Principal’s Message

Dr. Katrina Samson

A healthy school-parent partnership is one of the single most important ingredients in a child’s success at school. At Havergal, we are committed to nurturing the school-parent relationship, and are indebted to the commitment of our parent champions and their efforts to foster a superb community for all students, families, faculty and staff.

A parent champion is someone who advocates for the school and helps build a positive relationship between the school and the wider community. There are many ways to be involved and show your support. Members of our HCPA (in partnership with the school and through the leadership work of Christine Spence, our Manager of Parent Relations) look to create opportunities for parent engagement that recognizes the diversity of talents within our community while also providing a variety of inroads to get involved, recognizing that not all parents can and want to be involved to the same degree or in the same ways. For those who can’t give time to help out at an event or participate on an HCPA committee, here are some other ways to serve and contribute as Havergal champions: 

At Havergal, the support of our parent champions comes in many forms, but the one thing they have in common is their commitment to helping the school thrive and their willingness to work collaboratively with others in the community to achieve this goal. In this issue of Inside Havergal, you’ll meet some of the people who are leading our efforts in the school-parent partnership and I encourage you to reach out to find ways to get involved, knowing there is a space and place for every parent here.

Katrina

Message from the Board of Governors

Brad Radin, Chair of The Havergal College Foundation Board of Trustees  

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 $29.1 million as of 30 June 2022. These endowed funds have been gifted over time by parents, Alums/Old Girls, 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 Investment Policy Statement, 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.

The Foundation is governed by a board of nine Trustees, 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 an essential ingredient to maintaining Havergal’s ongoing fiscal 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.

Brad

Havergal College Parent Association: 101 

Kerry Porter, HCPA Communications Chair

The Havergal College Parent Association (HCPA) comprises over 50 members, from both the Junior School and the Upper School, all working together to maximize parent engagement, foster community spirit and support the school through social and fundraising initiatives.

So far this year, the HCPA’s biggest fundraisers include Ivy Market, Holiday Marketplace, Pre-Loved Uniform sales, the Gator Gala and HC spirit wear. We’re pleased to report that the HCPA is very close to meeting its remaining $40,000 commitment to the school’s Limitless Campaign.

While all events have community-building and social aspects, there are a few for which having fun is the main purpose, including the JS A-mazing Race and Moms’ Night Out.

If you’d like to see which positions are still available for next year’s committee, it’s not too late. While the first round of nominations closes on March 28, the second round opens on April 6.

Why should you get involved in the HCPA? Getting to know other HC parents is one of the biggest benefits of volunteering. You’ll also gain more insight into what goes on “behind the ivy” and model the values and benefits of engagement for your daughter. On top of that, the HCPA is a lot of fun!   

You can find more information by visiting the HCPA portal page or getting in touch with a member of the Executive Committee at [email protected].

Torch Magazine

Coming Soon to Your Inbox

The 2022-23 issue of Havergal College’s Torch magazine will be published and shared electronically with community members next week. With the theme “Making Progressive Strides at Havergal,” this year’s Feature Story is focused on how Havergal uses its core values (Integrity, Inquiry, Courage and Compassion) as a guide when making important decisions for the school, especially during times of change.

Also in this issue: the Heads of Schools discuss their approach to building personal and social skills; students speak out about which of the Havergal values they feel most connected to; School Captain Claire Radin shares more about her experiences growing up; and our Advancement department outlines the important legacy of Class Giving. 

Don’t forget to check out the Student Life page, which features photos of school life and works of art by Havergal students!

We look forward to sharing this next issue with you. Look out for an email from [email protected] in early April for your copy.

Get to Know Your HCPA Co-Chairs

The HCPA has long attracted accomplished and dedicated parents to lead the committee—and the 2022-23 school year is certainly no different. Lisa Windover and Tanuja Gupta are your HCPA Co-Chairs, and together they lead and co-ordinate the committee’s activities.

Lisa grew up in the United States. She moved to Toronto in 2008 so she and her husband could be closer to his family as they raised their kids, Ryan and Kaitlyn. She holds Bachelor, Masters and PhD degrees in Electrical Engineering and worked in Silicon Valley for Hewlett Packard Laboratories for 13 years, specializing in fiber optics.

Lisa is no stranger to volunteering: throughout her education, she took on leadership roles in various student councils and engineering societies, including President of the Society of Women Engineers at Rutgers, and Women in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering Society at U.C. Berkeley. More recently, she held leadership positions volunteering at Blythwood Junior P.S., Royal St. George’s College and, of course, Havergal College.

The HCPA events closest to Lisa’s heart are the Gator Gala and Ivy Market. She is currently serving her second year as Co-Chair of the HCPA and looks forward to working with the HCPA in another capacity next year, her daughter’s final year at Havergal!

Tanuja Gupta grew up in northern Quebec and Ottawa. She earned a Computer Engineering degree from the University of Ottawa and worked in Silicon Valley North for a number of years. After moving to Toronto, she was a consultant for Pricewaterhouse Coopers and IBM.  

Tanuja and her husband, Rajeev, a busy pediatrician, have four children. Her daughters Maya, Nisha and Sara all attend Havergal, and her son, Dhilan, is a student at Upper Canada College. Tanuja left the consulting field to devote more time to raising her children and volunteering with their schools. Throughout her years at Havergal she has been a Grade Rep, a member of the Welcome Committee, Co-Chair of Staff Appreciation, Secretary, JS Grade Rep Co-Convenor and currently HCPA Co-Chair. She is passionate about giving back to the school and looks forward to many more years with the HCPA.

Thank you to Lisa and Tanuja for your many contributions to the HCPA and Havergal!

Be an Excellencist, Not a Perfectionist

At the February 2023 NAIS conference, Deputy Principal Lindsay Norberg had the opportunity to hear an outstanding presentation about the burdens of perfectionism by professor of psychology and neuroscience Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary. Recognizing there are individuals in our community who have perfectionist tendencies, Ms. Norberg shares some of Dr. Dennis-Tiwary’s thoughts about the burdens of perfectionism and how to overcome these instincts. Here are some excerpts from the presentation:

“Research is unequivocal — there is little upside to perfectionism. The relentless pursuit of flawlessness can lead to low self-worth, depressive and anxiety disorders, high stress in the face of failure and even suicidality. As a result, perfectionists often end up achieving much less than they aspire to because they hold back, procrastinate and even stop taking on challenges altogether — because it’s better to not have entered the race than to have spun out in ignominy.”

Dr. Dennis-Tiwary’s alternative to perfectionism is something she calls: “Excellencism, the pursuit of excellence. The term excellencism was proposed by psychologist Patrick Gaudreau. It means striving for excellence while allowing yourself to make mistakes while staying focused on learning.”

In the Washington Post article Perfectionists: Lowering your standards can improve your mental health, Dr. Dennis-Tiwary offers up key steps and a personal reflection on how to be an excellencist:

As women are often more vulnerable to perfectionism, it’s important for our community to share these ideas and learn new strategies so our students can feel confident and capable in any situation.

Learn more about Dr. Dennis-Tiwary’s work in her new book Future Tense.

Christine Spence

Manager, Parent Relations

Christine grew up surrounded by educators: her grandfather was a principal with the Toronto Board of Education; her mother regularly volunteered in schools before returning to the workforce as an elementary ESL teacher; and her dad was the Head of Guidance at several Peel region high schools over the course of his career. She remembers how her parents taught her about advocacy and equity when they successfully petitioned the Board to allow girls to take “shop” (Industrial Arts) and boys to take Home Economics in middle school. The importance of education and the hard work of teachers was instilled in Christine from a very young age. This laid the foundation for the work she would do throughout her adult life.

One of her first jobs after completing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University was working for the Peel District School Board supporting adults who were returning to the workforce. Following that, Christine completed a Masters in Business Administration in Organizational Development. She went on to do consulting work while completing a certificate in Strategic Change Management at the Rotman School of Business and, in 2000, she welcomed her first child. A stay-at-home parent, Christine followed her mother’s example and began her career as a volunteer in schools.  

Volunteering allowed Christine to participate in a variety of roles on four different school councils, including work in community engagement, fundraising, school initiatives and event management. She moved to London, England with her family for two years, where Christine led International Night and many other school events at Southbank International School. She also held a role on the Executive of the Hampstead Women’s Club, a group that welcomed expats to the City of London.

Prior to starting at Havergal in August 2022 as Manager, Parent Relations, Christine spent three years in Admissions at The York School in Toronto. This experience gave her a strong understanding of the independent school system and the opportunity to develop trusting relationships with families. The role in Parent Relations at HC was a logical next step in the work she loves to do.

Now that her son Andrew has graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University (Fine Arts – Film) and is working full-time, and daughter Sarah is finishing up her first year at the University of Guelph (Anthropology), Christine can enjoy being spoiled by her partner Mike (a retired principal), going to Sarah’s softball games and spending time at the cottage.

Principal’s Message

Dr. Katrina Samson

If you came to Toronto and visited the CN Tower, took in a Raptor’s game and had dinner by the waterfront, would you be able to say you’ve seen Toronto? I would argue that you’ve seen a piece of Toronto, but only a particular view through a specific lens. You wouldn’t get a sense of the city’s many eclectic neighbourhoods, or its Indigenous heritage or even some of the major challenges like traffic, housing or transit; you would miss all the the rich diversity of cultures that make up our incredible city, and this applies not just to Toronto, but to every city around the world.

While incorporating global experiences at Havergal in the curriculum and through our Exchange Program is a priority, we are equally proud of the fact that we take a thoughtful approach to the curation of global education experiences. Wary of the limited lens we sometimes have on the world through the news, we push students to be more nuanced in their conversations about and understanding of new places and the people that inhabit them. When students participate in a service-learning experience, they don’t just parachute into an area. We’re careful to start slowly with trip meetings where we research the economy, history, conflict, social structure, food—everything that builds a culture—including trying to gain an understanding of how women are viewed in that society. We have a rigorous process for selecting project partners so that any service-learning project work is developed with a long-standing commitment to communities, and an understanding that as outsiders we are there to learn, grateful to our gracious hosts for welcoming us and sharing parts of their culture and lives.

That careful approach extends to every aspect of our goal of developing global citizens who can work, learn and explore the world. Our focus is not just on a single exchange experience abroad, but on how to build cultural competency and global fluency within our graduates. Likewise, our position as a Boarding School allows us to have a diversity of global perspectives within our student community. As we welcome and learn from international students who call Havergal home, we encourage the exploration of our global city, celebrate different cultural holidays, incorporate international authors in text choices and give students practice in global awareness and skill-building by partnering with schools internationally, both in-person and online. Just last week, five students from Havergal travelled to Ottawa to participate in a Round Square Regional Conference making new friendships with students from around the world, while learning about Canada’s North—and the hopes for a new year of strong Indigenous engagement, partnership and leadership. The growth in cultural and global competence—key 21st century learning skills—are best learned and practised alongside other students and faculty from across the globe, with varying perspectives and experiences that challenge and grow our understanding of the world. 

All of these different experiences are worth pursuing because of the effect they have on us as individuals. Developing comfort outside of your familiar spaces is important for many reasons, from developing self-efficacy to cultivating empathy. Our world is one where physical borders have softened with the adoption of collaborative technology, and being more globally aware helps us understand our impact on society and our position in the world. When we know better, we are called to do better, and as such, fostering conversations about our global impact helps students to think about ways they can develop a better world alongside the life they cultivate for themselves, and that will boost their chances for success in so many ways.

Katrina

Havergal Joins Round Square

This year, Havergal has joined as a member of Round Square, an international network of 230 like-minded schools in 50 countries that connect and collaborate to offer world-class programmes to students so they can explore, learn more about and engage with Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service. These “IDEALS” help students live our mission of preparing young women to make a difference; also, being a member furthers our Forum for Change programming such as our Global Learning Projects, Exchange and our Global Learning and Leading Diploma (GLLD). This past February, five students and Mr. Nichols attended the North Americas Round Square Regional Conference, hosted by Ashbury College in Ottawa. With delegates from as far away as Australia, the UK and South America, they learned about the North and Canada’s Arctic from the perspective of Indigenous, political and environmental voices. Keynote speakers sparked intriguing and engaging discussions about climate change, Arctic sovereignty and the shared stewardship of a fragile ecosystem with exceptional biodiversity. They also enjoyed a two-night stay at the Chateau Montebello resort, where they enjoyed a variety of winter sports that students aren’t usually exposed to: dog-sledding, outdoor curling and more. Added to this experience was that Ashbury families hosted our students and they got to live the rhythm of life of others and with other students from around the world. Experiences like this, offered through Round Square and many of our other partnerships, generate excitement for the school and students. We are looking forward to having students travel on our Global Learning Project to the Kingdom of Bhutan in March, and stay tuned for more information on our next Round Square Conference that will take place in Nairobi, Kenya. Each of these partnerships and experiences further Havergal’s Portrait of a Grad.

Global Exchange Opportunities

Jennifer Russell, Manager, Experiential and Global Learning

Havergal’s Exchange Program is active this year for the first time since 2020 and we’re thrilled to have already welcomed Exchange students from across the globe on campus. During the upcoming March Break, Havergal Exchange students will experience a new rhythm of life by embracing the unknown, building relationships and practising courage by going abroad. This year we have 16 students in Grade 8, 21 students in Grade 10 students and 17 students Grade 11 participating in our program, and we wish them all the best as they pack their bags and set off around the world! 

For those interested in our Grade 8 and 10 Exchange Programs for the 2023-24 school year, applications open at the end of the academic year for students in Grades 7 and 9. More information will be shared with students and their families after the March Break, with family information evenings to help kick off applications in early May. 

Both programs are reciprocal in nature, with students in Grade 8 spending two weeks abroad and hosting an Exchange student for two weeks; and students in Grade 10 spending three to four weeks abroad and hosting an Exchange student for three to four weeks. For Havergal students, hosting can happen at any time of the school year, while travel abroad always happens to overlap with March Break.

Please check out our video about the Exchange Program to learn more about why we offer this program to our students.

Grade 6 Bloorview School Authority Community Project

Darryl Reiter, Junior School STEM Coordinator

Bloorview School Authority (BSA) is a Kindergarten to Grade 12 school within the Holland Bloorview Children’s Rehab hospital, located on Bayview Avenue. As a special project, a group of 12 Havergal Grade 6 students spent three afternoons at the BSA learning about the issues that surround ableism and thinking about developing assistive technology in the form of computer-controlled carnival style games that are accessible to all young children.

Using Makey Makey, a USB hardware interface device that is simple and powerful, the team designed hands-on games to satisfy the question: “How might we make carnival games that are fun and accessible to all primary-aged children?” The team of 12 was further divided into four groups, and each group member was assigned one of three roles: hardware engineer, software engineer or communications specialist.

Following our first visit to BSA, students began brainstorming games that would satisfy a diverse group of children with varying cognitive and physical abilities. Taking into consideration each child’s range of motion, grip strength, gross and fine motor skills, etc., the teams applied the Engineering Design Process to design and build prototype games for testing the following week.

When we returned with our first four prototypes, BSA students circulated through the activities while the student engineers were hard at work testing, troubleshooting and modifying their solutions in real-time while the communications specialist worked closely with the children to better understand their challenges with the devices and document the areas that needed improvement. For example, observations of a child using his chin to operate a game led to notes about modifications to handles, wands and other apparatus so the devices could work with a range of dexterity and strengths.

On Wednesday, February 22, the teams visited BSA with the final iteration of their designs and had the students play with them once again. The outcome was fantastic. The initial goal was met and our team of young engineers did an amazing job of demonstrating the school’s core values of compassion, integrity, inquiry and courage so well throughout the phases of this special project. 

Indigenization in the Upper School

In 2015, the Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada published its 94 Calls to Action, aimed at redressing the legacy of residential schools and advancing the process of reconciliation in Canada. Havergal believes that the education of our students, mission, vision and values are enlivened and enriched when we learn and engage with Indigenous ways of knowing, learning and leading. To support Havergal meeting the Calls to Action, we are engaged in an Indigenization journey, with a focus on doing the work to educate ourselves as we explore our own past and future as an educational institution. We are fortunate to have a long-standing, established relationship with Mike Carlson, who is a mixed Indigenous Educational Consultant. Mike has been supporting our faculty and students via Zoom every Tuesday since September, and from February 7 to June, Mike will be on campus every Tuesday to work alongside faculty, staff and students. As part of this journey, and with the support of Mike Carlson, several faculty from the Junior School and Upper School are taking their Additional Teaching Qualification course “First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples – Understanding Traditional Teachings, Histories, Current Issues and Cultures Part 1,” with a goal to integrate Indigenous voices and ways of knowing into their courses. As well, many of our academic departments are examining their curriculum to explore intersections with Indigenous knowledge. One highlight has been with the development of a GLLD module, co-constructed with the Forum for Change staff and Mike Carlson, utilizing our campus. In this learning experience, students explore the land around the school, particularly the Lisa Hardie Trail. This three-part learning experience is tied to the solstice calendar, connecting how the natural world impacts our relationship with the land and the importance of mindfulness when exploring the outdoors. Themes such as story-telling, gratitude and acknowledgement have guided our visits, which are accompanied by Mike Carlson, as we explore concepts of renewal and legacy. These guided visits will wrap up in the spring.

TEDxHavergalCollege is Back!

Havergal is hosting its first TEDx event in 10 years! From 4 to 7 pm on Friday, March 31, Havergal students and faculty (and students from different CIS Ontario schools) will hear from engaging speakers on the theme of “The Outliers.” 

“TEDxHavergalCollege is a celebration of individuals who dare to push the boundaries and challenge the status quo—those who are often referred to as The Outliers,” explains Grade 12 student organizer Jessie Jin. “We hope to foster a community of like-minded individuals who are driven to make an impact in their lives and the world around them. By bringing together many outliers who share a common goal, we can create an experience of support and inspiration.”

Working with Jessie are Havergal students Alison Liu (Marketing), Angelina Tseng (Curation), Errita Xu (Operations), Helena Hu (Marketing), Irina Jiang (Operations), Jessica Cheung (Curation), Kaitlyn Leung (Sponsorships), Kelly Wang (Marketing), Kristin Cho (Operations), Madison Yang (Sponsorships) and Sarah Cooke (Marketing) and Sunny Zhao (Operations). This team of Senior School students has been working hard to prepare an engaging speaker series for the Havergal community. “We have observed that overly-dogmatic discussions can cause a loss of discourse based on highly diverse perspectives,” Jessie says of their decision to focus on those who think outside of the mainstream. “At a time when intellectual conformity seems to be prevalent, the theme ‘The Outliers’ is more relevant than ever. In a world where we are constantly exposed to pieces of information that compete for demands of our attention, it takes special individuals to rise above the noise and create a substantial impact. By celebrating those who have done just that, we hope to inspire others to strive for excellence in all areas of their lives.”

Tickets are invite-only and will go on sale in March. To learn more, please contact Garth Nichols, Vice Principal, Experiential Education & Innovation.

HCPA Nominations for 2023-24 Are Open Now

Are you interested in becoming more involved in the Havergal community? Now’s your chance! The nomination process for the 2023-24 Havergal College Parent Association (HCPA) is now open and there are a wide variety of positions (including a few brand new ones) for parents in both the Junior and Upper Schools. Please read our nomination letter for more details and a full description of each open volunteer position. 

It’s very easy to become more involved, connect with an amazing group of parents and have some fun along the way. Nominate yourself or another parent for any of the open positions. Don’t delay, the deadline for the first round of submissions is Tuesday, March 28 at 9 am.

More detailed information about the nomination process, timeline and code of conduct can be found on the new and improved HCPA portal page. A complete list of all HCPA Committee positions can be found here.

HC Spring Spirit Wear

For a limited time, the HCPA is pleased to offer green and white fleece pullovers that feature Havergal’s crest. These cozy, made-in-Canada pullovers will arrive just in time for spring and are perfect for those in-between days when we don’t need winter coats (a cheerful thought on a winter’s day!). They are available in adult and youth sizes for $105 each. 

Please note that this fleece is not part of the Havergal uniform, but is great for wearing while going to and from school or showing HC pride on the weekends.

Be sure to place your order by the deadline of Friday, March 10. Pick up details will be communicated after March Break. All proceeds will go toward supporting the HCPA’s fundraising goals including parent engagement activities and our final commitment to the Limitless Campaign. Do you have any questions? Contact Amy Cheung ([email protected]).

JS A-mazing Race: Tickets on Sale Now! 

The A-mazing Race has become one of the highlights of the Junior School calendar! This year’s event is being held on Sunday, April 30 (12:30 to 4 pm) and you won’t want to miss out on this fun-filled day.

Students can invite one parent/guardian of their choosing (or any other adult over the age of 21) to be their partner for an afternoon of friendly competition. There’s also an option of joining another team if an adult partner is unavailable.

House teams will compete against each other in a series of all-new, friendly challenges–appropriate for participants from JK to Grade 6 and their adult partners–followed by snacks and refreshments. 

Tickets must be purchased by Friday, March 3 (this early deadline gives organizers enough time to order House-themed clothing sized just right for each participant). Get your ticket by using this link!

Questions? Contact Richard Denis ([email protected]), Dan Kamiya ([email protected]) or Phil Lee ([email protected]). 

Gator Gala: Don’t Be Candy-Crushed! 

We are thrilled with the response to ticket sales for the Upper School’s Candyland-themed Gator Gala! To avoid anything going sour (get it?), this is a last reminder that tickets to the highly-anticipated event on Saturday, April 1 at Parkview Manor are on sale now (ticket sales are open to US students and their guests only)! We’ve extended the deadline to purchase until Friday, March 3. 

The earlier tickets are purchased, the more easily we can accommodate table requests, dietary requirements and other custom elements that will make this a very sweet and special night for you and your daughter(s)! Look for the launch of our amazing silent auction (coming soon) with one-of-a-kind items you’ll find absolutely irresistible. If you would like to make a donation to the silent auction, please contact Donna Wilson at [email protected] OR Jennifer O’Campo-King at [email protected]. Sports and concert tickets are always popular as well as unique experiences such as a “Day in the Life of…” (vet, heart surgeon, TV reporter, etc.).If you have any questions, contact Jennifer Newton at [email protected] or Charlotte Stanley at [email protected].

Save the Date for Moms’ Night Out!

Mark your calendars for Moms’ Night Out (MNO) on Wednesday, May 24. This elegant evening event returns to Nordstrom–this time at the Yorkdale location. In addition to food and drinks, MNO will feature a DJ, express beauty services, private shopping and more. If you’ve attended a Moms’ Night Out event in the past, you’ll know what a great opportunity the evening is to catch up with friends, make new connections and have fun!  

The official invitation and more information will be sent in April.

Supporting Students through Guidance

Heather Johnstone, Head of Guidance

In my 19 years working at Havergal College, I have seen the vast and complicated challenges of our greater society mirrored in our student population. Rising mental health concerns coupled with high expectations from institutions of higher education have necessitated a responsive Guidance Program that is nimble enough to evolve with the changing needs of students and families. It also must be intentionally designed to equip students with the skills and confidence to manage themselves when they launch into adulthood and leave the safety and familiarity of Havergal College. This tension between preemptively giving students everything they require and teaching them how to seek the assistance and answers they need is a tricky dynamic, and one we are constantly balancing when creating Guidance programming.

I thought it would be helpful to outline how our Guidance Counsellors work with students one-to-one and in groups, how the program is designed to promote student belonging, confidence and wellbeing, and, ultimately how we lead students to develop a capacity for self-advocacy. Our model is based on an evolution of support, moving from more direct instruction and delivery of resources to gradually teaching adolescents how to reach out and get the information and assistance when and in the format that best suits their needs. This development of self-advocacy is a key component of student agency and is an invaluable skill as they move on to university and into young adulthood. 

The Guidance Program begins in the Middle School, when our students are introduced to the concept of having a Guidance Counsellor and understanding the type of support we provide. In Grades 7 through 10, our counsellors schedule appointments with students to check in on them at different points throughout the year and students are taught how to book a meeting on the Guidance page on the Student Portal. 

By the time students progress to the Senior School, they have developed a good understanding of the role of the Guidance Counsellor. In Grades 11 and 12, students meet their counsellors through group sessions targeted at specific social-emotional or university admission topics. Information is made readily available to students and their families on the Guidance page on the Student and Parent Portals. By Grade 11, students book individual appointments whenever necessary. The progression from a “hands on” to a “hands hovering” approach allows practice of self-advocacy and resourcefulness, and is an important training ground for moving forward into post-secondary education.

Our goal as a department is to carefully transition students from the direct delivery of information and resources to a place where they develop the self-awareness to know what they need and the skills to source the information they require to be successful. We understand that students have different comfort thresholds surrounding seeking help and, given this, we work closely with, and rely heavily upon, partnerships and communication with teachers and parents to do the work of student support successfully.
For more information about the Guidance and University Counselling Program, please visit https://portals.veracross.com/hc/guidance.

ChatGPT: What Parents Need to Know

Garth Nichols, Vice Principal of Experiential Education & Innovation

As a parent, your top priority is the wellbeing and education of your children. With the advent of technology, there is a growing interest in the use of AI-powered chatbots, such as ChatGPT, to support students in their learning journeys. However, as with any new tool, it’s important to understand how to work with ChatGPT in an ethical and responsible way to ensure the best outcomes for your child.

ChatGPT is not a substitute for our incredible teachers and the relationships they form that support your daughter’s learning. It can be a complementary tool in education, so long as we all can build an understanding of how the technology works. It’s important to educate students on the limitations of machine learning and chatbots. Additionally, it’s crucial to help students understand the difference between information provided by ChatGPT and information obtained through other sources. This will help to promote critical thinking skills and encourage students to question the information they receive.

Keep in mind that, properly used, ChatGPT can be designed to support learning. Encourage your child to use the chatbot as a tool for supplementing their understanding, rather than relying on it to provide answers to assignments or tests.

Havergal’s Innovation Hub: HC-X, recently hosted a faculty conversation about ChatGPT and what our concerns are, but we also discussed what we are enthusiastic and optimistic about. Marshall McLuhan once said: “The future masters of technology will have to be lighthearted and intelligent. The machine easily masters the grim and the dumb.” Through our Digital Wisdom course, Grade 5 to Grade 8 students get to engage in such conversations, practices and reflections on the role of existing and emerging technologies and the impact they have on their lives.

To dive deeper into this topic, take a look at these resources:

Nicole Cozier

Executive Director, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Ms. Cozier joined Havergal College in January 2023 as its inaugural Executive Director, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. She brings more than 25 years of experience as a trainer/facilitator, program designer, strategist, leader and social change agent in the direct service, philanthropic and advocacy sectors. Her work focuses on deepening equity, inclusion and belonging, and is steeped in fostering connection, competency and collaboration that allows people to engage authentically and bring their best thinking and innovation in the pursuit of the organization’s core mission and strategic goals. While most of Ms. Cozier’s career has been focused on women’s and girls’ issues and gender equity, in the words of American writer, womanist, radical feminist, professor and civil rights activist Audre Lorde – “there is no such thing as a single-issue struggle, because we do not live single-issue lives.” As a result, the principles of intersectionality, cultural competency and humility, and the lenses of diversity, equity and inclusion have always been central to her work and approach to life. For the seven years prior to joining Havergal, Ms. Cozier has led the EDI work of the largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization in the United States.  

As as a published poet, Ms. Cozier uses poetry as a vehicle to create human connection and enrich EDI learning. She holds an MBA in Health Administration and an MS in Health Care Financial Management from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, and an Honours BSc in Human Biology, Sociology & Women’s Studies from University of Toronto.  Ms. Cozier is a Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator, a certified administrator for the Intercultural Development Continuum (IDI), and a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE). 

As an alum of Branksome Hall (and a boarder), Ms. Cozier describes her return to the independent school system in this role as “a perfect culmination of her experience and her passion for work with deep personal significance.” She grew up in the GTA and recently relocated back to Toronto with her wife, daughter and two dogs — after nearly 30 years in the United States — to be closer to her family. She has lived in Washington (DC), Philadelphia, New Jersey, US Virgin Islands and Barbados. Besides work and family, her passions include dance, building Lego and various other creative outlets.  

Principal’s Message

Dr. Katrina Samson

If there’s one part of the Havergal experience that is consistent across the decades, it’s the sense of community our students feel during their time at the school. It’s the energy in the hallways, the smiles on familiar faces and the intensity of the Havergal spirit that makes our school so special. This differentiator makes us proud as educators, because we know that spirit and community go hand-in-hand in creating a sense of belonging. This is especially important for us as a girls’ school, where we seek to build empowered, supportive networks who know and appreciate the value of investing in women’s success. 

Spirit Week at Havergal is important on so many levels. Besides community building, it’s refreshing that in a school so passionate about academics, we also take the time to celebrate our collective successes and have fun! Our Upper School students, faculty and staff develop grade connections by working together on their cheers for the Grade Cheer-Off. Our community shows their collective spirit through different dress down days and getting decked out in green and gold. And our Junior and Upper School students in Grades 4 to 12 come together to show a force of Gator pride at Hockey Day, one of the most tangible displays of spirit in the year! These are moments when memories are made, connections are strengthened and morale is boosted. Taking time to be together and adding a flash of fun is a real stress reliever, and reminds us that we are part of something bigger. 

School spirit has also shown to be directly linked to academic achievement, according to a US survey of 1,500 high school students, parents and principals. According to the study: “high school students with school spirit perform better academically, are more engaged in social and civic matters and are happier in general than their less-spirited peers.” This is likely due to a sense of pride in their school, and this school spirit is an expression of a sense of belonging. Belonging is critical to our wellbeing, which impacts our ability to do well and be well.

Besides Spirit Week, our year is dotted with other community-building events, from House Shout in the spring to Gator Days when we all cheer on Havergal during a sporting event. Whether the teams win or lose, Havergal always takes the gold in the spirit department.

Go Gators!

Katrina

Message from the Board of Governors

Debbie Simpson, Chair of the Board

New Year’s greetings from the Board of Governors! We extend our warmest wishes for a year overflowing with happiness and good health!

The end of the first semester is upon us and it is fitting we pause to reflect on the exciting school year we have had so far. We kicked off the year with the return of in-person co-curricular and athletic events and the successful re-start of Celebration Saturday, which brought the community together for a fun-filled day. Thrive Week returned and highlighted some of the strategies and skills that students can use to thrive, with the goal of putting these skills into practice on a daily basis. We saw continued relationship-building between the Junior School and the Upper School, therapy dogs visited our JK to Grade 12 students, and faculty and staff were able to participate in activities targeted at their own wellbeing such as swimming, yoga, sound baths and a whisper walk in the Lisa Hardie Trail. The year closed with the magical Grade 1–6 Christmas Concert and the Upper School Carol Service, a first time experience for the Junior School at St Paul’s Bloor Street church! It was a wonderful way to close for the holiday season.

As we look ahead to planning for the next school year, we’d like to remind parents/guardians that the opportunity to apply to serve on the Board of Governors or a Board Committee is currently open. The Board of Governors Application Form is located here and I encourage you to become involved. This year the Board is especially interested in identifying potential candidates with one or more of the following: strategic, senior-level experience in finance (CFO); a background in child and adolescent health and development; and experience with strategic governance leadership in the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) space. The application due date has been extended to Friday, February 17, 2023. Applications will be reviewed in February/March with interviews taking place in March for those selected. Additional details on the role and responsibilities of Board and Committee members can be found here. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at [email protected].

We have accomplished great things this school year, with more to come. I see our values at work and thank you all for your efforts and support as we navigate the remainder of the year together.

Thank you,

Debbie

Spirit Week: A Time for Fun and Bonding

Kate, Clubs & Spirit Prefect

In February when course selections and assessments can be stressful, Spirit Week is a chance for students to have fun and bond with their grade. This year, Spirit Week is from February 13 to 16. Throughout the week, all of the Upper School students (Grades 7 to 12) compete for spirit points through games and competitions, so they can be named the winners of Spirit Week (the ultimate bragging rights at HC). Here are some key details about Spirit Week:

Spirit Week at the Junior School

Liz Watt, Assistant Head of the Junior School

Spirit week is just around the corner (February 13 to 16) and is a time that many Junior School students look forward to each year. House meetings, Hockey Day, banner making and dressing down in comfy clothes are just a few of the many activities that the Junior School community takes part in during this fun-filled week.

The goal behind Spirit Week is to build relationships within our community by connecting with others, which not only raises school spirit, but also elevates individual spirit. It is a time for students to learn to be cheerleaders for each other and ourselves. 

Grade 6 student Ava Singh explains: “I love that as a community we build ourselves up and work together as a team. My favorite part about Spirit Week is dressing down in House colours and cheering alongside my House.” Through various activities, students are provided with opportunities to foster relationships and connect with students across various grades, both within the Junior School and with students from across the bridge (the Upper School). Hana Ley, our Junior School Prefect, says: “I love that Spirit Week falls in February, as it gives us something to look forward to. In my role as the JS Prefect, I enjoy spreading spirit throughout the Junior School hallways. One of my favourite things to do is greet Junior School students as they arrive at the start of the day. The Junior School Council and I like to bring our party rocker with us, which plays fun music as we dance with the students into the school.”

More details about the week’s activities will be listed in The Weekly. 

Hockey Day

Carla Di Filippo, Athletic Director

February 14 will be the most wonderful day of the year: it’s Hockey Day! This annual battle against Bishop Strachan School for the Hewitt Cup brings together students (Grades 4 to 12), staff, alumni and members of our community to celebrate everything that is Havergal College. A day rich in history—hockey games between girls’ schools were noted in the school yearbook, Ludemus, as early as 1955. It is truly more than a hockey game: it is a day that perfectly showcases the Havergal spirit. 

On Hockey Day, the HC crowd will be dressed from head to toe in green and gold, shouting words of encouragement and cheering on our team at Mattamy Athletic Centre. It’s school spirit like you have never seen it and it’s difficult to put into words just how special this day is for our Gators. For many, Hockey Day is an adventure, a vibe and an energy; something that has to be experienced to truly understand its authenticity. It is a memory to be cherished and a bond that connects us to this special community. Regardless of the game result, the day reminds us of just how lucky we are to be Havergal Gators! The puck drops at 12:45 pm. Students can purchase their tickets here.

A Beginner’s Guide to Hockey Day

Beats and Piper, Sports Prefects

Hockey Day. Perhaps the most anticipated event of 2023. It’s been three long years since we’ve had the real deal, so we’ve taken it upon ourselves as seasoned experts to provide you with a beginner’s guide to Hockey Day. 

First of all, attire is of the utmost importance. Don’t be afraid to go all out with the face paint. It’s okay if you end up slightly tinted green for the next week—we’re all in the same boat! Here at HC, we go big and bold. If you have any tutus, wigs, sparkly leggings or capes, we strongly suggest you wear them. The only criterion is that the Mattamy bleachers must be a sea of green and gold. 

Another thing to prepare yourself for is the cheers. We forewarn you, Hockey Day is a physical test for not only the players on the ice but for the fans as well. Good habits to prepare yourself include belting out hymns during Prayers or singing something loudly for 10-15 minutes per day. To maximize volume on the big day, it also might be wise to do a “vocal rest” in the days leading up. 

The final thing is to take it all in! As the final Hockey Day for the Grads approaches, we reflect on all the memories made over the years, all the highs and the lows. At the end of the day, it’s about so much more than just a hockey game; it’s about community and spirit, and a day that you will never forget.

Re-registration 2023-24

The link for registration for the 2023-24 school year will be sent to families on Wednesday, February 8. Completed re-registration forms are due, along with payment, by Wednesday, February 15, 2023.

The Admission Department appreciates your prompt response, as our re-registration numbers help guide us in the number of offers we will make to new families later in February. Please do not hesitate to contact Admissions at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Gator Gala Tickets on Sale Now!

Clouds of cotton candy, dressed up daughters and disco lights, oh my! Who doesn’t love the sweet life? Tickets to the annual Gator Gala being held on Saturday, April 1 at Parkview Manor are now on sale! All Upper School students and an adult (parent/guardian) guest are invited and encouraged to join in a fantastically fun evening of dining, dancing and making memories! You don’t want to miss out on one of the highlights of the Havergal calendar as we whisk you away to a Candyland confectionary dream of an evening. The cherry on top is the Gator Gala Silent Auction, curated to offer something for everyone with all proceeds going to the HCPA. Look for the auction link in your inbox soon! If you would like to make a donation to the Gator Gala Silent Auction, please contact:

JS A-mazing Race—Save the Date!

Plans for this year’s A-mazing Race are underway! This is always a highlight of the year for our Junior School girls and their adult (parent/guardian) partners as they engage in friendly competition with their House teams and enjoy snacks and refreshments with other members of our JS community. 

Please mark your calendars for Sunday, April 30 and stay tuned for more details.

Calling All Grad Families!

Since 1894, Havergal College has provided young women with an exceptional education in an environment that encourages inquiry and curiosity while celebrating connection and community. A Havergal education sets the stage for future success and lays the foundation for a lifetime of discovery and learning. Much of this is possible because of the generosity of our donors.

This year, our remarkable Class of 2023 would like to leave their legacy behind by supporting mental health and wellbeing at Havergal College, including initiatives such as training and resource support, discussion forums and speakers series. By supporting the Class of 2023 Fund, Grads and their families are making it possible to bring health and wellbeing to the forefront of the Havergal experience for future students and families.

Thank you to all of our donors for supporting the students of Havergal College as they discover their potential, place and purpose in this world. 

Grade Connections

Lindsay Norberg, Deputy Principal

Building relationships and a sense of community is part of what makes Havergal a very special place. During COVID-19, students were restricted to working with others in their grade or cohort. This shed light on the value of students getting to know and supporting each other in different grades. It has been wonderful to watch the connections between students grow throughout the school year. 

In the Upper School, cross-grade relationships are modelled by our Grade 12 student leaders in the way they lead councils, clubs and affinity groups, get to know other students and build a sense of belonging. In the fall, the House Captains and Prefects enjoyed getting to know Grade 7 students when they attended the Grade 7 overnight excursion. The bonds formed with these older students help the Grade 7 students feel included in the Upper School. 

In the Senior School, we have returned to having mixed grade Teacher Advisory groups, which provide time and space for students to get to know a small group of students from Grades 9 to 12 in their House. 

In the Junior School, Grade 5 students volunteer to be Recess Rescuers in support of students in JK to Grade 3. Recess Rescuers are there to help the younger students with whatever assistance they may need during recess. Grade 6 students can be spotted outside each morning eagerly looking forward to walking JK/SK students to their classroom. Grade 1 and Grade 4 students have been working together in class as “buddies.” 

In the Boarding School, the senior Boarders take great pride in supporting and mentoring younger Boarders by leading excursions and activities. 

The magic of the Havergal community can be felt in the way these students lead and support their peers in so many different ways.

Fiona Marshall

Director, Student Leadership and Social Sciences Teacher

Ms. Marshall has held a variety of teaching and leadership roles at Upper Canada College, Branksome Hall and The York School. Most recently, she was the Assistant Head Upper School—Student Affairs at Upper Canada College, where she oversaw student life at the school. Prior to that role, she was an Instructional Leader at Branksome Hall and Senior House Advisor at Upper Canada College. Ms. Marshall has a Masters of Education from OISE, University of Toronto, Bachelor of Education (Intermediate-Senior, Social Science and English) from the University of Ottawa, Bachelor of Arts from Queen’s University and her Guidance and Career Education Part 1 Additional Qualification from Queen’s University.

Ms. Marshall has led and participated in many different committees and workshops to promote equity, diversity and inclusion as well as wellbeing within schools. She is passionate about student voice and agency in creating positive school culture and a true place of belonging for all. Since coming to Havergal, she has been focussing on using a strengths-based approach to leadership development with students, already observing the remarkable values, passions and strengths of the students at HC. A former reporter, Ms. Marshall entered teaching after volunteer coaching at a local high school and completely loving working with teens. Coaching remains a passion and she has coached cross-country and track and field for over 20 years. Outside of work, she is the mother of two active teenagers and a mini Goldendoodle. She loves running and being in nature, but is less of a fan of the deer flies that follow her when she combines these passions.

Principal’s Message

Dr. Katrina Samson

As the holiday season arrives and we begin to anticipate the joy of gathering with family and friends, early December is a natural moment to think about gratitude and giving back. At Havergal, our Celebration Saturday event comes immediately to mind, where students this year raised $39,837.66 in support of our community partners. Yet another inspiration are our facilities and the programming that over the years have been developed and strengthened thanks to the generosity of our donors. Today at Havergal, we are lucky enough to benefit from those who have gone before us and those who have shown their belief in our school mission with their philanthropic support. Our donors, past and present, recognize that success for one girl contributes to the empowerment of all girls.

Yet, we also recognize a gap when it comes to supporting girls’ education. Philanthropic support has historically been higher for boys’ schools. This disparity not only has an impact on girls’ education, but also reinforces the gender equity gap—the gap Havergal was founded to address. This gender equity gap exists in a number of ways in today’s society, illustrated through facts such as pay inequity between men and women. In 2021, Canadian women made only 89 cents for every dollar men made, according to the Statistic Canada’s Gender Pay Gap. Your own philanthropic investment in Havergal students is one way to help narrow these divisions and ensure that young women are empowered to rise as far as they want in their careers and in society. Your support also solidifies Havergal’s reputation as a leader in the advancement of girls and women, showing our girls how much our community believes in them and in their potential.

At Havergal, giving back is built into our curriculum, community partnerships and co-curricular programs. It’s especially inspiring to witness students go beyond these school programs and express their own agency in giving. As an example, this year’s Grad Class has chosen wellbeing as a focus for their annual Grad Gift. Seeing them empowered by the potential of their impact is inspiring and we expect that it will be just the first of many such moments of exercising impact and influence in their young lives.

During this time of year when giving is top of mind, we hope that you make Havergal one of your top philanthropic priorities. Please visit the Giving section of our website to learn more. From supporting our Financial Aid program, which gives deserving students the opportunity to attend Havergal, to giving your time to our programs and facilities, your support makes a difference in the lives of all Havergal students and can have an immediate and long-term impact. We know that Havergal would not be the success it is without the generosity of our past and present donors and we are so grateful for your commitment to our girls and their excellence.

Katrina

Message from the Board of Governors

Alison Glober, 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 on 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 to continually evaluate 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 effort as we try to maintain a roster of broadly qualified candidates. Using a competency-based model, the committee identifies skills and constituencies that need 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, established and more recent Old Girls/alums, current and past parents, and independent members. The Board is also committed to ensuring there is diverse cultural representation on the Board of Governors whose skills and experience 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: strategic, senior-level experience in finance (CFO); a background in child and adolescent health and development; and experience with strategic governance leadership in the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) space. 

Governors are volunteers and must be willing to commit the substantial time, effort and energy necessary to fulfill the role and serve the school. It is also expected that a Board Governor will make Havergal one of their top personal charitable 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 by Friday, January 27, 2023. Additional details on the role and responsibilities of Board and committee members can be found here.

Alison

Fundraising Highlights from the 2021-22 School Year

Thanks to the generous support of our donors we received $2.2M in donations from more than 650 donors in 2021-22:

In addition to this, $730,000 in new pledge commitments were made.

Class Highlights
The Class of 2022 raised $64,333 with a 48% participation rate.

Our top three best in class for Old Girl/Alum participation were from the following classes: 1959, 1960 and 1983.

To read more about highlights from the past fiscal year as well as our fundraising priorities, please check out the 2021-22 Impact Report.

Thank You for Your Support This #GivingTuesday

Thank you to the Havergal community for your support on #GivingTuesday; gifts received will benefit Havergal’s financial assistance program. Helping to support another’s educational journey is one of the greatest gifts anyone can give. Donations to the financial assistance program help cover tuition fees, outside-of-the classroom academic activities and participation in co-curricular activities. Your generous support will make it possible for generations of future-ready leaders to experience a world-class education and provide promising young women with the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Senior School Community Partnerships

This October our Community Partnership programs returned with reignited passion. Students, and particularly their leaders, have embraced their return with excitement, curiosity and a genuine desire to contribute and build relationships. We’ve asked the leaders of our Art City and Grenoble Community Partnerships to share what it means to them to have these programs back.

What does it mean to be involved with Art City?

“After more than two years of video making from home and being divided into grade cohorts, it is exciting to finally volunteer with a wider school community together in a physical space. It’s been great getting to know and connect with our Havergal peers from different grades on this shared project!”—Kathy Lu, Art City Community Partnership Co-Head

“What was missing from the online partnership was interactions with the kids, and it is so wonderful to be able to bond with them again.”—Natlie Mason, Art City Community Partnership Co-Head

“Returning to Art City in person, and being able to lead and to watch the kids throughout their creative process, is something that I took for granted. Fast forward to being back with the kids full-time, it’s really amazing. Seeing their work and hearing their thoughts and creative ideas is really a treat!”—Sofia Al Hussan, Art City Community Partnership Co-Head

What does it mean to be involved with Grenoble?

“Being a part of Grenoble is such a gift, but to have this be the first year since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted that the partnership is running makes it much more special. Visiting the kids every week at Grenoble Public School and connecting with them face-to-face has been very rewarding. It’s amazing to see the bonds the students make with our Havergal volunteers as their friendships start to bud, which has been a priority at the beginning of each session this year. I am so thankful to be a leader in this initiative and see the impacts of these personal connections up close.”—Kate Davidson, Grade 12, Grenoble Community Partnership Head

Happy Holidays from the HCPA Co-Chairs

Tanuja Gupta and Lisa Windover 

As another holiday season approaches, we would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our Havergal community members a wonderful holiday season and a restful winter break with your families. We are very thankful to be back to many of our old traditions as well as some new events this year. We celebrate a sense of pride in all that we accomplished as an HCPA team, as a Havergal school community and with our extended Havergal families.

It’s been a busy start to the school year and our accomplishments so far include: 

We couldn’t do all of these community-building activities and fundraisers without the support of the entire school community, including many volunteers. This holiday season, remember those less fortunate than us and be thankful for the small gifts that life has to offer us each day.

We wish you and your families a joyous holiday season and a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year! 

All the best, 

Tanuja and Lisa

Season of Change

Kate Crokam, Director of Alumni Engagement

My arrival as the Director of Alumni Engagement at Havergal College coincides with a shift in the alumni engagement landscape—we are in a season of change. A season that calls for the adoption of more modern technology and best practice-driven strategies for effective alumni engagement. For me, it’s the perfect time to write a new alumni engagement playbook, one that not only honours our mission of preparing young women to make a difference and the Old Girl/alum community we serve, but also capitalizes on existing trust and social capital. If we’re going to weather this storm, we need to engage with Old Girls in deeper, more innovative and worthwhile ways. 

Alumni engagement by definition can be described as activities that are valued by alum, build lasting and mutually beneficial relationships, inspire loyalty and financial support and strengthen the institution’s reputation. We have learned that Havergal graduates are discerning when it comes to their investments of time, talent and treasure and it is our job to add value to their alumni experience. Luckily we’ve come a long way; in 2022, we now have access to a range of technology tools and new engagement models to help us change course and develop a robust, thoughtful and data-driven program. 

As we work to re-define alum engagement at Havergal College, we are exploring many innovative technologies and emerging best practices with a focus on the following key areas:

We are ready to rise to the challenge! I am confident that this shift to evolve our Old Girl/alum program will add depth to what it means to be a Havergal alum and will make the experience sustainable for generations of HC graduates to come.

The History of Rowing at Havergal

Before Sydney Browne (1982) and Sybil Browne Taylor (1983) arrived at Havergal, their influence was already being felt. The sisters, who came to the school as Boarders in September 1981, were enthusiastic rowers in their hometown of Thunder Bay in northern Ontario.

They had been rowing at Thunder Bay Rowing Club (TBRC) for three years at this point, coached by Alan “Al” Roaf, a coach with Rowing Canada who not only took the sport seriously but took TBRC from a regional club to a national competitor to watch. During this time, Sydney and Sybil were training alongside Tricia Smith and Betty Craig, two athletes on the Canadian national team who went on to win silver medals at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Tricia is currently the president of the Canadian Olympic Committee.

Prior to Sydney and Sybil’s arrival, their father, Robert Browne, a rower himself, wrote to Brenda Robson, then head of Havergal Athletics, to ask about the continuation of their training on the water. And the Havergal College Rowing Program was born.

“The school was amazing in terms of making it happen, with access to boats, coaches and drivers and a late breakfast,” says Sydney. “It was an indication of how when the school is into something, it’s full on with both feet in.”

The home base for this new team was the Argonaut Rowing Club, on the water’s edge in Marilyn Bell Park. Fellow Boarders and Day students joined Sydney and Sybil. Other students passionate about rowing, like Suzanne Brais (1984), recruited family and friends to come on as coaches, while parents volunteered to shuttle the newly formed team down to the lake for early morning practices. One of those was Colin Graham, then Chair of the Havergal College Board Governors.

That first season, the Brownes competed and won in a double scull race at the Toronto high school championships, and later competed in the Canadian Secondary School Rowing Association’s championship regatta in Port Dalhousie, a race that’s been running since 1946.

The program has grown steadily since that first season in 1981. The following year, the team had a driver and bus to get athletes to the club for their early morning practices. In 1988, the program moved to Hanlan Boat Club at Cherry Beach, where it’s been stationed since. The team’s first boats were also bought at this time.  

Between 1988 and 2016, generous parents funded the purchase of rowing shells, ergs, oars, coach boats and trucks and trailers to transport the equipment on an as-needed basis. In 2017, a group of parents, together with the full support of the school, established a rowing endowment with the goal of raising $1 million. The purpose: to fund 100% of the capital needs of the program for the foreseeable future and to provide financial assistance to any families with a demonstrated financial need. Jeff Howe, chair of the Havergal Rowing Endowment, says: “As we celebrate the 40^th anniversary of rowing at Havergal, we are at the 1,500-metre mark and are making a push to the finish line!”

Over the past 40 years, there have been close to 400 athletes who have represented Havergal on the water. Havergal College continues to place in competitions, and our athletes can often be found on the podium at the Canadian Secondary School Rowing Championships. In the 2021-22 school year, Havergal crews stood on the podium five times, with 24 athletes receiving medals. The women’s overall points trophy has been won by Havergal athletes five times. In October 2017, Havergal started competing in the famed Head of the Charles Regatta in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and in October 2022, five members of the Rowing Team competed again, placing 28th out of a field of 90.

Aside from the sporting accomplishment, Sybil says she’s so appreciative for what rowing taught her about collaboration. “Rowing is an amazing physical sport—one of the few that uses every muscle group and requires strength, balance and endurance. But it also requires incredible finesse, as the boat only works when the team works in harmony. That’s a lesson that you carry for the rest of your life,” she says. “It’s a sport that relies on incredibly close co-ordination. You have to be together or you’re nothing.”

Show your support of Havergal’s Rowing Program here by giving to its permanent endowment, which supports access to participation for student athletes.

Planned Giving

Planning for one’s legacy can be transformational. A legacy donation allows you to make a commitment today to provide future support. Your donation will help future generations of students become the leaders of tomorrow, equipped to make an indelible mark on our world. 

Donors who choose to include Havergal in their estate plan will be recognized with membership into the Ellen Knox Society, named in honour of Havergal’s First Principal, and will be listed in the annual Impact Report.

Havergal College offers A Guide to Planning Your Legacy to assist with making the gift planning process understandable and provides insight into the types of planned gifts and common questions associated with estate planning.

Reminder: Tax Year-End is Approaching. Donate Today!

As we approach the end of 2022, please join us in making a difference with a gift to The Havergal Fund. Your donation must be postmarked or completed online by December 31 to receive a 2022 tax receipt.

Make a Gift Online:

Donate Now!

Make a Gift by Mail:

Please mail your cheque, payable to:

The Havergal College Foundation

1451 Avenue Road

Toronto ON  M5N 2H9

Thank you to all those who have already made your donation—you are making an impact!

Havergal’s Annual Impact Report

We are delighted to announce that the 2021-22 Impact Report is now available digitally for you to explore online! Featuring inspiring stories from our donor community, an overview of our fundraising priorities and a snapshot of Havergal’s past fiscal year, this special report highlights the significant impact that donor gifts have on our community and how these important contributions help support girls’ education. 

Havergal students are future-ready because they are supported by a community that is committed to our mission: to prepare young women to make a difference. We are deeply grateful to our donors for their generosity and kindness and we thank them for helping Havergal continue to thrive. 

We welcome you to read the Impact Report online and learn more about how philanthropy aids in shaping the next generation of leaders. You can also access the report via the giving section of our website.

It’s All About Our Girls: Giving at Havergal

Annette Paul, Executive Director of Advancement

When I began my career in advancement in the late 1990s, my boss at the time said something that has stayed with me: “we’re giving people an opportunity to give back.” 

Philanthropy is often synonymous with the giving of money to support the mission and vision of an organization. However, many would also include the sharing of time, talent, networks and other resources that also advance the cause. 

At Havergal, we lean into this fusion. 

When I joined Havergal six months ago, I was delighted by the level of its community’s dedication to girls’ education. From the giving of funds to the rolling up of sleeves, Havergal parents, students, alumni, other supporters, staff and faculty shared a resolute willingness to drive girls education and empowerment forward. The power and potential of our collective leadership and generosity fuels Havergal to ideate, create, expand and enrich pathways to greater innovation and understanding as we educate and empower the next generation of leaders. 

The vital importance of all aspects of giving—money, time, talent, connections and more—cannot be understated. All four (or more) elements are required to work together in order to continue to lift up the special place that is Havergal, its students and the broader community. 

Every day, we see parent volunteers collaborate with faculty and staff on events that help to increase awareness about topics like wellbeing or raise money to support capital endeavours like renovations to a classroom. We see alum volunteers support the work needed to create the annual alumni magazines. We see alum and parent volunteers work together with staff leadership on key governance matters that support and guide Havergal. We connect with parent and alum donors who wish to write cheques that support financial assistance or athletics. And we connect with alums and parents who are able to open doors to other connections and communities that further propel Havergal’s key academic priorities forward. 

Whether through giving money, volunteering or connecting others to Havergal, this community keeps the school top of mind every day. And, when it comes to the giving of dollars to support programs or buildings, donors—often parents and alums—have come through to be a part of the enormous effort necessary to make transformative opportunities such as a new Athletic Centre or STEM Lab a reality. We couldn’t do it without you. 

On behalf of our staff, faculty, volunteers and our Principal, Dr. Katrina Samson, we thank you. 

To make a gift to The Havergal Fund, visit our Donate Today page.

Annette Paul—Executive Director, Advancement

And the Advancement Team

Annette is an experienced fundraising and development executive with over 22 years of experience in the not-for-profit and education sectors in the areas of capital campaigns, major and principal gifts, annual and leadership giving, alumni engagement and stakeholder relations. Prior to her role at Havergal College, she held the position of Director, Advancement at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto, where she also co-chaired several university-level committees namely on donor stewardship and equity, diversity and inclusion in advancement. She has held progressive leadership roles at the School of Business at Queen’s University, Queen’s University Alma Mater Society, United Way, Youth Employment Service and Daily Bread Food Bank. Annette has also held volunteer governance roles at Queen’s University, as well as with the Association of Fundraising Professionals and with community organizations. She holds an undergraduate degree and a Master in Public Administration both from Queen’s University, and is a Certified Fund-Raising Executive.

Annette is pleased to give leadership to a number of other advancement professionals within Havergal’s Advancement team, such as Kate Crokam (Director, Alumni Engagement), Emily Anderson (Prospect Management & Research Officer), Angela Paschalidis (Advancement Coordinator), Cat Mandala (Advancement Assistant), Kathryn Champion (Senior Advancement Specialist) and some temporary and terrific support staff. In January, the team will be joined by additional team members, who will guide other key areas such as annual and leadership giving.