A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Thursday, April 6, 2023

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear JS Families,

The arts play a crucial role in the development of young children in elementary school. Artistic expression fosters creativity, imagination, and critical thinking, all of which are essential for personal and academic growth. While all Havergal students have the opportunity to develop their visual, vocal, instrumental, and dramatic skills through curricular and co-curricular programming, many further enhance their learning outside of school. 

This week, we were delighted to celebrate the Arts this week in the Junior School! We heard from Upper School Arts’ Prefects, Sloane and Katie, about how music has played an important role in their development, and how it has helped them to develop their creative skills, and to express themselves. We were also thrilled to have students from the JS showcase some of their artistic talents through dance, drama, vocal and instrumental music. Be sure to ask your child about what they saw and heard! A reminder, as well, that students who would like to sing or play an instrument for walk-in or walk-out in prayers, are encouraged to reach out to Mr. McLean or Ms. Read to help arrange a time!

Finally, as we head into the long weekend, we wanted to be sure to take this opportunity to extend our warmest wishes to our families celebrating Passover, Easter and Ramadan. May this season of renewal and reflection bring you and your family joy, peace and happiness. 

Warmly,

Kate

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

LATEST

Ramadan and Eid Celebration – Call for Student Participation

This year we will be honouring Ramadan and Eid on April 25th during our JS assembly. If you mark this holiday in your home and your child is interested in participating in the prayers on April 25th, please email Megan Robar at mrobar@havergal.on.ca by Friday April 14th at noon. We will try and include every student who has volunteered, but if there is an abundance of interest, we will add each volunteer student’s name to our prospective speaker list to be included later in the year. Students who have been selected will be contacted.  

Report Cards – Available for Viewing on Thursday, April 13 at 4:00 pm

Report Cards will be ready for viewing on April 13 at 4pm. You can access the report cards from the parent portal this link  provides access instructions. 

Founder’s Day (Thursday, April 20)  

Founders’ Day, is the day that our community (students, parents, alumni, faculty and staff) joins together to commemorate the laying of the cornerstone for our present building and reflect on the values and traditions that were established at Havergal more than 100 years ago. Founders’ Day was established in 1976 – 50 years to the day of the laying of the foundation stone of the present building (on April 23, 1926).  

Founders’ Day takes place at St. Paul’s Cathedral on Bloor Street, Havergal’s Parish Church.

The schedule for the day is as follows:

  • 8:15 am: Junior Choir departs
  • 9:00 am: Grades 1-6 depart
  • 10:00-11:00 am: Founder’s Day ceremony
  • 11:00 am- JS departs from St. Paul’s Cathedral
  • 11:30 – 12:30 pm: Lunch as per usual

We will have a regular schedule in the afternoon with our staggered dismissal as per usual from 3:20-4:00pm.

Registration – To be completed by 3pm on Friday, April 14

Please visit the link below to register your child’s participation. The link also allows you to consent to the Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk (AAR) form associated with this excursion opportunity and must be completed in order for your child to attend the event. 

Link to register eAAR Excursions 22-23 USJS Day 

Please also note:

  • Attendance is mandatory for all students in Grades 1 – 6
  • All students must be in their #1 Dress Uniform
  • Students in JK and SK do not attend Founders’ Day, and should arrive at school at the regular time.

REMINDERS

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 labelled.
  • 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)

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

Get involved with the HCPA in 2023-24

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

Volunteer for the HCPA or become a Grade Rep

The HCPA general Volunteer Form for the 2023-24 school year is now available. In addition to signing up to be a volunteer for events throughout the year, you may also use this form to nominate yourself to be a Grade Rep (for your daughter’s class) or a Community Ambassador. Don’t delay—the deadline for Grade Reps and Community Ambassadors is April 21.

Your Child(ren)’s Personalised Calendar

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

End of Year Events to Mark on Your Calendars

With the end of the year right around the corner, I wanted to be sure to highlight some event Whole School, and Junior School specific events:

Thursday, April 20

  • Founder’s Day (10:00 am – 11:00 am – St. Paul’s Bloor Street)

Sunday, April 30 

  • JS A-mazing Race (12:30 pm – 2:30 pm)

Thursday, May 18

  • House Shout (2pm – 3pm on Ratcliffe Field)

Monday, June 12

  • Grade 6 Crossing the Bridge Leaving Ceremony (4:00 pm – 5:00 pm)

Wednesday, June 14

  • Junior School Closing Ceremony (11:00 am – 12:00 pm)

What’s on the Menu Next Week?

JS Menu for April 10 – 14 

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