Month: August 2023

A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Thursday, August 31, 2023

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Dear Junior School Families,

A very warm welcome to all of our new and returning families! Our team has been working hard this week to ensure that everything is ready for a smooth transition back to school. 

Last week you received our second “Back to School” summer communication from our Deputy Principal, Lindsay Norberg. Please be sure to read through this information thoroughly, so that you and your daughter(s) are well prepared for the beginning of school. While the transition back to school after the summer can be very exciting, it may also result in some uneasy feelings as well. I encourage you to read the following article, “The Age-by-Age Guide to Making this the Smoothest Back-to-School Transition Yet” which provides some practical tips for kids and parents for the return to school.  

For our new families, please note that “The Weekly” is published on the last day of the school week and provides the latest news, reminders, as well as important dates on the horizon. The other key place to look for information is the PARENT PORTAL.

Wishing you all the very best this weekend! We are looking forward to seeing everyone next week.

Sincerely,

Kate

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

LATEST NEWS

Changes to Parking Regulations on Rosewell Ave

Please note that, The City of Toronto has changed the parking signs on Rosewell Avenue to no parking from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM. This has been done in an effort to assist with Junior School pick up and to mitigate traffic jams in both directions, during this busy time. Those picking up, are advised to use the right side of the lane as opposed to the middle or left side of the lane to avoid holding up the traffic.

Honouring the Jewish High Holidays and Reception – Tuesday, September 19

The Junior School will be acknowledging Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur during on Tuesday, September 19. from 8:25 am – 9:00 am, in the JS Gym. Families are warmly invited to join us for this event, following which there will be a small reception for parents in the Dining Hall.

We would very much like to include photos from members of the Junior School community participating in events in honour of these two very special times in the Jewish Calendar. Should you wish to share any photos, please send them to our new Chaplain, Rev. Jillian Ruch (jruch@havergal.on.ca) so that they can be included in our slideshow. The photos should be submitted not later than Friday, September 15.

Acknowledging Truth and Reconciliation Week & Orange Shirt Day

Havergal will be honouring Truth and Reconciliation Week from Monday, September 25 – Friday, September 29. This will culminate on Friday, September 29th, with Orange Shirt Day. Please note that this is just part of Havergal’s commitment to understanding what Truth and Reconciliation means, and will be revisited throughout the year. 

Students are invited to wear an orange shirt on this day, on top of their regular HC uniform on Friday, September 29th.

Should your child wish to wear an orange shirt on this day, here is a list of vendors who sell orange shirts that are either designed by Indigenous artists, are sold at Indigenous-owned businesses, or whose donations are going to reconciliation efforts:

Green & Gold Shop – Back to School Promotion!

In anticipation of Celebration Saturday (Sat, Sept 23), The Green and Gold Shop is pleased to offer a 10% discount for all HOUSE SPIRIT WEAR, from September 4th – September 23rd. This is available both Online & In-Store.

Show off your house spirit on Celebration Saturday by getting yours today!!!!

The Chronicle – HC’s Alumni Magazine

Introducing the 2023 Chronicle Magazine: A Tribute to Havergal’s Legacy.

Explore the captivating stories and enduring influence of our remarkable Havergal Old Girls/Alum in the newly unveiled 2023 Chronicle magazine. This edition is a tribute to the incredible journeys and connections that shape our community.

We are also excited to embark on a new chapter as we transition to a digital magazine format. This shift not only embraces modern preferences but also upholds our commitment to sustainability and environmental well-being.

Discover the Chronicle HERE.

REMINDERS

Before and After School Care for Junior School Families – Opens Thursday, September 7 

Some key things to remember:

  • Before Care runs between 7:30 am and 8:00 am
    • No charge; No registration required
  • After Care runs between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm
    • Registration is mandatory
    • Please note that there are two different ways to register your child, based on your family’s needs:
      • REGULAR Use – For students who will attend Gator Care on a consistent basis (e.g., Monday to Friday; every Tuesday and Friday)
        • Please visit the Parent Portal, and register using the Gator Care Registration button.
      • OCCASIONAL Use – For families that only require Gator Care on an occasional basis 
        • Please register by sending an email to the Gator Care team, gatorcare@havergal.on.ca, by 9 am on the day Gator Care is required.
    • Cost for After Care: 
      • $20 an hour as of 3:30 pm (NEW!), when dismissal is complete.
      • Late fees after 6 pm: $25 flat fee (this is in addition to the regular fee).
      • Fees for this program will be applied to your monthly statements.

Subscribing to Havergal Calendars

Some families find it helpful to subscribe to HC calendars, so that they appear on your digital calendar. Instructions on how to do this, are provided below for your reference:

Celebration Saturday, September 23 (9am – 1pm)

We are looking forward to seeing everyone at Celebration Saturday – a fundraiser for our wonderful community partners.  Join us for House Activities, Inflatables, Gator Games, a Bazaar, a Silent Auction, Food Trucks and much more!  More details will be coming soon with all that you need to know for a great day!.

While this is a mandatory event for all students in Grades 4 – 12, students in JK – Grade 3 are highly encouraged to attend with their families.

Please note some of the other ways that you can participate:

  • There are still a few vendor spots available at The Bazaar! Please email Martha Fell (martha@jaxxandmarbles.com) and complete this form and contract if you are interested in participating.
  • We are also seeking items for our amazing Silent Auction. Click here for more details. All of the profits from this event benefit HC’s Community Partners.

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Mabel’s Labels

Families are asked  to label all of their children’s belongings, as all children wear the same uniform! ! Click HERE to order these great labels.

Pre-Loved Uniform Sale

Be sure to drop by the HCPA’s Pre-Loved Uniform Sale at the JS People and Program Night on Tuesday, September 12. The sale will run from 5 – 7 pm.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

YOUR CHILD’S PERSONALIZED CALENDAR

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

KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON

Junior School Opening Weeks Schedule 2023 

Friday, September 8

  • First prayers  in the JS for students in Grades 1 – 6
    • We will be introducing our new Chaplain, Rev. Ruch, and speak about our rights and responsibilities as members of the Havergal community.

Tuesday, September 12 

  • People and Program Night (5:30 pm – Reception; 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Presentations)
  • Registration for Co-Curriculars closes at 8:00 pm

Wednesday, September 13

Thursday, September 14

Monday, September 25 – Friday, September 29

  • Acknowledgment of Truth and Reconciliation Week & Orange Shirt Day
  • Students are invited to wear an orange shirt on Friday, September 29

Saturday, September 23

  • Celebration Saturday (9:00 am – 1:00 pm)

Thursday, October 5

  • Harvest Festival (9:00 am – 9:30 am)
  • Terry Fox Run (1:45 pm – 2:45 pm)