A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, October 13, 2023

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Families,

Our thoughts continue to be with those affected by the terrorist attacks in Israel and with the innocent civilians suffering in Israel and Gaza. Havergal’s number one priority as a school is to ensure that our community is a safe and supportive environment for everyone. We are mindful of the impact that the devastation that  war may have on our students and families. We continue to provide students with access to one-on-one and group support and resources as we grieve.  

This morning during Prayers, Rev. Ruch led us in prayer and a minute of silence to reflect on and honour those who have lost their lives and the suffering of people in Israel and Gaza.

We are conscious that in the Junior School there are varying degrees of knowledge and understanding about what is happening in the world right now. As the days unfold, we encourage you to speak with your child in a way that feels most appropriate for your family. For our older students, we are particularly mindful of the disturbing news and imagery that they may be encountering, notably on social media. We would like to offer the following resource from Common Sense Media, which you may find helpful in navigating conversations with your children: Explaining the News to Our Kids.

Kate White, Head of Junior School

& Dr. Katrina Samson, Principal 

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

LATEST NEWS

JS Open House – October 17 

Next Tuesday (October 17),  we will be welcoming prospective families to the Junior School for our annual Open House from 9 am – 12 pm

Open Houses are crucial to the admission process – families get the opportunity to visit the school, interact with students and faculty members and get a sense of our programs and community. Families often describe the “feeling” of visiting a school – and we are consistently told that our guests feel the warmth in our community, which is thanks to all of you.

Upgrades to HC Security Systems

Starting Monday, October 16, 2023, our Facilities team will be starting with Phase 1 upgrade of our security systems. This includes the installation of new security cameras, replacing end of life cameras and new intercom stations. The new security cameras will be installed in the corridors and dining hall for both US and JS. These cameras will assist the security team in protecting stakeholders, property and information in a more efficient future forward manner including improved response time to unforeseen conditions. This will also ensure that Havergal College remains as the apex for security compared to its CAIS peers.

The cameras and intercom stations will be monitored by trained and dedicated Havergal security staff, allowing for effective and instantaneous communication with staff, students, and visitors to our campus.  

Announcing Our Summer Reading Challenge Winners

On Tuesday, at Prayers, it was announced that the Junior School community read an astonishing 1,978 books this summer!! Congratulations to all of our amazing readers!

The challenge this year was to see which House could read the most books, and we are thrilled to announce the results!

  • In 3rd place with 240 books…..way to go, Agnes Hansen!
  • In 2nd place with 309 books….awesome job, Ellen Knox!
  • And with an amazing 331 books, CONGRATULATIONS to Marion Wood!!

Celebrating Diwali in the Junior School on Friday, November 3 – Call for Participation

Diwali is the Indian “festival of lights,” and is acknowledged by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs around the world, and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. If you or your daughter(s) would like to be involved in delivering the message at Diwali Prayers, please let Rev. Jillian Ruch by Friday, October 20 (jruch@havergal.on.ca) 

School Photos are Ready for Viewing & Photo Retakes

Your daughter’s school pictures are now available for viewing and ordering.

To access your photos, please visit Echo Photography and when prompted for a password, enter your daughter’s student ID. You can customize your prints or digitals with a variety of options to suit your preferences. If you have any questions or special requests, please contact Cameron Hubbs directly at cameron@echophotography.ca or by text at 905-599-3557.

Should you wish to have retakes, please contact Cameron Hubbs directly. He will be on campus on November 1 to accommodate retakes and you can sign up here: Photo retake form.

Pictures from Harvest Festival and The Terry Fox Run

We are thrilled to share our photos from last week’s  Harvest Festival and Terry Fox Run! Ejoy!

REMINDERS

Havergal Connections Presents: An Evening with  Joanna Griffiths – Oct 26

Discover the incredible journey of Joanna Griffiths, a pioneering Havergal College alum from the Class of 2001. She is the Founder and CEO of Knixwear, a brand that has revolutionized the world of women’s intimate apparel.

Date: 

  • October 26, 2023

Time: 

  • 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Location:

  • Havergal College’s Junior School Dining Hall

Address: 

  • 460 Rosewell Avenue (parking is limited)

Ticket Details:

  • $25 per person. 
  • Proceeds support the Havergal Fund, specifically programming and innovation.

Link to Register: 

Junior School Book Fair with Ella Minnow Children’s Bookstore! October 23 – 27

Havergal Junior School will be coordinating a book fair with Ella Minnow Children’s Bookstore from October 23 – 27.  Such events provide kids the chance to choose what they want to read from a wide selection of bestselling titles, series, and beloved characters.  Students of all ages and reading levels can connect with stories that entertain, inspire, and delight. We invite you to enhance your home library and help us instill a lifelong love of reading. Wishlists during that week will be brought home to be reviewed by parents and guardians. Information on options for payments will be sent out in advance of the event. 

FALL CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

On Tuesday the swimmers were swimming at their second meet of the season. On Thursday, Havergal was the host to 18 games of u12 Basketball and Soccer and today Havergal hosted a cross country meet at Sunnybrook Park. The athletes have had a big week!   Congratulations to all of the teams for their progress throughout the season.  

Clubs and Arts

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

JS Grade Rep Meetings

All parents are welcome at the JS Grade Rep meeting – Wednesday, October 25 at 8:45 am (JS Dining Hall). Nicole Cozier, Executive Director, Equity Diversity and Inclusion at HC will be our special guest.

HCPA Coffee Mornings at HC

Don’t forget to RSVP (hcpa.parentevents@gmail.com) for upcoming HCPA coffee mornings, to be held from 8 to 9:30 am in the Upper School’s Biowall/Student Commons. We hope you will be able to join us.

  • Friday, October 27: JK to Grade 3 Parents
  • Friday, December 1: Grades 4 to 6 Parents

Ivy Market 

Save the Date for the Ivy Market – Tuesday, November 21. More details coming soon!

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

YOUR CHILD’S PERSONALIZED CALENDAR

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

KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON 

Tuesday, October 17 

  • JS Open House – No Prayers!

Thursday, October 26

  • An Evening with Joanna Griffiths (HC ‘01) – The Knix Entrepreneurial Journey (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm in the JS Dining Room)

Friday, October 27 (8:00 am – 9:30 am at the Upper School Bio Wall)

  • HCPA Coffee Morning for Parents in JK to Grade 3 

Tuesday, October 31 

  • Halloween is celebrated in the JS. We welcome all parents to our Halloween Assembly, which begins at 2:30pm in the JS gym. 

Wednesday, November 1

  • Student Progress Reports available for viewing at 4pm on the Parent Portal

Friday, November 3 

  • Diwali Prayers (8:25 am – 9:00 am) and Reception (9:00 am – 10:00 am)

Thursday, November 9 – Monday, November 13

  • November Break – No Classes
  • Thursday, November 9 – Professional Development Day for Faculty

Tuesday, November 14 

  • Classes Resume

Thursday, November 16

  • Parent Teacher Interviews 3 pm – 7:00 pm 
  • Early Dismissal
    • JK- Gr. 3: 1:30-1:45 pm
    • Gr.4-6: 1:45-2:00 pm

Friday, November 17

  • Parent Teacher Interviews (8:00 am – 3:00 pm)
  • No Classes

Tuesday, November 21

  • Ivy Market & Cocktail Party

Friday, December 1 (8:00 am – 9:30 am at the Upper School Bio Wall)

  •  HCPA Coffee Morning for Parents in Grades 4 to 6

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