Month: March 2023

A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, March 31, 2023

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear JS Families,

Welcome Back! It has been such a treat to welcome everyone back to school after the March Break. While the weather may not be cooperating just yet, spring is here, with more hours of sunshine, warmer weather, and the promise of exciting events ahead. The last term always seems to go by in a flash, with summer just a few months away. I love this time of year at Havergal because the growth of the students from September to now is so evident! We are truly in “the flow,” which offers the opportunity for so much learning, and the ability to simply enjoy being together in community.

If you haven’t had a chance to stop by the Junior School this week, we’ve got some amazing new artwork highlighting Athletics in the JS! A huge thank you to our Athletic Director, Ms. Bartlett and our incredible colleagues in the Marketing and Communications’ Department for bringing this to life!

Warmly,

Kate

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

LATEST

Supporting our community partners – New Circles PROM DONATIONS!

New Circles, one of Havergal’s Community Partners, is bringing Glow up for Prom back! They are hosting a “GLOW UP for Prom event” on April 14th, April 15th and April 16th. This is a “pop-up shop” style event that provides students (ages 17 – 18) from across Toronto the opportunity to pick out formal wear for prom, free of charge. It helps students in our local community as they celebrate the end of their highschool careers.

The Grade 5 students alongside Mme. Rizzo, Ms. Szolopiak and Ms. Read are leading and are asking for your help.

What you need to know:

  • How can you help support this initiative? 
    • Review the lists below to see what you may be able to contribute
    • Items need to be clean, gently used or new, appropriate for 17 – 18 year olds
  • WHEN can you drop off donations?
    • Monday, April 3 – Wednesday, April 12 
  • WHERE can you drop off donations?
    • All donations can be placed in bins placed outside of the JS Library
    • Please bring your items folded, placed in clear plastic bags, and labeled.
  • WHAT donations are needed?
    • CLOTHING:
      • gently used or new prom dresses – preferably newer styles
      • both long gowns and short gowns
      • men’s suit in mint condition
      • tuxes – either jackets, pants, or both
      • formal men’s vests
      • men’s dress shirts
      • formal shoes
    • ACCESSORIES:
      • necklaces, earrings for formal wear
      • small clutch purses
      • hair accessories  
      • socks (new only please)
      • bow ties, ties, suspenders, belts, cummerbunds for suits & tuxedos
      • Cufflinks
      • Make up (new only please)

REMINDERS

Pizza Lunch is on Monday!

A reminder that Pizza Lunch is next Monday, April 3.

Lost & Found – Labelling Student Uniforms and Materials

While students are supported by their teachers to keep track of their personal belongings and uniform pieces at school, it is also extremely helpful that these items are clearly labelled with their names. 

As you can imagine, un-labelled uniform pieces all look alike, which makes it extremely difficult to ensure that items are reunited with the appropriate person. In addition, unlabelled water-bottles, coats, mitts and hats, etc… can easily go astray! 

We will continue to work with students to practise personal responsibility of their belongings, and appreciate your support in ensuring that materials are labelled correctly.

Dressing For the Weather

While March 20 is the official first day of Spring, Mother Nature isn’t always aligned! Please ensure that your child comes to school dressed appropriately so that she can fully participate in outdoor play at recess, regardless of what the weather is! 

JS Athletics

Please refer to the JS Athletics Schedule.

If your child is on (or trying-out for a team) this information is also on your household Veracross Calendar. 

HCPA UPDATES

All parents are welcome to attend the next Junior School Grade Rep Meeting on April 5 at 8:45am in the JS Dining Hall/Zoom.  Please find the agenda here.

Don’t miss out on some AMAZING auction items in the Gator Gala Silent Auction.  Click HERE to see the items and be sure to bid before the auction closes on Sunday, April 2 at 8 pm. (Please note that the HCPA receives a portion of the winning bid for the Sealed Bid items and 100% of the winning bid for the donated items listed at the top of the list).

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 What’s on the Menu Next Week?

Monday, April 3

  • Pizza Lunch

Wednesday, April 5

  • 8:45 am – 10:15 am JS Grade Rep Meeting (see above, under HCPA Updates for more details)

Friday, April 7 

  • Good Friday – School Closed

Monday, April 10

  • Easter Monday – School Closed 

Tuesday, April 11

  • Classes Resume

Sunday, April 30, 2023

  • JS A-mazing Race  (12:30pm – 3:30 pm)

A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, March 10, 2023

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear JS Families,

I wanted to take this opportunity to provide a sincere note of thanks to everyone for a fantastic second term! As I type this in my office, the snow is falling as we prepare for a two week break. I am very much looking forward to warmer days, sunny skis, and all of the exciting learning, and special events that will take place once we return and until the end of the year.

This week we celebrated International Women’s Day, and were so pleased to welcome two HC alum, and current parents in the Junior School to speak with us about their work, and the women who have inspired them along the way. It was such a valuable experience to see how these formidable women are not only living the Havergal values in their day to day lives, but have truly fulfilled Havergal’s mission in being women who make a difference. 

Then, this morning, we had the opportunity to learn more about Norwuz from both Junior and Senior School students who celebrate. Some of our youngest learners in JK and SK who courageously came to the podium to share what this holiday means to them. A special note of thanks to the many parents who came today, and supported this very special prayers.

I wish you all a healthy and happy two weeks ahead, and am eager to welcome everyone back to school on Tuesday, March 28.

Warmly,

Kate

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

LATEST

An Invitation to “Parents as Force Multipliers” with Wellbeing Science  Expert David Bott: Wednesday, March 29 ( 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm) in the Brenda Robson Hall (Upper School)

David Bott, an internationally known education consultant and expert in applied wellbeing science, will be our guest from March 27 – 31. David has worked with some of the world’s leading schools to help guide wellbeing vision and strategy. During his time at Havergal, David will be engaging with students, faculty and staff and delivering sessions that provide tactical strategies to support their wellbeing.

As part of this important work, David would also like to engage with parents on both the role of wellbeing in schools and how parents can enhance this important work. He will provide parents with practical tips and strategies to support their children’s wellbeing.

Please note that light refreshments will be served from 6:30 pm – 7:00 pm

We hope you will be able to join us. Please RSVP here

Should you have any questions, please contact Ariana Ameree, Executive Assistant to the Deputy Principal, at 416-483-3519 ext. 6654, aameree@havergal.on.ca.

REMINDERS

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. 

Spring Athletics Registration Information (Grades 1 – 6) – Last Day to Register!

Registration Closes:

  • Friday, March 10th @ 4pm

To learn more and to register for Spring Athletics please click HERE.

HCPA UPDATES

Last chance to buy HC fleece!

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.

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 March?

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

Monday, March 27

  • No Classes for Students; PD Day for Teachers

Tuesday, March 28

  • Classes Resume for Students

Wednesday, March 29 (Brenda Robson Hall, for parents JK – Grade 12)

  • “Parents as Force Multipliers” with Wellbeing Science Expert David Bott
    • 6:30 pm – 7:00 pm: Light Refreshments
    • 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm: Presentation

Friday, April 7 

  • Good Friday – School Closed

Monday, April 10

  • Easter Monday – School Closed 

Tuesday, April 11

  • Classes Resume

Sunday, April 30, 2023

  • JS A-mazing Race  (12:30pm – 3:30 pm)

A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, March 3, 2023

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear JS Families,

As a parent, I am accustomed, when asking my two children what they did at school today, to hear the response “nothing!” I can very much assure you that this is definitely not ever the case in the Junior School! While the JS is always a hive of activity, here are just some of the highlights from this week:

  • Students were greeted warmly with an impromptu dance party earlier this week, by our JS Prefect and some of her friends!
  • Upper School and Junior School students worked together on the messaging for Monday’s prayers, which was a celebration of the end of Black History Month; 
  • We hosted TEN U12 Volleyball teams at HC Wednesday, in both the JS and US gyms; 
  • Our U12 Swim Team went to the Markham Pan Am Swimming and participated the end of season meet;
  • The U12 Hockey Team was invited to participate in a tournament at UCC, where they played boys’ teams from across the GTA. HC girls came out strong, where they won their first game 6-2, and tied their second game 4-4.
  • Grade 5 students crossed the bridge to the Brenda Robson Hall yesterday, and presented their flashmob dance to the Upper School on Thursday; 
  • We ended the week with “Ableism Prayers” this morning, and learned about how several groups of students in the JS are thinking deeply about  how we can change our community to make our environment inclusive and accessible to all. This included students in Grades 3 and 4 who visited Variety Village this week, and participated in their Ability in Action program! This program provides interactive awareness activities to students to help them learn about & experience inclusive games & sports. Our Gr. 3s & 4s were able to play wheelchair tail tag, curling, and seated volleyball. The group also spoke about how some of our Grade 6s have been working with students at the Holland Bloorview School Authority, to create and adapt carnival games.

So, when you speak to your child this weekend about things that happened over the course of the week…know that if they say “nothing…” it’s not true! Be sure to check out our social media pages for some great pictures from the week!

Warmly,

Kate

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

LATEST NEWS

Spring Athletics Registration Information (Grades 1 – 6)

Registration Opens:

  • Friday, March 3rd @ 4pm

Registration Closes:

  • Friday, March 10th @ 4pm

To learn more and to register for Spring Athletics please click HERE.

JS Spring Cleaning

As we prepare to thoroughly clean the Junior School over the March Break, your children will bring home the contents of their lockers (coats, boots, uniform items, etc.) by the end of the week. 

All unlabelled items in the Lost and Found will be laid out on a table next week, outside the music room. Each class will have an opportunity to reclaim any lost items. Parents are also welcome to come in to look through the items. 

Anything that remains will be donated or sent to the Green and Gold Shop, for potential resale, as “used uniform” items. 

A friendly reminder that all uniform items should be clearly labelled!

Nowruz (Persian New Year)

We are excited to celebrate Nowruz next Friday, March 10 during prayers. All those who celebrate are warmly invited to come dressed in their traditional or festive attire.

REMINDERS

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. 

HCPA UPDATES

HC fleece pullovers on sale now

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:

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 March?

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

Friday, March 10 

  • Last Day of Classes before March Break
  • Spring Athletics Registration Closes 

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)