Dear Junior School Parent:

This morning we had the absolute pleasure of hearing a message in prayers from Ms. Brenda Robson and Ms. Judy Ratcliffe. Both teachers at the school for decades, they shared stories from their over 60 years at Havergal!  The girls were enthralled to see how the physical plant of the school has changed so much over the years, as well as to hear those things that have remained the same (e.g., Havergal girls smiling widely at each other, and supporting each other when they are feeling lost!) Also in the audience this morning was a fantastic group of “Old Girls,” who now have daughters in the school.  It was a truly wonderful way to head into the weekend.  Celebration Saturday is a much-loved tradition at the school, and we look forward to seeing you there tomorrow!

Yours sincerely,

Kate White

In this message, read about:

• Celebration Saturday – Need to Know Information
• Spotlight on the Family Handbook – School Rules and Progressive Discipline
• Waste Diversion at Havergal
• Math Discussion Club is Back!
• Junior School Math Academy for Parents
• Athletics
• Frequently Used Links
• Next Week in the Junior School
• Important Dates on the Horizon

Spotlight on the Family Handbook

Strategies to Support Students When They Make Mistakes  

Making mistakes is a normal and expected part of growth and development, particularly in the early years. Mistakes provide students with the opportunity to reflect and learn about themselves, others and the world around them.  

As capable problem-solvers, it is important that our students have specific strategies to draw on when they or a peer have made a mistake. If your daughter has tried to address an issue independently but is having difficulty resolving it, please encourage her to reach out to a trusted adult for support.  

When a mistake has been made, the following three steps are often used at the Junior School to help your daughter move forward. These can also be used at home:

1. Take Ownership

Encourage your daughter to recognize her role in the situation. This is not about taking on all of the responsibility. Rather, it is about seeing how she may have contributed, positively or negatively, to whatever has happened.   

2. Say Sorry

Mistakes happen. Saying sorry can be the first part of making things better. Students can sometimes be very hard on themselves when something goes wrong and engage in negative self-talk (e.g., I am the worst!), which is ultimately not helpful. It is important that students forgive themselves when they make a mistake and then move on by making better choices going forward. In addition, if a student has wronged someone else, or made a bad choice, it is important to try to make amends.

3. Make a Plan and Move Forward

Encourage your daughter to think about what she might have done differently. What might she do moving forward? Who could she seek out for support? Let her know that they are not alone in this and that there are adults who are available to offer support.  

To read the full Family Handbook:  CLICK HERE

Waste Diversion at Havergal

To learn more about HC’s commitment to diverting waste, check out the link below:

Junior School Math Academy for Parents

Junior School students were not the only ones trying something a little different on Day 9 last wee!  Junior School parents also came out to participate in a special “Math Academy.”

The presentations have been provided here for your reference.

K-2 Parent Math Academy

Athletics

Next week in the Junior School

Monday, September 30 (Day 1)

• 7:00 – 8:00 am: U11 Basketball practice (JS Gym)
• 8:30 – 8:55 am: JS Prayers (Margaret Taylor House Prayers)
• 11:50 – 12:20 pm: Gr.1-6 Chess Lunch Club (Learning Hub)
• 12:10 – 12:50 pm: Math Discussion Club (Learning Hub)
• 3:30 – 4:45 pm: U12 Soccer (lower Pitch)
• 3:30 – 4:15 pm: Gr.4 Homework Club (Rm. 4M)
• 3:45 – 4:45 pm: Gr.1-2 Drama Club (Rm. 121, SK)
• 3:45 – 4:45 pm: Gr.3-4 Drama Club (Rm.213, 3F)
• 3:45 – 4:45 pm: Gr. 4-6 Kids Lit Quiz (Art Room)
• 3:45 – 4:45 pm: Gr.3-6 Strings Ensemble (Music Room)

Tuesday, October 1 (Day 2)

• 7:00 – 8:00 am: Swim Team (pool)
• 7:20 – 8:00 am: Cross Country Team Practice (lower pitch)
• 8:30 – 8:55 am: JS Haverpals
• 8:55 – 10:40 am: Band Clinicians working with Grade 6
• 12:10 – 12:50 pm: Gr.3-4 Math Discussion Group (Learning Hub)
• 3:30 – 4:30 pm: Gr. 1 & 2 Multi-sport Squad (JS Gym)
• 3:30 – 4:15 pm: Gr.4-6 Junior Choir (Music Room)
• 3:45 – 4:45 pm: Gr.1-3 Tinker Lab (Rm.117, 2B)
• 3:45 – 4:45 pm: Gr.1-3 Farm Fresh (Rm. 122, JK)

Wednesday, October 2 (Day 3)

• 7:00 – 8:00 am: U12 Basketball practice (JS Gym)
• 8:15 – 9:30 am: Gr.1-2 Parent Meeting (Learning Hub)
• 8:25 – 8:55 am: First House Meeting of the Year
• 11:50 – 12:20 pm: Cookies and Conversation (Learning Hub)
• 11:50 am: Class Dismissal of Swim Team
• 3:30 – 4:30 pm: Basketball Squad Team (JS Gym)
• 3:30 – 4:15 pm: Gr.1-3 Primary Choir (Music Room)
• 3:30 – 4:15 pm: Gr. 6 Homework Club (Rm. 6L)
• 3:45 – 4:45 pm: Gr.4-6 Video Game Design  (Rm.214, 5G)
• 3:45 – 4:45 pm: Gr.4-6 Aspiring Architects (Rm.212, 6M)
• 4:00 pm: Return of Swim Team to Havergal

Thursday, October 3 (Day 4)

• 8:30 – 8:55 am: JS Prayers (Summer Reading Celebration)
• 12:00: cross country team departs to Sunnybrook park
• 2:30pm Departure of U12 Soccer team to Country Day.
• 3:30 – 4:45 pm: U12 Basketball practice (Gym A/B)
• 3:30 – 4:45 pm: U11 Basketball practice (Gym C)
• 3:30 – 4:30 pm: Gr 3&4 Multisport Squad (JS Gym)
• 3:30 – 4:30 pm: Soccer Squad Team (lower Pitch)
• 3:30 – 4:15 pm: Gr. 5 Homework Club (room 5C)
• 3:45 – 4:45 pm: Gr.1-3:Ugly Doll Designers (Rm.209, 3P)
• 3:45 – 4:45 pm: Gr.4-6 Chem-Mystery (Rm.208, 4P)
• 4:00 pm: Cross country team returns. 
• 5:45 pm Return of U12 soccer team  

Friday, October 4 (Day 5)

• 7:30 – 8:15 am: Gr.4-6 Math Contest Prep Club (Rm.215, 5C)
• 8:30 – 8:55 am: JS Prayers (Review of the First Month)
• 12:10 – 12:50 PM: Gr.3-4 Math Discussion Group (Learning Hub)

Important Dates on the Horizon

Sept 28: Celebration Saturday (8:30 – 1:00 pm)

Oct 11: Harvest Festival (8:30 – 10:15 am)

Oct 14: Thanksgiving (School Closed)

Oct 24: Parent-Teacher Conferences (1:30 – 7:30 pm)

Oct 25: Parent-Teacher Conferences (8:00 – 3:00 pm)

Dear Junior School Parent:

It has been another fulsome five days in the Junior School, with our students ending the week with our first Day 9.  The day started with a visit from author Shannon Hale and illustrator LeUyen Pham, co-creators of the “Princess in Black” series.  Our students were absolutely enthralled by their presentation and gasped when Ms. Hale rolled out a laminated scroll of the DOZENS of rejection letters she had received over the course of her career.  It was a fantastic lesson in the importance of persistence and tenacity. These inspiring women are speaking tomorrow at a Toronto Public Library Author Talk at the Lillian Smith Library, should you wish to see them!

Over the course of the last two weeks, Ms. Watt and I have held two assemblies, one for Grades 1 – 3, and another for Grades 4 – 6, in which we reviewed the “Rules of the School,” and how important they are in helping us to have a community where people feel safe, free to learn and to have fun.  We also reviewed how Havergal’s Progressive Discipline Approach works to help students take ownership of their mistakes, apologize to themselves and others, and to make a plan moving forward.  Students in Grades 4 – 6 were introduced to “Pink Slips,” which act as reminders for when a student is having difficulty following a school rule, and how to make a plan.  Be sure to ask your daughter about them. Please note that this week’s “Spotlight on the Family Handbook” focuses on these topics!

Yours sincerely,

Kate White

In this message, read about:

• Celebration Saturday
• Sustainable Design Features for a Greener Campus
• Spotlight on the Family Handbook – School Rules and Progressive Discipline
• Athletics
• Frequently Used Links
• Next Week in the Junior School
• Important Dates on the Horizon

Spotlight on the Family Handbook

Each week, we will be featuring a different section of the Family Handbook that is particularly important for the Junior School community.  This week, we are shining the spotlight on the Rules of the School, and our Progressive Discipline Approach.

School Rules

Havergal students will:

1. abide by the Havergal Code of Conduct;
2. comply with all published school policies, protocols and rules;
3. uphold and demonstrate the school’s core values: Integrity, Inquiry, Compassion and Courage;
4. attend all classes, Grade, Form,  TA meetings, Prayers and assemblies on time;
5. wear the school uniform correctly at all times; 
6. not take or forward digital photographs, videos or audio recordings of people without their consent; and
7. comply with the Acceptable Use of Technology Agreement and Student Loan Agreement.

*Please note that several rules have been removed from this list, as they are more pertinent to the Upper School.

Progressive Discipline

The breach of school rules and policies by students at any grade stand in relation to a progressive discipline approach that is used by Havergal to address inappropriate incidents and / or behaviours. Progressive discipline is duly noted in the Havergal Code of Conduct. It makes use of a continuum of interventions, supports and sanctions that builds upon strategies that promote positive behaviours. This may include reminders, review of expectations, detentions, contact with parents / guardians, loss of privileges, written reflection, conflict mediation and resolution, behavioural and / or academic agreements, referral for support services, suspension, and expulsion. 

In general, the severity of punishment and the steps taken by the school will be consistent with the nature and degree of the misbehaviour in relation to the school’s progressive disciplinary approach. Each case will be dealt with individually. No two infractions of the Code of Conduct are exactly alike, nor are the needs of offenders necessarily similar. We recognize that each student is a unique individual and that every situation that requires disciplinary action has its own set of extenuating circumstances, which are duly considered in every case. 

To read the full Family Handbook:  CLICK HERE

Next week in the Junior School

Monday, September 23 (Day 4)

• 7:00 – 8:00 am: U11 Basketball practice (JS Gym)
• 8:30 – 8:55 am: JS Prayers (Introducing our Grade 6 leaders)
• 12:15 am: Dismissing our Cross Country Team to Centennial Park
• 3:30 – 4:45 pm: U12 Soccer (lower Pitch)
• 4:00 pm: Cross Country Team return

Tuesday, September 24 (Day 5)

• 7:00 – 8:00 am: Swim Team (pool)
• 8:30 – 8:55 am: JS Prefects practice 2019-2020 School Cheer with Gr.1-6, in preparation for Celebration Saturday
• 8:30 – 9:50 am: JS Welcome Committee Training for Parents (Learning Hub)
• 3:30 – 4:30 pm: Gr. 1 & 2 Multisport Squad

Wednesday, September 25 (Day 6)

• 7:00 – 8:00 am: U12 Basketball practice (JS Gym)
• 8:15 – 9:30 am: JK/SK Parent Meeting (Learning Hub)
• 8:55 – 10:40 am: Band Clinicians working with Grade 6
• 12:00 – 12:45 pm: Gr. 1-2 New to Havergal Lunch with Ms White and Ms Watt
• 12:20 – 12:50 pm: Gr.6 Lunch at the Upper School
• 3:30 – 4:30 pm: Basketball Squad Team (JS Gym)

Thursday, September 26 (Day 7)

• 7:00 – 8:00 am: Swim team practice (pool)
• 7:20 – 8:00 am: Cross Country team practice (Lower Pitch)
• 8:30 – 8:55 am: JS Prayers (Rosh Hashanah, Jewish High-holidays)
• 9:00 – 10:15 am: Rosh Hashanah Reception (Learning Hub)
• 12:00 – 12:45 pm: Gr. 3-5 New to Havergal Lunch with Ms White and Ms Watt
• 2:00 pm: U11 Basketball Dismissal  
• 2:45 pm: U12 Soccer team Dismissal 
• 3:00 pm: U12 Basketball Dismissal
• 3:30 pm: U12 Basketball meet vs BH & MS (US Gym A/B & Gym C)
• 3:30 – 4:30 pm: Gr 3&4 Multisport Squad (Js Gym)
• 5:45 PM: U11 Basketball Team and U12 Soccer Team return to Havergal

Friday, September 27 (Day 8)

• 8:30 – 8:55 am: JS Prayers

Saturday, September 28 

• 8:30 – 1:00 pm: Celebration Saturday

Important Dates on the Horizon

Sept 28: Celebration Saturday (8:30 – 1:00 pm)

Oct 11: Harvest Festival (8:30 – 10:15 am)

Oct 14: Thanksgiving (School Closed)

Oct 24: Parent-Teacher Conferences (4:00 – 7:30 pm)

Oct 25: Parent-Teacher Conferences (8:00 – 3:00 pm)

Dear Junior School Parent:

We have now completed our first full week of school, and are slowly but surely settling into our daily routines.  I have had the pleasure of visiting each classroom throughout the week. Your daughters are learning, having fun, and it is already becoming difficult to distinguish between our “new” and returning students.

In prayers, and in our Primary assembly this week, we have continued to emphasize the importance to:

BE KIND

BE SAFE

ASK QUESTIONS 

As you head into the weekend, I encourage you to engage your daughter in why these things are important to our community, and how they set us all up for a more successful school experience. 

Finally, we welcome back our Grade 6 students this afternoon, as they return from a 2-night, 3-day excursion to Camp Onondaga, where they learned about their role as leaders in the Junior School this year! The pictures they sent to us leave no doubt what a fantastic time they had. Check our Havergal’s Instagram and Facebook pages to learn more.

Yours sincerely,

Kate White

In this message, read about:

• Math Academy for Parents
• Day 9: Fri. Sept. 20
• Celebration Saturday
• Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kipper
• Junior School Volunteer Opportunity
• Spotlight on the Family Handbook
• Athletics
• Frequently Used Links
• Next Week in the Junior School
• Important Dates on the Horizon

Math Academy for Parents

Session 1a – SK to Grade 3 . 9 am – 11 am 

This session focuses on fundamental math concepts of visual spatialization, quantity and unit, which is the foundation of your daughter’s mathematics program, this year.  A handout will be provided to be used at home.

Session 1b – Grades 4 to 6 . 1pm-3pm 

This session focuses on fundamental math concepts of visual spatialization, quantity and unit, which is the foundation of your daughter’s mathematics program, this year.  A handout will be provided to be used at home.

Sign-up for Math Academy for Parents

Spotlight on the Family Handbook

Each week, we will be featuring a different section of the Family Handbook that is particularly important for the Junior School community.  This week, we are shining the spotlight on the use of cell phones in the Junior School.

Cell Phones in the Junior School

If your daughter brings a cell phone to school, she is not permitted to use it during the day, unless given permission by a teacher. Therefore, her phones should be off and kept in her backpack or locker. If your daughter needs to contact you during the day, she can use the school phone in the office or ask a teacher to use a classroom phone. Students found using a cell phone during the school day will be asked to bring it to the office, where it can be picked up at the end of the day. Students are only permitted to use their cell phone during dismissal, with the purpose of calling a parent or caregiver. These calls must be made in the front office.

To read the full Family Handbook:  CLICK HERE

Athletics

Next week in the Junior School

Monday, September 16 (Day 8)

• 8:30 – 8:55 am: JS Prayers
• 3:30 – 4:45 pm: U12 Basketball (JS Gym)
• 3:30 – 4:45 pm: U12 Soccer Tryouts (lower Pitch)

Tuesday, September 17 (Day 1)

• 7:00 – 8:00 am: Swim Team (pool)
• 7:20 – 8:00 am: Cross Country (Lower Pitch)
• 8:30 8:55 am: JS Prefects practice 2019-2020 School Cheer with Gr.1-6
• 3:30 – 4:45 pm: U12 Soccer (Lower pitch)

Wednesday, September 18 (Day 2)

• 8:25 – 8:55 am: Gr. 1-3 Daily Physical Activity (Gym)
• 8:25 – 8:55 am: Gr. 4-6 Code of Conduct Assembly (Learning Hub)
• 11:15 am: Cross Country Team dismissed to SAC
• 11:50 – 12:20 am: Cookies and Conversation (Learning Hub)
• 3:30 – 4:45 pm: u11 Basketball (JS Gym)
• 4:30 pm: Cross Country Team return

Thursday, September 19 (Day 3)

** JS Photo Day – students to wear #1 dress **

• 8:30 – 8:55 am: JK – Grade 6 Evacuation Drill Assembly (No prayers!)
• 9:00 – 3:00 pm: JS Photo Day Schedule
• 12:20 – 12:50 pm: Gr. 6 Council Captain Meeting (Learning Hub/Art Room)
• 3:30 – 4:45 pm: U11 Basketball (US Gym C)
• 3:30 – 4:45 pm: U12 Basketball (US Gym A/B)

Friday, September 20 (Day 9)

** Day 9 Special Schedule **

Day 9 Excursions;

• 8:30 – 9:15 am: JK – Gr.6 Author Visit
• JK/SK: Art Barn Workshops
• Gr. 1 & 2: Highpark
• Gr. 3: Toronto Island
• Gr. 4: ZimArt’s Rice Lake Gallery
• Gr. 5: McMichael Gallery
• Gr. 6: Communities in Toronto

Important Dates on the Horizon

Sept 28: Celebration Saturday (8:30 – 1:00 pm)

Oct 11: Harvest Festival (8:30 – 10:15 am)

Oct 14: Thanksgiving (School Closed)

Oct 24: Parent-Teacher Conferences (4:00 – 7:30 pm)

Oct 25: Parent-Teacher Conferences (8:00 – 3:00 pm)

Dear Junior School Parent:

We have made it to the end of the first week of school, and what a week it has been! It has been such a pleasure seeing all of you, and especially your daughters!

Last night’s People and Program evening was such a success.  It was a fantastic opportunity to gather as a community, share important information about Havergal’s program, and to underscore the importance of working together as partners.

I hope that you have an opportunity to enjoy family and friends this weekend, and are looking forward to our first full week, starting on Monday.

Yours sincerely,

Kate White

In this message, read about:

• Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham visit
• Spotlight on the Family Handbook
• Drop-off and Pick-up
• Athletics
• New and Noteworthy HCPA Information
• Frequently Used Links
• Dates on the Horizon
• Glance at next week

Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham visit

On September 20th, from 8:30 – 9:15, two very special guests are coming to the Junior School! Author/illustrator duo Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham have teamed up on the popular Princess in Black series, as well as the Real Friends graphic novels. Shannon and LeuYen will speak to the whole school about life as an author and illustrator, how they get their ideas, collaboration, and creativity! Students will also have the opportunity to ask questions. If you would like, you may purchase signed copies of their books. There are also several copies of their books in the Learning Hub.

Grade 4 will be leaving early for their Day 9 excursion, but are welcome to purchase signed copies.

Please look out for the order form, which will be coming home with your daughter next week.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me at erodd@havergal.on.ca or at ext 7544

Spotlight on the Family Handbook

Each week, we will be featuring a different section of the Family Handbook that is particularly important for the Junior School community.  This week, we are shining the spotlight on birthdays and invitations.

Birthdays and Invitations

We realize that it is not generally possible to send seasonal greetings and birthday invitations to every child in a class. Children are, however, very sensitive; feelings can be easily hurt in these early years. Invitations and cards should not be brought to school for delivery unless the whole class is included. Treats (e.g., cupcakes, cookies, donuts) and/or loot bags may not be brought in to celebrate birthdays or holidays. Instead, students are invited to wear grub clothes on their birthday. Students with a summer birthday are invited to wear their grub clothes on an alternate day that is to be arranged with their core teacher.

To read the full Family Handbook:  CLICK HERE

Drop-off and Pick-up

DROP-OFF (8:00 am – 8:25 am)

1. Please stay in your vehicle. A member of the Havergal Faculty/Staff will be on hand to provide assistance and to walk-in those students that are not yet ready to do so independently.
2. Have your daughter exit the vehicle on the curbside only, rather than onto the driveway.
3. Have your daughter’s backpack and school materials in the backseat, and not in the trunk, ready for a quick drop-off.
4. Should you wish to walk your daughter into school, please park on the Cohen Field, and NOT in any of the spots along the driveway. A new and convenient walkway to the Junior School is now available for pedestrian traffic. Please follow the signage.

PICK-UP 

1. The Junior School has a staggered dismissal process. It is essential that you pick up your daughter during her designated time, otherwise the process is impeded.
   • 3:15 pm – 3:30 pm (JK -SK)  – starting next week
   • 3:20 pm –  3:50 pm (Grade 1–Grade 2)
   • 3:35 pm –  3:50 pm (Grade 3–Grade 6)
2. Place the pink laminated card that was sent home today, with your daughter’s name and grade on it, on your dashboard, so that it is easily visible.
3. Stay in your vehicle. Havergal Faculty/Staff will be on hand to assist and walk your daughter to the car if necessary.
4. Should you wish to park your car, please do so on the Cohen Field, and NOT in any of the spots along the driveway.

Please note:

• Families with daughters in more than one grade are asked to come in the time slot that is designated for your eldest daughter’s grade. Students that are not picked up by 3:50 pm will be brought inside. A member of the Security team will continue to call students until 4 pm so that parents/caregivers do not have to enter the school, should they not wish to. Any students not picked up by 4 pm, will go to Gator Care. The charge for Gator Care begins at 4 pm.

Athletics

Parent volunteers are needed for Cel Sat on Saturday, Sept 28 between 9am – 1pm

Cel Sat brings all members of the Havergal community together to support our Community Partners.

Sign up for a shift or two!  There will be activities, games, food, an online auction and a vendor marketplace.  A fun day for the whole family!

But we need your support –  Click here to volunteer!

Important Dates on the Horizon

Sept 9: Lice Checks

Sept 11 – 13: Gr.6 Excursion to Camp Onondaga

Sept 19: JS Photo Day

Sept 20: Day 9

Sept 28: Celebration Saturday (8:30 – 1:00 pm)

Oct 11: Harvest Festival (8:30 – 10:15 am)

Oct 14: Thanksgiving (School Closed)

Oct 24: Parent Teacher Conferences (4:00 – 7:30 pm)

Oct 25: Parent Teacher Conferences (8:00 – 3:00 pm)

Glance at Next Week

Monday, September 9 (Day 3)

*9:00 – 3:00 pm: Lice Checks

• 8:30 – 8:55 am: JS Prayers  (Priorities)
• 12:00 pm: JS Fall online registration closes for Athletics and Clubs
• 3:30 – 4:45 pm: U12 Basketball Tryouts (JS Gym)
• 3:30-4:45pm: U12 Soccer Tryouts (lower Pitch)

Tuesday, September 10 (Day 4)

• 3:30 – 4:45 pm: U12 Soccer Tryouts (Lower pitch)

Wednesday, September 11 (Day 5)

• 8:00 am: Gr.6 Students depart for Camp Onondaga
• 8:30 – 8:55 am: Gr.1-3 Assembly; Understanding the Code of Conduct and Progressive Discipline
• 8:30 – 8:55 am: Gr.4-5 Daily Physical Activity (JS Gym)
• 3:30 – 4:45 pm: u11 Basketball Tryouts (JS Gym)

Thursday, September 12 (Day 6)

• 8:30 – 8:55 am: JS Prayers (Starting the day off right)
• 3:30 – 4:45 pm: U11 Basketball Tryouts (US Gym C)

Friday, September 13 (Day 7)

• 8:30 – 8:55 pm: JS Prayers (Ending the day right)
• 3:00 pm: Gr.6 return from Camp Onondaga