Month: September 2024

A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, September 27, 2024

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Families,

We are looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow at Celebration Saturday! Be sure to read all essential information that is needed to enjoy the day! This can be found below.

To help students understand the purpose of this day, and how in addition to it being a fun-filled day for the school, it is also an opportunity for us to raise funds in support of our community partners. Ms. Watt spoke about how we have built relationships with our community partners over time, and how acts of generosity can work in two directions, where everyone involved can benefit. 

We were thrilled to welcome Ms. Judith Reda, the Community and Corporate Fundraising Manager of one of our community partners – North York Harvest Food Bank, to prayers this morning. She taught us a little bit about the work they do to support the 30,000 people, many of whom are children, use their services, and how our donations make an impact. A food drive, in support of The North York Harvest Food Bank starts on Monday, and will run until Thursday, October 10. This year, we have also arranged for each of our Grade 6 classes to visit the food bank, have a tour, and sort donations.

Finally, a reminder that we will be honouring Truth and Reconciliation Week at Havergal, from JK – Grade 12. All the details you need to know can be found below.

Sincerely,

Kate

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

LATEST NEWS

Celebration Saturday – Essential Information

The campus is set and we are ready to host Celebration Saturday 2024!  A huge shout out to all of our volunteers for making this day possible. 

Attendance

  • While attendance is mandatory for students in Grades 4 – 12, students in JK – Grade 3 and their families are highly encouraged to join in the fun!
  • Bring extended friends and family…the more the merrier!

Wristbands and Tickets 

  • Pre-purchased wristbands have been sent home with students in envelopes.
  • For those who were not able to purchase in advance, there is no need to worry! Wristbands and tickets will be available to purchase in person tomorrow at the Upper School Rotunda, and the Upper School Dining Hall at 9:00 am
  • Please note that this will primarily be a CASHLESS EVENT but some vendors and food trucks will accept cash.

Schedule

  • 9:30 am Opening Ceremonies on Ratcliffe Field (students and their families are asked to come directly to the Ratcliffe field, rather than meeting at the Junior School, as has been done in the past.)
  • 11:30 am Silent Auction Closes 
    • Please note that bidding is online, and is already open. Bid early and often!
    • See the items here or in the Brenda Robson Hall. 
    • Winners can pick up items at noon.  
  • 1:00 am Event Concludes

Plan Your Route

  • Here is the map of the campus with all of the details for the day.
  • Be sure to make time to stop by The Bazaar in support of Old Girls/Alum, Parents, and student entrepreneurs in the Brenda Robson Hall.
    • A list of vendors is here

What to Wear

  • Students are asked to come dressed in House Colours
  • Parents are encouraged to dress casually and comfortably

Supervision of Students

  • Primary girls (JK to Grade 3) must be accompanied by their parents.

Parking

  • There is extremely limited parking available at the school on this day.
  • Should you wish to drive, you may consider checking out Spot Angels which can assist in finding legal parking spots. 
  • We highly encourage everyone to explore alternative transportation options on this day, such as walking, biking, or taking public transit.

Truth and Reconciliation Week – All You Need to Know for Next Week

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) week is a significant event that aims to educate and raise awareness about the history and ongoing impacts of the residential school system on Indigenous, First Nations and Métis communities. It’s an opportunity for students, parents, and educators to engage in meaningful dialogue and reflection.

During TRC week, we welcome Indigenous guests who share their stories and cultural practices, such as drumming, dance and drama, which are integral to their heritage. These activities not only honor Indigenous traditions but also foster a deeper understanding and respect for their culture.

By participating in TRC week, we aim to build bridges of understanding and reconciliation, ensuring that the lessons of the past lead to a more inclusive and respectful future for all. Your involvement and support in this week are crucial in helping us achieve these goals.

Monday, September 30 – National Orange Shirt Day 

  • All students (JK to Grade 12) are invited to wear an orange shirt on top of their regular uniform to honour those Indigenous children who were sent to residential schools, many never to return. This is not a dress down day.
    • Please note that students were originally told to wear their Orange shirts on Tuesday in the Junior School. They are to wear them on MONDAY instead. 

Tuesday, October 1 – Friday, October 4

  • We have arranged for thoughtful, age-appropriate programming, in collaboration with members of the Indigenous, First Nation and Métis communities, throughout the week.

Harvest Festival & Donations to the North York Harvest Food Bank (9:00 am – 9:30 am in the Brenda Robson Hall)

The Junior School annual Harvest Festival takes place on Thursday, October 10th at 9:00 am in the Brenda Robson Hall (Upper School). This formal service is an ideal and heart-warming start to the Thanksgiving long weekend, and a wonderful way for our community to gather and celebrate all that we have to be thankful for, as well as to support our community partners at the North York Harvest Food Bank. We look forward to welcoming you and your family members!

Donations to the North York Harvest Food Bank (September 30 – October 10)

The Junior School will be running a food drive in support of the North York Harvest Food Bank, between Monday, September 30 and Thursday, October 10. Students in JK to Grade 6 are asked to bring in non-perishable food items for donation. The following items are urgently needed:

  • Pasta, Rice, Grains
  • Canned Tomatoes
  • Canned Vegetables
  • Cooking Oil
  • Canned Fish

Please send your donations to school with your daughter. The can be placed in the bins outside the Junior School Library. 

Please note that parking is extremely limited for this event. As such, we encourage you to find alternative arrangements to come to the school, or to find alternative legal parking spaces using Spot Angels.

Celebrating Diwali in the Junior School on Friday, October 25 – Call for Participation

Diwali is the Indian “festival of lights,” and is acknowledged by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs around the world, and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. If you or your daughter(s) would like to be involved in delivering the message at Diwali Prayers, please let Rev. Jillian Ruch (jruch@havergal.on.ca)  by Tuesday, October 1, 2024. 

Should you wish to send in pictures of your family celebrating Diwali, to be included in our slide deck, please share them with Rev. Jillian Ruch, no later than Friday, October 18.

Student Photos – Reading for Ordering

We’re delighted to announce that your daughter’s school pictures are now available online for viewing and ordering.

To access your photos, visit Echo Photography When prompted for a password, enter your student’s unique Person ID.  Ordering is a breeze, and you can customize your prints or digitals with several options to suit your preferences. Check them out and share them with your family and friends.

If you have any questions or special requests, please get in touch with Cameron Hubbs at cameron@echophotography.ca or by text at 905-599-3557 

REMINDERS

Private Music Instruction 2024 2025

Private Music Instruction is open!  Please register via the Veracross Parent Portal using the last green button under Registrations. Once registration is complete, follow these instructions to access musician contact information.

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

Congratulations to our U11 Cross Country Team who swept the podium at the Havercrest meet on Thursday. A shout out to Halle Lamb, Charlotte Goldthorpe, Camille Rizvi and Emily Ke who placed 1st-4th out of 80 runners! 

Good Luck to our Basketball and Soccer teams who have their first game of the season this week. 

Please check the JS Athletics Schedule and Veracross Calendar for upcoming games and meets. 

Clubs

  • Clubs are off to a fantastic start and it’s been wonderful walking the halls to see the various activities in action. 

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

Saturday, September 28

  • Celebration Saturday (9:30 am – 1:00 pm)

Monday, September 30 – Friday, October 4

  • Truth and Reconciliation Week
  • Students are invited to wear their orange shirt on top of their 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 – 9:30 am)

A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, September 20, 2024

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Families, 

With the third week of school now complete, we are definitely in the “swing” of things.  It is so much fun to see our students run into school each morning, and witness all the ways that they are learning and growing already.

Today marked our inaugural “Thrive Day” in the Junior School. We were thrilled to have our Vice Principal of Student Life and Wellbeing, Ms. Krista Koekkoek join us in Prayers this morning. She spoke to us about the responsibility we have to take care of our own wellbeing, the wellbeing of other individuals’, and the wellbeing of our community. We then heard from Ms. Logaridis (Gr.2) who told us a story of perseverance and the power of a growth mindset (be sure to ask your daughter the story!) Ms. Fishman (JK) talked to us about the power of self-awareness, and how naming and understanding our emotions can help us to thrive. Finally,  Ms. Robertson, described how living a life that is aligned with her personal values helps her in being well

We are eager to spend more time over the course of the year supporting our students to develop just some of the behaviours they can use both now and in the future in support of wellbeing.

This week’s edition of The Weekly – Junior School contains information on the following:

Enjoy the weekend!

Sincerely,

Kate

LATEST NEWS

Reading Assessments Start Next Week

Beginning next week on Monday September 23rd, core teachers will conduct individual reading assessments with all students across the school. In order to avoid disruption to instructional time, these assessments will be completed from 8:00am – 9:00am on selected mornings. Students who are not being assessed will enjoy extended outdoor play time. Teachers will reach out to parents of students being assessed in the earlier time slots to ensure early arrival is possible.

No special preparation is needed for these assessments and you will not receive any specific scores. These assessments give teachers the opportunity to closely observe students’ fluency, accuracy and comprehension while reading texts in a one on one setting. The results are triangulated with daily observations and other classroom assessments to determine students’ needs, monitor their growth, and plan instruction. Should any specific concerns arise, your daughter’s teacher will reach out to you, otherwise reading progress and learning will be discussed at Parent Teacher Conferences in November. Please reach out to your daughter’s teacher should you have any specific concerns about her reading.

In the meantime, please support your daughter’s reading progress by ensuring she is regularly engaging in independent reading at home and/or reading aloud to her.

Join us for An Evening with Jake Ernst (MSW, RP) – Monday, Sept 30th

“Helping Our Children Manage Their Digital Devices and Strike a Healthy Balance”

Parents in grades 4 – 9 are encouraged to join us for an interactive evening with Jake Ernst, a registered social worker, psychotherapist and Clinical Director at Straight Up Health. On Monday September, 30, please join us in the Legacy Theatre at 7:00pm to learn about new strategies to help our children manage their digital devices and strike a healthy balance at home. Jake has extensive experience helping parents navigate the challenges of parenting during this digital age.

We look forward to seeing you, please register HERE

Private Music Instruction – Scheduled to begin October 1, 2024.

There is a new process for Private Music Instruction at Havergal in 2024-2025, designed to support the well being and musical ambitions of our students.  Families interested in Private Music Instruction in 2024-2025 are welcome to access this link for details. 

Tutors

Our teachers are available to support students who may be finding curriculum content complex or require additional practice. Parents may sometimes pursue outside support from tutors to close learning gaps or provide additional support outside school hours. While we welcome the opportunity to occasionally connect with tutors to share areas requiring further practice, our teachers cannot prepare material or academic packages for tutors to use in their sessions with your child. 

Parents can refer to Veracross posts for content being explored in class, and tutors can access what students in each grade are learning, using the Ontario Curriculum and Resources Website. 

REMINDERS

General Appearance

Wearing the school uniform well and with pride signals to our community that we are a learning community that values integrity, inquiry, compassion and courage. What follows are guidelines about our student’s general appearance that stand in relation to grade- and school-specific uniform expectations. In these matters, we expect the co-operation and support of parents. This information can be found on page 52 of the Family Handbook.

A few reminders for JS Students:

  • No makeup is permitted in the Junior School.
  • Nail polish is permitted (Junior and Upper Schools). No acrylic or “bio-gels” permitted in the Junior School.
  • A small stud or small ring may be worn in the nose and studs, small hoops (the size of a quarter) or small drop earrings may be worn in the ears.
  •  In the Junior School, wearing multiple bracelets and necklaces is not permitted.
  • Hair should be a natural colour for Junior School students.

Junior School Admission Ambassadors – Call for Volunteers

Although we have only just started the school year, the Admissions team is already looking ahead to September 2025! 

Beginning in early October, we will be offering Group Tours of the Junior School for prospective families, led by a group of committed parent volunteers. The tours will run on select Tuesdays and Thursdays each week at 9:30 am, 10:30 am, and 1 pm. Parent Ambassadors can sign up to give a tour according to their availability.

Our Parent Ambassadors play a crucial role in sharing the Havergal experience with prospective families. If you are interested in signing up to be a tour guide and joining our Parent Ambassador team for the upcoming school year use the following link: Parent Admissions Ambassador Sign Up

We will be in contact with all volunteers to invite you to join us for a training session (with coffee!) on Tuesday, September 24th at 9 am in the Junior School Dining Hall following Prayers.

Thank you in advance for considering supporting our department as we work to share the Havergal Junior School experience with prospective community members.

If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Szolopiak or Sarah Milligan in the Junior School Admission office.

sszolopiak@havergal.on.ca

416.483.3843 ext. 7614

smilligan@havergal.on.ca

416.483.3843 Ext.7548

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

  • Good Luck to the U12 swim team and our Gr. 4&5 runners from the U12 Cross Country Team. These student-athletes will be participating in their first meet this week. 
  •  Please check the JS Athletics Schedule for upcoming games and meets. 

Clubs

  • Clubs will begin on Monday. Keep an eye out for an email from the club instructor. 

CELEBRATION SATURDAY- GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Please note that this is a mandatory event for all students in Grades 4 – 12. Students in JK – Grade 3 are also warmly invited to join in the fun in support of our community partners.

Skip the Line – get your tickets and wristband now!

Families can order tickets and wristband now!  Presales close on Monday September 23rd.  This is a cashless event so tickets are the only way to get a coveted cookie gram, cotton candy, popcorn or new, this year from our partners Chartwells, breakfast poutine.  Price lists can be found here. Order tickets and wristbands HERE.   Please know, this is a popular event so expect lineups for tickets that day so ordering tickets in advance is really encouraged.

Silent Auction

The Celebration Saturday Silent Auction is live! Sign up in advance and bid now. Thank you to all who have donated items – we have fabulous opportunities for experiences, one of a kind items and HC special passes like reserved seating at events.   Bid now, bid often and know the bidding closes at 11:30 at the event. 

Still Looking for Volunteers

We’re still looking for Celebration Saturday volunteers–even an hour or two helps. Please sign up here (click through the pages to see all opportunities). 

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Grade 1 & 5 PJ Breakfasts

For Grades 1 and 5: Pick out your coziest pajamas and please save the date on October 16th and 17th for our annual Grade 5 breakfast!  An invitation with more details will be coming soon. 

Pre-Love Uniform Sale

The Pre Loved Uniform team would like to remind parents of their permanent collection bins across from the Learning Hub at the Junior School and in the alcove by the glass door entrance to the Upper School (across from the Green & Gold shop).  They gratefully accept skirts, tunics, pants, polo shirts, dress shirts, sweaters, 1/4 zip sweatshirts, jogging pants, blazers. 

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

Saturday, September 28

  • Celebration Saturday (9:00 am – 1:00 pm)
    • Please note that this is a mandatory event for all students in Grades 4 – 12. Students in JK – Grade 3 are also warmly invited to join in the fun in support of our community partners.

Monday, September 30 – Friday, 4

  • Truth and Reconciliation Week
  • Students are asked to wear their Orange Shirts

Monday, October 7

  • First Pizza Lunch of the year

Tuesday, October 8

  • JS High Holiday Prayers (8:25 am – 8:50 am in the JS Gym)
  • Reception to follow in the JS Dining Hall

Thursday, October 10

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

Friday, October 11 – Monday, October 14

  • Thanksgiving Long Weekend

Tuesday, October 15

  • Classes Resume

Friday, October 18

  • Jewish High-Holiday Prayers and Reception (8:25 am – 8:50  am in the JS Gym; Reception in the Dining Hall)

A Message From The Head of the Junior School – Friday, September 13

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Families,

We have just completed our first full week back to school, and what a week it has been!

Dr. Samson joined us on Tuesday for Prayers, where she talked to us about her love of the Olympics, and admiration of top female athletes, like Canadians Summer MacIntosh and Ellie Black, who have dedicated their lives to training and competing at the highest level. More than this, she noted that one of the things that she was most inspired by at this year’s Olympics, was how even in the toughest of competitions, they were able to find the compassion, courage,  and integrity to first and foremost show support for their competitors’ successes. As we begin our year by asking our students to reflect on “how they want to feel in our community,” and  asked how they might be inspired to work hard, try their best, and set big goals, but to also think about how we can go about supporting one another and how we can make others feel, both in our best moments, and in our toughest.

It was a very timely message as we prepared to participate in The Terry Fox Run this afternoon. Terry Fox represented the best that Canadians have to offer. He was an example of courage, humility, determination, and perseverance. We were proud to be able to participate in the run, and to help raise funds for cancer research. Should you still wish to donate you, it’s not too late to access the Havergal College Terry Fox Donation Page.

Finally, thank you to all who were able to join us at our Junior School People and Program Night yesterday evening. For those of you who were unable to attend, please feel free to reach out to your daughter’s homeroom teacher, if you have any questions or would like to see the slide deck from their presentation.

This week’s edition of The Weekly – Junior School contains information on the following:

LATEST NEWS

Introducing “Thrive Days”

We are thrilled to be introducing “Thrive Days” at Havergal this year. Thrive Days will occur throughout the year, and their purpose is to:

  • Normalize the human experience of emotion, reduce stigma;
  • Acknowledge that wellbeing is unique and diverse;
  • Support reflection and awareness building in what community members need to be well;
  • Provide new tools/skills to cope with life’s inevitable ups and downs;
  • Align with Havergal’s Commitment to Wellbeing.

Our first Thrive Day in the Junior School will be on Friday, Sept 20. We will share the purpose of these days to the students at Prayers on that morning as well as explain the  activities they can take part in. We look forward to continuing to develop some of the behaviours we can use  to care for ourselves, to care for others, and to care for our community throughout the year.

JS High Holiday Prayers – Call For Participation

The Junior School will be acknowledging Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur during Prayers on Friday, October 18, from 8:20 am – 8:50 am, in the JS Gym. Families are warmly invited to join us for this event, following which there will be a small reception for parents in the Dining Hall.

If your child celebrates the High Holidays, and is interested in participating in this special Prayers, please let them know to come to the Gator Care room at 10:00 am on TUESDAY, September 17th to meet with Rev. Ruch, Mr. Lucasecu, Ms. Partyka and myself so we can start the planning. We also made an announcement about this at Prayers last Tuesday.

Junior School Admission Ambassadors – Call for Volunteers

Although we have only just started the school year, the Admissions team is already looking ahead to September 2025! 

Beginning in early October, we will be offering Group Tours of the Junior School for prospective families, led by a group of committed parent volunteers. The tours will run on select Tuesdays and Thursdays each week at 9:30 am, 10:30 am, and 1 pm. Parent Ambassadors can sign up to give a tour according to their availability.

Our Parent Ambassadors play a crucial role in sharing the Havergal experience with prospective families. If you are interested in signing up to be a tour guide and joining our Parent Ambassador team for the upcoming school year, please sign up using this link.

We will be in contact with all volunteers to invite you to join us for a training session (with coffee!) on Tuesday, September 24th at 9 am in the Junior School Dining Hall following Prayers.

Thank you in advance for considering supporting our department as we work to share the Havergal Junior School experience with prospective community members.

If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Szolopiak or Sarah Milligan in the Junior School Admission office.

sszolopiak@havergal.on.ca

416.483.3843 ext. 7614

smilligan@havergal.on.ca

416.483.3843 Ext.7548

JS Musical – Update

We want to let you know that due to a number of factors, we will not be producing a Junior School Musical this year. Don’t worry though! The Musical will be back at a later date!

Instead, we have arranged to run musical theatre programming for students in Grades 3 – 6, three times a year (one in each term). We are grateful for the incredible contributions of Ms. Carson and the JS team of teachers who have led our students over the last three years.

This term, we are very pleased to be working with Act One Productions, who have come highly recommended by a number of Havergal families. We look forward to continuing to support our aspiring actors and singers in developing their talents, and working as part of a team of peers who share their passion for the stage. Ms. Carson, Mme. Scharf, Ms. Iannarella, Mme. Rizzo and Ms. Remtulla will be running Musical Theatre clubs in both the winter and spring terms.

Delivering Lunches

We understand that there are times when it is not possible to get a student’s lunch packed and ready for the beginning of the day. Should you wish to drop off your daughter’s lunch bag at reception before lunch, you are welcome to do so.

We ask, however, that you not use food delivery services such as Uber or Skip the Dishes to send food to the school. 

If a child is ever in a position where they do not have a lunch or snack, we would be happy to ensure that they are well fed.

REMINDERS

Labelling Your Child’s Belongings

With school now fully underway, it ESSENTIAL that all students belongings are labelled! This is especially important for all uniform items, jackets, water bottles and food containers. If unlabelled, it is incredibly difficult to have them returned to the proper owner.

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

  • Please register ASAP as Athletics starts on Monday. 
  • Please check the JS Athletics Schedule and look out for an email from your coach. 

Clubs

  • Registration has now closed and clubs will begin the week of September 23, 2024. 

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Please make sure you RSVP for the HCPA coffee mornings next week (JK-Grade 3, Sept 17 and Grade 4-6, Sept 19). Drop in for a quick coffee and chat with other parents in your class and meet new one

CELEBRATION SATURDAY

Volunteers Needed

We’re still looking for Celebration Saturday volunteers–even an hour or two helps. Please sign up here (click through the pages to see all opportunities). 

Skip the Line – get your tickets and wristband now!

Families can order tickets and wristband now!  Presales close on Monday September 23rd.  This is a cashless event so tickets are the only way to get a coveted cookie gram, cotton candy, popcorn or new, this year from our partners Chartwells, breakfast poutine.  Price lists can be found here. Order tickets and wristbands HERE.   Please know, this is a popular event so expect lineups for tickets that day so ordering tickets in advance is really encouraged.

Please note that this is a mandatory event for all students in Grades 4 – 12. Students in JK – Grade 3 are also warmly invited to join in the fun in support of our community partners.

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

Friday, September 20

  • JS Thrive Day

Saturday, September 28

  • Celebration Saturday (9:00 am – 1:00 pm)
    • Please note that this is a mandatory event for all students in Grades 4 – 12. Students in JK – Grade 3 are also warmly invited to join in the fun in support of our community partners.

Monday, September 30 – Friday, October 4

  • Truth and Reconciliation Week

Monday, October 7

  • First Pizza Lunch of the year

Thursday, October 10

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

A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, September 6, 2024

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear JS Families,

I cannot tell you how wonderful it has been to welcome both our new and returning students to campus this week. The energy is amazing, and we are excited to see all that will transpire this year.

We had our first formal prayers this morning. I asked our students to consider the following question: “HOW DO YOU WANT TO FEEL AT SCHOOL?”

In the past, each class has created a set of classroom agreements or promises that they have committed to at the beginning of the year. This year, however, we are doing things a little bit differently. Instead of asking them to think about the ACTIONS they want to take at school, to foster a positive classroom community, we are asking them to reflect on how they want to FEEL, first. 

Our faculty and staff have been engaged in professional development for the last year, based on the work of Marc Brackett, who is the lead developer of “RULER.” “RULER” is an evidence-based approach to social and emotional learning (SEL) developed at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. We are thrilled to now be launching this approach with our students

RULER, an acronym for the five skills of emotional intelligence (Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing, and Regulating). It acts to support entire school communities in understanding the value of emotions, building the skills of emotional intelligence, and creating and maintaining a positive school climate.

RULER aims to infuse the principles of emotional intelligence into the immune system of schools, enhancing how students learn, teachers teach, families, parents, and leaders lead. It has been proven to boost academic performance, decrease school problems like bullying, enrich classroom climates, reduce teacher stress and burnout, and enhance teacher instructional practices. 

To learn more, visit: RULER Approach

Wishing you all a restful weekend. We are eager to see everyone back on Monday for our first full week together. 

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

LATEST NEWS

Gator Care Registration

We wanted to let you know that there was an issue with the Gator Care Sign Up form on the Parent Portal. This has now been remedied. 

Should you wish to sign your child(ren) up regularly for Gator Care, kindly do so on the Parent Portal. Alternatively, simply use the following link: Gator Care Registration Form.

How You Can Support a SAFE and EFFICIENT Arrival and Dismissal Process

Join us in ensuring that our Junior School remains a consistently safe environment for everyone in our community. Our amazing team of teachers and security professionals are here to support in this process, please follow their directions!

Parking

  • Only JK/SK Parents/Guardians are permitted to park in the Junior School Parking Lot, so that they can pick up their child from the  JK/SK door, at the rear of the building.
  • No other families are permitted to park in the JS parking lot during dismissal.
  • Please note that there cars must NEVER be left unattended along the driveway, as this impedes traffic flow during both arrival and dismissal.

Arrive for Dismissal at School During Your Child’s Designated Time 

  • Group 1: JK & SK: Students will be dismissed at 3:00 pm.
  • Group 2: Grades 1 – 3:  Students will be dismissed at 3:05 pm.
  • Group 3: Grades 4 to 6:  Students will be dismissed at 3:15 pm. 
  • Please NOTE
    • If you are early, you may be asked to temporarily leave the Junior School driveway.If you have more than one child, please arrive during the time slot assigned to your eldest child.

Dismissal Cards

  • Have your laminated dismissal card clearly visible. 
  • It is easiest to see if it is placed on the dashboard of the front passenger seat.

When Using the Carline

  • Stay in the “cue,” rather than driving ahead and around other vehicles, unless instructed otherwise by one of our security professionals.
  • Have students ready to exit, curbside, as soon as your car stops alongside the curb (backpacks, water bottles, etc, should be easily accessible). Stay in your car, if at all possible. If you need to exit your car to assist your child to get out of a car seat or booster, please do so quickly. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAR UNATTENDED AT ANY TIME!
  • Abide by the signage both on and off school property. This includes: driving 10 km along the driveway, not parking along the driveway during peak times, no double parking, or stopping in restricted zones on Rosewell Ave. 

When Walking

  • Cross at the designated crosswalk with the crossing guard and flashing pylons, and NOT across the driveway exit.

To learn more, please refer to our Junior School Arrival and Dismissal  Protocols.

Helpful Parenting Podcast: Untangling All Things Digital for Parents

Dr. Lisa Damour publishes excellent weekly podcasts for parents on relevant issues. Last week’s recording was particularly resonant as we look to supporting our students with device use both in school and at home. 

Dr. Damour explores top concerns like:

  • managing kids’ screen time
  • the pressure to get devices
  • handling social media’s impact on teenagers

They also discuss valuable strategies for: 

  • putting boundaries on technology use
  • keeping phones out of bedrooms
  • dealing with the reality of kids encountering toxic content online

REMINDERS

Prayers and Digital Devices

It was so lovely to see so many parents and grandparents at Prayers this morning. Families are always most welcome to join us.

With the launch of our new Havergal College Digital Device Policy 2024-25, we are asking that parents put their phones away during Prayers. This is very helpful in modelling the behaviours we are asking from our students. 

We know that when a student is performing or delivering a message in Prayers, that family members want to capture it on video or in a photo. We understand this, and simply ask that you do this discreetly, and then put the phone away, once they have finished. Thank you for your partnership as we strive to nurture a positive school culture; reduce distractions; and foster the digital wisdom of our students.

People and Program Night – Thursday, September 12 (6:00 pm – 7:30 pm)

We are very much looking forward to welcoming families to people and program night next week.

Here is a link that outlines the JS People and Program Evening Schedule:

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. Students can come to school dressed in their phys-ed uniform for the day. 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!
  • 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
  • A water bottle 
  • A hat 
  • Please dress appropriately for the weather 

Acknowledging Truth and Reconciliation Week & Orange Shirt Day

Havergal will be honouring Truth and Reconciliation Week from Monday, September 30 – Friday, 4. 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. 

Students are invited to wear an orange shirt on this day, 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:

CO-CURRICULARS

Registration for co-curricular activities is still open! 

Athletics

  • Please register ASAP as Athletics starts on Monday. 
  • Please check the JS Athletics Schedule and look out for an email from your coach. 

Clubs

  • Registration closes on Thursday, September 12 at 8pm.

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

We are looking forward to hosting coffee mornings throughout the fall.  Please make sure you RSVP for the HCPA coffee mornings next week if it is for your grade.  Drop in for a quick coffee and chat with other parents in your class and meet new ones.

CELEBRATION SATURDAY – September 28,2024

Ticket sales will begin soon – check next week’s Weekly for the link! Looking to volunteer? We’re still looking for Celebration Saturday volunteers–even an hour or two helps. Please sign up here (click through the pages to see all opportunities). 

Please note that this is a mandatory event for all students in Grades 4 – 12. Students in JK – Grade 3 are also warmly invited to join in the fun in support of our community partners.

There are still a few vendor spots left at the Celebration Saturday Bazaar. Please email Martha Fell (martha@jaxxandmarbles.com) and complete this form and contract.

We are also seeking items for our amazing Silent Auction. Click here for more details.

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

Thursday, September 12

  • People and Program Night  (6:00 pm – 7:30 pm in the JS Gym)

Friday, September 13

  • Terry Fox Run (1:45 pm – 2:45 pm on the Cohen Field)

Saturday, September 28

  • Celebration Saturday (9:00 am – 1:00 pm)
    • Please note that this is a mandatory event for all students in Grades 4 – 12. Students in JK – Grade 3 are also warmly invited to join in the fun in support of our community partners.

Monday, September 30 – Friday, 4

  • Truth and Reconciliation Week

Monday, October 7

  • First Pizza Lunch of the year

Thursday, October 10

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