Message from US Leadership
This week, we had several opportunities to see the curiosity, commitment and hard work that your daughters bring to their learning. Our Awards Ceremony provided a chance to recognize these qualities and celebrate student achievement. We saw those same qualities on display at our Canadian University Fair, hosted by our exceptional University Counselling team. Several university representatives commented on how impressed they were by our students’ thoughtful questions, engagement and genuine interest in exploring their post-secondary options. It was lovely to hear others recognize what we have the privilege of seeing each day.
Our Wellbeing Prayers offered an important reminder of the value of caring for ourselves, one another, and our community. Each plays a role in helping us feel our best, and I hope this weekend offers opportunities to fill all three of those buckets!
Warmly,
Krista
Next Week in the Upper School
Monday
- Prayers: Islamic Heritage
Tuesday
- Open House, #1 Dress
Wednesday
- Music Retreat Departs
Thursday
- Prayers: People for Health (Guest Speaker)
Friday
- Music Retreat Returns
Upper School (7–12)
School Portraits Are Now Available
School portraits are now available to view and order online!
Visit echophotography.ca and enter your daughter’s student number followed by _2627 (e.g., 12345_2627) to access her gallery.
Families can select their preferred yearbook photo and purchase print packages, individual prints or digital downloads.
Order by Sunday, October 18, to receive free shipping on print packages.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Upper School Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place virtually via Zoom on:
- Thursday, October 29: 3:00 – 8:00 PM
- Friday, October 30: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The Pick-A-Time booking system is now open and will close on Wednesday, October 28, at noon. After this deadline, please contact teachers directly to request or change appointments.
Families can access their conference schedules and Zoom links through Pick-A-Time. Please ensure Zoom is updated before your meetings. Zoom Instructions.
To arrange a meeting with a Guidance Counsellor or Learning Support Specialist, please contact them directly.
For questions, please contact Jennifer Goldberg, Director of Academics.
Middle Division (7–8)
In Form Next Week
Grade 7 students will participate in a #WinAtSocial lesson titled Culture is Not a Costume. Through discussion, students will explore the histories and significance of traditional cultural attire and consider the difference between honouring cultural heritage and treating it as a costume.
Grade 8 students will continue working with Nicole Cozier, Executive Director of Inclusive Excellence, to explore an important life skill: navigating mistakes and taking accountability. As students develop greater independence, learning to acknowledge mistakes, reflect and move forward helps build resilience, empathy and personal responsibility.
Learning and Wellbeing Programs Begin
This week, Grade 7 and 8 students will begin their respective Learning and Wellbeing programs, designed to strengthen self-awareness, healthy decision-making and learning skills.
Grade 7 – Science of Learning and Wellbeing
Beginning Thursday, October 22, this 10-session program will help students understand how their brains work, how they learn and how to support their social and emotional wellbeing. Sessions, led by our Guidance Counselling team, will take place throughout the school year.
Grade 8 – Practice of Learning and Wellbeing
Building on Grade 7 learning, this program focuses on wellbeing, healthy decision-making and high school readiness. The first session, Body, Brain & Beyond: Food, Movement and Wellbeing, takes place on Tuesday, October 20, with Dr. Nina Mafrici and Dr. Michele Foster. Small-group follow-up discussions will take place on Thursday, October 21.
For questions, please contact Kirsten Uhre, Director of Guidance (Grades 7–9) and Upper School Learning Support.
Save the Date: COSSOT Dance
Havergal will host its annual COSSOT Dance on Friday, November 6, from 7–9 PM. All Middle Division students are encouraged to attend.
Cost: $20 per student.
Students have already received invitations. Once students register, parents will receive a link to confirm participation and complete payment.
This is the only COSSOT dance of the year open to all Havergal Middle School students. Attendance at future dances will be limited.
Senior Division (9–12)
Save the Date: Rowing Parent Information Session
Families interested in Havergal’s rowing program are invited to join a virtual information session on Monday, October 26, from 7:00–7:45 PM.
Meeting ID: 878 5043 9138
Passcode: 891331
Details are also available on the Veracross Parent Portal under My Family Calendar.
Rowing Financial Assistance
Financial assistance is available through Havergal’s Rowing Endowment to help offset program costs. Families do not need to be receiving Havergal financial assistance to qualify. Applications are available through the Parent Portal.
For questions about the rowing program, please contact Michael Greig.
HC-X Micro-credentials Registration
Registration for the following micro-credential programs is open:
- Architecture (October 30, November 20 & December 10, 2026)
- Intro to Data Science (Thursday, February 4 & Friday, February 5, 2027 at Mars Discovery District)
- Business: Management & Strategy (Monday, January 18 – Tuesday, February 2, 2027)
- Future Lawyers – Winter (Monday, January 18 – Tuesday, February 2, 2027)
- Pre-Medical Studies B: Anatomy & Physiology (Monday, January 18 – Tuesday, February 2, 2027 –Waitlist only)
Registration is available for parents on Veracross under HC-X Microcredentials Registration.
Please visit the micro-credentials site for more information or contact Adam Caplan, Director, HC-X.
Morning Programming
Tuesday, October 20 – Grade Programming
- Grade 12: Students will continue to explore the Core Strengths profiles, learning about how they respond to conflict and developing awareness of how others might present.
- Grade 11: Through a Living Library experience, students will connect with staff members who serve as “books,” sharing their diverse experiences, perspectives and stories through conversation.
- Grade 10: In partnership with Human Resources, students will develop practical skills for finding volunteer opportunities, writing professional emails and preparing for interviews.
- Grade 9: Students will collaboratively develop Community Agreements to guide their shared experience throughout Senior School.
Wednesday, October 21 – House Programming
Students will connect with their Houses, build House spirit and participate in activities led by House Captains and House Council members.
University Counselling
University Visits
Individual University Reps will visit Havergal College to speak with Grade 10-12 students during the lunch hour and after school.
Mini University Fair: Wesleyan, Smith, Bryn Mawr, Skidmore, U Rochester, Oberlin, and Rhodes
Date: Monday, October 19th
Time: 3:30 – 4:30 PM
Location: BRH
RCSI
Date: Tuesday, October 20th
Time: 12:15 – 1:00 PM
Location: B16
Bates, Claremont McKenna, and Colgate Group Visit
Date: Tuesday, October 20th
Time: 12:15 – 1:00 PM
Location: B15
University of Southern California
Date: Tuesday, October 20th
Time: 3:30 – 4:15 PM
Location: B16
University of New Brunswick
Date: Tuesday, October 27th
Time: 12:15 – 1:00 PM
Location: B16
Huron University
Date: Tuesday, October 28th
Time: 12:15 – 1:00 PM
Location: B16
Resume Reviews for Grade 11 and 12 Students
Throughout October, Grade 11 and 12 students can have their resumes reviewed by Havergal’s Human Resources team. Students will receive practical feedback on formatting, wording and professionalism to help strengthen their resumes for future opportunities.
When: Throughout October
Where: Guidance Office (B12)
How: Schedule an appointment
Boarding
This Weekend in Boarding
Friday, October 16: Boarding Karaoke in the Common Room!
Saturday, October 17: Resin Art Workshop
Sunday, October 18: Sunday Crafting – Diamond Art
HCPA
Used Textbook Donations
Used textbook donations will be accepted on Wednesday, October 21, from 8:00 – 11:30 AM in the EK Library.
Textbooks must be from 2021–2026 and in good condition, with intact spines and no significant writing, stains, water damage or missing pages.
Questions? Contact hcpausedbooks@gmail.com.
Bake Sale
Join us on Friday, October 23, from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM in the EK Library for the Upper School Bake Sale!
Families can support the event by donating baked goods or funds or signing up to volunteer.
Parent Pub Night – Get Your Tickets!
Join fellow Havergal parents for an evening of connection, trivia and prizes!
When: Thursday, November 19, 7:00–10:00 PM
Where: Amsterdam Barrel House (87 Laird Dr.)
Tickets: $85 per person or $150 per pair
Tickets include two drinks, appetizers, trivia and prizes. Dress is casual, and space is limited!
Reminders
WISE: Women’s Intergenerational Speaker Event
Join us for WISE, an evening of learning, conversation and connection focused on women’s health across generations.
Mothers and women family members are warmly invited to attend alongside their daughters. Sessions will explore important women’s health topics, with opportunities for both age-specific and intergenerational conversations.
Date: Tuesday, October 27
Time: 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Location: Havergal College
Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)
Grade 10 students will write the OSSLT in person at Havergal on the morning of Tuesday, November 17, 2026.
For questions, please contact Jennifer Goldberg, Director of Academics.
Evening Study for Day Students
We will offer day students the opportunity to join us in Boarding during our Evening Study time, 6:15 – 8:15 PM. Please register using the Parent Portal via the Evening Study Program button.
Upcoming Dates:
- Monday, October 19, Tuesday, October 20 & Thursday, October 22
- Monday, October 26 & Tuesday, October 27
- Monday, November 2, Tuesday, November 3 & Thursday, November 5
- Monday, November 9 & Tuesday, November 10
A note that this program will not run on Wednesdays.
Please reach out to Jessica Randall for any questions.
