A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, December 1, 2023

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Families, 

This week our parent community had the opportunity to attend a workshop with renowned psychologist, Dr. Lisa Damour, where she spoke about her latest book “The Emotional Lives of Teenagers – Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents.” While her talk focused on issues focused on students from Grades 5 – 12, there was certainly lots to take-away for all parents.

Dr. Damour shared that being “mentally well” is not about being in a “happy” place at all times. Rather, it is about having a wide range of feelings that fit the context of a situation, and the skills to regulate them in an adaptive manner. She also outlined several ways that we, as adults, can act as a source of “steady calm” for our children, even when it is hard! Here are three examples, from Dr. Damour, that I invite you to take a look at that can support you in navigating some typical challenges many families face:

Wishing you all a lovely weekend!

Warmly,

Kate White

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

LATEST NEWS

Car and Pedestrian Safety – We Need Your Help!

In recent weeks, we have been noticing an increase in unsafe behaviours that put the safety of our community members and neighbours at risk. We need your collective support in remedying this.

This is How You Can Help Keep Everyone Safe:

  • Do NOT stop in designated “No Stopping” zones on Rosewell Avenue. This blocks visibility for cars and pedestrians alike. In addition, it can often force drivers to move into oncoming traffic, in order to get by.
  • Use the Crosswalk, where our Crossing Guard is stationed, to cross the street; 
  • Do NOT walk across the south exit lane to drop-off or pick up your child. Exiting cars may not see you;
  • Stay in the line while dropping off or picking up. “Jumping the Cue,” unless otherwise advised by a member of our security team is NOT permitted;
  • The Accessible Parking Spaces are exclusively reserved for those who require them, and who have an appropriate permit to park there;
  • Finally, as a reminder it is illegal to turn left from Lawrence onto Rosewell between 0700-0900 am. We have been alerted that there will be a greater police presence there over the next several weeks.

How You Can Help to Reduce the Spread of Respiratory Viruses (COVID 19, RSV, and the Flu)

If your child is ill, please keep them at home to help reduce the spread of viruses!

Everyone has a role to play to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. The actions you take will protect you, loved ones and those most vulnerable in our community.

As per guidelines from Toronto Public Health students who have been away due to illness, should stay home until they have no fever, and their symptoms are improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours if nausea/vomiting/diarrhea).

As an extra measure, students are asked to:

  • Wear a well fitting mask, in all public settings, including at school for ten days;
  • Avoid any non-essential activities, where they take off their mask (e.g, playing an instrument in music class, or during sports);
  • Not visit people or settings (e.g., hospitals, long-term care homes) at higher risk, including where there are seniors or those who are immunocompromised.

Please also be sure to review the following:

To Reduce virus spread

Get the updated COVID-19 and flu vaccine

  • Both vaccines are important to prevent serious illness.
  • The updated COVID-19 vaccine targets the XBB variant and will better protect from the variants spreading now and long-COVID.
  • Everyone six months and older can get the updated COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine starting October 30th, 2023 at:

Visit toronto.ca/health to learn more about: Respiratory Viruses: Information for Parents & Caregivers

Being Prepared for the Winter Weather

Jack Frost has made his debut for the season, and will be here for the next several months! We want our students to make the most of their time outdoors to play, engage with friends and to have fun. To do this, it is essential that they come to school with the appropriate outdoor clothing. Coats, snow pants or sweat pants, mitts, hats, and boots should all be brought to school so that students can fully participate at recess.

As the colder weather comes, we also wanted to provide a reminder of Havergal’s Extreme Weather Guidelines. 

Please note that in Cold Weather:

  • Environment Canada advises that wind chill temperatures of -28°C to -39°C pose a high risk of frostbite and hypothermia, and exposed skin can freeze in 10 to 30 minutes.  
  • When these conditions exist it is recommended that recess be shortened or that students are kept indoors for their recess period, consistent with many school boards in Ontario.

REMINDERS

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.

New Circles Holiday Angel Program – Last Calls for Donations (Monday, December 5)

A huge thank you for you to all of those who have brought in your donations for the New Circles Holiday Angel Program!  Please note that we have extended the final date to bring in gift cards to Monday, December 5.

Here is everything you need to know:

  • 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). 
  • Questions?

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

Did you know…

  • The Otter Creek outdoor rink – located just off the roundabout on Rosewell – is OPEN! 
  • The City of Toronto has a skate library. The mobile library provides access to skates, helmets and skating aids. 
  • This skate mobile is coming to Otter Creek this Sunday, December 3, from 3-6 pm. 

JS Athletics Schedule 

  • Last week we enjoyed the teacher vs student Basketball game. Students were able to showcase their skills amongst the teachers – very impressive. Yet every year the team with an average height over 5’5 seems to dominate. A good time was had by all. We had a ball!

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

Thrive Week Breakfast

A huge thank you to the entire parent community for supporting the delicious breakfast we served to staff and faculty during Thrive Week. We received many notes and verbal messages of thanks—it was appreciated by all!

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 

Monday, December 4 

  • Pizza Lunch Day in the Junior School

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)

Wednesday, December 20

  • Last Day of Classes

Thursday, December 21 – Tuesday, January 9

  • Winter Holiday Break
    • Thursday, December 21 – No Classes
    • Monday, January 8 – PD Day for Teachers; No Classes
    • Tuesday, January 9 – Classes Resume

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