Dear Junior School Parents,

As the saying goes “April showers bring May Flowers!” With this week’s weather in mind, and the forecast calling for more wet days ahead, I can only assume that the flowers will be beautiful this year!  As we head into the weekend, I hope that the rain subsides enough for you to spend some quality time outdoors! We will be speaking with the JS students in prayers next week about how important this is, as well as some tips for getting a good night’s rest.  Should you wish to join us, Prayers takes place on Mondays and Fridays between 3:00 pm and 3:20 pm. The link can be found on your child’s Seesaw page or on Google Classroom.

Sincerely,

Kate White

LATEST NEWS

Ramadan and Eid Prayers – Invitation for Photos

• The Junior School will be celebrating Ramadan during Prayers on Monday, May 10.
• If your family celebrates Ramadan, we would love to have some photos to include of your family to include for our walk-in video. Please submit these to Reverend Douglas (sdouglasbowman@havergal.on.ca) by Friday, May 7th.

Upcoming Reading Assessments

• Every Fall and Spring, we conduct one-on-one reading assessments with students. These assessments provide us with key information about each student as a reader, at the present moment and throughout her years as a JS student. They also enable us to monitor the overall effectiveness of our literacy instruction across the school and pinpoint areas for growth and development. We value what we learn from this data so we do not want to forego these assessments, even as we find ourselves in these extraordinary circumstances. 
• During the month of May, you may notice an increase in the number of asynchronous learning periods for your daughter. This is due to the fact that teachers will be working one on one with students to conduct these assessments. Teachers will still meet with students at the beginning of class to get them started on the learning for that period, but will then have students leave the zoom meeting in order to conduct an assessment with a student. Alternatively, a teacher may request to meet with your daughter outside of class time. 
• Students are very accustomed to these assessments and your child does not need to do anything extra in order to be prepared. Our goal is to accurately assess our students as readers – not to catch them out. Teachers will make adjustments as necessary while conducting these assessments to try and mitigate any additional challenges presented by them being remote in order to support your daughter in demonstrating her strongest reading skills. This assessment, while valuable, is one of many pieces we use to monitor and assess your daughter’s growth and achievement in reading.
• Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Nancy Tulli (ntulli@havergal.on.ca), JK – 6 Literacy Coordinator

REMINDERS

Co-Curricular Schedule in the JS  – This Week

• These activities invite House spirit, artistic exploration, exercise, skill-building, and connection with peers outside of the classroom.
  • Asynchronous Programming
    • This document has links for asynchronous activities, which students can access and engage in during your own time.  
  • Synchronous Programming
    • This document has links for synchronous activities, which will be led by a Havergal faculty member at regularly scheduled times.

Library News

• Please take a moment to explore the  JS Library Hub Website. 
• You can find information on the following:
  • Monthly Reading Lists
  • Sora and Overdrive Instructions (JK to 6 access to ebooks and audiobooks)
  • Tumblebooks (JK – 3 access to storybooks, read-alouds, ebooks)
  • Library Resources
  • A “Care Package” (recommendations for podcasts, arts/crafts, wellness tips, and recipes)

Green and Gold Shop 

• Due to the extended School Closure, the Green and Gold Shop is currently closed. At this time we are unable to offer appointments for order pick up or returns and exchanges. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
• For updates, please visit: https://greenandgold.havergal.on.ca

Dates on the Horizon

• Monday, May 3 (3:00 pm – 3:20 pm)
  • Prayers (The Importance of Good Sleep Hygiene)
  • Link can be found on Seesaw or Google Classroom

• Friday, May 7 (3:00 pm – 3:20 pm)
  • Prayers (The Importance of Physical Activity)
  • Link can be found on Seesaw or Google Classroom

• Monday, May 10 (3:00 pm – 3:20 pm)
  • Ramadan and Eid Prayers

• Tuesday, May 11 (6:30 pm – 7:15 pm) – JK & SK Parents
  • A Conversation with Julie Binmore Founder of Intentional Parenting: Nurturing Independence, Self-Confidence and Resilience 
    • JK and SK Zoom Link

• Wednesday, May 12 (10:00 am – 11:30 am)
  • JS Grade Rep Meeting – All Welcome!

• Tuesday, May 18 (6:30 pm – 7:15 pm) – Grade 1 & 2 Parents
  • A Conversation with Julie Binmore Founder of Intentional Parenting: Nurturing Independence, Self-Confidence and Resilience 
    • Grade 1 and 2 Link

• Monday, May 24
  • Victoria Day – School Closed

• Thursday, May 27  – An Evening with Dr. Robyne Hanley Dafoe 
  • Parents of students in Grade JK to 12 are invited to an informative session by Robyne Hanley Dafoe. Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe is a multi-award-winning psychology and education instructor who specializes in resiliency, navigating stress and change, and personal wellness in the workplace. 
  • Please visit the link to her Bio: https://www.speakers.ca/speakers/robyne-hanley-dafoe/

• Wednesday, June 16
  • JS Closing Ceremony

Dear Junior School Parents,

A warm welcome back to all of our students after the April break! It has been such a joy to see them back in their Zoom classes, as they continue to engage in their learning. It was also so lovely to see so many parents at the curbside pickup. We are so pleased that we could pull this together,so that students could return to classes seamlessly. Thank you for your collective cooperation and words of encouragement.

In addition, a sincere note of thanks for all of those who were able to attend our Founder’s Day Service on Thursday, April 22.  This very special tradition is an opportunity for our whole community to gather and  celebrate the laying of the cornerstone of our present Upper School building on April 23, 1926. 

Wishing you all the best for a lovely weekend ahead.

Sincerely,

Kate White

LATEST NEWS

Co-Curricular Programming in the JS  – Starts on Monday, April 26

• Synchronous and asynchronous co-curricular activities, which are available at lunchtime and after school as per a weekly schedule can be accessed via class websites as of Monday, April 26.
• These activities invite House spirit, artistic exploration, exercise, skill-building, and connection with peers.

A Conversation with Julie Binmore, Founder of Intentional Parenting: Nurturing Independence, Self-Confidence and Resilience

• Parents with children in JK and SK & Grade 1 and 2 are invited to a conversation with Julie Binmore, founder of Intentional Parenting. In Julie’s words, “Parenting is the most important, gratifying work many of us will ever do. It is also hard! And we shouldn’t do it alone.” 
•  As we look ahead to the summer months, this session is an opportunity to engage in a dialogue with practical tips for how we can  use this time to continue setting up our children for success, nurturing greater independence, self-confidence, and resilience. 
  • JK and SK – Tuesday, May 11 (6:30 pm – 7:15 pm)
    • JK and SK Zoom Link
  • Grade 1 and 2 – Tuesday, May 18 (6:30 pm – 7:15 pm)
    • Grade 1 and 2 Link

REMINDERS

Dates on the Horizon

• Wednesday, May 12 (10:00 am – 11:30 am)
  • JS Grade Rep Meeting – All Welcome!

• Monday, May 24
  • Victoria Day – School Closed

• Thursday, May 27  – An Evening with Dr. Robyne Hanley Dafoe 
  • Parents of students in Grade JK to 12 are invited to an informative session by Robyne Hanley Dafoe. Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe is a multi-award-winning psychology and education instructor who specializes in resiliency, navigating stress and change, and personal wellness in the workplace. 
  • Please visit the link to her Bio: https://www.speakers.ca/speakers/robyne-hanley-dafoe/

• Wednesday, June 16
  • JS Closing Ceremony

Dear Junior School Parents,

A sincere note of thanks to everyone who came by the school today to pick up their child’s materials.  As you can well imagine, this was a lofty logistical feat, and was made so much easier by your smiling faces, and collective notes of appreciation.  For those that were unable to make it to the school today, we will be setting up another curbside pick-up the week of the 19th, in the event that we are not on campus.

With the April Break upon us, I encourage you and your children to spend quality time together,  enjoy one another’s company, and get some rest.

We will continue to keep you informed should there be any changes you need to know about.

Sincerely,

Kate White

LATEST NEWS

Stay at Home Order – April Break

As you have likely heard, Ontario has issued a stay-at-home order. We continue to ask for your cooperation by adhering to these guidelines.

Toronto Public Health has issued an order closing schools in Toronto until April 19th. Should we receive information that impacts the return to in-person learning on April 19th we will be in touch over the break.

Please be reminded of the following:

• If your child will not be returning to campus on April 19th due to travel quarantine or other reasons, please contact the Day School Office (dso@havergal.on.ca) directly.
• If your plans include international travel, please be reminded that you are required to quarantine for 14 days after your return to Canada, as per the Government of Canada Quarantine Act.
• Following your quarantine to meet the Ministry of Education guidelines, you must submit a negative Covid-19 test to the school by emailing the test results to the Havergal College Health Center at covid@havergal.on.ca. The test results must be received before the student is permitted on campus.
• The Ontario Government is recommending that individuals who travel domestically outside of the province self-isolate for 14 days upon their return to Ontario. Havergal College will be following this recommendation and students will be asked to learn from home until their 14-day quarantine period is complete. Questions related to inter-provincial travel and international travel will continue to be a part of the daily screening. Please contact the DSO@havergal.on.ca with the details related to this absence. 

Major Dates Calendar 2021-2022

• Please note there has been a change to the 2021-2022 Major Dates Calendar to reflect the statutory holiday on January 3., January 4 will be the return to school day.

Elizabeth Lorenzin Research Update

• Havergal College has retained Elizabeth Lorenzin of Lorenzin Research to conduct in-depth qualitative sessions with students, parents, and faculty. The data collected will assist the Administration in understanding the student experience in the current academic year.
• We would like to thank everyone who has agreed to participate in the research thus far and advise that sessions are on-going.  Members of the Havergal community have been very gracious with their time in sharing their insights.  
• At this time, the quantitative portion of the research that was originally scheduled before the April break is postponed until the interviews are complete and a report of the key findings has been issued.

Gator Care – Temporarily Suspended

• Please be advised that if we are back on Campus after the April Break, Gator Care will be temporarily suspended the week of April 19th and April 26th. This is in an abundance of caution, as we revise our protocols.

REMINDERS

Ordering Hoodies – Current Grade 5 Families Only

If you have not yet ordered your child’s “Grade 6” hoodie yet, please do so as soon as possible, via the Green and Gold Shop.

Jackie Robinson Day – Thursday, April 15

• This is a day dedicated to the commemoration of Jackie Robinson’s inspiring perseverance in the face of adversity. Students in 4C showed this  video in prayers this afternoon, sharing what they have learned about this great athlete. 
• They are askingJS students to wear the number 42 on this day, in recognition of all of his accomplishments. You can send a photo of your child wearing their #42 to Leah Piltz (lpiltz@havergal.on.ca) and we will post it on Social Media.
• In addition, 4A have also created a Breaking Barrier Bingo Card. We encourage all of our students to check it out, and invited to learn about other athletes who have also broken barriers in their respective sports. 

Dates on the Horizon

Monday, April 19

• School Resumes (We will communicate whether this will be on line or on campus)

Tuesday, April 20

• Additional curbside pick-ups will be offered if we remain “remote”

Thursday, April 22

• Founders’ Day (virtually reimagined)

Friday, April 23

• Earth Week Dress Down Day

Dear Junior School Parents,

Please find below a Pick-a-Time link which will enable you to schedule a time to collect your child’s/children’s belongings on Friday, April 9.

While we are currently scheduled to return to campus on Monday, April 19, we want to be ready to begin remote learning immediately in the case that the closure is extended beyond the break.  

If you are unable to collect your child’s belongings on Friday, we will offer additional dates, as necessary. 

Sincerely,

Kate White

Please select your time slot via Pick-A-Time:

JS April 2021- Curbside Pick-up of Learning Materials 

• Date: Friday, April 9, 2021 (8 am – 3 pm)
• Location: Junior School Main Entrance
• Opens: Wednesday, April 7 @ 8:00 am
• Closes: Thursday, April 8 @ 9 pm

Please make note of the pick-up process, outlined below:

1. Arrive in your designated time spot. A member of the Havergal Junior School Team will be on the driveway to greet you.
2. Please stay in your car, and indicate the name and grade of your child or children.
3. A member of the Havergal Team will bring your child’s items to your car.

Laptop/iPad Loaner Program

• All students in Grades 3 – 6 have either a school-issued iPad or a Laptop. 
• If your child is in JK – Grade 2, and requires the use of an iPad or Laptop in order to fully participate in remote learning, please email: servicedesk@havergal.on.ca.
  • Please let the Service Desk know if there is a specific time you have scheduled to do a curbside pickup. In this way, we will be able to coordinate times accordingly.

Dear Junior School Parent,

Further to Catherine Misson’s communication earlier today, we wanted to reach out with information specifically regarding the Junior School.

We continue to be well poised to shift to our Continuous Learning Plan, effective as of Wednesday, April 7. Please be sure to review the Continuous Learning Plan Document.  This contains information on the following:

• School Schedules 
  • Academics
  • Prayers
  • Co-Curricular
• Attendance Protocols
• Student Learning and Assessment
• Learning Platforms and Technology Requirements
  • Zoom
  • Learning Management Systems
    • Seesaw – JK-3
    • Google Classroom Gr 4-6
    • Printer Access
    • Laptop/iPad Loaner Program
    • IT Assistance 
    • Learning Materials
• Wellbeing and Student Support
• Physical Activity
• Uniform Expectations

Please also note the following, regarding the taking home of student materials:

Students in JK- SK and Grades 5-6 

• All students who were in attendance today, Tuesday, April 7, were sent home with the materials required for the Continuous Learning Plan.
• Should your child not have been at school today, and you need to pick up materials, please contact the jsoffice@havergal.on.ca as soon as possible.  We will arrange a time for you to collect these on Friday, April 9.  Should any of these not work for you, we will arrange alternative arrangements, if necessary.

Students in Grades 1 – 4

• We are arranging for a curbside pick-up of student materials on Friday, April 7 for the collection of student materials. 
• We will be sending out a “Pick-a-time” sign-up for families tomorrow to schedule a time.  Should any of these not work for you, please contact jsoffice@havergal.on.ca and we will arrange alternative arrangements, if necessary.

Thank you, as always, for your support. I have been overwhelmed with our community’s messages of encouragement and gratitude. As always, your child’s homeroom teacher remains your primary point of contact regarding their overall wellbeing. With that being said, I also invite you to reach out to me with any questions, concerns or feedback. 

Sincerely,

Kate