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

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear JS Families,

A big note of congratulations to our JK and SK classes who had their Christmas Concert today! The students worked so hard over the last several weeks to prepare for this amazing event! A note of thanks to the incredible team of teachers who supported them in getting ready to wow their families! We are very much looking forward to the upcoming Grade 1 to 6 Concert, that will take place at St. Paul’s Cathedral on Thursday, December 22.

The weeks leading up to the winter holidays are always so filled with excitement! We have so very much to be grateful for and I look forward to ending the term joyously as a community.

Sincerely,

Kate

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

LATEST

A Note of Thanks From Dr. Samson re: Strategic Planning and Small Group Consultations

I want to thank the parents who participated in the strategic planning questionnaire and small-group consultations with our strategic consulting partners, Berlineaton.  We had an excellent response rate, more than doubling the number of responses that the Berlineaton team typically sees in a school our size and structure – a sign of a committed and engaged community!  The strategy development team is in the process of analyzing the data, including reviewing our Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) self study report, and will be utilizing the themes from the research with the team to develop areas of future opportunity and growth for Havergal.  We also had a 70% response rate from students for the questionnaire, in addition to the 60 students from grades 5 through 12 who participated in small group consultation sessions.  Thank you for your engagement in planning Havergal’s future direction.

New Toronto Public Health Screening Tool for Students

Havergal College continues to see an increase in respiratory illness infections over the last 3 weeks. 

To protect both the students and faculty, as per Toronto Public Health recommendations, we are highly recommending masking in enclosed spaces along with frequent hand hygiene. 

Students and staff can screen for symptoms utilizing the tool provided by the Ontario Government linked here: School and child care screening

Students should not come to school if they do not pass the screening tool. 

Thank you for your cooperation in helping keep the students and staff safe at Havergal.

Hanukkah Prayers – An Invitation

We will be sharing the story of Hanukkah on Friday, December 16th, during prayers. We have invited the Jewish Students Affinity Group from the Upper School to share a message and will be including select students from the Junior School as well.

If your family celebrates Hanukkah and your child is interested in participating, please email jbarrett@havergal.on.ca by Monday evening. While not every student who is volunteered will be selected, their names will be taken down to participate in a prayers/assembly later in the school year.

REMINDER

Wellbeing and Resilience Survey Report – Your Input is Requested!

Last week we shared the Wellbeing & Resilience Survey Report with you. As a reminder, we are most interested in understanding which areas of wellbeing education you are most interested in. Please take a moment to complete the Wellbeing Topics and Supports Questionnaire for Parents (also found at the end of the survey report), so that we can hear your thoughts.

What’s on the Menu Next Week?

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

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.

FINAL REMINDER – Christmas Concert (Gr. 1 – 6) 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

Please note the following:

  • Our annual Christmas Concert will take place on Thursday, December 22 at St. Paul’s Bloor Street (227 Bloor St E). 
  • Please note the following important information for your planning:
  • Students will travel to St. Paul’s in the afternoon for a rehearsal and then perform for their families at this venue at 4:00pm
  • Church doors will open to parents and families at 3:30pm.
  • All are welcome to attend and no tickets are required. 
  • There is no transportation back to the school and no after school Gator Care is available on this day. 
  • Students will be dismissed to their families after the concert is concluded. 

HCPA UPDATES

Last chance to get a HC blazer or tunic ornament!  Tunics are almost sold out. Click HERE to place your order and get it before the holidays! Deadline to order  is TODAY – December 9.

We are now collecting ALL uniform pieces for our future Used Uniform sales. There is a Used Uniform collection bin behind the Front Desk. Drop off items any time!

NEXT WEEK AT A GLANCE


JS Athletics Schedule 

Monday, December 12 (Day 6)

  • 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 13 (Day 7) – #1 Dress

  • 8:30 am – NO PRAYERS today (X-Mas Concert Rehearsal) 
  • 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 14 (Day 8)

  • 7:15 am – 8:15 am – U10 Badminton Squad practice
  • 11:30 am – 12:30 pm – Chess Club (Gr.1) Learning Hub
  • ​​12:30 pm – 2:30pm – U12 Hockey team Game at Leaside Arena.
    • Class Dismissal 11:15 am
    • Bus Depart 11:30 am
    • Return 3:15 pm
  • 3:40 pm – 4:25 pm – Junior Choir (Gr. 4 – 6)  Music Room 155

Thursday, December 15 (Day 1) – House Dress Down Day

  • 7:15 am – 8:15 am – U11 Volleyball Team Practice TBConfirmed 
  • 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
  • 3:15 pm – 5:00 pm – U12 Volleyball Team Game vs BVG @ HC js Gym.
    • Class dismiss @ 2:45 pm

Friday, December 16  (Day 2)

  • 7:00 am – 8:00 am – U12 Swim Team practice 
  • 8:30 am – Prayers (Hanukkah)

DATES ON THE HORIZON

Wednesday, December 21 

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

Thursday, December 22

  • Morning Gator Care Open as Usual; No Gator Care Available Afterschool!
  • 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 Faculty

Tuesday, January 10

  • Classes Resume

Leave a comment