Message from the Head of Junior School: September 28, 2018

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Parents,

I write today in disbelief that this my last blog post of September!  This month we have already experienced: the first day of school, People and Program Night, 11 prayers, our first Day 9, Athletic tryouts, Squad, Squad Team and Team Practices, and the first week of clubs, to say nothing of the start of academic learning in all subject areas.  As you look back on this time, we invite you to share any feedback on the opening weeks, so that we can thoughtfully reflect on what has gone well as well as what we should consider moving forward.

I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Ms. Irene Dongas to the Havergal Junior School Community.  Ms. Dongas is joining our Gator Care program as a supervisor, as well as our list of regular supply teachers.  She received her Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto in 2008, and has experience in both the Toronto District School Board and in Independent Schools.  Ms. Dongas brings to the school a love of learning, an understanding of the varied needs of students, and a deep belief in the importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment for all children.

We look forward to seeing you at Celebration Saturday!

Sincerely,
Kate White

In this message, read about:

Athletics

The cross country runners are running, the basketball players are swishing and soccer athletes are scoring. Havergal Athletics is booming and we are thrilled with the number of girls participating. If your daughter has had a change of heart, it is not too late to join a Squad Teams or a Squad. Please have your daughter speak to Ms. Bartlett or email abartlett@havergal.on.ca to find out how your daughter can get involved.

Teams, Squad Teams and Squad Practice Schedule

U11 Bball Team – Coach Scott & Ms. Bartlett
U12 Bball Green Team – Coach Alonzo & Mme. Rizzo
U12 Bball Gold Team – Coach Sarah & Ms. Partyka
U12 Soccer Team – Coach Mychel & Mr. Webb
U12 Swim Team – Coach Tanya & Ms. Campbell
U12 Cross Country Team – Mme. Gareau, Ms. Murphy & Ms. Lockington

JS Clubs

JS Clubs began last week, and are off to a great start!  A reminder that parents and/or caregivers are asked to pick up their children from the location of their club.

Click the link below for the club schedule:  JS Fall Club Schedule

Celebration Saturday

To learn about the purpose behind this community event, please visit the Celebration Saturday Website 

Timing

  • 8:30 am – Students and Parents in JK to Grade 6 come to the JS Gym for attendance
  • 8:40 am – Junior School walk over to the Upper School for Opening Ceremony
  • 9:00 am – Opening Ceremonies on the South Quad
  • 1:00 pm – Celebration Saturday concludes.  Please note there is no official dismissal. Students will leave with parents.

Dress

  • Students are asked to wear House Colours.  A photograph of the entire student body in their House Colours will be taken at the Opening Ceremonies.
  • Parents are encouraged to dress casually and comfortably.

Supervision of Students

  • Primary girls (JK to Grade 3) must be accompanied by their parents.

Parking

  • There is limited parking available on The Cohen Field.  Families are encouraged to walk, carpool, take the TTC, Taxi or alternate form of transportation.

Tickets and Purchases

  • Credit cards are accepted for payment of items at the silent and live auctions; tickets for the Midway, food and most other stalls will be available throughout the grounds for $1.00 each or as bulk purchases by cash; others areas only accept cash!

Magazine and Cookie Drive

Harvest Festival – Friday, October 5 (8:30 am – 9:00 am)

The Junior School annual Harvest Festival takes place on Friday, October 5 at 8:30 am in the Brenda Robson Hall (Upper School). Parents, family members, and guests are invited to a coffee reception in the Temerty Commons immediately following the service.

This formal service is an ideal and heart-warming start to the Thanksgiving break and a wonderful way for our community to gather and celebrate all that we have to be thankful for. We hope to welcome you and all your family members!

Donations to the North York Harvest Food Bank

  • Students in JK to Grade 6 are asked to bring in non-perishable food items to be donated to the North York Harvest Food Bank.
  • Students in Grade 1 – 6 are asked to place these donations in decorated baskets (eg: a simple recyclable cardboard fruit/veggie basket that can be found at the grocery store).  Students will carry over the baskets to the Brenda Robson Hall for the ceremony.
  • Students in JK and SK will place their donations in a basket provided by the school

What students are to wear – #1 Concert Dress

  • Grade JK, SK, 1, 2, 3: long sleeve white shirt, tunic, HC tie, green tights & black shoes
  • Grade 4: long sleeve white shirt, tunic, HC tie, green tights &  black shoes
  • Grade 5 & 6: long sleeve white shirt, kilt, HC tie, green tights & black shoes
  • Hair:  pinned back from the face using a hair accessory without colour, sparkles or embellishments. Small pins or Havergal headbands are permitted

Day 9: Wednesday, September 26

This past Wednesday was Havergal’s first Day 9 of the year. Whether it was our Junior and Senior Kindergarten students getting up close and personal with Pawsitively Pets, or our Grade 11s doing an Amazing Race throughout the city, it was an overwhelming success. Our students and faculty took advantage of the time and space to push themselves further, challenge themselves more, and think critically about some of the key issues facing our city, our country and ourselves. There is no doubt that our students are feeling more spirited about their grade after these shared experiences.
We would like to thank our parents for their cooperation, our faculty for their support in getting this Day 9 launched successfully, and to our students who engaged so highly throughout their experience.
Please be sure to check out our Instagram and Twitter feeds for some great photos that reflect the breadth and depth of our Day 9 Programming. If you are interested in becoming a part of our Day 9 programming or have some possible ideas, please contact Garth Nichols (gnichols@havergal.on.ca), VP Student Engagement and Experiential Learning.

GatorCare – 7:15am Drop off Time

Just a reminder that morning GatorCare begins at 7:15am.
Please do not drop off your daughter before 7:15am for morning care, as our staff will not be on site to receive them until that time.

HCPA News

  • September 29, Celebration Saturday
  • October 9th, Junior School “Coffee with the Head”
  • October Used Book Drive (October 9 – 12; Please drop off books in bins by the Learning Hub)
  • November 14th, Mother-Daughter Breakfast for Grade 1
  • November 16th, HCPA Annual Parent Luncheon
  • November 28th, Mother-Daughter Breakfast for Grade 4
  • JS Grade Rep Meetings

Click here to visit the HCPA Blog and learn more about these events, RSVP, purchase tickets and other HPCA news.

Links to remember

For information directly related to your daughter’s class, please be sure to visit the parent portal: Veracross Login
http://www.facebook.com/HavergalCollege
http://www.twitter.com/HavergalCollege
http://www.youtube.com/HavergalCollege

Important Dates on the Horizon

JS Fall Club Schedule

Teams, Squad Teams and Squad Practice Schedule

Saturday, September 29

  • 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Celebration Saturday

Monday, October 1

  • 8:30 am Prayers (Rev. Douglas – Gratitude)

Tuesday, October 2

  • 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm New to Havergal Parent Event (Brenda Robson Hall)

Thursday, October 3

  • 10:50-12:30 Gr.1-6 Harvest Festival Rehearsal, (BRH)

Friday, October 5

  • 8:30 am – 9:15 am JS Harvest Festival (Brenda Robson Hall)
  • 9:15 am – 10:00 am JS Harvest Festival Parent Reception (Temerty Commons)

Monday, October 8

  • Thanksgiving Day, school closed

Tuesday, October 9

  • Coffee with the Head of the Junior School, 8:30-9:30 am (Learning Hub)
  • JS Used Book Drive, 7:30 am- 4:00 pm (Learning Hub Hallway)

Wednesday, October 10

  • JS Photo Retake Day, 9:00 am-12:00 pm (Learning Hub)

Thursday, October 11

  • 8:30 am Prayers (Rev. Douglas – Joy #1)

Friday, October 12

  • 8:30 am Prayers (Rev. Douglas – Joy #2)

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