Message from Admissions

Maggie Houston-White, Executive Director of Strategic Enrolment Management, and Emily Simms-Brown, Director of Admission

As we gear up for 蜜桃视频鈥檚 beloved Spirit Week, the halls are buzzing with students coming together as a whole grade to plan their cheers, which will show their spirit as they represent their cohort at the activities planned by the student leaders. This week is deliberately set in February, when the bright sunny days of spring can feel a bit of a long way off. Spirit Week is a great way for our students to come together as a community, demonstrate their House and school spirit and support all of our wellbeing with some fun. Our commitment to Wellbeing is a critical pillar of our strategic plan “,” which you can read about in this issue of 蜜桃视频 Highlights.听

We are also aware of the excitement that is building for families as Offer Day draws near. All families will be hearing from 蜜桃视频 on Friday, February 21 and acceptances are due back on Wednesday, February 26. We appreciate all of the time and effort our applicant families have put into this process. The caliber of candidates and their families have been outstanding. We know the future is a bright one. 

Sincerely, 

Maggie & Emily

Enacting Our Commitment to Wellbeing

Krista Koekkoek, Vice Principal of Student Life & Wellbeing

The message of prioritizing wellbeing is everywhere. You can鈥檛 listen to a podcast, scroll your social media or roam a bookstore without words about prioritizing self-care or putting yourself first. And to what end? It鈥檚 a challenging time to consider what it means to be well. 

I read a piece this year by Dr. Tracy Dennis Tiwary, a researcher and professor in psychology and neuroscience at City University in New York. In it, she confirms that we now know more about mental health and wellbeing than at any other point in history. We have more strategies, tactics, support people and self-help books than ever before. 

Yet, rather than have less 鈥渦nwell鈥� in the world, we seem to be experiencing increasingly more. And despite what some will say, there actually is no single cause for it. Not our phones. Not our social media. Not our lack of getting out for a run this morning or having protein in our shakes.

There is not one thing that has single-handedly hurt our wellbeing. 

Dr. Tiwary wonders鈥攁nd so do I鈥攊f we have all tried to pursue 鈥榯oo much鈥� when it comes to our mental health. Are we overdoing it when it comes to figuring out how to feel okay in the world? Is there just too much pressure to live our best life?

What if we reminded ourselves and taught our girls that we are enough?

I am going to say that again. We are enough. Right now, in this current moment, we are all we need to be.

And we need you. We need your daughters. The world needs your daughters just as they are. Not fixed. Not perfect. Not changed. Not self-helped out.

They are enough.

What if wellbeing is not a task or an item on a checklist but a way of being? Enter 蜜桃视频鈥檚 . A commitment that puts strengths and growth, compassion, self-awareness and living a values-aligned life at the centre of its priorities. It鈥檚 not a task, but a way of being.

So we commit at 蜜桃视频 to not touting the latest trends in 鈥渉appiness,鈥� but rather preparing young women for the inevitable ups and downs of life, and having the confidence to authentically be their whole selves, setting the boundaries they need to feel fulfilled, contributing to something greater than themselves, with a curiosity for learning and growing.

Krista

Thriving Together鈥擭urturing Wellbeing in the Junior School

Junior School Head Kate White and Assistant Head Liz Watt

The wellbeing of our students is at the heart of everything we do at 蜜桃视频. Why? Because we know that a healthy and fulfilled child is better equipped to learn, grow and thrive. When students feel safe, supported and valued, they are more engaged in their academic work and develop the confidence to take on new challenges. Prioritizing wellbeing also strengthens their social-emotional skills, such as empathy, resilience and teamwork, which are essential for building strong relationships and navigating life鈥檚 ups and downs. In order for this to happen, students need to develop a toolkit of strategies that they can use not only now, but also in the future. 

This year, we shifted from having a 鈥淭hrive Week鈥� early in the year, to having a series of 鈥淭hrive Days鈥� throughout the year, where we have introduced our students to a variety of tools they can use and practise. The purpose of these days is to:

On Thrive Days, all members of the Junior School community, including teachers, take part in a variety of activities aimed at exploring new tools for their wellbeing toolkit. While we recognize that not every strategy works for everyone, our goal is to offer an opportunity for individuals to try new approaches, refresh their resources and swap out what no longer serves them. Many of these tools are inspired by student suggestions on what has been most effective for them, and several students actively contribute by leading Thrive activity sessions. Some examples of activities include cosmic yoga, mindful colouring, guided meditation, gratitude sessions, beading, chalk colouring with music, origami, exercise classes and more!

We believe that fostering wellbeing is not a one-time effort but an ongoing journey. By embedding practices that prioritize mental, emotional and social health into our everyday lives鈥攅specially through initiatives like Thrive Days鈥攚e are creating a culture where students feel safe to explore, experiment and build the skills they need to flourish. 

A Holistic Approach to Wellbeing in Grades 7 to 9

Kirsten Uhre, Director of Guidance, Student Support & Wellbeing

Our Grade 7 to 9 Guidance Team is dedicated to fostering student wellbeing as a foundation for academic success. Grounded in research and driven by a holistic approach, the team鈥攎ade up of Ms. Winograd, Ms. Steele and Ms. Randall鈥攑rovide specialized, comprehensive support through one-to-one meetings, Form activities and grade-wide sessions. Topics discussed by this passionate team of experts include time management, study skills, friendships, co-curricular activities, mental health and academic planning.

Developmentally appropriate, specialized support is tailored to the unique needs of each grade cohort. Students in Grade 7 are welcomed at the beginning of the year by their Guidance Counsellors via individual meetings, where they are given time and strategies to adjust to the transition into middle school. 

This personalized care continues as students move through Grade 8 alongside their designated counsellor. Time is spent with Grade 8 students exploring their interests and passions through the course selection process. 

The Grade 7 to 9 Guidance Team also runs the First Six Weeks program for new-to-Grade 9 students, which is a unique program at our school. Students who are new to the school meet with their Guidance Counsellor once per week for the first six weeks of school to ensure that they are adjusting well to the demands of high school and connecting with new friends. More specialized academic counselling takes place with Grade 9 students as they continue to explore a variety of interests and course pathways. This work is purposefully designed to enhance and take into account the importance of each student鈥檚 emotional, spiritual and physical wellbeing.

Through their unwavering commitment and thoughtful approach, our Guidance Team plays an integral role in helping ensure students are ready for the opportunities and challenges of the middle years so they can thrive. 

University Counselling at HC

Heather Johnstone Director of Guidance, Academic and University Counselling

We are so fortunate at 蜜桃视频 to have a team of expert Guidance Counsellors dedicated to assisting our Grads in applying to university and supporting their pathways. These Guidance Counsellors have travelled and networked extensively with universities around the globe and bring together 140 years of experience supporting student academic goal setting.

Some highlights include:

We are delighted to share that many of our students have already received early offers to outstanding post-secondary programs.

HCPA Pre-Loved Uniform and Marketplace Sale

Pre-Loved Uniform Sale

The 蜜桃视频 Parents Association (HCPA) hosts Pre-Loved Uniform Sales at different times throughout the year. The next sale is on Wednesday, February 5, from 2 to 5 pm, outside the Junior School Learning Hub. Parents are encouraged to stop by to stock up on extra uniform essentials or to replace lost items.

During the sale, the HCPA will also be accepting donations of pre-loved uniform items that their children have outgrown. Donating and purchasing second-hand items is a great way to reduce our carbon footprint and raise money for the HCPA at the same time.

Items for sale include skirts, tunics, pants, polo shirts, dress shirts, sweaters, 1/4 zip sweatshirts, jogging pants and blazers.

Please note that the HCPA Pre-Loved Uniform initiative is not affiliated with 蜜桃视频鈥檚 Green & Gold Shop.

HCPA Marketplace

The HCPA Marketplace Team sells unique 蜜桃视频 swag, including photo frames, sweaters, bags, cups and more. Shopping is now available online at the , which is open year-round with seasonal updates.

HCPA Bake Sale

蜜桃视频 is fortunate to have a dedicated team of parent volunteers on the HPCA who run community engaging and fundraising events in support of the school. One upcoming event hosted by the HCPA’s Bake Sale Committee is the ever popular Bake Sale on Thursday, February 13, at both the Upper and Junior Schools. Students can choose from a variety of cookies, cupcakes, cake pops, candy kabobs, popcorn, muffins, donuts and more. It’s a great way to end Spirit Week and to celebrate Valentine’s Day while supporting the school’s key initiatives.

Gator Gala

On Saturday, April 5, Middle and Senior School students and their adult guests will enjoy our annual Gator Gala. The evening will feature a delicious meal, dancing and a few fun surprises!

In addition to enjoying dinner and dancing, our guests can also participate in the Gator Gala Silent Auction. The auction offers something for everyone, with all proceeds going to HCPA community engagement initiatives and identified school priorities.

Junior School A-mazing Race

The A-mazing Race is a highlight of the year for our Junior School families鈥攁nd this year will be no different! On Sunday, May 4, students and their partners (an adult over the age of 21) will join us on 蜜桃视频鈥檚 campus (outside, if weather permits) to engage in friendly competition with their House teams. In addition to participating in a series of games and challenges, participants will also enjoy snacks and refreshments, and鈥攎ost importantly鈥攈ave fun while connecting with other members of our JS community. 

Annual Report 2023-24

January brings excitement for a new year, but it is also a time to reflect on our accomplishments from the previous year. One of the things we are proud of from 2023-24 is the generosity shown by our dedicated community, which is the focus of our . The report showcases the incredible philanthropy of our community, spotlights our donors and provides an overview of the past fiscal year. We are very grateful for these significant contributions in support of girls鈥� education and look forward to furthering our work this year and beyond.

Kayla Kanner

Health Centre Manager and Lead Nurse

As the Manager and Lead Nurse of the Health Centre at 蜜桃视频, Ms. Kanner鈥檚 focus is on building a healthy, well community at 蜜桃视频. With 16 years of pediatric nursing experience, including 12 years in neonatal and pediatric critical care and experience teaching nursing students at the university level, she brings specialized care, expertise and compassion to the school environment.

In addition to physical health, mental wellbeing is a priority in her work. Ms. Kanner understands the pressures students face and is available to provide a listening ear, guidance on stress management and support for mental health challenges. She works closely with guidance counsellors, social workers and other staff to ensure a holistic approach to each student鈥檚 wellbeing. Boarding students often face additional challenges being away from home. Whether it鈥檚 helping them navigate homesickness, managing long-term health conditions or simply providing a comforting presence during a difficult time, she ensures they have the care and attention they need to feel safe and supported.

In addition to direct care, Ms. Kanner teaches CPR and First Aid to all faculty members, equipping them with the skills needed to handle emergencies with confidence. 

As a mother of three, promoting a culture of wellbeing is a core value of hers. She encourages both students and staff to prioritize their own health and wellness. She is proud to contribute to creating a healthy, supportive environment at 蜜桃视频.

Message from Admissions

Maggie Houston-White, Executive Director of Strategic Enrolment Management, and Emily Simms-Brown, Director of Admission

November is upon us, wrapping up fall term sports, seeing our first Exchange students of the year head home and celebrating all our students have achieved this term. While the days are a little shorter and a little cooler, there is a sense of anticipation and joy at 蜜桃视频 as students gear up for concerts, our Middle School Play, winter sports and of course, our Junior School and Upper School Carol Services, which are always a highlight.听

Thank you to all of our applicant parents who joined us for our Parents as Partner Series, 鈥淔ostering Purpose in Our Kids,鈥� with Dr. Belle Liang and Tim Klein, authors of . The interactive evening resulted in a lot of great questions and conversations. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. We are looking forward to continuing our work with Dr. Liang and Mr. Klein through our year-long partnership in support of our commitment to fostering purpose in students at 蜜桃视频.

Our most recent issue of our parent newsletter, Inside 蜜桃视频, speaks to the work of HC-X, our innovation hub. HC-X plays a key role in supporting our students to be future ready through unique programming and creating professional development opportunities for our faculty that ensure 蜜桃视频 remains a leader in education not just nationally, but globally; not just now, but for years to come.听

We hope you enjoy the latest version of Inside 蜜桃视频 and don鈥檛 forget, our application deadline is December 1, 2024. 

Maggie & Emily

Financial Support Applications for 2025-26

Deadline to Apply: January 3, 2025

Our Finance Department would like to remind applicants that students entering Grades 7 to 12 in September 2025 may apply for Financial Support in the form of a Tuition Bursary.

Separate from any application for admission or re-enrolment, applications are submitted via a third-party company, .

New and returning student families must complete their application by Friday, January 3 each year to be considered for the following school year. Late applications may not be accepted as funds are limited.

Message from the Vice Principal of Experiential Education and Innovation

Garth Nichols

Grounded in research from the educational sector and beyond, HC-X is 蜜桃视频鈥檚 innovation hub. Featuring unique courses and learning experiences, HC-X allows students to practise future-ready skills and faculty to grow from innovative professional development opportunities. 

It is essential that HC-X factors in our mission of preparing young women to make a difference because our world is changing in many ways. You may have read about the V.U.C.A. world (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) and the forces that are accelerating the speed of innovation. Through courses and programming, HC-X is able to respond in ways that allow us to examine what good preparation for the future looks, sounds and feels like. Our HC-X team is able to research and network within and beyond the educational sector and bring that research into practice with our students; in many ways, we bring the future to our students鈥� doorsteps, providing them with the opportunity to consider the difference they can make in their community and the world around them.

For example, the proprietary course Digital Wisdom allows students to explore their digital world through the lens of anthropology, psychology and sociology. The focus is on identity development in a world shouting at young people about what to be, say and do. 蜜桃视频 students in Grades 5, 6, 7 conduct case studies, self-reflection and experimentation as they consider digital forces. In Grade 7 and 8, they take part in scenario-based learning with a Generative AI platform, Ametros, to interact directly with, and reflect on, GenAI and its role in their own lives.

Another example is the proprietary course TC-9, students are asked to challenge the UN Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) #13: Climate Action. Throughout the course, they explore their relationships with the land through a transdisciplinary approach combining science; data science; Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing; and more. Students meet and network with community leaders and organizations doing great work to challenge #13 and other UNSDGs. Throughout the process, students activate their own agency and practise what it means to make a difference in the world through their own action project.

Our students in Grades 9 to 12 can pursue cutting edge curriculum and learning they are interested in through our Digital Micro-Credentials program.We offer digital microcredentials in pre-med, architecture, law and contemporary finance鈥攚here students explore ESG investments, capital markets and cryptocurrencies.

HC-X is putting our students in the driver鈥檚 seat of their learning, supporting them with resources and networking skills and by introducing them to incredible people, partners and places to broaden their perspectives and experiences to understand, engage with and experience the future. 

Garth

Digital Microcredentials as Experiential Learning Opportunities

Adam Caplan, Director, HC-X

Digital microcredentials are like a good bracelet stack鈥攊t鈥檚 not about the individual bracelets, but how the collection of them shows up. This is how Modern Mentor Rachel Cooke describes the trend of these bite-sized learning experiences. 

Digital microcredentials are bite-sized certifications that offer students new learning pathways to explore their interests and passions. Following a trend emerging in the corporate world of work and learning, microcredentials are increasingly being adopted by educational institutions to prepare students for the future workforce. 

Microcredentials offered through the HC-X, 蜜桃视频鈥檚 Innovation Hub, sit alongside the regular academic curriculum as opt-in experiences. These micro-learning experiences offer a focused approach to skill development in specific areas and provide students with 鈥渟maller denominations of learning鈥� than traditional courses or full academic programs. 

For HC-X, our digital microcredentials also target fields of study not typically covered in existing academic courses. Students have the opportunity to develop their interests in areas such as PreMedical Studies, Artificial Intelligence, Design Thinking & Entrepreneurship and Contemporary Finance鈥攅ach taught in partnership with organizations that bring graduate students from acclaimed institutes as instructors to our participants in Grades 9 to 12. This year, we鈥檙e excited to expand these offerings with two new microcredentials: Intro to Architecture and Future Lawyers, further broadening the array of opportunities for students curious about these dynamic and growing fields.

Microcredentials empower students to explore their interests in a personalized way. Over time, credentials can be 鈥渟tacked鈥� to form a unique narrative of a student鈥檚 interests and accomplishments. They allow students to craft a story of curiosity, dedication and growth across diverse subject areas. Students receive their digital credentials through a blockchain-based digital wallet and can easily share the evidence of their accomplishments with others throughout their education and career journey. 

For more information about HC-X Digital Microcredentials, please contact Adam Caplan or visit .

The Importance of Technology Integration for Young Learners

Paula Carson, JS Technology Coordinator

In the Junior School, we are committed to providing students with opportunities to engage with technology in meaningful ways. Intentional integration of technology supports the development of digital literacy skills, strengthens opportunities for personalized learning experiences, student agency and engagement. It also enhances opportunities for critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and real-world connections. 

Teachers in the Junior School have been developing new programming to support the development of technology skills, digital literacy and digital creation. One example is in Grade 5 Health and Physical Education, where students recorded videos of themselves practising their dribbling and passing skills during their basketball unit. This activity supports students to self-assess their performance and set goals for improvement. 

Additionally, students are developing their digital creativity skills through projects that enhance content-specific learning in the classroom. In Grade 1, students are documenting signs of the changing seasons through digital photography and poster creation. Meanwhile, Grade 4 students are exploring habitats around the world by designing digital posters to inform others. Looking ahead in the school year, students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 will have opportunities to participate in digital escape rooms, movie making, podcasting, robotics, coding and more. 

Classroom discussions and activities about digital citizenship are a vital part of our curriculum. Students learn to differentiate between how devices are used at school and at home, promoting responsible and purposeful use of technology. Throughout the school year, students will learn about online safety, media balance, digital communication and how artificial intelligence works. Students in Grades 4, 5 and 6 are also learning how to utilize digital resources, such as by using Canvas, our learning management system, to access learning resources and submit assignments. 

By integrating technology into our curriculum in intentional and meaningful ways, we aim to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that prepares our students for the challenges and opportunities in the digital world. 

The HCPA鈥檚 Ivy Market

Get ready to kick off your holiday shopping in style at the HCPA鈥檚 Ivy Market! Join us on Thursday, November 21, from 10 am to 5 pm, where you鈥檒l find a curated selection of local vendors offering unique HC gift items. While you shop, indulge in a complimentary hot beverage at our Holiday Cafe Corner and enjoy festive music performed by our talented student performers. It鈥檚 the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!

In addition to the Ivy Market, the HCPA will be raising funds by selling Robyn鈥檚 Frozen Cookie Dough and showcasing exciting new items from the HCPA Marketplace team.

We look forward to seeing you on November 21! 

Allison Campbell-Rogers

HC-X Innovation Educator

The HC-X Team at 蜜桃视频 is thrilled to welcome Ms. Campbell-Rogers to our community! She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in education in Grades 7 to 12, with 25 years of experience at Branksome Hall. Ms. Campbell-Rogers has held key roles such as Instructional Lead & Teacher of Design, IB Diploma Geography Teacher and Service Learning Lead. 

As a lifelong learner and a people person who believes in the power of relationships to drive positive change, her most recent learning has focused on integrating systems, futures and design thinking into curriculum, which inspired her to pursue a Master of Design in Strategic Foresight and Innovation at OCAD University. 

Last spring, she completed a major research project investigating how space design influences pedagogical approaches鈥攁n emerging research area involving VR and innovative learning environments. 

In addition to her impressive work in teaching and learning, Ms. Campbell-Rogers has a track record of helping faculty navigate change and promoting a culture of growth and collaboration. She is passionate about building strong relationships to launch school-wide initiatives that make a lasting impact.

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Campbell-Rogers loves spending time with her husband and sons, often at the hockey rink, but she also enjoys the great outdoors with activities like biking, cross-country running and skiing. She treasures opportunities for travel, good food, friends and quiet Sunday afternoons with her Siberian forest cat and a newspaper.

Ms. Campbell-Rogers is already jumping into adventures by coaching one of our cross-country teams, sharing her passion with our students.

Message from Admissions

Maggie Houston-White, Executive Director of Strategic Enrolment Management, and Emily Simms-Brown, Director of Admission

The school year at 蜜桃视频 has started with many opportunities for connection, celebration and community, three key elements of what makes our school so special. As you explore 蜜桃视频 and all it has to offer, we thought you might enjoy a chance to read some of the articles from our first edition of Inside 蜜桃视频 that highlight what our opening weeks were like and where some of our focus will be this year. Our Principal鈥檚 Message, in particular, highlights so much of the excellence that defines 蜜桃视频 and our bold plans for the future in our strategic plan, .听

It has been such a pleasure to have so many families visiting our campus over the last couple of weeks and experiencing our students, faculty and staff in action, seeing how a typical day at HC is anything but typical. We are looking forward to welcoming families to our Open Houses later in October鈥攔egister to attend here.听

Save the date: we are looking forward to our continued work with Dr. Belle Liang and Tim Klein, authors of . On Tuesday, October 29, Belle and Tim will be working with our faculty and students during the day and hosting our Parents as Partners speaker series that evening. Their research and presentation will surround the connection between purpose and wellbeing and how we, as parents, can support this personally and practically.听All applicant families will receive an invitation in the coming weeks.听

We hope as you continue to learn and discover the 蜜桃视频 difference, you will continue to ask questions, connect with the Admission team and feel confident in the knowledge that we are here to help you find the right school for your daughter and your family.听聽聽聽聽 聽聽

Best wishes, 

Maggie & Emily

Principal’s Message

Dr. Katrina Samson

Welcome to our first edition of 蜜桃视频 Highlights for the 2024-25 school year. I hope the summer brought time with family, relaxation and a healthy dose of sunshine. If you are anything like me, you tuned into the Paris Summer Olympics in August. I love the Olympics! My family often jokes, 鈥淚t鈥檚 Olympics season; Katrina鈥檚 going to be over there crying for two weeks.鈥� And they鈥檙e not wrong. When Summer Macintosh won her first gold medal, I was driving, listening to the radio commentary on her race with tears in my eyes hearing of her first gold medal. Watching the parents, the partners, the coaches鈥攁nd knowing the hours of support, the sacrifices and the pride鈥攇ets me every time. As well, I鈥檓 amazed by the diversity of athletes, from an 11 year old to a 65 year old, from all around the globe, all in pursuit of a common goal: excellence.

I鈥檝e been thinking about what the Olympics teach us about the pursuit of excellence. It鈥檚 a topic that resonates beyond sports. What can we, as parents and a community, learn about the pursuit of excellence from Olympians?

At 蜜桃视频, we鈥檝e been discussing excellence a lot. It鈥檚 the foundation of our and at the core of our mission. We come in everyday committed to teaching, modelling and inspiring excellence in your children. But excellence is too often misconstrued as perfection. Pursuing excellence is not about being perfect. It鈥檚 about giving one鈥檚 best effort, learning from our experiences and aiming to be better today than we were yesterday.

Excellence is setting bold, ambitious goals and persevering through challenges. It鈥檚 understanding that both successes and failures are temporary and that hits and misses are part of the journey. Perhaps most importantly, excellence is not a solo pursuit鈥攊t鈥檚 a team effort. Much like Olympians who lean on coaches, family and teammates, our children need a strong support system to pursue their own excellence.

Excellence also calls for collaboration. The word 鈥渃ompete鈥� comes from Latin origins meaning 鈥渢o strive together.鈥� At 蜜桃视频, we strive together for the success of every student. We鈥檙e not just pushing individual accomplishments; we鈥檙e genuinely invested in one another鈥檚 success.

So, what does excellence look like for your daughters here at 蜜桃视频? It鈥檚 about ensuring they know we are on their team, supporting their growth and helping them become the best versions of themselves. Excellence also means working with intention, both as educators and as a community, to bring out the best in one another. Each of us, whether student, teacher or parent, has something to share and learn.

As we bask in the excitement and energy a new school year brings, my hope is that we鈥攑arents, educators and students鈥攃ome together to inspire excellence by supporting one another, being open and constructive in our feedback and reminding our girls that pursuing bold dreams is done step-by-step with the support of a strong committed community. 

As parents, you are an essential part of Team 蜜桃视频. Together, I know we鈥檒l foster an environment where excellence is encouraged and all children feel supported in their journeys to reach their full potential.

Katrina

Helping Manage Distractions and Support Relationship Building

Lindsay Norberg, Deputy Principal

Fostering strong relationships and connections within our community is essential to the 蜜桃视频 community. To support this goal and align with our philosophy on the role of technology in learning, we have updated our .

After consultation with faculty, parents, students and staff, the school updated and clarified its policy regarding the use of digital devices on campus during the school day. 

The focus of the policy is to:

We are excited to announce that will speak with our Middle School students about responsible device use. His presentation, scheduled for October 1, will provide valuable insights and guidance on this important topic.

In addition, parents are invited to a special session with Jake Ernst on Monday, September 30, where he will address how to support healthy device habits at home. More details about both presentations will be shared in .

How can families support this policy? 

We encourage parents to partner with us in fostering a balanced approach to technology use both at school and at home. By working together, we can help our students cultivate healthy digital habits, build strong connections within the 蜜桃视频 community and enhance focus and wellbeing.

蜜桃视频鈥檚 Approach to Generative AI

Garth Nichols, Vice Principal of Experiential Education & Innovation

This year, 蜜桃视频 has launched a . This framework was developed to support our entire community in understanding how Generative AI will be explored, integrated and managed within our Teaching and Learning philosophy.听

The framework has a version code of 1.0 because we will be reviewing this document throughout the year, taking in feedback on how our approach is supporting the learning experiences. If changes need to be made mid-stream, they can. 

The foundation of the framework is that this latest digital transformation remains very human. We are putting the relationship between the educators and the students at the core of the approach. Our faculty will examine when, where, what and how Generative AI can support teaching and learning processes. Additionally, HC-X faculty have been experimenting and learning about Generative AI alongside our students in our Digital Wisdom classes, which all students in Grades 5 to 8 participate in at 蜜桃视频. 

In June and August, our faculty took part in professional development by and . This provided us with a shared language and combined experiences to grow and learn from. We are excited about the possibilities that Generative AI can provide as our students continue to learn the skills of critical and creative thinking, constructive doubt and strong research and writing skills.听

For more on our approach to Generative AI and how we are integrating it into the teaching and learning experiences, please reach out to me at gnichols@havergal.on.ca or to Adam Caplan, HC-X Director, at acaplan@havergal.on.ca.

Celebration Saturday

Maggie Houston-White, Executive Director, Strategic Enrolment Management

Saturday, September 28 was a day of community at 蜜桃视频 as our students, employees, parents and Old Girls/Alums put our mission鈥�preparing young women to make a difference鈥攊nto action to show our support for and dedication to our .听聽

This annual event is not your typical fun fair: yes, there is cotton candy and inflatables and many ways to have fun, but it is more than that. It is students, parents and our broader community thoughtfully planning activities and programs that not only highlight the work of each of our Community Partners, but also emphasize how our support of their programs enrich us all. 

Parents play such a key role in this event, from the leadership of the members of the HCPA to all of the parents who volunteer their time and talent to the event. Our students see in each volunteer a role model and we as a school see a partnership that we value and are so grateful for. 

Did you know?

While Ellen Knox may not have envisioned gigantic cookies or a creative haunted house when she asked her students What will you do?, I have no doubt she is filled with pride in seeing our community making a difference every year in so many ways at Celebration Saturday. 

Alexandra Zourntos

Associate Director of Admissions, Senior School

Ms. Zourntos joined 蜜桃视频 in 2022 as Associate Director of Admission, Senior School. Focusing on Grade 9 day applications, Boarding applications and international recruitment, her role encompasses the things she enjoys most about education: connecting with families to provide an excellent admission experience and building relationships in different countries as she represents 蜜桃视频 on the road.

With a career in education that has spanned roles in teaching, guidance and admissions, the best part about teaching for Ms. Zourntos was connecting with students and guiding them toward their goals. However, a passion for curriculum within her courses was the missing piece. She was seeking a way of working with students directly, but outside of the classroom, in an administrative role. An opportunity arose to organize and execute experiential education programs around the world and, with an existing affinity for international education and travel, she spent years leading students throughout South America, Europe and Oceania. She later spent a year in Brazil teaching and spearheading an exchange program for students in Porto Alegre while assisting in recruitment efforts in neighbouring states.

Upon returning to Canada after working abroad, Ms. Zourntos eagerly accepted the position of guidance counsellor at a private school. She loved being able to make an impact on students in the areas of academics and wellbeing. This role included admission responsibilities, which led her to transition into leading the admission efforts for the campus. Fast-forward to today, she has found the perfect mix at 蜜桃视频 supporting students, maintaining international exposure through recruitment travel and building relationships with key stakeholders. She leverages her knowledge of the Ontario curriculum to gain a deeper understanding of students鈥� needs and provides maximum effort and enthusiasm to ensure families feel welcomed, informed and inspired throughout their admission experience.

Coming up on the 2024-25 travel docket for the Admission Team, Ms. Zourntos will be representing 蜜桃视频 in Vietnam, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Jamaica, Mexico, UK and Barbados.