Month: August 2024

A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Thursday, August 29, 2024

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Dear Junior School Families,

A very warm welcome to all of our new and returning families! Our team has been working hard this week to ensure that everything is ready for a smooth transition back to school. 

Last week you received our second “Back to School” summer communication from our Deputy Principal, Lindsay Norberg. Please note that this is easily accessible on the PARENT PORTAL.

We are very much looking forward to welcoming our new students on Tuesday, September 3 for their orientation day, and all students on Wednesday, September 4. 

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy long weekend.

Sincerely,

Kate

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

LATEST NEWS

Opening Weeks Schedule 

Please take a moment to review the Junior School Opening Weeks Schedule 2024 

Subscribing to Havergal Calendars

Some families find it helpful to subscribe to HC calendars, so that they appear on your digital calendar. Instructions on how to do this, are provided below for your reference:

Co-Curricular Registration

We appreciate your feedback regarding both the sign-up process for co-curriculars, and how quickly the clubs filled up. As a result, we are looking at options to see what we can do to maximize participation in our more popular clubs. Please stay tuned, and we will provide an update as soon as possible.

Carline Dismissal Cards

All NEW to Havergal students will receive a carline dismissal card on Tuesday, September 3, on their orientation day. 

All RETURNING Havergal students will receive a carline dismissal card on Wednesday, September 4. 

PLEASE NOTE:

  • Families Who Are DRIVING:
    • Should place a dismissal card on the dashboard of their car, so that it is easily visible to a member of our dismissal team. 
  • Families Who Are WALKING:
    • Are asked to bring their card, or know their dismissal card # 
  • Each family is issued with TWO dismissal cards.
    • Should you need additional cards, please contact: jso@havergal.on.ca and they would be happy to assist.

Before and After School Care (Gator Care) 

A reminder that our before and after school care program (“Gator Care”) opens on Wednesday, September 4th for students in SENIOR Kindergarten to Grade 6. It will be open for JK on Thursday, September 5th.

More details about the program can be found here: Junior School Gator Care 2024-25 

Terry Fox Run – Friday, September 13 (1:45 pm – 2:45 pm on the Cohen Field) – for Students in SK to Grade 6

The 2024 Terry Fox School Run is set for the afternoon of Friday, September 13, from 1:45 pm – 2:45 pm, and we are so excited to be taking part! Every year Havergal makes a huge difference with our donations to fund cancer research, while also building incredible school spirit. 

Ways to donate:

  • Havergal has raised over $275,000 in support of The Terry Fox Foundation, to date!
  • Please support our school’s fundraising efforts once again this year through our  Havergal College Terry Fox Donation Page.
  • Receipts are issued immediately to donors by email from the Terry Fox Foundation

Who can participate:

  • Students in SK  to Grade 6 will all take part! Our JK students will have regular programming in their class.
  • This is very much a community event, so all families are invited to join in by walking or running. Please meet us at the Cohen Field at 1:45 pm.
  • We kindly ask, however, that your furry friends stay at home. 

What students need to bring/wear:

  • Students will come to school dressed in their phys-ed uniform for the day
  • Sunscreen
  • A water bottle 
  • A hat if it’s a sunny day
  • Please dress appropriately for the weather 

Truth and Reconciliation Week & Orange Shirt Day

Havergal will be observing Truth and Reconciliation Week and Orange Shirt Day, from Monday, September 30 to Friday, October 4. This is a time for all Canadians to learn more about residential schools, their impact on Indigenous peoples today, and how to participate in meaningful reconciliation. We are honoured to be working in partnership with our indigenous partners, who are guiding us and programming throughout the week. Please note that this is just part of Havergal’s commitment to understanding what Truth and Reconciliation means, and will be revisited throughout the year, in various ways.

Please note that students are invited to wear an orange shirt on top of their regular HC uniform on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30th.

Should your child wish to wear an orange shirt on this day, here is a list of vendors who sell orange shirts that are either designed by Indigenous artists, are sold at Indigenous-owned businesses, or whose donations are going to reconciliation efforts:

Havergal’s Digital Device Policy

As you are now aware, Havergal has recently updated our Digital Device Policy. We will be reviewing this with students, starting with Grades 5 & 6 first, at the beginning of the school year.  As part of our commitment to working in partnership with families to help us nurture a positive school culture, reduce distractions, and foster digital wisdom, we wanted to share the following resources for your reference:

CELEBRATION SATURDAY

Celebration Saturday is fast approaching, taking place September 28 from 9:30 am to 1 pm. There will be games, activities, inflatables, the HCPA Hot Dog Hut, the Silent Auction, food trucks and more. If you are new to Havergal, we will have a meeting spot for all of our new families before the event begins where we can enjoy some coffee before heading over to the Opening Ceremonies together. This event is such an important event for our community and, of course, the Community Partners who the funds raised will support.   

More details on the day’s program, advance ticket options and volunteer opportunities are coming soon!

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

YOUR CHILD’S PERSONALIZED CALENDAR

Use this link to see a personalised summary of your child’s activities next week, on the Parent Portal.

KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON

Junior School Opening Weeks Schedule 2024 

Friday, September 13

  • Terry Fox Run

Saturday, September 28

  • Celebration Saturday

Monday, September 30 – Friday, 4

  • Truth and Reconciliation Week
  • Students are invited an orange shirt on top of their regular HC uniform on Monday, September 30

Monday, October 7

  • First Pizza Lunch of the year

Thursday, October 10

  • Harvest Festival (Brenda Robson Hall – 9:00 am – 10:00 am)