Dear Parents,

This morning’s first ever Virtual Harvest Festival set the perfect tone with which to start the Thanksgiving weekend. It was such a joy for Ms. Watt and me to unveil the installation of the gratitude wall created by our students. This has been hung in the front hall of the Junior School, and will serve as a daily reminder for us all to practice an “attitude of gratitude.” Together, our community raised over $1800, to donate to The North York Harvest Food Bank. When we called them today, they wanted me to share their deep appreciation. If you were unable to join us for the service, I highly encourage you to view a recording of it here:  https://youtu.be/fpskcgO43EI

I am also filled with gratitude to have the honour to share some truly wonderful news with all of you. Ms. Watt, Junior School, Assistant Head is pregnant, and will be welcoming twins in late February! We have been working alongside Ms. Watt to ensure that her many responsibilities are fulfilled while she is on parental leave, and will update you accordingly. I know that you join me in wishing Ms. Watt your very best wishes and congratulations. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

Kate White

Latest News:

Adjustments to the Fall School Calendar

As we continue with a successful start to the school year we have identified a need for additional Professional Development time in order for faculty to continue to deliver a high quality program. As we move forward, we will continue to reflect and adjust the calendar as required. We thank you for your ongoing support as we navigate this unique school year.

Please note the following adjustments in the Junior School Calendar. 

• Thursday Nov 5 & Friday, Nov 6: 
  • Teachers will be engaging in Professional Development on these days, as well as conducting Parent-Teacher Interviews.
  • Students (JK – Grade 6) are not at school on either of these days.
• Wednesday, Dec 2 
  • PD Day for Teachers
  • Students (JK – Grade 12) are not at school on either of these days
• Wednesday Wednesday Dec 16  
  • The Christmas Break will now begin on this date. The last day of classes before the break will be Tuesday, December 15.

Daily Screening Update

As you are aware, Toronto Public Health made changes to our daily screening this week. Thank you for attending to these screening questions carefully and completing this prior to your child’s arrival to campus. It is important to note that even if your child is absent, regardless of the reason for the absence, you must still complete the daily screening. Finally, once the screening is complete you are sent detailed instructions with next steps should any of the answers have been yes. 

Over the past four weeks, our families have supported the safety and health of our school remarkably well through our Veracross process. In consultation with our Return to Campus taskforce, we have determined that we will not be moving forward with Edusafe. Also, because of the success, and the routines families have developed around the screening process, we feel that to introduce a new procedure at this time is not in the best interest of the College. 

Junior School Photos

• The Junior School photos will be online and available for purchase on Wednesday, October 14. 
• The link to view and order pictures is:  HERE
• If you have any questions, please email Cameron Hubbs at cameron@echophotography.ca 
• Retakes are scheduled for Wednesday, October 21
• Please note that all students will receive a composite photo of their class later in the year.

Reminders:

Green & Gold Orders

Green & Gold orders that have been placed via our online shop, will now be delivered directly to classrooms, for students to bring home. Curbside pick-up at the Upper School, is no longer required for Junior School students.

Junior School Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent Teacher Conferences will be held on Thursday, November 5 and Friday, November 6. Sign-up will start on Tuesday, October 27 at 6 pm and will close at 8 am on Tuesday, November 3. The link for sign-up will be shared in the next blog.