Month: March 2024

A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Thursday, March 28, 2024

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Families, 

Welcome Back! It has been such a treat to welcome everyone back to school after the March Break. While the weather may not be cooperating just yet, spring is here, with more hours of sunshine, warmer weather, and the promise of exciting events ahead. The last term always seems to go by in a flash, with summer just a few months away. I love this time of year at Havergal because the growth of the students from September to now is so evident! We are truly in “the flow,” which offers the opportunity for so much learning, and the ability to simply enjoy being together in community.

We would also like to take this opportunity to extend our warmest wishes to our families celebrating Easter and Ramadan. May this season of renewal and reflection bring you and your family joy, peace and happiness. 

Sincerely,

Kate

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

LATEST NEWS

Pizza Lunch is on Tuesday, April 2

A friendly reminder that students registered for Pizza Lunch will have pizza on Tuesday. For those not registered, they should bring their lunch as normal.

House Dress Down Day – Wednesday, April 3

Students in JK – Grade 6 will have an opportunity to show their house pride on Wednesday, April 3 by coming to school dressed in their house colours from head to toe. Thank you to our Grade 6s for planning and running House Meetings on this day.

Call for Student Participation – Ramadan and Eid Prayers 

We will be honouring the holy month of Ramadan and Eid in the Junior School on Tuesday, April 16 from 8:30 – 9 AM which will be followed by a small reception in the JS Dining Hall.

If your child observes Ramanda and Eid, and is interested in participating in this special Prayers, please email Rev. Ruch (jruch@havergal.on.ca) by Wednesday, April 3. 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 this experience.

JS Pediculosis (Lice) Checks – Friday, April 5

As we have returned to school from an extended holiday, Lice Checks will take place at the Junior School on Friday, April 5.  To learn more please review Havergal’s Pediculosis Policy.

New Circles Prom Drive: Due Friday April 5

We will be collecting any clothing items or accessories that can be worn to Prom for our community partner, New Circles. 

Items that we are looking for include:

  • Dresses
  • Dress Pants
  • Dress Shirts
  • Suit Jackets
  • Ties
  • Shoes
  • Purses 

Deadline to bring anything in Friday, April 5th. There will be bins placed outside the library to collect donations. Thank you!

No Pausing on Menopause: An Evening with Lume Women + Health (Wednesday, April 10 – 7pm – 9pm; JS Dining Hall)

Havergal Moms – this one is for us!

Join us on Wednesday, April 10th for an informative night with medical experts Dr. Woganee Filate, Dr. Amy Louis-Bayliss, Dr. Sarah Shaw and Lindsay Jephcott (Cofounders of Lume Women + Health).

In their talk, the panel will be addressing the health needs of women 40 years and older, focusing on perimenopause and menopause symptom management, sexual health, disease prevention and debunking mainstream menopause myths.

It’s a great chance to learn and commiserate with fellow parents about this important life milestone. Bring your questions, stories, and sense of humour to this special evening as we share and understand the ways menopause might impact us.

Current, new families, alumni as well as faculty and staff are welcome and encouraged to bring additional guests.  

Registration for the event can be found here.  

Please feel free to fill out our audience questionnaire in advance. 

REMINDERS

Grandpals’ Day – Need to Know Information

We are thrilled to be welcoming our Grandpals to the Junior School next week on Friday, April 5. Here is the schedule for the event:

9:30 am – 10:00 am

  • Grandpals arrive, sign in, attend a reception and enjoy some refreshments in the JS Gym. Please do not arrive earlier than 9:30 am, as this will disrupt our drop-off procedures.

10:00 am – 10:15 am

  • Welcome and Address from Dr. Katrina Samson (Principal) and Ms. Kate White (Head of Junior School)

10:15 am – 10:40 am

  • Grandparents will be picked up from the gym by teachers and guided to the appropriate classrooms. Once there, their granddaughters will give them a tour of their classroom and share their learning. For Grandpals with more than one granddaughter, please go to the younger student’s classroom first.

11:20 am 

  • Event Concludes

Please also note the following important information:

  • Due to space, this event is intended for “Grandpals” only (e.g., a grandparent, aunt, uncle, family friend). For parents who are dropping off their “Grandpal” we ask that you return at the end of the event, and not go visit the classrooms. Alternatively, you are welcome to go to the JS Dining Hall, where there will be tea, coffee and water available.
  • If your daughter does not have a “Grandpal” who is able to attend, please let their home room teacher know so that we can be sure to pair them up with a friend.
  • There is an elevator available for anyone with mobility issues. A member of staff will be on hand to assist.
  • Parking is EXTREMELY limited at the Junior School. If at all possible, grandpals are encouraged to walk, take public transportation, or a taxi. 
  • For those driving, please note if there are not any spots available on campus, we recommend you look on SpotAngels for nearby free and paid parking options. 

Annie Kids – The Musical (April 11 & 12)

Havergal Junior School’s performance of Annie KIDS is playing at The Legacy Theatre from April 11 – 12, 2024! Based on the popular comic strip, “Little Orphan Annie,” Annie KIDS tells the story of a spunky Depression-era orphan determined to find her parents, who left her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil plans, befriends President Franklin Roosevelt and finds a new family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell and a lovable mutt named Sandy. Over 60 students in Grades 4 – 6 have been working hard since November to put together our rendition of this classic musical. 

All students in the Junior School will come to watch one of the performances during school time on April 11 and 12. Families are invited to join our audience! Performance times are April 11 at 8:45 am, April 12 at 8:45 am and April 12 at 4:30 pm.

For ticket reservations, please complete the Ticket Request Form by Monday April 8, 2024. Tickets will be prioritized for the families of the students involved in the show.  In lieu of ticket cost, we are encouraging our audience to donate food items to North York Harvest Food Bank. Please see the list of food items to donate. There will be collection boxes outside of the Legacy Theatre when you arrive.

Annie KIDS is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.

For any questions, please contact Paula Carson at pcarson@havergal.on.ca 

Early School Closing on April 8 for Solar Eclipse   

Please note that Havergal will be closing early on April 8 to ensure a safe dismissal during the solar eclipse. 

  • There will be regular classes and lunch from 8 am to 1:00 pm. 
  • Dismissal
    • JK – Grade 3 (1:00 pm to 1:15 pm)
    • Grade 4 – 6 (1:15 pm to 1:30 pm)
    • There is NO PICKUP permitted between 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm in order to maintain optimal safety
  • All Co-Curriculars, that take place afterschool, will be CANCELLED on this day. This includes: clubs, private music instruction, and Athletics.
  • Gator Care will operate from 1:30 pm to 6:00 pm. In order to plan accordingly and maintain safety ratios, we ask that families sign up (email gatorcare@havergal.on.ca) by Thursday, April 4th by 4pm. Students will remain indoors during the eclipse. Student accounts will be charged accordingly. 

Want to know more about this remarkable celestial event?

The University of Toronto’s Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics is offering a live, online coverage of the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, featuring expert correspondents stationed along eastern Canada’s path of totality. Learn amazing facts about the total eclipse and see how different locations are experiencing this extraordinary event. You will have a front row seat, watching safely no matter where you are on the planet.

  • Register today to receive the link closer to the event, and invite your friends and family to register as well!

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

Please review the  JS Athletics Schedule for conflicts. Those students in the musical are automatically excused from conflicting practices. 

We are thrilled that over 80 students have signed up to the Track and Field team!

Gr. 5 & 6 families please know that students can try out for everything (Ultimate, Softball and Track) and they are allowed to do 2 sports but they must choose between Ultimate and Softball.  Those students in the musical are automatically excused from conflicting practices 

Performing Arts & Clubs

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

JS A-mazing Race – Don’t forget to buy your tickets

Tickets are on sale now! The deadline to purchase is Friday, April 5.

Pre-Loved Uniform Sales

Support the planet and the HCPA by shopping at our Pre-loved uniform sales: Monday, April 22 from 3:30 to 7 pm and Tuesday, April 23 from 8 to 11 am outside the Junior School Learning Hub. Click here to volunteer.

HCPA Nominations 2024-25

HCPA nominations for the 2024-25 school year are now open! Forms are due no later than Friday, April 12th, 2024 at 9 pm.

Moms’ Night Out – Thursday, May 23 

Tickets will go on sale next week. Watch for an invitation by email.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

JS Menu for April 1 – April 5 

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, April 2 

  • Pizza Lunch

Wednesday, April 3 

  • House Colour Dress Down Day 

Friday, April 5

  • Grandpals’ Day (10:00 am – 11:30 am) – see above for details
  • Lice Checks

Monday, April 8 – Early Dismissal 

  • Please see above for details 

Tuesday, April 9 – Arts Week Gallery Walk and Prayers

  • 8:00 am and 8:30 am – Families are invited to stop by the Junior School for a gallery walk, which showcases artworks installed throughout the halls of our first floor from the many activities, classes and clubs that have taken place this year.
  • 8:30 am – 9:00 am – Arts’ Week Prayers 

Annie Kids – The Musical 

  • April 11 at 8:45 am (Legacy Theatre)
  • April 12 at 8:45 am and April 12 at 4:30 pm. 

Wednesday, April 10, 2024 (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm)

  • No Pausing on Menopause: An Evening with Lume Women + Health – see above for details

Tuesday, April 16

  • Ramadan and Eid Prayers (8:30 am – 9:00 am; followed by a reception in the JS Dining Room

Sunday, May 5

  • The JS A-Mazing Race (12:30 pm – 4:00 pm)

A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, March 8, 2024

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Families, 

Today, on March 8th, people around the world celebrated International Women’s Day. This is  a global day to recognize and celebrate women’s and girls’ social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. It’s also a time to raise awareness of the progress made towards achieving gender equality and the work remaining to be done. 

This morning we were honoured to welcome bariatric surgeon, Dr. Sabrena Noria (Alum, ‘90), and aunt of two current Havergal students to prayers. Dr. Noria shared part of her journey to become a surgeon, highlighting that the path came with ups and downs, and that it was often in moments of failure that she learned the most. She also gave students a lesson in just some of what a surgeon does, complete with showing some of the tools that she uses every day. A huge thank you to Rev. Ruch, for helping to demonstrate how a surgeon prepares, and uses their tools. It was a truly inspiring message for our whole community, and really showcased how Havergal students really do go on to make a difference!

As we head into the March Break, I wanted to take this opportunity to offer a sincere note of gratitude to everyone for such an engaging and productive second term. It continues to be such a pleasure to work alongside the exceptional group of educators that we have here at Havergal, as well as with our curious and capable students, and in partnership with you, our families.

May the March Break provide an opportunity for a slightly slower pace and the time to spend with family and friends, doing what “fills your bucket.” 

Sincerely,

Kate

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

LATEST NEWS

Important Provincial Announcement Regarding Measles 

As families prepare for their upcoming March Break, it is important to note that Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health has issued a statement to public health officials regarding the potential outbreaks of measles. If you are planning to travel, we encourage you to visit the following site from ​​Toronto Public Health 

Celebrating the Arts at Havergal (April 8 – April 12)

Havergal is thrilled to be holding “Arts Week” from April 8 – April 12, in celebration of the incredible artistic pursuits that exist across the school. Students will be participating in a series of special workshops throughout the week, meeting and learning from local artists. 

In addition, we will hold a special Prayers in the Junior School on Tuesday, April 9th. We warmly invite you to join us, and to come a little early, so that you can view a selection of artworks installed throughout the halls of our first floor from the many activities, classes and clubs that have taken place this year.  Viewing takes place between 8:00 am and 8:30 am, followed by our Prayers ceremony at 8:30 am. All are welcome!

We also invite you to join us for Annie, our 2024 JS Musical, which can learn more about below.

Annie Kids – The Musical (April 11 & 12)

Havergal Junior School’s performance of Annie KIDS is playing at The Legacy Theatre from April 11 – 12, 2024! Based on the popular comic strip, “Little Orphan Annie,” Annie KIDS tells the story of a spunky Depression-era orphan determined to find her parents, who left her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil plans, befriends President Franklin Roosevelt and finds a new family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell and a lovable mutt named Sandy. Over 60 students in Grades 4 – 6 have been working hard since November to put together our rendition of this classic musical. 

All students in the Junior School will come to watch one of the performances during school time on April 11 and 12.

Families are invited to join our audience! Performance times are April 11 at 8:45 am, April 12 at 8:45 am and April 12 at 4:30 pm. 

Please stay tuned for information about ticket reservation after March Break. 

Annie KIDS is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.

For any questions, please contact Paula Carson at pcarson@havergal.on.ca 

New Security in the Green and Gold Shop

In October, 2023, our Facilities team began Phase 1 of the upgrade of our security systems.Upgrades included installation of new security cameras in the corridors and dining hall for both the Upper School and the Junior School.

From March 11, new security cameras will be installed in the Green and Gold Shop in the Upper School. Dressing rooms in the Green and Gold Shop will not be monitored.

These cameras will assist the security team in protecting stakeholders, property and information in a more efficient future-forward manner.

REMINDERS

Registrations and RSVPs to Complete ASAP

Early School Closing on April 8 for Solar Eclipse   

Please note that Havergal will be closing early on April 8 to ensure a safe dismissal during the solar eclipse. 

  • There will be regular classes and lunch from 8 am to 1:00 pm. 
  • Dismissal
    • JK – Grade 3 (1:00 pm to 1:15 pm)
    • Grade 4 – 6 (1:15 pm to 1:30 pm)
    • There is NO PICKUP Permitted between 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm in order to maintain optimal safety
  • All Co-Curriculars, that take place afterschool, will be CANCELLED on this day. This includes: clubs, private music instruction, and Athletics.
  • Gator Care will operate from 1:30 pm to 6:00 pm. Families are asked to sign up in advance and students will remain indoors during the eclipse. Student accounts will be charged accordingly. 

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

The last chance to register for Spring Athletics is today!
JS Spring Athletics Registration Form 

Performing Arts & Clubs

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

JS A-mazing Race – Tickets on sale now!

Buy your tickets NOW for the A-mazing Race – Sunday, May 5.

Moms’ Night Out – Thursday, May 23 

Coming soon! Stay tuned for more details.

HCPA Nominations 2024-25

HCPA nominations for the 2024-25 school year are now open! 

WHAT’S ON THE MENU AFTER MARCH BREAK

JS Menu for March 26 – 28 

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 

March Break and Easter Long Weekend

  • Friday, March 8 – Last Day of Classes
  • Monday, March 11 – Monday, March 25 (March 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

Wednesday, March 27

  • Parents as Partners – An Evening with David Bott (7pm)

Friday, April 5

  • Grandpals’ Day (10:00 am – 11:30 am) 

Monday, April 8 – Early Dismissal 

  • Please see above for details 

Tuesday, April 9

  • 8:00 am and 8:30 am – Families are invited to stop by the Junior School for a gallery walk, which showcases artworks installed throughout the halls of our first floor from the many activities, classes and clubs that have taken place this year.
  • 8:30 am – 9:00 am – Arts’ Week Prayers 

Annie Kids – The Musical 

  • April 11 at 8:45 am (Legacy Theatre)
  • April 12 at 8:45 am and April 12 at 4:30 pm. 

Sunday, May 5

  • The JS A-Mazing Race (12:30 pm – 4:00 pm)

A Message From the Head of the School – Friday, March 1, 2024

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Families, 

Havergal believes that a healthy, safe and inclusive learning environment where all students feel accepted is a necessary condition for student success. As part of this, we were pleased to come together with other students across the country to learn about the significance of Pink Shirt Day, which took place on Wednesday, February 28. 

While Pink Shirt Day is definitely an opportunity to highlight the importance of kindness, it is something Havergal actively works on every day, and is guided by our values – inquiry, integrity, compassion and courage, so that the Junior School is a place that our students want to come to everyday because they feel safe, known, respected, and that they belong. Some of the policies and procedures that we have in place to support us in this work include:

As always, should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out, so that we can work together in the best interest of your daughter.

Warmly,

Kate White

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

LATEST NEWS

Important information regarding early class dismissal – Solar Eclipse on April 8

As you may have heard, on Monday, April 8 there will be a total solar eclipse in the afternoon between 2:04 pm and 4:30 pm ET. This rare meteorological event will impact parts of Ontario, including Toronto and will bring periods of darkness and possible safety risks during our dismissal time. 

After careful consideration, we have decided to alter our school schedule for the day, end classes at 1:00 pm and dismiss all students in the Junior from 1:00 – 1:30 pm to ensure we are providing a safe dismissal time.

Here are the details and schedule changes for early dismissal:

  • There will be regular classes and lunch from 8 am to 1:00 pm. 
  • Dismissal will be from 1:00 pm to 1:15 pm for JK – Gr. 3 and from 1:15 pm to 1:30 pm for Gr. 4 – 6.
  • All Co-Curriculars will be cancelled or rescheduled con this day. This includes: clubs, private music instruction, and Athletics.
  • Gator Care will operate from 1:30 pm to 6:00 pm. Families are asked to sign up in advance and students will remain indoors during the eclipse. Student accounts will be charged accordingly.
  • There will be no pickup permitted at Gator Care between 1:30 and 4:30 pm in order to maintain optimal safety.

We understand the rarity of the eclipse can be exciting and offers a good learning opportunity for all ages. As we approach the date, we are looking forward to learning more about this unique event as a school.

You can read more information about the solar eclipse here, along with guidance from the Canadian Association of Optometrists on safe viewing practices.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we adjust our daily schedule with everyone’s safety in mind. 

Registration for Spring Athletics is OPEN!

Recently, at Prayers, one  of our Grade 6 students shared her experience of joining the swim team, saying that it brought her not only joy, but a newfound sense of confidence. At Havergal, the passion for learning goes far beyond the walls of our classrooms. Students are encouraged to explore and investigate new interests or ideas. Developing these into passions is just one of the many ways we instill and encourage lifelong learning. Participating in our Athletics’ Program is just one of the many ways that students can do this.

To learn more about what is being offered next term, please review the Spring Catalogue

For the most up-to-date information including game times, meets, cancelled practices, and coaches, we recommend you bookmark the JS Athletics Schedule 

How to Register

To register, you can go directly to the JS Spring Athletics Registration Page. Alternatively, you can go to The Parent Portal (see below). Once registered, the team schedule will be automatically uploaded onto your veracross calendar. 

Pizza Lunch is on Monday

A friendly reminder that students registered for Pizza Lunch, will have Pizza on Monday. Students not registered, should bring their lunch as normal.

REMINDERS

Junior School Food Services – Registration for Spring Term

Should you wish to sign your child up for JS Food Services in the spring term, please be sure to fill out this Registration Form by March 22.  You can also register on the Parent Portal

Returning to School After Illness

If your child has been ill and absent from school, they must stay home for 24 hours if they have had a fever, and 48 hours, if they have had gastrointestinal symptoms.

Parents as Partners: Parenting for Wellbeing

As part of our Parents as Partners speaker series, Havergal is proud to welcome David Bott as our next speaker on March 27 at 7 pm. David is a best-selling author, consultant, former teacher, and expert in designing and implementing system-level approaches to wellbeing and cultural change. His talk will focus on Parenting for Wellbeing, including the evolution of wellbeing science, what wellbeing is not, and the key role parents & caregivers play. 

There will be an opportunity to ask questions. Current and new families are welcome and encouraged to bring additional guests; registration for the event can be found here. 

David Bott will be at Havergal for the week of March 25, working with our Upper School students as well as running professional development with our faculty and staff throughout the week.

Book Drive in Support of The Children’s Book Bank (Feb 20 – March 8)

We are still continuing to collect books in support of The Children’s Book Bank until the end of next week! Start your spring cleaning early by donating to the Havercrest Book Drive from February 20th to March 8th!  We are looking for gently used books for babies, children, and teens but are particularly in need of baby books and graphic novels. 

There are boxes placed outside the JS Library for students to place their donations. 

Grandpals’ Day – Save the Date – Friday, April 5th (10:00 am – 11:30 am) & RSVP

RSVP link

Should you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Robertson in the Junior School Office (srobertson@havergal.on.ca) 

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

JS Athletics Schedule 

Congratulations to the U12 Swim team who placed 1st overall at the CISAA swimming finals.
Don’t forget – Spring Athletics registration (details above) is open and closes on March 8th. 

Performing Arts & Clubs

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

JS A-mazing Race – Tickets on sale now!

Check your email for more information on this year’s Race. Register before April 5th!

Moms’ Night Out – Thursday, May 23 

Coming soon! Stay tuned for more details.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

JS Menu for March 4 – March 8 

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 

March Break and Easter Long Weekend

  • Friday, March 8 – Last Day of Classes
  • Monday, March 11 – Monday, March 25 (March 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

Monday, April 8

  • There will be regular classes and lunch from 8 am to 1:00 pm. 
  • Dismissal will be from 1:00 pm to 1:15 pm for JK – Gr. 3 and from 1:15 pm to 1:30 pm for Gr. 4 – 6.
  • All Co-Curriculars will be CANCELLED on this day. This includes: clubs, private music instruction, and Athletics.
  • Gator Care will operate from 1:30 pm to 6:00 pm. Families are asked to sign up in advance and students will remain indoors during the eclipse. Student accounts will be charged accordingly. There will be no pickup permitted at Gator Care between 1:30 and 4:30 pm in order to maintain optimal safety.