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

On By havergaljuniorschool

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)

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