A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, June 2, 2023

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear JS Families,

It was another great week in the Junior School!

A huge kudos to the cast and crew, teachers (Ms. Carson, Ms. Palarchio, Ms. Rizzo, Mme. Scharf, Ms. Mastri, and Ms. Iannarella), the many parents who made the 101 Dalmatians Musical come to life! This production was the culmination of five months of hard work and dedication and delighted all three audiences who came to see the show.

Our kindergarten students and Grade 12 graduates came together on Wednesday, for the highly anticipated “Teddy Bear Picnic” on The Cohen Field. This was an opportunity for our youngest students to thank our Grade 12s for all of their contributions to the school, and wish them all the best as they move on to the next exciting stage of their lives. Handwritten cards with well wishes were distributed and everyone enjoyed playing games together in their houses, and eating popsicles.

Finally, we ended the week with our annual JS Gator Day! ​​Students brought all their house pride as they participated in competitive events like the “The Ground is Lava,” an Obstacle Course, a Water Balloon and Sponge Toss, Tug of War and Mat Ball. Even the teachers got in on the fun with a relay race at the end. It’s safe to say that it was a fabulous day for all involved, and the perfect send-off to what looks like will be a sunny and warm weekend. A HUGE thank you to our Phys Ed Department who spearheaded the event, and made sure that everything ran smoothly. Finally, thank you to our Grade 6 students who took on leadership roles and acted as mentors to our younger students. 

Be sure to check out Havergal’s social media pages to see all the pics!

Kate

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

LATEST NEWS

Congratulations to our Grade 6 “Rick Hansen Difference Maker of the Year” Award Winners!

During the months of January and February, a small group of 12 Havergal Grade 6 students spent three afternoons at the Bloorview Authority School developing assistive technology for primary-aged children. Students applied the Engineering Design Process to design and build computer-controlled carnival-style games. The games were a huge success and the school’s administration nominated our team, called the Dear Everybody Design Team, for the Rick Hansen Difference Maker Award. On May 31st it was announced that our team, along with several other nominees from across Canada won the award. On June 2nd members from the Bloorview Authority School, including 2 students as well as a representative from the Rick Hansen Foundation were present at our Gator Day assembly to award the students with the certificates, The award included a $1000 cash prize, which the team donated to The Bloorview Authority School.

To learn more, CLICK HERE

Lost and Found

All named items will be returned to the appropriate recipients. Anything that is unnamed will be on display outside the music rooms next week, and classes will have the opportunity to walk by and claim unreturned items. Anything that has not been claimed by next Friday, June 9th will be placed either in the Pre-Loved Uniform donation box, donated to New Circles or disposed of.

Packing Up for the School Year

Teachers will be supporting students throughout next week in sending personal belongings and school work home. Please provide your child with a couple of reusable bags for them to help bring these materials home.

REMINDERS

Supporting Your Child to be “Street Safe”

We wanted to bring an incident that occurred yesterday, off of school property, that involved four Havergal students in Grades 5, 6, and 8 on Rosewell Ave, at the Roundabout while waiting to be picked up from school. The students were approached by a woman in a car, who was trying to give them something in a small plastic bag. We are extremely proud of each of them for not engaging, and immediately running back to school and bringing this to our attention. A member of our security team took a full description, and has filed a report to the Toronto Public Police outlining the event. 

While this is definitely unfortunate, it is an important reminder of the importance of speaking with our children about what to do if they are ever in a similar situation. We discuss these matters with our students, especially whenever we leave campus, not to incite fear, but to have them be aware and prepared. As we head into the summer, when many children will be exercising more freedom, we urge you to discuss ways that they can be “Street Safe. CLICK HERE for some tips for both kids and adults. 

Pizza Lunch is on Monday!

The JS will be enjoying our last Pizza Lunch on Monday, June 5.

ATHLETICS

Athletics for the 2022-2023 school year have now concluded! A huge thank you to all of our athletes, coaches and our Athletic Director, Anna Bartlett! 

HCPA UPDATES

Used Book Donation Drive and Pre-Loved Uniform Collection – June 14

Drop off books at the US curbside between 7:30 and 8 am or between 8:30 am and 12 Noon in the Ellen Knox Library. We will accept all used general books including children’s books, adult novels, cookbooks, etc. All proceeds from book sales support the HCPA fundraising goals. 

At the same time you can also drop off gently used uniform items as we are doing a large collection the same day.  It’s all happening at the Upper School! If you have uniform items to donate but cannot drop by on June 14, you are always welcome to place them in the Pre-Loved uniform bin outside the JS Learning Hub.

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 

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

  • 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm – JS Gym

Tuesday, June 13 – Last Day of Gator Care

Wednesday, June 14 Junior School Closing Ceremony

  • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm – Brenda Robson Hall
  • Dismissal is at noon

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

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