A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, May 12, 2023

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear JS Families

Earlier this week we had the absolute pleasure of welcoming our New to Havergal Parents for a cocktail reception. In Dr. Samson’s opening address, she spoke about the “prideful joy” that we recently experienced at “The Marguerite” event that took place last week. This is an event where we honour all of our graduating students who have been at Havergal since JK, SK, or Grade 1, and celebrate their time at the school. I feel so grateful to experience this same “prideful joy” so often when working with and alongside our students, faculty and staff, and families. Just some examples this week alone have included:

  • Having students from the Upper School run a workshop with our Grade 6s to answer all their questions about what life is like “across the bridge;”
  • Practising the JS cheer with Hana, our JS Prefect, and her council so that we are ready to wow at House Shout next week;
  • Hosting a Peer Review Team from the Canadian Association of Independent Schools, who visited classrooms, and met with our faculty, staff, board members, and parents, and having them remark on what a warm and welcoming community we have;
  • Attending our last Grade Rep Meeting of the year, and thanking our amazing parent volunteers;
  • Presenting our plans for a new JS Playscape to several parents and discussing how their support, along with others, will make a big difference;
  • Watching some of our Grade 1s have the courage to play the piano for walk-in and walk-out in prayers – in front of over 300 people;
  • Seeing JK self-portraits hanging outside the classroom, where students were asked to identify something that they are proud of about themselves;
  • Listening to Grade 5 and 6 students who are participated in the “Public Speaking Club” share the speeches they had prepared throughout the term;
  • Havergal hosting the first TEDx in nine years, and watching two former Junior School students, now in Grades 11 and 12 present
    • Addressing gender inequality and discrimination in competitive chess.  Carina is a Grade 11 student and chess player. In 2020, she won the Canadian National chess championship and has represented Canada at multiple World Youth and continental championships. As a girl in a traditionally male-dominated sport, she is passionate about addressing gender inequalities and biases in our lives. Watch more here
    • Does technology solve all our problems? Emma W. is a graduating student at Havergal who is passionate about STEM. After taking World Issues last year, a course outside her comfort zone, she acquired a newfound perspective on the world and a passion for sustainability and environmental stewardship. Watch more here.

I hope that your daughter too comes home this week, feeling a little of that “prideful joy” as well!

Wishing you all the best for a lovely weekend ahead.

Warmly,

Kate

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

LATEST

House Shout: Thursday, May, 18, 2023 at 1:50 pm (House Colour Dress Down Day)

Please note there will be NO prayers on Tuesday, May 16th, as our students will be partaking in a final house shout rehearsal. House shout is an annual whole school event  where students come together to showcase their house pride, and engage in a little friendly competition between houses. Students come to school in full house wear. The Junior School also has their very own cheer to kick off the event, which we have been practising over the last month, led by our Junior School Prefect, Hana and her council. We are beaming with excitement for Thursday May 18th, at 1:50 pm, when we will all come together as a community on Radcliffe Field for this eagerly anticipated event. 

Please note that parents are welcome to attend, and see HC’s House Spirit in action! Should you be able to attend, we kindly ask that you meet us at the field, and go to the top of the hill, or stand on the side, and not with the students. JS students will walk back to the JS in time for a regular dismissal. Please meet them at the Junior School.

Gator Care – Last Day: June 13

For planning purposes, please note that the last day of Gator Care (both morning and afternoon) is June 13.

REMINDERS

Victoria Day Weekend

A reminder that the May long weekend is almost here! The school is closed on Friday, May 19 and Monday, May 22. Classes resume on Tuesday, May 23.

ATHLETICS

Please refer to the JS Athletics Schedule.

Good Luck to the Ultimate and Softball Team who have double headers this week. 

Here is a pic of the 90+ Track Athletes at Varsity Stadium on May 2nd.

HCPA UPDATES

Pre-Loved Uniform Bins

The HCPA has new Pre-Loved Uniform bins! Please drop off gently used uniform items any time. You will find the new JS bin across from the Learning Hub. A huge THANK YOU to Tony Melo (Facilities) and Jon Owen (Communications) for their hard work re-purposing these former Havergal recycling bins.

YOUR CHILD’S PERSONALIZED 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, May 18 – House Shout 

  • 1:50 pm – 3:00 pm on Ratcliffe Field

Monday, May 29 and Tuesday May 30  Havergal Junior School’s performance of Disney’s 101 Dalmatians KIDS 

  • Monday @ 8:30 am – Legacy Theatre
  • Tuesday @ 8:30 am & 4:30 pm – Legacy Theatre

Monday, June 12 Grade 6 Crossing the Bridge Leaving Ceremony (Grade 6 Families Only)

  • 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm – JS Gym

Wednesday, June 14 Junior School Closing Ceremony 

  • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

JS Menu for May 15 – May 19

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