A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, October 4, 2024

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Families,

This week Havergal observed Truth and Reconciliation Week, starting by participating in Orange Shirt Day on Monday, September 30. 

The Junior School is so pleased to have developed meaningful relationships with members of the Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities over the last  number of years. We are particularly grateful during TRC Week to partner with them, so that we can provide opportunities for learning and reflection. A sincere note of thanks to : Herbie Barnes, Marisa Magneson, Marjie Chud, Theresa Kutknife, Spirit Wind Women’s Hand Drum Group, and The Redsky Performance Group. It was an honour to welcome everyone back to the Junior School this week, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside them.

It is our hope that this week will inspire our students, not just now, but in the future to:

  • Develop a deeper appreciation for the diverse histories, cultures, languages, and traditions of Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples;
  • Think about what truth and reconciliation means, and how they might take on Spirit Bear’s Call to Action; 
  • Consider how we can stand up for equity and inclusivity, and recognize how small actions can contribute to building stronger, more respectful relationships.

For all those celebrating Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we wish you a Shana Tova and a meaningful Yom Kippur.

Sincerely,

Kate

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

LATEST NEWS

Message of Support

As the school year progresses and its initial excitement ebbs and flows, the demands of classwork, co-curriculars and the pressure students place on themselves can feel daunting.

We also want to acknowledge that some students in our community may be carrying burdens beyond school. Family challenges, health and wellness concerns, local and world events, conflicts, and personal losses can weigh heavily on them.

As a compassionate community built on trusted relationships, we want our students and their families to know that the following resources are available for support whenever needed. Havergal is invested in the growth, care and development of your children and we want to partner with you in times of need. Below please find a list of resources and contacts available:

Junior School:

Fostering Purpose in Our Kids – Tuesday, October 29 (7:00 pm – 8:30 pm)

As part of our Parents as Partners Speaker Series, Havergal is delighted to welcome Dr. Belle Liang & Tim Klein on Tuesday, October 29, authors of ‘How to Navigate Life’.   Their research and talk will focus on helping our kids find purpose and its vital connection to their wellbeing (and ours). The talk will be from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm in the Legacy Theatre and will have relevant takeaways for parents of students of all ages (JK-12). Registration for the event can be found here. 

Our guest speakers will also be working with our students from Grades 7 – 12 during their day and running professional development with our faculty. This commitment to fostering purpose in students at Havergal and embedding its principles in our programming is a part of a year-long partnership with Liang and Klein and we welcome your partnership on this key next step in our commitment to wellbeing.

Celebration Saturday – Thank you!

Thank you for your participation in Celebration Saturday and your support of our community partners! We’re excited to share a video that highlights the incredible work our students are doing alongside these partners: “Community Partnerships at Celebration Saturday 2024.

Pizza Lunch is on Monday

Our students are excited for the first pizza lunch of the year! Should you have any questions regarding this program, or Food Services in general, please contact chartwells@havergal.on.ca 

If your child is not signed up for Pizza lunch, please have them bring a packed lunch. 

A Message From Our Gator Care Team

Should you and your family attend Gator Care, we encourage you to read the Gator Care Monthly Blast. This will provide you with a high-level overview of what is happening, and quick reminders

Photo Retakes – Thursday, October 10

Photo Retakes are this Thursday, October 10 in the afternoon. If you wish your child to have their photo taken, or your child was away, please sign up here:

JS Photo Retakes

If you have any questions, please reach out to the photographer, Cameron Hubbs at: 905-599-3557 or by email at: cameron@echophotography.ca.

REMINDERS

Harvest Festival & Donations to the North York Harvest Food Bank 

Harvest Festival

  • What students should wear # 1 Concert Dress, which consists of:
    • White long-sleeve dress shirt
    • Tie
    • Tunic (JK-Grade 3) and Kilt (grades 5 and 6)
    • Tights, not socks (if you do not have tights, please arrange with your family to order some from the Green and Gold shop)
    • Black shoes
    • Hair back from face with minimal hair accessories that are the same colour as your hair or the HC official hair accessories  
  • Time and Location
    • The service will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m., and will end at 9:30 a.m. in the Brenda Robson Hall, which is located in the Upper School
  • Photos and Videos
    • We will have members of our Marketing and Communications’ Team on hand to take videos and photos of the service;
    • As in Prayers, we ask families not to take photos or videos during the service. Should your daughter have a speaking role, you are permitted to take a photo or short video, and we ask that you be discreet while doing so.
  • Parking
    • Parking is extremely limited at the school. We encourage you to walk, carpool, or take alternative transportation. Should you wish to drive, you are invited to check out Spot Angels, which can assist you in finding nearby free or paid parking options. 

Food Drive

The Food Drive is still happening all next week! Please note that the North York Harvest Food Bank is looking for the following items. These can be brought to school and placed in the boxes outside the library.

  • Pasta, Rice, Grains
  • Canned Tomatoes
  • Canned Vegetables
  • Cooking Oil
  • Canned Fish
  • Baby food/formula

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

Congratulations to our 6 Junior School Basketball teams, which had their first tournament of the season. Also, our U12 Soccer team went on to play against Bayview Glen. 

Good Luck to the Cross Country and the Swim team on their second meet of the season next 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. 

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Grade 1 & 5 Breakfasts

Reminder to RSVP for the Grade 1 and Grade 5 breakfasts. 

  • Grade 1 Breakfast RSVP Link
  • Grade 5 Breakfast RSVP Link 

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

Monday, October 7

  • First Pizza Lunch of the year

Thursday, October 10

  • Harvest Festival (Brenda Robson Hall – 9:00 am – 9:30 am)

Tuesday, October 29

  • Half-Day

Thursday, October 31

  • Halloween – Students come dressed in their costumes

Thursday, November 7 – Monday, November 11

  • School Closed for November Mid-term Break

Tuesday, November 12

  • Classes resume

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