Family Handbook 2019-20

House System The House system forms the basis for cross-grade community building within the school. It fosters peer-to-peer mentoring and leadership development, as the program is primarily student-led. There are 10 Houses, each of which are named in honour of women who have contributed to the well-being of Havergal in different but meaningful ways. Some have been principals of the school, some have been much-loved staff members and others have influenced the growth of the school. Havergal’s House system is an integral part of the school’s organization, with every student (Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12), Old Girl, staff and faculty member belonging to one of the 10 Houses. Siblings and daughters of alumnae join the Houses of their relatives. Each girl’s efforts and achievements in House spirit competitions, athletics, the arts and co-curricular activities credit her House toward winning the coveted House Banner for the year. Prayers is rooted in Havergal’s rich Anglican tradition. Faculty, staff and students gather for Prayers three times per week in the Junior and Upper School respectively. Prayers creates a shared space for the Chaplain, students, faculty, staff, Old Girls and invited guests—not only to articulate the school’s spiritual values, but also to make meaningful connections between the kinds of thinking and learning we do in relation to our community and, more broadly, the world. Prayers prompts questions, deepens insights and celebrates our community in all its diversity. Students are invited to reflect on the resonance of the school’s vision, mission and values and how they apply to their own lives. Major religious festivals of other faiths are also acknowledged at Prayers. Attendance at Prayers is compulsory because it is considered instructional time and, as such, is an academic requirement. Parents are always welcome to attend Prayers. Prayers

Religious Education

At Havergal, the development of spiritual and moral values is an essential part of character development. All students from JK to Grade 8 participate in religious education classes. While our traditions are Anglican, major religious festivals of other faiths are celebrated and shared.

Last Edited: August 20, 2019 Havergal College Family Handbook 2019–20

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