A Message from the Head of the Junior School: Friday, March 4, 2022

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Parents,

We, like you, have been watching the devastating humanitarian crisis in Ukraine with profound sadness and disbelief. As we are steadfast in our mission to prepare women to make a difference, we recognize the strength and courage of all of those involved. As a global community, with boarding students, faculty and staff from around the world, we are acutely aware of the many personal connections to what is happening. Many of our students have questions about what is happening, and are trying to make sense of what they are seeing and hearing. We are navigating these conversations at Havergal, in ways that are age and stage appropriate and wanted to re-share some resources that may be helpful, for discussions at home.

In addition, we also wanted to share a couple of donation opportunities, initiated by members of our community: Ukraine Relief Donation Opportunities. 

Sincerely, 

Kate White – Head, Junior School

JJ Patterson – Head, Middle School

Deirdre Timusk – Head, Senior School

Today’s blog contains information on the following:

UPDATES

Rapid Antigen Screening Program Update 

  • Havergal will be discontinuing the school-wide Rapid Antigen Screening Program (RASP) for all fully vaccinated students at the beginning of March Break (March 11) and all student accounts  will be deactivated. Remaining testing kits do not need to be returned to Havergal, but rather we ask that students keep tests at home and use the Rapid Antigen Tests if/when students develop symptoms of COVID-19. 
  • Consult the Symptomatic COVID-19 Testing for Students document for further information about how to conduct rapid antigen testing if your child develops symptoms. All students should maintain a stock of at least two Rapid Antigen Tests at home, to use in the event they develop symptoms. Please note that SchoolPass screening questions, along with guidance documents and reporting processes will be updated over March Break to reflect the discontinuation of Thrive and rapid antigen screening. 
  • The RASP will continue for the Boarding School and any Upper School students who are not fully vaccinated. Information about how to report results and confirm testing will be shared with these groups directly. 

Before and After School Co-curriculars Next Week 

  • Please note the following arrival and dismissal times for co-curriculars next week:
  • Monday
    • Grade 3A Drama – 4:15 dismissal
    • Grade 3A Multisport   – 4:00 p.m. dismissal
    • Grade 4A Drama – 4:45 p.m. dismissal
  • Tuesday
    • Grade 5 Volleyball (all cohorts) – 4:45 p.m. dismissal
    • Grade 6 Band (all cohorts) – 4:45 p.m. dismissal
  • Wednesday
    • Grade 4 Volleyball – 4:45 p.m. dismissal
    • Grade 5B & 5A Swim – 7:00 a.m. arrival  
    • Grade 6 (all cohorts) Swim – 4:45 p.m. dismissal
  • Thursday
    • Grade 4B Dance – 4:45 p.m. dismissal
    • Grade 5B & 5C – The Art of the Spoken Word – 4:45 p.m. dismissal

Co-Currriculars to Look Forward to During Period 5

  • We have been eagerly arranging additional co-curricular activities for ALL students in Grade 1 to 6, upon our return from the March Break. Things to look forward to include:
    • Grades 1 – 4: storybuilding, taekwondo, fine art creations, drama games, multisport athletics, dance, cartooning
    • Grades 3 & 4: storybuilding, taekwondo, fine art creations, drama games, multisport athletics, dance, cartooning, swimming 
    • Grades 5 & 6: basketball, tennis, track & field, drama workshops, percussion workshops, swimming
  • As of May, the schedule reflects an enhanced focus on athletics

Before and After School Spring Athletics and Arts Registration

  • Before and After School Athletics and Arts are OPTIONAL
  • Please review this list of the co-curriculars on offer before and after school next term.
  • We ask you to register by Thursday, March 10th.

Morning Gator Care Suspended Next Week 

  • During the week of March 7, we will not be offering our morning Gator Care service but will continue to offer care from 3 – 6 p.m. each afternoon.
  • To improve the entry/exit experience for our families, we will start to use an exterior doorway which is closer to the parking lot adjacent to the Junior School; please look for the green signs

Updated Travel Regulations

Founders’ Day – Thursday, April 21

  • Students in Grades 6 – 12 will be returning to St. Paul’s Bloor Street for our annual Founders’ Day service on April 21st. Founders’ Day is an annual event at Havergal that celebrates the laying of the cornerstone of our present Upper School building, which was laid on April 23, 1926. 
  • To commemorate this event, we will gather in-person at St. Paul’s Bloor Street. More details to follow

Lost and Found

  • Please take a look in case this black watch or this heart-shaped pendant belongs to your child
  • Homeroom teachers will be encouraging students to review the lost and found pile before items are removed for donation on Friday, April 1

REMINDERS

Chartwell’s Ordering Form 

  • For the week of March 28, you are invited to submit your lunch orders by Wednesday, March 23 at 12 noon: Chartwell’s Order Form
  • Please note that a slight price increase will apply to student entrees as of March 28

Upcoming Parent Engagement Events

  • Keeping them Safe while Helping them Grow: Supporting children’s emotional growth in challenging times; Featuring psychologist Dr. Alex Russell 
    • Over the two past two years, the shutting down of children’s activities has had significant impacts on their academic, social and emotional development, as well as placing incredible strains on parents and educators. As we begin to return to normal, this workshop offers parents an understanding of these academic, social and emotional impacts, as well as clear and helpful guidelines to help support children in the months and years ahead. Parents gain a perspective that helps them slowly shift the burden of responsibility on to their children as they grow – something that helps children take on anxiety adaptively, at the same time as they experience the sense of mastery and competence such growth generates.
  • Wellbeing in a Pandemic: Is This Even A Thing? Featuring Dr. Shelly Dev 94’ MD FRCPC, Sunnybrook, Staff Intensivist (HOGA)
    • As we close out two years of the pandemic, many are finding themselves burnt out. Join Dr. Shelly Dev 94′ who will lead us in a discussion on what it means; how to recognize it and what we can do to cope.
  • NEDIC (National Eating Disorder Information Center) will be joining us to host a parenting panel on Finding the Balance: Navigating Conversations Around ‘Healthy’ Eating & Exercise  
    • During this time together 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.
    • Parents of students in Grade 5 through to Grade 12, faculty and staff are invited to join us to learn how messages about health might impact our children and families.
    • NEDIC has a non-dieting, client-centred, feminist philosophy. NEDIC promotes healthy lifestyles, including appropriate, enjoyable exercise and eating. 
      • Date: Wednesday, March 30 
      • Time: 7:00 – 8:30 pm (EST)
      • Location: Virtual 
      •  NEDIC Zoom Link
        • Webinar ID: 825 2318 7504 
        • Passcode: 819563

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.

GO-VAXX Mobile Vaccine Clinic at Havergal  – Saturday, March 5

  • On Saturday, March 5, GO-VAXX mobile vaccine bus will be on-site at Havergal College’s Upper School parking lot (1451 Avenue Road) from 10 am to 6 pm to administer first, second and booster doses for those aged 12 and up, and paediatric Pfizer vaccines for children ages five to 11. Vaccinations will be available to everyone—students, parents, faculty and staff, Alums/Old Girls—as well as friends, neighbours and beyond. All are welcome!
  • GO-VAXX is a partnership between the Ontario government and Metrolinx, whereby GO buses have been converted to serve as mobile vaccine clinics to provide a safe, reliable and convenient option for people to receive their COVID-19 vaccine. 
  • Walk-ins are available, while supplies last. To book an appointment, visit the COVID-19 vaccination portal or call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900. Bookings are available beginning Friday, March 4 at 8 am. Visit Ontario.ca/vaccinebus for more information.

Restricted Access to Zoom Links

  • Accessing classes via Zoom is only available for students isolating due to COVID-19 or those with a medical/visa accommodation.
    • If a student is away due to COVID-19 isolation, families should communicate this to the school by putting a note/reason in SchoolPass that says “isolating.” It might take up to 24hrs for teachers to make their Zoom links available to a student depending on when we get the information. Assessments will be written in person unless the teacher requests otherwise. 
  • If a student is going to be away for longer than 5 days, please contact your child’s Head of School to discuss the situation. Extended absences will include access to class materials on Veracross and asynchronous work only. Access to zoom links will not be permitted.

DATES ON THE HORIZON

GO-VAXX Bus at Havergal

  • Saturday, March 5 (10 am – 6 pm)

JK – 6 Parent Webinar with Dr. Alex Russell 

  • Wednesday, March 9 (6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

March Break

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

Wellbeing in a Pandemic: Is This Even A Thing? Featuring Dr. Shelly Dev 94’ MD FRCPC, Sunnybrook, Staff Intensivist (HOGA)

  • Tuesday, March 29 (12:00 pm – 1:00pm)

Grade 5 – 12 Parent Webinar: Finding the Balance: Navigating Conversations Around “Healthy” Eating & Exercise

  • Wednesday, March 30 (7:00 pm – 8:30 pm)

Parent/Teacher Conferences

  • Thursday, April 7 – 10:00 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Friday, April 8 – 8:00 a.m. – 3 p.m.

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