A Message From the Head of the Junior School: Friday, October 1, 2021

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Parents,

This week Havergal observed Truth and Reconciliation Week. Occurring from Monday, September 27 to Friday, October 1, this is a time for Canadians to learn more about residential schools, their impact on Indigenous peoples today, and how to participate in meaningful reconciliation. Students in the Junior School started the week with a Prayers where we learned about residential schools, as well as the story behind Orange Shirt Day. 

We were honoured to have Ms. Kathleen Padulo join us as a guest speaker. A member of the Oneida Nation of the Thames, and from the wolf Clan, she is  the Environment Director at the Chiefs of Ontario, and  has focused her education on Indigenous and Environmental Studies and works with First Nation communities. Ms. Padulo lives in Toronto with her husband and two children, one of whom is a student in the Upper School.

Ms. Padulo shared her family’s story with us, as well as helping us to further understand what the terms truth and reconciliation mean. Students were then invited to reflect upon the phrase “Every Child Matters.” Each child was provided with an outline of a shirt, where they expressed their thoughts on what it looks, sounds, and feels like to matter. In addition, students engaged in numerous conversations and reflective activities in their classrooms throughout the week. 

To learn more, please visit National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: NCTR or watch this short video from CBC Kids News What is reconciliation? 

This week’s blog contains information on the following:

Sincerely,

Kate

Latest News

Rapid Antigen Testing in the JS – Commences on Tuesday, October 5

  • As you are aware, Havergal recently instituted a vaccination policy and we are quickly approaching a vaccination rate of 100% for employees. Building upon this important layer of protection, we are rolling out a Rapid Antigen Screening program as another valuable tool to help keep our community members safe, particularly those in the Junior School who are most vulnerable to COVID-19. 
  • Rapid Antigen Screening is an effective way to detect infection before the onset of symptoms. As a result, it can help us avoid bringing asymptomatic, yet infectious individuals, on-campus and aid in preventing the virus from being introduced into the school setting. 
  • Due to government changes, Havergal has independently opted to proceed with Rapid Antigen Screening as a pilot for the next three months, as we believe this added health and safety measure is an important step in safeguarding our youngest learners. These at-home tests are lower-nasal swabs, which are more comfortable for children, and are easily administered at home. 
  • To learn more about this program, please visit: JS Rapid Antigen Testing Information

Parent/Teacher Conferences on October 21 & 22 

The first Junior School Parent/Teacher Conferences of the school year will take place virtually via Zoom on:

  • Thursday October 21 from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm 
  • Friday October 22 from 8:00am – 3:00pm 

The online conference booking system used by Havergal College is called pickAtime. 

Here is some useful information to help with booking your conference:

  • JS pickAtime scheduler will open on  Wednesday, Oct. 13th at 6pm
  • JS pickAtime scheduler will close on  Tuesday, Oct. 19th at 8pm
  • Please contact the JSO 416-483-3843 ext. 6608 to coordinate any changes.
  • PickAtime does not permit the scheduling of back-to-back appointments. 
  • Learning Support team members will join homeroom teachers for as many of these interviews as possible.

For more information about how to use Pick-A-Time and Zoom, please use this Information Document.

A Message from the Library

Over the past few weeks, Erica Rodd has been thrilled to be able to welcome students back into the library to borrow books. She would like to share a few reminders:

  • There are no due dates, but she asks that books be returned before we break in December
  • Students may have up to 10 books at home: please help your child keep track of her library books and return them as needed.
  • If you have library books from last year (or earlier) please return them as soon as possible 

If you have any questions please feel free to email her at erodd@havergal.on.ca

She looks forward to a book-filled year ahead!

Photo Retakes

  • Our photographer will be back on campus on Friday, November 5 to retake photos; if your child was away on their original photo day (please refer to the Veracross calendar to verify dates), or if the original image is problematic, please plan for your child to wear Number One Dress that day and email your child’s homeroom teacher so they can be added to the list
  • Proofs will be forwarded to families ahead of that date.

REMINDERS

Havergal’s Policy on Students Returning to School after Illness, Exposure, or Travel

Use of School Pass to Manage Early Dismissals and Late Arrivals

  • Parents are asked to log all early dismissals and late arrivals via the SchoolPass app: entries can be made up until 2 p.m. for the date in question.
  • When entering an absence, early dismissal, or late arrival in the SchoolPass app, it is important to use the ‘Notes’ field to provide a reason. This information is critical for our school records.  
  • If you need to have the person designated as “Parent 1” in your SchoolPass account changed, please email jsoffice@havergal.on.ca to make this request

Independent Dismissal

If you have a child in Grades 4 – 6 and would like them to be granted permission to leave the school independently at the end of the day, please email jsoffice@havergal.on.ca so that a green bag tag can be issued accordingly: it lets our teachers know who can leave on their own

Arts Co-curriculars Before and After School

These activities commence next week. Please feel free to verify the schedule here.

Lunch Services New Order Form

  • We would like to remind everyone that lunches prepared by Chartwells can now be order via the link found HERE. Please note that the order form is best accessed using Google Chrome as your browser.

Harvest Festival and Terry Fox Run Information – Thursday, October 7

  • Harvest Festival and the Terry Fox Run will both be held on Thursday, October 7
  • The run will take place AFTER the Harvest Festival, as such, we would like to adjust expectations for student dress:  
  • Only those performing in the Harvest Festival should wear Number One Dress to school on Thursday, October 7. 
  • Everyone else can wear their regular uniform.
  • Students will change into their gym uniforms before running but do not need to change back into their uniforms for the remainder of the day.. 

Food Donations for the North York Harvest Food Bank

  • We will once again be collecting perishable food donations which will go to the North York Harvest Food Bank. A huge thank you to our Grade 6 Leaders who have been working with Ms. Charlton to organize this important initiative.
  • We have been advised that the following items are especially in need:
    • cooking oil
    • canned fish (i.e. tuna, salmon)
    • canned tomatoes (whole or diced)
    • dry pasta
    • canned vegetables
    • canned legumes (i.e. kidney/black beans)
    • baby formula
  • Bins will be placed outside the Library to collect the donations. The last day for donations is Thursday, October 7.

DATES ON THE HORIZON

Thursday, September 30 – Thursday, October 7

  • Food drive in support of North York Food Bank

Thursday, October 7 

Friday, October 8

  • No classes
  • PD day for faculty and staff

Monday, October 11

  • Thanksgiving Monday – No classes

Wednesday, October 13

  • Pick-A-Time OPENS for Parents to sign up for Parent-Teacher Conferences (6:00 pm)

Tuesday, October 19

  • Pick-A-Time CLOSES for Parents to sign up for Parent-Teacher Conferences (8:00 am)

Thursday, October 21

  • Parent-Teacher Interviews All Day
  • No classes for JS Students

Friday, October 22

  • Parent-Teacher Interviews All Day
  • No classes for JS Students

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