Inside Havergal
Principal’s Message
Dr. Katrina Samson
We are constantly inspired by our community’s commitment to provide an exceptional educational experience for our students, and this is made possible through your unwavering support. As you know, we carefully manage our financial resources, with tuition covering essential operating expenses. However, it is your generosity that enables us to go beyond the basics, funding the innovative programs and enhanced facilities while enriching experiences that define a Havergal education. Philanthropy ensures we continue to elevate our students’ journeys, helping them reach new heights in academics, arts, leadership and, notably, athletics.
As part of our Ahead of the Game campaign, we are excited to bring our Athletic Program up to the exceptional standards of our academics. Our mission is clear: to provide our students with an environment that empowers them to be strong, confident and resilient, both in the classroom and on the field. By enhancing our athletic facilities, programs and coaching staff, we are setting a new benchmark for girls’ athletics, fostering physical and mental strength and instilling lifelong skills. Athletics are not only about competing; they’re also about building character, developing resilience and strengthening teamwork.
As we look forward to the release of our Annual Report, you will see the tangible impact of your contributions, from state-of-the-art learning environments to programs that sustain financial support, making a Havergal education accessible to more students than ever. Donations to financial support remain a cornerstone of our community’s philanthropy, which is funded by families, Old Girls/Alums and faculty and staff alike. Your gifts reflect a shared commitment of ensuring all deserving students can thrive at Havergal, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Together, we are creating an inclusive, dynamic school environment where every student has the opportunity to excel. Join us in continuing to shape the future of Havergal as we continue to build a legacy of excellence, opportunity and strength.
In the coming weeks, we will share our 2023-24 Annual Report. Inside are highlights of the remarkable progress, achievements and stories that have defined our year. Packed with insights, inspiring milestones and a look ahead at what’s to come, it’s a reflection of the collective impact we’ve made together.
With gratitude,
Katrina
Call for Applications for the Havergal College Board of Governors
Michael Copeland, Chair of the Governance Committee
I have the pleasure of writing to the Havergal community on behalf of the Governance Committee of the Board of Governors, as this is our formal call for applications to serve on the Board or a Board Committee.
The primary responsibility of the Governance Committee is to ensure that the Board is well-equipped to carry out its oversight role with respect to the College. Part of that responsibility is continually evaluating how well the Board and its committees carry out their mandates and advance the College’s educational mission.
One of the most important things the Governance Committee works on is identifying and nominating strong candidates for the Board and its committees. This is an ongoing and dedicated effort as we strive to maintain a roster of broadly qualified candidates. Using a competency-based model, the committee identifies skills and constituencies to be considered as we plan for the future.
In reviewing applications, the Governance Committee looks to constitute a Board that balances a mix of competencies and experience, Old Girls/Alums, current and past parents, and independent members. The Board is also committed to ensuring diverse cultural representation and reflecting a wide range of skills and experiences that align with our competency framework.
In assessing applications, the Governance Committee favours no particular professional background over another, but we frequently seek specific areas of experience and expertise. This year, the committee is especially interested in identifying potential candidates with one or more of the following: governance experience serving on a philanthropic board and/or charitable foundation; capital infrastructure and development oversight experience; CEO/C-suite experience; and marketing, communications and public relations management experience.
Governors are volunteers and must be willing to commit the substantial time, effort and energy necessary to fulfil the role and serve the school. It is also expected that a Board Governor will make Havergal one of their top philanthropic priorities.
If you are interested in being considered for the Board or a committee, please let us know by completing the Board of Governors Application Form and submitting your CV to the Governance Committee by Friday, February 7, 2025. Additional details on the role and responsibilities of Board and committee members can be found here.
Michael
This Month
“When you participate in sports, you are unconsciously learning important life skills for the workforce. Are you leading a warm-up or a team huddle? You are learning public speaking and leadership skills. Did you finish a tough practice or lose a close game? You are learning perseverance, work ethic and reflection. Did your coach give you feedback? You are learning how to receive and interpret feedback for personal growth. It is not surprising to learn about the number of C-suite female executives who were also athletes in their youth.”
-Carla Di Filippo
US Director of Athletics
Havergal’s Ahead of the Game Campaign
Recognizing the Importance of Girls in Athletics
Empowering girls through outdoor education and sports has long been a point of pride at Havergal. Athletics, outdoor education and play are instrumental in nurturing essential life skills including courage, teamwork and goal setting. As such, we are excited to announce the commencement of Havergal’s Ahead of the Game athletics campaign, which prioritizes athletics for girls and women.
Athletics is at the heart of the Havergal community, with 580 students participating in at least one sport in the 2023-24 school year. This campaign will revolutionize athletics at Havergal for years to come. Key aspects of the campaign include a new turf field and seasonal dome on the Cohen Field, as well as brand new tennis courts with a lounge and seating areas to encourage spectatorship.
By guiding a growing interest in sport and physical activity, this campaign aims to:
- Foster personal growth, wellbeing, teamwork, leadership and future career success.
- Create a supportive environment where every student can thrive academically and personally while developing the skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.
- Promote equity by increasing participation in sports among girls, ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to gain from the invaluable lessons and benefits that athletics can offer.
- Instil lifelong habits of physical fitness and wellness among our students.
We are grateful to members of our community who have supported the campaign to date. Your belief in our vision is vital in our efforts to transform athletics and outdoor education at Havergal, elevating athletics to the same standard at which we hold academic excellence.
Mission Critical: Financial Support
Maggie Houston-White, Executive Director of Enrolment Management
Havergal College is more than a place of learning; it is a hub of innovation, community and opportunity for young women who want to make a difference in the world. Behind every program and every transformative student experience lies the critical support of financial contributions. Investing in girls’ education is one of the most impactful ways to transform societies and drive global progress. Educated girls grow into empowered women who contribute to stronger families, healthier communities and more equitable economies.
Financial Support at Havergal allows us to offer admission to students who might otherwise be unable to access a Havergal education and allows us to support current Havergal families who have encountered a change to their circumstances, making tuition unaffordable. Financial Support is about shaping futures, our future, and ensuring that a Havergal education is accessible for the young women who have the drive, skill and talent to impact our ever-changing world.
We believe that the strength of our community is rooted in the diversity of experiences, perspectives and backgrounds that each student and family brings to our school. To maintain this inclusive and enriching environment, Financial Support plays an essential role.
We are deeply grateful to the Havergal community—parents, Old Girls/Alums and friends—whose generous contributions make our Financial Support and Scholarship programs possible. Our donors are investing not just in the future of individual students, but in the legacy of Havergal College. By educating girls at Havergal, we not only equip them with the tools to succeed, but also create ripple effects that benefit generations to come. Supporting girls’ education is not just a moral imperative—it is a strategic move toward a brighter, more inclusive future.
Giving Tuesday
Today is Giving Tuesday! Every day is a special day to give, but Giving Tuesday inspires generosity with a common mission to create a world where giving back is part of everyday life. The movement started in 2012 and has been gaining momentum ever since. Keep an eye on Havergal’s social media channels today.
We hope you’ll consider Havergal when giving any size gift on Giving Tuesday. Donations to The Havergal Fund are directed to the school’s areas of greatest need and may include student financial support, faculty professional development, tools and resources to support academic curriculum innovation, efforts toward environmental sustainability, program enrichment in the arts and athletics, and our focus on wellbeing. We strive to make a Havergal education inclusive and accessible for more students. Gifts of any amount are appreciated at https://bit.ly/GivingTuesHC.
To receive a 2024 tax receipt, your gift must be received by December 31, 2024. Every donation will have an impact on our ability to enhance or expand opportunities for bright minds.
Thank You, HCPA
On behalf of Havergal College, the Advancement Team extends our deepest gratitude to the Havergal College Parents Association (HCPA) for their extraordinary philanthropic support over the years. Since 1998, their incredible efforts have raised $667,473, enhancing the Havergal experience for students past, present and future. Their contributions have funded impactful initiatives, including the Upper School bridge, wellbeing programs, the HCPA bursary and the Junior School library. Their commitment and generosity have helped create a thriving and enriched learning environment. Thank you for your dedication and meaningful contributions that continue to inspire and shape our school community for generations to come.
Carol Service
Thursday, December 12, 7 pm
We invite you to Havergal College’s traditional evening of music and readings to celebrate the holidays at St. Paul’s Bloor Street, 227 Bloor St. E, on Thursday, December 12 at 7 pm.
Upper School students and faculty are expected to participate, and we invite all HC families and friends to attend. We look forward to a wonderful evening of music and community.
Carol Service is held at St. Paul’s Bloor Street as it was Havergal College’s original parish church.
Holiday Message from HCPA Co-Chairs
As the holiday season approaches, we would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our Havergal families a wonderful holiday season and a restful winter break with your families. We are so thankful for such a diverse and dedicated parent community. We celebrate a sense of pride in all that we accomplished as an HCPA team, as a school community and with our extended Havergal families, past and present. So far this year we have been busy with the following:
Fundraising events:
- Pre-Loved uniform collection and sales
- Ivy Market
- Marketplace online shopping—new*
- Used textbook collection
Community Building Events:
- Celebration Saturday
- HCPA JS and US group coffee mornings
- HCPA team meetings
School Initiatives:
- Community Ambassadors connecting with new families
- Volunteers at school (Open Houses, pizza lunches)
We couldn’t host all of these community-building activities and fundraisers without the support of the entire school community, including many volunteers. We wish you and your families a joyous holiday season and a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.
All the best,
Maria Puthoff and Lucie Lin
HCPA Co-Chairs
Grade Evening Socials
Save the Date!
Please save the date for the very first on-campus evening grade socials hosted by the HCPA and your Grade Reps. More details to come from your Grade Reps.
We hope you will join us!
- Grades 11 & 12: Monday, January 27, 7–9 pm
- Grades 9 & 10: Wednesday, February 19, 7–9 pm
- Grades 4, 5 & 6: Thursday, February 20, 7–9 pm
- Grades 7 & 8: Tuesday, February 25, 7–9 pm
- Kindergarten & Grades 1, 2 & 3: Thursday, February 27, 7–9 pm
Thank You for Supporting Ivy Market!
On November 21, the HCPA officially ushered in the holiday season with our third annual Ivy Market. This year, in addition to the popular HCPA Marketplace, the event featured a curated selection of local vendors, giving our HC community the perfect opportunity to shop for unique gifts, stock up on spirit wear and enjoy festive music by student performers. Attendees also had the chance to mingle with fellow parents and catch up over coffee in the cozy café corner. It was a joyful occasion that brought together our community to celebrate the season and support local businesses.
A big thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Ivy Market a success! Whether you volunteered your time, stopped by to shop or supported the event in any way, we couldn’t have done it without you. Your involvement truly made a difference and we are so grateful for your support!
Specifically, we would like to thank: Martha Fell, who organized an impressive selection of vendors; and Mahnaz Hamidzadeh, who chaired the HCPA Marketplace. An extra special thanks goes to Alex Hodgson, Liz Phipps and Arti Patel as co-chairs for their hard work and creativity in spearheading the whole event. We also couldn’t have done this without the tireless support of HC’s Manager of Parent Relations, Lauren Farquharson, and Executive Director, Strategic Enrolment Management, Maggie Houston-White.
All funds raised by Ivy Market will be put toward the HCPA’s fundraising goals. Photos of the event can be viewed here.
Save the Date for Gator Gala
Saturday, April 5
All Upper School students and an adult guest are invited to join us for a special evening of dining and dancing, themed Celebration of Asia! It promises to be a night full of fun, culture and excitement. More details will be coming soon—stay tuned!
Havergal’s New Interactive Campus Map and 360° Virtual Tour
We are excited to launch a new interactive campus map for our website, developed in collaboration with Concept3D. This dynamic map showcases the major locations and landmarks that make our school a unique place to learn and grow. Highlighting key campus areas, the map provides an overview of our grounds and buildings allowing users to explore with ease.
Additionally, we have also launched a new 360° campus tour that offers visitors to our site an immersive experience, providing a virtual walk-through of our campus with a 360° view of specific locations. Each stop provides an in-depth look at our surroundings, helping to connect visitors with Havergal from anywhere in the world.
We welcome you to check out our new map and campus tour today!
Inside Focus
Cultivating Confidence and Character Through Junior School Athletics
Anna Bartlett, JS Athletic Director
When you pass through the Junior School gyms and fields during Phys-Ed and team practices, you will see students being physically active and having fun. At first glance, it may seem like just any other school, but what sets Havergal apart is how we prioritize student wellbeing and encourage young students to get involved in athletics at an early age.
Getting kids physically literate at a young age is important in building their confidence and motivating them to try new activities later in life. When children learn basic skills such as running, jumping and throwing and specific skills such as dribbling, hitting and shooting at a young age, they are more likely to maintain an active lifestyle into adulthood. This physical competence builds a foundation for exploring a variety of sports and activities, leading to increased confidence and willingness to take risks.
Havergal’s aim is to make it safe to try out different activities, which allows students to be brave instead of perfect. While they are on teams, they learn how to make decisions quickly and understand how to bounce back. They learn how to lead. They learn focus and perseverance, which translates into better study habits and academic success.
At Havergal, early athletic involvement is a cornerstone of character development and builds the students’ confidence into the Upper School and beyond, supporting lifelong success. Through our Athletics Program, we’re not just developing athletes, we’re nurturing confident resilient individuals who aren’t afraid to challenge themselves. As we continue to foster this supportive athletic environment, we’re proud to see our Junior School students grow into well-rounded individuals who approach athletic and academic challenges with enthusiasm and determination.
Meet Our Faculty & Staff
The Newest Members of Advancement
Taylor Wilson and Ashley Karp
Over the past six months, the Advancement Team has welcomed Ashley Karp and Taylor Wilson to the Havergal community. Read on to learn more about how these new employees bring passion, expertise and commitment to support Havergal’s mission.
Taylor Wilson, Advancement Officer, Donor Engagement
As Havergal’s Advancement Officer, Donor Engagement, Ms. Wilson is committed to elevating the donor experience by ensuring all donors feel valued and connected to Havergal’s mission. She focuses on building meaningful relationships and bringing a unique feel to every interaction, creating experiences that inspire generosity and strengthen bonds to the school. Ms. Wilson is dedicated to deepening her expertise in fundraising, always seeking opportunities to expand donor knowledge and stay at the forefront of best practices in the field.
Ashley Karp, Associate Director, Major Gifts
With a wealth of experience in Major Gifts and fundraising leadership, Ms. Karp has joined Havergal to continue to strengthen the Advancement Team. She most recently held a key position at UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, working with both donors and volunteers. Before her work in the nonprofit sector, Ms. Karp spent the early part of her career at Idea Couture, a strategy agency, where she helped clients tackle complex business challenges.