January 2026

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

Message from the Board of Governors

Jill Fraser, Chair of the Board

New Year’s greetings from the Board of Governors. We extend our warmest wishes for a happy and healthy 2026.

As we begin the winter season, it is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the vibrant and productive school year we have shared so far. Our journey began with a successful Celebration Day and Reunion Weekend, where our community truly came together in the spirit of connection. A standout highlight was the inaugural Friday Night Lights soccer match; it was a joy to see our team compete against Branksome Hall and win the first-ever “FNL” cup! The energy of these events were bolstered by incredible participation, with more than 95 per cent of students in Grades 5 to 12 attending the Opening Ceremonies and a record-breaking 104 parent volunteers lending their support. We also welcomed an astounding 900 attendees to our various Reunion Weekend events, with more than 500 Old Girls/Alums joining the cocktail party alone, marking record participation and renewed community connections. These collective efforts not only fostered school pride, but also successfully raised meaningful funds for our Community Partners and the Ahead of the Game campaign.

Our commitment to nurturing the full potential of our students has remained a priority through initiatives like Thrive Days, which promote mental health awareness and equip students with practical wellbeing strategies. In the Junior School, leadership remains a central theme: Grade 4 students are exploring how our school values define leadership, while Grade 5 and 6 students are learning and deepening their understanding of the HC Leadership Attributes through direct experience and reinforcement. Meanwhile, Middle School programming has focused on the importance of healthy friendships and effective study habits. In the Senior School, students have been actively engaged in workshops on allyship and advocacy, with student leadership efforts emphasizing the value of peer mentorship. 

In athletics, the Junior School saw 248 players on teams, and at the U12 level, we have consistently been among the largest participants in Junior School Athletics across the CISAA. We also had 234 out of 300 students sign up for at least one club in the fall term, reflecting an exceptional level of engagement. In Upper School athletics, Havergal co-hosted and won the first official U13 CAIS National Basketball tournament, welcoming 12 teams from across the country. The winter season has been high-energy, with 25 active teams across nine sports. In Upper School Arts, the Drama Department delivered four performances of the Middle School play, Sense and Sensibility. We concluded 2025 with our cherished holiday traditions, including the time-honoured Upper School Carol Service and the Grade 1 to 6 Christmas Concert at St. Paul’s Bloor Street. Complemented by the delightful JK/SK holiday performance at the Junior School, these events provided a festive and reflective conclusion to the year. We are incredibly proud of everything our students, staff, faculty and families have accomplished thus far and look forward to a rewarding year ahead.

While we have already celebrated many successes this year, I am excited for the opportunities that still lie before us. Seeing our values of Integrity, Inquiry, Compassion and Courage woven into the fabric of our daily life is a wonderful reminder of what makes our community special. I am deeply grateful for your dedication and look forward to our continued journey together this year.

Thank you,

Jill Fraser

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.

Re-registration Reminder

Re-registration for the 2026–27 school year will open on Tuesday, January 27. Families will receive an email from the Board of Governors on that day with a link to re-register their children. The re-registration forms can also be accessed through the Parent Portal. These online forms and payment of the deposit are due on Monday, February 2; we cannot guarantee a place for students who re-register after this date.

While we are certainly hoping to be welcoming all of our students back next year, we recognize that family situations change and relocations occur. If you are aware that your daughter is not returning to Havergal for the 2026–27 school year, please let us know by emailing Maggie Houston-White at [email protected] as soon as possible so we can ensure we have a fulsome admission process at all necessary years. Thanks for your continued support of Havergal. We are looking forward to another great year on campus.    

Join Us for Clue (High School Version)

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 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 handsketched 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 go on sale through HC Box Office on Wednesday, February 18. We can’t wait to see you there!

Faculty and Staff Gifting and Appreciation

Thank You!

HCPA General Meetings

Wednesday, February 25

The next HCPA General Meeting — open to all parents — takes place on Wednesday, February 25, from 8:45 to 10:45 am in the JS Dining Room. These meetings bring parents together to stay informed, connect with one another and engage in meaningful conversations about student wellbeing. At our February meeting, we are pleased to welcome Caitlin Parsons, Havergal’s Registered Social Worker, as our guest speaker to talk to us about perfectionism.

Many high-achieving girls struggle quietly with perfectionism, which can feel like a constant pressure to succeed while fearing mistakes and tying their self-worth to grades, performance or social approval. In this parent presentation, Ms. Parsons will explore why perfectionism is on the rise among adolescent girls, how it shows up in high school (academically, socially and emotionally) and the impact it can have on mental health and wellbeing. Parents will leave with practical strategies to support healthy motivation, resilience and self-compassion in their daughters.

For families new to Havergal, HCPA meetings offer a welcoming way to learn more about school programs while building connections within our parent community.

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. Early bird tickets are on sale now for $165 per person through Friday, February 20. After this date, ticket prices increase to $175. Purchase tickets here.

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.

Pre-loved Uniforms Sale and Drop Off

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. Stop by to stock up on extra uniform pieces or replace items your children may have outgrown.

We are always looking for volunteers to help with our sales. Please sign up here to help, or contact us at [email protected].

Donating outgrown uniform items and purchasing second-hand pieces helps reduce our carbon footprint while raising funds for HCPA initiatives. We gratefully accept 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. There will be no intake during July and August, so plan to donate in advance.

HCPA Marketplace

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!

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!

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.