A Message from the Head of the Junior School – Monday, March 29

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Parent,

Thank you for your continued support as we work through this situation together as a community. The purpose of this communication is to answer some of the questions that have come forward.

We recognize that yesterday’s communication may have brought forth a number of emotions – concern for the health and safety of your child and family; empathy for those in our community who have tested positive; frustration at balancing working from home while also supporting your child at home; uncertainty regarding the specifics of who is required to self-isolate, and logistics surrounding those have been asked to participate in the Continuous Learning Plan. We empathize with you and we understand, as we too share many of these feelings. 

Havergal is committed to providing an exceptional experience for your child. While being on campus remains a priority, this is balanced with the health and safety of our community. We continue to be in contact with Toronto Public Health regarding the cases in the Junior School, as they are completing a fulsome review. In an abundance of caution, Havergal has made the decision to have students in Grades 1 – 4 participate in our Continuous Learning Plan, until otherwise directed by TPH. 

Thank you for your feedback. We hope that the following FAQ will provide you with additional information that you will find helpful.

Which students are currently expected to be learning remotely? 

  • All students in Grade 1 – 4 are currently participating in the Continuous Learning Plan. Your child’s teacher will provide updates regarding schedules on Seesaw or Google Classroom.
  • Students in JK & SK  and students in Grades 5 & 6 will continue to remain on campus, unless notified otherwise.

What about siblings?

  • The school has reached out to all of the families whose child(ren) has/have been in direct contact with any individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19. 
  • Only siblings of these families are required to self isolate, whether they are Havergal students are not.  They are isolating as contacts of close contacts. Other students in the siblings classes are not considered contacts by Toronto Public Health.

When will students be able to return to campus?

  • We anticipate that students in Grades 1 – 4, as well as any siblings of those who are directly affected, will return to campus on Thursday, April 8th.  
  • Again, we will update all families as any new information becomes available.

Why are only some students required to learn remotely at this time?

  • Grade 1-4 are on a shared schedule with faculty who are dedicated to those cohorts and who were impacted by the COVID-19 positive cases. As such, only those students, faculty and staff directly impacted are required to engage remotely at this time.

What materials does my child require for remote learning?

  • The classroom teachers have determined that students do not need any materials from school. They will, however, need to have paper, preferably lined and plain, as well as writing materials.
  • Teachers will post materials on Seesaw or Google Classroom that can be printed as required. 
  • We will continue to communicate with families, however, should there be an adjustment 

What will my child’s schedule be this week?

  • Students will continue to use their existing schedule. This schedule is provided on either Seesaw or Google Classroom..

What are the expectations around uniform for students learning remotely?

  • Students are expected to wear a Havergal shirt (Phys-ed, House Shirt, Collared Shirt, Polo Top) while attending remote lessons.

How do I go about getting a device for my child, if they need one?

Rose Reisman Hot Lunch Service

  • Please note that a credit will be applied on all accounts by the end of tomorrow starting tomorrow (Tuesday).
  • The cost of any lunches for students in Grades 1 -4 or affected siblings, ordered for Monday, March 29, will be covered by the school.

What Further Opportunities are there for COV1D-19 testing at Havergal?

  •  TPH will provide direction on testing and we will continue to work with them on this.

Important Contact Information

  • Homeroom Teacher
    • Your child’s homeroom teacher will continue to be your first point of contact, should you have any questions.
  • Head of Learning Support – Cherly MacKinnon
    • cmackinnon@havergal.on.ca
    • 416.483.3843 ext. 7530
  • IT Assistance
    • If you require IT assistance, please contact servicedesk@havergal.on.ca or 416-483-3843 ext. 6663 
  • Assistant Head, Junior School – Andrea Charlton
    • 416-483-3843 x7543
    • acharlton@havergal.on.ca
  • Head, Junior School – Kate White

We will continue to reach out to you in a timely fashion as the situation evolves, and as we communicate with Toronto Public Health. This pandemic and subsequent circumstances are new for us all. Our collective resilience will see us through. To all of the families who have reached out to ask how to best support a family or employee when these situations arise – your continued support, compassion and understanding as we navigate the days ahead will be appreciated by all.  

As always, please feel free to contact me directly with any further questions or concerns.

Kind regards

Kate

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