A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, April 1, 2022

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Parents,

A very warm welcome back after the March Break! It has been absolutely wonderful seeing all of the students back at school. We have returned to eating in the dining hall, playing together across grades and cohorts, and welcoming visitors to the building. Today, we were thrilled our Grade 3s and 4s had the opportunity to work with representatives from Variety Village, where they learned more about the organization, as well as how to play Wheelchair Soccer, and other games. Our Grade 6s even went on their first field trip in over two years, exploring art installations at the beach. Be sure to check our HC’s Instagram page to see pictures of these two fabulous experiences. We are eagerly planning for even more back to “normal” opportunities to end our final term of the year with a bang.

Sincerely, 

Kate White – Head, Junior School

Today’s blog contains information on the following:

UPDATES

Morning Gator Care Resumes

  • We are pleased to inform you that Morning Gator Care is available again, effective Monday, April 4
  • Please note that, due to Parent/Teacher conferences, Gator Care is not offered on Thursday, April 7 or Friday, April 8

COVID-19 testing if you are ill and reporting positive COVID-19 results

  • When a student is ill, or has symptoms associated with COVID-19 they may test using a PCR take home test, two Rapid Antigen Tests separated by a minimum of 24 hours, or isolate for a minimum of 5 days after symptom onset. See details on how to complete testing in the Symptomatic COVID-19 Testing For Students and Employees at Havergal. Even with negative test results, students must have symptoms improving for 24 hours, prior to returning to school. All students should maintain a stock of two Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) at home in the event that they become ill. Most students will have many tests at home from our previous Rapid Antigen Screening Program (RASP). If a student does not have any RATs at home, or has used up their test supply due to illness, please contact covid@havergal.on.ca or visit the health centre to obtain a pack of two additional RATs. As the RASP has concluded, we are no longer using the Thrive Health web-based application, so please inform covid@havergal.on.ca of any positive COVID-19 tests and we will continue to update the COVID-19 Case Reporting Spreadsheet. 

Parent Presentation: Supporting Teenagers’ Emotional Growth in Challenging Times: featuring psychologist Dr. Alex Russell 

  • You are invited to join us for an in-person event on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 in the Brenda Robson Hall to hear psychologist Dr. Russell speak about this important and timely topic.
  • This evening will offer parents an understanding of academic, social and emotional impacts of the pandemic, as well as clear and helpful guidelines to help support teenage children in the months and years ahead. While Dr. Russell will be speaking about teenagers, Junior School parents are also welcome to attend.
  • Doors open at 6:00 pm; the presentation will run from 6:30 – 8:00pm. The session will be live streamed over Zoom if you prefer to attend virtually, and will be recorded for viewing and reviewing.
  • Please RSVP here by April 8 and submit any questions you would like Dr. Russell to answer.
  • All guests must be fully vaccinated and pass Toronto Public Health’s health screening.

REMINDERS

Chartwell’s Ordering Form 

  • For the week of April 11, you are invited to submit your lunch orders by Wednesday, April 6 at 12 noon: Chartwell’s Order Form

Safety Reminders When Entering and Exiting the JS Property

  • There is a speed limit of 10 km an hour while on the JS Driveway and Parking lot. It is critical that this be observed, for the safety of all of our community.
  • It is not permitted to walk across the portion of the driveway that exits onto Rosewell. Visibility is limited, cars are in motion, and someone could be critically injured if hit.

Before & After School Co-curriculars

Masks

  • The Ontario government announced that mandatory masking for schools has been removed as of March 21. Masking at Havergal will now be optional for all students and employees. We recognize that students and employees may choose to continue to wear their masks and Havergal will remain a mask-friendly environment. 
  • We ask that everyone in our community be supportive of students’ and employees’ individual choices and model kindness and compassion.
  • Additionally, we ask that you have individual discussions with your children about being respectful of individual choice, including refraining from asking questions about why or why not someone is wearing a mask, and to ensure that children understand there are some circumstances at school which will still require mask-wearing, such as during some group assemblies. Students are still required to have a medical mask with them for times and circumstances in which they are required.
  • In some instances masks will continue to be required:
    • For this period of transition, we ask that all students continue to wear masks when in large gatherings such as Prayers.
    • For 14 days upon return from travel outside of Canada, as required by current federal travel requirements.
    • For six to 10 days after a self-isolation period of five days, following a COVID-19 diagnosis as outlined by TPH.
    • If you are identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19, masks are required for 10 days from your last exposure, as outlined by TPH.

Book Drive in Support of the Children’s Book Bank: Until Monday, April 11th – LAST CALL FOR DONATIONS!

  • As part of their leadership work, our 6C class is seeking your support for the Children’s Book Bank.
  • Donations can be placed in the boxes outside our Learning Hub (Library). 
  • The boxes will be available until Monday, April 11th.

DATES ON THE HORIZON

Parent/Teacher Conferences (No school for students in JK – Grade 6)

  • Thursday, April 7 – 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Friday, April 8 – 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Book your appointment by Tuesday, April 5 at 8:00 pm using this link:  pickAtime.
  • If you need to make last minute changes on Wednesday, April 6, please email jso@havergal.on.ca 

Dr. Alex Russell Parent Presentation (details above)

  • Wednesday, April 13th – 6:30 – 8:00 pm (in-person event)

Easter Weekend

  • Friday, April 15 – No School
  • Monday, April 18 – No School

Founders’ Day

  • Thursday, April 21
    • Number One Dress for Grade 6 students

PD Day

  • Friday, May 6 – No School for Students

Victoria Day Weekend

  • Monday, May 23 –  No School

House Shout

  • Tuesday, May 24 @ 1:00 pm

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