Month: January 2025

A Message From The Head of the Junior School – Friday, January 31, 2025

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Families,

We had two very special prayers in the Junior School this week that acted as opportunities to learn, reflect, and embrace the diversity of our community. 

On Tuesday, we took time to honour Holocaust Remembrance Day. Rev Ruch led us in a thoughtful reflection, and shared that on January 27th, each year, we remember the over 6 millions Jewish people who died, how they died, and the family members and lives that have forever been changed because of the Holocaust. She spoke about the power of listening to the stories of Holocaust survivors, and those of their families, so that we can better understand what happened, to remember these terribly sad times, and finally, to take our sadness and promise ourselves that we will do our part to make sure that it never happens again.  

This morning, we had the opportunity to celebrate and learn more about the rich history and traditions of the Lunar New Year. We had students from Grade 1 – Grade 6 teach us about the origins of the Lunar New Year and the Legend of Nian; learn about just some of the traditional dishes that are enjoyed; watch a Lion Dance performed by Upper School students; sing a song in Mandarin; enjoy both a Wushu (which is a Chinese Martial Art), and a traditional Chinese dance; watch a short play about the zodiac signs; and finally see a Fashion Show showcasing some of the beautiful outfits worn to celebrate the Lunar New Year. It was truly a spectacular and joyous celebration.

I am grateful for thoughtful work, learning, and practice that went into making these two prayers so special. Thank you to all involved.

Warmly,

Kate

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

Latest News

Reminders

LATEST NEWS

Havergal Launches Centre for Learning Research

Havergal is excited to announce the launch of the Centre for Learning Research, an exciting initiative dedicated to fostering excellence in student learning, innovation and inquiry, with a particular focus on girls’ education. 

This transformative Centre will play a critical role in advancing the school’s learning and teaching priorities earmarked within our strategic plan, Empowering Excellence.

Leading this new initiative will be Dr. Seonaid Davis, currently the school’s Vice-Principal of Teaching & Learning. Dr. Davis will assume the role on July 1st and will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the Centre, integrating research-driven practices into every aspect of student learning and faculty development.

Stay tuned for updates about the Centre’s progress and research activities in the coming months. 

Spirit Week – Monday, February 10 – Thursday, February 13 

Havergal Spirit Week is almost here to help us keep smiling and engaged through the grey days of winter. Spirit Week planning committees in both the Junior and Upper Schools have been carefully planning activities and dress-down days to bolster our students’ pride in their school, provide opportunities for connection, and to just have some fun!  Please read below for some key information:

Monday, February 10 – Regular Uniform (Not a dress down day)

  • JK – Grade 3
    • Students will come together during wellbeing time to share “warm and fuzzy” compliments with one another.
  • Grades 4 – 6
    • In preparation for Hockey Day, students will work together to create posters to cheer on our HC hockey teams, when we go to the Mattamy Center.

Tuesday, February 11 – Green and Gold Hockey Day (full dress-down day)

  • Students in JK–  Grade 6 are invited to wear FULL green and gold clothing to show their school spirit. Don’t have any green and gold wear? Not a problem! Students are welcome to wear their HPE shirt, or any Havergal “swag” to show their school spirit.
  • JK – Grade 3
    • Students will remain at school, and have the opportunity to join in the fun, by watching the Live Stream of our JS Hockey Team play at intermission, 
  • Grade 4 – 6
    • Students will be attending the Hewitt Cup Hockey game in the afternoon. 

Wednesday, February 12 – House Accessory Day (on top of uniform)

  • Students are invited to show their house pride, by wearing house accessories on top of their Havergal uniform.

Thursday, February 13  – An “Ode to Valentine’s Day” (full dress down day)

  • In honour of Valentine’s Day, all students are welcome to come to school wearing the valentine’s colour of their choice, or anything that they love! 

Friday, February 14 – Monday, February 19 – Family Day Weekend

  • No Classes

REMINDERS

Speed Limit on the JS Driveway – 10 km/hr

We have noticed an increase in speed with which some cars are driving along the JS Driveway at morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. It is essential, especially in times where we have ice and snow, that people adhere to the speed limit of 10 km/hour. 

Re-registration for 2025-2026 is from January 27 – February 2, 2025

Re-registration for the 2025/26 school year will open on Monday January 27.  

Families will receive an email from the Board of Governors on that day with a link to reregistration and can also access reregistration through the Parent Portal Landing Page. Re-registration, which includes both completing the online forms and submitting the deposit,  is due on Monday February 2, 2025. We cannot guarantee a place for students who re-register after this date.  

While we are certainly hoping to be welcoming all of our students back next year, we recognize that family situations change and relocations occur.  If you are aware that your daughter is not returning to Havergal, please let us know by emailing mhw@havergal.on.ca as soon as possible so we can ensure we have a fulsome admission process at all necessary years.  

Hockey Day Registration for Students in Grades 4 – 6  – ACTION REQUIRED

On Tuesday, February 11, Havergal College will face the Bishop Strachan School (BSS) U20 Hockey team in a battle for the Hewitt Cup. This is affectionately known as HOCKEY DAY! In this annual game, faculty, staff, and students are decked out in green and gold to cheer on our Gators with pride. Our Junior School Gators hockey team will play the BSS Junior School team during the first intermission. 

Registration Link for Hockey Day 

Please note:

  • Registration is now open, and will close at noon, on Monday, February 3
  • Student accounts will be charged $25 to attend the event, which includes bus transportation and admission to the arena. 
  • To review the Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk Click Here 
  • All students will return by bus and can not be picked up from the arena. If you have any questions or if you know in advance that your child will be absent on hockey day please contact Ms. Bartlett (abartlett@havergal.on.ca).  

Pizza Lunch is on Monday, February 3

Students will enjoy a Pizza Lunch on Monday, February 3. Thank you to all of our parent volunteers and the Chartwells’ Team, who make this run so seamlessly.

Should your daughter not participate in Pizza Lunch, please remember to pack her a lunch on this day.

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

Clubs

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Pre-loved Uniform Sale

  • Come to the Junior School Learning Hub Wednesday, Feb 5, from 2-5 pm for the Pre Loved Uniform sale.   Excellent deals on gently used uniform items!   Sizing from JK – grade 12.   The team is also looking for parent volunteers.  Please click here to sign up to help before and during the event.  
  • In addition, the HCPA marketplace will be selling some additional items from their inventory.  You can also visit their website, HCPA marketplace, to purchase anytime during the year.

JS Bake Sale

  • The Bake Sale is back! Please save the date on Thursday, February 13. All Junior School students will have an opportunity to attend our delicious annual bake sale with their class. This will be a cash only event, so please send up to $10 with your daughter so she can make her purchases.
  • Please click here to sign up for donations.  We welcome all types of nut-free baked good donations.
  • We are also looking for parent volunteers. Please click here to sign up if you can help with setup or during the bake sale. 

A-mazing Race

  • A-mazing Race! Save the date – Sunday, May 4. All Junior School students and an adult guest are invited to join us for the always popular A-mazing Race—more details coming soon!

Grade Socials

  • The Grade Evening socials are coming up!  Please see below some details and also the Evite links to RSVP.  We hope to see you all there!

Grade JK, SK, 1, 2 & 3: Thursday, February 27, 2025.7- 9 pm,  Theme: Wine and Cheese

Evite: Click Here 

Grades 4, 5 & 6: Thursday, February 20, 2025, 7 – 9 pm, Theme: Sip and Share

Evite: Click Here

KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON

Monday, February 3

  • Pizza Lunch in the JS

Tuesday, February 4

  • Black Excellence Prayers (8:25 am – 8:55 am in the JS Gym)

Tuesday, Feb 11

  • Hockey Day Gr. 4-6 at Mattamy arena 1:00 pm – 3:15 pm 

Thursday, February 13

  • JS Bake Sale

Friday, February 14 

  • Mid Term Break – School Closed

Monday, February 17

  • Mid Term Break – School Closed

Friday, March 7

  • Last Day of Classes

Monday, March 10 – Monday, March 24

  • March Break

Tuesday, March 25

  • Classes Resume for Students

A Message From The Head of the Junior School – Friday, January 24, 2025

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Families,

While a polar vortex has passed through Toronto, things at Havergal have remained HOT, HOT, HOT in the Junior School! This week our students have welcomed numerous guests to their classrooms, introducing them to Muay Thai, Zoomba Athletics, Shadow Puppet Theatre, and a visit from “Science Stan,” who worked with our Grade 6s to build their own models of the “Canadarm,” as part of their learning on space. In addition, we were thrilled to welcome over 80 families, with prospective students in JK and Grade 1, to the Junior School this week, as they participated in the assessment component of the admission process. Finally, it was such a pleasure to engage with so many of our new families on Wednesday evening! I remain grateful to be part of such a dynamic community, who looks deliberately to the past, present and future.

Warmly,

Kate

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

Latest News

Reminders

LATEST NEWS

A Message from our Principal, Dr. Katrina Samson

Dear Havergal Community,

Happy 2025! The start of the new calendar year turns our attention forward to the excitement ahead. Just as our grads look toward June and the transition that will come with graduation, we look forward to welcoming new families and team members.

Today, I’m sharing the bittersweet news that Mr. Garth Nichols, Vice Principal, Experiential Education & Innovation, has been appointed as the next Head of School at Kingsway College School in Etobicoke. Mr. Nichols will assume his new role this summer, and while we will greatly miss his leadership and vision at Havergal, I know you will join me in congratulating him on this exciting next chapter in his career.

Mr. Nichols has had a wonderful impact during his time with us and his contributions to Havergal will leave a lasting legacy. He has been instrumental in advancing experiential and global education at the College, including his leadership in developing the Global Learning and Leading Diploma and his exceptional guidance of HC-X, our innovation hub. He has also been a steadfast advocate for Havergal’s work in Truth and Reconciliation, nurturing relationships with Indigenous educators who have partnered with our students and staff to support our continued learning, growth and action.

I am also pleased to share that, over the next year, our global education initiatives, the Forum for Change, and HC-X will report to Deputy Principal Ms. Lindsay Norberg. With her deep understanding of Havergal’s vision and mission, her previous work with our global experience program, and her years of dedicated leadership, Ms. Norberg is well-positioned to guide these important areas of our programming. I am confident that, under her stewardship, these teams will continue to thrive and advance their impactful work.

Please join me in thanking Mr. Nichols for his many contributions to Havergal and wishing him every success in his new role. 

Incident Near Havergal Today

We want to inform you about an incident near our school earlier today. Toronto Police Services were contacted when a community member acted aggressively toward students in the area. We can confirm that no Havergal students were involved or harmed. 

Our security team is aware of the individual and has taken precautions to ensure student safety. The person has since been apprehended by police.

As always, the safety and wellbeing of our students remain our top priority. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Student Led conferences: April 11th –  No Classes for Students

We are thrilled to announce that this year, for the first time, we will host Student-Led Conferences in the Junior School. This new initiative offers a wonderful opportunity for our students to take center stage in sharing their learning journey with you.

What Are Student-Led Conferences?
These conferences will showcase what students are currently learning in the classroom and provide them with the chance to present their progress to you formally. The focus will be on the learning process and self-reflection, which aligns with our broader educational philosophy and strategic plan. The goal is to empower students to take ownership of their learning while fostering a meaningful dialogue between students and parents. This is part of our ongoing commitment to incorporate student voice and reflection into our parent-teacher conferences and formal reporting, a key initiative in our strategic plan.  Rather than the traditional teacher-run parent-teacher conferences, this approach shifts the focus to the students themselves, allowing them to actively engage in reflection, goal-setting, and metacognition.

We hope that these conferences will allow for rich, reflective conversations that highlight not only what your child has accomplished but also the ways in which they are thinking about and growing in their learning. We look forward to celebrating our students’ achievements and growth with you at the upcoming Student-Led Conferences.

The Great Movement Challenge

This morning in prayers we highlighted the importance of getting moving. From January 25th to February 7th we challenge the Junior School to The Great Movement Challenge! This challenge is over a two-week period where you will get active for as many minutes as possible! Students have been given a tracking form (click the link to print) that they can hand into the mailbox outside of the HPE office after each week. Getting active can be as easy as playing in your backyard, skipping with a jump rope or going for a walk. We hope that you will get your child moving as much as possible during the great movement challenge! 

Lunar New Year Prayers – Friday, January 31

Students who celebrate the Lunar New Year are welcome to wear their celebratory outfits on this day, for the full day.

Please note that parking is extremely limited at the school, and families are encouraged to either use Spot Angels to find alternative parking arrangements, or consider using public transport. 

Bake Sale! Bake Sale! Bake Sale! – Save the date: Thursday, February 13 

All Junior School students will have an opportunity to attend our delicious annual bake sale with their class. This will be a cash only event, so please send up to $10 with your daughter so she can make her purchases.

Donations: 

  • If you love baking, cookie decorating, making popcorn or candy kabobs, we are looking for you! We welcome all types of nut-feee baked good donations including cookies, cupcakes, cake pops, candy kabobs, pop corn, muffins, donuts etc for the sale. 
  • Please sign up: Sign-Up Genius – Donations
  • Please individually wrap the treats in enticing packaging with packaging ideas being Valentine’s Day, Springtime, Floral, Winter, Lunar New Year, Unicorns, Rainbows etc 
  • If you have any plastic trays that you can either lend or donate to the HCPA for setting up the treats, please drop them off at the JS front desk by February 12. If you would like them returned, please label them with your name and contact info.

Volunteers: 

  • We are looking for volunteers to help with receiving, pricing and setting up the baked goods as well as to help with the sale and clean up. 
  • Please sign up: Sign-up Genius – Volunteers

REMINDERS

Re-registration for 2025-2026 is from January 27 – February 2, 2025

Re-registration for the 2025/26 school year will open on Monday January 27.  

Families will receive an email from the Board of Governors on that day with a link to reregistration and can also access reregistration through the Parent Portal Landing Page. Re-registration, which includes both completing the online forms and submitting the deposit,  is due on Monday February 2, 2025. We cannot guarantee a place for students who re-register after this date.  

While we are certainly hoping to be welcoming all of our students back next year, we recognize that family situations change and relocations occur.  If you are aware that your daughter is not returning to Havergal, please let us know by emailing Maggie Houston-White as soon as possible so we can ensure we have a fulsome admission process at all necessary years.  

Hockey Day Registration for Students in Grades 4 – 6  – REGISTRATION – ACTION REQUIRED

On Tuesday, February 11, Havergal College will face the Bishop Strachan School (BSS) U20 Hockey team in a battle for the Hewitt Cup. This is affectionately known as HOCKEY DAY! In this annual game, faculty, staff, and students are decked out in green and gold to cheer on our Gators with pride. Our Junior School Gators hockey team will play the BSS Junior School team during the first intermission. 

Like last year, this year’s game will be played at the Mattamy Athletic Centre (Formerly Maple Leaf Gardens) located at 50 Carlton St, Toronto. Attendance is mandatory for students in Grades 4 to 8. The parents of all attendees must complete the online registration and purchase tickets in advance. 

Registration Link for Hockey Day 

***REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN AND WILL CLOSE ON MONDAY FEBRUARY 4th AT NOON***

Please note:

  • Student accounts will be charged $25 to attend the event, which includes bus transportation and admission to the arena. 
  • To review the Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk Click Here 
  • All students will return by bus and can not be picked up from the arena. If you have any questions or if you know in advance that your child will be absent on hockey day please contact Ms. Bartlett (abartlett@havergal.on.ca).  

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

  • JS Athletics Schedule 
  • A gentle reminder to please pick up your child from outside the gym unless they have a green bag tag. Thanks. 

Clubs

  • JS Clubs Schedule
  • Winter Clubs are off to a great start and a gentle reminder to please pick up your child from the classroom unless they’re in Primary or Junior Choir as they’ll be dismissed in the carline.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Pre-loved Uniform Sale

  • Come to the Junior School Learning Hub Wednesday, Feb 5, from 2-5 pm for the Pre Loved Uniform sale.   Excellent deals on gently used uniform items!   Sizing from JK – grade 12.   The team is also looking for parent volunteers.  Please click here to sign up to help before and during the event.  
  • In addition, the HCPA marketplace will be selling some additional items from their inventory.  You can also visit their website, HCPA marketplace, to purchase anytime during the year.

JS Bake Sale

  • The Bake Sale is back! Please save the date on Thursday, February 13. All Junior School students will have an opportunity to attend our delicious annual bake sale with their class. This will be a cash only event, so please send up to $10 with your daughter so she can make her purchases.
  • Please click here to sign up for donations.  We welcome all types of nut-free baked good donations.
  • We are also looking for parent volunteers. Please click here to sign up if you can help with setup or during the bake sale. 

A-mazing Race

  • A-mazing Race! Save the date – Sunday, May 4. All Junior School students and an adult guest are invited to join us for the always popular A-mazing Race—more details coming soon!

Grade Socials

  • The Grade Evening socials are coming up!  Please see below some details and also the Evite links to RSVP.  We hope to see you all there!
  • JK, SK, Grades 1, 2 & 3: Thursday, February 27, 2025.7- 9 pm,  Theme: Wine and Cheese
  • Grades 4, 5 & 6: Thursday, February 20, 2025, 7 – 9 pm, Theme: Sip and Share

Evite for JK, SK, Grades 1, 2 & 3: Click Here 

Evite for Grades 4, 5 & 6: Click Here

KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON

Tuesday, January 28

  • Holocaust Remembrance Prayers (8:25 am – 8:55 am in the JS Gym)

Friday, January 31

  • Lunar New Year Prayers (8:25 am – 8:55 am in the JS Gym)

Tuesday, February 4

  • Black Excellence Prayers (8:25 am – 8:55 am in the JS Gym)

Tuesday, Feb 11

  • Hockey Day Gr. 4-6 at Mattemy arena 1pm-3:15pm 

Thursday, February 13

  • JS Bake Sale

Friday, February 14 

  • Mid Term Break – School Closed

Monday, February 17

  • Mid Term Break – School Closed

Friday, March 7

  • Last Day of Classes

Monday, March 10 – Monday, March 24

  • March Break

Tuesday, March 25

  • Classes Resume for Students

A Message From The Head of the Junior School – Friday, January 17, 2025

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Families,

This morning Ms. Watt led us in a very special prayers, where we took a moment to think about some of the things, big and small, that we are grateful for. She also spoke about the joy that is sparked when we take the time to reflect on the specific people, experiences, and things we are grateful for. Ms. Watt shared that one of the things that she is most grateful for are people who she spoke of as being “spark igniters.” These are the people who build us up when we feel down, who are as excited about our achievements as we are, and say YES, when we offer up a new idea or thing to try. She then invited Mme. Rizzo to sing “Wind Beneath My Wings,” as we lit candles to symbolize how we all have the power to be “spark igniters” both at home and at school. Finally, if you are at the Junior School next week, you will see a gratitude jar at the reception desk. Students, faculty and staff have been encouraged to take a moment over the next several weeks to write down just some of the things they are grateful for, and put them in the jar. We would love to know what you, our families, are grateful for too! Feel free to contribute your thoughts if you are here, or give a note to your child to put in.

Wishing you a lovely weekend.

Warmly,

Kate

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

Latest News

Reminders

LATEST NEWS

Cold Weather Next Week

The weather is calling for particularly cold temperatures next week. Please remind your children to come dressed appropriately for the weather, so that they can enjoy being outside at recess. We also reminded the students about this at Prayers this morning. 

Save the date – Hockey Day for Students in Grades 4 – 6 (Tuesday, Feb 11)

Tuesday Feb 11th at 1pm is Hockey Day. Hockey Day is when all of the students in grades 4-6 get bussed to and from Mattamy arena to watch the U20 Havergal hockey team face off against BSS. The U12 team will play at intermission.

Families are welcome to join in the fun, but will have to make their way down to the arena independently. The game will also be streamed for those unable to attend.

If you know in advance that your child will be absent on that day please email Anna Bartlett abartlett@havergal.on.ca. 

Reducing the Spread of Respiratory Infections

At this time of year, respiratory illness can be more common as people gather indoors. To help protect our school communities, staff, students, and visitors are reminded to: 

What to do if you or your child are sick

If you or your child have symptoms of a respiratory virus, stay home. This means: 

  • Stay home until you or your child have no fever and symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if you or your child have gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and/or diarrhea).
  • The Ontario Ministry of Health advises that for 10 days after symptoms start, an ill person should wear a well-fitted, high-quality mask when out in public, including in school and childcare.
  • Avoid visiting anyone who is immunocompromised or may be at higher risk of illness (for example, seniors).
  • Avoid non-essential visits to high-risk settings such as hospitals and long-term care homes.
  • Speak to your healthcare provider or call 8-1-1 if you have questions about you or your family’s health or if you are unsure where to access care.

More Information: 

Community Safety Update

Lawrence Park CI shared this afternoon about an incident that occurred this morning that involved one of their students being approached by an unknown male in a vehicle. The student did the right thing by ignoring the man, making their way to school, reporting it to a trusted adult and the school contacted the police.

We regularly reinforce safety protocols with students and are lucky to have an exceptional security team that works hard to keep our campus safe. We would like to remind everyone in our community to report any suspicious or unusual occurrences . 

REMINDERS

Re-registration: January 27 – February 2, 2025

Re-registration for the 2025/26 school year will open on Monday January 27.  

Families will receive an email from the Board of Governors on that day with a link to reregistration and can also access reregistration through the Parent Portal Landing Page. Re-registration, which includes both completing the online forms and submitting the deposit,  is due on Monday February 2, 2025. We cannot guarantee a place for students who re-register after this date.  

While we are certainly hoping to be welcoming all of our students back next year, we recognize that family situations change and relocations occur.  If you are aware that your daughter is not returning to Havergal, please let us know by emailing Maggie Houston-White as soon as possible so we can ensure we have a fulsome admission process at all necessary years.  

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

  • JS Athletics Schedule 
  • Best of luck to the U10 Volleyball team and the U11 white volleyball team in their first games of the season.  

Clubs

  • JS Clubs Schedule
  • Winter Clubs started this past week and please remember to pick up your child from the classroom unless they’re in Primary or Junior Choir as they’ll be dismissed in the carline.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU IN JANUARY

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Pre-loved Uniform Sale

  • Come to the Junior School Learning Hub Wednesday, Feb 5, from 2-5 pm for the Pre Loved Uniform sale.   Excellent deals on gently used uniform items!   Sizing from JK – grade 12.   The team is also looking for parent volunteers.  Please click here to sign up to help before and during the event.  
  • In addition, the HCPA marketplace will be selling some additional items from their inventory.  You can also visit their website, HCPA marketplace, to purchase anytime during the year.

A-mazing Race

  • A-mazing Race! Save the date – Sunday, May 4. All Junior School students and an adult guest are invited to join us for the always popular A-mazing Race—more details coming soon!

Grade Socials

  • Please save the date for the following evening parent socials:
    • Grades 4, 5 & 6: Thursday, February 20th, 2025, 7 pm – 9 pm
    • Grades JK, 1, 2 & 3: Thursday, February 27th, 2025, 7 pm – 9 pm

KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON

Wednesday, January 22

  • New to Havergal Parent Mixer (7:00 pm – 8:30 pm in the Ellen Knox Library)

Tuesday, January 28

  • Holocaust Remembrance Prayers (8:25 am – 8:55 am in the JS Gym)

Friday, January 31

  • Lunar New Year Prayers (8:25 am – 8:55 am in the JS Gym)

Tuesday, February 4

  • Black Cultural Prayers (8:25 am – 8:55 am in the JS Gym)

Tuesday, Feb 11

  • Hockey Day Gr. 4-6 (1:00 pm – 3:15 pm in the Mattamy Arena)

Friday, February 14 

  • Mid Term Break – School Closed

Monday, February 17

  • Mid Term Break – School Closed

Friday, March 7

  • Last Day of Classes

Monday, March 10 – Monday, March 24

  • March Break

Tuesday, March 25

  • Classes Resume for Students

A Message From The Head of the Junior School – Friday, January 10, 2025

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Families,

Happy New Year and welcome back!

Our classrooms, hallways, and playground are buzzing with the energy and excitement that comes with reconnecting with friends, sharing stories of winter adventures, and diving back into learning. The New Year is a perfect time to set goals, try new activities, and continue building a strong, supportive school community where everyone thrives. Let’s make the most of this new beginning, embracing every moment as a chance to learn, grow, and to connect with one another. 

Warmly,

Kate

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

Latest News

Reminders

LATEST NEWS

Re-registration: January 27 – February 2, 2025

Re-registration for the 2025/26 school year will open on Monday January 27.  

Families will receive an email from the Board of Governors on that day with a link to reregistration and can also access reregistration through the Parent Portal Landing Page. Re-registration, which includes both completing the online forms and submitting the deposit,  is due on Monday February 2, 2025. We cannot guarantee a place for students who re-register after this date.  

While we are certainly hoping to be welcoming all of our students back next year, we recognize that family situations change and relocations occur.  If you are aware that your daughter is not returning to Havergal, please let us know by emailing Maggie Houston-White as soon as possible so we can ensure we have a fulsome admission process at all necessary years.   

Major Dates Calendar – Update on Date for JS Christmas Concert and US Carol Service 

Please note that there has been an update in the Major Dates calendar. The Junior School Christmas Concert, and the Upper School Carol Service will now take place on Wednesday, December 10, and NOT on Thursday, December 11, as previously communicated. Major School Dates Calendar 2025-26 

Dismissal from Clubs and Athletics

Primary Clubs: Run from 3:05-4:05 pm

  • Please pick your daughter up from the club classroom between 4:05 – 4:10pm. If your daughter is not picked up by 4:10pm, you can pick her up from Gator Care, which is located across from the KG classrooms on the 1st floor. Regular Gator Care fees will apply until you arrive. If your daughter is already registered for Gator Care, the club instructor will drop her off there.

Junior Clubs: Run from 3:15 – 4:15 pm

  • Please pick your daughter up from the club classroom between 4:15 – 4:20pm. If your daughter is not picked up by 4:20pm, you can pick her up from Gator Care, which is located across from the KG classrooms on the 1st floor. Regular Gator Care fees will apply until you arrive. If your daughter is already registered for Gator Care, the club instructor will drop her off there.

Finally, you should have received an email from your club instructor this week with important information. If your daughter requires any special accommodations or if there is anything the instructor should be aware of, please be sure to inform them directly.  If your daughter is going to be absent for a club session, please email the club instructor.

Call Out for Students Participation (Lunar New Year Assembly and Black Cultural Prayers)

We will be celebrating the Lunar New Year (Friday, January 31 ) and Black Cultural Prayers (Tuesday, February 4) during prayers from 8:25 am – 8:55 am. Both will be followed by a reception. 

If your child is interested in participating in either of these, please email Rev. Jillian Ruch (jruch@havergal.on.ca) by the end of the day on Sunday,  January 13th. For Lunar New Year prayers, we will be having a meeting Monday during the first recess to plan with the students in the STEM lab.  If your daughter is interested in participating in LNY prayers, please remind her to come on Monday morning.  If you, as a parent, would like to be involved in the planning of these prayers or in contributing, please also reach out to Rev. Jillian Ruch as she would welcome your input. 

For Black Cultural Prayers, a meeting will be set up in the next week and Rev. Ruch will share that information with the students who are interested in participating. 

Please note that while we will do our best to include all those students that volunteer, we may not be able to accommodate everyone in a speaking role. In this case, we will be sure to seek out other opportunities for them to participate in Prayers.

REMINDERS

JS Food Services – Registration

Please use the following link to register for JS Food Services for the Winter and Spring Terms.

 JS FOOD SERVICES REGISTRATION

This can also be done on the Parent Portal.

Students with Green Tags – Independent Dismissal

Please note that students with Green Tags, indicating permission for independent dismissal, should leave the school at dismissal time or after their co-curricular activity has concluded. For safety reasons, students are not permitted to stay in the Junior School past 4:30 pm, as they are not supervised during this time. 

Parents can sign up their child for independent dismissal through the Parent Portal Landing Page

Dismissal Procedures

  • 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 the times below and arrive in the correct time slot.
    •  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.
  • The dismissal times are as follows:
  • 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. 
  • Late Arrivals/Early Dismissals
  • If a student will be late for arrival, or is required to leave school early (i.e., for a medical appointment), you must notify us through the “report attendance”tool in the Parent Portal.
  • Students who are late must sign-in, and students who are being dismissed early, must sign-out at the front desk prior to departing the Junior School. 

Dressing Appropriately for the Weather

The winter weather is here, and we want our students to make the most of their time outdoors to play, engage with friends and to have fun. To do this, it is essential that they come to school with the appropriate outdoor clothing. Coats, snow pants or sweatpants, mitts, hats, and boots should all be brought to school so that students can fully participate at recess.

We also wanted to provide a reminder of Havergal’s Extreme Weather Guidelines.

Please note that in Cold Weather:

  • Environment Canada advises that wind chill temperatures of -28°C to -39°C pose a high risk of frostbite and hypothermia, and exposed skin can freeze in 10 to 30 minutes.  
  • When these conditions exist it is recommended that recess be shortened or that students are kept indoors for their recess period, consistent with many school boards in Ontario.

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

Clubs

  • Winter Clubs start next week so please make sure to check your child’s personalized calendar for their activities. This can be found on the Parent Portal
  • JS Clubs Schedule

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Parent Socials

Please save the date for the following evening parent socials:

  • Grades 4, 5 & 6: Thursday, February 20, 2025, 7 – 9 pm
  • Grades JK, 1, 2 & 3: Thursday, February 27, 2025, 7 pm – 9 pm

KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON

Tuesday, January 28

  • Holocaust Remembrance Prayers (8:25 am – 8:55 am in the JS Gym)

Friday, January 31

  • Lunar New Year Prayers (8:25 am – 8:55 am in the JS Gym)

Tuesday, February 4

  • Black Cultural Prayers (8:25 am – 8:55 am in the JS Gym)

Friday, February 14 

  • Mid Term Break – School Closed

Monday, February 17

  • Mid Term Break – School Closed

Friday, March 7

  • Last Day of Classes

Monday, March 10 – Monday, March 24

  • March Break

Tuesday, March 25

  • Classes Resume for Students