Havergal Highlights
Message from Admissions
Maggie Houston-White, Executive Director of Strategic Enrolment Management, and Emily Simms-Brown, Director of Admission
As we gear up for Havergal’s beloved Spirit Week, the halls are buzzing with students coming together as a whole grade to plan their cheers, which will show their spirit as they represent their cohort at the activities planned by the student leaders. This week is deliberately set in February, when the bright sunny days of spring can feel a bit of a long way off. Spirit Week is a great way for our students to come together as a community, demonstrate their House and school spirit and support all of our wellbeing with some fun.
As you will read in this edition of Havergal Highlights, our students are always challenging themselves — in the classroom, on the stage, on the ice or on the playing field — and developing real world skills that will prepare them for life beyond the ivy. They work hard and, as you will no doubt see on our social media in the coming weeks, they know how to play hard, too.
We are also aware of the excitement that is building for families as Offer Day draws near. All families will be hearing from Havergal on Friday, February 20 and acceptances are due back on Wednesday, February 25. We appreciate all of the time and effort our applicant families have put into this process. The caliber of candidates and their families have been outstanding. We know the future is a bright one.
Sincerely,
Maggie & Emily
Message from the Dean of Academics
Lam Nguyen
At Havergal, being “future ready” is more than a strategic pillar; it is a commitment to ensuring that our students will meet an ever-changing world with the confidence and skills needed to thrive. As we navigate the arrival of Generative AI, it has become increasingly important to lean into human values and a foundation that enables students to learn new skills for many possible futures.
Being in my first year at Havergal College, I have made it a point to visit classrooms from JK to Grade 12, and I am continually inspired by what I have seen. Students are active participants in their learning; they are curious, ask questions and strive to understand concepts deeply. Teachers work diligently to ensure that each student is seen and can be her best self within a collaborative learning community.
In these classroom environments, students develop the future-ready skills that will empower them on their lifelong learning journey. Whether they are exploring the moon’s surface through a lunar mission in Grade 6 or having a deep Harkness-method discussion in the Upper School, students are consistently expected to think critically, test their ideas and receive feedback that deepens their understanding of themselves, others and the world around them.
At Havergal, being adaptable to tomorrow’s emerging needs is more than just covering content. Teachers work to design classroom experiences that centre the essential learning of different disciplines. The essence of mathematics is not only about solving equations; it is about the logic that bridges our intuitions to universal truth. Languages are not only about syntax and grammar; they are about how we communicate complex ideas.
Through the development of future-ready skills like collaboration, critical thinking and adaptability, and a focus on essential learning, students are well prepared for a life of contribution and purpose. A resilient graduate is A Difference Maker who views uncertainty as an invitation. She leaves Havergal not just ready to enter the world, but ready to shape it.
Mr. Nguyen
Inside Havergal
Nurturing Emotional Intelligence: The Journey with RULER
Kate White, Head of Junior School
As the Havergal Junior School enters its third year of implementing RULER — a systemic approach to social and emotional learning (SEL) developed at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence — it is essential to recognize that this work is about more than just “feelings;” it is a strategic foundation to lead a life of purpose and the drive to make a difference.
The implementation process began by prioritizing the faculty, dedicating the first year to adult development so teachers could model these skills. Over the past two years, our focus has shifted to the students. Each homeroom class has worked with their teachers to develop a Class Charter, which acts to build and sustain a positive emotional climate by creating agreed-upon norms for how people want to feel and how they can help each other to experience those feelings. Secondly, they have all been learning about the Mood Meter, which is a tool that aims to increase students’ self- and social awareness and supports the development of a nuanced emotion vocabulary and a range of strategies for regulating emotion.
Moving forward, we will be introducing the Meta-Moment, a process that helps students pause in moments of challenge and then imagine what their “best self” could do to solve the problem or to help improve the situation. In addition, we will be holding a series of parent workshops to help educate families on the RULER approach, and to strengthen the partnership between home and school.
As Havergal continues to weave social and emotional learning into the culture of the Junior School, this next phase marks an exciting evolution. By aligning our strategies across the classroom and the living room, we aspire to foster an environment where students feel understood, validated and capable. This collective commitment to emotional intelligence paves the way for our learners to develop the lifelong skills required to understand themselves, connect with others and thrive in a complex world.
Ready, Set, Hire!
Anne-Marie Miki, Guidance Counsellor
The Guidance Department and Human Resources have teamed up for a second year to present a series of workshops and one-on-one sessions to help Grade 12 students prepare to enter the workforce. These Ready, Set, Hire workshops include tips on how to write a strong resume, suggestions to help perform well on interviews and advice on the job search. Additionally, students have unique access to our Human Resources team, where they can book one-on-one meetings to have their resumes reviewed by professionals.
Our first successful session on interview skills took place in the fall and in January we offered a presentation by HR to all Grade 12 students on the application and job search. Havergal will offer additional consultations this spring, open to both Grade 11 and 12 students.
“We enjoyed sharing our career skills knowledge with the Grade 12 students,” said Ms. Stephanie Houghton, Human Resources Manager. “We hope the tips and suggestions help them feel more confident in their job searches both now and in the future.” Adding to this, Human Resources Business Partner Ms. Marie Limbo explains how the program is meant to build confidence, strengthen resumes and get students interview-ready for future employment.
Ready, Set, Hire will be expanding into younger grades, offering additional sessions during morning programming time. This will include speaking to Grade 10 students about finding volunteer opportunities and getting Grade 11 students started with resume writing and interview success.
This program has already been well-received by students. Our School Captain, Naomi McDonald, shared this feedback: “After meeting with Ms. Houghton, my resume writing skills have drastically improved. Hearing from a professional who has gone through hundreds of resumes throughout her career was a truly invaluable experience. Her guidance strengthened my resume and left me feeling more confident and future ready.”
A Night of Music at Koerner Hall
Save the Date: Tuesday, March 3, 7 pm
Please join us at 7 pm on Tuesday, March 3, for a very special evening of music as we take the leap into the world of professional musicianship at Koerner Hall. We are moving our Spring Music Night to this remarkable venue, providing an opportunity for our US students to perform in the most acoustically refined hall in the country. We will be joined by a host of special guests. All are welcome.
Tickets are free and can be secured through the Royal Conservatory Box Office. They will be available for pick-up the day of the event and are only guaranteed until 10 minutes prior to the posted start time of the show, at which time tickets are re-distributed to other waiting patrons.
Koerner Hall at the Royal Conservatory of Music is at 273 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON, M5S 1V6.
For additional information please contact Matthew Varey, Director of Arts.
Join Us for Clue (High School Version)
Presented in the Legacy Theatre on February 25 to 27
If you love classic mystery, outrageous comedy and razor-sharp banter, then you won’t want to miss our Senior School Play: Clue (High School Version). Our campy and fast-paced show follows our iconically quirky characters as they unravel the mysteries of the evening where nothing is quite as it seems and everyone has something to hide. The cast and crew of more than 40 students have all been working hard to transform the Legacy Theatre into a real-life board game. Against the backdrop of our bright and hand-sketched set design, the combination of high energy and playful live music will deliver non-stop suspense and laughter.
Performances run February 25 to 27 at 7 pm in the Legacy Theatre. For tickets, contact the Admissions Department at [email protected]. We can’t wait to see you there!
Faculty and Staff Gifting and Appreciation
Thanking Our Parents!
The Havergal College Parents Association (HCPA) sent out a heartfelt thank-you recently to all the families who generously contributed to the Faculty and Staff Gifting collection. The HCPA raised $54,245, which allowed them to distribute EverythingCards (gift cards that gave staff a choice of stores) to all 253 faculty and staff members. The remaining funds will be used for year-end gifts and an appreciation party for faculty and staff, scheduled for May 2026.
Here is a video of appreciation we received from HC staff and faculty. They were thrilled to receive these gifts!
Pre-loved Uniforms Sale
Wednesday, February 4
The Pre-Loved Uniform team will host a mid-year sale on Wednesday, February 4, from 2:30 to 5 pm in the Junior School Learning Hub hallway and invite you to stop by to stock up on uniform items.
We are always looking for volunteers to help with our sales. Please sign up here to help, or contact us at [email protected].
Purchasing second-hand pieces helps reduce our carbon footprint while raising funds for HCPA initiatives. We sell and accept donations of second-hand skirts, tunics, pants, polo shirts, dress shirts, sweaters, 1/4 zip sweatshirts, jogging pants and blazers. Please note we do not accept socks, green leggings, customized sweatshirts, spirit wear or white Grad blazers.
HCPA Marketplace
Wednesday, February 4
The HCPA Marketplace team will be selling inventory on Wednesday, February 4, from 2:30 to 5 pm in the Junior School Learning Hub hallway. Drop by and grab your HCPA swag for 2026! A limited number of frames and white Patagonia-style fleeces are still available for purchase.
We’d like to thank everyone who purchased festive items over the holidays and hope you had a joyful season. Top picks from 2025 included the cozy HC green & white fleece sweatshirt, comfy spirit sweatpants, stylish Yeti cups and charming wooden holiday ornaments.
You can also shop online anytime at the online Marketplace. Every purchase not only helps you show your HC pride but also supports programs and initiatives that enrich the Havergal community. Don’t miss your chance to pick up your favourite items today!
Gator Gala
Saturday, March 28
The HCPA invites Senior and Middle School students and one adult guest (parent or guardian) to HAVERGAL & CO., the 2026 Gator Gala, on Saturday, March 28, from 6 to 11:30 pm at Parkview Manor in Toronto. This annual HCPA tradition brings our community together for an elegant evening of dining, dancing and connection. Inspired by timeless charm and iconic Tiffany Blue sparkle, the night sets the stage for meaningful memories and shared celebration. Guests will enjoy a delicious meal, signature drinks, dancing, a photo booth and a few delightful surprises.
We are now accepting donations for The Gator Gala Silent Auction. All proceeds will support HC’s Ahead of the Game campaign. Use this link to donate to the silent auction, or connect with Jenn Ocampo-King at [email protected] for more information.
Junior and Upper School Bake Sales
Wednesday, February 11
The HCPA Bake Sale Committee is hosting their second bake sale on Wednesday, February 11.
Donations can be homemade or store-bought; all contributions are welcome! Upper School students and parents can purchase goodies with cash, credit or debit, while Junior School students are encouraged to bring up to $10 cash. Thank you for supporting the HCPA Bake Sale and The Bake Shop. Your contributions help create fun, delicious and community-focused events for all while raising funds for HC’s Ahead of the Game!
Highlights
Reconnecting IRL: A Review of Havergal’s Digital Device Policy
Charlee Chilelli, Grade 12 Student
I never realized how often I reached for my phone until I was told I couldn’t. Even when I was sitting next to my friends, we rarely took the time to truly talk to each other. Instead, we would sit together in silence, each of us scrolling on our phones, sharing space but not conversation. What felt like a harmless habit slowly became the norm and without realizing it our phones were replacing meaningful connection.
When Havergal introduced its new digital device policy, stepping away from my phone initially felt uncomfortable. My phone had become a safe space — something familiar to turn to in awkward moments or when I didn’t know what to say. However, without that immediate escape, I began to notice the people around me more. Conversations felt more natural, laughter came more easily and connections that once felt forced began to grow. The policy created space for real interaction, encouraging us to engage with one another rather than retreat behind screens. By removing a constant distraction, Havergal allowed students to rebuild meaningful relationships and rediscover the value of genuine, face-to-face connection.
Meet Our Faculty & Staff
Miranda Kus
Junior School Mathematics Coordinator
Ms. Kus joined Havergal College in 2022 as the Junior School Math Coordinator. In this role, she is responsible for ensuring that the foundation of student learning in mathematics is strong, flexible and engaging. She is committed to creating opportunities for students to explore mathematics in meaningful ways that build connections to the real world and everyday life. Working closely with educators, Ms. Kus supports the development of learning experiences that strengthen foundational skills while fostering critical thinking, communication and flexibility through authentic, purposeful tasks. These experiences encourage students to collaborate, ask questions and develop a deeper understanding of how mathematics is relevant beyond the classroom.
Ms. Kus brings 20 years of experience in education and has dedicated the past 15 years to the study of teaching and learning mathematics with students and teachers. Prior to joining Havergal, she worked with the Toronto Catholic District School Board as both an educator and a math consultant. She also spent time at Pearson Canada, where she researched, designed and created mathematics resources with educators across Canada. She holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor, a Bachelor and Master of Education degrees from Brock University and a Specialist in Mathematics from York University. This diverse professional background allows her to bring a rich perspective to mathematics teaching and learning at Havergal College.
Outside of school, Ms. Kus enjoys walking her dog, Atlas, exploring new restaurants around the city and travelling to new destinations.