Gator Gazette
Past Parent Message
Dear Past Parents,
We hope you and your daughters are having a good spring. We are so pleased to bring you the latest issue of the Gator Gazette, our past parent newsletter, which includes the most recent Inside Havergal and invitations to Havergal events, such as Friday Night Lights in September (an inaugural event in support of our Ahead of the Game campaign!).
Your feedback about this newsletter would be much appreciated — we want to make sure we’re providing you with relevant information. We anticipate that our next issue will be sent in the fall. Please send your feedback to Lisa Windover and Jane Zhang ([email protected]). The new Past Parent Coordinator starting in September 2025 will be Megan Dickinson.
In the meantime, we wish you and your families all the best this summer.
Warm regards,
Lisa Windover (mother of Kaitlyn Windover, Class of 2024) and Jane Zhang (mother of Irene Cai, Class of 2022 and Katelyn Cai, Class of 2023)
Past Parent News
Friday Night Lights
Celebration Saturday has evolved and will be on Friday, September 26 next year and called Celebration Day. For the first time, Havergal will be hosting Friday Night Lights at 7 pm on Celebration Day! Past parents are invited to come cheer on the Gators for the varsity soccer game against Branksome Hall. There will be concession stands and a beer tent for employees, Old Girls/Alums, current parents, past parents, friends and members of the competing schools’ communities. This will be a great way to reconnect with our Havergal friends! Proceeds support the Ahead of the Game campaign.
For more information about Celebration Day, please review the Frequently Asked Questions.
Havergal Spirit Wear
If you are seeking unique Havergal spirit wear items for your daughter, the HCPA has its own Shopify account where you can do some shopping! You can place your order using this link and one of the HCPA volunteers will deliver to your local address (no shipping available). The Havergal-crested Yeti tumbler is very popular and perfect for sipping coffee or tea while traveling. Also, if you missed your chance to purchase a Havergal-crested frame for your daughter’s graduation picture, then you can still place an order!
The HCPA Marketplace Online Shop is open year round with seasonal updates!
Pre-Loved Uniforms
If you are still holding on to Havergal uniform items and wish to donate them, you can drop your gently-used items (no rips, stains or tears, please) in our permanent collection bin in the alcove by the glass door entrance to the Upper School (across from the Green & Gold shop) or across from the Learning Hub at the Junior School.
There will also be a Pre-Loved Uniform collection on June 11, 7:30 to 11:30 am in the Ellen Knox Library, if you wish to drop items off at that time. You may also donate used spirit wear items. Pre-loved uniforms are sold to current students and the money raised goes toward HCPA initiatives to support parent engagement activities.
Used Textbooks
If you are still holding on to textbooks that were used at Havergal and wish to donate them, the used textbook collection is on June 11 from 8 to 11:30 am in the Ellen Knox Library. They will be collecting textbooks and assigned novels from class that were used from 2021 to the present. They should be in reasonable condition — no watermarks, stains, excessive writing or missing pages. The spine must be intact.
Help Keep Your Old Girl/Alum Connected
Connections and community were so important during your time at Havergal and that doesn’t change for our Grads or past parents. The students are invited to join HOGA and stay connected using the Havergal Connections platform — click HERE for more information.
Havergal Grad Statistics
Wondering where all our Grads have ended up? Check out these links for information on the Class of 2024 and other Old Girls/Alums:
Gator Gazette Distribution List
If you know a Havergal Past Parent (any grad year) that would like to be added to this newsletter distribution list, please pass on the Google Form to sign up!
Here is the link: Past Parent Newsletter Sign Up
Inside Havergal May 2025
Principal’s Message
Dr. Katrina Samson
As we close the chapter on this school year, I want to extend my deepest thanks to everyone who makes Havergal the extraordinary place it is: our students, parents, faculty, staff and Old Girls/Alums. Your care, commitment and connection to the school bring it to life.
This year has been one of remarkable momentum in our classrooms, on our fields and stages, and in our explorations of our local, national and international communities. Together, we celebrated milestones and traditions that knit our community closer, from Celebration Day and Founders’ Day, to the laughter and learning happening daily across our Junior, Middle, Senior and Boarding Schools.
It has also been a year of thoughtful progress. With our strategic plan, Empowering Excellence, we are laying the groundwork for the future of Havergal through the pillars of Connection, Wellbeing & Belonging; Future Ready; and Transforming Tomorrow. These aren’t just ideas — they’re the foundation for everything from student-centred learning in the Junior School, to leadership development in the Middle School, to purposeful programming designed to inspire in the Senior School and Boarding. This work reflects who we are and where we’re going — always with our students at the centre.
To the Class of 2025 — congratulations! You leave an indelible mark on Havergal. Wherever life takes you next, know that you carry the spirit of the ivy with you. As the Grade 11s prepare to take the reins and lead the student body with a commitment to our school values of integrity, inquiry, compassion and courage, I know they will be inspired by your collective leadership. I look forward to celebrating your accomplishments as a class in a few short weeks.
As you read through this final edition of Inside Havergal for the 2024-25 school year, I invite you to reflect on the role you each played in the life of this great community. Thank you for your energy, partnership and belief in what we’re building together. You make the difference, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
Wishing you all a restful and joyful summer.
Warmly,
Katrina
Message from the Board of Governors
Jill Fraser ‘87, Chair of the Board of Governors
As we near the end of another wonderful school year, it’s hard to believe how quickly the time has flown. This will be the final Inside Havergal message from the Board for this academic year. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the entire Havergal community, including Dr. Katrina Samson, the Senior Leadership Team, faculty, staff and all members of the Board of Governors and Committees for their steadfast support in fostering the exceptional Havergal experience we cherish.
In line with our school’s traditions, we will invite some of our student leaders to the June Board meeting to share their reflections on the year. We are fortunate to welcome students Carol Rong (School Captain), Audrey Gage and Victoria Grignano, and we look forward to learning all about the inspiring things Student Leadership worked on this year.
As we wrap up this school year, we’ve had an array of exciting events that have deepened the love and pride our community shares for our beautiful school. It has been wonderful to see engagement at Havergal’s treasured celebrations, including Celebration Day, Carol Service, Junior School Holiday Concert, Hockey Day and Founders’ Day, as well as various sports and arts events such as CISAA championships and OFSAA inter-school trips.
The Senior Leadership Team (SLT) has been actively working on advancing the Strategic Plan, Empowering Excellence, which was introduced to the community last April and continues to receive positive feedback. The framework is built upon three essential pillars: Connection, Wellbeing & Belonging; Future Ready; and Transforming Tomorrow.
Through these pillars, the SLT is working diligently to create actionable goals and initiatives that align with the Empowering Excellence vision. They have engaged with faculty, staff, students and parents to gather insights and feedback, ensuring that the plan resonates with the entire community and addresses their needs. By focusing on these strategic priorities, the SLT is committed to enhancing the overall educational experience at Havergal, ensuring that our students are not only well-prepared academically, but also equipped with the emotional and social tools necessary to navigate their futures successfully.
Lastly, I want to recognize the remarkable Class of 2025! As you stand on the brink of an exciting new chapter in your lives, take a moment to reflect on all that you have achieved during your time here. You have faced challenges, embraced opportunities and grown into the outstanding individuals you are today. Your hard work, determination and resilience have brought you to this significant milestone, and there is so much to be proud of. The friendships you’ve formed and the lessons you’ve learned will serve as a strong foundation as you venture into the future. As you prepare to embark on your next journey, remember to carry forward the values you’ve embraced at Havergal — integrity, compassion and a commitment to making a positive difference in the world. Embrace the challenges ahead with courage and curiosity, and never forget the supportive community that stands behind you.
And, finally, I would like to remind everyone that your philanthropic support for Havergal has a positive impact on the student experience. For any inquiries regarding charitable giving or Havergal’s current philanthropic priorities, please feel free to reach out to Havergal’s Executive Director of Advancement, Kate Crokam, to learn how you can contribute.
Wishing everyone an incredible summer ahead!
Jill
Building Strong Foundations at the Junior School
Kate White, Head of Junior School
As we approach the end of another school year, the Junior School community hopes that our students found this year engaging as they developed new skills and discovered more about themselves as students and community members.
Looking back, I’m proud of our collective accomplishments. The Junior School continues to build strong foundations for our girls to make meaningful differences:
- Our inaugural Student-Led Conferences empowered students to take ownership of their learning while creating meaningful parent-student dialogues — a key initiative in our strategic plan, Empowering Excellence.
- The RULER approach was successfully implemented across all JK to Grade 6 classrooms, alongside our Second Step Program, helping students develop rich emotional vocabulary and essential life skills.
- More than 80% of students participated in athletics and clubs! From our enthusiastic Kindergarteners joining co-curricular activities for the first time to student-created wellbeing clubs, our community thrived through active engagement.
- Our partnerships with North York Harvest Food Bank and New Circles demonstrated our students’ compassion, while Grade 6 students showed remarkable leadership by mentoring younger children and leading House activities.
Thank you to the Junior School community for caring and helping every child feel valued and inspired as they embody our core values of courage, compassion, integrity and inquiry in all they do.
A Year of Connection, Growth and Community in the Middle School
Cissy Goodridge, Head of Middle School
This year in Middle School we focused on connection, leadership and a deepened sense of community. During the fall, students had the opportunity to step into leadership roles in new and meaningful ways — whether as Form and Spirit Reps or members of the Senior School student councils. Our lunchtime programs, led by our senior students, offered additional opportunities for students to connect and build confidence through creativity and play.
A strong focus on values and belonging ran through every grade. Students co-created community agreements that reflected what they care about most, setting the tone for respectful, inclusive interactions. With guidance from Nicole Cozier, our Equity Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging workshops helped students understand key concepts like equity and fairness, reinforcing the importance of seeing and valuing one another.
With the introduction of our new digital device policy, social connection flourished. Students embraced face-to-face interaction, participated in lunch events and took part in record numbers at COSSOT socials. This screen-free environment encouraged deeper friendships and a more positive school climate.
Students also engaged with real-world issues through the Win@Social program and the student-led 1,000 Can Initiative. These experiences fostered empathy, digital responsibility and community action by educating students on topics like managing online hate, understanding the ethical use of AI and addressing food insecurity.
Through it all, students explored identity, built skills, shared experiences and had fun, making this a truly memorable and impactful year.
Holistic Development and Student Agency at the Senior School
Deirdre Timusk, Head of Senior School
This year, Havergal’s Senior School was defined by a commitment to holistic student development, focusing on both individual growth and community building. A key initiative was the tailored grade-level programming, from addressing the specific needs of each year from our Grade 9s transition to the Senior School to supporting our Grade 12s as they prepare for post-graduation life. This programming, combined with the development of strong Teacher Advisor (TA) relationships, fostered a supportive environment. As Grade 12 student Kendall O. noted: “Teachers and counsellors are always at the ready and willing to help out if you have questions.”
Student agency was also a central theme this year, with students actively participating in program development and leading initiatives. The House system played a vital role in building community and fostering leadership, which was reflected in the enthusiastic participation at school events — from dances to the Bench Ball tournament and Hockey Day. As Grade 12 student Victoria G. noted: “Win or lose, we always bring the best spirit to our events.” These efforts collectively support our Grads in becoming Havergal Difference Makers by cultivating self-awareness, promoting continuous learning and inspiring students to act as responsible and engaged citizens.
By emphasizing both academic achievement and personal development, Havergal equips students with the confidence, skills and character to navigate future challenges with purpose and resilience.
Building Community in the Boarding School
Nicole Folkes, Head of Boarding
The 2024-25 academic year in the Boarding School has been a reflection of our commitment to student wellbeing, community building and powerful programming.
We began the year focused on our commitment to wellbeing. Our “Care for Me” initiative had students developing personalized wellbeing plans, which helped to foster self-awareness and personal growth. This evolved into “Care for You” in the new year, emphasizing compassion for others and community building. Weekly advisory meetings provided consistent check-ins, creating a nurturing environment.
Our programming flourished with the introduction of a life skills program, equipping students with practical tools for independence such as cooking classes. In addition, students chose from a variety of experiences that allowed them to explore the diverse and culturally rich city of Toronto. Some activities included visiting the Art Gallery of Ontario, touring the CN Tower, attending a Toronto Raptors game and enjoying live theatre productions. Other activities allow an opportunity for students to step outside of their comfort zones and try something new, such as skating at Nathan Phillips Square, learning to rock climb and performing silk aerials.
Throughout the year, Boarding students had the opportunity to work with members of the Havergal community to enrich the student experience. Evening workshops, in collaboration with the Student Support Team, allowed students to reflect on their experiences and self care. Nicole Cozier, our Executive Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, worked with Boarding to create a student-led Community Shared Agreement that helps guide how they engage with and support one another. We also worked with the Forum for Change to plan our first community partnership day of service. Members of the Black Student Alliance collaborated with Boarding to plan and attend a Black History Month celebration dinner. Finally, we had another successful year of the Prefect in Boarding Program, which had Prefects spend four nights immersed in the Boarding Program.
Student leadership played a pivotal role in shaping our community and connections. The creation of the “Boarder Supporter Sticker” allowed the Boarding community to recognize Havergal staff, faculty and students who made a positive impact and supported the Boarding School this year. Additionally, the Boarding Council led spirit events throughout the year that provided fun activities for advisory groups to strengthen their relationships.
As we reflect on this year, we’re proud of the vibrant, supportive community we’ve cultivated in Boarding — one where students thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
Highlights
Once a Gator, Always a Gator
Carol Rong, School Captain
Before starting Grade 12, I was repeatedly told — by teachers, former Grads and my parents — that the year would be over in the blink of an eye. Although I understood that this was probably true, deep down inside me, I couldn’t bring myself to accept this reality. I mean, how could I? The laughter-filled classes, smiles in the halls, green and gold stained faces, and cafeteria cookies can’t disappear that quickly, right?
As much as I have tried to prolong this blink, I’ve finally accepted that my Havergal journey, like all good things, is coming to an end. To commemorate this moment, I want to address the special people who have made Havergal the place I never want to leave.
To Our Teachers
Thank you for always being there for us, before, during and after class, to answer our pressing questions before a test, satiate our curiosity or just to banter. Your efforts to make every topic engaging do not go unnoticed. Know that although you see us less because of our senioritis, we still love and appreciate you in more ways than we could ever express. We are forever grateful for the pivotal role you played in our development and will continue to apply the knowledge (both academic and practical) you’ve imparted to us.
To the Student Body
Your infectious energy, kindness and curiosity are what drive the school culture and make Havergal the place we are all so proud to call our school. Being surrounded by all of you has been my absolute privilege and I’ve never failed to learn something from each of you along the way. Keep bringing your authentic selves and don’t be afraid to jump out of your comfort zone.
To My Fellow Grads
Last year, we eagerly anticipated becoming Grads with our eyes set on new privileges — chairs in Prayers, glistening white blazers, access to the Grad Common Room (GCR), along with a whole slew of other delights. While those things are certainly nice, I’ve come to realize that the true privilege of being a Grad is the cherished time we get to spend together. Over the past nine months, we’ve experienced our last Havergal experiences, from our last first day to our last Carol Service to our last Hockey Day. There’s something about the idea of last — probably the fact that it will never happen again — that bonds. Yapping in the GCR between classes, locking in together before a test and reckoning with the idea of graduating have brought us so much closer, in more ways than we understand. As annoying as it is to open the locked GCR door for one of you pounding on it, I’d do it again in a heartbeat if it means spending another year together.
While it is still slightly unfathomable that I would not be returning to HC next year, I’m grateful for the time I’ve spent behind the ivy walls and I’m excited to see what the next chapter holds. I’m excited to see the people we become and I’m excited to come back and visit (Grads — I better see all of you at the reunions). Once a Gator, always a Gator!
Bye for now,
Carol Rong and the Class of 2025
Meet Our Faculty & Staff
Lindsay Santiago
Grade 1 Teaching Assistant
Ms. Santiago is a passionate and experienced Early Childhood Educator with over 15 years of working with children between the ages of 4 to 12. She currently serves as the Junior School Grade 1 Teaching Assistant, a role she has held since 2022. Prior to joining Havergal, she spent 10 years in the public school system, where she worked primarily in full-day kindergarten classrooms, supporting young learners during their critical early years of development.
Throughout her career, Ms. Santiago has been committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. She supports students in all areas of their schooling — academic, social and emotional — and believes in meeting each child where they are. Her educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that all students deserve to be seen, heard and valued, and that school should be a place where every child feels safe and empowered to be themselves.
Outside of the classroom, Ms. Santiago enjoys discovering new restaurants, hidden local spots and exploring and learning cultures through their cuisine.