February 2026

Message from the Executive Director of Strategic Enrolment

Maggie Houston-White

The Arts as a Difference Maker

Being able to introduce Havergal to families is such a privilege; we know our grounds and buildings are beautiful, but it is the magic behind the ivy that families connect with. Touring students and seeing their reaction to the Arts at Havergal emphasizes the importance of opportunities for students to have creative outlets, be able to explore new ways of expressing themselves and share their talents.  

From the beautiful beaded moccasins in the Junior School, the dress designs in the Tanya Taylor Fashion Lab, the joy of voices singing together in the Upper School vocal room to the sound of students practising their instruments, our applicants are both in awe and inspired to challenge themselves and try new things when they see the possibilities the Arts at Havergal offers.  

As we follow students through their journey at Havergal, we often beam with pride in the audience as we hear a student sing in Prayers who talked about dreaming of being a singer in her interview, or we see the student who spoke about working on her confidence now standing on stage, having taken a role in a school production. The research that guides our programming is clear: the Arts play a vital role in the development of children and young adults, cognitively, physically and socio-emotionally. What cannot be captured in the research, however, is the joy and pride we see on students’ faces when they see their art on display, hear the applause of the audience or catch the eye of their parents in the audience, knowing their talents and hard work bring joy to others. 

Ultimately, the Arts at Havergal serve as the bridge between academic excellence and personal discovery. These creative outlets ensure our students are not just well-educated, but well-rounded, empathetic and vibrant individuals. We don’t just teach the Arts to create artists; we teach the Arts to create humans who are capable of seeing the beauty in possibility.  

The Heart of Art and Design

Kasia Ulbin, Head of US Art and Design, and Matthew Varey, Director of Arts

Where ideas take flight, risks are celebrated and creativity drives everything with students at the center of it all; that’s the heart of Art and Design at Havergal. We strive to create a space where students feel empowered, valued and heard, utilizing flexible studios that nurture the artist, not just the work. These rooms transform from print labs to photography suites, film sets or collaborative critique circles, allowing students to choose how and where they work as they build agency and shape their own practice, both individually and collectively.

The Upper School Art Department offers a rich curriculum, from photography to drawing and painting, printmaking, 3D sculpture and textiles. Here, students explore a plethora of materials and conceptual approaches to learn how to think, experiment and communicate.

A highlight of this evolution is the new Tanya Taylor Fashion Lab. As part of our Art and Design department, these Grade 11 and 12 courses provide access to the technical and conceptual world of couture, blending a professional approach to design and entrepreneurship with dynamic personal expression. They are hands-on experiences that facilitate problem solving and the creative process, allowing students to dream globally and think in three dimensions.   

By referencing diverse artists with a focus on Contemporary Canadian, Indigenous and 2SLGBTQI+ voices, Art and Design teachers provide varied perspectives that help students explore their own identities and values in a supportive environment.

We value process over product. Our assessments encourage reflection through critiques, iteration via feedback and thoughtful risk-taking by inspiring new possibilities. Hands-on making and participating in national and international contests build resilience, while exhibiting in professional galleries allows students to see themselves as artists in the real world. At Havergal, students aren’t just creating art, they are developing as thoughtful, curious and courageous human beings, prepared to bring their vision and confidence into any path they choose.

Connecting through Culture: Integrated Arts in the Junior School

Rachel Read, Grade 5 and 6 Integrated Arts Teacher

At Havergal, we believe students thrive when they feel a sense of belonging — seen, safe and equipped with tools to explore the diversity within our community and beyond. Throughout the Junior School, students are empowered to express their emotions and identity through our vibrant arts programs.

One aspect of the Havergal College Arts Program is the Grade 5 and 6 Integrated Arts course. At the heart of this program is the understanding that all art flows from culture, which informs traditions of dance, drama, music and visual art, and provides the historical and personal context that enriches the creation and appreciation of art making. Within integrated arts, we have an opportunity to explore culture in more authentic and complex ways than we could within a single artistic discipline. Not only do we explore art traditions, but also history, storytelling and personal experience. This exploration is supported by our Artist in Residence program, where students work closely with experts who introduce cultural understandings alongside specific artistic expertise. 

We’ve been fortunate to learn alongside Cree-Métis artist educator Marissa Magneson, who shares Métis culture, music and art-making; Dr. Kofi Gbolonyo, who introduces the culture, music and dance of Ghana; Olivia Wheeler, a theatre artist specializing in shadow puppetry who shares her family’s immigration stories; and Doug Goodkin, an Orff-Schulwerk educator who teaches jazz through storytelling and music. Through these learning experiences, students see themselves and their own culture and art-making traditions reflected in the classroom, which is especially powerful. These experiences not only build our artistic skills and cultural knowledge, but also provide us with the capacity to approach the world around us with an open heart and the drive to make a difference in the world. 

Strengthening Our School

The 2024–2025 Annual Report

As we reflect on the past year, we are proud to share Havergal’s 2024–2025 Annual Report. This report highlights the collective efforts of our parents, Old Girls/Alums, faculty and staff, and the meaningful impact these partnerships have on the Havergal experience.

Inside, you will see how our community’s support drives the school’s momentum of the school. From key milestones to stories of dedication, the report captures how we work together to provide an environment where students are challenged to grow and inspired to lead. This shared commitment allows Havergal to go beyond what tuition alone provides, ensuring we continue to offer the exceptional programming and enriched spaces that define our school.

We invite you to read this year’s Annual Report here to see how these partnerships are building a bright and ambitious future for Havergal.

Join Us for Clue (High School Edition)

Presented in the Legacy Theatre, 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 Edition). 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 from Wednesday, February 25 to Friday, February 27 at 7 pm in the Legacy Theatre. Tickets are on sale now. We can’t wait to see you there!

A Night of Music at Koerner Hall

More Tickets Now Available!

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.

Chronicle is Now Available Online

The digital edition of Chronicle, our magazine for Old Girls/Alums, is officially live.

This issue is filled with stories that explore the reach of our Old Girls/Alums. Inside, we dive into the incredible impact of this community, from lifelong careers and global influence to the hidden talents and personal passions that define our Old Girls/Alums outside of their professional lives.

It is a powerful look at the legacy of a Havergal education in action. We hope these stories make you as proud of this community as we are.

Gator Gala 2026

What is the Gator Gala? 

HCPA Pre-loved Uniform Sale & Marketplace

The HCPA would like to send a heartfelt thank-you to the families who joined us for our mid-year Pre-Loved Uniform Sale on Wednesday, February 4! Whether you volunteered to organize racks or stopped by to find extra pieces for your growing children, your support made the day a fantastic success.

For those new to the community, the HCPA Pre-Loved Uniform program is a sustainable initiative where families donate gently used uniforms to be resold, with all proceeds directly funding school programs. By participating, you help reduce our carbon footprint while supporting HCPA initiatives. We gratefully accept skirts, tunics, pants and blazers, although we cannot accept socks or spirit wear. Please remember that we do not take donations during July and August.

The HCPA Marketplace team also enjoyed seeing so many of you grab your 2026 swag! These items help students show their school pride while further enriching the Havergal experience. If you missed the in-person sale, you can also shop online anytime at our online Marketplace.

Junior and Senior School Bake Sales

Thanking our Volunteers for a Successful Event

Our second HCPA Bake Sale on Wednesday, February 11, was a resounding success! From the Ellen Knox Library to the Junior School Bake Shop, the atmosphere was buzzing with school spirit and the irresistible aroma of fresh treats.

The event was a shining example of our community spirit, thanks to the beautiful presentation curated by our HCPA Bake Sale Team and the high-quality baked goods donated by our talented parent community. Whether homemade or store-bought, every nut-free contribution helped make our displays look and taste absolutely spectacular.

The HCPA would like to send their sincere appreciation to our dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly to set up, sell and spread joy throughout the day. Your energy is what makes these community-focused events possible. Thanks to your generosity and your love for local treats, we are delighted to share that we raised more than $5,000 for Havergal’s Ahead of the Game campaign! A huge thank-you goes out to everyone who brought their Gator pride (and their appetites) to the sale. Together, you’ve made this a truly sweet success for the Havergal community!

Junior School A-mazing Race

Sunday, May 3, 2026

It is time to spring into action! Our legendary Junior School A-mazing Race returns on Sunday, May 3, from 11 am to 3 pm. For families new to Havergal, this beloved tradition pairs students with an adult partner to complete “Amazing Race” style challenges across our campus. It is the perfect way to experience our vibrant House spirit firsthand!

Students can invite a parent or an adult (21+) to be their teammate. If you need a partner, we offer team-up options so everyone can participate. Your registration includes pizza and snacks, exclusive swag, professional photos and a chance for shared glory and awards! We have indoor backup plans ready, so the race continues rain or shine.

Registration Details

Purchase tickets here!

Curious about the fun? Check out our video reel here for a sneak peek at the high-energy spirit that makes this event so legendary!

HCPA Nominations 2026–27 Now Open!

The HCPA is seeking self-nominations for the 2026–27 school year.

Being part of the HCPA is a great way to connect with other parents, contribute to our vibrant school community and make a difference in your child’s experience. We have a variety of 2026–27 roles available, from Grade Representatives to Committee Chairs (including our famous Bake Sale) and leadership positions such as Staff Appreciation Treasurer.

We are committed to an open, transparent and inclusive nomination process. To learn more about the available positions and how to get involved, please use this link to view the nomination form that was sent out on February 2 to nominate yourself. Nomination forms are due by Monday, March 2, at 9 pm. We aim to find a position for all who apply; we will be in touch in early May with the finalized roster.

We look forward to welcoming you to our dynamic and engaged team!

To learn more about volunteering with the HCPA, watch this video of our current HCPA Co-Chair Alison Markowitz speak about her positive experiences volunteering at Havergal.

Matthew Varey

Director of Arts

As the Director of Arts, Mr. Varey works with Havergal’s talented students and faculty in realizing exciting opportunities and programming, such as the Tanya Taylor Fashion Lab and Spring Music Night 2026 at Koerner Hall. He is responsible for understanding artistic global excellence and developing strategies for coaching people toward becoming powerful creative thinkers. Mr. Varey believes our engagement with the arts establishes facility with identifying and manipulating patterns and systems that contribute to a better world, in whatever area of human endeavour we choose to participate, and he’s excited to help build the structures to ensure that our individual and collective success is a reality.

As valuable life experience and a means to process complex systems, three very different creative practices contributed to Mr. Varey’s development as an educator and, eventually, Director of Arts at Havergal. As an artist himself, he has exhibited as a painter and photographer internationally for years in places like the Fondazione Bevilacqua La Masa in Venice and art fairs in North America and Europe. He has worked with corporate clients in developing their brands, as a copy writer and a trend forecaster. Mr. Varey has also won the Provincial Cycling Championships (breaking a Canadian cycling record!) and served as a coach for the Canadian Triathlon Team. Integrating these artistic, business and athletic experiences provided the insight he needed to build and contribute to the most successful high school art, photography and film programs in history over 19 years at Etobicoke School of the Arts, with more than $140 million dollars in initial scholarships offered to the Grade 12 graduates. 

Mr. Varey is excited for future meaningful experiences with the wonderful students and faculty at Havergal. For more information about him as an artist and to see some of his images, he invites the Havergal community to view the art featured on his website.