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

On By havergaljuniorschool

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)

Leave a comment