This morning Junior School students celebrated Passover in Prayers. Upper School students from the Jewish Students Alliance joined with us to share the land acknowledgement. Then, Junior School students talked about the Passover story, shared the special traditions celebrated at the seder meal and sang the Four Questions in Hebrew. Everyone participated in singing Dayenu, a song that is sung during the seder meal. Chag Sameach to all of our community members who are celebrating!
A huge thank you this week to our Grade 4 Earth Week Ambassadors, and their teachers for preparing such thoughtful and engaging resources and experiences that aimed to celebrate our love for our Earth, educate our community about environmental issues and encourage action to protect the planet. Some of the highlights included:
Nature walks through the Lisa Hardie Trail;
A Recess in the forest;
Picking Up Garbage around Campus;
Participation in a variety of Climate Change Workshops;
“Take Action Letter Writing” Sessions; and a
“Fast Fashion Sewing Workshop.”
Our hope is that this week has inspired our students to continue to learn more about environmental issues, and encourage them to take action to protect the planet.
Sincerely,
Kate
Today’s edition of “The Weekly” contains information on the following:
Please Pick Up Your Child During Their Designated Time
We have noted that families with daughters in Grades 4, 5, and 6 are arriving on the driveway prior to 3:00 pm. This heavily impacts the flow of our dismissal process for students in Grades 1, 2, and 3, as there are not enough spots along the driveway for those picking up primary students between 3:00 pm and 3:15 pm.
If your daughter is not dismissed until 3:15 pm, please do not arrive prior to this time, unless you have arranged to pick your child up early. Should you arrive early, you will be asked to circle the block in order to make room for cars who are picking up in the first time slot.
A reminder that if you have daughters in both dismissal slots (3:00 pm & 3:15 pm), please arrive during the second dismissal time (3:15 pm – 3:30 pm)
This is a big week for the Track team next week as they have their Havergal mini-meet on Wednesday morning at Lawrence Park and a meet at York University.
Good Luck to the Softball team in their first game on Thursday.
Performing Arts & Clubs
Performing Arts and Clubs have wrapped up except Monday clubs which finish on Monday, May 6 and Session B of Teaching Kitchen which ends Thursday, May 23.
We are still looking for a few more parent volunteers for the Race. Please sign up HERE if you can help out.We are also looking for student volunteers (grades 9 – 12). If you know a student in grades 9 – 12 who might be interested in bringing their spirit and enthusiasm to the Race, have them reach out to the Forum for Change for more information. HC volunteer hours will be offered!
Moms’ Night Out – Thursday, May 23
Tickets are still available! Click HEREto purchase.
Relay for Life Parent Team – Thursday, May 2
There is still time toJOINthe HCPA’s parent team for this year’s Relay for Life. It will be held at UCC beginning at 4 pm on May 2.
The pride that comes with being part of the Havergal College community was abundant yesterday as we celebrated Founder’s Day at St. Paul’s Bloor Street with students from Grade 1 to 12! This was an opportunity for us to come together as a community in celebrating the laying of the cornerstone of our present Upper School building, which was laid on April 23, 1926.
In her message to us, Dr. Samson, spoke about how she discovered her passion and purpose over the years by being open to numerous opportunities, trying new things, and experiencing both successes and failures. We also heard reflections on their time at Havergal from one of our alum (2002), and a Grade 12 student, who will be graduating in June. What was remarkable to hear from all three women was how apart from the incredible opportunities and experiences they had both inside and outside of Havergal, it was also the many relationships they had developed along the way that helped them to find their passions, and define their purpose. I am consistently grateful to work in this kind of environment, where we hold women up, and support each other to be our best selves.
Finally, the primary, junior, middle and senior school choirs absolutely blew us away. The repertoire was stunning, as were their performances.
For all of you celebrating, we wish you a very Happy Passover next week! We look forward to next Friday, when we will be learning more about this special time in Prayers. Chag Sameach! All are welcome to attend.
Sincerely,
Kate
Today’s edition of “The Weekly” contains information on the following:
This morning the Junior School came together for a Celebration of Learning in honour of the work our students (JK – 6) have done in collaboration with Artist in Residence, Doug Goodkin. Students in Grades 4-6 performed just SOME of what they learned. Toes were tapping, voices were singing, and there was joy in the air. Please be sure to check the Celebration of Learning Photosto get a glimpse of some of the magic that has taken place over the last three weeks.
A huge thank you to Mr. Goodkin for graciously sharing his gifts with us. I have no doubt our students will remember this experience fondly for years to come. Thank you as well to Ms. Read, and Mr. MacLean for organzing this amazing opportunity. We are very appreciative.
We also wanted to share with you that there was a documentary released this year, that is based on Doug and his teaching, called “The Secret Song.” It is currently being shown across the world at different events and film festivals. I really encourage you to take a look!
Earth Week – Monday, April 22 – Friday, April 26
Our Grade 4 students, and a team of teachers have been thoughtfully working on programming for Earth Week, which takes place next week! In keeping with Havergal’s mission to prepare young women to make a difference, they have planned experiences and shared resources that aim to celebrate our love for our Earth, educate our community about environmental issues and encourage action to protect the planet.
Some of the activities that our students will be participating in include: nature walks through the Lisa Hardie Trail, Recess in the forest, garbage pick-up on the lower pitch, Climate Change Workshops, “Take Action Letter Writing,” and a “Fast Fashion Sewing Workshop.” Thank you Grade 4 students and teachers for all your hard work in making this a week of learning and action for our earth!
Please note the following:
Tuesday, April 23 – Earth Day Prayers (8:30 am – 9:00 am)
Friday, April 26 – Dress Down Day (“Reduce Fast Fashion Day” – Students are encouraged to wear clothing that they have owned for a while, hand-me-downs, or thrift)
REMINDERS
Baldassarra Playscape – Thursday, May 9th (8:30 am – 9:30 am)
With warmer weather now upon us, Havergal College is excited to officially celebrate the new play structure for the Junior School. The “Baldassarra Playscape ” parent event will take place on Thursday, May 9th, from 8:30 am to 9:30 am.
Should you have any questions, please contact Angela Paschalidis, Advancement Officer, at 416.483.3519 ext. 6675 or apaschalidis@havergal.on.ca.
Havergal Connections Presents: Finance Perspectives: Empowering Insights and Networking Opportunities – Wednesday, April 24 (11:30 am – 1:00 pm)
Broaden your professional network and gain valuable insights into the finance world from seasoned professionals at our upcoming panel discussion! But hold on, this event offers more than just professional insights… it’s also a golden opportunity to connect with the HC community!
Location:
Forthlane Partners
Address:
145 Adelaide St W 2nd floor, Toronto, ON M5H 4E5
Lunch:
Provided
Join us for a panel discussion hosted by Martha (Cohen) Simmons ’99 at Forthlane Partners and moderated by Jennifer Kerr ’93. Gain candid anecdotes, insights, and success strategies from our panelists Lauren Epstein ’03, Robyn Doritty ’04, and Alice Popescu ’99.
Congratulations to the U12 Track team for participating in the first meet of the season! They competed in 9 different track events throughout the day. Even though they were sore walking the halls the next day, they had a great time learning and developing confidence in their new skills.
If your child is on a Havergal Team (Gr. 4-6) and needs a Havergal Athletic
sweatshirt ($70) please have her come and see Ms. Bartlett at the start of her afternoon practice. The charge will be put on the account.
Are you interested in volunteering? Please sign upHERE.We are also looking for student volunteers (grades 9 – 12). If you know someone who can help out, have them reach out to the Forum for Change for more information. We would LOVE to have their spirit and enthusiasm on May 5!
Pre-Loved Uniform Sales are around the corner
Monday, April 22 from 3:30 to 7 pm and Tuesday, April 23 from 8 to 11 am outside the Junior School Learning Hub.
We’re still accepting donations – click HEREfor details.
What an incredible and joyful week of celebrating the arts at Havergal! From student performances and speakers in Prayers, to visiting artists, to showcasing student art throughout the halls, and the final production of “Annie – The Musical,” this week truly highlighted the importance of the visual, dramatic, vocal, instrumental arts as parts of a well-rounded Liberal Arts education. We are grateful for our students’ incredible engagement throughout the week! It was such a delight to see them participating so fully.
I know that you join me in thanking all of our faculty and staff not only for their programming this week in celebration of the arts, but also for the work they do each and every day to foster the curiosity and creativity of our students.
Sincerely,
Kate
Today’s edition of “The Weekly” contains information on the following:
Celebration of Learning Showcase with Artist in Residence Doug Goodkin Friday, April 19th at 8:25 AM in Junior School Gym
We are delighted to invite families to our Celebration of Learning Showcase with Artist in Residence Doug Goodkin on Friday, April 19th.
Come ready to tap your toes to the beat, sway to music and be in awe of the drama, movement, joy and music. All students in grades 4, 5 and 6 will be performing. Please see below for some important information.
Please note:
ARRIVAL TIME:
JK – Grade 3: Arrive no later than 8:20 am
Grades 4 – 6: Please arrive by 7:55 AM and meet Ms. Read and Mr. MacLean in their Music and Integrated Arts classrooms
WHAT TO WEAR:
JK to Grade 3 students wear regular Havergal Uniform
Grades 4 – 6 students are asked to wear white socks, plain black leggings (no sweatpants) or HC black leggings, white HC athletic shirt or white short-sleeve HC polo shirt, hair tied back in hair style of choice
Baldassarra Playscape – Thursday, May 9th (8:30 am – 9:30 am) RSVP HERE
With warmer weather now upon us, Havergal College is excited to officially celebrate the new play structure for the Junior School. The “Baldassarra Playscape ” parent event will take place on Thursday, May 9th, from 8:30 am to 9:30 am.
We cordially invite parents and guardians to join us for a coffee reception hosted by the Principal, Dr. Katrina Samson and Ms. Kate White, the Head of the Junior School. This event is a celebration of a great initiative for the girls and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported this project from faculty and staff to families who also served as donors. Following the reception, guests will have the chance to explore the Playscape area.
Should you have any questions, please contact Angela Paschalidis, Advancement Officer, at 416.483.3519 ext. 6675 or apaschalidis@havergal.on.ca.
Havergal’s Work to Uncover the Burke Brooke
We wanted to share this exciting article that was published yesterday afternoon, on CBC News, highlighting Havergal’s restoration work on the Burke Brook Ravine over the years:
The story will also be included in CBC’s What On Earth weekly newsletter; it relates to a larger CBC interactive videofocused on the daylighting of lost rivers across Canada, published last week. A huge thank you to our Marketing and Communication Team, and our Facilities Teams for helping to bring this good news story to life.
Havergal Connections Presents: Finance Perspectives: Empowering Insights and Networking Opportunities
Broaden your professional network and gain valuable insights into the finance world from seasoned professionals at our upcoming panel discussion! But hold on, this event offers more than just professional insights… it’s also a golden opportunity to connect with the HC community!
Date: April 24, 2024 Time: 11:30 am – 1:00pm Location: Forthlane Partners Address: 145 Adelaide St W 2nd floor, Toronto, ON M5H 4E5 Lunch: Provided
Join us for a panel discussion hosted by Martha (Cohen) Simmons ’99 at Forthlane Partners and moderated by Jennifer Kerr ’93. Gain candid anecdotes, insights, and success strategies from our panelists Lauren Epstein ’03, Robyn Doritty ’04, and Alice Popescu ’99.
We hope to see you there – RSVP below! Register here: Registration
REMINDERS
Founder’s Day (Thursday, April 18)
Founders’ Day is a birthday, of sorts, that builds community – our community. It’s a longstanding tradition in the life of Havergal that brings together students and faculty from both the Junior and Upper Schools alike. It marks the anniversary of the cornerstone being laid at the ‘New School’ on Avenue Road in 1926. It is very special indeed.
This year’s Founders’ Day celebration will be held at 9:45 am on Thursday April 18 atSt. Paul’s Bloor Street– Havergal’s original parish church. Attendance is mandatory for all students in Grades 1 – 12. Students in JK and SK do not attend Founders’ Day, and will have regular programming for the day.
The schedule for the day is as follows:
8:00 am: Junior Choir departs from Havergal
8:45 am: All other students in Grades 1 – 6 depart from Havergal
9:45 – 10:45 am: Founder’s Day Service
11:00 am- JS departs from St. Paul’s Cathedral
11:30 – 12:30 pm: Lunch as per usual
We will have a regular schedule in the afternoon with our staggered dismissal as per usual
Registration
Parents were to have completed this linked registration for students to attend Founders’ Day by 9 am this morning. If you have not yet done so, please register today.
Please also note:
All students must be in their #1 Dress Uniform
The Service begins at 9:45 am and will last approximately one hour.
Ice cream will be served to commemorate the anniversary at Havergal (JK – Grade 12)
Healthy Snacks and Beverages
Healthy snacks and beverages serve as a vital source of energy, allowing children to remain focused and attentive in the classroom.
We have recently noted that students are bringing in cans of pop, and large bags of chips and candy. Please refrain from packing these kinds of snacks.
Wow! What an incredibly exciting day in the Junior School, as we welcomed just over 300 Grandpals to the building. The energy was absolutely buzzing as our girls proudly toured our extended community around the Junior School, showed them their work, and introduced them to their friends and teachers. The pride and joy our students feel about being part of the Havergal was palpable. Our Grandpals were incredible guests! They were curious, and engaged, asked fantastic questions, and really made the day a success.
A huge thank you to all of our Grandpals who came out in support of this special event. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back next year. Please enjoy some of the Grandpals’ Day Photos, captured by our Marketing and Communications Team!
Sincerely,
Kate
Today’s edition of “The Weekly” contains information on the following:
Founders’ Day is a birthday, of sorts, that builds community – our community. It’s a longstanding tradition in the life of Havergal that brings together students and faculty from both the Junior and Upper Schools alike. It marks the anniversary of the cornerstone being laid at the ‘New School’ on Avenue Road in 1926. It is very special indeed.
This year’s Founders’ Day celebration will be held at 9:45 am on Thursday April 18 at St. Paul’s Bloor Street – Havergal’s original parish church. Attendance is mandatory for all students in Grades 1 – 12. Students in JK and SK do not attend Founders’ Day, and will have regular programming for the day.
The schedule for the day is as follows:
8:00 am: Junior Choir departs from Havergal
8:45 am: All other students in Grades 1 – 6 depart from Havergal
9:45 – 10:45 am: Founder’s Day Service
11:00 am- JS departs from St. Paul’s Cathedral
11:30 – 12:30 pm: Lunch as per usual
We will have a regular schedule in the afternoon with our staggered dismissal as per usual
Registration – To be completed by 9 am on Friday, April 12
Parents must complete this linked registration for students to attend Founders’ Day
If, however, some extraordinary circumstance prevents her from doing so, please indicate in Veracross by Friday April 12 at 9 am that she will be absent on that day. It is important that her attendance is updated so we know not to expect a permission form from you with regards to this event.
Please also note:
All students must be in their #1 Dress Uniform
The Service begins at 9:45 am and will last approximately one hour.
Ice cream will be served to commemorate the anniversary at Havergal (JK – Grade 12)
Welcoming Artist in Residence, Doug Goodkin, to the Junior School!
We welcomed Doug Goodridge to the Junior School on Tuesday, April 2. He is an artist in residence working with our students until Friday, April 19th. Doug will be working with our students during their regular Music and Integrated Arts classes and there will be a showcase of learning during JS Prayers on Friday, April 19th. Specific details of which classes will perform will be communicated in the coming week.
Doug Goodkin is a globally acclaimed Orff Schulwerk educator, teaching music education courses in over 50 countries. For 45 years, he inspired young minds at The San Francisco School and now serves as a dedicated consultant, mentor, guest teacher, workshop leader, and performer in schools, both near and far.
Doug is also the director of the San Francisco International Orff Course, the founder of the Jazz/ Orff Course, Doug Goodkin & the Pentatonics Jazz Band, Pentatonic Press, the SF School Intern Program and a frequent guest teacher at The Orff Institute in Salzburg and in the Orff-Afrique Course in Ghana.
Doug is a prolific author with ten published books and has left an indelible mark as a featured personality in the documentary film, ‘The Secret Song.’ His passion for music education and his extensive reach in nurturing the next generation of learners are the hallmarks of his illustrious career.
REMINDERS
Returning to School After A Child Has Been Ill
In the interest of everyone’s health, and to reduce the spread of illness, we ask that if you child is sick, they are asked to stay home until they have no fever and their symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if nausea/vomiting/diarrhea). To learn more we invite you to review the General Screening Questions When Your Child is Ill, as published by Toronto Public Health.
No Pausing on Menopause: An Evening with Lume Women + Health (Wednesday, April 10 – 7pm – 9pm; JS Dining Hall)
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.
Current, new families, alumni as well as faculty and staff and friends are welcome and encouraged to bring additional guests. Registration for the event can be found here.
You are invited to view a selection of artistic projects displayed within the first floor hall before Arts Week Prayers on Tuesday April 9th, between 8:00 am and 8:30 am. This will be followed by the Arts Week Prayers ceremony at 8:30 am. All are welcome.
Throughout the week, during Integrated Arts, Music, and Visual Arts, students will be working with four visiting artists who will share their practice and expertise with the students.
Thank you for your ongoing support of the Junior School and we look forward to welcoming you to view our Art Gallery, join in Prayers, and experience the wonderful musical, Annie.
Annie Kids – The Musical (April 11 & 12)
All students in the Junior School will come to watch one of the performances during school time on April 11 and 12. Performance times are April 11 at 8:45 am, April 12 at 8:45 am and April 12 at 4:30 pm.
Families are invited to join our audience! For ticket reservations, please complete the Ticket Request Form by Monday April 8, 2024. Note that our morning performances are completely full. We do not have space to accommodate guests who did not request a ticket. We have limited seats available for the afternoon show on April 12th.
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 KIDSis presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.
Early Dismissal on April 8th for the Solar Eclipse
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 Friday, April 5th by 6pm. Students will remain indoors during the eclipse. Student accounts will be charged accordingly.
This is your last chance to buy tickets for the JS A-mazing Race—Sunday, May 5. Buy your tickets now!
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. Clickhere 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. We hope you will join us!
Relay for Life Parent Team
JOIN the HCPA’s parent team for this year’s Relay for Life. It will be held at UCC beginning at 4 pm on May 2
Usethis linkto see a personalized summary of your child’s activities next week, on the Parent Portal.
KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON
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 (Legacy Theatre)
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
The Weekly: Junior School 