A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, February 11, 2022

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Parents,

Black History Month is recognized each February. This year’s theme is: “February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day,” which focuses on recognizing the daily contributions that Black Canadians make to Canada.

This morning in prayers, the Junior School welcomed Grade 12 students Marley (HC School Captain) and Tomisin (Junior School Prefect). As two of our school’s leaders, they shared some of their experiences as black women at the school, as well as some of the people they have looked to as sources of inspiration, including: Serena Williams, Amanda Gorman, Beyonce, Skai Jackson, Simone Biles, and Rosa Parks. Marley and Tomisin challenged us to think about what “representation” means, and why it is important to be able to “see yourself in those around you.”  I encourage you to speak with your daughters this weekend about their learnings from this morning’s prayers. In addition, I invite you to explore some of the resources below as a family:

This week’s blog contains information on the following:

Sincerely,

Kate

UPDATES

DEI Update from the Principal

  • The Principal has committed to providing ongoing updates as to Havergal’s progress on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programming and initiatives.  Please see her February letter for a community update.

Changes to Routines at Schools 

  • Before and After School Co-curriculars – Effective on Tuesday, February 22 
    • Students will once again be permitted to be play inside, in mixed cohorts within their grade (physically distanced and masked); 
    • The Swim Team will start again!
    • As we head into the spring term we will be further expanding our arts and athletic offerings, with more opportunities
    • Stay tuned for more information from our JS Director of Athletics and Director of Performing Arts with all you need to know.

Upcoming Parent Education Opportunities

  • JK – 6 Parent Webinar with Dr. Alex Russell 
    • Wednesday, March 9 (6:30 pm – 8:00 pm) 
    • Dr. Russell is a clinical psychologist, registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. He provides assessments and psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults, and consultation and supervision to schools, teachers and psychologists. He is a popular public speaker and is the author, with Tim Falconer, of Drop the Worry Ball: How to Parent in the Age of Entitlement.
    • Dr. Russell will be speaking with us about some of the effects that the last several years have had on our children, as well as ways to support them to thrive. He is also scheduled to work with our Havergal teachers on this topic, to support the work that they do on campus.
    • Zoom Link to come
  • Grade 4 – 12 Parent Webinar: Finding the Balance: Navigating Conversations Around “Healthy” Eating & Exercise
    • Wednesday, March 30 (7:00 pm – 8:30 pm) 
      • How do messages about health impact your children and families? In this evening panel discussion led by representatives of the National Eating Disorder Information Centre, we will hear from parents, clinicians, and youth with lived experience of an eating disorder as they share their experience and strategies for supporting your family’s relationship with eating, exercise, and body image.
      • National Eating Disorder Information Center Zoom LInk
        • Webinar ID: 825 2318 7504
        • Passcode: 819563

   The Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada

  • We are thrilled to share that a learning resource described as a comprehensive atlas on Indigenous lands, languages and culture in Canada, the Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada is coming back to Havergal! Specifically, students in the Junior School will have the opportunity to engage with this amazing resource on March 9th and March 10. 
  • This project was funded by the federal government, and  was developed by Indigenous groups working with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. The Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada, which includes a four-volume set of books, an online interactive atlas and many other components. 
  • To further enrich this experience, we have also collaborated with Dr. Margaret Brigham during this week from Indigenous Storytelling to work with each of our classes. Dr. Brigham (Ojibwe) is from Walpole Island First Nation in southern Ontario. Her work includes experience as a classroom teacher, First Nation school principal, private sector consultant on diversity and equity issues, sociology professor and college administrator. She served on the City of Toronto Aboriginal Affairs Advisory Committee, and the Provincial Aboriginal Postsecondary Education Policy Working Group. 

COVID-19 Testing Options

  • Please consult the COVID-19 Testing Options for Individuals With Symptoms document for more information about testing options available when you have symptoms, and returning to school after having symptoms and testing negative. Remember that tests must be separated by at least 24-48 hours and that a single positive Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) is considered a positive result, requiring isolation for COVID-19.  Please make sure to upload positive results into Thrive (and encourage students to do this!) so the Health Centre is aware and can provide guidance on isolation and returning to school. RAT Swabs are to be used as nasal swabs, however emerging evidence suggests nasal/cheek/throat samples may increase test sensitivity, check-out this Ontario Science Advisory Table video COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test: Sample Collection for Omicron for further guidance and technique, if desired.

Rapid Antigen Testing

  • Families may consult the COVID-19 Testing Options for Individuals With Symptoms document for more information about testing options available at Havergal, and returning to school after having symptoms and testing negative. Remember that the student must have 2 negative tests separated by at least 24-48 hours and that a single positive Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) is considered a positive result, requiring isolation for COVID-19. Please make sure to upload positive results into Thrive, so the Health Centre is aware and can provide guidance on isolation and returning to school. 

REMINDERS

Chartwell’s Ordering Form

  • For the week of February 21, you are invited to submit your lunch orders by Wednesday, February 16 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.

Spirit Week – Monday, February 14 – Thursday, February 17

  • In a bid to lift the midwinter spirits, Havergal will once again honour the tradition of celebrating Spirit Week by kicking things off together on Monday morning on Zoom.
  • Tuesday, February 15, also known as Hockey Day, will be dedicated to cheering on the Havergal team as they face BSS at the Mattamy Centre that afternoon. JS students will be joining the pep rally (via Zoom) and savouring a treat while watching the game as it is live-streamed here: http://rectectv.ca/
  • Dressdown Schedule:
    • Monday, February 14: Valentine’s Day – Dress in “something you love” (colours other than red/pink/white welcome!). If students would like to bring in a small card for their classmates, they are welcome to do so. Please note, however, that gift bags and large food items are not permitted. A small candy or something that can be taped to the card is acceptable.
    • Tuesday, February 15: “Hockey Day”: wear your Green & Gold!
    • Wednesday, February 16: Pajama Day
    • Thursday, February 17: House Colours

COVID-19 Reporting

  • We will continue to post a daily update about COVID-19 positive cases (rapid antigen and PCR), that are reported to Havergal, through Thrive Health. The data will be identified by cohort and will include the student’s last known date on campus. You can find this information HERE.
  • It is important that you check this daily, as it contains the most up to date information regarding reported positive cases of COVID-19.

Before & After School Co-Curricular Drop-Off & Pick-Up Times

  • Please wait at the Main Doors: the facilitator of the activity will oversee dismissal.

Monday

Grade 3A Multisport – 4:00 p.m. dismissal

Grade 3B Drama – 4:15 p.m. dismissal

Grade 4A Drama – 4:45 p.m. dismissal time

Tuesday

Grade 5B & 5C Volleyball – 4:45 p.m. dismissal

Grade 6 Band – 4:45 p.m. dismissal

Wednesday

Grade 4 Volleyball – 4:45 p.m. dismissal

Thursday

Grade 4B Dance – 4:45 p.m. dismissal

Grade 5B & 5C – The Art of the Spoken Word

Grade 6A&6B Volleyball – 4:45 p.m. dismissal

Friday

PD Day: no school

DATES ON THE HORIZON

Wednesday, February 16 – 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

  • Parenting Through the Pandemic – An Invitation from The Mabin School
  • To learn more about the keynote address, the topic of each breakout session and to register, click here.

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

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