Inside Havergal
Message from the Chief Operating Officer
Laura Sims
Some of the most powerful learning for students at Havergal happens in our beautiful outdoor spaces. Our campus, situated on 22 acres, is a living laboratory — a sanctuary that functions as an essential extension of our formal classrooms. Our many exceptional outdoor spaces include Havergal’s recently refurbished tennis courts, three sports fields, the Lisa Hardie Trail, playscapes and outdoor quads. These spaces provide a stunning backdrop for our students to learn and reflect outside.
However, the beauty of these grounds does not happen by accident. It is the result of constant, dedicated effort from our Facilities and Grounds Teams, who are the silent partners in the student experience. These teams work tirelessly through the varying demands of our seasons — from strategic snow removal in the depth of winter to the complex management of our vast gardens filled with annuals, perennials and indigenous trees in the spring and summer. They navigate logistical challenges behind the scenes to ensure that when a student walks between buildings or hits the turf for a game, the space is safe, functional and aesthetically inspiring.
The academic year culminates with a Graduation ceremony for our Grade 12 students, a time when our grounds are on full display for students, parents, families, faculty and staff to enjoy in their full splendour. I am deeply grateful to the Grounds and Facilities Teams for their unwavering dedication and stewardship of our property. Their hard work ensures that Havergal remains a place of inspiration to be enjoyed now and for many generations of our community to come.
Message from the Board of Governors
Rob Brown, Chair of The Havergal College Foundation Board of Directors
Established in 1966, the Havergal College Foundation is a registered charity that both receives and invests donations to support key priorities for Havergal College. The Foundation oversees an investment portfolio of mostly donor-endowed funds, valued at $39.3 million as of June 30, 2025. These endowed funds have been gifted over time by parents, Old Girls/Alums, graduating classes, faculty and staff. The Foundation disburses a certain percentage of the value of the endowed funds annually to the school.
To support the College’s long-term mission, the Foundation works with expert investment managers to balance capital growth with wealth preservation. This disciplined approach provides reliable funding for essential needs like student scholarships, campus projects and enriched student experiences.
The Foundation is governed by a board of eight Directors, including ex-officio appointments of Havergal’s Board of Governors and a member of the Havergal Old Girls Association.
Since annual revenues must fund both daily operations and long-term infrastructure, fundraising is vital to Havergal’s financial resilience. We are deeply grateful to our past, present and future donors for their generosity and steadfast commitment to our missions. To learn more about philanthropy at Havergal and how to make a donation, please visit the “Ways to Give” section of the Havergal College website.
This Month
Cultivating Curiosity On Our Living Campus through Outdoor Education
Katie Tranter and Lydia Abebe, Grade 1 Teachers
At Havergal, our 22-acre campus is not just a backdrop; it is a living classroom. For our Grade 1 students, stepping outside means stepping into curiosity.
Our outdoor learning weaves seamlessly across the curriculum. Through Drama, students embody the natural world around them, giving voice to trees, insects and the shifting seasons. In Science, we investigate the magic of photosynthesis and explore how pigments change and reflect as autumn arrives. We ask big questions: Why do leaves turn? What is the tree “telling” us?
At the heart of it all is our Grade 1 tree, a constant companion we visit each season, noticing and recording its changes over time. These regular observations nurture patience, wonder and a genuine relationship with the living world.
Nature walks and open conversations remind students that nature is not separate from us; it sustains us. We discuss what we love about the outdoors and how we can be thoughtful stewards of the land we are so fortunate to call our school grounds.
Outdoor education is not an add-on. It is where science, creativity and character quietly take root.
Unleashing Potential On Our Spring Playing Fields
Carla Di Filippo, Upper School Athletics Director, and Anna Bartlett, Junior School Athletic Director
There is an unmistakable energy that returns to Havergal each spring. The scent of freshly cut grass, the sun rising over Ratcliffe Field and the tennis courts, and the light streaming through the pool windows all signal the return of a vibrant outdoor spring season. Across our vast campus, including three sports fields, six tennis courts and the Lisa Hardie Trail, students take full advantage of these outdoor spaces.
These facilities support a wide range of competitive programs — including tennis, softball, soccer, rugby and ultimate — in both the Junior and Upper Schools. There are also clubs focused on triathlon training and the learn-to-golf program. The accessibility of these spaces allows for efficient scheduling, minimizing time away from class while maximizing training and competition opportunities.
Beyond the scores and statistics, our campus serves as the heart of our community. Each afternoon, the fields come alive with the sound of hundreds of students training and competing. It is a place where families and friends gather for home games and where students find inspiration in one another’s grit and sportsmanship. This spring, as we celebrate our athletes’ achievements, we also celebrate the world-class campus that makes their success possible.
Lessons From Our Campus Bees
Fatima Kaba, Interim Director of the Forum for Change
Three years ago, HC introduced beehives to our campus as part of a commitment to experiential learning and environmental stewardship. What began as an exciting addition to our outdoor spaces has grown into a meaningful program that enriches student learning while contributing positively to our broader community.
The presence of bees on campus offers unique educational advantages. Students are able to engage directly with concepts such as biodiversity, sustainability and food systems in a tangible and memorable way. Observing a hive in action brings learning beyond the classroom, helping students better understand the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the essential role pollinators play in our world.
Our partnership with Alvéole has been instrumental in deepening this experience. Their team has led a range of engaging workshops that provide students with hands-on opportunities to explore the life cycle of bees, understand the distinct roles within the hive and follow the journey from hive to honey jar. These sessions often include honey tastings, allowing students to connect their learning to real, sensory experiences.
In addition, Alvéole has supported our TC-9 program, helping students make meaningful connections between their developing understanding of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and real-world local environmental systems. During TC-9, students were introduced to our beekeeper and urban beekeeping locations around the school, which allowed them to see and learn about the interdependent relationship between humans and honey bees on campus. These workshops and interactions highlighted the importance of an on campus learning experience that models our sustainability work and the relationships between Havergal and our partners.
Another notable impact has been the shift in student comfort levels around bees. For many, initial hesitation or fear has gradually been replaced by curiosity and respect. Through knowledge and guided experiences, students have developed a greater sense of ease and appreciation for these essential pollinators.
Ultimately, our beehives represent more than just an environmental initiative. They are a dynamic learning tool that fosters curiosity, builds confidence and encourages students to think critically about their role in sustaining the natural world.
Gator Gala: A Night to Remember
The Havergal community truly shone at this year’s Gator Gala! With more than 650 guests in attendance at Parkview Manor, the evening was a powerful testament to our collective school spirit. Beyond the celebrations, the night highlighted a profound partnership between HC, parents and students. It was particularly moving to see Kingsley Triger (Grade 7) and Rachel Kerr (Grade 12) lead the community in grace and offer a heartfelt toast to our parents, followed by a special toast from Grade 12 parent Berry Meyerowitz to our graduates in their final year.
Our Sincere Gratitude
This unforgettable event was made possible by the visionary leadership of Co-Chairs Adeola F. Olatunji and Jennifer Wolff, and Vice Chair Tammy Neal. We also extend our deepest thanks to the parent volunteers who brought the evening to life — from those who designed and set up the stunning decor and managed registration, to the team who organized the superb entertainment that kept everyone engaged.
Special thanks also go to Silent Auction Chair, Jenn Ocampo-King, and Sponsorship Chair, Jennifer Mitchell, for their tireless efforts in supporting HC and the Ahead of the Game Campaign.
Relive the Magic
The energy at Parkview Manor was infectious! To revisit the highlights of the night, please browse the 2026 Gator Gala photo gallery. We already look forward to celebrating with you again next year!
The Final Countdown: JS A-mazing Race
Sunday, May 3
The energy at the Junior School is building as we approach one of Havergal’s most anticipated traditions: the JS A-Mazing Race! On Sunday, May 3, from 11 am to 3 pm, the Havergal College campus will transform into a hub of high-speed teamwork and House spirit for the A-mazing Race. For those new to our community, this beloved event is designed exclusively for current Havergal students to participate alongside a parent or adult partner. Together, teams navigate a series of “Amazing Race” style challenges created to test creativity, speed and school pride.
Preparing for Race Day
While registration has ended, we still want to see as many families as possible at the starting line! If you missed the deadline but wish to attend, please reach out to our A-mazing Race Co-Chairs, Hana Ma and Rachel Zhang, at [email protected]. We will also offer on-the-day registration at the event; however, please keep in mind that event swag is not guaranteed for same-day entries.
Whether you are racing for the podium or just for the laughs, we have indoor backup plans ready so the fun can proceed rain or shine!
Get Inspired
We cannot wait to see our Junior School families showcasing their incredible spirit and bonding through these unique challenges — including several new ones! If you want a sneak peek at the high-energy action awaiting you on campus, you can watch the A-mazing Race highlight reel.
Get your House colours ready — there will be a lot of new House rewards this year! Come find out what this year’s surprise is and we will see you at the starting line.
Save the Date for Moms’ Night Out at Taylor’s Landing!
Thursday, May 28
As the spring season blooms, it’s time to gather for one of our most anticipated HCPA traditions. We are returning to Taylor’s Landing on Thursday, May 28, for an evening dedicated to laughter, relaxation and friendship.
For those new to Havergal, Moms’ Night Out (MNO) is a signature HCPA event designed to bring mothers from all grade levels together. In the midst of a busy school year, this evening provides the perfect opportunity to step away from the “to-do” list, enjoy gourmet appetizers and strengthen the bonds that make our parent community so supportive.
Secure Your Spot by May 7
While we are bringing back the neighbourhood atmosphere you love, we have added several fresh surprises to this year’s program to keep the tradition exciting. To ensure your spot at this wonderful gathering, please register and purchase your Moms’ Night Out tickets by the deadline of Thursday, May 7.
A special celebration like this requires incredible behind-the-scenes leadership. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our 2026 MNO Chair, Faria Umar, and Vice-Chair, Grace Zhao, for their vision and dedication. We look forward to seeing everyone there for an evening of great conversation and community spirit!
Pre-loved Uniforms
Our community’s commitment to sustainability is stronger than ever! Thanks to incredible growth in awareness and your generous contributions, the Pre-Loved Uniform program has become a cornerstone of Havergal’s eco-friendly efforts. This parent-led initiative gives outgrown uniforms a second life, providing an affordable and sustainable way to keep our students looking their best.
To ensure our volunteer team can hit the ground running in August with an organized and refreshed inventory, we are aligning our final collection window with the end of the school year.
Final Summer Intake: Wednesday, June 10
To help us start the new school year in top shape, please drop off your gently-used items by our final intake day on Wednesday, June 10, from 8 to 11:30 am. Following this date, our collection bins in the Junior and Upper School will be closed for the summer. We kindly ask that you hold onto any further donations over the break, as the school will not be able to accept items during the summer months.
Planning ahead? Keep your summer clear-out items ready! We look forward to reopening donation bins during our August sales to reload our inventory for the fall.
Updated Donation Guidelines
We gratefully accept high-quality items (free of rips or stains), including:
- Havergal Classics: Skirts, tunics, blazers and sweaters.
- Daily Essentials: Pants, polo shirts and dress shirts.
- Athletics & Spirit: Gym uniforms, House shirts, 1/4 zip sweatshirts and jogging pants.
Please note: We still cannot accept socks, green leggings or white graduation blazers.
We extend a massive thank you to our Pre-Loved Chair, Meaghan Kinlin, Vice-Chair, Stefanie Holland, and their dedicated team of volunteers for their tireless work throughout the 2025–26 school year. Your efforts make this wonderful tradition possible!
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping our sustainability efforts thrive.
HCPA General Meeting
Don’t forget about tomorrow’s HCPA General Meeting, Wednesday, April 29, from 8:45 to 10:45 am. We invite all parents to gather in the Junior School Dining Room for a morning dedicated to school updates, strategic insights and community connection.
For families new to Havergal, these meetings offer a welcoming environment to stay informed about school programs and engage in meaningful conversations that impact our students. It is a fantastic way to meet fellow parents and hear directly from the staff and volunteers who help shape the Havergal experience.
Meeting Highlights & Programming
We are excited to present an engaging agenda that kicks off with a warm welcome from HCPA Co-Chairs, Maria and Alison. We are especially pleased to host an HC-X Spotlight featuring Director Adam Caplan and teachers Allison Campbell-Rogers and Jeff Adams. They will share exciting insights into TC-9 and the HC-X program, exploring how these innovative initiatives foster future-ready skills and experiential learning for our students.
Following the presentation, leadership will share essential HCPA Committee updates. This session will provide the latest news and recaps on our recent community events, financial reports and important information regarding upcoming HCPA nominations.
Whether you want to learn more about the curriculum or find out how to get involved in our final initiatives of the school year, we look forward to seeing you there!
HCPA Marketplace
Looking for the perfect way to show your HC pride? The HCPA Marketplace is your year-round destination for seasonal swag and unique Havergal items. Every purchase made through the Marketplace directly supports programs and initiatives that enrich the student experience and strengthen our school community. Whether you are looking for fan-favourite staples or new seasonal arrivals, we invite you to browse the full HCPA Marketplace collection.
Graduation Special: Class of 2026 Frames
As we celebrate our graduating class, the Marketplace is pleased to offer custom-crafted frames to preserve these lifetime milestones. These elegant options are designed specifically to showcase Grade 12 diplomas, class composite photos and individual graduation portraits with the pride and tradition of Havergal. To ensure your keepsakes arrive in time for graduation celebrations, place your orders by the final deadline of Friday, June 5. As frames are made to order, allow three weeks for delivery. If you have any questions regarding the Marketplace or graduation frames, please reach out to the HCPA at [email protected].
HCPA Staff & Faculty Appreciation Ivy Pub
The HCPA is hard at work preparing for one of our community’s most meaningful annual highlights: the HCPA Faculty & Staff Appreciation Ivy Pub. Taking place on Tuesday, May 26 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm in the Temerty Commons, this celebration serves as a special moment for parents to give back to faculty and staff members who dedicate themselves so fully to our students.
Under the leadership of HCPA Staff Appreciation Co-Chairs, Rebecca Fu and Ashmina Damani, and the HCPA Treasurer, Colleen Sun, this year’s Ivy Pub adopts a light Olympic-inspired theme to celebrate the “gold medal” efforts of our faculty and staff. The HCPA has curated a relaxing afternoon featuring nostalgic drop-in activities, upbeat music and a celebratory photo booth. These festivities, including the refreshments and raffle prizes, are made possible by the generous donations parents contributed to the HCPA earlier this year.
We look forward to a wonderful afternoon honouring those who make Havergal such a remarkable place to learn and grow!
Celebrating Our Values Across the Globe in Torch Magazine
This year’s Torch magazine is now available, and it’s taking you on a global journey!
In this issue, we explore how learning at Havergal extends far beyond geography. Under the theme “Havergal Around the World,” we celebrate the diverse ways our students, Old Girls/Alums, faculty and staff live out our values of Integrity, Inquiry, Compassion and Courage both close to home and across continents.
From international service projects to the global impact of our alumnae network, these stories reflect a community that knows no borders. We invite you to dive into this digital edition and see how the Havergal spirit is making a difference in every corner of the globe.
Inside Focus
Founders’ Day: A Century of Heritage
Founders’ Day is the annual celebration of Havergal’s history, held at St. Paul’s Bloor Street on the school day closest to April 23. This year marks a historic double milestone: the 100th anniversary of the laying of our building’s foundation stone in 1926 and the 50th anniversary of the Founders’ Day service itself.
Established in 1976 by our Sixth Principal, Mary Dennys, the service was designed to help each generation of Havergalians maintain the spirit and vision upon which the school has flourished since 1894. Miss Dennys believed that by looking back, we could better forge a path forward while maintaining the essence of the school.
The inaugural service in 1976 brought the entire community together in the school’s Assembly Hall. This tradition continues with all students from Grades 1 to 12 attending, along with staff and faculty. As the community grew, the service moved to St. Paul’s Bloor Street, a church with which Havergal has shared a deep connection since 1899. A plaque dedicated to our first Principal, Ellen Knox, remains in the church’s east transept today as a testament to this enduring bond. We also hold Carol Service in this beautiful sanctuary in our city.
The service remains a sensory experience of our shared legacy. It features choral performances by our Junior and Upper School Choirs, a keynote address by a Grad and either a staff member or an Old Girl/Alum that bridges our past and present, and the invitation for everyone in attendance to sing the school song (“Vitai Lampada Tradens”) and hymn (“Unto the Hills”) together.
Founders’ Day is more than a retrospective; it is the heartbeat of our present. As we celebrate these 100-year and 50-year milestones, we don’t just honour where we’ve been — we ignite the spirit that will carry Havergal forward for the next century.
Meet Our Faculty & Staff
Vince Alexander
Building Services Manager
There are few people who have lived through more at Havergal College than Vince Alexander. Joining the Facilities department in 2001, Mr. Alexander has been an integral part of the many changes and improvements made to the Havergal campus. From new buildings to small repairs, and everything in between, he has helped shape the Havergal College we all know and love today.
In his role as Manager Building Services, Mr. Alexander directly leads a portion of the Facilities Team to ensure the school’s building systems and equipment are operating as they should. After the halls empty out for March Break and the summer holiday, Mr. Alexander and the team are diligently working through as many projects and maintenance requests as possible.
Whether it’s HVAC, door locks or any interior/exterior challenges, chances are Mr. Alexander will be tasked with seeing it through.
You can also find him enjoying all the Havergal events, including Hockey Day, Celebration Day and various cultural Prayers. He’s also an active member of the Staff Choir and the Staff Christmas Band (he plays the tuba). When not at Havergal, he enjoys attending hockey or baseball games and a few concerts, but most of all, spending time with his grandson.
His enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the campus has made him a familiar and valued presence in the community. Mr. Alexander’s connection to both the school and its traditions continues to leave a lasting impression on those who work and learn here at Havergal.