Inside Havergal
The Heart of Havergal: Our People
Shirley Garcia, Executive Director of Human Resources
At Havergal College, people are the reason we succeed. As the Executive Director of Human Resources, my role is to support the recruitment, retention and development of the finest teachers and staff so they can create the best possible environment for our students. We believe deeply in supporting our employees, who shape the experiences our students look forward to each day.
Compassion and clear intention guide the work of our HR team every day. We use thoughtful and practical approaches, guided by data and genuine listening, to shape decisions across all HR areas — from hiring educators and staff to developing programs that help everyone feel valued and able to do their best work. We believe that creating a supportive environment means people can confidently make choices aligned with our shared mission: student success.
Our strategic plan sets clear priorities. In our school, being future-ready means investing in ongoing professional growth and creating meaningful opportunities for learning through formal training, supportive relationships, collaboration and real experiences at work. This thoughtful planning ensures our teachers and staff feel prepared and valued today and into the future.
Transforming tomorrow begins with the thoughtful actions we take today. When our employees feel supported and that their work matters, students feel it and collectively benefit from an enhanced school experience in a healthy, positive environment. Our strength lies in the sincerity of our support. When we all work together with a clear shared goal, our whole community thrives. And that’s what makes our school special and stronger and ready for the future.
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 $36.6 million as at June 30, 2024. 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.
Working with an external investment manager and in accordance with the Foundation’s Statement of Investment Policies and Objectives, the Foundation ensures that its resources are prudently invested with the aim of both growing and preserving capital while maintaining the ability to provide stable grants to the College for priorities such as student financial assistance, capital projects and enriched academic and co-curricular programming.
The Foundation is governed by a board of nine Directors, including ex-officio appointments of Havergal’s Board of Governors and a member of the Havergal Old Girls Association.
Because Havergal’s annual revenues must cover not only the present year’s expenses but also capital investment and infrastructure costs, fundraising is essential to maintaining Havergal’s ongoing financial health and strength. We are grateful to generations of donors, past, present and future, for their generous contributions and ongoing belief in Havergal’s mission.
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
Why Great Teachers Never Stop Learning
Seonaid Davis, Vice Principal of Teaching & Learning
When teachers embrace lifelong learning, they set an excellent example for their students. Their excitement about learning is contagious and inspires students to develop the same mindset.
In a constantly evolving world, lifelong learning has become essential for teachers. New discoveries, technologies and teaching methods are continually emerging, and staying current allows educators to bring the most relevant knowledge and tools into their classrooms. By doing so, they ensure that students receive the highest quality education possible.
Ongoing learning enables teachers to make their lessons more meaningful and relevant to real-world events. It also deepens their understanding of students’ diverse needs, helping them create inclusive and supportive classrooms where every student feels valued.
By learning more about how the brain works and how people learn, teachers can improve their teaching methods. This allows them to address not only academic needs but also the emotional and social aspects of learning, which are just as important.
In the Junior School, our curriculum coordinators in Literacy, Mathematics, STEM and Technology provide job embedded professional development (PD) to teachers on a continual basis. This PD model supports teachers by providing expert guidance as they apply their newly gained knowledge in practice.
In the Upper School, departments have joint goals and often a selection of faculty in the department attend specific PD offerings. When these teachers return to Havergal after attending PD, they share what they have learned with the rest of the department. This is an example of job-embedded PD.
For teachers, learning isn’t just about improving skills — it’s also a way to stay excited and passionate about their work. Exploring new ideas sparks creativity and keeps teaching fresh and enjoyable. Whether through attending workshops, collaborating with colleagues or reflecting on their own experiences, teachers are always finding ways to grow and improve. This constant growth helps them bring new energy and ideas to their classrooms, benefiting them and their students.
Havergal’s HCPA: Partners & Difference Makers
Maggie Houston-White, Executive Director of Strategic Enrolment Management
If you ask a new Havergal family, a current student or an Old Girl/Alum what makes Havergal special, one word inevitably comes up: community. The relationships built here, the shared experiences and the collective belief that we don’t just aspire to make a difference — which we do — are all part of the magic that defines Havergal.
The Havergal College Parent Association (HCPA) has played a vital role in shaping and strengthening this sense of community. Originally known as the Havergal Community Committee (HCC), the group was renamed in the mid-2010s to better reflect its mission: fostering a strong sense of belonging for every parent. All parents are welcome to get involved, whether by joining a special event committee like the Gator Gala or A-mazing Race, serving as a Grade Rep to keep fellow parents informed or organizing social gatherings that help families connect and build lasting friendships.
Beyond bringing parents together, HCPA members generously give their time and talent to support key events that not only strengthen our community, but also raise funds that enhance student opportunities and facilities — helping every Havergal student thrive.
Havergal’s faculty and staff are also among the many beneficiaries of the HCPA’s work. Whether through thoughtful appreciation events, co-ordinating volunteers for academic and co-curricular initiatives, or engaging in meaningful discussions about school programs, the HCPA is a valued partner in ensuring Havergal remains a leader among girls’ schools in Canada.
We are deeply grateful to all parents who contribute to Havergal, whether by volunteering through the HCPA, by attending events or supporting initiatives in countless other ways. It is often said that it takes a village to raise a child; we believe it also takes a village to support a school. The HCPA is not just a key partner in our community — it is a vital part of our village.
AI for Good: Harnessing Innovation at Work and School
Thursday, March 27, 6 pm
Parents, guardians, Old Girls/Alums and Upper School students are invited to join the Havergal community for a presentation of “AI for Good: Harnessing Innovation at Work and School” on March 27 at 6 pm in the Legacy Theatre.
The evening will be a panel discussion on how AI is transforming workplaces, schools and communities. The panel will be moderated by Noah Godfrey, current parent and Founder of The Real Human Project. The panel features Alyza Keshavjee (Class of 2002), Head of Consumer Insights Canada at Google; Deep Gill, current parent and AI entrepreneur; and Lindsay Norberg, Havergal College Deputy Principal.
It’s a great chance to learn, ask questions, and connect! Register today at: https://events.veracross.com/hc/532-AIForGood
Learn more about our moderator and panellists:
- Noah Godfrey is the founder of The Real Human Project, which creates private podcasts for groups to share stories. Previously, he founded Checkout 51, a grocery coupon app that was acquired by a division of News Corp. Noah has a BCom from McGill’s Faculty of Management and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He grew up as a child actor in Toronto and he and his wife Erica have three kids.
- Alyza Keshavjee (Class of 2002) leads Consumer Insights for Google, helping shape strategy based on data-driven insights into customer behaviours. With a background in Strategy, Technology and Analytics, she’s passionate about leveraging data to drive decision-making and create impactful solutions.
- Deep Gill has been building software products for over 15 years. As a two-time startup founder, he led companies to successful acquisitions by Dropbox and Google. His most recent venture focused on AI-powered news and communication products. He studied Software Engineering at the University of Waterloo and lives in Toronto with his wife Sonya and their two daughters, Zuri and Nika.
- Lindsay Norberg is the Deputy Principal at Havergal College, where she has been an educator and leader for over 20 years. Her work focuses on student-centered programs and policies that foster academic success, wellbeing and the skills students need to thrive in an evolving world. Lindsay has a Bachelor of Arts from Queen’s University and a Master’s of Education from OISE, University of Toronto.
Parent Survey
Wednesday, April 2
A friendly reminder that we will be launching a parent satisfaction survey, conducted on our behalf by Independent School Management (ISM), a trusted leader in the independent education sector, beginning on Wednesday, April 2.
This is an opportunity for parents to share their honest feedback with Havergal, to help us better understand your overall experience with the school, provide valuable insights into our partnership with families and indicate our strengths, along with areas to be strengthened.
ISM will issue survey links to households on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. All responses will be anonymous and confidential. More information can be found in our Frequently Asked Questions. We look forward to hearing from you!
Gator Gala Silent Auction and Swag Bag Donations
The Gator Gala Silent Auction is back. The auction offers something for everyone, with all proceeds going to the HCPA to support community engagement initiatives and identified school priorities. Amazing silent auction items include tickets to sporting events and concerts, art, jewellery and unique experiences like tours or “behind the scenes” opportunities at workplaces or venues. If you would like to make a donation to the Gator Gala Silent Auction, please contact Jenn Ocampo-King at [email protected] or Michelle Yang at [email protected]. Thank you for your support!
Swag Bags: Help make the Gator Gala unforgettable! Here’s how you can contribute:
- ✨ donate items (snacks, beauty products, gift cards, etc.)
- 💰 monetary donations to buy essentials
- 🔗 recommend suppliers for wholesale items
Local businesses can also gain exposure by supporting the event!
For more info or to donate, contact Christine Kwok at [email protected]. Let’s make it a night to remember!
Thank you for your support!
2025-26 HCPA Nominations Now Open
Many exciting positions are open for the 2025-26 school year with the Havergal College Parent Association (HCPA). We strongly encourage parents to self-nominate themselves to join our dynamic, fun and engaging parent leadership team.
Please click on the HCPA Nomination Form to see a full list of open positions and to place a nomination.
A few things to note:
- Nomination forms are due no later than April 4 at 9 pm. This year we have a new, simplified process with only one round of nominations in which you identify your top three choices.
- We have a variety of exciting roles available, from Grade Representatives to committee chairs (including our famous Bake Sale!) and leadership positions like Vice Chair.
For further information, please contact Lucie Lin and Maria Puthoff (2024-25 HCPA Co-Chairs) at [email protected].
We look forward to welcoming you to our dynamic and engaged team!
HCPA Volunteering Video
You can learn more about volunteering with the HCPA in this video, featuring HCPA WeChat Liaison Leah Li, who speaks about her positive experiences volunteering at Havergal.
Junior School A-mazing Race Tickets on Sale Now
The A-mazing Race is always a highlight of the year for our Junior School girls and their partners (an adult over the age of 21). This year’s event is scheduled for Sunday, May 4, from 11 am to 3 pm.
Students can invite a parent or an adult partner (over 21) to be your partner for the race! Don’t worry if you need a partner: team-up options are available.
Join us for some fun competition: House teams participate in exciting and interactive challenges.
Other highlights include:
- pizza and snacks, which are provided before the race kicks off
- a chance for shared glory and awards
- swag, photos and treats included
Most challenges will be outdoors, but don’t worry — we have indoor options ready if the weather doesn’t co-operate.
Tickets (non-refundable) are $50 per person and must be purchased by Friday, April 4. The registration window is short to allow for planning, so please avoid disappointment and register now. Note that if you do not register by the deadline, we cannot guarantee that you will receive House swag.
Purchase tickets here!
Save the Date for Moms’ Night Out
Mark Your Calendars: Moms’ Night Out (MNO) – Taylors Landing, Thursday, May 22!
This year’s MNO is going to be a little different — and trust us, you won’t want to miss it! While we’re keeping the best parts from past MNO events (like great food, drinks and the chance to catch up with old friends while making new ones), expect a fresh twist at this beloved event.
The official invitation will be sent in April, but stay tuned for more sneak peeks in the coming weeks!
Pre-Loved Uniforms Earth Week Sale
Support the planet and the HCPA by shopping at the Pre-Loved Uniform team’s sale on Monday, April 28 from 2:30 to 5 pm outside the Junior School Learning Hub.
Now’s a great time to get an early jump on spring cleaning and look through closets for HC uniform items that might be too small but are still in great shape. The HCPA has installed permanent collection bins across from the Learning Hub at the Junior School and in the alcove by the glass door entrance to the Upper School (across from the Green & Gold Shop).
We gratefully accept skirts, tunics, pants, polo shirts, dress shirts, sweaters, 1/4 zip sweatshirts, jogging pants and blazers. Please note that we do not accept socks, green leggings, House shirts, customized sweatshirts, spirit wear, gym uniforms or white Grad blazers.
When donating, please keep in mind that uniform items should be gently-used — no rips or stains! Note that the HCPA Pre-Loved Uniform initiative is not affiliated with the HC Green & Gold Shop.
We wanted to thank the Pre-Loved uniform team for their amazing efforts and for the support of the whole community for making the sales in February a huge success: more than $3,000 was raised, bringing the total amount raised to date to more than $9,000! Thank you to everyone who supported our last sale.
Supporting Excellence in Education
Each year, we invite our community members to make a commitment to the students of Havergal College and their education. While tuition covers general school operations, it is the generosity of our Havergal Fund donors that enables us to offer enriched academic and co-curricular programming, positioning Havergal as a leading institution for girls’ education. Every year, we identify priorities for this funding to ensure that we are maintaining and building our capacity in the areas of greatest need.
Your contribution to The Havergal Fund today will support key initiatives, including, but not limited to:
- the development of innovative curricula
- athletic, artistic and co-curricular enhancements
- faculty development
- student financial assistance
- mental health and wellbeing programs
Become a donor today by contributing to The Havergal Fund. Your support, no matter the amount, will have a lasting impact on the lives of students, helping us create an environment that nurtures their potential and resilience. Together, we can make sure that Havergal College remains a vibrant, inclusive and empowering place where every student thrives.
Torch Magazine: Celebrating Excellence as a Community
The latest issue of Havergal’s community publication, Torch magazine, will land in inboxes soon! This year’s issue offers an inspiring look at how excellence comes to life at Havergal and highlights the power of connection, belonging and shared success — values that define the school community.
From student achievements to the lasting impact of Old Girl/Alum engagement, Torch reflects the many ways Havergalians support and uplift one another. Readers will find stories that celebrate perseverance, leadership and the spirit of collaboration that makes Havergal unique. Through reflections, insights and a visual journey through the year, this issue offers a meaningful connection to the school’s vibrant community.
Arriving in early April, Torch is a must-read for those who cherish Havergal’s legacy and look forward to its future!
Inside Focus
Grade 11 Students Explore the Power of Authenticity
Fiona Marshall, Director of Student Leadership
For the second year in a row, Havergal hosted a special leadership retreat for Grade 11 students, who will become stewards of the student body in the fall of 2025. Throughout the year, this class has explored their values in Advising time, recognizing that leadership is an ongoing practice rather than a destination. They brought these insights to a day of reflection and growth, themed The Power of Authenticity and Letting Go of What Gets in the Way. Because authenticity is a cornerstone of Havergal’s leadership philosophy, creating space for students to engage in this self-discovery is an essential part of our work at the school.
Students began the day with an inspiring talk from guest speaker Monika Myers, a Grade 11 Canadian student with Down Syndrome who has made waves in the fashion industry as a high-fashion model on runways around the world. Monika shared how embracing authenticity and courage has allowed her to create a more inclusive space and positively impact others. As an ambassador for Down Syndrome and advocate for diversity and inclusion — both for those with visible and invisible differences — she encouraged our students to join her in defining themselves as Brave and Beautiful.
The Grade 11 students spent the rest of the morning engaged in activities designed to help them reflect on their true selves — beyond who they feel they should be — while embracing the uniqueness of authenticity and imperfection. They then explored how authenticity shapes and strengthens communities through an impactful authenticity workshop led by Executive Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging, Nicole Cozier.
In the afternoon, participants explored the barriers preventing them from fully embracing their authentic selves. Through both individual reflection and collective sharing, they identified what was holding them back. They then wrote these barriers down, read them aloud and cast them into a fire pit, which was a powerful symbol of their commitment to letting go and breaking them down each day.
The day concluded with a meaningful collective sharing activity, leaving our future Grad class feeling more connected, empowered and valued for who they truly are. With a renewed sense of confidence and unity, they are ready to lead the student body next year. As one student put it, “This experience brought us closer together as a class, and together we can do anything.”
Meet Our Faculty & Staff
Marie Limbo
Human Resources Business Partner
Ms. Limbo is an experienced Human Resources professional with over 12 years of expertise managing HR activities across diverse industries. Her expertise includes recruitment, onboarding, HR systems and strategic HR initiatives, all while maintaining a commitment to continuous improvement that evolves and optimizes the HR function.
Ms. Limbo holds certifications as a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) and Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) and earned a Bachelor’s of Commerce in Human Resources Strategy & Technology from Seneca College.
Dedicated to fostering a positive employee experience and creating an inclusive work culture, Ms. Limbo champions innovation within HR practices. She has played a pivotal role in numerous key projects, such as the implementation of a recruitment toolkit, the launch of Havergal’s first Applicant Tracking System (ATS) via Payworks, the update of the employee handbook and the development of a new employee onboarding program.
Ms. Limbo excels in collaboration, partnering with hiring managers and senior leaders to ensure a smooth recruitment process for both candidates and new hires. Additionally, she works alongside the HR Team and the Guidance Department, providing an HR perspective to help prepare students for internships and future career opportunities beyond the ivy walls through community time.
Outside of her professional life, Ms. Limbo is a devoted mother to a 19-month-old toddler and enjoys wellness walks with her family and friends. She’s also passionate about traveling, with a keen interest in exploring new cuisines and discovering diverse cultures along the way.