May 2025

Message from the Principal

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:

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.

Green & Gold Shop: Summer Closing & August Hours

The Green & Gold Shop is Havergal’s go-to destination for uniforms, House apparel, gifts, spirit wear and HC-branded leisure clothing. As summer approaches, please note that the Green & Gold Shop will be closed for the summer beginning on Friday, June 13 at 4 pm.

To prepare for the upcoming school year, the Green & Gold Shop will reopen on Wednesday, August 6 at 8 am with special summer hours: Monday to Friday: 8 am to 4 pm (closed for lunch from 1 to 2  pm). The shop will be closed on Friday, August 29.

We encourage families to plan ahead to ensure students are ready with their Havergal College attire for the new school year. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to welcoming you back in August!

Learn more at https://greenandgold.havergal.on.ca/.

HCPA Co-Chairs End of Year Message

Maria Puthoff and Lucie Lin

Used Textbook Collection

US Only

If families would like to donate used textbooks (2021 to 2025) to the HCPA’s fundraising initiatives, there will be a collection on Wednesday, June 11, from 7:30 to 11:30 am, in the Ellen Knox Library in the Upper School. All proceeds from the sale of your books will go toward supporting the HCPA. (A representative from Batner Bookstore will collect the textbooks from Havergal campus and then issue payment to the HCPA after determining which books to buy.  Batner will donate declined books to the Salvation Army.) 

Parents can also choose to return textbooks for payment (debit, credit or store credit) directly to Batner Bookstore (180 Steeles Ave. W., Unit 4). 

For all returns, Batner only accepts textbooks from 2021 to 2025 that are in reasonable condition, with no watermarks, excessive writing, stains or missing pages — the spine must be intact.

Pre-Loved Uniform Collection

Don’t miss your last chance this school year to clean out closets and donate gently-used uniform items. On Wednesday, June 11, you will be able to drop off your items in the Ellen Knox Library.

Donating uniform items that your children have outgrown and purchasing second-hand items is a great way to reduce our carbon footprint and raise money for the HCPA at the same time. 

We gratefully accept the following items (please ensure all are in good condition with no stains/tears):

Thank you for supporting the HCPA!

Thanks for Attending Moms’ Night Out!

On Thursday, May 22, many Havergal moms spent a lively evening at Taylor’s Landing, connecting with each other while enjoying cocktails and appetizers. Ice breaker activities and dancing helped set the tone for a fun night. Thanks to everyone who was able to attend. 

Many thanks to our Moms’ Night Out Team, Adeola Fowodu-Olatunji (Chair) and Faria Umar (Vice-Chair), for planning this popular and successful event. Photos from the event can be found here.

Staff & Faculty Appreciation Day

To all staff and faculty, the HCPA would like to thank you for joining us for the Staff Appreciation Day at the Junior and Upper Schools! We hope you enjoyed the DIY activities, delicious food, handmade dumplings, lucky draw, photo booth and relaxing moments designed to celebrate you! 

Photo Booth 

If you would like to see some of the fun shots taken throughout the day at our photo booth click here and here. Please note: Photos may not be shared or posted publicly without the consent of everyone pictured.

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.