Family Handbook 2018-19

Resilience  Resilience is the ability to bounce back from disappointment and it develops from learning how to  manage and recover from low‑risk failure. When we rescue girls from age‑appropriate errors, they  cannot learn from their experiences. As a result, they begin to view small setbacks as great  disasters. As educators, one of our goals is to help girls learn from their mistakes, rather than  preventing them from making any. A child who never faces failure is a child who becomes fearful  and risk‑averse. Students who make mistakes will be supported and guided to take ownership,  forgive others and themselves and reflect upon a plan to move forward in a positive way.  Community Circles  By helping students develop their social literacy skills, our aim is that each girl sees herself as a  capable problem‑solver with a bank of strategies and skills to develop and maintain healthy  relationships. The goal is not necessarily to avoid problems, but rather to know what to do when  problems inevitably arise. Core and Specialty teachers guide students in these meetings, with a  focus on the following, as outlined by the The Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum: 

● interact positively;  ● take responsibility for your actions;  ● communicate effectively;  ● be an effective team member;  ● be willing to work with any partner;  ● use encouraging words;  ● share opportunities;  ● cooperate with the group;  ● try different approaches and be persistent;  ● show respect for others;  ● appreciate differences in people; and  ● make a plan and follow through with it. 

Haverpals  Every class in the school is partnered with another class, where there is at least a three‑year gap  between the students. These pairs meet on a regular basis, engaging in a wide variety of activities.  This allows our students to develop meaningful relationships with students outside of their peer  group, allowing them to feel more connected to their school and community. 

Last Updated August 17, 2018 Havergal College Family Handbook 2018–19

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