Month: January 2022

A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, January 28, 2022

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Parents,

Our first full week back on campus has flown by quickly. We’ve been thrilled to start our after school arts programming again, and look forward to our athletics program getting off the ground as well. It is also wonderful to see all of our students participate in co-curricular programming during period 5 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Some of the highlights, since we’ve started back on campus include: Dance, Multisport, Cartooning, “Boomwhackers,” Kung Fu, Volleyball, Drama, Improv, Typing Club, “Money Managers,” Creative Writing and Taekwondo.

This week’s blog contains information on the following:

Sincerely,

Kate

UPDATES

Safe Arrival and Dismissal of Students – Top 5 Things We Need Your Help With

  • We are continuing to monitor the safe arrival and dismissal of students each day. 
  • Our amazing team of teachers and security professionals are here to support in this process.  
  • Here are the TOP FIVE ways we need your support:
  1. Have students ready to exit as soon as your car stops alongside the curb. By waiting to drop off nearest the doors, it slows down the flow of traffic.
  1. Arrive at your designated pick-up time:
  • JK: 3:00 pm
  • SK: 3:15 pm
  • Grades 1 – 3: 3:25 pm 
  • Grade 4 – 6: 3:40 pm (along with younger siblings)
    • Families in Grades 4 – 6 will receive new orange signs for their dashboards today, indicating the appropriate dismissal time.
  1. Abide by the signage both on and off school property. This includes: driving 10 km along the driveway, not parking along the driveway during peak times, no double parking, or stopping in restricted zones on Rosewell Ave. 
  1. Crossing at the designated crosswalk with the crossing guard and flashing pylons, and not across the driveway exit.
  1. Following the directions of our security team.

Changes to Routines at Schools – Effective Monday, January 31

Outdoors: 

  • Students will once again be able to take their masks off when outdoors, if they are with their own class, and physically distanced; students will be able to play with students from their grade while outdoors, with masks on.

Lunchtime

  • Students will continue eating in their classrooms for the time being, with the windows open. This will be reviewed on the Family Day Weekend. 

JS Before/After School Co-curriculars

  • We are pleased to share that before and after school Arts activities have commenced according to the schedules Ms.Goodridge has shared with parents.
  • Ms. Bartlett and the coaches are in the process of sharing schedules pertaining to the Athletics activities starting next week.

Missing Thrive Registrations

  • We will be contacting those families who have not yet registered with Thrive, the site through which we are collecting students’ rapid test results.
  • If you have not yet registered, please do so as soon as possible by following these steps.

Donations of Skates and Helmets

  • We would be grateful to receive any old skates and helmets available for donation.
  • Having a reserve of equipment on site ensures that everyone who is interested in skating as part of our Health and Physical Education program can do so.

“Super Supportive” Vaccine Clinic Information

  • We are passing along a resource from the City of Toronto, please review this promotional flyer to advertise the Super Supportive and Accessible COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic on January 31 from 2:00-8:00pm at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Please share with your school communities and networks.
  • Walk-ins welcome. No appointment needed. No OHIP needed.
  • Supports available for those who:
    • Have a fear of needles
    • Need a quiet space to get vaccinated or somewhere to sit down while waiting
    •  Need a companion with you as you get vaccinated
    • Need an ASL interpreter

Covenant House: Personal Care Products Drive (Monday, January 31 – Friday, February 4)

  • Slone a student in Grade 7, and former JS student, is running a personal care products drive in support of Covenant House.
  • As part of their extensive programming for homeless youth, Covenant House provides hygiene and feminine products to support young women who need immediate shelter and who are transitioning to stable housing.
  • In order to support this initiative, all students are encouraged to bring new personal care products such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, combs, brushes, pads and tampons.
  • Should you have anything to contribute there will be boxes placed outside of the JS Library.
  • Your support is greatly appreciated!

REMINDERS

Chartwell’s Ordering Form

  • For the week of February 7, you are invited to submit your lunch orders by Wednesday, February 2 at 12 noon: Chartwell’s Order Form 

Vaccine Documentation

  • As you are aware, the COVID-19 vaccine was approved for children aged 5-11 at the end of November 2021. The College encourages parents to get their children aged 5-11 vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine to prevent serious illness, to make our school and activities safer, and to reduce the risk of outbreaks or disruptions at school. The Health Centre has begun to collect vaccination documentation for children aged 5-11. You can reference our Upper School Student Vaccine Policy for further information on how vaccine documentation is confidentially stored. 
  • If your child has received their COVID-19 vaccine please let us know by:
    • Emailing the Health Centre at covid@havergal.on.ca
    •  Subject line: COVID-19 Vaccination Student Name 
    •  Include a screenshot or copy of the student’s official COVID-19 vaccination receipts, or a letter from a health care provider confirming the student has received a full series of the COVID-19 vaccination. 

Travel Outside of Canada 

DATES ON THE HORIZON

Monday, February 14 

  • Valentine’s Day – “Wear Something You Love” Dress Down Day

Midterm Break

  • Friday, February 18 – Monday, February 21 

Pink Shirt Day

  • Wednesday, February 23: students are invited to “dress down” in pink!

“Update” Report Cards

  • Available to parents on Thursday, March 3 @4:00 p.m.

March Break

  • Friday, March 11 – Sunday, March 27
  • Monday, March 28: classes resume

A Message from the Head of the Junior School – Friday, January 21, 2022

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Parents,

What a tremendous week it has been! From snowstorms, to a delay in return to campus, frigid temperatures and traffic jams, the JS community has made it through. It has brought us so much joy to see our students playing in the snow, and reconnecting with their classmates. It has been amazing to watch how seamlessly students have switched back to life on campus. It is no exaggeration to say that they will remember these days forever.

This week’s blog contains information on the following:

Sincerely,

Kate

UPDATES

Major Dates Calendar for 2022-2023

  • The Major Dates Calendar for the 2022-2023 school year is linked here. 
  • We have looked strategically at the planning for Professional Development days and have aligned them with holidays when there is a natural synergy with family time as well as what works well for faculty professional development. 

Sharing COVID-19 Data

  • We will be posting a daily update about COVID-19 positive cases (rapid antigen and PCR), that are reported to the College, through Thrive Health. The data will be identified by cohort and will include the student’s last known date on campus.
  • Updates will be posted to the Parent portal under the Parent Resources area on the link named “Thrive Test Reporting”.
  • The information for Thursday, January 20, 2022 can be found here. Note that only cases after January 10 2022 are reported here, and that last dates on campus in December are approximations, as the Upper School was in remote learning.

JS Before/After School Co-curriculars

  • The re-start of Athletics has been postponed until Jan 28th however the season will extend until the March Break. 
  • When we return students will participate with 1 cohort at a time and you will receive an email from your coach early next week as to when you will be participating. 
  • Swimming will be postponed until further notice.
  • Arts activities will resume next week according to the schedule Ms.Goodridge has shared with parents.
  • There will be no Homework Club for now

Dressing for the Weather

  • We have had several students come to school without adequate outdoor winterwear.
  • Please ensure your child has mitts, a hat, and snow pants as we anticipate this will remain a very cold winter.

REMINDERS

Chartwell’s Ordering Form

  • For the week of January 31, you are invited to submit your lunch orders by Wednesday, January 26 at 12 noon: Chartwell’s Order Form 

Dismissal Times

  • We have had traffic problems due to caregivers arriving too early for their children’s pick-up times at the end of the day. 
  • Those with children in Grades 4 – 6 are asked to delay their arrival until at least 3:40 p.m.  Caregivers are welcome to pick up along the driveway anytime before 4:00 p.m.
  • Younger siblings will wait indoors with their duty teachers until this window.
  • At 4:00 p.m., children who remain will be taken to Gator Care.
  • Please review the dismissal times once more:
    • JK—Students will be dismissed at 3:00 pm.
    • SK—Students will be dismissed at 3:15 pm.
    • Grades 1-3—Students will be dismissed at 3:25 pm. 
    • Grades 4-6—Students will be dismissed at 3:40 pm. 
    • Students in Gator Care—Please arrive from 4 pm onwards
  • With your help, we are confident the traffic flow will improve.

Masks – Sending “Extras”

  • Please send extras with your child with several masks either in a ziplock bag or small  tupperware container. They often get wet at recess, and need to be changed when they return inside.  

Skating Forms Due 

  • Parents with children in Grades 3 – 6 are invited to check their inboxes for email sent out recently by the Health and Physical Education teachers regarding skating.
  • A form which outlines the risks involved needs to be signed before students can participate.
  • Skating starts next week, so we would appreciate prompt completion 
  • Parents who would prefer that their children not skate are asked to communicate this to their child’s HPE teacher in writing, clarifying that their child has permission to go on the excursion but that they will not skate

Vaccine Documentation

  • As you are aware, the COVID-19 vaccine was approved for children aged 5-11 at the end of November 2021. The College encourages parents to get their children aged 5-11 vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine to prevent serious illness, to make our school and activities safer, and to reduce the risk of outbreaks or disruptions at school. The Health Centre has begun to collect vaccination documentation for children aged 5-11. You can reference our Upper School Student Vaccine Policy for further information on how vaccine documentation is confidentially stored. 
  • If your child has received their COVID-19 vaccine please let us know by:
    • Emailing the Health Centre at covid@havergal.on.ca
    •  Subject line: COVID-19 Vaccination Student Name 
    •  Include a screenshot or copy of the student’s official COVID-19 vaccination receipts, or a letter from a health care provider confirming the student has received a full series of the COVID-19 vaccination. 

Travel Outside of Canada 

DATES ON THE HORIZON

Online Re-enrollment

  • Commences online Thursday, January 27 @12 noon; closes Tuesday, February 8

Midterm Break

  • Friday, February 18 – Monday, February 21 

“Update” Report Cards

  • Available to parents on Thursday, March 3 @4:00 p.m.

March Break

  • Friday, March 11 – Sunday, March 27
  • Monday, March 28: classes resume

A Message from the Head of the Junior School – Friday, January 14, 2022

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Parents,

We are eagerly looking forward to welcoming our students back on Monday, and recognize the full spectrum of emotions this brings to our community. I urge you to carefully read Dr. Samson’s email to you, which outlines everything you need to know. This week’s blog contains information that is specifically of interest to members of the JS community.

I thank you in advance for your patience, and flexibility as we navigate this next phase of the pandemic. Know that we continue to be here to support you, and your children. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

This week’s blog contains information on the following:

Sincerely,

Kate

UPDATES

Returning Learning Materials

  • Please note that we will have additional faculty and staff on hand on Monday morning to assist our youngest students to bring their learning materials back to their classrooms.

Masking Requirements 

  • All students must wear a mask while indoors and outdoors. While indoors, all students are required to wear a medical (non-cloth) mask. See the Havergal Mask Requirements document for further details. 

Vaccine Documentation

  • As you are aware, the COVID-19 vaccine was approved for children aged 5-11 at the end of November 2021. The College encourages parents to get their children aged 5-11 vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine to prevent serious illness, to make our school and activities safer, and to reduce the risk of outbreaks or disruptions at school. The Health Centre has begun to collect vaccination documentation for children aged 5-11. You can reference our Upper School Student Vaccine Policy for further information on how vaccine documentation is confidentially stored. 
  • If your child has received their COVID-19 vaccine please let us know by:
    • Emailing the Health Centre at covid@havergal.on.ca
    •  Subject line: COVID-19 Vaccination Student Name 
    •  Include a screenshot or copy of the student’s official COVID-19 vaccination receipts, or a letter from a health care provider confirming the student has received a full series of the COVID-19 vaccination. 

REMINDERS

Chartwell’s Ordering Form

  • For the week of January 24, you are invited to submit your lunch orders by Wednesday, January 19 at 12 noon: Chartwell’s Order Form 

Drop-off and Pick-up: Safety Reminders

  • We have arranged to have additional security on site during drop-off and pick-up. It is essential that people follow their directions. In particular, be alert, drive slowly, and do not exit your vehicle unless absolutely necessary.

Travel Outside of Canada 

DATES ON THE HORIZON

On Campus Classes Resume

  • Monday, January 17

Online Re-enrollment

  • Commences online Thursday, January 27 @12 noon; closes Tuesday, February 8

Midterm Break

  • Friday, February 18 – Monday, February 21 

“Update” Report Cards

  • Available to parents on Thursday, March 3 @4:00 p.m.

March Break

  • Friday, March 11 – Sunday, March 27
  • Monday, March 28: classes resume

A Message from the Head of the Junior School – Friday, January 7, 2022

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Parents,

I hope that the first few days of the term have started well. I have very much enjoyed visiting classes online, and see how well the students are adjusting, once again, to remote learning. Thank you all for your continued support, as we navigate this change. We will continue to follow the Toronto Public Health and provincial guidelines. Once we have further information, we will communicate any next steps.

This week’s blog contains information on the following:

Sincerely,

Kate

UPDATES

Vaccine Documentation

  • As you are aware, the COVID-19 vaccine was approved for children aged 5-11 at the end of November 2021. The College encourages parents to get their children aged 5-11 vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine to prevent serious illness, to make our school and activities safer, and to reduce the risk of outbreaks or disruptions at school. The Health Centre has begun to collect vaccination documentation for children aged 5-11. You can reference our Upper School Student Vaccine Policy for further information on how vaccine documentation is confidentially stored. 
  • If your child has received their COVID-19 vaccine please let us know by:
    • Emailing the Health Centre at covid@havergal.on.ca
    •  Subject line: COVID-19 Vaccination Student Name 
    •  Include a screenshot or copy of the student’s official COVID-19 vaccination receipts, or a letter from a health care provider confirming the student has received a full series of the COVID-19 vaccination. 

Rapid Antigen Testing Program

  • As announced by Dr. Samson, all students and employees will enroll in a Rapid Antigen Screening Program (RASP) and kits will be distributed upon returning to in-person learning. 
  • For families who enrolled in the voluntary RASP program at the school in the fall, and already have Rapid Antigen Screening Kits at home, we do ask that you discontinue asymptomatic twice weekly testing while we are learning remotely. As antigen tests are a valuable tool to maintain in-person learning, we ask that you save your kits for when we return to campus and re-start testing the morning before your child returns to in-person learning. 
  • More information about the school-wide RASP program will be provided in the coming weeks. 

Learning Materials Yet to be Retrieved

  • If you have not yet picked up your child’s learning materials from the school, you can come to the Junior School during business hours (best between 9 & 11 a.m.), use the buzzer to the right of the main doors, and Security will assist you. 
  • This process will take time, so we appreciate your patience.

House Step Challenge

  • In a bid to encourage our students to get some exercise and fresh air, Junior School students are invited to take part in Havergal’s House Step Challenge from Monday, January 10 – Friday, January 14.
  • Ms. Lievonen would be thrilled to receive information about how long students have walked for; images of phones/watches which have counted steps; or images of students “in action”, wearing House colours!
  • The most enthusiastic House will receive recognition in Prayers.
  • Please email her at hlievonen@havergal.on.ca. 

REMINDERS

Chartwell’s Ordering Form

  • In case we are back the week of January 17, you are welcome to submit your lunch orders by Thursday, January 13 at 12 noon: Chartwell’s Order Form 
  • If we are not back, these orders will automatically be cancelled.

Shift to Continuous Learning and Parent Webinars

DATES ON THE HORIZON

Online Re-enrollment

  • Commences online Thursday, January 27 @12 noon; closes Tuesday, February 8

Midterm Break

  • Friday, February 18 – Monday, February 21 

“Update” Report Cards

  • Available to parents on Thursday, March 3 @4:00 p.m.

March Break

  • Friday, March 11 – Sunday, March 27
  • Monday, March 28: classes resume

A Message from the Head of the Junior School – Tuesday, January 4, 2022

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Parents,

Happy New Year!

Here is a special edition of the JS blog, as we prepare for the commencement of the Continuous Learning Plan tomorrow, Wednesday, January 5. It contains information on the following:

You can also expect to receive a regular blog update on Friday, January 7.

Sincerely,

Kate

UPDATES

Parent Webinar

  • We will be hosting a webinar for JS parents this evening from 5:00pm – 5:45 pm.
  • Here is the Parent Link to attend the meeting. This will be recorded for those unable to attend.
  •  The agenda for this event is as follows:
    • Opening Remarks – Dr. Katrina Samson, Principal
    • Understanding the Continuous Learning Plan – Seonaid Davis,  VP Teaching and Learning
    • Student Wellbeing – Kate White, Head of Junior School
    • School Protocols and Looking Ahead – Lindsay Norberg, Associate Head 
    • Q & A –  Moderated by Maggie Houston-White, ED Strategic Enrollment Management

Curbside Pick-Up – Sign Up 

  • Scheduler Opens: 
    • Tuesday, Jan 4th @ 11am
  • Scheduler Closer:
    • Wednesday, Jan 5 @ 7am
  • Should you be unable to pick up your child’s belongings, and have arranged to have another family pick them up on your behalf, please indicate this in the sign-up form.

iPad/laptop Loaner Program for students in JK to Grade 2

  • Should you child be in need of an iPad or laptop to participate in the continuous learning place, we kindly ask that you complete this form. 
  • Once complete, we will coordinate with the curbside pickup, so that you can retrieve all items at the same time.
  • Should you have any questions or concerns please contact the IT Service Desk for assistance (servicedesk@havergal.on.ca).