A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, October 22, 2021

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Parents,

Thank you Thank you so much for attending JS Parent-Teacher Conferences this week.

These important conversations provide an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, to see the areas in which she is thriving, and to discuss targeted plans for continued growth. Moreover, they allow us to further strengthen the relationship between home and school.  It is important to remember, however, that while the conferences provide an overview of your child’s academic and social-emotional development, ongoing feedback throughout the year is paramount.  Should you ever have questions or concerns, we invite you to contact us and be assured that we will do the same.

This week’s blog contains information on the following:

Sincerely,

Kate

UPDATES

Launch of Take-Home PCR Saliva Test Kit Program 

  • This week we have launched our Take Home PCR Saliva Test Kit Program, in partnership with Sick Kids Hospital. These kits are available to any students, or household members who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, have a risk/close contact identified by TPH or who are part of an identified cohort or outbreak. 
  • Please contact the Junior School nurse at ext. 6516 or covid@havergal.on.ca if you would like to pick up or drop off a kit. Kits are to be dropped off to a Health Centre nurse at the Junior School Main Entrance and then the sample is sent by courier to Sick Kids for testing. 
  • Please see this document for details on the program: Take Home COVID-19 PCR Saliva Testing Program. The Take Home PCR Saliva Testing Program is only for individuals who are symptomatic, ill or have an identified COVID-19 risk. It is different from the Rapid Antigen Testing Program completed at home on Mondays and Thursdays, which is only to be used by well, asymptomatic individuals. For further information on testing types see this helpful TPH Resource on Testing Types for School Students. 

Student Photos – Ready for Ordering

  • We are pleased to share that student photos are now available for families to review and order, via the following link: Echo Photography  
  • The password required is your child’s student identification number.
  • If you need help with identifying this number, please visit the Veracross portal and view your child’s profile carefully. Should you require further assistance please email: jsoffice@havergal.on.ca 

Terry Fox Video 

Feedback: PT Conference

  • We were so pleased to have had the opportunity for our teachers to connect with you. With the ongoing goal of continual improvement, we would appreciate your feedback. Should you have anything you would like to share, we invite you to complete this Google form before Friday, October 29. 

Swimming Lessons Available at Havergal with Frank’s Swim School

Hallowe’en

  • Halloween is just over a week away, and we hope our students have a “spook-tac-lar” time on the 31st! 
  • Students are invited to come to school dressed in their costumes on Friday, October 29. A couple of reminders:
    • Costumes, face paint welcome
    • COVID masks only, no costume masks, please
    • No toy weapons
  • Students will be participating in a variety of fun-filled activities throughout the day. Each class will have the opportunity to participate in a “Door Decorating Contest” throughout the week. They are encouraged to bring materials from home. 
  • Here are some Tips & Tricks for Halloween Bedtime Success for some of our younger students! 

REMINDERS

Chartwell’s Ordering Form

  • This week’s Chartwell’s Order Form is due on Wednesday, October 25 by 12 noon for the week of November 1. 
  • Please note that Chartwell’s has included several simpler menu items starting the week of November 1 for families to choose from. 

Reminder About Travel Outside of Canada and What to do if your Child is Ill

  • With the November Mid-Term break  and the Winter Holidays coming up, we would like to remind families about the requirements around returning to school if you are travelling outside the country. If you and your unvaccinated child are travelling internationally, it is important to underscore that your child is unable to attend school for 14 days after their arrival back in Canada. Please note, there is no access to remote learning during this time; however, students have the option to follow along with instructions and class notes on Seesaw (JK – 3) or Google Classroom (Gr. 4 – 6) if they are not at school. If you have any specific requests, please contact the Head of the Junior School. 
  • If you have any specific requests, please contact the Head of the Junior School. 
  • For additional guidance, please review our Student Return to School after Illness, Exposure or Travel procedure, which is included in the Family Handbook’s Return to Campus COVID-19 Protocols section. You may also reference the federal government travel advice for those travelling with unvaccinated children.

Diwali Prayers – Last Call for Submissions

  • The Junior School will be celebrating Diwali on Monday, November 1 during Prayers. If your family celebrates Diwali, we would love to have some photos to include of your family to include for our walk-in video. Please submit these to Stephanie Iannarella (siannarella@havergal.on.ca) by Monday, October 25, so that they can be included.

DATES ON THE HORIZON

Friday, October 29

  • JS Halloween Celebration 

Monday, November 1

  • Diwali Prayers

Thursday, November 11 – Monday, November 15

  • Midterm break: no classes

Monday, November 29 – Thursday, December 2

  • Junior School Book Fair

Friday, December 3

  • PD Day
    • No classes for students
    • JS Faculty and Staff participating in Professional Development

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