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

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Families,

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:

LATEST NEWS

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. 

RSVP HERE 

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: 

This school uncovered a buried stream and transformed its schoolyard

The story will also be included in CBC’s What On Earth weekly newsletter; it relates to a larger CBC interactive video focused 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 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 

  • 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.

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

  •  JS Athletics Schedule  
  • Good luck to the 84 Track and Field student-athletes who will be going to York University for a full day of Track meet on Monday, April 15.
    • As indicated by the email from Mme Gareau please drop off at 7:30 am on Monday. The bus will depart from the Junior School at 7:45am. 

Performing Arts & Clubs

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

US Gator Gala Silent Auction

Whether or not you’re going to the Gator Gala, you can bid on items in the silent auction until 10 pm on Saturday, April 13! 

JS A-mazing Race – Sunday, May 5

Are you interested in volunteering? Please sign up HERE

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. 
  • We’re still accepting donations – click HERE for details.
  • Click HERE to volunteer.
  • Also available for purchase will be HC-branded Yeti cups, puffers, vests and Lazypants

HCPA Nominations 2024-25

HCPA nominations for 2024-25 close today. Please click HERE for the nomination form.

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

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 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 

Tuesday, April 16

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

Thursday, April 18

  • Founders’ Day for Grade 1 to 12 (see above for details)

Wednesday, April 24

  • Havergal Connections Presents: Finance Perspectives: Empowering Insights and Networking Opportunities

Sunday, May 5

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

Thursday, May 9 (8:30 am – 9:30 am)

  • Celebration of Baldassarra Playscape 

Thursday, May 16

  • House Shout  (1:00 pm – 3:00 pm) details to follow

Friday, May 17 

  • School Closed – Victoria Day Long Weekend (No classes)

Monday, May 20 

  • School Closed – Victoria Day Long Weekend (No classes)

Tuesday, May 21

  • Classes Resume

Thursday, May 23 

  • Moms’ Night Out

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