your daughter’s name and grade in the message field.
If you’re unsure whether you’ve already contributed, please email the HCPA Treasurer at [email protected].Thank you in advance for supporting these meaningful gestures of appreciation.
HCPA General Meetings
Our next HCPA General Meeting, which is open to all parents, will take place on Wednesday, January 14, from 8:45 to 10:45 am in the Junior School Dining Room.
For families who are new to Havergal, these meetings offer an opportunity to hear updates from the HCPA, connect with other parents and learn more about school programs. Each meeting features guest speakers who highlight different aspects of school life.
In January, we welcome Forum for Change (F4C) staff members Fatima Kaba, Courtney Pickering and Jennifer Russell, who will discuss the F4C Global Experience Trips. Fatima Kaba, Manager of EDIB & Global Learning, leads initiatives that advance equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging and global learning within the Forum for Change. Courtney Pickering, Manager of Learning Experiences, helps design and oversee experiential programs such as global exchanges, service learning and community partnerships. Jenn Russell, Director of Student Leadership and a key supporter of the Global Exchange Program, guides students through leadership development opportunities and international learning experiences. We hope you will join us!
Grade 1 and Grade 5 Breakfasts — Thank You!
In November, Grade 1 and Grade 5 families came together in the Junior School Dining Hall for the Pyjama Jam Breakfast, a beloved HCPA tradition. The morning was filled with laughter, delicious food, dancing and fun games. Portrait drawing was a new activity at this year’s event, which quickly became a favourite for both parents and students. Guests were also delighted by a surprise visit from the school mascot, The Gator! Furthermore, event Chairs Terra Cheng and Aylin Elmaagacli put together a playful slideshow of baby photos, inviting students to guess which friends were in each picture.
We extend heartfelt thanks to Terra, Aylin, all the volunteers and every family who participated! Your support helped make these breakfasts memorable for everyone!
Parent Pub
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our first ever Parent Pub Night at Local Public Eatery, Leaside on Thursday, November 20! The sold-out inaugural event featured a lively swag prize draw, a spirited HC crowd, an exciting sports and geography-themed trivia quiz MC’d by Maggie Houston-White and a mini putt challenge that showcased some amazing talent. Congratulations to the winning trivia team, Five Alive, along with our spot-prize winners for Best Team Names: Confused Dads and the Green and Gold Shoppers! Guests also enjoyed delicious pub food and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that helped past, present and new connections flourish.
Attendee feedback was fantastic, including this from a new parent: “It was a fantastic event — such a good space and vibe; all around me it seemed like people were having a great time. I know how much time and thought goes into planning these events, and I just want to say thank you. As a new parent, I really appreciate having opportunities like this to meet and connect with other parents.”
Use this link to see some lovely moments captured by the HCPA.
A special shout-out to event chairs Liz Phipps, Arti Patel and Emily Liang, whose energy and leadership made this fun fundraising initiative a huge success.
We can’t wait to do it again next year!
HCPA Marketplace
Looking for the perfect holiday gifts? The HCPA Marketplace is open online around the clock, making it easy to shop at your convenience. Even better is that every purchase supports the HCPA’s fundraising initiative, the Ahead of the Game campaign!
Top picks this season include the cozy HC green and white fleece sweatshirt, comfy spirit sweatpants, stylish Yeti cups and charming HC wooden Christmas ornaments, all of which are great for gifting or treating yourself.
By shopping at the HCPA Marketplace, you’re not just finding fantastic gifts, you’re also helping enrich the Havergal community. Show your HC pride and shop today!
Gator Gala
Save the date for the Gator Gala, which will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2026. All Upper School students and an adult guest are invited to an evening of elegant dining and dancing at Havergal & Co. This year’s theme is extra special as Middle and Upper School students voted for it!
Inspired by the timeless sparkle of Tiffany & Co., the evening promises glittering style, elevated fun and unforgettable memories.
More details coming soon — mark your calendars!
A Call for Pre-loved Uniform Volunteers!
Urgent! Volunteers Needed: Our Pre-Loved Uniforms fundraisers need your help! The HCPA team is looking for volunteers to collect donations from the Junior and Upper School bins, sort and wash uniforms, and return items to the HCPA closet.
This commitment happens only once a year, but your support right now is essential in helping us build on the success of this important fundraiser.
If you can lend a hand, please join us — every bit of help makes a big difference! Contact us: [email protected].
Inside Focus
Hope, Peace, Joy and Love Shine at Havergal’s Carol Service
The Reverend Jillian Ruch
If you have been present in the halls of Havergal College recently, you may have heard community members practising the singing of melodies for our annual Carol Service, which takes place this year at St. Paul’s Bloor Street on Wednesday, December 10 (7 pm). The Carol Service at Havergal was established by former Head of Music teacher Elisabeth Muir (1941–2022), who worked at Havergal College for 33 years from 1968 to 2001. Although this event has been hosted at different locations since its inception, for the past 20 years the Upper School has gathered at St. Paul’s Bloor Street for this joyous evening. It is a favourite Havergal tradition held close to the hearts for many in our community.
This service was derived from the traditional Anglican Service of Nine Lessons and Carols and is held during the Advent Season in most Anglican churches around the world.
The nine readings read at our service are from the Hebrew and the Christian scriptures, alternated with choral and congregational singing, to provide a series of reflections on the birth of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe to be the salvation of humankind.
The readings begin with the creation story and the promise of God with His people, as told in the book Genesis. These are then followed by passages from the Hebrew Prophets, which Christians view as looking forward to the coming of God’s Messiah (or “Chosen One”). The final five lessons are from what Christians call the Gospels — or the “Good News” — the first books of Christian Scripture, which tell the story of the life of Jesus.
The Havergal Carol Service, although firmly rooted in our Anglican Tradition, is one that whatever faith you ascribe to, you can find the themes of Advent (Hope, Peace, Joy and Love) surrounding you in the sights and sounds of the service.
On December 10, there will be more than 1,600 people singing together, which may be a moment that brings attendees goosebumps, regardless of where they are on their spiritual journeys. This service also gives us a moment to pause in our busy world to appreciate our community, to appreciate when we can come together as one to laugh and sing, and to take a moment to pause to think about someone or something bigger than ourselves, especially at this time of year.
Meet Our Faculty & Staff
Hannah Crossgrove
Associate Director, Major Gifts
Hannah Crossgrove (Class of 2015) still remembers the first time she felt the magic of community at Havergal. As a Boarding student, she was surrounded by ambitious, inspiring young women who challenged and encouraged one another, many of whom remain her closest friends today. That sense of belonging and possibility sparked a lifelong passion for creating opportunities for others.
After studying Media, Information and Technoculture at Western University, Ms. Crossgrove built a career in philanthropy, supporting meaningful projects across healthcare and the arts. Today, as Havergal’s Associate Director, Major Gifts, she brings that experience back home, helping to shape experiences and programs that give current students the same confidence, curiosity and support she enjoyed. For Ms. Crossgrove, this chapter is about more than professional achievement. It is about nurturing the next generation of girls so they can discover their own potential and chart their own paths, just as she did.