Principal’s Message

Katrina Samson

As the weather warms up, we’re preparing to send the Havergal Class of 2022 out into the world. Graduation is an exciting time as it marks the culmination of all the preparation we have done together over the years and all the skills our students have gained, which they can take into their next chapters as women of influence and leaders of positive change. 

At Havergal, we continually adjust and adapt our curriculum to reflect the world our students are entering, and to prepare them to be leaders in that world. As we think of the new world of work, this research from Recruiter.com highlights seven competencies that will rise to prominence in the next decade. Employers have repeatedly emphasized relationship-building and critical thinking as key skills that are needed for future success. Our future-ready education emphasizes learning agility and adaptability as essential in an ever-changing world. We’re all too familiar with how important these skills have been in the past two years in particular, and we watched with pride as our students and staff rose to the occasion. Despite ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic, our graduates approached this year with creativity and optimism and I am confident that these skills will serve them well in their future endeavours. 

The uncertainty of tomorrow and the speed at which the world is changing are exactly the reasons why we developed Havergal’s Portrait of a Graduate. While we could not have predicted the past few years, we wanted to ensure we were instilling skills that would serve our students no matter what their futures bring. When we think of a future-ready leader, we imagine someone who is poised to take on any challenge by embracing diversity, thinking critically and being resilient. A girls’-centred education also ensures that our students are in an environment where they have multiple role models, encouraging them to grow and challenging them to practise leadership now, which will position them well to be leaders tomorrow. As I look at our graduating class, I am filled with optimism for our future and pride in their many accomplishments. 

As we say goodbye to our graduates, I want to remind them—and you, their parents—that the doors to Havergal are always open. Graduates, we hope you come back in the future to visit and reconnect. As lifelong learners, you will always be Havergalians and now, as you become Old Girls/Alums, you join a long list of remarkable women that have carved their paths and made positive change in our world. Congratulations on your achievements and we can’t wait to see what you do next. 

Katrina

Message from the Board of Governors

Debbie Simpson, Chair of the Board of Governors

The end of another school year approaches and I find myself in disbelief that this is the last Inside Havergal message from the Board for 2021-22; how swiftly this year has gone by! Together, we navigated the school year and slowly journeyed out of the pandemic; for this, my heartfelt gratitude to the Havergal community, Dr. Katrina Samson and team—as well as the entire Board of Governors and Committee members—for their unwavering support. We are, indeed, stronger together. 

In keeping with the rich heritage of traditions, the Board invites student leaders to join the April meeting to share their perspectives on the year. This year, we were joined by School Captain Marley Melbourne and Wellbeing Prefect Erin Howard. Marley and Erin spoke of their focus on DEI, community building and wellbeing throughout the student body, and elaborated on several exciting events that took place in the year that allowed students to explore the new builds as well as develop friendships across grades. They noted some of the opportunities taken to innovate Prayers and focus on topics such as Black and Indigenous people and traditions, including reflecting on the treatment of Black soldiers and better understanding the experience of Chinese soldiers returning from war as part of Remembrance Day Prayers. It was encouraging to hear how the whole school embraced Thrive Week and the Be There Basics philosophy with an emphasis on how we support ourselves with our mental health. Having therapy dogs visit and offering morning yoga sessions were particularly well received parts of the Wellbeing Program. Renewed focus on community wellbeing gave new energy to the Terry Fox Run this year and the very special Relay for Life, which was in partnership with Upper Canada College, Branksome Hall, Bishop Strachan School and Crescent School. Marley and Erin closed by sharing their learnings this year: turning challenges into opportunities, adapting in continually changing circumstances, learning to live with uncertainty and using feedback to develop meaningful and relevant initiatives. Their passion for Havergal and their thoughtful commitment to the student body was paramount in their presentation and the Board truly enjoyed engaging with them. They reminded us, once again, that students have been and continue to be our greatest inspiration; we have much to learn from them!

This year, the school has also made tremendous progress with our donations, which would never be possible without all of you—the Havergal community. These funds enable us to build new and innovative spaces for our students to learn and grow in. We are so very grateful for this unwavering support. 

As this school year concludes, Dr. Katrina Samson completes her first school year as the 13th Principal of Havergal. I have personally enjoyed the opportunity to get to know and work with Dr. Samson and, on behalf of the Board, I would like to express our gratitude and appreciation for the work she has done in her first year with us. She is a champion of Havergal’s values of integrity, inquiry, compassion and courage. As a strong advocate for the advancement of young women and children, we are already feeling the benefit of her focus on innovation, wellbeing and experiential learning. Thank you, Katrina.

Last but certainly not least, I would like to acknowledge our 2022 Grads. We are thrilled that you can celebrate your accomplishments with the meaningful traditions of this milestone and take with you cherished friendships and valuable learnings. As you embark on this next chapter, please remember that you will forever be a part of the Havergal community. As you venture beyond the ivy, know that our very best wishes and heartfelt cheers accompany you on the road ahead.

As always, no message would be complete without a polite reminder that for any donation enquiries, please reach out to Havergal’s Executive Director of Advancement, Annette Paul ([email protected]), to find out how you can participate. We are all the beneficiaries of the generosity of those who have come before us and we encourage you to make an investment in Havergal through a philanthropic gift. 

Best wishes to everyone for an amazing summer ahead!

Debbie Simpson

Relaunching The Forum for Change: Havergal’s Global Heartbeat

Preparing young women to make a difference happens every day at Havergal College, which is why we are thrilled to announce that—starting in September 2022—students will be able to level up their ability and opportunity to make a difference through the relaunch of the Forum for Change (F4C). The F4C provides students with local and global learning experiences that will further the school’s purpose and develop in our students the attributes of Havergal’s Portrait of a Graduate. The Forum for Change will offer Global Exchanges, International Learning Service Trips, Community Partnerships and the Global Learning & Leading Diploma. These deep and meaningful learning experiences equip students to make positive differences in the world with a focus on global mindedness. F4C programs are designed to provoke students to broaden their cultural fluency and make an impact locally and abroad.

Known as the “global heartbeat of the school,” F4C has extensive global networks and partnerships upon which to draw from, including (but not limited to) UNESCO Associated Schools and the Independent Schools Experiential Educators Network. We are also in the midst of applying to become a member of Round Square, which will provide our students with more character and leadership development. With and through these partnerships, the F4C will provide experiential learning opportunities with a focus on the idea of “learning service,” a term that is outlined by Bennett, Collins, Herschsher and Papi-Thorton in the book Learning Service as: “humble, thoughtful action designed to do no harm…where learning and service interact in an ongoing cycle, with each depending on each other. This loop is fueled by self-reflection and applying learning to future action.”(page 10, 2018) 

As we begin to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a strong call from parents, faculty and students for Havergal to reestablish these Forum for Change experiential learning opportunities that stretch and challenge our students in ways that support their academic learning, development of identity and sense of self. 

More information about F4C opportunities for the 2022-23 school year will be shared later in June. If you have any questions about upcoming opportunities or F4C in general, please contact Garth Nichols, Vice Principal of Strategic Innovation and Design at [email protected].

Preparing for the Journey Across the Bridge

Kate White, Head of Junior School, and Andrea Charlton, Interim Assistant Head of Junior School

As Havergal moves through its post-pandemic renaissance, we are thrilled that our current Grade 6 class can benefit by being able to “look across the bridge” to the Middle School in the most fulsome way possible. During this transition, they are being invited to consider the concrete differences associated with being a Middle School student and to recognize the skills and habits of mind they have refined while at the Junior School.

Since the March Break, our Grade 6 students have started a series of three in-person information sessions focused on what to expect in Grade 7, spearheaded by Head of Middle School, Mrs. Patterson and Middle School Math Teacher, Ms. Nichols, and enriched by insights offered by the Middle School Prefects (Zoe and Alexa) as well as members of the Middle School executive. The design of these sessions has provided the students with opportunities to learn about Grade 7 and life in the Upper School directly from students and faculty. These meetings are designed to include community building games and Q&A sessions through which the Grade 6 students have agency to ask whatever questions they have. 

Another concrete means of learning about what to expect next year involves our Grade 6 students visiting the Upper School dining room, where they will savour lunch on two occasions in this space. This will provide an opportunity for our students to gain a sense of the routine while discovering the variety of meal choices available to Upper School students.

Along with the specific information they are receiving about Grade 7, our Grade 6 students are also being invited to look ahead with confidence by thinking about the special tools they have already gained that will assist them with “crossing the bridge.” This reflection is nurtured through their personal narratives, as they showcase an aspect of their identity along with their own abstract art pieces created during “studio days,” which were led by Nancy Macdonald, a former Havergal parent and founder of Art Studio for Children (www.artstudioforchildren.com).

Our hope is that, by offering them key information and inviting them to take stock, our Grade 6 students will be ready to navigate the exciting adventure awaiting them upon reaching the Middle School. We look forward to hearing about all their new discoveries when they return for visits.

Celebrating Our Marguerites and the Class of 2022

Lindsay Norberg, Associate Head of School, and Maggie Houston-White, Executive Director of Strategic Enrolment Management

On Thursday, May 12, Havergal honoured the Marguerites of 2022—17 students who joined the school between Junior Kindergarten and Grade 1—and their parents at a special reception. As Dr. Samson noted in her remarks to the group, these students were putting on their kilts and white running shoes for the first time when Barack Obama became President of the United States, Modern Family aired for the first time and Instagram was launched. Students and families were able to connect with the Junior School faculty and reminisce on their time together as they enjoyed photos from the Archives of their grades throughout the years of how they have grown up together. 

We are grateful for all of our families who make the commitment to work together with Havergal to help prepare young women to make a difference. The Marguerite families have watched their children grow into graduates ready to take on the next challenge and partnered with us throughout the years to continue to move Havergal forward, better tomorrow than we were yesterday. 

As we approach the end of the school year, we are looking forward to celebrating the Class of 2022 at events such as Prom, Grad Prayers, Candlelight Ceremony and our Graduation event on Friday June 17 under the white tent on Ratcliffe Field. 

The school spirit our Graduating students have embraced this year certainly lives up to the motto: “21-22, find the Gator in you!” The faculty, staff and entire community wish them all the best in their next chapters, wherever their paths take them; they are well prepared for life beyond the ivy and to make a difference for good in the world. 

The Portrait of a Grad and the Future of Work

Garth Nichols, Vice Principal Strategic Innovation and Design

The changing nature of the future of work has been described in many ways, including psychologist and Harvard Business Review contributor Robin Hogarth’s theory that defines two areas of learning environments: kind and wicked. Hogarth’s philosophy on the future of work is highlighted in David Epstein’s New York Times bestseller Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World as leaning toward “wicked learning,” whereas machines may be leveraged for the more “kind learning” environments: “In wicked domains, the rules of the game are often unclear or incomplete, there may or may not be repetitive patterns, and they may not be obvious, and feedback is often delayed, inaccurate or both.” (Range, David Epstein, pg. 21) 

As a way to address the realities of the future of work, Havergal has developed educational experiences through our contemporary liberal arts program. HC-X initiatives and Forum for Change offerings are designed to prepare our students with the skills and mindsets that allow them to practise in these “wicked learning” environments. 

In support of Havergal’s mission to prepare our students for whatever the future holds, we developed the Portrait of a Graduate (POG), a well-researched project thanks to the incredible work of our faculty, as well as with research from within and beyond the educational sector (including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the World Economic Forum and UNESCO). Using Havergal’s mission, vision and values as a guide, the POG articulates the attributes our students develop during their time at the school. This contemporary and aspirational framework supports the growth and learning of our students toward this dynamic future of work.

The Portrait of a Graduate is defined by eight aspirational attributes: globally-minded; empathetic; future-ready; flexible and adaptable; self-directed, lifelong learners; inspired to action; digital navigators; and leaders with integrity. Each of these attributes reflect a process, not a product, and each is a signal that affirms, guides and inspires our faculty and students in the creation of learning experiences. For example, we cannot expect our students to master all things digital; however, we do support and develop their skills in navigating the digitally mediated world responsibly and ethically. Through our Five Domains of Leadership, we support our students in the practice of how to lead with integrity. With HC-X programming, we challenge our students to unlearn and learn anew with innovative concepts and design thinking. These are just some of the attributes outlined in our POG, where our whole community is pulling in the same future-ready direction.

A Dedicated Parent Community

Alnar Meghji and Lisa Windover, HCPA Co-Chairs

Resilience, perseverance, ingenuity and dedication. These are some of the character traits we use to describe our family of volunteers on the HCPA, as well as the Upper and Junior School Grade Rep teams. 

For the past two years, we have experienced aspects of school and home life we never expected. We thought of ways to stay connected and we thought outside the box with an end goal in mind, which is to keep our school community connected and engaged. 

We planned and executed virtual and in-person events in order to bring families in our community together. We showed our staff, faculty and administrators just how much we appreciate them with several staff appreciation initiatives. We will continue to thank them for prioritizing our girls’ wellbeing, health and learning goals. 

The road ahead looks promising and when we look back at the last two years, we can be proud that we all played a part in creating and maintaining a strong link within our school community, for new and existing families and all of our girls. 

Thanks to each and every one of our volunteers!

Lastly, we would like to introduce the HCPA Executive Team for the 2022-23 year:

We welcome all our incoming and returning HCPA members and look forward to working with all of you! 

Wishing you a safe and happy summer with your families. 

Lisa and Alnar 

Gator Gala Online Silent Auction

Get ready to browse, bid and repeat!

The HCPA and Gator Gala Committee are excited to announce the recent launch of this year’s Gator Gala Silent Auction.

From exclusive Havergal “front-of-the-line” opportunities and Graduation Day extras to sought-after vacation bookings, hard-to-come by sports memorabilia, art, jewelry, spa items and more, you’ll find something for everyone on your list or even a little something for yourself (yes, you deserve it!).

The Gator Gala Silent Auction closes at 8 pm on Friday, June 10, so don’t forget to check back often!  

Gator Gala Silent Auction

All proceeds will support the fundraising goals of the HCPA, including our commitment to the Limitless Campaign.

Used Textbook Drop Off

With another school year coming to a close, the HCPA has once again arranged for the Canadian School Book Exchange (CSBE) to collect used textbooks at Havergal College on Wednesday, June 15 from 7:30 to 11:30 am.

Families will be able to drop off their used textbooks directly into the CSBE truck, which will be parked in the North Parking Lot of the Upper School. Click here for detailed instructions.

When your books are sold through the CSBE, a percentage of the sale will go back to you and a percentage will go toward the HCPA’s fundraising efforts. It’s a win-win!

Used Uniform Collection

Go Green (and Gold)!

The HCPA will be collecting your preloved skirts, kilts, tunics and blazers. Curbside drop-off will be available in the parking lot of the Junior School and the North Lot of the Upper School on June 15 from 7:30 to 9:30 am. 

In addition, drop-off bins will be located in the Junior School Lobby on June 15 and 16 and the Upper School Rotunda on June 15, 16, 20 and 21 until 5:30 pm each of these days.  

A Used Uniform Fundraising Sale is being planned for the fall. It will be a great way to stock up on backup pieces for those inevitable lost uniforms items. More details about the sale will be shared at a later date.

In addition to supporting the HCPA’s fundraising efforts, it’s a great way to reduce, reuse and recycle!

Thank You Havergal!

Marley Melbourne, School Captain

To the Students, Parents and Teachers at Havergal College:

The time has come for my class, the Graduating Class of 2022, to say our goodbyes. 

Students—it has been an absolute pleasure to be surrounded by the most spirited group of peers in the city! When we bonded together to win the Toronto Mascot Award this fall, we simultaneously established ourselves as an enviable student body. We’ve supported each other on the athletic pitches, in the theater, on the stage and in our classrooms. There is no better group of people to learn and thrive with. You are the best friends and the best cheerleaders a student could ask for.

Parents—thank you for giving the gift of Havergal. It is an immense privilege to attend a school where we are supported and challenged, uplifted and independent. Your continued support of all of our academic endeavours is thoroughly appreciated. We remember the early morning drop-offs, the after school help with homework and the consistent words of encouragement. Although we can never say it enough, we can try: Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Teachers—you are truly the glue that holds this school together. Thank you for always doing more than what is asked of your role. When we express confusion, you clear your schedules to provide extra help. When we express curiosity, you enhance the coursework to allow us the freedom to explore. When we express achievement, you are there to cheer us on. It is a joy to know you not only as teachers, but as mentors and inspirations. Havergal teachers are unmatched!

Thank you!

The Class of 2022

Principal’s Message

Katrina Samson

If they can see it, they can be it. Representation inspires possibilities. For young girls, seeing women in powerful positions inspires them to lead. At Havergal, we are committed to shaping the leaders of tomorrow and believe that this begins by championing leadership from a young age and within our own community.

The Harvard Graduate School of Education shared the report “Leaning Out: Teen Girls and Leadership Bias,” which highlights that one of the biggest barriers to leadership teen girls currently face is gender bias. In a survey of nearly 20,000 people, they found that both teen boys and teen girls have biases against teen girls as leaders. Some parents also carried this same bias. This eye-opening report outlines key findings and offers recommendations. I urge all Havergal parents to give it a read and to share it with your children so we can shift this imbalance and challenge our own biases.

This research helps to underline the importance of what we are doing at Havergal: interrupting this social-ingrained gender bias. Our learners are surrounded by other girls who are leaders and women in leadership positions. What may be an exception in a traditional school is the norm on our campus. An all-girls’ school provides a unique opportunity to interrupt this gender bias before it forms. Throughout their Havergal journey, our students benefit from leadership programming designed to support the development of courageous female leadership and our students are offered myriad pathways to develop their own leadership skills. 

We also emphasize that leadership comes in many shapes and goes beyond student governance. We show students the range of leadership possibilities through the five interconnected domains of student leadership: Community, Intellectual, Formal, Informal and Self. Whether it’s in the classroom or during co-curriculars, there are countless ways Havergal students can choose to lead. From advocacy to athletics, our students are encouraged to step into powerful positions. In every facet of their community, they’re continuously exposed to female leadership from both our faculty and their peers.

Next year, we are introducing a new dedicated position: Director of Student Leadership. This role will focus on student programming from Junior School to Upper School, including the development of an explicit leadership development curriculum. Shaping the leaders of tomorrow begins with the opportunities our girls are given today. At Havergal, we’re committed to fostering the skills needed to help our students become courageous change makers, leading towards a better tomorrow. 

Katrina

Message from the Board of Governors

Lexi Ensor 2013, Chair of the Governance Committee for HOGA

As an ex-officio member of the Havergal College Board of Governors and Chair of the Governance Committee for the Havergal Old Girls Association (HOGA), I am excited to share details about what we’ve been working on at HOGA.

HOGA’s membership consists of Havergal Alums/Old Girls and is led by a directorate, which is responsible for chairing each of our committees. We are proud to have more than 9,500 Alums/Old Girls in over 70 countries within our network. 

We are a volunteer-based organization that connects current and future Alums/Old Girls in meaningful ways that foster engagement within our community: 

Throughout the pandemic, all of this work was done remotely as we took advantage of our virtual environment to reach and connect HOGA members from around the globe in ways we’ve never done before. 

As we begin to emerge from the pandemic, HOGA’s Directorate has been revisiting its strategic plan, which will guide our activities over the next several years. We are excited to formally launch this new direction to our community at our HOGA Annual General Meeting in the fall.

To our upcoming Grads: when you leave Havergal, you will always maintain an association to a network with benefits that will last a lifetime. We look forward to keeping connected beyond the ivy! If you are an Alum/Old Girl interested in volunteering with HOGA, please reach out to the Advancement & Community Relations Office at [email protected] and they will be happy to connect with you to discuss.

We are also encouraging the Havergal community to join our Alum/Old Girl platform Connections. It’s a great way to connect with classmates, expand your professional network and stay connected on all things Havergal-related. We hope to see you there!

Lexi

Get Ready for House Shout!

We hope that students and parents alike are excited about the return of in-person House Shout this spring! The entire Havergal College student community will gather on the Ratcliffe Field on Tuesday, May 24 at 1:50 pm for an afternoon of House pride and spirit.

More details will be revealed closer to the date in the College Blogs.

Developing the Foundations of Leadership at the Junior School

Kate White, Head of Junior School

At Havergal, the development of leadership skills, whether formally or informally, are grounded in our values—courage, compassion, integrity and inquiry. 

Starting in Junior Kindergarten, our youngest students are supported in seeing themselves not only as capable problem-solvers, but also as contributing members of a larger community. These are the foundational skills of leadership. Amongst other things, this can look like taking responsibility for putting away their own belongings, noticing and naming their feelings or making guided choices regarding participation in a learning area.   

As students mature and move through the Junior School, they actively engage with their teachers in establishing classroom norms. In addition, students often rotate jobs within the classroom, helping their community to run smoothly (e.g., watering plants, cleaning tables before lunch, handing out papers). These opportunities assist in developing the ability to identify both individual and group strengths and challenges, as well as setting goals, which are all crucial leadership skills! 

More formal leadership roles are introduced in Grades 5 and 6. Whether assisting kindergarten students as they walk to class, organizing House Activities, supporting a community partnership or identifying a school or wider world issue that needs to be addressed, students are provided with multiple opportunities to develop their skills. This includes working together as a team, active listening, considering multiple perspectives and having the ability to bounce back from setbacks.

By the time our Grade 6 students are ready to make their transition to Grade 7, we are confident they will be prepared to take on new and more challenging leadership opportunities in the Upper School.

Formal and Informal Leadership at the Middle School

JJ Patterson, Head of Middle School

At Havergal College, the Middle School is designed to celebrate, support and nurture students through developmentally appropriate instruction, activities and opportunities in and out of the classroom. In order to be well-prepared for the Senior School, faculty in the Middle School focus on helping students develop their sense of self, identities and independence as they cultivate their personal and academic toolkits. Part of this personal development is through a variety of leadership opportunities recognizing that leadership comes in many forms.

In the spring, Grade 7 students are able to nominate themselves for one of the following formal leadership positions: Arts; Sports; Sustainability Council Representatives; or as Executives on the Middle School Council. After taking the courageous step to nominate themselves, students prepare short speeches to share with their peers prior to an election taking place on April 26 (today!). Grade 8 students will go through their formal leadership nomination and election process in the fall of Grade 9. 

Despite these formal leadership titles, we also teach Middle School students that a title is not necessary in order to make a difference and lead. They are encouraged to get involved with informal opportunities such as organizing, volunteering and supporting the school and student programming. By providing a variety of different opportunities inside and outside the classroom, the aim is to encourage each student to develop agency by having their voice heard as we offer choices in how they can contribute meaningfully to the Havergal community. In doing so, all students are continually developing, practising and refining their emerging leadership skills. 

Senior School Student Elections

Mary Ann Krotz, Manager of Student Engagement

It is the time of year when our Upper School community comes together to elect our student leaders for the next academic year and we’re very proud of all of the students who have put themselves forward for 2022-23. Our Boarding School, Clubs, Community Partnerships, Alliance and Affinity groups and Performing Arts ensembles held elections within their memberships in early April, while Grade Representatives, Senior Year Presidents, House Captains, House Executives and Prefects elections took place today, April 26. Students are invited to open house council and executive meetings, as well as “real-talks” with current student leaders. These opportunities help to better understand the various roles and work involved in serving the Havergal community.

Havergal believes strongly in offering a variety of leadership opportunities and we value and promote students who seek to lead beyond the ivy walls as well. Whether it be volunteering in their local communities or in extracurricular pursuits, it takes courage for young people to believe in their abilities and share their skills where they know they can be most impactful.

While elected positions will be announced on Monday, May 2, we are grateful to have a talented and passionate student body who will, in all capacities, serve as thoughtful leaders.

Digital Microcredentials

Garth Nichols, Vice Principal Strategic Innovation and Design

HC-X is launching an exciting new program that gives students the opportunity to earn digital microcredentials to deepen and extend their learning. Upon completion of a particular learning outcome, students will receive a blockchain-based digital credential—similar to a certificate of completion—that is cryptographically verifiable, secure and unforgeable. HC-X has partnered with Alums/Old Girls, Havergal parents, Harvard Student Academies and Inspirit AI to offer digital microcredentials in Contemporary Finance, Pre-Med and Artificial Intelligence in the upcoming 2022-23 academic year. The purpose is for students to use microcredentials to build their own experience, demonstrate new learning in their online portfolios and carry these with them beyond Havergal. Microcredentials help to showcase students’ areas of interest, and their developing skills and can be shared on social media channels like LinkedIn.

Havergal is proudly partnering with Toronto-based technology company Convergence.Tech to provide the platform where students’ digital wallets will live.

A Message from the HCPA

We are thrilled to be getting back to what we do! Our mission of parent engagement is best supported by in-person opportunities for us to gather both in-school and in our community.  

Our volunteers are the backbone of our parent association and we are fortunate to have so many engaged parents who give their time and attention to a variety of important fundraising and community-building roles at the school. Parents are delighted to be back in the school to support Founders’ Day and the New Family Evening. In addition, our amazing team of Performing Arts volunteers are currently supporting the production of the Middle School musical theatre review “We are all in this Together” by sourcing costumes and props as well as assisting with hair and make-up for the shows. We are particularly excited about this collaboration between students, the school and parents.    

HCPA spring events will be held in their traditional formats and we are excited to get back to some of our fundraising initiatives, so please watch for details on the upcoming Used Textbook and Used Uniform drives.

JS A-Mazing Race

The HCPA’s 2022 JS A-Mazing Race Chairs, John Harlow and Richard Denis, are looking forward to bringing this event back on campus! The race will be held outdoors on Sunday, May 15 from 1 to 4 pm, taking advantage of Havergal’s beautiful campus and the milder spring temperatures. House teams will compete against each other in a series of five friendly challenges—appropriate for participants from JK to Grade 6 and their adult partner—followed by snacks and refreshments.      

Get ready to show your House spirit! 

Moms’ Night Out

After more than two years of limited opportunities to get together, Havergal moms are not going to want to miss this year’s in-person Moms’ Night Out (MNO)! 

HCPA MNO Co-Chairs Mary Dean and Mekhul Verma have planned an “Aperitivo” evening under the stars and a long-overdue opportunity to reconnect with each other. This always-popular, sold out event will take place on Wednesday, May 18 at Tutto Pronto from 7 to 10 pm, taking advantage of their open air patio as well as their warm and inviting indoor space. 

US Gator Gala

Get ready for the Gator Gala! As voted by you, the HCPA’s traditional Father Daughter Dance has had a name change, but not a change of heart! 

This year, we will be honouring springtime in the City of Light with a “Passport to Paris” themed event to be held at Parkview Manor. Please join us the evening of Thursday, June 9 at 6:30 pm and celebrate the special bond with your Havergal daughter(s) while enjoying an elegant evening of dinner, dancing, time-honoured traditions, games, prizes, a silent auction and more!

After two years of lockdowns, restrictions and limited social gatherings, we hope you will join us to celebrate together and share in this special night.

Get your tickets here—the deadline to purchase is Friday, May 6, so don’t delay! 

HCPA Faculty and Staff Appreciation Event 

It goes without saying that the past two years have given our parent community a heightened sense of gratitude for the role that Havergal faculty and staff play in the lives of our children. The tremendous dedication on display when we consider the stability of the learning environment, along with a continued focus on wellbeing, has not gone unnoticed. We have a great appreciation for the tireless work that has gone on behind the scenes to make this year as close to normal than it has been for quite some time.

On Tuesday, May 24, the HCPA will host a whole school Faculty and Staff Appreciation event, known fondly as the “Ivy Pub” in the Temerty Commons. The Staff Appreciation team of Sherry Zhao, Dee Dogru, Tammy Neal and Blair Wilson are planning a fantastic event to show our cherished staff and faculty just how much they are appreciated!

What Student Leadership Means to Me

Hannah C., Admissions Prefect

In September 2021 I was tasked with the most intimidating assignment to date: preparing for the return of school spirit after the pandemic. Sitting at a Harkness table with the other newly-elected Prefects, ideas were zipping through our heads and tumbling out of our mouths. What kind of legacy did we want to leave as student leaders? 

As I reflected on this question, I recalled why I wanted to become a student leader in the first place. Before high school, I believed there was a single cookie-cutter approach to leadership. Over my career at Havergal, I have seen leadership manifest in inspiring and unexpected ways in the student body. Whether it’s watching a student-directed play, listening to a Land Acknowledgement in Prayers or witnessing a challenge to the status quo, I am constantly learning and benefiting from the leadership of others. I am thankful for the contribution of every student whose leadership has made me laugh, think and question the world around me a little more.

Underpinning every act of leadership is the trait of courage. It takes courage to ask for help, to take action for what we believe in and to own up to our missteps. The pillar of courage is one I leaned heavily on last March 2021. As an Asian woman living during a period of global heightened anti-Asian vitriol, I felt suspended in a limbo between my western national identity and eastern cultural roots. Empowered by past acts of leadership I had witnessed in the student body, I rallied a group of peers to organize a virtual Prayers surrounding anti-Asian hate crimes addressed to the Upper School. While equity, diversity and inclusion remain a significant area of work at Havergal, the resilience and tenacity of Havergal students continually exemplify what leadership is to me. 

The words of Maya Angelou capture my sentiments best: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Looking back at my time at Havergal as a Grad, the legacy I aspire to leave is to have made people laugh, think and question the world around them a little more.

Shirley Garcia

Executive Director, Human Resources

A strong communicator with broad and deep HR leadership experience, Ms. Garcia has successfully led initiatives that foster people development and growth, high engagement and an inclusive culture. She joins Havergal following her most recent role as National Director, People & Culture at March of Dimes Canada, where she supported large-scale organizational changes and developed high-impact talent management strategies.

Ms. Garcia is a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL), a Certified Training and Development Professional (CTDP) and earned a BA in Mass Communication and a degree of Master in Management from the Asian Institute of Management. An enthusiastic lifelong learner, she also achieved professional certificates in Strategic HR Leadership from Cornell University and Adult Training and Development from Schulich Executive Education Centre at York University.   

In her spare time, Ms. Garcia gets into the mindset of learning by reading diverse subjects and engaging with presentations such as TED Talks and others. Her other interests are travelling and discovering international and local places and cultures, as well as hiking and being in nature, which she enjoys doing with her family. For her, these interests provide new experiences that create new and meaningful memories, all of which are great for her wellbeing and work/life integration.