A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, November 24, 2023

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Families,

It has been a wonderful week at Havergal, as we invited our students to “get curious” about their wellbeing, and what it means to thrive. We started the week, led by students in Grade 2, discussing how our physical and mental health contribute to our overall wellbeing. Students were then challenged to think of the many ways that different emotions can have a direct impact on not only on their wellbeing, but the wellbeing of others as well. By paying attention to how we are feeling, understanding where these feelings might be coming from, sharing this information, and then taking action, acts to build our self-awareness, and better understand how others might be feeling as well. Then, today, students in Grade 6, highlighted the importance of developing our physical literacy skills to build healthy habits, not just during Thrive Week, but every day.

We are extremely grateful to our “Thrive Committee” who organized a fulsome week of programming for our staff and students! Be sure to ask your daughter what she has learned about her own wellbeing, and some of the skills she is developing. We invite you to visit Havergal’s Social Media pages this weekend to see just some of the amazing activities that took place this week.

Warmly,

Kate White

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

LATEST NEWS

Registration for Food Services (January – March)

Registration for Food Services for the Winter Term is now open! Please visit the Parent Portal, and go to the “Registration” section in order to sign up. All prices, as well as dates are listed there for your reference.

No Gator Care on Wednesday, December 13

Please note that there will be NO GATOR CARE on Wednesday, December 13. This is as a result of the JS Christmas Concert (Gr 1 – 6), which will take place at St. Paul’s Church at 3:00 pm

REMINDERS

New Circles Holiday Angel Program (November 14 – December 1)

Last week in Prayers, our Grade 5 leaders launched the 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. 

Last week, 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!

Parents as Partners Speaker Series: Dr. Lisa Damour (Nov 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

Clubs and Arts 

  • Please note that Clubs and Arts programming begin the week of January 15.  
  • Questions? Please contact: srobertson@havergal.on.ca.

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Ivy Market

Thank you to everyone who supported Ivy Market. We hope you enjoyed the shopping, treats and the chance to mingle and reconnect with others. A special thank you to all the parent volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this event a success!

HCPA Marketplace

There is still time to buy a beautiful wreath before the holidays! View the catalogue here and place your order by December 1.

HCPA Coffee Mornings at HC – For Parents, By Parents 

(Grades 4 – 6; Friday, December 1)

We look forward to seeing you next Friday in the Old Girls BioWall/Student Commons space at the Upper School—8:00 to 9:30 am. (RSVP – hcpa.parentevents@gmail.com).

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

JS Menu Nov 27 – Dec 1 

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 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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