Havergal Connections—Five Years of Strengthening Community

Havergal
Connections

Five Years of Strengthening Community

Illustration by Greg Mably

Since its launch in 2020, Havergal Connections, Havergal Old Girls Association’s digital alumni platform, has become an essential hub for Old Girls/Alums, graduating students, and the broader Havergal community. Over the past five years, Havergal Connections has not just connected graduating classes; it has deepened relationships, fostered mentorship, and enriched a sense of belonging across all graduating years.

A Strong Foundation for Connection
When the Connections portal went live in 2020, it came at a time when personal contact was limited. Many events were paused, but the need for staying connected was more important than ever. Havergal Connections provided an accessible, modern platform where Old Girls/Alums could reconnect, share stories, and reach out to one another globally.

Expanding Global Reach and Local Gathering
With more than 9,500 Old Girls/Alums across 70+ countries today, one of Connections’ strengths has been bringing together people who might otherwise never meet. Whether reconnecting with old classmates in Toronto or forging new relationships across continents, the portal has helped bridge distance.

At the same time, Connections serves as a news source for regional gatherings and Reunion events that have remained central, offering in-person moments to complement virtual ones. Reunion weekend, our Annual Old Girl/Alum Luncheon, and Former Boarder Dinners continue to draw graduates back and reinforce shared memories.

Fostering Belonging and Strategic Growth
Havergal’s strategic plan Empowering Excellence places connection, wellbeing, and belonging among its core pillars. The success and development of Havergal Connections feed directly into this vision, helping ensure that Old Girls/Alums feel valued, supported, and engaged long after graduation.

Mentorship and Leadership
A major feature of Connections has been facilitating mentorship, professional development, and leadership opportunities. Old Girls/Alums can offer guidance or identify areas where they are seeking support, while leaders in our community share their experiences with those entering new professions or looking to grow in their fields. Structured programs and speaker events communicated through Connections have allowed Old Girls/Alums to give back in ways that build confidence, knowledge, and networks for those following in their footsteps.

Strengthening Volunteers and Class Reps
Behind many of the platform’s successes are the volunteer Old Girls/Alums who serve as Class Representatives, event organizers, mentors, and connectors. Their ongoing commitment has helped maintain continuity from year to year and generation to generation. Through times of change, they have been critical in keeping classes connected, organizing reunions, and sharing community stories. Much of this activity now happens, in part, on Havergal Connections.

Over these five years, Connections has matured with more than 2,000 active users, more features, and more stories, and through it all, a growing sense that being part of Havergal means being part of something that lasts.

Getting Started on Havergal Connections
Joining and engaging on the platform is simple:

Log in and explore
Go to connections.havergal.on.ca and sign in.
You will land on your personalized Connections homepage.
Tip: Signing in with LinkedIn makes setting up your profile a breeze.

Complete your profile
Add a photo, a short bio, and your areas of interest.
This helps others find and connect with you.

Connect with your classmates
Find fellow graduates, see what they have been up to, and send a message to reconnect.

React and reply
Engagement does not have to be big. Like a post, leave a comment, or ask a question. Every interaction helps build community.

Post something
Share a personal update, Havergal memory, or professional opportunity. Keep posts short, positive, and relevant. Include a photo or link for extra impact.

Join a group
Look for groups that align with your role or interests, such as “Film and TV Professionals” or “HOGA Class Reps.”
Tip: You can also create your own if you see a gap.

Find a mentoring relationship
Search the directory to connect with Alumni in your industry who are seeking or offering mentorship.

Promote your business
Create a new listing in the Business Directory and even offer specific perks to the Havergal alumni community.

Join the HOGA Community on Connections today
connections.havergal.on.ca