Month: June 2024

A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Thursday, June 13, 2024

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Dear Junior School Families,

Today marks our final edition of “The Weekly – Junior School” for the 2023 – 2024 school year. 

Congratulations to all of our students, families, faculty and staff for another successful end of the school year! While the Closing Ceremony that we enjoyed yesterday was definitely a time to honour the year that we have had together, to show gratitude for the lessons we have learned and the challenges we have overcome, it was also a time to look forward…with confidence, optimism, and joy. Confidence that the lessons and skills we have learned have prepared us for whatever comes our way; Optimism that we will continue to move forward together being inquisitive, having integrity, showing courage and leading from a place of compassion; and Joy at being part of a community where we are able to not only to learn, laugh, and play together, but to all be our authentic selves.

As promised, here are Photos from the Junior School Closing Ceremony for you to enjoy! 

We are very much looking forward to welcoming people back in September! A very special congratulations and best wishes to our Grade 6s who will soon be “crossing the bridge” and starting their Upper School Journey!

Today’s edition of “The Weekly” contains information on the following:

LATEST NEWS

Summer Messages

New and returning families will receive two communications from the school over the summer, regarding the 2024-2025 school year. You can expect them in your email on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, July 3
  • Wednesday, August 21

REMINDERS

End of Year Report Cards

Report cards will be available online at 9:00 am on Thursday, June 20th.

Introducing This Year’s Summer Reading Challenge!

Ms. Read (Librarian), and Ms. Tulli (Literacy Coordinator) did a fabulous job getting everyone excited about this year’s  Junior School Summer Reading Challenge. Be sure to check out the website to learn more, and to download a copy of the reading book tracker. There are also tons of great recommendations for books to read, from JK – Grade 1, Grades 2 & 3, and Grades 4 – 6. 

This information will also be part of our first summer communication for all new and returning families.

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Pre-Loved Uniform Sale – Save the Date!

Are you hoping to purchase a few pre-loved items before the beginning of the next school year? The HCPA will be hosting a sale BEFORE school starts on Wednesday, August 28 from 11 am – 2 pm at the Upper School (Rotunda). More details will be shared later in the summer.

JS A-mazing Race – Survey

Whether or not you attended the JS A-mazing Race, the HCPA would appreciate your feedback. Click here to complete a short survey that will help us shape future events. 

HCPA Roles for the 2024-25 school year

Are you interested in getting involved with the HCPA? There are a few positions still available, including Celebration Saturday Bazaar Co-Chair. Please email hcpacommittee@gmail.com for more information. 

CELEBRATION SATURDAY

Saturday, September 28 – Getting Involved

We will be looking for many volunteers to help on the 28th but there are also other ways you can be involved.  

Have you always wanted to sell your wares at a Bazaar? Whether you are a parent, a student, an Old Girl/Alum, a teacher or staff member—this is your chance!  Do you have an item or experience you would like to donate to the Silent Auction? We would welcome your donation.  

More details will be shared over the summer but If you know you are interested now, please feel free to email hcpa.committee@gmail.com and they will add you to our contact list. We really appreciate your support as 100% of the profits from Celebration Saturday go directly to our nine Community Partners—find out more about them here!

 KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON 

Monday, July 1

  • Health Information Must be Updated on Magnus

Wednesday, July 3

  • New and returning families to receive first of two summer communications regarding the 2024-2025 school year

Wednesday, August 21

  • New and returning families to receive first of two summer communications regarding the 2024-2025 school year

A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, June 7, 2024

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Families,

Not even a little rain could put the damper on today’s highly anticipated “Gator Day!” Thanks to our Phys Ed Team and Grade 6 leaders for shifting today’s events indoors so we could still participate in a little friendly competition between houses. Students in JK to Grade 6 took part in banner making and a cheer off, went head to head to each other in the classic “Ball Toss & Over Under,” faced off in the “Tower of Terror” and used all of their agility to make their way through an obstacle course. Finally, each grade then participated in relay races (egg and spoon, baton) We all then joined together again in the gym at the conclusion of the event for the presentation of the Gator Day Cup. While the scores were tight, I am pleased to announce that KATE LEONARD took home top honours, as the winners this year! Go Katies!

A huge congratulations to everyone for their participation, energy, and house spirit. It was a lovely way to end the week.

Sincerely,

Kate

Today’s edition of “The Weekly” contains information on the following:

LATEST NEWS

Packing Up for the School Year

Teachers will be supporting students throughout next week in sending personal belongings and school work home. Please provide your child with a couple of reusable bags for them to help bring these materials home.

Distribution of Ludemus (Havergal’s YearBook) – Thursday, June 13

Please note that the 2023-2024 edition of Ludemus will be handed out to students the morning of Thursday, June 13th. They will have an opportunity to look through them, and have their friends and teachers sign them on this day before taking them home.

End of Year Report Cards

Report cards will be available online at 9:00 am on Thursday, June 20th.

Introducing This Year’s Summer Reading Challenge!

Ms. Read (Librarian), and Ms. Tulli (Literacy Coordinator) did a fabulous job getting everyone excited about this year’s  Junior School Summer Reading Challenge. Be sure to check out the website to learn more, and to download a copy of the reading book tracker. There are also tons of great recommendations for books to read, from JK – Grade 1, Grades 2 & 3, and Grades 4 – 6. 

This information will also be part of our first summer communication for all new and returning families.

REMINDERS

Please update your daughter’s health records before July 1 on Magnus

Please complete your child’s Vital Health Record and Student Health Tracker in the Magnus Health Portal to ensure the following information is accurate and updated: health history and conditions, allergies, history of concussions, dietary restrictions and administration of medications from Health Centre nurses. 

Parents are responsible for updating the school on any changes in your child’s health status throughout the year by updating information in the Magnus Health Portal. The Health Centre ensures that the health records of students in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 are accurately and confidentially stored.

We are asking that all parents conduct the year update before July 1, 2024. Access is available as of June 1, 2024. If you completed an update prior to June 1st, we apologize but you will need to re-submit your child’s Magnus profile.

Instructions to log into Magnus can be found HERE.

Please reach out to the Health Centre Health Centre with any questions or concerns.

End of Year Celebrations

We are eagerly planning our end of year events celebrating all that we have accomplished as a community. Please be sure to mark your calendars!

Last Prayers of the Year – Friday, June 7 (8:25 am – 9:00 am – JS Gym)

  • This will be our last time coming together for Prayers as a community for the 2023-2024 school year. Parents, as always, are welcome to attend.

Grade 6 Leaving Ceremony – Monday, June 10 (4:00 pm – 5:30 am – JS Dining Hall)

  • This event is in honour of our Grade 6 students, and marks the end of their time at the Junior School, before “Crossing the Bridge” to Grade 7.
  • Grade 6 students and their families are invited.

Junior School Closing Ceremony – Wednesday, June 12 (2:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Brenda Robson Hall)

  • This is a special time for us to come together, one last time in celebration of our year of learning and friendship. Students are asked to come to school, at the regular time, and in their #1 Dress. We will end our day together in song, and reflection.

Last Day of School – Thursday, June 13 (Early Staggered Dismissal)

  • Grade 6 Ghanaian Dance Showcase at 8:30am – Grade 6 Families are welcome to attend.
  • Students will come to school for a half day, where they will have an opportunity to say goodbye to their teachers and classmates. End of year certificates will be handed out on this day, and we will take pictures to send to families.
  • Early staggered dismissal:
    • JK-Gr.3- 11:15 -11:30
    • Gr.4-6- 11:30-11:45

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Pre-Loved Uniform Drop Off

Drop off pre-loved uniforms at the Upper School on Wednesday, June 12 (7:30 to 11:30 am in the Rotunda, 8 to 8:30 am in the laneway). Sign up here if you can volunteer. 

Technology Drive

In conjunction with the pre-loved uniform collection, US students will be running a used technology drive. Please help the students and the environment by donating your old technology for recycling. Please click here for more information.

CELEBRATION SATURDAY

Save the Date – Saturday, September 28 from 9:30 am – 1 pm

The entire Havergal community, including students, faculty and staff, Old Girls/Alum, and parents are welcome to attend this all-community event. Experience fun activities, delicious food, and great music while raising funds to support our community partners and showcasing our school’s mission, vision and values. 

This event is the perfect opportunity to connect with peers from different grades, strengthen our sense of belonging and demonstrate our commitment to community outreach, partnership and support.

We need your help! We are looking for a second parent to help out with the Celebration Saturday Bazaar this year. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Christine Spence (Manager, Parent Relations – cspence@havergal.on.ca) or Steven Rathwell (HCPA Volunteer Coordinator – steven.rathwell@yahoo.ca). Thank you for your support.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

JS Menu for June 10 – June 13 

KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON 

Monday, June 10 

  • Grade 6 Leaving Ceremony (4:00 pm – 5:30 am – JS Dining Hall)

Wednesday, June 12 

  • Junior School Closing Ceremony (2:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Brenda Robson Hall)

Thursday, June 13 

  • Last Day of School (Early Dismissal – 11:30 am)

Monday, July 1

  • Health Information Must be Updated on Magnus

Wednesday, July 3

  • New and returning families to receive first of two summer communications regarding the 2024-2025 school year

Wednesday, August 21

  • New and returning families to receive second of two summer communications regarding the 2024-2025 school year