Welcome
Havergal’s Boarding School is a supportive community that allows students to focus on their academic pursuits along with their social, emotional and physical wellbeing.
50
Boarders
From Canada and around the world.
5
Boarding Dons
Living full-time on-campus at the Boarding School.
10
Junior Dons
Providing leadership opportunities to Boarders.
Located in the Upper School, the Boarding School provides unique experiences filled with opportunities for girls to learn, grow and make lifelong friends. Boarding students are fully engaged in our student body and school life through classroom learning, co-curricular programs, teams, clubs and other school activities. Havergal has been welcoming Boarding students (Grades 9 to 12) into our community since 1894. While they come from approximately 20 different countries, Boarders share many qualities: an enthusiasm for acquiring an excellent education, an openness to experience new situations and adventures, and an aptitude for hard work and good fun.
Experience
Our Campus
Havergal is located on a beautiful 22-acre campus in Toronto, Canada. With the largest girls’ independent school campus in the city, Havergal features a natural protected tree-lined ravine, playing fields and a combination of heritage and modern architecture, with state-of-the-art facilities that provide the setting for our superior academic programs and co-curricular activities. The Boarding School is located in the top floors of the Upper School building, providing Boarding students with unique access to all that Havergal has to offer.






Meet the Boarding Team
Our Boarding team consists of the Head of Boarding and Boarding Dons. Our Dons are dynamic individuals, many with teaching and coaching experience. They live with the Boarders and liaise between students, parents and the Day School. Our Head of Boarding ensures that each student receives the individualized care and support they need to thrive at Havergal.
Laura Franks
Head of Boarding
Ms. Franks brings a myriad of professional experiences to her position as the Head of Havergal’s Boarding School. In the 25 years that so far inform Laura’s professional practice, she has taught in IB schools and is IB trained. Laura has also worked in the design and delivery of AP courses as an AP Coordinator. As well, Ms. Franks has worked as a Senior Educational Leader and teacher at both domestic and international schools, including West Island College International Class Afloat. This experiential learning opportunity for high school students takes place on a tall ship that travels around the world. Ms. Frank’s experience in an all-girls’ environment is informed by her work as a Senior Science Teacher at The Study in Montreal, QC and Head of House at Branksome Hall Asia in Jeju, Korea. Laura attended Queen’s University where she earned a B.Sc. (Honours) in Life Science, a B.Ed. (Biology/Chemistry) and a Special Education Specialist Additional Qualification. She completed her graduate degree in Educational Leadership & Administration (M.A.) at McGill University.
Claire Davis
Weekend Don
Ms. Davis has been with Havergal College for more than 20 years. She originally started with our summer camp program and after two summers found her way to the Boarding School, where she has remained since then. Working as the Weekend Don, Ms. Davis has managed to build strong relationships with Boarders over the many years she has been with Havergal. Ms. Davis continues to guide and develop our Boarding students to this day. During the week, Ms. Davis works as a Teacher’s Assistant at Lawrence Heights Middle School.
Sabrina Bellissimo
Boarding Don
This is Ms. Bellissimo’s first year as a Boarding Don at Havergal. Having grown up in Toronto, she attended York University for her undergraduate degree, where she double majored in Dance and English Literature. Upon graduation, she went on to complete a Master’s Degree in Communications and Culture, a joint program between York University and Ryerson University. A lifelong dancer, Ms. Bellissimo spent many years both during and after her time at university teaching dance to children and teenagers in the Greater Toronto Area. Alongside a freelance writing career, she most recently worked at Toronto’s Granite Club, teaching dance along with other children’s and youth’s programs. Ms. Bellissimo is looking forward to an exciting and fulfilling year at Havergal.
Yamila Carrizo Sztainbok
Boarding Don
Ms. Carrizo Sztainbok grew up in Toronto where she began working with children and youth during her years as a Trampoline Coach and Trampoline Camp Counsellor before pursuing her undergraduate degree. She studied at the University of Toronto, where she double majored in Equity Studies and Sexual Diversity Studies, with an emphasis in Disability Studies. This led her to explore her passion of giving back to the community by volunteering at various non-profit organizations working with vulnerable populations. Most recently, Ms. Carrizo Sztainbok worked as a Residential Counsellor and Case Manager at Humewood House providing various supports to pregnant and parenting young women, teaching them life skills as well as helping them plan and build goals for their future. She is dedicated to continuing her work in empowering young women to reach their full potential.
Jane Morton
Boarding Don
Ms. Morton is from the UK, but has travelled and been working in Canada for the past three years, including last year as a Boarding Don at Havergal. She has also worked as a Camp Counsellor at Camp Tamarack, just outside of Bracebridge, Ontario for three summers and was a full time Residential Assistant at Trinity College School in Port Hope, Ontario, where she was was responsible for ensuring the 42 students under her care felt the support they needed while they lived away from home as well as designing and delivering fun and enticing programs for Boarders in their down time.
Tess Wilkins
Boarding Don
Ms. Wilkins grew up in Toronto, where she began to work with children through sports, academics and instructional programs. She graduated from Western University with a double major in Disability Studies and Community/Social Health and recently finished her Master of Education from Leeds Beckett University in England. Through her schooling, she has been inspired to further explore her interests in sports and academics, with an emphasis on inclusivity and adaption. Ms. Wilkins recently travelled for two years looking at different educational practices in countries around the world, living and focusing mainly on schools in Italy and Australia. She is excited to start working with the Boarding team and to join the Havergal community.
FAQ
What’s special about Boarding at Havergal?
Long after students graduate, Boarders and their parents will tell you that the friendships and connections formed at Havergal are lifelong. They will also highlight the tremendous academic advantages of being able to live and attend school at Havergal. Our Boarding Dons are available day and night for advice, counsel and support.
How does Havergal support the Boarders’ academic progress?
Life as a Havergal Boarder is a balance between study time and leisure time to pursue co-curricular and outside interests. Boarders have supervised study time each evening and enjoy extended access to the Reta Weston Resource Centre and computer labs. When Boarders need extra assistance, the Dons are a willing and very helpful resource. Boarding staff work closely with teachers, guidance counsellors, health care providers, parents and staff to ensure that each Boarder reaches their academic goals and potential. Parents are informed of their child’s progress on a regular basis.
How do you help prepare Boarders for life after Havergal?
Havergal’s Boarding School hosts many educational and skill development events throughout each year. Special opportunities are offered for student leaders including Leadership Training Workshops and Activities.
Who looks after a Boarder’s wellbeing?
At Havergal, you are never very far from friends, supporters or advisors. One of the most significant outcomes of attending school away from home is increased self-reliance and the development of social confidence to adapt to new situations. To help students develop these essential skills, each Boarder is a member of a smaller Boarding group headed by a Don and two Junior Dons (student leaders). The Don is in regular contact with her ‘group members’, and acts as an advisor, mentor, role model and leader. The Junior Dons assist the Dons and help plan activities for Boarders throughout the year.
The School’s Guidance Counsellors establish links with each Boarder, helping and monitoring their progress. The Boarding staff maintains ongoing communications with parents and guardians to inform them of their child’s accomplishments.
The Boarding School maintains around-the-clock security, with Dons on duty all the time. Boarders have full access to healthcare through the onsite Health Centre. The Food Services staff is attuned to the nutritional needs of each student, and laundry and room cleaning services facilitate each student’s comfort. Every night, after study time, a range of activities are offered, including aerobics, games and yoga.
As a multi-faith school with Anglican roots, Boarders from various cultural and religious backgrounds attend Havergal. Boarding staff will support Boarders’ religious practices and assist them in finding a place of worship that best suits them. The Upper School also has a Chapel, a quiet place for prayer and spiritual reflection.
What sports, arts and other activities may a Boarder pursue?
All activities offered by Havergal are available to Boarders, including a wide assortment of clubs, sports teams, music opportunities plus a vast array of co-curricular activities. Arrangements may also be made to pursue special interests outside of the school’s offerings, such as tennis or horseback riding lessons. All Havergal students are actively encouraged to participate in community initiatives at local partner schools and other Toronto organizations. In addition, the Dons and Junior Dons organize various games, crafts and workshops on a weekly basis, as well as monthly off-campus excursions.
What can Boarders do on the weekends?
We regularly organize activities on the weekends. These activities can include going to a movie, visiting a local cultural attraction, partaking in a shopping trip or other adventure.
Boarders may also organize outings themselves with their friends. Boarders must get permission from the Boarding staff and must sign-out and back in with the Don on duty in the Boarding Office. These optional activities are balanced with the need for rest and relaxation on weekends.
May I stay at the school during the Christmas and March Break holidays?
The Boarding School is closed during the Christmas and March Break holidays and there are no organized trips. Parents and/or guardians will need to make arrangements for their children during these holidays.
Are Boarders fully integrated into the school community?
Havergal is committed to ensuring that Boarders feel they are important and fully engaged with the student body. Boarders and Day students get to know one another during orientation and through their shared school days, in assemblies, House Teacher Advisor Groups, on teams and clubs and by participating in school and community events. Each year, student leaders within Boarding plan special events and dinners.
What are the accommodations like?
Comfortable accommodation is provided in bright, airy rooms overlooking gardens and sports areas. In most cases, Boarders will have a roommate in their dorm room. Boarders also have access to a large, sunny common room, a favourite gathering place furnished with easy chairs, couches, a foosball table and a media centre. There is a separate study room with desktop computers and other common spaces for gatherings throughout Boarding.
Will I have my own bathroom and shower?
Bathrooms and showers are communal. Typically you will share a shower and toilet with two or three other students. You will only need to bring your own toiletries and towels. You may also want to bring a pair of flip-flops or plastic sandals for walking to and from the shower.
How can I do laundry at school? Will someone do it for me?
Laundry service is available Monday through Friday and is covered by your school fees. We have fantastic housekeeping staff who will do your laundry for you during the school day. You will also have access to a laundry room that you can use during your free time in the evenings and on weekends should you prefer to do your own laundry. We will provide a tutorial at the beginning of the year on how to use the machines.
Do I need to bring my own bedding?
You will need to supply your own bedding (fitted sheets and a blanket or duvet). If you prefer, you can purchase these items when you arrive; there are several stores near the school to purchase bedding. You will also need bath towels both for day-to-day purposes (showering, etc.) as well as for the swimming pool. We recommend that you bring only one set of bed sheets and two sets of towels. This is ample given the availability of laundry services and more practical given the space constraints within the Boarding School.
Do we have Internet in our rooms?
You will be using the school network. Wireless access is available in the Boarding School, and each student room is equipped with an access port.
Do I need to bring a computer or will there be a computer I can use at school?
Havergal has fully adopted a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) or BYO Laptop/Tablet approach to the use of computer technology for Grades 5 to 12. The research and students themselves tell us, bringing a personal device to class is better for the learner. Teachers welcome personalized devices in the classroom; for students, BYOD is a more effective and efficient way of making use of technology.
What kind of food will I be served?
We have food service at Havergal. Each day, from Monday to Friday, you will be served three nutritious meals in the Hawkins Dining Room in the Upper School, along with morning, afternoon and after school snacks. Breakfast includes hot items such as bacon, eggs or porridge and bread for making toast, bagels and cereal. Lunch will include a choice of hot entrees, salad, soup and sandwiches. Dinner will include two “home-cooked” hot entrees to choose from, salad, soup and bread with spreads. Vegetarian options are always available and special dietary restrictions or allergies can be accommodated. International and cultural diverse cuisine are featured often, along with organic food and seasonal produce. Juice, milk and water are always available. On weekends you will be served brunch and dinner with a variety of choices. The Common Rooms are stocked with various snacks (such as fruit, bagels, soup, sandwich meat, bread, milk, veggies, yogurt, cheese and juice) and have a small kitchenette.