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

On By havergaljuniorschool

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.

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