A Message From The Head of the School – Friday, April 19, 2024

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Families,

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. 

Here are some Founders’ Day Pictures and the Video Footage of the Service on Havergal’s YouTube Channel for you to take a look at.

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:

LATEST NEWS

Thank you to Doug Goodkin – Artist in Residence

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 Photos to 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. 

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 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.

We hope to see you there!

REGISTRATION HERE

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

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.

Performing Arts & Clubs

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

JS A-mazing Race – Sunday, May 5

Are you interested in volunteering? Please sign up HERE. 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 HERE for details.
  • Click HERE to volunteer.
  • Also available for purchase will be HC-branded Yeti cups, puffers, vests and Lazypants

Moms’ Night Out – May 23

Tickets are still available! Click HERE to purchase. 

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

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 22 – April 26  

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 23 

  • Earth Day Prayers (8:30 am – 9:00 am)

Friday, April 26

  • Passover Prayers (8:30 am – 9:00 am)
  • Dress Down Day (“Reduce Fast Fashion Day” – Students are invited to wear old clothing & hand me downs)

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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