Month: January 2024

A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, January 26, 2024

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Dear Junior School Families, 

This morning in Prayers, we took time with our students in Grades 1 – 6 to honour Holocaust Remembrance Day, which takes place tomorrow, Saturday, January 27. Students walked in to the melody of Kol Nidrei, played by Jacqueline Du Pré and Daniel Barenboim, and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Then, for walk-out, we were joined by the Upper School Chamber choir who sang “Even When He Is Silent.” The message of the text is one of hope and belief; that even in our most darkest days, our faith in the sun, love, God, or whatever one believes in, can help us get through these hard times and that we can still believe.

Rev. Ruch skillfully shared a thoughtful and age appropriate reflection with the students, where she explained that the word “Holocaust” means “total destruction.” She explained that millions of Jewish people lost their lives during World War II, simply for being Jewish. Rev. Ruch then spoke about the importance of this day being an opportunity to remember what happened, so that it never happens again. Finally, she invited students to think about how when they find out something different about someone, treating it with curiosity – with compassion – learning from our differences, rather than separating from or discriminating against someone because of their differences. 

Thank you as well to Mr. Lucacescu, who recited the Mourner’s Kaddish, which is  a prayer that mourners recite during the bereavement period and to mark the anniversary of a death of a loved one. He also lit a Yahrzeit candle in memory of those lives lost and the light and hope that is present, knowing what we can all do better to embrace people’s differences and become better humans.  

Warmly,

Kate White

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

LATEST NEWS

Hockey Day Registration for Grades 4 – 6

On Tuesday, February 13, at 12:45 pm Havergal College will play against the BSS U20 Hockey team in a battle for the Hewitt Cup. This annual hockey game is highly spirited and it is an event that all students in Gr. 4 – 6 attend. Students in JK to Grade 3 remain at school during this time.

To learn more about Hockey Day click here. 

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN AND WILL CLOSE ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5th at NOON. Please register using the link provided if your daughter is in Grade 4, 5, or 6: Hockey Day Registration

March Break and The Easter Long Weekend

As hard as it is to believe, March Break and the Easter Long Weekend are just around the corner. We wanted to highlight some of the dates, that are also posted on The Parent-Portal, for your reference :

  • Friday, March 8 – Last Day of Classes
  • Monday, March 11 – Monday, March 25 (Break – No Classes)
  • Monday, March 25 – Professional Development Day for Teachers
  • Tuesday, March 26 – Classes Resume
  • Friday, March 29 – Good Friday (No Classes)
  • Monday, April 1 – Easter Monday (No Classes)
  • Tuesday, April 2 – Classes Resume

Please make special note that there are three days of school between March Break and the Easter Long weekend. During these three day classes will be taking place with the regular expectations for students. If your family is choosing to travel during those three days you will not be required to submit an extended absence request to Ms. White. 

REMINDERS

Extended Absences

If you know that your daughter will be away for 3 or more days, consecutively, please email Kate White, Head of Junior School in advance. While students are welcome to check in on SeeSaw (JK to Grade 3) or Google Classroom (Grade 4 – 6), teachers are not expected to provide any additional work for students to work on during their absence. 

Students in Grades 4 – 6 are expected to meet with their teachers in advance of a planned absence and to establish a plan to meet the expectations established by the teacher.

JS Dismissal

Please note that any students in JK to Grade 3, or students WITHOUT Green Tags in Grades 4 – 6 remaining at school at 3:30pm will be brought to Gator Care, and will be billed accordingly on their student account. 

Any students WITH Green Tags, and still waiting to be picked up by their designated adult at 3:30 pm, are welcome to wait on the benches outside. 

Parent Teacher Interviews: Thursday, Feb 1 and Friday, February 2

Our teachers are very much looking forward to meeting with you next Thursday and Friday for Parent-Teacher Interviews. This will be an important opportunity to connect about how your daughter is progressing both academically and socially, and to discuss next steps in their learning. 

Please note that “Pick-a-Time” is now closed. Should you wish to meet with a teacher, we ask that you reach out to them directly to arrange a time.

Finally, a friendly reminder that Homeroom Teacher interviews are scheduled for 15 minutes, and Specialist interviews are 10 minutes. Please be on line promptly at your scheduled time, so that interviews can begin and end as scheduled.

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

JS Athletics Schedule 

Congrats to: 

  • Our U12 swimming team competed in a swim meet at Markham Pan Am Center.
    • Shout out to 
  • Our four U10 Volleyball Squad Team for playing in their first mini-tournament. 
  • Our three U11 Volleyball Team for being 10-2 against TMS. 

Performing Arts & Clubs

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Grade 1 and 5 Breakfasts – Save the dates!

The Grade 1 Breakfast will take place on February 21 and the Grade 5 Breakfast on February 22 at 7:30 am.

Please don’t forget to send your pictures to  havergalbreakfast5@gmail.com. 

JS A-mazing Race – Save the date!

This year’s A-mazing Race will take place on Sunday, May 5. All Junior School students and an adult guest are invited to join us for this fun event. More details coming soon!

WHAT’S ON THE MENU

Monday, January 29 – Thursday, February 2  

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 

Thursday, February 1

Parent Teacher Interviews (3:00 pm – 7:30 pm) – Early Dismissal

  • Dismissal Times
    • JK/SK –  1:35 pm – 1:45 pm
    • Gr 1 – 3 –  1:45 pm – 2:00 pm
    • Gr 4 – 6 –  2:00 pm – 2:15 pm
  • Gator Care 
    • Available at 7:30 am, as always
    • Available from 1:35 pm – 6:00 pm (Gator will take place in the Learning Hub)
  • If you would like your child to attend Gator Care on this day, you MUST REGISTER by email at: gatorcare@havergal.on.ca before 9am on Tuesday, January 30, so that we can ensure we have the appropriate staffing ratios. 
  • Gator Care remains open until 6:00 pm

Friday, February 2

  • Parent Teacher Interviews (8:00 pm – 7:30 pm) – No Classes; No Gator Care

Monday, February 12 – Thursday, February 15

  • Spirit Week – More Information to Come!

Friday, February 16

  • Mid-term Break (No Classes)

Monday, February 19

  • Mid-term Break (No Classes)

Tuesday, February 20

  • Classes Resume

A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, January 19

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Families, 

The Junior School was thrilled to welcome Marissa Magneson, Cree-Metis Artist in Residence, and her brother, Mathew Magneson, a Cree-Metis, Singer-Song Writing, this morning to prayers. Students had an opportunity to learn about some of the Indigenous sacred medicines, as well as participate in a “smudging ceremony.” Smudging is a cultural ceremony practiced by a wide variety of Indigenous people in Canada and other parts of the world. It is the practice of burning various medicinal plants to cleanse ourselves and connect us with our spirit and with the Creator. The smudging ceremony is intended to help participants centre or ground themselves, while also lifting away negative energy, feelings, and emotions, as well as helping us to see, hear, smell, and feel positively.

A huge thank you to Ms. Read, and our students in 6B for working closely with Ms. Magneson and Mr. Magneson for sharing this message with us.

Warmly,

Kate White

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

LATEST NEWS

Safe Walking and Driving on Campus

The safety of our students is, as always, our top priority. In addition to driving SLOWLY along the driveway, being alert, and following directions, it is critically important that both drivers and pedestrians are mindful of each other. Drop-off and Pick-Up are extremely busy times, with many moving vehicles, and people walking. Please walk and drive with caution, so that we can avoid any preventable accidents!

Dismissal from Clubs

Our winter clubs started this week, and it was such a pleasure to see our students involved in such a wide variety of activities!

Parents are kindly asked to park, and pick up their children from the front doors, at the time their particular club ends. You are welcome to park along the driveway at this time.

The only exception to this is with Primary Choir, where there is such a large volume of students. In this case, there will be someone on hand with the iPad to enter the students’ personalized School Pass number, and your daughter will be sent out to your car.

Please note that any students not picked up within 10 minutes after the end of their club, will be asked to wait in Gator Care, and your account will be charged accordingly.

Intramurals 

After a long hiatus, we are thrilled to announce that our Junior School Intramural program is back in action! Led by our Grade 6 students, under the guidance of Ms. Bartlett, students in Grades 1 – 6 can participate in fun and active games in the gym, once a week, during morning recess. No sign-up is required! Please be sure to ask your daughter about this exciting program.

REMINDERS

Save the Date – Parent Teacher Interviews: Thursday, Feb 1 and Friday, February 2!

Parent Teacher Interviews are just around the corner, taking place, via Zoom, on the following dates:

  • Thursday, February 1 (3:00 pm – 7:00 pm) – EARLY DISMISSAL
  • Friday, February 2 (8:00 am – 3:00 pm) – NO CLASSES

Families will be able to schedule a time to meet with their child(ren)’s teachers using Pick-a-Time.  

  • Pick-a-Time OPENS at 6:00 pm on Thursday, January 18th.
  • Pick-a-Time CLOSES at 6:00 pm on Thursday, January 25th.
  • Please be sure to select the “Junior School” option in the drop down menu (not the “Upper School” or “Green and Gold”).

Need any Further Help?

For assistance with pickAtime, please contact the Service Desk at servicedesk@havergal.on.ca (416) 483-3843 ext. 6663 and they will assist you. Their hours of operation are from Monday – Friday 7:30 am to 5 pm.

Call Out for Students Participation (Black History Month Prayers and Lunar New Year Prayers)

We will be celebrating Black History Month (Tuesday, Feb 6) and the Lunar New Year (Friday, Feb 9) during prayers from 8:30 am – 9:00 am. Both will be followed by a small reception. 

If your child is interested in participating in either of these, please email Rev. Jillian Ruch (jruch@havergal.on.ca) by the end of the day of TODAY. If you as a parent would like to be involved in the planning of these prayers, please also reach out to Rev. Jillian Ruch as she would welcome your input.

Depending on responses, we may not be able to feature each child but we will take a list of all volunteers and try to include them on a later prayers date, should they not participate in the Lunar New Years Assembly. 

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

JS Athletics Schedule 

Good luck to the U10 and U11 Volleyball teams who have their first home games of the season this week. Congrats to all three U12 Volleyball teams who defeated TMS on Thursday. 

Performing Arts & Clubs

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Grade 1 and 5 Breakfasts – Save the dates!

The Grade 1 Breakfast will take place on February 21 and the Grade 5 Breakfast on February 22. Look for an invitation by email today.

JS A-mazing Race – Save the date!

This year’s A-mazing Race will take place on Sunday, May 5. All Junior School students and an adult guest are invited to join us for this fun event. More details coming soon!

WHAT’S ON THE MENU

JS Menu for January 22 – January 26 

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 

Thursday, January 25

  • Pick-A-Time Closes for Parent Teacher Interviews (6:00 pm)

Thursday, February 1

Parent Teacher Interviews (3:00 pm – 7:30 pm) – Early Dismissal

  • Dismissal Times
    • JK/SK –  1:35 pm – 1:45 pm
    • Gr 1 – 3 –  1:45 pm – 2:00 pm
    • Gr 4 – 6 –  2:00 pm – 2:15 pm
  • Gator Care 
    • Available at 7:30 am, as always
    • Available from 1:35 pm – 6:00 pm (Gator will take place in the Learning Hub)
  • If you would like your child to attend Gator Care on this day, you MUST REGISTER by email at: gatorcare@havergal.on.ca before 9am on Tuesday, January 30, so that we can ensure we have the appropriate staffing ratios. 
  • Gator Care remains open until 6:00 pm

Friday, February 2

  • Parent Teacher Interviews (8:00 pm – 7:30 pm) – No Classes; No Gator Care

Monday, February 12 – Thursday, February 15

  • Spirit Week – More Information to Come!

Friday, February 16

  • Mid-term Break (No Classes)

Monday, February 19

  • Mid-term Break (No Classes)

Tuesday, February 20

  • Classes Resume

A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, January 12, 2024

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Families, 

Happy New Year and welcome back! It has been so wonderful to welcome back the students after the break, and to hear all about their adventures. We spoke, at Prayers on Tuesday, the Roman God Janus, who is depicted as having two heads, one looking backwards at the past, and the other looking towards the future. Students were then asked to reflect on their first term, identifying what they were proud of, what they had learned, and what they hoped to continue. They were also asked to think about any challenges they had faced, how they dealt with these, and what changes they would like to consider moving forward. We then likened the new year to a blank canvas, just waiting to be painted. The next few months hold so much ahead, and we can’t wait to see all that will fill our students’ canvases.

We were also thrilled to announce that construction of the Junior School Play Structure has been completed! Students have been thoroughly enjoying playing and exploring it at recess! A heartfelt thank you to the families who generously contributed to this project; your support was indispensable in making this new outdoor space a reality.

Warmly,

Kate

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

LATEST NEWS

Save the Date – Parent Teacher Interviews: Thursday, Feb 1 and Friday, February 2!

Parent Teacher Interviews are just around the corner, taking place, via Zoom, on the following dates:

  • Thursday, February 1 (3:00 pm – 7:00 pm) – EARLY DISMISSAL
  • Friday, February 2 (8:00 am – 3:00 pm) – NO CLASSES

Families will be able to schedule a time to meet with their child(ren)’s teachers using Pick-a-Time.  

  • Pick-a-Time OPENS at 6:00 pm on Thursday, January 18th.
  • Pick-a-Time CLOSES at 6:00 pm on Thursday, January 25th.

Havergal’s online booking system – pickAtime

The online conference booking system used by Havergal College is called pickAtime. Please note that:

  • PickAtime does not permit the scheduling of back-to-back appointments. 
  • Learning Support team members will join homeroom teachers for as many of these interviews as possible.

Already have a pickAtime account?

  • CLICK HERE  to sign into your pickAtime account with your password.

Need to register for an account?

  • If you do not have a pickAtime account, please create a pickAtime link in advance of the online opening. 
  • Please be sure to select the “Junior School” option in the drop down menu (not the “Upper School” or “Green and Gold”).

How to Optimize your Experience on Zoom

In order to have the best possible experience at the upcoming event, it is strongly recommended that your Zoom application be updated to the latest version. 

The following information and links have been provided by our IT department for your use:

Need any Further Help?

For assistance with pickAtime, please contact the Service Desk at servicedesk@havergal.on.ca (416) 483-3843 ext. 6663 and they will assist you. Their hours of operation are from Monday – Friday 7:30 am to 5 pm.

Call Out for Students Participation (Black History Month Prayers and Lunar New Year Prayers)

We will be celebrating Black History Month (Tuesday, Feb 6) and the Lunar New Year (Friday, Feb 9) during prayers from 8:30 am – 9:00 am. Both will be followed by a small reception. 

If your child is interested in participating in either of these, please email Rev. Jillian Ruch (jruch@havergal.on.ca) by the end of the day on Friday January 19th. If you, as a parent, would like to be involved in the planning of these prayers or in contributing, please also reach out to Rev. Jillian Ruch as she would welcome your input. Please note that while we will do our best to include all those students that volunteer, we may not be able to accommodate everyone. In this case, we will be sure to seek out other opportunities for them to participate in Prayers.

Depending on responses, we may not be able to feature each child but we will take a list of all volunteers and try to include them on a later prayers date, should they not participate in the Lunar New Years Assembly. 

Dismissal and Gator Care Update 

A friendly reminder that our dismissal process takes place between 3:00 pm and 3:30 pm. 

All students, without a green-tag, who are not picked up by 3:40, will be brought to Gator Care, and billed accordingly.

REMINDERS

Dressing Appropriately for the Weather

The winter weather is here, and 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.

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.

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

JS Athletics Schedule 

Please note that U7 and U9 Multisport STARTS this week and U8 Multisport has ended.
Congrats to Maddy B. and Vanessa R. who played with the represented Havergal at the U20 D2 hockey 3v3 tournament. 

Performing Arts & Clubs

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Grade 1 and 5 Breakfasts – Save the dates!

The Grade 1 Breakfast will take place on February 21 and the Grade 5 Breakfast on February 22. Invitations and details will be sent out soon!

JS A-mazing Race – Save the date!

This year’s A-mazing Race will take place on Sunday, May 5. All Junior School students and an adult guest are invited to join us for this fun event. More details coming soon!

JS Grade Rep Meeting – Wednesday, January 17 2024 (8:45 am – JS Dining Hall)

Principal Katrina Sampson and Executive Director of Advancement Annette Paul will introduce HC’s new initiative ‘Ahead of the Game: The Campaign for Girls Athletics, Outdoor Education and Play’. In addition, Alex Shum, Head of Mathematics and Computer Science and Miranda Kus, JS Math Coordinator will speak about the math program at Havergal. We hope to see you there—all parents are welcome!

WHAT’S ON THE MENU

JS Menu for January 15 – 19 

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 

Thursday, January 18 

  • Pick-A-Time Opens for Parent Teacher Interviews (6:00 pm)

Wednesday, January 17

  • JS Grade Rep Meeting (8:45 am – JS Dining Hall)

Thursday, January 25

  • Pick-A-Time Closes for Parent Teacher Interviews (6:00 pm)

Thursday, February 1

Parent Teacher Interviews (3:00 pm – 7:30 pm) – Early Dismissal

  • Dismissal Times
    • JK/SK –  1:35 pm – 1:45 pm
    • Gr 1 – 3 –  1:45 pm – 2:00 pm
    • Gr 4 – 6 –  2:00 pm – 2:15 pm
  • Gator Care 
    • Available at 7:30 am, as always
    • Available from 1:35 pm – 6:00 pm (Gator will take place in the Learning Hub)
  • If you would like your child to attend Gator Care on this day, you MUST REGISTER by email at: gatorcare@havergal.on.ca before 9am on Tuesday, January 30, so that we can ensure we have the appropriate staffing ratios. 
  • Gator Care remains open until 6:00 pm

Friday, February 2

  • Parent Teacher Interviews (8:00 pm – 7:30 pm) – No Classes; No Gator Care

Monday, February 12 – Thursday, February 15

  • Spirit Week – More Information to Come!

Friday, February 16

  • Mid-term Break (No Classes)

Monday, February 19

  • Mid-term Break (No Classes)

Tuesday, February 20

  • Classes Resume

A Few Reminders for our Return to School

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

As we prepare for our return to school tomorrow, please note the following:

We are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone back to school, on Tuesday, January 9.

Sincerely,

Kate