Principal’s Message

Dr. Katrina Samson

Happy September! We have been blessed here at Havergal with so many opportunities to connect with our community this fall. Our Grade 7, 8, 9 and 12 students were away at camps where they bonded as a class, developed teamwork skills and prepared for the year ahead. This past week, we welcomed back hundreds of Old Girls/Alums to campus for Reunion Week. We celebrated those Old Girls who reached their 50+ year reunion milestones at the Golden Reflections Luncheon. We welcomed back former Boarders to connect with our current Boarding students and staff at the Former Boarder Dinner. We capped the week off with the Reunion Cocktail Reception, where classes ending in ‘3 and ‘8 came together to reconnect with one another and their beloved school.

On Saturday, our whole school community came together for Celebration Saturday 2023. This is an annual event where we gather to raise funds and awareness for the important work done via our Community Partnerships. It was another beautiful day at Havergal, but even more impactful was seeing our community come together in support of local organizations that are making a difference. In short, it was a day designed to build community and to put our mission—to make a difference—into action.

I’m energized when I contemplate the future we’re building together at Havergal. We are coming off of a year of intensive planning as we worked to collect insight and feedback to shape Havergal’s next strategic direction. In the coming weeks and months, you’ll hear more about the bold plans we have to ensure that our girls are receiving the very best preparation to head out into the world and be positive change-makers. You’ll also hear about the near-term and future-term initiatives we are undertaking to continue in our pursuit of excellence as a school. I again want to thank the students, employees, parents and Old Girls/Alums who shared their ideas and hopes for Havergal, building on our rich history and investing in future opportunities for our girls. 

As we welcome this new school year, I encourage you to join us in exploring the experiences, opportunities and learning that will allow our girls to graduate as young women who will lead progress and innovation into future generations. I am filled with optimism and hope for Havergal’s future as we embark on this new school year together.

Katrina

Message from the Board of Governors

Debbie Simpson, Chair of the Board of Governors

Hello to everyone—the Board wishes you all a huge welcome back! I hope you and your family are well and have enjoyed some special moments together over the summer. Whether this is your first year as a part of the Havergal community or you are a returning family, I am sure you share my excitement in having all of our wonderful students back on campus.

It’s hard to believe that fall is almost upon us. As the seasons change and evolve, this is also the case for the Havergal College Board of Governors. This will be my last message to you as the Chair of the Havergal Board, as I will be transitioning to my next role of Past Chair in a few days! I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Havergal community—all of the students, staff, faculty, parents, families, extended families and friends—who have made my past three years as Board Chair, and previous six years as a Governor of the Havergal Board, so incredibly rewarding and enjoyable. The Board and I feel blessed to be a part of this beautiful community filled with wonderful people who hold Havergal very dear to their hearts.

I am excited to be transitioning the leadership of the Board to the incoming Chair, Jill Fraser (1987). Jill has served on the Board of Governors since 2018. She graduated from Havergal in 1987 and her daughter is a graduate of the Class of 2021. In her role as Board Chair, Jill will be focused on ensuring the school’s long-term strength, reinforcing the Board’s role in providing strategic oversight and supporting the school’s Senior Leadership Team in launching the new strategic plan later this fall. Jill has a legal background with more than 25 years of experience practising law and will bring her amazing expertise and leadership to her new role on the Board. Please join me in welcoming Jill as the new Chair of the Havergal Board! It is with gratitude for your support that I thank each of you deeply and share congratulations to Jill Fraser!

Have a wonderful year!

Debbie

Deputy Principal’s Message

Lindsay Norberg

Dear Havergal Community,

It has been an absolute joy to welcome faculty, students and families back to campus in these past few weeks, marking the beginning of the 2023-24 school year. In the spirit of Maria from The Sound of Music, we can truly say that “The halls are alive with the sound of music.”

Each member of our community holds their unique back-to-school rituals. For some, it signifies the promise of new possibilities that await in a fresh school year. For others, it involves a trip to a school supply store, envisioning crisp notebooks and new pens. Personally, the excitement of a new school year stems from welcoming new members into our school community and contemplating how they will contribute to and shape Havergal. Every year, meeting new faculty and staff in August and witnessing their enthusiasm for the potential that lies ahead, followed by greeting new students and families and learning about their aspirations, fills me with a renewed appreciation for the Havergal community.

The summer months offer different experiences for everyone; a time of quiet reflection and rejuvenation for some, or a change of scenery for others. However, for many teams at Havergal, summer is a bustling season as we diligently work to enhance school facilities and implement planned improvements. Notably, Upper School students will observe the construction of a brand new Middle School Science Lab, the establishment of a new Grade 7 to 9 Guidance Office, restoration of the front entrance, updates to the Security desk, and the introduction of new furniture in the Rotunda, Temerty and BioWall.

One of the most cherished aspects of this period is welcoming our students and families back to campus. The Boarding Staff took great delight in warmly receiving all the Boarding students and spending time with new families, aiding them in acquainting themselves with the campus and the diverse array of programs Havergal offers. On Orientation Day, we enthusiastically greeted all new students and the Grade 7s who have crossed the bridge to the Upper School. These first few weeks are about building relationships, trying new things and establishing routines. It is wonderful to see our youngest learners become more comfortable with their school routines and build connections within their classrooms.

With the excitement of a new school year also comes new challenges. It is through these challenges that we learn and grow, but it is important to remember that we are here to support all members of the school community as they explore 2023-24. When these situations come up, we’ll address them together using our school values of integrity, inquiry, compassion and courage as our guide.

Cheers to a new year,

Lindsay

Thank You for Supporting Celebration Saturday!

The excitement of the new school year quickly turned to excitement for Celebration Saturday as students, faculty, staff and parents worked together to bring this time-honoured tradition of putting our mission—preparing young women to make a difference—into action. It was a day that celebrated Havergal’s community, the House system and (of course) our community partners, who are the recipients of all funds raised at this event. 

We are so grateful to everyone who participated, whether it was donating a silent auction item, helping out as a student or parent volunteer, being part of the Bazaar or just coming out to connect and enjoy our campus. We had another great year of fun and fundraising! Together we answered the call our founding Principal, Ms. Ellen Knox, put to all of her students—“What will you do?”—by working together to make a difference for our Community Partnerships. A sincere thank you to you all from our HCPA and our Co-Chairs Christine Spence and Kate Crokam. 

Working Together with Our Community Partnerships

Fatima Kaba, Manager of Learning Experiences

Over the years, Havergal College has created relationships with community partners that not only benefit our school, but also have profound impacts on the broader community. These collaborations are essential for cultivating a sense of social responsibility, empathy and civic engagement among students, while providing Havergal students opportunities to make a difference. 

Each Community Partnership is founded on our “4 P” approach. We partner with people first, not necessarily organizations; we honour the place of the people and that informs our work; we seek out different perspectives; and once we have done this, can we enter into a true reciprocal partnership. One of the primary advantages of engaging in Community Partnerships is the development of empathy and social responsibility in students. Through interactions with community members and organizations, students gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and needs within their local area. This first-hand exposure to real-world issues helps students develop empathy and a desire to make positive impacts. They learn to appreciate the value of helping others and develop a sense of responsibility toward their community. Students who participate in our long-standing weekly partnerships at Grenoble Public School and Art City are immersed in a new community by sharing ideas, gaining new perspectives and developing their commitment to others.  

While the communities served in these partnerships benefit from Havergal’s ongoing efforts, the students and school as a whole also benefit from the reciprocal relationship. They gain access to valuable information, expertise and experiences that enhance the educational opportunities they offer. These partnerships enrich the curriculum and provide students with diverse learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom.

At our Community Partnership Fest on Wednesday, September 27, Upper School students will have the opportunity to learn more about our weekly and bi-weekly partnerships and sign up to be part of this incredible learning experience in collaboration with our community partners. 

The Forum for Change strives to develop and continue to grow our relationships with our community partners as they foster a sense of interconnectedness and social responsibility that can last a lifetime. 

A full list of community partnerships can be found here. Learn more about the impact of our partnerships in this video.

Student Opportunities Through the Forum for Change

Jessica Randall, Manager of Global Learning Experiences

The Forum for Change (F4C) is the global heartbeat of Havergal College, providing students with experiential learning opportunities outside of the classroom and with the world around them. Bringing Havergal’s mission to life, the F4C’s role is to support students in finding their passions and interests to make a difference in the world, locally and globally. 

Recognizing our vision for Havergal graduates, we want them to be globally-minded, confident and resilient decision-makers. We help build bridges and networks to support these opportunities so our students can learn from new perspectives, be self-directed, meet people and discover more about their cultures.

The F4C stretches and challenges our students in ways that support our Portrait of a Grad: in particular, Globally-Minded, Being Flexible and Adaptable Thinkers, and Leaning into Action. We support, through our learning experiences, their development of identity and sense of self with a disposition to action. Through their participation in these opportunities, students learn to adapt and thrive in complex and changing environments so, when they graduate, they can navigate a dynamic and uncertain world.

Opportunities include participating in the Global Learning & Leading Diploma (GLLD), travelling with our Global Exchanges and Excursions, and working with our partner Round Square. Each of these programs is designed to equip students to make a positive difference in the world with a focus on knowing, understanding and developing a practice of global competencies. These programs encourage students to broaden their cultural fluency and make an impact through deep and meaningful learning experiences. Our memberships in global organizations, such as UNESCO Associated Schools Network and Round Square, means more opportunities for our students to engage in global projects, conferences and connections beyond our ivy walls.

The F4C is the place to go for students who have big ideas, want to help those around them and learn more about the world outside of Havergal College through our various opportunities and partnerships.

A New Year of Athletic Opportunities

Anna Bartlett, JS Athletic Director, and Carla Di Filippo, US Athletic Director

The start of the fall season will always be full of excitement because it means sports are back at HC! For us, the Athletic Directors at the Junior and Upper Schools, there is almost no better feeling than the joy of watching our students playing sports on our beautiful 22-acre campus. Typical after school activities for our athletes include swimming in the pool; playing basketball in the gym; competing in field hockey, flag football or soccer on the fields; enjoying the on-campus disc golf course; learning tennis or pickleball on our tennis courts; or running in the Lisa Hardie Woodland Trail. We are truly blessed to be on this campus and in this space. 

This fall, the Upper School boasts 27 sports teams while the Junior School is offering 13 teams. At Havergal, school spirit runs high and we hope each student has the chance to play one sport at some point this school year. There is no better way to meet new people, learn something new and be active all while having fun. 

If you want to view some great photos and updates about athletics, please follow our Instagram page: @havergal_gators. We also publish Gator Zone, a student-led newsletter, three times a year. Gator Zone has student-written articles about various Havergal athletic topics. We are very excited for the school year and sports! As the students say: “ROLL GATORS!”

Can You Hear the Buzz?

Garth Nichols, Vice Principal, Experiential Learning and Innovation

Nestled in a fenced-off area with ample sunlight and shade is home to Havergal’s newest members of the community: honeybees. If you read the summer mailing from August, you’ll know that we have partnered with Alveole, a beekeeping company that has excellent experience in schools and organizations in supporting honeybee hives. We have our own designated Beekeeper, and hosted two “Hive to HoneyJar” workshops this month, where our students, faculty and staff had the opportunity to harvest some honey from our hive. Alveole looks after the hive and the bees, ensuring they are well taken care of; moreover, Alveole will be working with the Forum for Change and our interested students to use the data from the bees (their numbers, behaviours, as well as the ingredients in their honey) to learn about the health of our campus ecosystem and the surrounding community. We will be using our honeybees for land-based learning experiences and sustainability practices: understanding pollinator competition in the city of Toronto, and what we can do to support our pollinators and our ecosystem. Discover more about this program by reading “Learning with Honeybees at Havergal,” by visiting our MyHive page or by reaching out to me, Garth Nichols, Vice Principal of Experiential Learning and Innovation, at [email protected].

HCPA Spirit Wear

Throughout the school year, the HCPA will be offering spirit wear and other items for purchase. A portion of every sale supports the HCPA’s fundraising goals, including parent engagement initiatives, and new items will be added throughout the school year. To place an order, visit https://hcpa-spiritwear.myshopify.com/

Current offerings include:

Green & White Fleece Pullovers

Back by popular demand, the HCPA is pleased to offer green and white fleece pullovers that feature Havergal’s crest. They are available in unisex youth and adult sizes (consult the size chart). Please note this fleece is not part of the Havergal uniform, but is great for travelling to and from school and showing HC pride on the weekends! 

HC Baseball Hat

New this year is a sleek black-on-black HC baseball hat. These hats are 100% cotton chino twill and one size fits all. A limited number will be available, so make your purchase soon!  

Sideline Coat

Another new item is a sideline coat that is sure to keep you cozy–whether you’re braving the elements this winter or trying to stay warm in an arena. This one-size-fits-all coat is black with a white Havergal crest. A limited number of coats will be available, so make your purchase soon!

To place an order, please use this link.

The deadline to order all three items (above) is Monday, October 2 at 9 am. 

Questions? As this is an HCPA initiative, the Green & Gold Shop is NOT managing pick-up or distribution. Please direct questions to Lisa Windover ([email protected]) or Mahnaz Hamidzadeh ([email protected]).

Ivy Market

Tuesday, November 21

The HCPA’s Ivy Market returns in late November! Like last year, this much-anticipated event will include daytime shopping, a bake sale and more for both parents and students. Parents (current and past) and alumni are invited to attend an evening cocktail party where they can shop and mingle. Watch for more information and a link to purchase tickets in late October.

Join the HCPA as Pre-Loved Uniform Co-Chair

While the official nomination process for the HCPA Committee occurs at the end of each school year, we have an immediate opening for a Pre-Loved Uniform Co-Chair. Pre-Loved Uniform sales are a significant part of the HCPA’s annual fundraising efforts. 

We’re looking for a parent to fill this position—you can nominate yourself or someone else. Volunteering your time with the HCPA is a rewarding way to get more involved with both the school and other HC families, and we rely on our dedicated volunteers to support the many initiatives and events that make the Havergal community so special.  

Use this link to learn more information about this role and to access the nomination form. You can also contact Maria Puthoff ([email protected]) with questions. 

Admissions Season at Havergal

Each September when students arrive back on campus, Havergal comes alive again. Throughout the summer we plan for their arrival and then, just as quickly as they arrive, the Admissions Team is already focused on the enrolment process for next year’s new students. 

Prospective families considering Havergal for their child across all grade levels have multiple opportunities to get to know the school in the fall and early winter months. As part of our Admissions process, all applicants to entry years meet with a member of our Admissions Team for their interview, which is a chance for both the applicant and the school to get to know more about each other. In addition to the interview, attending one of our on-campus events is an excellent way to get to know more about Havergal and its people, program and campus. 

Group tours are a great way to learn more about Havergal. Beginning in early October, we offer student-led tours of the Upper School (Grades 7 to 12) and parent-led tours of the Junior School (Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6). Tours are a chance to connect with current students and parents about their experiences as members of the HC community, see our facilities and get a feeling for school life. Tours can be booked online according to your schedule and run throughout the application process. 

In October, we will open our doors to prospective families who are keen to see what Havergal is all about at our annual Open House. As a community, we work to get our school ready for the volume of visitors who come to see our programs in action. Prospective families can expect a personalized tour from one of our student Ambassadors, a chance to see our facilities and the opportunity to connect and learn first-hand from faculty, administrators, staff and parents about the Havergal experience.

If you know any families who are interested in learning more about Havergal College, please encourage them to register for one of our two Open Houses:

Our team looks forward to connecting with interested students and their parents/guardians throughout the Admission season. Learn more at our Virtual Admission Centre.

Unveiling Grenoble: A Journey of Service, Friendship and Impact

Eve U., Head of Grenoble Community Partnership

When people ask me about Grenoble, four things immediately come to mind: carrot muffins, uncontrollable laughter, birthday cake bear paws and endless amounts of grade 5 math homework. My decision to join Grenoble was one of the best ones I’ve made so far during high school, and being the Head of the partnership is an opportunity I’m extremely grateful to have.  

Grenoble is one of the longest-standing community partnerships at Havergal with its mission being to focus on teaching and learning together while creating connections through the understanding of lived experiences and needs. In the program, students get partnered with kids from Grenoble Public School and work with them over the course of 16 weeks. The length of the program really allows partners to bond and to get to know each other on a deeper level, which is a unique characteristic that I love. Whether it’s bonding over the combined misunderstanding of homework instructions or over silly games after we finish work, Grenoble provides endless opportunities to form connections. 

My very first day of the program was filled with nerves, excitement and a little bit of fear. The plan was to play games, get to know the kids and just generally give time for everyone to get to know each other. Surprisingly, there was someone there who seemed to be even more nervous than I was and, funny enough, this someone ended up being my partner for the rest of the year. We sat at the same table, I introduced myself to her and the rest was history. Suddenly, shy smiles turned into big grins, which then turned into endless, uncontrollable giggles. She and I got up to all sorts of things. From trying to sneak extra snacks, to her attempting to teach me cool dance moves, to struggling over math puzzles, we formed a friendship like no other. I went in expecting to be a tutor and I left with a best friend. My experience is the reason I’m excited to be the Head of Grenoble this year. I want to help create a space where partners can hopefully foster friendships like mine and have the opportunity to enjoy and learn from each other. 

Grenoble is more than just a community partnership; it’s an opportunity to make a difference, form lasting bonds and experience the joys of helping others. As I reflect on my time with Grenoble, I can confidently say it has enriched my high school journey in ways I never anticipated. So, whether it’s the aroma of carrot muffins, the echoes of laughter, the fun games after work or the challenge of grade 5 math homework, Grenoble offers a world of experiences waiting to be explored.

Jessica Randall

Manager of Global Learning Experiences

Our newest member of the Forum for Change is Jessica Randall, who is the Manager of Global Learning Experiences. In this role, she oversees Havergal’s Exchange program and supports our Community Partnerships. This includes working with a variety of organizations in facilitating art programming, tutoring sessions and mentoring opportunities, as well as hosting food and clothing drives. “Giving back to the community is something I am really passionate about, and being able to do that while helping students find outreach activities they are passionate about is very fulfilling,” says Ms. Randall. “I am so excited to have joined such a welcoming, friendly and spirited community.”

You can find Ms. Randall in the Forum for Change office, located in the Resource Centre (the library). Students are invited to go to the Forum for Change for advice, support and guidance on a variety of things, including finding the right opportunity for them to earn their mandatory 40 hours of community service required to graduate. She also mentors students so they are prepared for what to expect while on Exchange, whether locally or abroad, and acts as a liaison with our Exchange student guests, ensuring they feel safe and comfortable while away from home.

Whether going on a global excursion through our partnership with Round Square, participating in our Exchange program or working with different communities through our local and international partnerships, Ms. Randall is available to provide guidance to our students on their journeys. These experiential learning opportunities are excellent ways for teenagers to gain self-confidence and independence as they discover Canada and the world, meet different people, make new friends and learn about other cultures as they prepare for the future beyond Havergal College. 

Principal’s Message

Dr. Katrina Samson

What a year it has been! At all levels of the school, we’ve relished in our first full year of in-person learning since the pandemic, and the feeling is joyous. From academics to co-curriculars, it’s evident that being together enhances the learning experience for students from JK to Grade 12.

While we worked to “build back better” when resuming our in-person curriculum, the students are the ones who brought their enthusiasm and openness to truly make this year one of progress. From our JK and SK students exploring collaborative play, to girls throughout the grades returning to their favourite sports and clubs or venturing out to try new things, it’s been great to see such a level of interest and engagement. Socially, too, there’s been a renewed interest in peer-to-peer school events, from dances to tournaments—it’s been wonderful to return to the on-campus experience that we all missed.

Beyond campus, students are also reconnecting with our community. Our Grade 6 students, for example, participated in a service learning experience at Holland Bloorview, in which they explored issues around ableism and designed assistive technology games that they were able to share with children at the centre and collaborate with on improvements.

Another group that has impressed us with their resilience is our Grade 12 graduating cohort. Recently, we’ve seen Grade 12 students presenting their final Global Learning and Leading Diploma research, Chemistry students sharing their poster projects, and students showcasing their final academic art and music performances. The high quality of work was only matched by the thoughtful and generous feedback they provided each other.

To me, these academic culminating events are just one reflection of the overall character of this graduating class. They made it their goal this year to set a tone of optimism, spirit and inclusion. As a class, they are always looking for ways to come together and model belonging for their younger peers. Whether it was Beatstock, athletic assemblies, athletics games, Relay for Life or COSSOT social events, this graduating class did a great job of modelling what it is to show up and inspire their younger peers with their social leadership and school pride. As a cohort, their experience as seniors in high school was so significantly disrupted: they had to hear about and borrow from past generations what these years should feel like, and yet they managed to also craft their own version of the graduate experience. That takes courage and creativity.

As the Grads move into the next phase of their journey post-graduation, I hope they take time to reflect on the momentum they created here and how they will build on it as they venture forward individually and together as Old Girls/Alums! When they reflect on their accomplishments, I suspect they’ll find much to draw on from their experiences together and be able to envision for themselves a future that’s full of the same energy they’ve manifested for all of us this year. In this, our last edition of Inside Havergal for the 2022-23 school year, I want to thank you, our community, for your support of Havergal, your belief in our mission and your championing of our girls!

Katrina

Message from the Board of Governors

Debbie Simpson, Chair of the Board of Governors

The end of another action-packed school year approaches; seems like the blink of an eye and here we are, the last Inside Havergal message from the Board for the year. It has been a spectacular year so far with the restart of all our sports and social activities. For this, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Havergal community, Dr. Katrina Samson, the Senior Leadership Team, faculty and staff, as well as to the entire Board of Governors and Committee members for their unwavering support in ramping back to the amazing full Havergal experience that we all know and love. 

In keeping with the school’s heritage of traditions, the Board invited student leaders to the April meeting to share their perspectives on the year. We were joined by Claire Radin (School Captain), Beats Tura (Sports Prefect) and Maddy Cunningham (Wellbeing Prefect). Claire, Beats and Maddy enthusiastically spoke of the main focuses for this year’s student leadership team: improving bonding between grades; creating a sense of belonging for everyone; sharing their love for the school; encouraging spirit and participation; soliciting and elevating student input focused on inclusivity and leveraging solutions-based feedback; helping new students join the community; and honouring and celebrating traditions. This year’s leaders created a sense of belonging for everyone and opportunities to be heard while elevating a strong emphasis on wellbeing.  

It was inspiring to listen to Claire, Beats and Maddy’s enthusiasm and fresh approach to broadening the leadership base to make all this possible. This year’s leadership team has encouraged and supported our students in raising funds and awareness for Kids Help Phone’s Hockey 4 Health campaign leading up to Hockey Day 2023. With their admirable commitment to having a long-lasting impact, the Class of 2023 Grad Gift Fund will be dedicated to professional development for faculty in the area of mental health. It was not only a pleasure to have these outstanding young leaders join us at the Board meeting, but it was also a learning and truly insightful experience—thank you Claire, Beats and Maddy! Please share our gratitude with the whole student leadership team.  

As this school year heads to a conclusion, Dr. Katrina Samson and her team have completed the first year we have been fully open since 2019. It has been so wonderful to see treasured events return such as Celebration Saturday, in-person Carol Service and the whole school participating in Founders’ Day, as well as sports and performing arts scheduling and inter-school trips like CAIS basketball and OFSAA. It’s so magical to have our community back and celebrating together again. The Senior Leadership Team and some of our community have been working hard on the Strategic Framework, which will be rolled out to the wider community by the fall of 2023. The Board has been engaged in this process and is delighted with the progress and the work that has been done over the past year; personally, I have not seen such an inclusive, thoughtful and engaging approach. Members of our leadership team are champions of Havergal’s values of integrity, inquiry, compassion and courage. As strong advocates for the advancement of young women and children, we can feel the benefit of the team’s focus on innovation, wellbeing and experiential learning—many thanks to everyone who has been involved so far.

Last but certainly not least, I would like to acknowledge our 2023 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 know you will forever be a part of the Havergal community and fabric. As you venture beyond the ivy, our very best wishes and immense support and cheers accompany you on the road ahead.

As always, no message would be complete without a polite reminder that for any donation inquiries, please reach out to Havergal’s Executive Director of Advancement, Annette Paul ([email protected]), to find out how you can participate.

Best wishes to everyone for an amazing summer ahead!

Debbie

An Announcement from the Board of Governors

As the final school semester nears its end, we reflect upon our accomplishments over the past year before turning the page to a new chapter in September. Simultaneously, our Board of Governors also turns the page as current Board Chair, Debbie Simpson, will transition her leadership role to incoming Chair, Jill Fraser (Class of 1987).

Debbie joined the Board of Governors in 2014 and assumed the position of Board Chair in September 2020. During her tenure, she has been steadfast in her role, steering us through the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic in concert with our Senior Leadership Team (SLT), supporting the transition and onboarding of two principals, as well as guiding our capital infrastructure projects through completion and opening in the fall of 2020. Most recently, she contributed to a successful visit with the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) Peer Review Team and championed the strategic planning process. Her open, transparent and decisive guidance has seen Havergal through key milestones, while her excellent governance lens ensured the Board remained focused on strategic matters and fiduciary oversight of the school. Prior to her appointment as Board Chair, Debbie served as Chair of the Financial Sustainability Committee of the Board for four years as the school’s Master Plan came to fruition. We sincerely thank Debbie for her incredible leadership and dedication, despite a demanding professional workload, and are pleased that she will remain on the Board of Governors. 

Following the Annual General Meeting in late September, we will officially welcome Jill Fraser to the role of Board Chair. Jill has served on the Board of Governors since 2018 and is currently Chair of the Planning and Priorities Task Force, which oversees the strategic planning process. Jill graduated from Havergal in 1987 and her daughter is a graduate of the Class of 2021. She is a partner at Aird & Berlis LLP and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and Financial Services Group. In her role as Board Chair, Jill will be focused on ensuring the school’s long-term strength, reinforcing the Board’s role in providing strategic oversight and supporting the SLT with launching a new strategic plan in the fall. Jill has more than 25 years of experience practicing law, and we look forward to the expertise and leadership she will bring to her new role on the Board. 

Celebration Saturday Save-the-Date

You’re invited to Celebration Saturday, a day filled with fun, community and purpose!

Join us on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 9 am to 1 pm on campus for an action-packed day that has lasting impact.

The entire Havergal community, including students, faculty and staff, Old Girls/Alum and parents are welcome to attend this all-community event.

Experience fun activities, delicious food and great music while raising funds to support our community partners and showcasing our school’s mission, vision and values. This event is the perfect opportunity to connect with peers from different grades, strengthen our sense of belonging and demonstrate our commitment to community outreach, partnership and support.

Stay tuned for more details and mark your calendars!

A Year of Prideful Joy at the Junior School

Kate White, Head of Junior School

As we approach our final weeks of school, we reflect on what Dr. Samson describes as “prideful joy.” This marks the first time in three years where our students, families, faculty and staff have been able to come together in-person for the full school year. It has most definitely been a year of “building back” across all areas of Havergal life. 

Academic Learning

We have taken full advantage of our beautiful learning spaces in the new building, allowing our teachers to plan even more engaging and enriching programming for our students. Some highlights of this include welcoming a number of artists in residence such as Marissa Magneson, a Cree-Métis artist and educator; Dr. J.S. Kofi Gbolonyo, Lecturer in African Music and African Studies And Director of UBC African Music and Dance; Mitch Bondy, a musical clinician who worked with our Primary Choir; and Marjie Chud, a professional theatre artist and artist educator. In STEM, through a process of inquiry, students in Grade 5 found two separate solutions for identifying black plastic so that it could properly be recycled. They presented their work not only to the Junior and Upper School during Prayers, but also to Toronto’s Deputy Mayor. Students in Grade 1 integrated the arts, math and science to design and build their very own dream bedrooms. Students in Grade 6 partnered with the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Centre to co-create midway games that were fun and accessible, while students in Grades 2 to 4 visited Variety Village to learn more about accessibility in sports.  

Co-Curricular Experiences

We have been able to offer a full range of co-curricular opportunities through performing arts, athletics and club programming, with our highest registration numbers yet! Our Primary and Junior Choirs absolutely shined in this year’s Christmas Concert at St. Paul’s Bloor Street church, and we had over 60 students participate in the Junior School Musical: “101 Dalmatians,” both on and off stage. Our athletics program was a rousing success this year, with students participating in everything from multi-sport, to swimming, cross-country, track and field, soccer, softball, volleyball, basketball and, for the very first time this year, Ultimate! And, who can forget the Junior School Hockey Team winning their half-time game at the Mattamy Centre on Hockey Day, or their historic time playing in the UCC annual boys school hockey tournament (and coming out undefeated)! Finally, it was such a pleasure to have students take part in a wide array of clubs, where they honed their coding skills, learned the art of public speaking, tried out new recipes and so much more!

Community Building Events

Finally, it was such a thrill to bring back and start new traditions that served to bring our community together across the bridge. Hana Ley, our Junior School Prefect, and Ms. Watt were instrumental in finding ways for us to connect and really feel like a whole school, from JK to Grade 12. This included: impromptu dance parties at morning drop-off, Upper School students regularly presenting in Prayers, arranging for our Grade 5s to present their incredible Flash mob in Upper School Prayers, accompanying our kindergarten students to the Boarding School for trick or treating, bringing back the Haverbuddies’ pen-pal program, organizing the Kindergarten-Grad Tea and helping us practise the Junior School Cheer for House Shout.

As we look forward to next year, we are grateful for all this year has brought and are eagerly anticipating what lies ahead.

A Year of Opportunities at the Middle School

Cissy Goodridge, Head of Middle School

As I reflect upon the past year, I am delighted to share the accomplishments of our students. With pandemic restrictions lifted, we have returned to regular school life and our students have seized the opportunities available to them.

One achievement is the growth of our co-curricular program. Across all areas, our participation numbers reached an all-time high. Walking through the Middle School hallway, you would be struck by the atmosphere—filled with the sounds of laughter, music and students preparing for their French conversation tests. 

Outside, the fields are alive with soccer matches, field hockey games and the ever-popular Ultimate matches. We are proud of our U13 Softball Team, who faced an unexpected challenge when their league folded early in the year. Thankfully, they were able to join the U14 league and went on to secure third place in the championships. Our U14 Softball Team claimed first place! It was a fine finish to a rocky start to the season. The successes continued as our U13 Basketball Team took first place in the CISAA championships.

In the Arts, our students showcased their talents in two drama productions. Our fall show featured more than 70 student participants and our spring mini musical revue saw the participation of over 40 students. These productions not only provide a creative outlet, but also serve as a means for our students to connect, forge new friendships and explore their artistic abilities. This year, our music program continued to excel, with the band returning to competition and an outstanding spring concert that featured the talents of every Middle School student.

With the return to regular programming, so too has our Exchange program. This year, some of our Grade 8 students travelled to Edinburgh (Scotland), London (England) and Rickmansworth (England). Students who went on exchange also hosted their exchange partners here at Havergal. 

During our Form time, students engaged in various wellbeing activities. Whether it was working with our Drama specialist Mark Uhre—who taught students how to use their voice to resolve conflicts—or learning about envy or procrastination, students were able to take away important life skills that could be used immediately. Form time also served as an opportunity for connection and fun, thanks to the efforts of our Student Council. They organized a multitude of enjoyable activities, including door decorating contests, cookie decorating sessions and a movie night.

As we say goodbye to the year, we celebrate the activities that have expanded our students’ experience beyond their academic classes. These experiences nurtured new friendships, created lasting memories and provided invaluable life lessons. We look forward to the 2023-24 school year and all the possibilities it holds for our students.

Rekindled Connections in the Senior School

Deirdre Timusk, Head of Senior School

Reflecting on the past year at Havergal, the Senior School perspective highlights a multitude of memorable events that brought the community together. From Hockey Day and Semi-Formals, to the cherished traditions of Carol Service and Celebration Saturday, students were happy to be reunited with familiar faces from the Junior School as well as alumni and newcomers. Yet, amidst these grand occasions, it was the smaller, often overlooked moments that truly defined the essence of Havergal.  

Rekindling connections took centre stage this year with each grade embarking on a camp adventure. Havergal students discovered they did not know as many students in their grade as they thought they did. Whether the students went to Campfire Circle, or Camp New Moon, students embraced the opportunity to make new friends and deepen existing friendships. As Grade 11 student Callia astutely noted, “I am finishing off this school year proud to say that I have expanded my circle of friends, gone out of my comfort zone and met amazing new people along the way.”

These connections are what make Havergal special. Seeing the bonds that develop between the Grade 12s and the Grade 7s over the course of the year amplifies the distinctive character of our school. Serving as role models for both our Middle and Junior Schools, our senior students embody the spirit and enthusiasm that define Havergal. Nowhere is this more evident that during House Shout, a spirited gathering that unites the whole school community in celebration. 

Looking back over the past year, it is clear that Havergal’s magic lies not only in the large events but also in the smaller, daily interactions that enrich the lives of students. Those moments of laughter in the hallway, sitting in the quad in the springtime or cheering on one of our performances or games are what help to connect us to each other and make Havergal a remarkable place to learn, grow and belong. 

Top Ten Life Lessons to the Graduating Marguerites*

Junior School Teachers Raeme Lockington and Britney Coleman

*A Marguerite is a Havergal student who has been at Havergal since JK, SK or Grade 1. These students have spent the last 12 to 14 years learning together.

On May 2, we had the distinct honour of sharing some life lessons with this year’s Marguerites at a celebration commemorating their time at Havergal. These lessons were inspired by our fond memories of our time with the graduating class while they were in the Junior School.

At this event, we offered the following words of wisdom we think will guide them in their future endeavours: 

Sincerely,

Ms. Lockington, Ms. Coleman and the rest of your Junior School teachers 

Green & Gold Shop Summer Closures

The Green & Gold Shop will be closed for the summer starting on Friday, June 16 until Tuesday, August 8, 2023. It will also be closed on Friday, September 1 for the long weekend.

Please ensure you order any necessary uniform items before the shop closes to ensure you have it for the first day of school.

Moms’ Night Out Recap

On Wednesday, May 24, many Havergal moms gathered at CIBO Wine Bar for the HCPA’s annual Moms’ Night Out (MNO). This lively, sold-out event gave people the chance to catch up and make new connections while enjoying drinks and appetizers. Use this link to see photos from the event (passcode: Havergal). 

Many thanks to MNO Cho-Chairs and Vice-Chairs Mary Dean, Mekhul Verma, Zubina Mawji Dahya and Nadene Riopelle. Not only did they plan a fantastic evening, they did so under pressure after their first choice of venues fell through. If you have feedback or ideas for next year’s MNO, please share with Zubina ([email protected]) or Nadene ([email protected]).

Pre-Loved Uniform Collection

Wednesday, June 14

Don’t miss your last chance this school year to clean out closets and donate gently loved uniforms items. On Wednesday, June 14, volunteers will be in the drop-off lane of the Upper School to take your donations from 7:30 to 8 am. Alternatively, you can drop items off in the Ellen Knox library from 8:30 am until 12 noon.  

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

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

Upper School Used Textbook Collection

Wednesday, June 14

On Wednesday, June 14, the Canadian School Book Exchange (CSBE) will be at Havergal to accept donations of used textbooks and other books (including novels, cookbooks, coffee table books, etc.). Volunteers will be positioned in the drop-off area of the laneway from 7:30 to 8 am to collect books right from your car or you can bring your books directly to the Ellen Knox Library from 8:30 am until 12 noon.

Here’s how to do it:

Please ensure your textbooks are placed in a sealed box with the Return Authorization Number and/or QR code slips inside. For multiple boxes, please place a printed copy of the QR code in each box. Your personal books (e.g. novels) can be simply packed in a box–no QR code is required for these.

Goodbye to Havergal and the Class of 2023!

Claire Radin, School Captain 2022-23

It feels strange to be writing a goodbye letter to the place where I have grown into the person who is writing this. A million things rush through my mind. I am not ready to leave; I will miss all these people. I don’t know who I am without this place. I cannot wrap it around my head that my time decking myself out in green and gold has come to a close. The end has been hovering over me since the beginning of the year, with my Grads, crying together at Campfire Circle because of the collective realization that everything this year would be our last. 

To say goodbye to Havergal is to say goodbye to a childhood full of laughing at each other and ourselves, learning how to become the people we want to be and just living life in the good old days.

To the school:

Thank you for turning me into a person I am proud to be. The older students and my teachers taught me to have respect; the people in my grade taught me how invaluable friendship is; my classmates taught me about teamwork and how hard work can also be a lot of fun! Having the chance to grow up in an environment where it is cool to try, to be smart and to be spirited is something that I will always cherish. 

To our teachers:

I cannot thank you enough! Thank you for all the after-class conversations, for the advice, for accepting the nicknames we coined for you and for calling us out when the “senioritis” peaked. A special thank-you should go to Ms. Marshall and Ms. Pang for keeping our quiet room secrets.

To the student body:

Your love and gratitude for each other, your teachers and staff, and our lovely school has made being inside these ivy walls for the past nine months extremely special. I am always inspired by your intellectual curiosity, enthusiasm and love for each other and for our school. It has been so nice to be around people who also want to be at school and love Havergal. I will miss losing myself in the sea of green and gold. 

To my fellow Grads:

Grads, thank you for the best times of my life and for giving me 120+ more siblings. It makes me so sad that we won’t be together as this exact group again for a while. I will always miss walking into the Grad Common Room and joining a random conversation, submitting every English assessment in the class before that in-class deadline, and coming together on the first day of summer break to “pass the torch.” I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to get to know such a thoughtful, intelligent, fun-loving, hilarious group of people.

From the copious tears about graduating and multiple teachers needing to convince us that university will be fun, I think it is safe to say that Havergal will be dearly missed by us Grads. 

You meet so many people who say high school wasn’t their time or place, and it definitely can be a difficult time and there is a lot to figure out, but I think it is a wonderful thing that high school can also be a time you loved and had some of the best memories and we are so fortunate. 

I am so excited to see the places we go and the people we become. Gators forever!

Claire

Mohammed Abdul-Ghani

Director of Facilities

Mr. Abdul-Ghani joined Havergal College in July 2022 as the Director of Facilities. He has had a progressive career in healthcare Facilities Management, with roles at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and, more recently, with Sinai Health System (Mount Sinai Hospital). He has managed the construction of multi-million Public Private Partnership (P3) contracts, developed objective capital spending plans and supported the facilities master planning team.

Mr. Abdul-Ghani brings an excellent skill set to Havergal College, including: mentoring and leading a multidisciplinary team, managing large-scale facilities in a 24/7 environment, as well as planning and executing a variety of capital projects. He has vast amounts of knowledge in operations, maintenance and energy management. Over the years, he has fostered and developed strong working relationships with consultants and contractors to meet many challenging facilities needs and sustainability goals. As part of his commitment to operational excellence, one of Mr. Abdul-Ghani’s goals is to help Havergal College achieve its sustainability goals and provide the students with a safe and comfortable learning environment.

Mr. Abdul-Ghani holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario. He also acquired the Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate, and became a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) to enhance and expand his skill sets.

In his personal life, he has a strong passion for health and fitness. He is also a big fan of soccer, which he plays as a holding midfielder or as a right winger. Mr. Abdul-Ghani watches the Premier League and is an Arsenal fan. One of his bucket list items is to travel to England to watch a soccer game.

Principal’s Message

Dr. Katrina Samson

For schools, June is akin to New Year’s Eve. The closer we get to the start of summer, the more we start looking back and taking stock of accomplishments. Like the end of the calendar year, we take this time in schools to encourage our students to reflect on how much they’ve changed and grown over the year. We celebrate the official moments in school with ceremonies and awards, and so we should—it’s an exciting moment when you win an award, cross the bridge from Grade 6 to the Middle School or cross the stage at graduation. At Havergal, we also want to encourage celebration of those less formal moments. Maybe a student didn’t do as well on the math test as she hoped, but she’s really come a long way since the beginning of the long division unit. We can’t all be valedictorian, but we can all experience the pride that comes from having made it through a grade as a cohort, to have developed new friendships and mastered a new skill.

In this issue, we’re focusing on celebrating the journey. For instance, the movement from the Junior School to the Middle School is a significant transition, with the newfound independence of moving from a core classroom and teacher to eight different teachers with the new responsibilities and new choices. We also begin to celebrate that independence by supporting the Grade 5s as they look ahead to leadership responsibilities that come with being in Grade 6, and the Grade 8s as they look toward their transition into the Senior School. So, while this time of year is often focused on Graduation Day, it’s also about taking time to recognize and appreciate the process of learning. 

In the Boarding School, this time of year is also about reflection and appreciating the transformative learning experience our girls have had. Boarding students experience tremendous growth and confidence as they learn how to live away from home: from setting up their rooms, to developing essential study habits, to learning to live with a roommate. These skills help make the university transition much easier. Our Boarders come from around the world and are fortunate to get to share their experiences, cultures and values with each other.

This idea of focusing on the journey rather than the destination is part of the growth mindset that we cultivate at Havergal. It’s about recognizing the steps that add up to overall progress and teaching girls to evaluate success on their own terms. To see that growth and challenge are also part of success, and to be grateful for what we learn along the way are important skills. So we aptly take this time, our version of New Year’s Eve, to reflect on moments of growth and to celebrate how far we’ve come. 

Katrina

Message from the Board of Governors

Diane Jeffreys, Chair of the Financial Sustainability Committee  

The Financial Sustainability Committee is a committee of the Board of Governors. Our primary mandate is to safeguard the long-term financial sustainability of Havergal College. As Chair of the Financial Sustainability Committee, I have the pleasure of working in partnership with an engaged group of volunteers, as well as Havergal’s Chief Operations Officer, Laura Sims, and Executive Director of Finance, Johann McCormack.

Our committee members include current and past parents and senior leaders in the community. We look to involve a mix of individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and financial experience. This provides the opportunity to bring a diverse perspective to discussions and broad insights in support of the financial decisions the school makes.

The Financial Sustainability Committee is working with the Planning & Priorities Taskforce and Havergal’s leadership team to ensure that the financial plans are in place to support the long-term strategic direction of the school.

As a dedicated committee, we continue to focus on overseeing and monitoring Havergal’s financial plan, both short and long-term. This involves balancing the interests of multiple stakeholders including students, parents, staff and faculty, and—like all good financial plans—is a balancing act requiring careful consideration of a series of trade-offs. The topics that we regularly discuss include:

As the Chair of the Financial Sustainability Committee, I am happy to report that Havergal continues to be financially strong, benefiting from a disciplined, responsible and thoughtful approach to fiscal responsibility.

Diane

Celebrating and Supporting Our Middle Years Students

Cissy Goodridge, Head of Middle School, and Kate White, Head of Junior School

For students transitioning from Grade 6 to 7 and from Grade 8 to 9, the spring represents an exciting time as they celebrate the culmination of their elementary and middle school years. Many are optimistically looking forward to greater independence, making new friends, engaging in different learning and leadership opportunities, as well as participating in new athletic teams, artistic endeavours, community partnerships, clubs and exchanges. At the same time, it is not uncommon for students to express worries as they think about learning new routines and expectations, getting to know different teachers and figuring out how they will navigate unfamiliar spaces and what the experience will actually be like!

Members of our transition team—which is composed of the Heads of the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools, and Ms. Watt (JS Assistant Head), teachers on both sides of the bridge, Learning Support and the Guidance Department—understand the complexity of this journey. Their goal is to support both new and returning students and families in every aspect of this transition in order to make it as smooth as possible. Together, they aim to: 

While many of our Grade 7 and Grade 9 students are not new to Havergal, we are keenly aware that a number are new to the community. As such, each activity and experience is thoughtfully and intentionally designed so students feel a strong sense of community, confidence and belonging from the onset. 

Some highlights of the transition process include: 

We are so excited to welcome ALL of our Grade 7s and 9s next year, and we look forward to working in partnership with all of our students. Our role is to support our students as they journey through the school and develop into the future leaders of tomorrow.

The Boarding School: Havergal’s Home Away from Home

Nicole Folkes, Head of Boarding

Havergal’s Boarding School is a unique urban educational experience that offers students an immersive environment to develop academically, personally and socially. Boarding provides students with a supportive community that encourages growth and fosters a sense of belonging. 

One of the key benefits of the Boarding School is our strong focus on student wellbeing. The Boarding Team works in partnership with parents, faculty, guidance counsellors, social workers and nurses to monitor and support our students in the six areas outlined in the Havergal Wellbeing Framework. Our program is proactive and individualized to each student and based upon relationships of mutual respect and understanding. The Boarding experience allows our students to develop skills reflected in the school’s Portrait of a Grad and sets the stage for lifelong wellbeing.  

Another area of focus is cross-grade social connections. We recognize that these connections are critical to student success and a key component of a Boarding community. By creating opportunities for students from different grade levels to interact and work together in advisory groups, we create an inclusive home-like environment. 

The Boarding School also offers a range of excursions and programming that allow students to navigate Toronto and take advantage of the many activities, cultural and niche programs available in an urban city. These excursions provide students with the chance to build independence, explore new neighbourhoods and learn about different cultures and the wider community. These programs and initiatives are designed to empower our students to lead. Student leaders partner with staff and collaborate with other Boarding schools to provide students with fun activities and service projects. 

Havergal College is a special place for Boarding students. If you ask students what makes it special to them, they will all have a unique answer. From their favourite study space in the building, their most anticipated community event of the year, to the excitement of having the opportunity to hang out with Day and Boarding School friends in their room for 10 months in a year, Havergal is home.  

Learning on a Global Scale at the Round Square Ashbury Conference 

Garth Nichols, Vice Principal of Experiential Education and Innovation

In February, five Havergal students travelled to Ottawa to take part in the Round Square Regional Conference, hosted by Ashbury College. The theme was “Living Canada’s North” and featured several incredible speakers from author and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Sheila Watt-Cloutier, Northwest Territory’s senator Margaret Dawn-Anderson, and Olympian and Indigenous activist Waneek Horn-Miller. In the words of one of our Havergal delegates: “Speakers and panelists spoke about their experiences and knowledge in regard to climate change, Indigenous issues, knowledge, representation and advocacy, and many focused on how to ethically and responsibly fight climate change. Hearing from so many speakers was one of my personal highlights from this conference and helped me gain so much new knowledge from diverse perspectives.”

Round Square conferences are a dynamic mix of critical thinking and discussion, adventure, networking and fun. One of our Havergal delegates reflected that, “We had the special opportunity to make friends with people from schools around the world, like the US, Colombia, Romania, Australia, Kenya and more! After we listened to a speaker or took part in an activity, we then discussed our experiences within Baraza groups: a space where individuals can have a free discussion with other students in small groups, where everyone’s opinion is valued equally. By unpacking what we learned in these groups, we were able to have our ideas challenged and further developed to gain a more nuanced understanding of the topic at hand. It was incredibly valuable to dissect topics with people from all different kinds of backgrounds, as we were able to explore different perspectives and critically examine what we thought we knew.”

With the resounding success of this regional conference, we are excited to embark on the application process for Round Square’s International Conference later in October 2023. The Round Square International Conference is an annual event run by, and for, students aged 16 to 18. It is hosted in different cities from around the world with students from different schools hosting each time. This year’s conference will be hosted by Brookhouse School in Nairobi, Kenya, where we will once again be face-to-face with students from other partner schools for the 54th Round Square International Conference.

The theme for the conference is “The New Africa,” which will allow us to explore many ways the continent has evolved and is defining its position in the 21st century. Brookhouse is planning a programme of keynotes and panel discussions that will highlight an array of African innovators. The conference will be hosted jointly across Brookhouse’s two campuses in Nairobi. Brookhouse families will provide homestay accommodation and a first-hand experience of African hospitality for student delegates. 

The conference will come together for the opening and closing days, while the Adventure, Service and Democracy days will provide smaller group opportunities on a rotation of activities across the middle three days of the conference. These activities will be hosted at the two Brookhouse campuses in Karen and Runda. The Adventure Day will feature a night under African skies and camping in the Nairobi National Park with wildlife game drives and an environmental conservation focus. The Havergal participants look forward to the adventure next October!

HCPA Spring Marketplace

If you don’t already have your daughter’s school photo displayed in a beautiful Havergal frame, it’s not too late! The HCPA is pleased to offer one last opportunity this school year to purchase these silver frames.

Frames, which feature the Havergal crest embossed on a green matte, are available in both 5 x 7, 8 x 10, diploma and class composite/marguerite collage sizes. Learn more about how to get yours here. Please submit your order by Friday, May 5. Details regarding distribution will be communicated separately.

Moms’ Night Out!

With the unexpected news that Nordstrom is closing all Canadian stores, Moms’ Night Out (MNO) organizers have been busy finding another venue suitable for hosting this popular HC event. The good news is that MNO will now held on Wednesday, May 24 from 7:30 to 10 pm at CIBO Wine Bar (Yonge/Eglinton location). Thanks to organizers Mekhul Verma, Mary Dean, Nadene Riopelle and Zubina Mawji for working tirelessly to make sure Havergal moms can enjoy a fun evening catching up with friends and making new connections!

Watch for an official invitation with a link to purchase tickets early next month!

Gator Gala Recap

The 2023 Gator Gala was a sweet success! Thanks to everyone who came out to the Upper School’s Candyland-themed event and enjoyed the evening’s many treats, including the delicious meal, the 360 photo booth, the amazing DJs and the abundance of treats.

Thanks also for everyone’s support of the Gator Gala Silent Auction! We raised over $23,000, which will be put toward the HCPA’s commitment to the Limitless Campaign.

This special evening couldn’t have happened without the hard work of the Gator Gala committee, led by co-chairs Jennifer Newton and Charlotte Stanley.

Photo can be viewed here:

Follow @GatorGala23 on Instagram to see more candids taken by our parent volunteer Vivian Silverson.

All About House Shout 

Taylor Neldner, Agnes Hansen House Captain and Head House Captain

House is an integral part of Havergal. Every Tuesday morning in the Upper School, Houses (groups of staff, faculty and students from Grades 7 to 12) gather and spend time bonding as a community. These time periods consist of everything from “House Breakfasts” to inter-House games where each group competes for “House Points.” Students engage in friendly competitions throughout the year for points and it culminates in House Shout: a cheer-off between Houses. 

Some may think House Shout is merely reworking memorable song lyrics into jingles that feature inside jokes about your House and adding some jazz hands to top it all off. Those who have experienced it, however, understand that House Shout is a symphony of carefully chosen songs centering around a theme that ties into what makes your House unique. Carefully choreographed dances and formations often bear resemblance to cheerleading routines with each House adding their own creative stamp or flourish. In the weeks leading up to the monumental event, students spend hours as a House perfecting each piece of their performance. 

House Captains lead their Houses through the practices, encouraging spirit as the big day approaches. When House Shout arrives, students come to school dressed in flamboyant outfits that best showcase their House colours, often involving tutus, temporary hair dye and layers upon layers of clothing. 

As the entire Havergal community gathers together on the Ratcliffe Field, the event starts with a cheer by the Junior School. Following this, each Upper School House group showcases their cheer, hoping if they scream loud enough and dance big enough, they might just come out with House Shout’s winning token: a plethora of House points that could catapult your House to winning the House Banner. The overall winner of the year-long House competition will get their name added to the House Banner thereby entrenching themselves in Havergal’s history. This year, House Shout is sure to be the best one yet! Join us on May 18 on the Ratcliffe Field or, for those who can’t come to campus, tune in to Havergal’s Facebook page to view the live feed at http://www.facebook.com/havergalcollege. 

Get ready for some fun, Havergal!