A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, December 2, 2022

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear JS Families,

A sincere note of thanks to all of our families for your continued support of our longtime community partnership with New Circles! Your thoughtful contributions towards the Holiday Angels Program are sincerely appreciated, and will make the holiday season just a little brighter for some members of the Toronto Community!

This morning in prayers we heard from members of students, including our JS Prefect Hannah, and teachers about those who have sources of inspiration in their lives. It was beautiful to hear the many ways in which others have inspired them with their kindness, perseverance, grit, care, skill, etc. My hope is that you find a moment in the days ahead to reflect with your children not only about those that inspire them, but how they can be an inspiration to others as well, with their thoughts, words, and deeds.  

Wishing you all the best for a lovely weekend ahead.

Sincerely,

Kate

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

LATEST NEWS

Wellbeing and Resilience Survey Report 

We are pleased to share the Wellbeing & Resilience Survey Report that outlines the findings from the Resilience Surveys that students completed in the spring of 2022.

The report includes the updated version of the Wellbeing Framework and an overview of the key findings from the Children’s Resilience Survey (Grades 2-5) and High Achieving Schools Survey (Grades 6-12).

At the end of the report there is a questionnaire about additional wellbeing topics and support you would like to see for students and parents. We appreciate your input and taking the time to complete it. 

A Message from Toronto Public Health Re: Flu is on the Rise

Toronto is now seeing an increased number of people getting sick with the flu this season. The number of people sick with the flu is expected to go even higher, especially during the last weeks of December and beginning of January when students are out of school for the Winter break.

In Canada, so far half of all people who got the flu this season are children and youth aged 0 to 19 years. Some children have been very sick and needed hospital care.

Vaccination is the best protection. Anyone age 6 months and older can get a flu vaccine. Because it takes two weeks for the vaccine to be effective, getting vaccinated now will protect you and your family before the Winter break. The vaccine is available for free at pharmacies, doctor’s offices and Toronto Public Health vaccination clinics.

In addition to getting vaccinated, we strongly recommend using layers of protection to reduce virus spread:

  • Masking: Wear a well-fitted mask in indoor public settings, including in schools and childcare. Children under 2 and those with medical exemptions are not recommended to wear a mask.
  • Stay home if sick: Complete this daily symptom check for your child. Keep your child home, even if symptoms are mild, and until they are feeling better. Adults should also stay home from work if they are sick.
  • Clean your hands: Use hand sanitizer or wash hands often.
  • Clean surfaces: Clean commonly touched surfaces frequently.

Safety on the TTC

Two students from St. Michael’s were accosted by a group on the TTC at St. Clair West subway last week over lunch and had some items stolen. The police were notified and have several suspects in custody. Please remind your daughters to be aware of their surroundings when travelling on public transit. Expensive items such as ear buds, cell phones, tablets and wallets should be kept out of sight. All suspicious activities should be reported to the transit authorities. 

REMINDER

What’s on the Menu Next Week?

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

Pizza Lunch is on Monday, December 5

A friendly reminder that Monday, December 5 is Pizza Lunch Day in the Junior School!

Hot Lunch Program for the Winter Term – Registration

The Hot Lunch program Registration Form is now open for the Winter Term. To sign up, and to learn more please COMPLETE THIS FORM.

Upcoming Report Card – December 8

Please note that your daughter’s report card will be available for viewing on The Havergal Portal on December 8 at 4:00 pm.

For more information please review the December 8th Report Card Information document. 

Christmas Concert (Gr. 1 – 6) Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk (AAR) Form – To be completed by Friday, December 16 

  • Our annual Christmas Concert will take place on Thursday, December 22 at St. Paul’s Bloor Street (227 Bloor St E), from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

HCPA UPDATES

Used Uniform Collection Bin

Has your daughter outgrown her uniforms already? There is a Used Uniform Collection Bin behind the Front Desk. Drop off items any time!

If you missed your chance to get a HC blazer or tunic ornament at Ivy Market, it’s not too late! Click HERE to place your order and get it before the holidays! Deadline to order – December 9.

NEXT WEEK AT A GLANCE

Monday, December 5 (Day 1) – Pizza Lunch Day

  • 7:15 am – 8:15 am – U12 Volleyball Team Practice 
  • 11:30 am – 12:30 pm – Chess (Grades Gr. 4-6) Learning Hub
  • 3:20 pm – 4:20 pm – Drama Club (Gr. 1 & 2) Multipurpose Room 256
  • 3:20 pm – 4:20 pm – Strings (Gr. 1) Music Room 157
  • 3:20 pm – 4:45 pm – Strings (Gr. 2 & 3) Music Room 155
  • 3:40 pm – 4:45 pm – U10 Volleyball Team Practice 
  • 3:40 pm – 4:45 pm – U12 Swim Team Practice 

Tuesday, December 6 (Day 2) – #1 Dress

  • 8:30 am – Prayers (Advent)
  • 8:15 am U12 Swim meet. Meet coaches @ Junior School.
    • 8:30 am Bus Depart from US to Markham Pan Am Pool 
    • 3:00 pm Event finished. 
    • 4:15 pm return to HCjs. 
  • 3:20 pm – 4:00 pm – Primary Choir (Gr. 1 – 3) Music Room 155
  • 3:40 pm – 5:15 pm – Learn to Play Band (Gr.6) Music Room 157
  • 3:40 pm – 4:45 pm – U11 Volleyball Team Practice

Wednesday, December 7 (Day 3)

  • 7:15 am – 8:15 am – U10 Badminton Squad practice
  • 11:30 am – 12:30 pm – Chess Club (Gr.1) Learning Hub
  • 3:20 pm – 4:20 pm – Disney Dance Crew (Gr. 1)Multipurpose Room256
  • 3:20 pm – 4:20 pm – Discovery Lab Science (Gr 1 – 3) Dining Hall
  • 3:40 pm – 4:25 pm – Junior Choir (Gr. 4 – 6)  Music Room 155

Thursday, December 8 (Day 4)

  • 7:15 am – 8:15 am – U11 Volleyball Team Practice 
  • 11:30 am – 12:30 pm – Chess Club (Gr.2-3) Learning Hub
  • 3:20 pm – 4:20 pm  – Homemade Gifts (Gr. 1 & 2) Art Room 160
  • 3:20 pm – 4:20 pm – Teaching Kitchen (Gr. 1 – 3) Dining Hall
  • 3:40 pm – 4:40 pm – Drama Club (Gr. 3 & 4) Multipurpose Room 256
  • 3:40 pm – 5:10 pm – Learn to Play Strings (Gr. 5) Music Room 157
  • 3:40 pm – 4:45 pm – U12 Volleyball Team practice

Friday, December 9  (Day 5)

  • 7:00 am – 8:00 am – U12 Swim Team practice 
  • 8:30 am – Prayers (What Christmas Means to Me)
  • 2:00 pm – JK and SK Holiday Concert (JS Gym)
    • Reception to follow in the JK and SK Classes

DATES ON THE HORIZON

Wednesday, December 21 

  • Whole School (JK – Grade 12) Holiday Dress Down Day

Thursday, December 22

  • No Gator Care Available Afterschool; Morning Gator Care Open as Usual
  • 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
    • Grade 1 – 6 Christmas Concert at St. Paul’s Cathedral
  • 7:00 pm – 8:20 pm
    • Grade 7 – 12 Carol Service at St. Paul’s Cathedral

Friday, December 23

  • No Classes (Winter Holiday Break Begins)

Monday, January 9

  • No Classes for Students
  • Professional Development Day for Students

Tuesday, January 10

  • Classes Resume

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