Month: September 2022

A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, September 30

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Families,

This week Havergal observed Truth and Reconciliation Week. Occurring from Monday, September 26 to Friday, September 30, this is a time for all Canadians to learn more about residential schools, their impact on Indigenous peoples today, and how to participate in meaningful reconciliation. Students in the Junior School participated in a number of activities, readings, and separate assemblies for our students in JK/SK, Grade 1 to 3, and Grades 4 – 6 throughout the week

We were particularly honoured to welcome Mr. Herbie Barnes, a long-time friend and partner of Havergal College to the Junior School this morning. An Anishinaabe theatre artist from Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation on Manitoulin Island, Mr. Barnes was raised in Toronto. He is an accomplished playwright, performer, director and arts educator whose 30-year-career spans stages across North America. He was named as the Artistic Director of Young People’s Theatre in 2021. Today, he spoke to us about his family’s experience, the legacy of residential schools, and the importance of recognizing Orange Shirt Day and ways in which we can act as allies.

Sincerely,

Kate

Today’s edition of “The Weekly” contains information on the following:

LATEST NEWS

JS Celebrating Diwali on Friday, October 21 

Diwali is the Indian “festival of lights,” and is acknowledged by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs around the world, and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. This year, it will be celebrated on Monday, October 24.

We will be celebrating this important festival on Friday, October 21 during prayers from 8:25 am – 9:00 am in the Gym. A warm invitation to any family members who would like to attend

If your family marks Diwali in your home, and your daughter is interested in speaking in prayers, please contact Ms. Julia Barrett (jbarrett@havergal.on.ca)  If your daughter wishes to speak in Diwali Prayers, she is committing to come to work on the message during lunch and long recess for at least 3 sessions.

The first session is October 11.  An announcement inviting interested students to participate will be made in Prayers at 8:30 AM on Tuesday October 4th.

Please note:

  • Students who celebrate Diwali are invited to wear cultural or traditional clothing on this day.
  • There will be a small reception in the dining hall immediately following the prayers. 

Junior School Parent-Teacher Conferences 

The first Junior School Parent/Teacher Conferences of the school year will take place virtually via Zoom on:

  • Thursday October 27 from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm 
  • Friday October 28 from 8:00am – 3:00pm 

Havergal’s online booking system – pickAtime

The online conference booking system used by Havergal College is called pickAtime 

  • pickAtime OPENS:  Wednesday, Oct. 12th at 6pm
    • pickAtime does not permit the scheduling of back-to-back appointments 
    • If you have any last changes, please contact the JSO (jso@havergal.on.ca or call (416) 483-3519 ext 6608
  • pickAtime CLOSES: Wednesday Oct. 19th at 8pm

Already have a pickAtime account?

  • CLICK HERE  to sign into your pickAtime account with your password.

Need to register for an account?

  • If you do not have a pickAtime account, please create a pickAtime link in advance of the online opening. 
  • Please be sure to select the “Junior School” option in the drop down menu (not the “Upper School” or “Green and Gold”).

How to Optimize your Experience on Zoom

In order to have the best possible experience at the upcoming event, it is strongly recommended that your Zoom application be updated to the latest version. 

The following information and links have been provided by our IT department for your use:

Need any Further Help?

For assistance with pickAtime, please contact the Service Desk at servicedesk@havergal.on.ca (416) 483-3843 ext. 6663 and they will assist you. Their hours of operation are from Monday – Friday 7:30 am to 5 pm.

REMINDERS

Safety Reminders for Students

The safety of our students is our top priority, and one that requires reinforcement both at home and at school. As a number of our students walk to and from school, we would like to highlight two key areas where we encourage you to have age appropriate conversations with your daughter(s) to empower her with the knowledge she needs.

Pizza Lunch – Monday, October 3

The Junior School’s first pizza lunch will take place on Monday, October 3 over lunchtime.

Please note that there is NO alternative hot lunch on this day. Should your child not wish to participate in hot lunch, she is asked to bring lunch from home.

Harvest Festival: Thursday, October 6 (8:30 am – 9:00 am) in the Brenda Robson Hall

Donations:

A friendly reminder to bring in your non-perishable food items for donations to the North York Harvest Food. Boxes are set up outside of the Junior School Library, by House. They are in particular need of the following items:

  • Pasta, Rice, Grains
  • Canned Tomatoes
  • Canned Vegetables
  • Cooking Oil
  • Canned Fish

What students should wear:

  • Number 1 concert dress consists of:
    • White long-sleeve dress shirt
    • Tie
    • Tunic (JK-Grade 3) and Kilt (grades 5 and 6)
    • Tights, not socks (if you do not have tights, please arrange with your family to order some from the Green and Gold shop)
    • Black shoes
    • Hair back from face with minimal hair accessories that are the same colour as your hair or the HC official hair accessories  

Terry Fox Run – Thursday, October 6 (2:00 pm – 3:00 pm)

How to donate:

Who can participate:

  • Students in JK to Grade 6 will all take part!
  • This is very much a community event, so all families are invited to join in! Please meet us down on Cohen Field at 2pm.
  • We kindly ask, however, that your furry friends stay at home. 

What students need to bring:

  • Each student will need to change into their Phys Ed uniform (from their #1 dress)  for the afternoon, as the Harvest Festival takes place in the morning.
  • A water bottle 
  • Please dress appropriately for the weather 

Upcoming Coffee Mornings

Don’t forget to mark your calendars and join us for a Coffee Morning.  It will be a great opportunity to mingle with both fellow parents and members of the Senior Leadership Team.  We hope to see you there.

  • Oct 13   JK – 3            8:30am – 9:30am (JS Dining Room)
  • Oct 27  Grades 4 – 6  8:30am – 9:30am (JS Dining Room)

What’s on the Menu next week?

Take a look at what’s for lunch on the JS Fall Menu.  

 HCPA UPDATES

  • Save the date for a new HCPA event – Ivy Market on Nov 22!  All day shopping for parents and students; evening shopping and cocktail party for parents.  Stay tuned for more details.
  • Shop for litterless lunch bags at COLIBRI – select Havergal College in drop down.  Deadline coming up soon – Oct 3rd.

NEXT WEEK AT A GLANCE

Monday, October 3 – Day 2 – PIZZA LUNCH DAY

  • 7:15 am – 8:15 am – U12 Basketball  
  • 11:30 am – 12:30 pm – Chess Club (Gr.4 – 6)
  • 3:20 pm – 4:20 pm – Drama Club (Gr. 1 & 2)
  • 3:20 pm – 4:45 pm – String Ensemble (Gr. 1 – 3)
  • 3:40 pm – 4:45 pm – U10 Soccer
  • 3:40 pm – 4:45 pm – U10 Basketball

Tuesday, October 4- Day 3

  • #1 Dress
  • 7:20 am – 8:15 am U12 X-country practice. 
  • 8:25 am – Prayers (The Legacy of Terry Fox)
  • 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm U12 Swim meet at Branksome Hall
    • 4:15 Bus Return. 
  • 3:15 pm – 5:00 pm U11 Basketball green & gold games at Junior School Gym
  • 3:00 pm U12 Green Soccer Game. Lower Pitch
  • 4:00 pm U12 Gold Soccer Game. Lower Pitch. 
  • 3:20 pm – 4:00 pm – Primary Choir (Gr. 1 – 3)

Wednesday, October 5- Day 4

  • Yom Kippur
  • 7:20 am – 8:05 am  U9 Cross Country
  • 7:15 am – 8:15 am – U11 Basketball Practice. 
  • 11:30 am – 12:30 pm – Chess Club (Gr.1)
  • 1:35 pm – 3:15pm: Gr.1 – 6 Harvest Festival Rehearsal (BRH)
  • 3:20 pm – 4:20 pm – Disney Dance Crew (Gr. 1)
  • 3:20 pm – 4:20 pm – Discovery Lab Science (Gr 1 – 3)
  • 3:20 pm – 4:15 pm – U9 & U8 Soccer Squad Team
  • 3:40pm – 4:45 pm – U12 Swim Team Practice 
  • 3:40 pm – 4:25 pm – Junior Choir (Gr. 4 – 6) 

Thursday, October 6- Day 5 

Last Day to MAKE A DONATION TO THE TERRY FOX FOUNDATION and to bring in non-perishable food items for the North York Harvest Food Bank

  • 8:30-9:15am: JS Harvest Festival (Brenda Robson Hall @ Upper School)
    • Students wear #1 Dress
  • 11:30 am – 12:30 pm – Chess (Grades Gr. 2 & 3)
  • 2:00pm – 3:00pm: JS Terry Fox Run (Cohen Field)
    • Students will change into their Phys Ed Uniforms
  • 2:45 – 4:15pm: U12 Basketball Team game at Upper School
    • 2:30 – Dismissed from Terry Fox Run. 
  • 3:20 pm – 4:20 pm  – Homemade Gifts (Gr. 1 & 2)
  • 3:20 pm – 4:20 pm – Teaching Kitchen (Gr. 1 – 3)
  • 3:40 pm – 4:40 pm – Drama Club (Gr. 3 & 4)
  • 3:40 pm – 5:10 pm – Learn to Play Strings (Gr. 5)
  • 3:40 pm – 4:45 pm – U12 Soccer 

Friday, October 7- 

  • Thanksgiving weekend- no classes JK-12

Monday, September 10 

  • Thanksgiving Weekend – No Classes

Tuesday, September 11

  • Classes Resume

A Message From The Head of the Junior School – Friday, September 23, 2022

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Families,

The Havergal halls are simply buzzing with excitement as we prepare for Celebration Saturday tomorrow. We are looking forward to seeing everyone join together as a community in support of our school partnerships tomorrow. The Junior School will meet up at 8:45 am in the JS Gym, where attendance will be taken. We will then walk over to the Upper School, wearing our house colours, for the opening ceremony at 9:00 am

To all those celebrating Rosh Hashanah this weekend, we wish you a Shana Tova.

Sincerely,

Kate

Today’s edition of “The Weekly” contains information on the following:

LATEST NEWS

Truth and Reconciliation Week (Monday, September 26 – Friday, September 30)

Havergal College will honour Truth and Reconciliation Week between September 26 – 30th with in-class programming throughout the week. The week will culminate on Friday, September 30th with Orange Shirt Day, where the JS will commemorate residential school survivors with guest speaker, Herbie Barnes, Artistic Director of Young People’s Theatre. 

Students are invited to wear orange t-shirts on the 30th over their uniforms. If you would like to purchase an orange shirt for your child, it is encouraged to purchase from an Indigenous artist or these Indigenous retailers. Please note that this will not be considered a “grub” day.

What to Know about Returning to School After Illness

Please be advised that after illness or testing positive for COVID, students are able to return 24 hours after symptoms have improved (48 hours if symptoms are Gastro-Intestinal – GI – related), and are advised to wear a mask for 10 days after symptom onset and try to maintain distance when taking masks off and eating.

Magnus Health – Updating Your Child’s Health Information

This is a reminder to have parents complete updating their child’s health information in Magnus Health by September 23, 2022 so that we can ensure that we have the most up to date information for our athletic teams, excursions, food services etc. You can access Magnus Health from the Parent Portal by clicking on the Update My Child’s Health Information button located on all of the landing pages, or under the My Household menu in the navigation bar.  Please reserve 20-30 minutes per child to complete this process. Once information is updated in our system it will be reviewed and approved by the Health Centre and shared as needed to support your child’s health and wellbeing. If your child is seen by a nurse in the Junior School, notes from their visit can be shared through the Magnus Health portal to keep you updated on their visit. Please note, if they are seen for an urgent matter, you will receive a call from the nurse, rather than an update through Magnus. 

Pick Up and Dismissal from Clubs, Athletics, Performing Arts

Co Curricular activities are off to a roaring start!! When co-curricular activities are completed each day, the instructors, coaches and teachers will bring students to the front doors of the Junior School for dismissal. 

 If you are unable to make it on time to pick up your daughter, please make sure to register her in Gator Care before 9am on the day required. 

Gator Care

Our Gator Care best practices have changed a bit this year. We are no longer accepting students in Gator Care unless they are registered.

Please email gatorcare@havergal.on.ca by 9am of the day you would like to enroll your daughter. This allows our aftercare team to plan accordingly and also helps to ensure the correct ratios for the safety of our students. Students who are not registered will be brought to security to wait to be picked up.

Neighbourly Traffic Request

We have had some of our neighbours reach out with concerns that members of our community are making illegal and dangerous u-turns on our surrounding streets, as well as mounting the sidewalks and driving on lawns. Traffic on Rosewell Ave and surrounding streets is exceptionally busy, especially at drop-off and pick-up. Please drive safely and courteously.

Harvest Festival and Terry Fox Run – Thursday, October 6 

Harvest Festival (8:30-9:15 am in the Brenda Robson Hall)

The Junior School annual Harvest Festival takes place on Friday, October 6 at 8:30 am in the Brenda Robson Hall (Upper School). This formal service is an ideal and heart-warming start to the Thanksgiving break and a wonderful way for our community to gather and celebrate all that we have to be thankful for. We look forward to welcoming you and your family members!

Donations to the North York Harvest Food Bank

From September 27-October 6th, the Junior School will be running a food drive. Students in JK to Grade 6 are asked to bring in non-perishable food items to be donated to the North York Harvest Food Bank. 

The following items are urgently needed:

  • Pasta, Rice, Grains
  • Canned Tomatoes
  • Canned Vegetables
  • Cooking Oil
  • Canned Fish

Please send your donations to school with your daughter.  She can place them in the bins, which are organized by house, outside the Junior School Library. 

Terry Fox Run – Is Back at Havergal! 

We are very excited to once again be a part of this year’s Terry Fox event. Havergal Junior School Students will once again be participating in the Terry Fox Run on Thursday, October 6. To learn more about Terry’s Story, and his Marathon of Hope, please visit The Terry Fox Foundation. 

When:

  • Thursday, October 6th 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Who can participate:

  • Students in JK to Grade 6 will all take part!
  • This is very much a community event, so all families are invited to join in! Please meet us down at the Lower Pitch at 2pm.
  • We kindly ask, however, that your furry friends stay at home. 

What students need to bring:

  • Each student will need to change into their Phys Ed uniform for the afternoon, as Harvest Festival takes place in the morning.
  • A water bottle 
  • A hat if it’s a sunny day
  • Please dress appropriately for the weather 

How to donate:

  • Havergal has raised over $275,000 in support of The Terry Fox Foundation, to date!
  • Please support our school’s fundraising efforts once again this year through our website

REMINDERS

Celebration Saturday Is Tomorrow!

All the information you need for his event can be found in last week’s edition of “The Weekly.” 

What’s on the Menu next week?

Take a look at what’s for lunch on the JS Fall Menu.  

HCPA

We still need volunteers for Celebration Saturday!  Click HERE to sign up.

The Silent Auction is Live!  Sign up in advance and bid now! We have some great items e.g. HC Front Row Seats, tickets and more.

Shop for litterless lunch bags at Colibri – select Havergal College in drop down. Deadline Oct 3rd.

Parent Coffee Mornings  – Save the Date!

We are looking forward to welcoming parents into the school for grade Coffee Mornings this fall.  Join members of our SLT for coffee and conversation, in the JS Dining Hall, on the following days:

  • Oct 13: JK – Grade 3 (8:30am – 9:30am)
  • Oct 27: Grades 4 – 6(8:30am – 9:30am) ** Please note new date**

NEXT WEEK AT A GLANCE

Saturday, September 24

  • 8:45 am – Students and Parents in JK to Grade 6 come to the JS Gym for attendance (mandatory for Gr. 4 – 6; optional for JK – 3); wear house colours
  • 8:55 am –  Junior School walk over to the Upper School for Opening Ceremony
  • 9:10 am – Opening Ceremonies on the South Quad
  • 9:15 am – Festivities begin!
  • 1:00 pm – Celebration Saturday concludes

Monday, September 26 – Day 5

  • 7:15 am – 8:15 am – U12 Basketball  
  • 11:30 pm – 12:30 pm – Chess Club (Gr.4 and Gr. 6)
  • 3:20 pm – 4:20 pm – Drama Club (Gr. 1 & 2)
  • 3:20 pm – 4:45 pm – String Ensemble (Gr. 1 – 3)
  • 3:40 pm – 4:45 pm – U10 Soccer
  • 3:40 pm – 4:45 pm – U10 Basketball

Tuesday, September 27 – Day 6

  • #1 Dress
  • No morning Xcountry practice. 
  • 8:25 am – Prayers
  • 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm U12 XCountry meet at centennial park
    • Bus Depart from HC at 12:45pm. 
    • Bus returns at approx 4pm. 
    • If you would like to pick up your child up from centennial park please email fgareau@havergal.on.ca 
  • 3:20 pm – 4:00 pm – Primary Choir (Grades 1 – 3)
  • 3:40 pm – 4:45 pm U12 Soccer Team 
  • 3:40 pm – 4:45 pm – U11 Basketball Team 

Wednesday, September 28 – Day 7

  • 8:45 am: Grade 6 students depart for Camp Onondaga Excursion. 
  • 9:45 am – Junior School Evacuation Drill 
  • 11:30 pm – 12:30 pm – Chess Club (Gr.1)
  • 7:20 am – 8:05 am –  U9 Cross Country
  • 3:20 pm – 4:20 pm – Disney Dance Crew (Gr. 1)
  • 3:20 pm – 4:20 pm – Discovery Lab Science (Gr 1 & 3)
  • 3:20 pm – 4:15 pm – U9 & U8 Soccer Squad Team
  • No Swim Practice – Canceled. 
  • 3:40 pm – 4:25 pm – Junior Choir (Gr. 4 – 6) 

Thursday, September 29 – Day 8

  • 7:20 am – 8:05 am –  U12 Cross Country (Gr. 4&5 only)
  • 11:30 am – 12:30 pm – Chess (Grades Gr. 2 & Gr. 3)
  • 3-5pm U11 Basketball Game at Bayview Glen
    • 2:00 Bus Depart
    • 5:45 Bus return to Havergal
  • 3:20 pm – 4:20 pm pm – Homemade Gifts (Gr. 1 & 2)
  • 3:20 pm – 4:20 pm – Teaching Kitchen (Gr. 1 – 3)
  • 3:40 pm – 4:40 pm – Drama Club (Gr. 3 & 4)
  • 3:40 pm – 5:10 pm – Learn to Play Strings (Gr. 5)
  • 3:40 pm – 4:45 pm – U12 Soccer 

Friday, September 30 – Day 1

  • 7:00 am – 8:00 am – U11/U12 Swimming (Gr. 5’s only)
  • 8:25 am – JS Community Prayers
  • 11:30 am – 12:30pm – U12 Cross Country Team Practice
  • 3:40pm: Grade 6 students return from Camp Onondaga excursion

A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, September 16, 2022

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Families,

Today marks the end of our first full week back at school! It has been such a pleasure to see our students back in the building, learning and playing together. It was also fantastic to see so many parents out for People and Program Night on Tuesday, and talk about how we are refreshing, resetting, and rebuilding. To this end, our pick-up carline has been moving more safely and efficiently than ever. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

As many of you have undoubtedly heard,Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced that September 19, 2022, will be a National Day of Mourning in Canada, to mark the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Havergal will commemorate this day at 1:00 pm from JK – Grade 6, in ways that are age and stage appropriate.

Sincerely,

Kate

Today’s edition of “The Weekly” contains information on the following:

Celebration Saturday – Saturday, September 24th!

We are so excited that Celebration Saturday, a much loved Havergal tradition, is back! This event not only raises funds to support Havergal’s Community Partners but also brings together students, parents, Old Girls/Alum, faculty and staff for activities and games. All are welcome to attend and to contribute.

  • Essential Information for JS Families
    • Attendance
      • Celebration Saturday is a community event for any and all that would like to attend!  While attendance is mandatory for students in Grades 4 – 12, students in JK – Grade 3 are highly encouraged to join in the fun! The more the merrier!
    • Timing
      • 8:45 am – Students and Parents in JK to Grade 6 come to the JS Gym for attendance
      • 8:55 am –  Junior School walk over to the Upper School for Opening Ceremony
      • 9:10 am – Opening Ceremonies on the South Quad
      • 9:15 am – Festivities begin!
      • 1:00 pm – Celebration Saturday concludes.
        •  Please note there is no official dismissal. Students will leave with parents.
    • What to Wear
      • Students are asked to wear House Colours. 
      • Parents are encouraged to dress casually and comfortably
    • Supervision of Students
      • Primary girls (JK to Grade 3) must be accompanied by their parents.
    • Parking
      • There is limited parking available at the school on this day.  People are encouraged to walk, carpool, take the TTC,  or alternate forms of transportation.
  • Ways to contribute:
    • Purchase Wristbands and Food Tickets Ahead
      •  Click HERE to purchase wristbands and food tickets ahead of time
    • Donate to the Silent Auction 
      • Click HERE to donate!
        • Please note that the Silent Auction goes LIVE….
    • Be a Vendor at the Marketplace
    • Volunteer
      • Click HERE to volunteer

Summer Reading Challenge

  • The time has come to determine who read the most books this summer the – students or the adults! Please support your child in returning her Summer Reading Challenge reading list by Friday, September 23rd, to ensure her efforts are included in the tally.

Please Update Your Child’s Health Information in Magnus Health by September 23

  • This is a reminder to have parents complete updating their child’s health information in Magnus Health by September 23, 2022 so that we can ensure that we have the most up to date information for our athletic teams and excursions.  
  • You can access Magnus Health from the Parent Portal by clicking on the Update My Child’s Health Information button located on all of the landing pages, or under the My Household menu in the navigation bar.  Please reserve 20-30 minutes per child to complete this process.

Harvest Festival

  • Throughout the year students will participate in a variety of performances. Please see below for the number 1 concert dress uniform. Students will wear their number 1 concert dress at our first whole school event, Junior School Harvest Festival. This event takes place on Thursday, October 6th and more details will follow shortly.
  • Number 1 concert dress consists of:
    • White long-sleeve dress shirt
    • Tie
    • Tunic (JK-Grade 3) and Kilt (grades 5 and 6)
    • Tights, not socks (if you do not have tights, please arrange with your family to order some from the Green and Gold shop)
    • Black shoes
    • Hair back from face with minimal hair accessories that are the same colour as your hair or the HC official hair accessories  

What’s on the Menu this week?

  • Take a look at what’s for lunch on the JS Fall Menu.  

Parent Coffee Mornings  – Save the Date!

We are looking forward to welcoming parents into the school for grade Coffee Mornings this fall.  Join members of our SLT for coffee and conversation, in the JS Dining Hall, on the following days:

  • Oct 13: JK – Grade 3 (8:30am – 9:30am)
  • Oct 27: Grades 4 – 6(8:30am – 9:30am)

Next Week at a Glance

Monday, September 19 – Day 8

  •  7:15 am – 8:15 am – U12 Basketball  
  •  1:00 pm School-Wide Acknowledgement of National Day of Mourning for HRH Queen Elizabeth II
  • 11:30 pm – 12:00 pm – Chess (Grades 4 & 6)
  • 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm – Chess (Gr. 5)
  •  3:20 pm – 4:20 pm – Drama Club (Gr. 1 & 2)
  • 3:20 pm – 4:45 pm – String Ensemble (Gr. 1 – 3)
  •  3:40 pm – 4:45 pm – U10 Soccer
  •  3:40 pm – 4:45 pm – U10 Basketball

Tuesday, September 20 – Day 1

  • #1 Dress
  •  7:20 am – 8:15 am – U12 Cross Country Team  
  • 8:25 am – Jewish High Holidays Prayers (JS Gym)
  • 9:00 am – Jewish High Holidays Reception for Parents (JS Dining Room)
  • 3:20 pm – 4:00 pm – Primary Choir (Grades 1 – 3)
  • 3:40 pm – 4:45 pm – Learn to Play Band (Gr. 6) – Starts on Oct 4
  • 3:40 pm – 4:45 pm U12 Soccer Team 
  • 3:40 pm – 4:45 pm – U11 Basketball Team 

Wednesday, September 21 – Day 2

  • 9:45 am – Junior School Evacuation Drill 
  • 7:20 am – 8:05 am –  U9 Cross Country
  • 3:20 pm – 4:20 pm – Disney Dance Crew (Gr. 1)
  • 3:20 pm – 4:20 pm – Discovery Lab Science (Gr 1 & 3)
  •  3:20 pm – 4:15 pm – U9 & U8 Soccer Squad Team
  •  3:40 pm – 5 pm – U12/U11 Swimming
  • 3:40 pm – 4:25 pm – Junior Choir (Gr. 4 – 6) 

Thursday, September 22 – Day 3

  • 11:30 pm – 12:00 pm – Chess (Grades 4 & 6)
  • 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm – Chess (Gr. 5) 
  • 3:20 pm – 4:20 pm pm – Homemade Gifts (Gr. 1 & 2)
  • 3:20 pm – 4:20 pm – Teaching Kitchen (Gr. 1 – 3)
  • 3:40 pm – 4:45 pm – Drama Club (Gr. 3 & 4)
  • 3:40 pm – 4:45 pm – U12 Soccer 
  • 3:40 pm – 4:45 pm – U12 Basketball

Friday, September 23 – Day 4

  • 7:00 am – 8:00 am – U11/U12 Swimming
  • 7:15 am – 8:15 am – U11 Basketball
  • 8:25 am – JS Community Prayers
    • Welcome to JS Prefect Hana Ley who will speak about Celebration Saturday
  •  11:30 am – 12:30pm – U12 Cross Country Team Practice

Saturday, September 24 

  • 8:45 am – 1:00 pm – Celebration Saturday!

A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, September 9, 2022

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Families,

What an absolute pleasure it has been to see the children back at school! Today, we held our very first prayers for the 2022-2023 school year. Prayers has been an integral part of the Havergal College tradition since we first opened in 1894, close to one hundred and twenty eight years ago.

Prayers brings our Community together. It is a place to ask questions, to learn not only about the school’s rich Anglican traditions, but also to celebrate other religions and cultures, to share thoughts and ideas, to challenge our thinking and to reflect. It is also a time when we join together in song.

I encourage you to connect with your daughter about what this experience was like for her today. What did she like best? What questions does she have about prayers this year? How might she use this time to reflect about herself as a learner and a member of the Havergal community?

We are very much looking forward to spending time together in prayers again on Tuesdays and Fridays each week, and are pleased to have parents join us.

Finally, a reminder to check the Parent Portal regularly, as important information can also be accessed here.

Wishing you all the best for a happy and healthy weekend ahead.

Sincerely,

Kate

Today’s edition of “The Weekly” contains information on the following:

LATEST NEWS

#1 Dress and Photo Day – Preparing for Next Week

  • Please note that most weeks students should be in # 1 Dress every Tuesday. 
  • Next week, however, is a little different, due to our two Picture Days. As such, for next week only, students should ONLY be in # 1 dress on the following days:
    • Wednesday, September 14, 2022  (JK – Grade 3)
    • Thursday, September 15, 2022 (Grades 4 – 6)

Important Change – Updating Your Child’s Health Information

  • Havergal is implementing Magnus Health to manage our student records. This will mean a more efficient process for parents to manage their children’s information, while ensuring accurate and up to date information is accessible to the appropriate employees at our school.
  • You can now access Magnus Health from the Parent Portal by clicking on the Update My Child’s Health Information button located on all of the landing pages, or under the My Household menu in the navigation bar.  Please reserve 20-30 minutes per child to complete this process.

Jewish High Holidays Prayers and Reception – Tuesday, September 20

  • The Junior School will be acknowledging Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur during Prayers on Tuesday, September 20. 
  • We would very much like to include photos from members of the Junior School community participating in events in honour of these two very special times in the Jewish Calendar. Should you wish to share any photos, please send them to Juila Barrett (jbarrett@havergal.on.ca), so that they can be included in our slideshow. The photos should be submitted not later than Friday, September 16.
  • Parents and grandparents are warmly invited to join us for this event, following which there will be a simple reception for parents in the Dining Hall.

Messages From the Havergal College Parent Association (HCPA)

Celebration Saturday – Request for Volunteers

  • Volunteers needed for CelSat on Sept. 24 throughout the day. Please see this LINK to sign up. Even 1 hour of your time is greatly appreciated!

Used Uniform Sale

  • The HCPA is running Used Uniform Sales from 5-8pm on the evenings of the People & Program nights on Sept. 8 (SS), Sept. 12 (MS), and Sept. 13 (JS).
  • Stop by to pick up back up uniform pieces including kilts, skirts, tunics, blazers, and pants. Charges will be applied to the student account. SS and MS sales will be in Ellen Knox and JS sales will be in the JS main hallway.

REMINDERS

Reporting Student Attendance Reminders

  • A link for reporting attendance is available directly on the Parent Portal homepage. We recommend you bookmark the link.
  • Instructions for using Veracross can be found here. It is important to review these instructions and be familiar with how to report a student absence through Veracross.

Truth and Reconciliation Week – Orange Shirt Day

  • Havergal is recognizing Orange Shirt Day on Friday, September 30th.
  • Students are invited to wear an orange shirt on this day, on top of their regular HC uniform on this day. 
  • The following are Orange Shirt Day Retailers. When purchasing a shirt from one of these, the proceeds directly support Indigenous organizations and communities.

Registration for Fall Co-Curriculars – FINAL REMINDER

  • Registration is open and closes—Monday, September 12 @ 12:00 pm
    • Click here for the overview. 
    • Please review the JS Athletics Schedule carefully before registration. 
    • How to Register— click the links below to register:
  1. Registration: Clubs
  2. Registration: Chess and Choir 2022-23
  3. Registraion: Athletics 

Celebration Saturday – Saturday, September 24

  • Each fall our Havergal Community raises money for our community partners. We have established long-term partnerships with these organizations. Our students volunteer and learn invaluable lessons.  We currently have nine different organizations and you can learn more about them here. 
  • The money from the $30 wristbands  includes a free popcorn, cotton candy, cookie decorating and access to all the midway and House room events such as bead station, Haunted House, mini golf and more! All the money goes directly to our community partners. You may also purchase additional tickets, both in advance and at the event, for the BBQ, art sale and bake sale. 

Next Week at a Glance

Monday, September 12

  • 7:15 am – 8:15 am –  U12 (Gr. 6) Basketball practice
    • Meet coach at front entrance of the JS
    • Students may stay in Phys-Ed clothes for the remainder of the day
  • 8:25 am – Principal Prayers (Dr. Samson)
  • 12:00 pm – Registration for Athletics, Performing Arts and Clubs Closes
  • 3:40 pm – 4:45 pm U10 (Gr. 4) Basketball Practice
    • Parents should pick up their child at the front entrance of the JS
  • 3:40 pm – 4:45 pm U10 (Gr. 4) Soccer Practice
    • Parents should pick up their child at the front entrance of the JS

Tuesday, September 13

  • NO # 1 Dress – This week only!
  • 7:20 am – 8:15 am U12 (Gr. 4, 5 & 6) Cross Country Practice.
    • Meet coach at front entrance of the JS
    • Students may stay in Phys-Ed uniform for the remainder of the day 
  • 8:25 am – Principal Prayers 
  • 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Used Uniform Sale at the Junior School
  • JS People and Program Evening Schedule 2022 
    • 5:30 pm – 6:10 pm  – Parent Reception in JS Dining Hall (optional)
    • 6:15 pm – 6:45 pm – Presentations in the Gym (JK- Gr. 6)
  • Dr. Katrina Samson, Principal of Havergal College
  • Ms. Kate White, Head of Junior School
  • Ms. Lindsay Norberg, Associate Head
  • Mrs. Seonaid Davis, Vice Principal Teaching & Learning
  • Ms. Liz Watt, Assistant Head, Junior School 
  • 6:55 am – 7:30 pm JK- Grade 6 Classroom Curriculum Presentations, with Specialist teachers presenting “Snapshots of the year”

Wednesday, September 14 

  • Picture Day for students in JK to Grade 3
    • Please come to school in #1 Dress
  • No Gr. 1, 2, or 3 Cross Country today (due to picture day).
    •  Practice moved to tomorrow AM.
  • 3:40-4:45 U12 (Gr. 5 & 6) Swim practice
    • Parents should pick up their child at the front entrance of the JS
  • 3:20-4:20 U9 (Gr. 2 & 3) Soccer Squad Practice
    • Parents should pick up their child at the front entrance of the JS

Thursday, September 15

  • Picture Day for students in Grade 4 to Grade 6
    • Please come to school in #1 Dress
  • 7:20-8:05am U9 (Gr. 1, 2 & 3) Cross Country practice
    • Meet at front entrance of JS
  • 3:40-4:45pm U12 (Gr. 6) Basketball practice
    • Parents should pick up their child at the front entrance of the JS
  • 3:40-4:45pm U12 (Gr. 5 & 6) Soccer practice
    • Parents should pick up their child at the front entrance of the JS

Friday, September 16

  • 7:00 am – 8:00 am –  U12 Swim practice
    • Meet at front entrance of JS
  • 7:15 – 8:15 am U11 (Gr. 5) Basketball Practice
  • 8:25 am – JS Prefect Prayers

A Message from the Head of the Junior School – Friday, September 2, 2022

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Families,

A very warm welcome to all of our new and returning families! Our team has been working hard this week to ensure that everything is ready for a smooth transition back to school. 

I encourage all of you to carefully review the Back to School Website, which contains all of the “need to know information” for a successful start to the school year, including schedules for the opening two weeks of school. 

A reminder that “The Weekly” (formerly, “The Blog”) is published each Friday. It provides alerts for activities and events that are upcoming, as well as highlights from the week that may generate conversation with your daughter about her school life. 

Please note:

Regular information about your child’s classes or the school calendar can be accessed through Veracross. Please be sure to visit the parent portal: Veracross Login.  To learn how to subscribe to HC calendars, so that they appear on your digital calendar, see below:

Wishing you all the very best this weekend! We are very much looking forward to seeing everyone next week.

Sincerely,

Kate

Today’s edition of “The Weekly” contains information on the following:

LATEST NEWS

COVID-19 Update

We are looking forward to a full return to school and programs. A couple of key highlights as we head into the 2022-2023 school year.

  •  Vaccination Policy – All students (age 5 and older as of July 1, 2022) and employees are required to meet the Ontario Health definition of fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Please note, booster shots are not included in the government’s definition of full vaccination.
  • Mask Friendly – Havergal continues to be a mask friendly environment. Unless directed by Ministry of Health guidelines, students or employees are not required to wear masks.
  • As you may be aware the Chief Medical Officer of Health made changes to the isolation requirements for COVID-19. The focus has shifted from just COVID-19 symptoms to address considerations for other respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses that are likely to circulate over the coming months.
  • Anyone who is feeling sick or has any new or worsening symptoms of illness, including those not listed in this screening tool, should stay home until their symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours for nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea) and they do not have a fever, and seek assessment from their health care provider if needed. The presence of symptoms, particularly respiratory symptoms, increases the risk of transmitting to others.

Reporting Student Attendance – Change in Procedure

We introduced SchoolPass last year as an all-in-one solution including attendance reporting. Unfortunately, this integration did not work effectively. Instead, we will be using Veracross for reporting student attendance for all students in JK to 12. This system provides an easy way for parents to directly report student absences, lates or early dismissals with no need for phone calls or emails.

  • A link for reporting attendance is available directly on the Parent Portal homepage. We recommend you bookmark the link.
  • If a student will be arriving late, leaving early or absent for the day, parents must notify the school in advance using the link above in Veracross. If a student is absent from school and there is no record in Veracross, the Junior School Office or Day School Office will be in touch with parents by email and/or phone.
  • Instructions for using Veracross can be found here. It is important to review these instructions and be familiar with how to report a student absence through Veracross.

Independent Dismissal (Grades 4 – 6)

  • Parents of students in Grades 4 – 6 who wish to arrange for their children to leave school independently are asked to register as soon as possible, using the following link: Registration for Independent Dismissal
  • This registration cannot be provided via SchoolPass; you can change your arrangements at any point during the school year

Truth and Reconciliation Week – Orange Shirt Day

  • Havergal is recognizing Orange Shirt Day on Thursday, September 30th.
  • Orange Shirt Day is designed to promote the message that every child matters and to commemorate the residential school experience, honour the journey of survivors and their families, and commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation. We will be sharing the purpose of the day, in developmentally appropriate ways, both in class throughout the week, as well as a JS community on Friday, September 30 in prayers
  • Students are invited to wear an orange shirt on this day, on top of their regular HC uniform on this day. 
  • The following are Orange Shirt Day Retailers. When purchasing a shirt from one of these, the proceeds directly support Indigenous organizations and communities.

REMINDERS

Before and After Care – GatorCare

Food Services and Pizza Lunch Information and Registration

  • Junior School Food Services Program
  • Pizza Lunch:
    • If you would like to register for Pizza Lunch on the first Monday of each month,  please complete a SEPARATE form for each individual child.
    • Pizza Lunch Registration Link 
    • Please note:
      • If your child(ren) already participate)s) in the JS Food Services Program:
        • There is no additional charge for participation in Pizza Lunch.
        • You will, however, STILL NEED TO FILL OUT THE FORM to indicate the kind of pizza your child would like
        • Food Services will not be available on Pizza Lunch Days. If your child does not like Pizza, they will need to bring their own lunch from home.
      • If your child(ren) DO(ES) NOT already participate in the JS Food Services Program:
        • Your account will be charged accordingly (1 Slice – one time charge of $50.50; 2 Slice – one time charge of $62.50).
    • Pizza Lunch Registration

Registration for Fall Co-Curriculars (Clubs, Performing Arts, Athletics)

  • Registration Opens—Wednesday, September 7 @ 8:00 am
  • Registration Closes—Monday, September 12 @ 4:00 pm
  • How to Register— click the links below to register:
  1. Registration: Regular Clubs
  2. Registration: Chess and Choir 2022-23
  3. Registraion: Athletics 
  • Start Dates:
    • Clubs programming begins the week of September 19.
    • Performing Arts programming begins the week of September 19
    • Athletic programming begins the week of September 12
  • Squads: Squads are available to students in Grades 1 to 3. This non-competitive athletics program is focused on developing the FUNdamentals of sport.
  • Squad Teams: Squad Teams are available to students in Grades 2 to 4. Students in this program begin training according to more formalized methods with an emphasis on sports skills. Squad Teams focus on the sports that the Junior School participates as a member of the Conference of Independent Schools’ Athletic Association (CISAA), while providing additional development and preparation for Havergal Teams.
  • Havergal Teams: Havergal Teams are available to students in Grades 4 to 12. Our teams compete in the Canadian Independent Schools Athletic Association.

Student Photos:

  • We will be having student photographs taken on two different dates:
    • Wednesday, September 14, 2022  (JK – Grade 3)
    • Thursday, September 15, 2022 (Grades 4 – 6)
  • Students are asked to wear their #1 Dress on the day that their photo is taken.

Celebrating Birthdays in the Junior School

  • We realize that it is not generally possible to send seasonal greetings and birthday invitations to every child in a class. Children are, however, very sensitive; feelings can be easily hurt in these early years. Invitations and cards should not be brought to school for delivery unless the whole class is included. 
  • Treats (e.g., cupcakes, cookies, donuts) and/or loot bags MAY NOT be brought in to celebrate birthdays or holidays. Instead, students are invited to wear grub clothes on their birthday. Students with a summer birthday are invited to wear their grub clothes on an alternate day that is to be arranged with their core teacher.

Celebration Saturday, September 24, 2022

  • We are looking forward to seeing everyone at Celebration Saturday – a fundraiser for our wonderful community partners.  Join us on Saturday, September 24 from 9:00am – 1:00pm for House and Grade games, House Stalls, a Junior School midway, BBQ, Marketplace, a Silent Auction and more.  Watch for a communication with more details the week of September 12.  We hope to see you there!

Wellbeing – Supporting your children with back to school transitions 

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of going back to school. It’s a time of excitement and transition – a new grade, new friendships, new concepts, maybe even a new milestone. As parents, getting the new school year off to a good start is something we all want: It impacts our kids’ attitude, confidence, and performance both socially and academically. There are lots of reasons to look forward to the upcoming school year and we have a few suggestions below to help promote a happy and successful school experience for all. 

Plan ahead – It’s important to ensure that your child has a balance between school, study, extracurricular activities, family time, and their other interests. Decide with your child what their priorities are, dedicate time to them, and then map out time for them to spend how they like. 

Provide structure and predictability – Develop and stick to healthy weekday routines. Having a specific morning, evening and sleep routine during the school year can help ease worries and uncertainties. If possible, provide consistent after-school activities that they can look forward to. Practicing and role modelling these routines yourself will also help reinforce consistency and what is expected of your child.

Talk with your kids – Asking kids about what they are looking forward to about the upcoming school year, or what they think might be different than previous years, can offer clues about how they’re feeling. Should your child identify things they are anxious about, talk about ways to address the issue and practice coping strategies to manage their anxiety, such as taking pauses, deep breathing, or finding opportunities to take a break. Try to remember to keep your own anxieties or opinions about the school year out of the conversation.

Take care of your physical and mental health – Promote healthy eating habits, fun physical activities, family time, and relaxation. Consider journaling as it’s been found to positively impact our mental health and wellbeing. 

We are looking forward to an exciting new year.

Dr Yarmey, Director of Wellbeing

Dates on the Horizon

Tuesday September 6

  • Professional Development Day for Employees
  • No school for students

Wednesday, September 7

Thursday, September 8 – Friday, September 16