A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, February 24, 2023

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear JS Families,

It was a “Sea of Pink” in the Junior School today! Students have been learning about the significance of Pink Shirt Day throughout the week, and understanding the difference between rude, mean and bullying behaviours. To learn more about the important distinction between these, I encourage you to read the article, Rude, Mean, or Bullying? A Child Therapist Defines the Differences from the website “A Mighty Girl.” We also spoke about the courage that it takes to be an “upstander” when you see someone being treated unfairly. This short video also provides some great strategies to talk through with your child, about how they can stand up to bullying. 

Havergal believes that a healthy, safe and inclusive learning environment where all students feel accepted is a necessary condition for student success. While Pink Shirt Day is definitely an opportunity to highlight the importance of kindness, it is something that we actively work on every day, and is guided by our values – inquiry, integrity, compassion and courage, so that the Junior School is a place that our students want to come to everyday because they feel safe, known, respected, and that they belong. Some of the policies and procedures that we have in place to support us in this work include:

As always, should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out, so that we can work together in the best interest of your child.

Warmly,

Kate

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

LATEST

Support for Turkey and Syria 

Students at Havergal are asking for our community’s support. As most of you know, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 hit 11 cities in Turkey and Northwest Syria last week. Turkey was also hit with an aftershock with a magnitude of 7.5. The current death toll is estimated to be around 30,000 and the numbers keep increasing. This is why we decided to raise money to donate to victims in both countries. Havergal has partnered with Red Cross Canada to create a donation page to send donations, which you can access via the link below. 

Please remember that even with $5 you can donate 13 loaves of bread, 10 bottles of water, 7 pairs of socks, or 2 blankets. Every dollar matters, thank you Havergal. Our goal is to raise $3000 in aid by March Break! Havergal Donation Page 

Junior School Food Services – Registration for Spring Term

Should you wish to sign your child up for JS Food Services in the spring term, please be sure to fill out the Food Services Registration Form by March 23. 

Nowruz – Persian New Year: Call for Student Speakers

This year we will be honouring Persian New Year on March 10th during assembly. If you mark this holiday in your home and your child is interested in participating in the prayers on March 10th, please email Liz Watt at lwatt@havergal.on.ca by Friday March 3rd at noon. We will try and include every student who has volunteered, but if there is an abundance of interest, we will add each volunteered students’ name to our prospective speaker list to be included later in the year. Students who have been selected will be contacted.

REMINDERS

Havergal’s Nut Allergy Statement

Several Havergal students, faculty and staff have life threatening allergies. Exposure to even a tiny amount of an allergen can trigger a reaction that could prove fatal within minutes. Havergal College exercises reasonable care to ensure that all persons are safe; however, the school cannot assume responsibility for providing a completely allergen-free environment. 

Ensuring the safety of all anaphylactic persons in a school setting and at school-sanctioned co-curricular events depends on the cooperation of the entire school community including parents, students, faculty, staff, business and operations personnel and volunteers. We appreciate your sensitive attention to this matter.

HCPA UPDATES

JS A-mazing Race Tickets on Sale NOW! 

Ticket sales close March 3, so don’t delay.  Buy tickets HERE.

Get your HC fleece pullovers before Mar 10

Click HERE for more information. Youth and adult sizes are available to order until March 10. Don’t miss out!

Get involved with the HCPA in 2023-24

The HCPA’s nomination process is open now for the 2023-24 school year. Connect with other parents, support the school and have fun by getting involved with the HCPA! Learn more HERE.

Gator Gala Silent Auction

If you would like to make a donation (items, tickets or experiences) to the Gator Gala Silent Auction, please contact Donna Wilson at donnasmythe@hotmail.com or Jennifer O’Campo-King at JenniferOCampo.King@tdsecurities.com. Proceeds will be put toward HCPA parent engagement activities and the Limitless Campaign.

DATES ON THE HORIZON

Use this link to see a personalized summary of your child’s activities next week, on the Parent Portal.

What’s on the Menu in February?

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

Friday, March 10 

  • Last Day of Classes before March Break

Monday, March 27

  • No Classes for Students; PD Day for Teachers

Tuesday, March 28

  • Classes Resume for Students

April 30, 2023

  • JS A-mazing Race  (12:30-3:30 pm)

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