Dear Upper School Families,

This week offered an important opportunity for learning and reflection as we marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Across the Upper School, students participated in a half-day of programming that began with a keynote and continued with grade-specific workshops led by Indigenous educators, artists and knowledge holders. Students explored topics and experiences ranging from First Nations dance, storytelling, sacred medicines and ceremony, and lacrosse to treaties and treaty-making, the Blanket Exercise and Indigenous women in film.

What I appreciated about the day was the opportunity for students to engage with Indigenous perspectives in different ways—through story, movement, art, history, discussion and experience. Our hope is that this learning contributes to an ongoing commitment to listen, learn and deepen our understanding of Truth and Reconciliation throughout the year.

As you read this week’s Weekly, I also wanted to offer a quick note about how it is organized. Upper School (US) refers to all students in Grades 7–12; Middle Division refers to Grades 7–8; and Senior Division refers to Grades 9–12. We hope these headings make it easier to find the information most relevant to your family while also providing a window into the broader life of the Upper School.

There is lots happening in the weeks ahead—please read on for important updates, events and opportunities.

Warmly,
Krista

Missed People & Program Evening?

Thank you to the families who joined us for our Middle and Senior Division People & Program Evenings. It was wonderful to welcome you to campus, introduce you to your daughter’s teachers and give you a glimpse into the spaces where they learn each day.

Not able to attend?

• Course information: Log in to the Parent Portal → Student Overview, where you will find a list of your child’s courses. Each course website includes the course information sheet and the slide deck shared at People & Program Evening.
• Grade 12 University Counselling: If you missed the session, you can review the presentation slides and watch the Zoom recording.

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Upper School Lunch: Making the Most of Our Shared Spaces

Over the past few weeks, we have been reviewing our Upper School lunch arrangements, listening to feedback from students and families, and working with our Facilities and Food Services teams to improve the lunchtime experience. We are pleased to share several changes beginning next week, as well as longer-term plans for our shared spaces.

Why did we make changes to lunch this year?

With all Upper School students sharing a common lunch period, our approach this year was designed to provide greater structure for younger students, with the Dining Hall as their primary lunch location, while giving older students greater flexibility to eat and spend time with friends in spaces throughout the school. Our goal was to make better use of our campus and expand the number of quality places available for students at lunch.

As the year has unfolded, however, we have recognized that some aspects have not worked as intended. In particular, our senior students need more appropriate, reliable and comfortable places to sit and enjoy their lunch. We appreciate the perspectives shared by students and families, which have helped us identify opportunities for improvement.

What is changing?

Beginning Monday, students will see several improvements:

• More seating: Additional tables and chairs are being added to the BioWall areas, Temerty Commons, the Dining Hall and surrounding spaces. Existing seating is also being reconfigured to increase capacity.
• More convenient food service: The Create Your Own Bowl station will move to the BioWall area, along with cookies and beverages, while Corner Bites will relocate to the hallway outside the Dining Hall. Students may purchase food from the Servery, Corner Bites or BioWall, and takeout containers will allow hot meals to be enjoyed in other designated eating spaces.
• Better flow and upkeep: Additional cleaning, waste disposal, and tray-return arrangements will support these expanded eating areas and improve traffic flow during our shared lunch period.

Looking ahead

Alongside these immediate changes, we are investing in our Upper School shared spaces. Our Facilities team is working with design partners to identify versatile new furniture and seating configurations that can support lunch, collaboration, independent study and social connection. We look forward to sharing more about these plans as they develop.

Moving forward together

We remain committed to our shared lunch period, which provides important opportunities for students to eat and connect with friends while also supporting our extensive club and Affinity & Alliance Group programming. We will continue to monitor how our spaces are working, listen to students’ experiences and make adjustments where needed.

Thank you to our students and families for sharing their perspectives, and to our Facilities and Food Services teams for their partnership in implementing these improvements. We look forward to seeing students enjoy these expanded spaces in the weeks ahead.

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You’ve Grown! Uniform Check

With the school year underway, this is a great time for a quick uniform check! Please take a moment to ensure your child’s uniform still fits appropriately. Growth spurts and regular wear may mean that some items—including kilt lengths—need adjusting or replacing.

We ask that any necessary uniform updates be completed by Monday, October 12. Thank you for your support in ensuring students are comfortable and meeting our uniform expectations.

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HC Paint & Sip Night

Grab your friends and join us for a fun and relaxed Paint & Sip Night on Thursday, October 22, from 6:30–8:00 p.m. in the Upper School Art Space. No artistic experience required!

The $45 fee includes all art supplies, instruction from past parent Shannon Hardy of Brushstrokes Studio, and light refreshments. Just bring an apron or smock and your creativity!

Space is limited to 22 parents, so reserve your spot here by Monday, October 19.

During Monday’s grade-specific programming, Grade 9 students will participate in leadership speeches and elections, while Grade 10 Reps will lead a grade-wide activity. Grade 11 students will attend a presentation by HR professionals on resume writing and interview skills, and Grade 12 students will attend a presentation by Youthfully, an organization that supports students and families in navigating university admissions and preparing strong applications.

On Thursday, all Upper School students come together for a House Assembly. Students will wear their House Colours and get ready for House Games, organized by our House Captains.

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Global Learning Leading Diploma (GLLD) Program – Applications Open!

The Global Learning Leading Diploma (GLLD) is an opportunity for students who are curious about the world and passionate about making a difference. Through the program, students:

• Broaden their perspectives by learning from diverse voices and exploring our interconnected world.
• Learn beyond the classroom through interactive modules, community partnerships and immersive global learning experiences.
• Develop leadership skills, including critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and the ability to navigate complex challenges.
• Pursue their interests with the support of a dedicated mentor, culminating in a self-directed Grade 12 final project.

Students in Grades 10 and 11 can access the application through DSO Announcements. Applications are due Monday, October 12, 2026.

For more information, please review the GLLD Overview or contact Fatima Kaba, Director of the Forum for Change.

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Honour Roll & Award of Distinction: 2025–2026

Students who achieved Honours Standing or Honours with Distinction Standing for the 2025–2026 school year will receive a certificate and pin by mail and will be recognized by name and grade in the Torch.

Grades 9 & 10
Honours: 80–89.4% average based on the six best courses
Honours with Distinction: 89.5% or higher based on the six best courses

Grades 11 & 12
Honours: 80–89.4% average based on the five best courses
Honours with Distinction: 89.5% or higher based on the five best courses

Averages are based on courses completed at Havergal College or through the ELCC e-learning consortium.

Individual University Reps will be visiting Havergal College to speak to students during the lunch hour from 12:15 – 1:00 PM. This is a great opportunity to see what the universities offer.

University of Wisconsin—Madison
Date: Monday, October 5
Time: 12:15 – 1:00 PM
Location: EK

University of Connecticut
Date: Monday, October 5
Time: 12:00 – 12:30 PM
Location: Guidance Office (B12)

HCPA General Meeting

Please join us on Wednesday, October 14 in the JS Dining Room for our HCPA General Meeting from 8:45 – 10:45 PM. Our guest speakers will be the US Director of Guidance (7-9) and Learning Support, Kirsten Uhre, Social Worker, Caitlin Parsons, and Chaplain, Jillian Ruch, who will share their work on the Middle Division Grade 7 & 8 courses on the Science of Learning and Wellbeing.

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Upper School Bake Sale

Join us for the Upper School Bake Sale on Friday, October 23, from 8:00 AM–4:30 PM in the Ellen Knox Library.

Families can support the sale by donating baked goods or volunteering.