We asked students this question: “How has Havergal prepared you to be a global citizen?”
Here’s what they said:
Layla S.
Grade 5
Havergal has given me the meaningful opportunity to go to New Circles to sort clothes and understand the organization from my own perspective. It taught me that small actions can make a big difference.
Isabella P.
Grade 5
Through leadership in Grade 5, I was able to make an impact on the younger students in the Junior School. I was given the opportunity to research the New Circles organization and then, in Prayers, I taught our Junior School students about the New Circles Holiday Angel Program and the importance of giving back to our community. We were lucky to have a New Circles representative to share more about the charity.
Maliyah L.
Grade 5
My role as a Classroom Connector [for the New Circles Holiday Angel Drive] helped the Junior School students better understand the [New Circles client] family and their needs, making the drive more meaningful and contributing to its success. I can’t wait to see how Havergal’s partnership with New Circles advances in the upcoming years.
Isley B.
Grade 6
Havergal College has taught me so much about being a global citizen and being kind. I love being able to experience so much, from visiting New Circles to sort clothing, to going to the North York Harvest Food Bank to sort food. I have learned so much and I am so grateful.
Ryka C.
Grade 6
Havergal is a tremendous school community, but they don’t hide the cruel world we live in today and they are not a bystander. This school makes a difference. They set up food drives and donation drives to give back to our community, instead of just taking from it. They stand up for what’s right, and so will all the young women who are gifted this tremendous experience called Havergal College.
Corina H.
Grade 6
Havergal has taught more than just math and science. It has taught me the value of learning about different perspectives. I learned about diversity, different cultures and traditions, and how everyone experiences and expresses emotions differently. This has prepared me to be a global citizen, because it helped me realize there are many communities in the world, and helping out just a little can have a big impact on everyone.
Sammi W.
Grade 6
Havergal has prepared me to be a global citizen in many ways, such as providing me with opportunities to support my community, including visits to the North York Harvest Food Bank and New Circles to sort food and clothing for other people. Through these experiences, I have learned that small actions can make a big impact on the world and have been inspired to continue finding ways to make a positive change to the world.
Audrey W.
Grade 6
“Being a student at Havergal means resonating with the core values of integrity, inquiry, compassion and courage. These values and the topics we are exposed to (both inside and outside the classroom) are the very things that will lead us to become global citizens. Values lead us to advocate, to stand tall among crowds, to dive deep and explore within ourselves. So, whether you are a Grade 12 or Grade 1, remember: Havergal is merely just a stepping stone for you. The students are the true ripples that cause change in the world.
Lia S.
Grade 8
Havergal teaches me to look at the world from a different perspective. Through participating in the Forum for Change Council and my work in social science class, I have become more aware of issues affecting the world, including food insecurity and poverty. These experiences have inspired me to take action within my community and explore ways to create change in the world around me.
Ally W.
Grade 8
Havergal has prepared me to be a global citizen by ensuring that we all know what it means to give back as a community. At Havergal, we are fortunate to have access to numerous resources. It’s crucial for students to recognize that other communities aren’t as privileged and to find ways to help. Throughout the year, Havergal provides many opportunities for students to give back, whether it be by donating to the North York Harvest Food Bank or by supporting our Holiday Angel families. These practices, among others, allow the Havergal community to be more involved, so that we can help create a stronger community outside of the ivy walls.
Jessie G.
Grade 9
Havergal’s many real-world experiences have helped me become a better global citizen. I’ve had so much fun while learning many lessons through improving my collaboration, initiative and hard work. Round Square and the Exchange Program have been the most memorable, especially because I got to meet and learn from people from across the world, and it pushed me to attend events like the ELEVATE Tech Festival and the CIS Future Prize that let me see the world from different lenses. I look forward to discovering even more as I go through my next few years at the Senior School.
Alysha D.
Grade 10
As someone who has attended Havergal for seven years— and is an avid traveller with my family — Havergal has been steadily shaping the influence in my development as a global citizen. From my Grade 7 Religious Education classes and my Grade 8 Round Square conference in Calgary to my Grade 10 philosophy course, the GLLD program and HC-X courses, the school has continually broadened my world view and strengthened my cultural awareness. Every opportunity Havergal has provided has enriched my travels and deepened my ability to connect meaningfully with people from around the world. With these experiences, I feel prepared to carry forward Havergal’s values and contribute thoughtfully to the global community, and I hope to continue taking part in the many local and global opportunities the school offers.
Emma L.
Grade 11
Havergal has prepared me to be a global citizen by helping me see myself as part of wider communities. Through the Global Learning & Leading Diploma, I have developed a deeper understanding of global citizenship, social justice and diversity, equity and inclusion. I have strengthened my ability to think critically about human rights, collectivism and sustainability, and to approach global issues with fairness and empathy. Havergal’s ongoing commitment to cultural competency has encouraged my ability to appreciate the benefits of pluralism and lead responsibly.
Published April 2026
2025–26 Issue
This narration was produced using an AI-generated voice.
Some variations in pronunciation may occur.
