A Message From The Head of the Junior School – Friday, February 28, 2025

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Families,

Havergal believes that a healthy, safe and inclusive learning environment where all students feel accepted is a necessary condition for student success. As part of this, we were pleased to come together with other students across the country to learn about the significance of Pink Shirt Day, which took place on Wednesday, February 26. 

While Pink Shirt Day is definitely an opportunity to highlight the importance of kindness, it is something Havergal actively works on every day, and is guided by our values – inquiry, integrity, compassion and courage, so that the Junior School is a place that our students want to come to everyday because they feel safe, known, respected, and that they belong.

As always, should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out, so that we can work together in the best interest of your daughter.

Warmly,

Kate

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

Latest News

Reminders

LATEST NEWS

Report Cards Available for Viewing on Wednesday, March 5 at 4:00 pm 

Your daughter’s progress report card is available through a link on your Parent Portal on Wednesday, March 5 at 4:00 pm. This aims to give families a brief overview of your daughter’s progress since her last full report in December. Another full report card will be provided in June.

Please take a moment to review the following information from Dr. Seonaid Davis, Vice Principal of Teaching and Learning:

Should you have any questions please reach out to your daughter’s homeroom or specialist teacher directly.

Ramadan Mubarak 

Ramadan begins tonight (February 28) and continues through March 29. This sacred month is one of deep reflection, spiritual growth, acts of service, and meaningful connection with family and community. We want to ensure that students observing Ramadan – especially those who are fasting – feel supported throughout the month. Please encourage your child to let their teachers and coaches know if they are fasting or need time for prayers etc. so we can support them in the best way possible. During Ramadan, the Music Practice Room (beside the Integrated Arts Room) will also be available during lunch and breaks for prayer, rest, or quiet time.

We look forward to celebrating Ramadan and Eid-al-Fitr together at US Prayers on Thursday, April 3, and JS Prayers on Friday, April 4. Please keep an eye out for an invitation to the Parent reception following Prayers—we’d love for you to join us!

Wishing all who are observing a peaceful and meaningful Ramadan.

Nowruz – Call For Student Participation in Prayers

We will be celebrating Nowruz in the Junior School on March 28 from 8:30 – 9 AM which will be followed by a small reception in the JS Dining Hall.

If your child is interested in participating in Nowruz Prayers, please email Rev. Ruch (jruch@havergal.ca) by Monday, March 3 and we will be having a meeting on Wednesday and Thursday at morning recess to plan together as to their ideas for presenting this year!

Please note that students who celebrate Nowruz are invited to wear their celebratory clothing on this day!

Cleaning Out the Lost and Found: Monday, March 3 – Thursday, March 6

All items in the Lost and Found have been put out on tables on the first floor, outside the Gym. Families and students are encouraged to check for lost belongings. We will make every effort to return labelled items to the students.

All unclaimed items will be donated to New Circles, or will go to the Used Uniform Sale, on Friday, March 7.

Please be sure to label ALL of their child(ren)’s clothing, as this makes it much easier for items to be returned. As we head into the winter season, we encourage you to make sure that things like coats, snow pants, boots, hats, and mitts are clearly labelled as well.

Locker and Cubby Clean out Next Week

All students are asked to bring all personal belongings home for the holidays. This is so that our cleaners are able to do an extra deep cleaning during the break. Please send your child to school with extra bags to carry their things. Teachers will be on hand to support the students with this task.

Travelling for March Break? Measles is just a plane ride away!

Measles continues to spread in many parts of the world and in Canada. If you are planning to travel over March Break, get the best protection for you and your loved ones by staying up-to-date with your routine vaccines, including the measles vaccine.

These vaccines are available from your healthcare provider or at a Toronto Public Health (TPH) community clinic for school-aged children, by appointment. Visit Toronto Public Health Appointment Booking System for more information.

If you are unsure of your child’s vaccination status, check their yellow card (Ontario Immunization Record), TPH’s Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) or by speaking with their primary health care provider.

REMINDERS

Pizza Lunch is On Monday, March 3

Students will enjoy a Pizza Lunch on Monday, March 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.

Grandpals’ Day Registration – Due by April 1

The Junior School is thrilled to be hosting “Grandpals’ Day” once again, on Thursday, April 17th from 10:00 am – 11:15 am. On this special day, grandparents or senior pals are invited to attend a special reception hosted by our Principal, Dr. Katrina Samson and myself. They will then have an opportunity to spend time visiting the students’ classrooms and learning all about their life at Havergal.

Please note that due to space constraints, this event is intended for Grandpals only. Should your Grandpal require someone to come to help with translation, please indicate this on the registration form.

You can register for this exciting event in Registration Section of the Parent Portal. 

Registration for Clubs and Athletics is Now OPEN

  • To register, please go to the Registration Section of the Parent Portal. 
  • Kindly review the Spring Catalogue for all of the opportunities available.
  • Please note that registration CLOSES on Friday, March 7th at 8pm 

Student-Led Conferences Sign-Up (Grades 1 – 6)

As previously communicated, Student-Led Conferences have been scheduled for Friday, April 11, 2025 from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm.  There is no school on this day.

Please note:

  • Families received an email from me on Monday morning with a link to the sign-up.
  • Should you have any questions or are having difficulty signing up, please contact your child’s homeroom teacher.

Optional Parent-Teacher Interviews (JK – Grade 6) – Virtual

Our teachers work closely with families to ensure parents are current on their child’s progress throughout the year, providing key insights and a plan for continued growth. When teachers have concerns or feedback about a child, they contact parents. Parents can also reach out to teachers to discuss their concerns at any time throughout the school year. 

Please note that, in addition to this, we have set the following times aside for those families wishing to have an extra touch-point after the report cards in March and the Grade 1-6 Student-Led Conferences in April to connect with teachers. 

  • Friday, April 11 (8:00 am – 2:00 pm) – JK and SK (with Homeroom Teachers Only) 
    • Please note that these interviews are with homeroom teachers only.  Should you wish to meet with a specialist teacher you are invited to book a time on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm. 
  • Wednesday, April 30 (4:00 pm – 7:00 pm) – JK & SK (Specialist Teachers); Grades 1 – 6 (Homeroom & Specialist Teachers)

We will provide a link to sign up for a meeting on Pick-A-Time after March Break.

Reporting Student Attendance

If you know that there is going to be a change with your daughter’s absence (e.g., full day absence, early/late arrival or dismissal) families are asked to use the Attendance feature on the Parent Portal. In the case of an emergency, or when you are not able to access the portal, please email the Junior School Office (jso@havergal.on.ca) 

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

Clubs

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

A-mazing Race

  • A-mazing Race! Ticket sales are now open – Sunday, May 4. All Junior School students and an adult guest are invited to join us for the always popular A-mazing Race— PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!

HCPA’s Moms’ Night Out

  • Mark your calendars for the HCPA’s Moms’ Night Out (MNO) on Thursday, May 22. Watch for the official invitation in early April.

KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON

Monday, March 3

  • Pizza Lunch

Friday, March 7

  • Last Day of Classes

Monday, March 10 – Monday, March 24

  • March Break

Tuesday, March 25

  • Classes Resume for Students

Friday, March 28 

  • Nowruz Prayers (8:20 am – 8:50 am); followed by a reception in the JS Dining Hall

Friday, April 11

  • JK & SK Parent Teacher Interviews (Homeroom Teachers Only)
  • Student-Led Conferences
    • NO CLASSES

Thursday, April 17 

  • Grandpals’ Day (10:00 am – 11:20 am)

Friday, April 18 

  • Easter Friday (No Classes)

Monday, April 21

  • Easter Monday (No Classes)

Wednesday, April 30 

  • Optional JS Parent-Teacher Interviews (4:00 pm – 7:00 pm Virtual)

Leave a comment