A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, November 17, 2023

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Families,

Thank you so much for participating in our first set of JS Parent-Teacher Conferences for the year!

These important conversations provide an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, to see the areas in which she is thriving, and to discuss targeted plans for continued growth. Moreover, they allow us to further strengthen the relationship between home and school.  It is important to remember, however, that while the conferences provide an overview of your child’s academic and social-emotional development, ongoing feedback throughout the year is paramount. Should you ever have questions or concerns, we invite you to contact us and be assured that we will do the same.

As a final note, we had the opportunity to celebrate the conclusion of Fall Athletics in the Junior School at Prayers, on Tuesday! It was  fantastic to see how many of our students are participating from Grades 1 – 6! Please be sure to check out the Fall Athletics Celebration Video to see more!

Warmly,

Kate White

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

LATEST NEWS

Thrive Week (Nov 20 – Nov 24) 

Thrive Week at Havergal College is a week-long series of events, from JK to Grade 12, that support building a culture of wellbeing. The goals of the week are to support our students to gain a better understanding of the variety of elements that contribute to wellbeing; help understand and normalize the wide range of emotions that can be experienced; discover practical tools and strategies to manage your own wellbeing. 

Each day will feature activities for students to participate in to accomplish these goals. A sample of some of these  in the Junior School includes: mindful meditation activities, breathing exercises,read-alouds, therapy dog visits, yoga, drama, a nature walk, and “sound baths.”

We have also been sure to arrange a series of experiences for our faculty and staff, so that they too can take a moment to focus on their own well being. 

New Circles Holiday Angel Program (Nov 14 – Dec 1)

This week in Prayers, our Grade 5 leaders launched our Holiday Angel Drive, in collaboration with New Circles, one of Havergal’s Community Partners. New Circles Community Services is a not-for-profit, grass-roots agency that builds strong and caring communities by providing clothing and skills training programs to equity-deserving individuals.

The Holiday Angel Program matches generous donors with client families, many of whom face significant challenges and are newcomers to Canada, to help meet urgent needs and make holiday wishes come true. 

On Monday, November 20, during House time, students will have the opportunity to learn more about this program, as well as better understand the needs of the family they will be supporting. To learn more about your family that your daughter’s house is supporting, as well as the types of gift cards to purchase for them, please visit this link, and go to your daughter’s house. 

Yesterday, your daughter brought home an envelope that contained information about the Holiday Angel Program. 

Here is everything you need to know about next steps:

  • Your daughter must bring back the same envelope she was given, with the label completed. 
  • Tape the envelope closed with following items inside it:
    • The physical gift card; 
    • Receipt of purchase; and 
    • The tax receipt form (if applicable). 
  • The last day to bring in your envelopes is Friday, December 1.
  • Questions?

Thank you for your support!

Hanukkah Prayers – Call Out for Participation

The Junior School is excited to celebrate and share the Hanukkah story on Friday, December 8th during Prayers. Should your family celebrate this holiday, and your daughter would like to participate 

If your family celebrates Hanukkah and your child is interested in participating, please email Rev. Ruch (jruch@havergal.on.ca) by Friday, November 24. While not every student who is volunteered will be selected, their names will be taken down to participate in a prayers/assembly later in the school year.  

REMINDERS

Parents as Partners Speaker Series: Dr. Lisa Damour (Tuesday, November 28, at 7:00pm – 8:30pm in the Brenda Robson Hall)

As part of our Parents as Partners Speaker Series, Havergal is proud to welcome Dr. Lisa Damour as our first speaker.

Dr. Damour is the author of three New York Times best sellers: Untangled, Under Pressure and The Emotional Lives of Teenagers. She co-hosts the Ask Lisa podcast, works in collaboration with UNICEF and is recognized as a thought leader by the American Psychological Association. Dr. Damour is also a regular contributor to The New York Times and CBS News. 

While Dr. Damour’s talk will largely focus on students in Grades 7 – 12, all parents are welcome to attend. Reserve your seat today!

Co-Curriculars

Athletics

  • Gr. 5&6’s are now welcome to join the Badminton Squad. The only hitch is that it takes place on Mondays 3:15-4:15 pm. If you daughter are interested, registration for badminton will only be open from 4-6 pm today (Friday). If you happened to miss this time, please email abartlett@havergal.on.ca 
  • Please reference the JS Athletics Schedule for more info. about Winter Athletics. 

Clubs and Arts 

  • Thank you to everyone for their feedback surrounding Co-curriculars. We are currently  reviewing our registration processes to make it more efficient and effective for all.  We were thrilled to have so many people eager to participate in the various club options. Due to high demand we have expanded 3 of our most popular clubs to allow waitlisted students to participate.
  • Please note that Clubs and Arts programming begin the week of January 15.  
  • If you have any questions, please contact: srobertson@havergal.on.ca.

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Ivy Market – Tuesday, November 21 

The deadline to purchase tickets for the Cocktail Party is TODAY! Click HERE to purchase.

Gingerbread House Lucky Draw Tickets

  • Buy your tickets for this amazing 2’ x 3’ replica of HC HERE.

Volunteers are still needed! Please sign up below if you can help:

Be sure to take a look at the Ivy Market Gift Guide featuring the work of over 30 participating vendors.

HCPA Marketplace

HCPA Coffee Mornings at HC – For Parents, By Parents 

(Grades 4 – 6; Friday, December 1)

Don’t forget to RSVP for coffee and conversation in the beautiful Old Girls BioWall/Student Commons space at the Upper School from 8:00 to 9:30 am. 

(RSVP – hcpa.parentevents@gmail.com).

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

JS Menu Nov 20 – Nov 24 

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, November 21

  • Ivy Market & Cocktail Party

Tuesday, November 28

  • Parents as Partners Speaker Series: Dr. Lisa Damour (7:00pm – 8:30pm, in the Brenda Robson Hall)

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

  •  HCPA Coffee Morning for Parents by Parents in Grades 4 to 6 

Friday, December 8

  • Hanukkah Prayers (8:30 am – 9:00 am in the JS Gym)

Wednesday, December 13

Grade 1 – 6 Christmas Concert (3:00 pm at St. Paul’s Church on Bloor)

Friday, December 15 

JK and SK Christmas Concert (9:00 am in the JS Dining Hall)

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