A Message to the Head of the Junior School – Friday, April 5, 2024

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Families, 

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:

LATEST NEWS

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 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.

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

Arts Week in the Junior School (April 8 – 12)

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 KIDS is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.

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

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. 

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

  •  JS Athletics Schedule 
  • Gr.1-4 Multisport and Basketball/Soccer Squad start this week.
  • Gr. 4-6 Parents – please review the schedule for meets and games that might not be on the regular practice day.  

Performing Arts & Clubs

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

JS A-mazing Race – Ticket Sales Close Today!

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. 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. 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

Moms’ Night Out – May 23, 2024

Tickets are on sale now! Buy your tickets HERE.

HC Frames on sale now!

Frames will be on sale until May 1. Click HERE to order.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

JS Menu for April 8 – April 12 

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, 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

Sunday, May 5

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

Thursday, May 23 

  • Moms’ Night Out

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