Message
Our first week of school is complete, and it was fabulous.
Your daughters brought such energy and excitement to Opening Day and their first two days of academic classes. It is a joy to see how much they enjoy being here and reconnecting with one another, their teachers and the broader Havergal community. I’m sure it is for you, too.
Dr. Samson spoke in Prayers this week about the power of relationships and the deep connection that is possible only when we truly reach out to one another (not just through technology) and open ourselves up to both the joy and the friction that come with lasting relationships. I see that power throughout the building: in your daughters’ friendships and in the relationships they build with their teachers, coaches, advisors, Student Support team and so many other adults at Havergal.
If your daughter hasn’t yet found those connections, please know that they take time. And never hesitate to reach out to me or to our fantastic Assistant Heads, Cissy Goodridge (Middle Division) and Julie Girvan (Senior Division). We want every student to feel known, connected and supported here.
As Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown tonight, Shanah Tovah to all those in our community who are celebrating. May the new year bring peace and joy to you and your families.
Your daughters will be tired this weekend! We hope they — and you — find some restful moments, especially as many of them look ahead to Camp next week.
Warmly,
Krista
Next Week in the Upper School
Monday
- Grade 7s & 9s Depart for Camp
Tuesday
- Prayers: HC Cheer
- HCX Microcredential registration closes
Wednesday
- Grade 12s Depart for Camp
- Grade 7s & 9s Return from Camp
Thursday
- Prayers: What are Prayers at HC?
Friday
- Grade 12s Return from Camp
Upper School (7–12)
Jewish High Holidays Invitation
Havergal College is honouring the Jewish High Holidays on Tuesday, September 22, at 8:40 am in Upper School Prayers.
Families are invited to stay and enjoy a reception at 9:20 am in the Temerty Commons.
If you would like to attend, please RSVP by September 15.
Middle Division (7–8)
Grade 7 Camp
We are looking forward to travelling to Camp Winnabego with our Grade 7 students. Below is the pertinent travel information.
- Departure: Monday, September 14, at 7:00 AM (Senior School)
- Students should arrive by 6:45 AM
- Return: Wednesday, September 16, at 1:00 PM (Senior School)
- Please check the weather and be prepared for inclement weather.
- Grade 7 Camp Packing List
Grade 7 Immunization
Toronto Public Health will be on campus on Friday, September 18 to administer vaccinations to Grade 7 students who have already been registered to receive their dose.
If your daughter still needs a consent form, a digital copy is available here. Please print and complete the form and return it to the Security Desk by 12 noon on Monday, September 14.
Thank you for helping us ensure everything is in place ahead of Friday’s clinic.
Global Learning Experience: Greece
This end-of-year experience invites middle division students to explore Greece’s rich history, culture, archaeology, and natural beauty while learning beyond the classroom and building confidence, curiosity, and global awareness.
Registration is now open and will remain open until October 5, 2026. Families interested in this opportunity are encouraged to review the GLE information and register by the deadline. If your family needs financial support, you are welcome to apply through the co-curricular and trip support form available on the Parent Portal.
For more information, contact Fatima Kaba
In Form This Week
On Monday, our Grade 8 students will begin the important work of creating their community agreements. Together, they will reflect on the kind of classroom community they want to build and identify the values, behaviours, and expectations that will help make that vision a reality.
These agreements are more than a list of rules; they are a shared commitment to creating a classroom where everyone feels respected, supported, included, and ready to learn. We look forward to seeing our Grade 8s take ownership of the kind of community they want to create this year!
Senior Division (9–12)
Grade 9 Camp
- Departure: Monday, September 14, at 7:00 AM (Junior School)
- Students should arrive by 6:45 AM
- Return: Wednesday, September 16, at 2:30 PM (Junior School)
- Camp Muskoka Packing List
- Please check the weather and be prepared for inclement weather.
Grade 12 Camp
- Departure: Wednesday, September 16, at 9:00 AM (Upper School)
- Students should arrive by 8:30 AM and bring bags to the Brenda Robson Hall
- Return: Friday, September 18 at 1:00 PM (Upper School)
- OELC/Camp Couchiching Packing List
- Please check the weather and be prepared for inclement weather
- NEW – Grade 12 Swim Ability & Assessment Form – please complete by Tuesday, September 15th
Global Learning Experiences 2027
We are excited to announce that registration is now open for our 2027 Global Learning Experiences! These experiences are designed to extend learning beyond the classroom, giving students opportunities to develop global awareness, deepen cultural understanding, build independence, and connect with people and places in meaningful ways.
Opportunities include:
- Round Square Conference in Kenya – February 2027: A newly added opportunity for students to connect with peers from around the world and engage in the Round Square IDEALS of Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service.
- Rugby Experience in British Columbia – March 2027: Our first-ever Rugby GLE, combining travel and opportunities to watch, train, and play alongside BC teams.
- China – June 2027: An immersive cultural experience exploring China’s history, cities, traditions, food, and iconic sites. A virtual parent information session is planned for Thursday, October 1, at 7 pm. Zoom details are linked.
- Yukon – June 2027: A land-based learning experience centred on Indigenous knowledge, the natural environment, and the relationship between land, people, and story.
Registration is now open and will remain open until October 5, 2026. Families interested in this opportunity are encouraged to review the GLE information and register by the deadline. If your family needs financial support, you are welcome to apply through the co-curricular and trip support form available on the Parent Portal.
For more information, contact Fatima Kaba
Morning Programming This Week
Students will participate in grade programming on Monday mornings throughout the school year. These sessions are designed to support students both academically and personally, incorporating academic strategies, social-emotional learning, and opportunities for reflection and connection. They will also provide dedicated time for students to come together as a grade, strengthen relationships, and build a sense of community.
This Wednesday, while our Grade 9 and Grade 12 students are away at camp, Grade 10 and Grade 11 students will participate in grade programming in place of House or TA time. Students will take part in a variety of fun, interactive games and activities designed to build connections, encourage teamwork, and strengthen community within each grade.
University Counselling
Evening Presentation: Duke, Vanderbilt, Northwestern, Brown and Dartmouth
On September 17th Duke, Vanderbilt, Northwestern, Brown and Dartmouth will be having a presentation at Upper Canada College from 7:00-8:30 PM. Havergal students and their families are welcome to attend. (we know our grads will be at camp but parents could attend) Please register here.
University Representatives at Havergal
Throughout the year, university representatives will visit Havergal to meet with students in Grades 9–12. These visits are a great opportunity for students to learn more about different universities, their programs and the admissions process.
Next week, we are pleased to welcome:
University of Toronto
Monday, September 14
12:15–1:00 p.m. | Legacy Theatre
York University
Tuesday, September 15
12:15–1:00 p.m. | B16
Boston College
Tuesday, September 15
3:30–4:00 p.m. | B16
Boarding
All Community Week in Boarding
All Boarders will remain on campus the weekend of September 11 to 13 and September 18 to 20.
This weekend Boarders will participate in a local scavenger hunt that encourages connection to our local community, exploration of nearby neighbourhoods, and community-building. Boarders will also experience their first weekend brunch and participate in on-campus community programming designed to help them feel seen, settled, and safe as they begin to build relationships, establish routines, and make a home together in boarding.
On Wednesday, Boarders will participate in their first Community Wellbeing Night. This programming will introduce Boarders to their Boarding Advisory Groups, welcome a special Havergal Alumni guest, and provide hands-on safety training to help them feel confident, prepared, and supported as they begin life in Boarding.
HCPA
Celebration Day & Friday Night Lights
Mark your calendars for Friday, 25 September:
- Celebration Day: 3:30 – 6:00 PM
- FNL 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Get Your Tickets
- Tickets are now on sale. They can be purchased through this link by Sunday, September 20!
- Family packages, all-inclusive passes, and general admission wristbands are available.
Calling all parents!
It’s kinda chic to lend a hand and be part of the fun. We need help before and during the event with ticket sales, working with students at stations, helping with food, and more. This is a great way to meet other parents and support our community partners. Sign up here.
Celebration Day Bazaar & Silent Auction
- If you’d like to host a stall at the Bazaar or contribute an experience or prize to our Silent Auction, please register here. It’s a great way to support our Community Partners, as all proceeds will go directly to them.
- The Celebration Day Silent Auction is live!
Friday Night Lights
- Following Celebration Day, HC is thrilled to host our 2nd Annual Friday Night Lights this September as our Varsity Soccer team takes on BSS! Come cheer on the Gators and catch up with your HC community from 6:30 pm onwards!
- FNL VIP Seats – Bid on one of two VIP tables (19+ section, seats 6) for the Gators vs. BSS game. Bid here!
HCPA General Meeting
HCPA General Meetings aren’t just for Grade Reps! All parents are encouraged to join us at our monthly meetings. Our first meeting is Wednesday, September 16, 8:45 – 10:45 AM in the Junior School Dining Room. Our guest speaker is Principal Dr. Katrina Samson. Coffee and light refreshments provided.
Reminders
Havergal High Performance Program
We are pleased to introduce Havergal’s new Upper School High Performance Program, designed to support students in Grades 7–12 who are pursuing elite-level athletic or artistic pathways alongside their academic commitments.
Families can learn more about the program and eligibility criteria here.
Students interested in being considered for the 2026–27 school year are invited to complete the Application Form by Friday, September 18, 2026.
Questions about the program can be directed to Carla DiFilippo, Director of Athletics, or Matthew Varey, Director of Arts.
Fall Athletics Registration is Open
Registration for Fall Athletics tryouts is now open and will close on Sunday, September 13.
Please register here through the Parent Portal. Once logged in, look for the green “Fall Athletics” box.
Please note:
- Parent consent is required for students to participate in tryouts and practices, and is completed as part of the online registration.
- Students may register to try out for up to two teams. Coach Mentor, Try-It Rowing, Tennis Training and Rep Hockey Training do not count toward this limit. Please confirm selections with your child before completing registration.
- Please review the Fall Tryout Schedule (see the Fall 2026 tab). Some tryouts begin as early as Wednesday, September 9.
- Families will not receive confirmation emails or reminders with tryout times and locations. Students are responsible for checking the schedule and attending their designated tryouts.
- The full Fall Athletics season schedule will be finalized on September 16.
If you have questions about registration or Fall Athletics, please contact Director of Athletics Carla Di Filippo.
