Month: January 2023

A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, January 27, 2023

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear JS Families,

Today, in honour of Bell’s “Let’s Talk Day,” we talked about the importance of mental health, as well as specific strategies to help us when we are experiencing “big emotions.” Here are some resources that we shared with the students this morning. I wanted to be sure to pass these along to you, so that you can continue to engage in conversations at home.

Finally, I encourage you to visit the Bell’s Let’s Talk webpage, that provides 

Tools to help everyone with mental health! 

I wish you all a lovely weekend, with lots of fun playing in the freshly fallen snow!

Warmly,

Kate

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

LATEST

Major Dates Calendar for 2023-2024

We are pleased to share next academic year’s Major School Dates Calendar for 2023-2024 with you! 

Hockey Day 2023 Registration (Grades 4, 5, & 6)

On Tuesday, February 14, at approximately 12:45 pm Havergal College will play against Bishop Strachan School’s (BSS) U20 Hockey team in a battle for the Hewitt Cup (HOCKEY DAY).

This annual hockey game, which takes place at Mattamy Athletic Centre (Formerly Maple Leaf Gardens),  is a highly spirited athletic contest—faculty, staff, and Gr. 4-12 students are decked out in green and gold to cheer on our Gators with pride. As well, our U12 hockey team will play against the BSS Junior School team during the first intermission.

Attendance is mandatory for students in Grades 4 to 8; students in Grades 9 to 12 are welcome to attend.  Students in JK to Grade 3 will remain at school.

Online registration and ticket purchase must be completed by the parents of all attendees! The registration link is now open, and will close on Monday, February 6 at noon.

Please click HERE to register

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS 

REMINDERS

What’s on the Menu in January?

Take a look at what’s for lunch on the Junior School January Lunch Menu 

Using the Parent Portal to View Your Child’s Calendar of Events

Starting today, Friday, January 27, we will no longer be providing “Next Week at a Glance” as part of “The JS Weekly.” This is as a result of our continued efforts to communicate with you in a more centralized and accurate way. 

Moving forward, you can use this link which will provide you with a calendar of events, called My Household Calendar, which is personalized for your family.  You can also access this calendar through the Parent Portal in the Junior School menu along the top, then “My Household Calendar”.

We invite and encourage you to make use of the “ Parent Portal Feedback” form in the weeks ahead. This will be most helpful as we work together to ensure that our families are well informed about what is happening, so that you can plan accordingly. 

Thursday, February 2 – Gator Care during Parent-Teacher Interviews

Please note the following:

  • Gator Care will run from 1:45 PM – 6 PM  on Thursday, February 2
  • A fee of $2/6 minutes (total $20/hour) will begin, starting  at 2:45 PM
  • Registration – MUST BE SUBMITTED BY TUESDAY, JANUARY 31
    • If your child is NOT REGULARLY SCHEDULED to attend Gator Care on Thursdays, and you would like to OPT IN:
    • If your child IS REGULARLY SCHEDULED to attend Gator Care on Thursdays, but you would like to OPT OUT:
  • NO GATOR CARE IS AVAILABLE ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3

HCPA UPDATES

Grade 1 and Grade 5 Breakfasts

If you have not already done so, please RSVP before Jan 31 for the Grade 1 and Grade 5 breakfasts on Feb 7 and Feb 8 at 7:30 am.  Also, don’t forget to send your photos to  havergalbreakfast5@gmail.com by the end of day today.

JS A-Mazing Race – Save the Date!

The JS A-Mazing Race will be held on April 30, 2023, 12:30-3:30 pm.  More details coming soon!

Pre-Loved Uniform Sale

Reminder of our Pre-Loved Uniform Sale on February 24, 9-11 am at the JS across from the Learning Hub.

DATES ON THE HORIZON

Tuesday, January 31

  • 8:25 am – 9:30 am
    • Black History Month Prayers and Reception

Thursday, February 2 

  • Early Dismissal (1:45 pm – 2:15 pm)
    • 1:45 pm – 2:00 pm – Dismissal for JK- Grade 3
    • 2:00 pm – 2:15 pm -Dismissal for Grades 4-6
  • Parent-Teacher Interviews (4:00 pm – 7:30 pm on Zoom)
  • Gator Care available from 1:45 pm – 6:00 pm (charging begins at 2:45pm)
  • Parent-Teacher Interviews (4:00 pm – 7:30 pm on Zoom)
  • Gator Care available from 1:45 pm – 6:00 pm (charging begins at 2:45pm

Friday, February 3

  • Parent-Teacher Interviews (8:00 am – 3:00 pm on Zoom)
  • No Classes for students

Tuesday, February 7

  • Grade 1 Family Breakfast

Wednesday, February 8

  • Grade 5 Family Breakfast

Monday, February 13 – Thursday, February 16 – Spirit Week!

  • Tuesday, February 14 
    • Hockey Day!

Friday, February 24

  • JS Used Uniform Sale (9:00 am – 11:00 am – Outside the Library)

April 30, 2023, 

  • JS A-Mazing Race  (12:30-3:30 pm)

A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, January 20, 2023

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear JS Families,

The Junior School community came together this morning to celebrate the Lunar New Year! We were thrilled to have students from both the Junior and Upper School share their personal stories, as well as how the Lunar New Year is celebrated across the globe and in different countries. It was such a pleasure to have so many students, families and friends come together to learn, celebrate, and be together, in community.

Wishing you all the very best in the weekend ahead.

Warmly,

Kate

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

LATEST

Week at a Glance – Update  Ahead

Starting next week, Friday, January 27, we will no longer be providing “Next Week at a Glance” as part of “The JS Weekly.” This is as a result of our continued efforts to communicate with you in a more centralized and accurate way. Moving forward, you can use this link which will provide you with a calendar of events, called My Household Calendar, which is personalized for your family.  You can also access this calendar through the Parent Portal in the Junior School menu along the top, then “My Household Calendar”.

We invite and encourage you to make use of the “ Parent Portal Feedback” form in the weeks ahead. This will be most helpful as we work together to ensure that our families are well informed about what is happening, so that you can plan accordingly. 

REMINDERS

What’s on the Menu in January?

Take a look at what’s for lunch on the Junior School January Lunch Menu 

Parent Teacher Interviews – Registration Opens Tuesday @ 6:00 pm!

  • Pick-a-Time OPENS at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, January 24th at 6:00 pm
  • Pick-a-Time CLOSES at 8:00 pm on Tuesday, January 31st at 8:00 pm

pickAtime – Sign Up

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.

NEXT WEEK AT A GLANCE

Monday, January 23 (Day 8)

  • 7:15 am U12 Volleyball Team practice
  • Lunch time:
    • Gr. 4 – 6 Chess Club  with Mr. & Mrs. Milicevic until May 15; $294 + HST.
  • Gr. 1 – 3
    • 3:20pm – 4:20pm STEM Club with Explore It! Until May 15; $294 + HST.
  • Gr. 2
    • 3 3:20 pm – 4:45 pm Strings Ensemble with Ms. Lo until May 15; $125.
  • Gr. 4 – 6
    • 3:40pm – 4:40pm Musical Theater Cast Club with Ms. Carson & Mme. Rizzo until May 30; $65.
  • Gr. 4 – 6
    • 3:40pm – 4:40pm Musical Theater Set and Costume Club with Ms. Palarchio, Ms. Mastri & Mme. Scharf until May 15; $65.
  • 3:40 pm – 4:45 pm
    • U12 Swim Team practice. 

Tuesday, January 24 (Day 1) – #1 Dress

  • 7:15 am- 8:00 am U10 Volleyball squad practice. 
  • 8:15 am U12 Swim Team meets at JS
    • 8:30 am bus departure from US
    • 9-3pm Swim meet at Pan Am Aquatic Center
    • 4pm Return to HC
  • 8:30 am –  Prayers 
  • Gr. 1 – 3
    • 3:20pm – 4pm Primary Choir with Mr. MacLean until March 7 & please note: no rehearsal February 21; $65.
  • Gr. 5 – 6
    • 3:40pm – 4:30pm Public Speaking with Ms. Lockington until April 15; $65.
  • Gr. 6
    • 3:40pm – 4:40pm Learn to Play Band with Ms. Zaiyouna until April 15; $65.
  • 3:40-4:45 U11 Volleyball Team Practice 

Wednesday, January 25 (Day 2) 

  • 7:15 am – 8:15 am – U10 Badminton Squad practice
  • 3:20 pm – 4:20 pm U9 Multisport (Gr. 2&3) 
  • Lunch Time
    • Gr. 1 Chess Club with Mr. & Mrs. Milicevic until April 16; $294 + HST.
  • 3:20 – 4:20pm
    • Gr. 1 String Ensemble with Ms. Lo until April 16;  $125.
  • 3:40 pm – 4:25 pm
    • Junior Choir Mr. MacLean (Music Room 157); until April 19 & please note: no rehearsals February 22 & March 8; $65.

Thursday, January 26 (Day 3)

  • 7:15 am – 8:15 am U11 Volleyball practice. 
  • Lunch time Gr. 2 – 3
    • Chess Club with Mr. & Mrs. Milicevic until April 27; $294 + HST.
  • 3:00 pm – 4:30pm U12 Volleyball Game at JS Gym 
  • 3:20 – 4:20pm
    • Gr. 1 – 3 Ballet Club with Ms. Wade until April 27; $360.
  • 3:40pm – 4:40pm
    • Gr. 4 – 6 Teaching Kitchen with Mr. Chef of Chartwells until April 27; $65.
  • 3:40pm – 4:40pm
    • Gr. 5 – 6 Visual Arts Club with Ms. Read until April 27; $65.

Friday, January 27 (Day 4)  

  • 7:00 am – 8:00 am U12 Swim Practice 
  • 8:30 am Prayers (Acts of Kindness)
  • 3:20 pm – 4:20 pm U8 Multisport Gr. 1&2

DATES ON THE HORIZON

Thursday, February 2 

  • Early Dismissal (1:45 pm – 2:15 pm)
  • Parent-Teacher Interviews (4:00 pm – 7:30 pm on Zoom)
  • Gator Care available from 1:45 pm – 6:00 pm (charging begins at 2:15 pm)

Friday, February 3

  • Parent-Teacher Interviews (8:00 am – 3:00 pm on Zoom)
  • No Classes for students

Tuesday, February 7

  • Grade 1 Family Breakfast

Wednesday, February 8

  • Grade 5 Family Breakfast

Friday, February 24

  • JS Used Uniform Sale (9:00 am – 11:00 am – Outside the Library)

April 30, 2023, 

  • JS A-Mazing Race  (12:30-3:30 pm)

A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, January 13, 2023

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear JS Families,

Welcome Back! I can’t tell you how thrilled we were to welcome everyone back to school this week! We all came together first thing on Tuesday Morning for a message from Dr. Samson, who spoke to us about setting new intentions for the new year, and how practicing self-compassion can help us navigate the ups and downs of everyday life. Then, today, Ms. Watt and I took a step back to the beginning of the year, when we first discussed the “norms” of the Junior School, which include: greeting others by name, opening doors for others, wearing our uniform with pride, and including others in our work and play.

Our Grade 5s also surprised JS students, faculty, staff, and parents this morning with a flash mob at Prayers! Students worked hard to put their dance together, to the tune of “Jerusalema.” The audience was delighted by their fun and creative routine – a representation of hope, unity, and teamwork. It brought sheer joy to all of us, and was just the perfect way to welcome in the weekend. I am including a link for you to see their amazing performance.

Grade 5 FlashMob

Finally, we took a moment to wish Ms. Prosser well, as she begins her parental leave, and to welcome new teachers Ms. Verity (SK), Ms. McCleary (Gr. 3), and Ms. Cozier (Executive Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) to the Havergal community.

Warmly,

Kate

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

LATEST

Safe Arrival and Dismissal of Students – Top 5 Things We Need Your Help With

We are continuing to monitor the safe arrival and dismissal of students each day. 

Our amazing team of teachers and security professionals are here to support in this process.  

Here are the TOP FIVE ways we need your support:

  1. Have students ready to exit as soon as your car stops alongside the curb. By waiting to drop off nearest the doors, it slows down the flow of traffic.
  2. Arrive at your designated pick-up time:
    • JK: 3:00 pm
    • SK: 3:15 pm
    • Grades 1 – 3: 3:20 pm 
    • Grade 4 – 6: 3:40 pm (along with younger siblings)
  3. Abide by the signage both on and off school property. This includes: driving 10 km along the driveway, not parking along the driveway during peak times, no double parking, or stopping in restricted zones on Rosewell Ave. 
  4. Crossing at the designated crosswalk with the crossing guard and flashing pylons, and not across the driveway exit.
  5. Following the directions of our security team.

Update to Concussion and Head Injuries Policy 

Havergal has recently updated and revised the Concussion & Head Injuries Policy

We are excited to share this new version.  This update has been written to support both the cognitive and physical development to the greatest benefit of our students.

We invite you to view our Concussion Information Session for Parents to learn more about Concussion & Head Injury management at the College.

An Invitation from Lakefield College School  – Tuesday, January 23 

Community and Connection: LCS Speaker Series for Parents

Feeling Seen: Reconnecting in a Disconnected World

As part of Lakefield College School’s Community and Connection: Speaker Series for Parents, we invite CAIS parents and educators to join us for a talk from Dr. Jody Carrington on Tuesday, January 23 at 7:00 PM ET via Zoom. 

Dr. Carrington is a psychologist, best-selling author, and public speaker with an affinity for helping teams and organizations overcome their most complex, human-centred problems. Her radiant energy and incomparable ability to connect with audiences result in compelling keynotes and life-changing workshops. 

The message is simple: we are wired to do the hard things, but we are so much braver together. 

Jody speaks passionately (and humourously) about resilience, burnout, mental health, leadership, grief and trauma– and how reconnection answers so many of the root problems we face.

Register for Dr. Carrington’s talk

REMINDERS

What’s on the Menu in January?

Take a look at what’s for lunch on the Junior School January Lunch Menu 

Save the Date – Parent Teacher Interviews!

Parent Teacher Interviews are just around the corner, taking place, via Zoom, on the following dates:

  • Thursday, February 2 (4:00 pm – 7:30 pm)
  • Friday, February 3 (8:00 am – 3:00 pm)

Families will be able to schedule a time to meet with their child(ren)’s teachers using Pick-a-Time.  

  • Pick-a-Time OPENS at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, January 24th at 6:00 pm
  • Pick-a-Time CLOSES at 8:00 pm on Tuesday, January 31st at 8:00 pm

Havergal’s online booking system – pickAtime

The online conference booking system used by Havergal College is called pickAtime. Please note that:

  • PickAtime does not permit the scheduling of back-to-back appointments. 
  • Learning Support team members will join homeroom teachers for as many of these interviews as possible.

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.

Lunar New Year Prayers and Parent Reception – Friday, January 20 

If your child is interested in participating in the Lunar New Year prayers, please email jbarrett@Havergal.on.ca by the end of the day on Sunday January 15th.

All students who celebrate the Lunar New Year are invited to wear their celebratory dress for the day.

Please join us on Friday, January 20 for our Lunar New Year celebration! The Junior School will be holding a reception for parents following Lunar New Year Prayers. At 9:00 am, parents are invited to the JS Dining Hall for coffee, tea and dumplings. Parents and students are welcome to wear traditional celebratory attire. We hope to see you there!

Please RSVP here.

HCPA

JS Grade Rep Meeting—Jan. 18, 8:45-9:45 am, JS Dining Hall

Members of the HC IT Department will be available to discuss the parent experience with the new Parent Portal that launched this past September. All parents are welcome to attend.

Grade 1 and 5 Breakfasts—Save the Dates!

Join us for our Grade 1 Breakfast on Feb. 7 and our Grade 5 Breakfast on Feb. 8. Invitations and details coming soon!

Used Uniform Sale – February 24 

Has your daughter already outgrown her uniform? Don’t worry—we have planned a JS Used Uniform Sale set to take place at the JS from 9-11 am on February 24, 2023. Mark your calendar!

WEEK AT A GLANCE

JS Athletics Schedule 

Skating Schedule

Monday, January 16 (Day 3)

  • 7:15 am U12 Volleyball Team practice
  • 2pm U12 Hockey Team Game.
    • 12:30 Bus Depart. 
    • 4pm Return. 
  • 3:40-4:45 U12 Swim Team practice. 

Tuesday, January 17 (Day 4) – #1 Dress

  • 7:15 am- 8:15 *NEW time* U10 Volleyball squad practice. 
  • 8:30 am –  Prayers (Setting Intentions)
  • 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm – U11 Volleyball game at Havergal Junior School. 

Wednesday, January 18 (Day 5) 

  • 7:15 am – 8:15 am – U10 Badminton Squad practice
  • 8:45 am – 9:45 am – JS Grade Rep Meeting (JS Dining Room)
  • 3:20-4:20 U9 Multisport (Gr. 2&3) 
  • 3:45 pm – 4:25pm – Junior Choir -Mr. MacLean (Music Room 157)

Thursday, January 19 (Day 6)

  • Lice Squad Checks (all day)
    • Students should have freshly washed hair,  without braids or up-dos 
  • 7:15 am – 8:15 am U11 Volleyball practice. 
  • 3:00 pm – 4:30pm U12 Volleyball Game at JS Gym 

Friday, January 20 (Day 7)  

  • 7:00 am – 8:00 am U12 Swim Practice 
  • 8:30 am Prayers (Lunar New Year)
    • All students who celebrate the Lunar New Year are invited to wear their celebratory dress for the day.
  • 9:00 am Lunar New Year Parent Reception (JS Dining Hall)
  • 3:20 pm – 4:20 pm U8 Multisport Gr. 1&2

DATES ON THE HORIZON

Thursday, February 2 

  • Early Dismissal (1:45 pm – 2:15 pm)
  • Parent-Teacher Interviews (4:00 pm – 7:30 pm on Zoom)
  • Gator Care available from 1:45 pm – 6:00 pm (charging begins at 2:15 pm)

Friday, February 3

  • Parent-Teacher Interviews (8:00 am – 3:00 pm on Zoom)
  • No Classes for students

Friday, February 24

  • JS Used Uniform Sale (9:00 am – 11:00 am – Outside the Library)

A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, January 6, 2023

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear JS Families,

Happy New Year!

We hope everyone has had a wonderful break, and is as excited as we are to start the next term. There is so very much to look forward to in the months ahead, including our upcoming parent-teacher interviews, rehearsals for our Grade 4 – 6 Musical, Spirit Week – including the HIGHLY anticipated Hewitt Cup Hockey Game, where HC and BSS face off against each other at Maple Leaf Gardens on February 14th, and so much more!

Wishing you all a restful weekend ahead! While our faculty and staff will be back in the swing of things on Monday, preparing for your return, we will welcome back all students on Tuesday!

Warmly,

Kate

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

LATEST

Save the Date – Parent Teacher Interviews!

Parent Teacher Interviews are just around the corner, taking place, via Zoom, on the following dates:

  • Thursday, February 2 (4:00 pm – 7:30 pm)
  • Friday, February 3 (8:00 am – 3:00 pm)

Families will be able to schedule a time to meet with their child(ren)’s teachers using Pick-a-Time.  

  • Pick-a-Time Opens at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, January 24th at 6:00 pm
  • Pick-a-Time Closes at 8:00 pm on Tuesday, January 31st at 8:00 pm

More information on how to register, will be provided next week.

Lunar New Year Prayers and Parent Reception – Friday, January 20 

The Junior School will be holding Lunar New Year Prayers on Friday, January 20 at 8:30 am. Parents are invited to join the celebration in the JS Gym. A reception for parents will be held in the JS Dining Room at 9:00 am.

Please RSVP here.

If your child is interested in participating in the Lunar New Year prayers, please email jbarrett@Havergal.on.ca by the end of the day on Sunday January 15th. Depending on responses, we may not be able to feature each child but we will take a list of all volunteers and try to include them on a later prayers date should they not participate in the Lunar New Years Assembly. 

REMINDERS

What’s on the Menu in January?

Take a look at what’s for lunch on the Junior School January Lunch Menu 

Pizza Lunch – Tuesday, January 10

The students’ first day back at school will be a Pizza Day! 

Changes to Gator Care in January 

We are asking parents whose child attends After School Gator Care on an on-going basis to re-register them for the 2023 winter and spring terms by filling out this form. This registration form is only for parents who know their child will be attending After School Gator Care regularly. Please note we are still accepting one-off registrations for After School Gator Care up until the day of care before 9 AM to our email address at gatorcare@havergal.on.ca. Should you have more than one daughter in attendance, please fill out the form for each child.

Skating for Students in Grades 3 – 6

This winter your child in Gr. 3,4,5 and 6 will be skating at Otter Creek Outdoor Rink as part of their Health and Physical Education (HPE) program. Please see the Skating Letter that went out to parents from their Phys-Ed teacher and register ASAP.

HCPA

Used Uniform Sale – February 24 

Has your daughter already outgrown her uniform? Don’t worry—we have planned a JS Used Uniform Sale set to take place at the JS from 9-11 am on February 24, 2023. Mark your calendar!

NEXT WEEK AT A GLANCE

JS Athletics Schedule 

Skating Schedule

Monday, January 9 – No Classes for Students

Tuesday, January 10 (Day 7) – #1 Dress

  • 8:30 am – Welcome Back Prayers (Dr. Katrina Samson)
  • Pizza Lunch
  • 3:40-4:45 pm – U11 Volleyball practice

Wednesday, January 11 (Day 8) 

  • 7am – 8am – U12 hockey game vs Leaside @ Rinx. Rink 1  
  • 7:15 am – 8:15 am – U10 Badminton Squad practice

Thursday, January 12 (Day 1)

  • 2:30-3:45 U12 Volleyball Game @ BVG
    • Bus Depart at 1:45.
    • Bus return by 4:15pm 

Friday, January 13 (Day 2)  

  • 7-8am U12 Swim Practice 
  • 8:30 am Prayers (Mid Year Check-in – Revisiting Our Norms)
  • 3:20-4:20 Gr. 1&2 Multisport

DATES ON THE HORIZON

Thursday, January 19

  • Student Lice Checks 

Thursday, February 2 

  • Early Dismissal (1:45 pm – 2:15 pm)
  • Parent-Teacher Interviews (4:00 pm – 7:30 pm on Zoom)
  • Gator Care available from 1:45 pm – 6:00 pm (charging begins at 2:15 pm)

Friday, February 3

  • Parent-Teacher Interviews (8:00 am – 3:00 pm on Zoom)
  • No Classes for students

Friday, February 24

  • JS Used Uniform Sale (9:00 am – 11:00 am – Outside the Library)