October 2025

Message from the Deputy Principal

Ms. Lindsay Norberg

At Havergal, a central focus of education is preparing young women to make a difference in the world, guided by the school’s Portrait of a Grad: Havergal Difference Maker. This goal is not just about academic success; it’s about developing students who understand themselves and others, are continually learning and growing, and are inspired to contribute positively.

Digital Citizenship at Havergal is directly aligned with this mission. Fostering Digital Citizenship is about cultivating “Digital Wisdom” to enable students to thrive ethically in a technology-dense world. The emergence of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) continues to significantly transform many aspects of work, daily life and education. Havergal’s goal is to empower faculty and staff to have the agency and skills to engage with GAI technologies thoughtfully and responsibly. 

Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting the Grade 5 classes as they began their Digital Wisdom course. Students were hard at work designing apps, reflecting on their values and deciding what they would want the key design feature to be. The class had considered different technologies and how they had impacted societies, discussing fire as an example. They explored how fire shifted the way societies worked, how people had to learn to use it safely, how they could benefit from it and how to control it wisely. Drawing on Marc Prensky’s concept of “fire wisdom,” the students recognized the importance of using powerful tools responsibly. They quickly made the connection between this idea and the work they were doing to develop their own digital wisdom.

Our work on Digital Citizenship is aligned with our goals for HC students. This means helping students identify ways to anchor their decisions in their values, remaining curious and open in order to adapt to a changing world and being committed to pursuing real-world challenges and believing they can have a positive impact. 

Ms. Norberg

Message from the Board of Governors

Jill Fraser ‘87, Chair of the Board of Governors

I am very pleased to announce that five new Governors were elected to the Havergal College Board of Governors at the September 30, 2025, Annual General Meeting of the Members of the College. 

Anna Morrison ‘03 was appointed to the Board as an Ex-Officio Governor as the Representative of the Havergal Old Girls Association. Julie Filion, Peter McFarlane, Diana McLachlan ‘06 and Sky Schapiro joined the Board as Governors and will sit on various Board Committees.

Each of our new Governors brings a wealth of experience and a deep love of and commitment to Havergal and its community. You can learn more about their backgrounds and the entire Board of Governors on the Havergal website. Please join me in welcoming our new Governors to the Board!

Warmly,

Ms. Fraser

Anna McMeekin Morrison ‘03, President of HOGA

As we move through the 2025–26 school year, I feel so fortunate to be part of a community of Old Girls/Alums that stretches across generations and around the world. Serving as your HOGA President is a privilege, and it never fails to remind me how lasting and meaningful the connections we form at Havergal can be.

Reunion 2025 was a wonderful start to the year, bringing over 850 Old Girls/Alums back to campus over three days. Highlights included the Annual Old Girls Luncheon, where we honoured the Cinquantenaires (Class of 1975) and Stoneagers (Class of 1965) and celebrated this year’s award recipients:

The weekend also included the Former Boarders Dinner, the Second Annual HOGA Pickleball Classic and the Reunion Cocktail Reception. These events were full of laughter, conversation and reconnections. It was a perfect way to kick off a busy season of events.

Our Havergal Connections Presents series continues to bring Old Girls/Alums, parents and school leaders together for meaningful conversations. Last year, highlights included AI for Good, exploring the promise and pitfalls of artificial intelligence, and Always Online, a virtual discussion on digital wellness for children. Career Spotlight sessions in Medicine and Veterinary Science gave students a chance to hear directly from Old Girls/Alums, offering guidance, mentorship and inspiration.

Looking ahead, we have a lively calendar planned. Young Alum University Socials will take place this fall in Canadian university towns and regional gatherings are scheduled in Hong Kong, San Francisco, New York City, Ottawa, Halifax, Boston and Vancouver. We’re also looking forward to the HOGA Holiday Children’s and Grandchildren’s Party, which brings families together to celebrate and reconnect.

Mentorship and legacy remain at the heart of our community. Programs like the Noria Family Women in STEM Speaker Series, Former Faculty & Staff and Old Girls/Alum Prayers, and the University Transition Lunch provide meaningful spaces for Old Girls/Alums to share experiences, support students and strengthen connections across the community.

Serving as HOGA President has reminded me time and again that Havergal is more than a school; it is a community that lasts a lifetime. I invite all of you to join us at our events, share your stories and continue building the connections that make our Old Girl/Alum network so special.

For questions or to get involved, please reach out at [email protected].

With warmth and gratitude,

Ms. McMeekin Morrison ’03

Building Digital Citizenship

Adam Caplan, HC-X Director

What does it mean to grow up in a world where our lives are increasingly shaped by algorithms, screens and digital identities? 

In our Digital Wisdom (DW) course, students in Grades 5 to 8 have the opportunity to investigate this question through the lenses of their own values and perspectives. 

For a girl in her early adolescent years, DW looks like investigating the motivations behind her favourite digital platforms and pastimes. DW sounds like explaining how her online behaviour meets Artificial-Intelligence-driven content algorithms to shape her thoughts, feelings and sense of reality. DW feels like developing skills to interpret how digital screentime shapes overall wellbeing.

This course equips girls to navigate that intersection of identity, relationships and technology at a crucial developmental age. That’s really key for them because their social worlds and sense of self are developing so much during these years.

Digital Wisdom — now in its sixth year — emerged from a big-picture vision of preparing students for a BANI world — one that is becoming increasingly Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear and Incomprehensible. Rather than focus solely on device rules or online safety, Digital Wisdom students develop the confidence, curiosity and integrity to identify important technology-mediated relationships in their lives and learn to align their actions with their values. 

To support this learning, HC-X Educators and Digital Wisdom teachers use responsive approaches to treat emojis, brainrot, AI slop and “6-7” as stepping-off points to help students surface questions, interrogate their assumptions and explore the deeper connections between technology, identity, creativity and community.

The AP Capstone Program at Havergal

Lam Nguyen, Dean of Academics and Jennifer Goldberg, Director of Academics

Advanced Placement (AP) is an enriched program designed by the College Board and offered at schools around the world. Havergal College has long offered AP courses as a part of its robust academic program. AP courses enable students to learn university-level content in a supportive and relational high school environment.

The latest addition to the AP offerings at Havergal is the AP Capstone program. This two-year diploma program complements the academic experience by building skills in research, analysis, evidence-based arguments and collaboration. These are essential skills for success in post-secondary education. The diploma requires two year-long courses, AP Seminar and AP Research, and at least four additional AP courses. 

Led by a team of passionate and experienced educators as well as dedicated students, the AP Capstone Diploma has seen significant growth and success over the past five years since its inception in 2019, growing in enrolment each year. AP Research students work closely with both faculty advisors and professionals in the field to conduct studies in their areas of interest. Past research projects range from a scientific examination of cancer in plasma cells to a study on the impact of narratives and climate change. In 2025, Havergal reached its highest enrolment in these courses with nearly half of the entire Grade 11 class having elected to take AP Seminar this school year. Havergal students have consistently earned results that exceed both the provincial and global averages.

Havergal AP Results Comparison

Celebration Day and Friday Night Lights

Thank You

Friday, September 26 was a memorable day as Celebration Day and Friday Night Lights united students, families, Old Girls/Alums, staff and faculty in a lively celebration of community spirit and embodiment of our mission. From games and tasty treats to inflatables, a bustling bazaar, a silent auction and live performances, the day was full of excitement.

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the more than 104 parent volunteers who went above and beyond to bring these events to life! Whether you were prepping tickets, pricing and purchasing concession items, running the Preloved Uniform and Marketplace sales, managing the BBQ and drink lines, supporting registration, selling popcorn and candyfloss or simply bringing your enthusiasm and warmth, you played a crucial role in making the day unforgettable.

Your commitment, energy and presence were truly felt and appreciated by everyone involved. We couldn’t have done it without you!

With heartfelt thanks,

HC and the HCPA

Faculty and Staff Gifting and Appreciation

A Message from the HCPA

On behalf of all HC families, the Havergal College Parents Association (HCPA) is organizing a one-time collection to express our gratitude to Havergal’s remarkable and dedicated faculty and staff. The funds will be put toward both a holiday and year-end gift for each person in lieu of families purchasing individual gifts. In addition, proceeds from this collection will go toward a staff appreciation event in the US and JS at the end of May.

In order to support both staff gifts and staff appreciation events, we are asking families to contribute $75+ per child; however, a donation of any amount would be appreciated. To make a contribution — 100 per cent of which will go toward showing our appreciation for everything HC faculty and staff do — please send an e-transfer to [email protected] by no later than December 5, 2025. Please be sure to include your daughter’s name and grade in the message field.

We thank you in advance for your partnership with these gestures of appreciation.

HCPA General Meetings

October 15, 2025

On Wednesday, October 15, the HCPA General Meeting took place starting with light appetizers and great conversations. HCPA Co-Chairs Maria and Alison welcomed everyone before Mr. Matt Varey, Director of Arts, shared updates about Havergal’s Art and Design program, the upcoming JS Grade 6 Fashion Club and the Spring Music Night at Koerner Hall. Committee leads then highlighted recent activities including Celebration Day, staff appreciation, bake sales and the Pre-Loved Uniform volunteer call. The evening was a fantastic way to connect and stay informed about school events. View the meeting presentation slides here.

Our next HCPA General Meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 12 and will include a presentation by Lam Nguyen, Dean of Academics.

Grade 1 and Grade 5 Breakfasts

RSVP Now!

Parent Pub

Thursday, November 20 — RSVP Now!

The HCPA invites all current parents to a fun new social event: a Parent Pub Night on Thursday, November 20. This casual evening at the Local Public Eatery in Leaside offers a chance to relax, enjoy delicious appetizers and connect with fellow Havergal parents. Whether you’re new to the school or have been part of our community for years, this event welcomes you to share in Havergal spirit through games, prizes and good company. Tickets include appetizers and two drinks. All proceeds support Havergal’s Ahead of the Game campaign. Don’t miss out — RSVP HERE by Friday, November 14, 2025.

Grade Coffee Mornings

Throughout October, Havergal parents enjoyed our Grade Social Coffee Mornings with great turnouts across all grades. These gatherings offered a warm and welcoming atmosphere to mingle, connect and meet members of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and school Heads in person. The coffee mornings took place in the Junior School Dining Hall, providing parents with a relaxed setting to share conversation over coffee and build a stronger Havergal community. These gatherings created valuable opportunities for parents to meet one another and deepen their connection to the school.

Save the Date: Fall Bake Sales

Upper School Bake Sale

The HCPA Bake Sale Committee is hosting their first US bake sale on Tuesday, November 4 in the Ellen Knox Library between 8 am and 4:30 pm. We’re looking for parent volunteers for the following:

Baking and donating nut-free baked goods: sign up here. 

Setting up and staffing at the Bake Sale: sign up here.

Junior School Bake Sale

The HCPA Bake Sale Committee is also hosting their first JS bake sale on Tuesday, November 4 in the JS Learning Hub between 9:30 am and 2:30 pm. We’re looking for parent volunteers for the following:

Setting up and staffing at the Bake Sale: sign up here. 

Baking and donating nut-free baked goods: sign up here.

Please note: Junior School students are reminded to bring cash to the Bake Sale (up to $10) should they wish to purchase goodies. Thanks for your support!

Paul Shuebrook

Manager, Digital Services Training

Mr. Shuebrook is Havergal’s Manager of Digital Services Training. He is responsible for designing and delivering in-person, blended and online learning experiences relating to essential digital tools for faculty, staff and students. He also provides critical analysis, recommendation, implementation and administration services for new school-wide teaching and learning technologies.

In his role, he collaborates closely with teachers, coordinators and department heads, as well as with members of the Senior Leadership Team. You are just as likely to find him assisting students and teachers with Canvas LMS in a classroom, meeting with Heads of School about how to make new student tech orientation sessions more effective, or working with his team designing new AI training experiences for staff.  

With a background in musical composition and over 20 years of experience as an education technologist, Mr. Shuebrook takes a creative approach to building trusting relationships with students and colleagues as the foundation for collaborative work and meaningful learning. Supervising student clubs and excursions, acting in school plays and performing in Prayers are just some of the ways Mr. Shuebrook engages with the vibrant Havergal community that he values so deeply. He holds a Master of Educational Technology degree from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Music from McGill University.