Month: March 2025

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

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Dear Junior School Families, 

It has been so lovely to see all of our students back at school after the March Break. We welcomed everyone back as a community at Prayers on Tuesday, when we came together to celebrate Neurodiversity week. It was inspiring to hear from a number of our students and teachers who spoke about the wonderfully different ways that people’s brains work, and learning to discovering our own superpowers. Then today, we had the opportunity to learn all about Nowruz, the Persian New Year, which is celebrated by over 300,000 people worldwide. Our student presenters even taught us how to count down from ten, in Farsi, to ring in the New Year! To all those celebrating, we wish you a Happy New Year!

Warmly,

Kate

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

Latest News

Reminders

LATEST NEWS

Installation of Speed Bumps Along the JS Driveway

In an ongoing effort to enhance safety and reduce speed during our drop-off and pick-up times we will be installing speed bumps along the JS driveway. This is a proactive measure. Installation will take place early next week.

ISM Parent Survey Coming in April: Share Your Feedback 

As we shared with you earlier this week in Inside Havegal, we will be conducting a parent satisfaction survey in collaboration with Independent School Management (ISM) in April. The purpose of the survey is to gain a better understanding of your experience with Havergal. Your honest feedback will provide us with valuable insights into our partnership with families, how we can improve our offering and highlight areas of strength for the school. 

The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete and will be anonymous and confidential. For more information, review our Frequently Asked Questions. We look forward to hearing your voice and shaping the future of Havergal together.

Arts’ Week – Monday, March 31 – Friday, April 4

The Arts at Havergal Junior School

Havergal’s Junior School has a thriving and vibrant Arts Program that is celebrated all year long. At Havergal, we focus on ensuring students have the opportunity to learn a variety of skills while discovering more about who they are as individuals. Students feel empowered to express their emotions and identity through the various projects, mediums and activities explored both in and outside the classroom as a part of our thriving arts program. 

An Invitation – Arts Week Prayers on Tuesday, April 1st

We invite families of the Primary Choir and 6A to come enjoy musical performances at Arts Week Prayers Celebration on Tuesday, April 1. We ask that Primary Choir students arrive at 8:00am and meet in Mr. MacLean’s room. We ask that students in 6A arrive at 7:55am and meet Ms. Read in the Integrated Arts classroom. Students in 6A should be in number 1 concert dress with tights. Primary choir should be in regular number 1 uniform. 

Upcoming Artist-in-Residence – Dr. Kofi Gbolonyo

In a short period of time, we will be welcoming Dr. Kofi Gbolonyo to work with our students across the Junior School. Dr. Kofi Gbolonyo is a professor at Capilano University and The University of British Columbia. He is also the founder of Nunya Academy in Ghana. Kofi is excited to share the culture, music and dance of the Ewe people of Ghana from April 14th to May 9th.

Registration and Instructions for Founders’ Day: Tuesday, April 22

This year’s Founders’ Day celebration will be held at 9:45 am on Tuesday April 22 at St. Paul’s Bloor Street church (227 Bloor Street East) – Havergal’s original parish church. Attendance is mandatory for all students.

A part of the Founders’ Day tradition includes hearing the Junior School (Grades 1-6), Middle School, and Senior Choirs perform. As always, the Graduating Class has a special role to play at Founders’ Day. The Class of 2025 will process into the church wearing Marguerite Pins – a gift of the Havergal Old Girls Association (HOGA). The Marguerite Pin symbolizes a graduating student’s passage into the Old Girls/Alums network of over 9,500 members.

Founders’ Day is a birthday, of sorts, that builds community – our community. It’s a longstanding tradition in the life of Havergal that brings together students and faculty from both the Junior and Upper Schools alike. It marks the anniversary of the cornerstone being laid at the “New School” on Avenue Road in 1926. It is very special indeed.

We request that you show your support of the school by ensuring your daughter attends this important celebratory event.

  • Parents must complete this linked registration by Friday April 11 at 9 am.
  • Departure Times from Junior School:
    • 8 :00 am – Junior Choir members depart from Havergal College to St. Paul’s by bus.
    • 8:15 am – Junior Steel Pan Drummers depart from Havergal College to St. Paul’s by bus.
    • 8:45 am – Grades 1- 6 students depart from Havergal College to St. Paul’s by bus.
  • If an extraordinary circumstance prevents your child from attending, please indicate the absence on Veracross by Friday April 11 at 9 am so we know not to expect a permission form for this event.

Join Us in Supporting Women in Sport!

Brenda Ha, a Havergal alumna, recently spoke to our students about her journey and the exciting launch of Toronto AFC, Toronto’s new professional women’s soccer club. She has generously offered our community discounted tickets to their inaugural match on April 19! This is a fantastic opportunity to cheer on elite women athletes and show our support for the growth of women’s professional sports.

Check out the following for TICKET DETAILS — we’d love to see strong Havergal representation at this historic event!

Parent Speaker Invitation:  Human Trafficking Speaker:  Tuesday, April 8, 7 pm (Grades 5 – 12 in the Upper School)

On April 8, grade 9 students will hear from Kelly Beale who currently leads Ontario’s Legal Support Program for Victims of Human Trafficking. As independent counsel for victims of human trafficking, she provides confidential legal advice and support to victims of human trafficking across the province to help them escape their trafficking situations. This program is the first of its kind in North America and Kelly regularly presents at human trafficking conferences, in the media, and at schools on how it assists with efforts to end human trafficking. The talk will define and explain human trafficking, how it happens in today’s context, including warning signs to identify a trafficking or luring situation. She will also speak to the students about what to do if they, or a friend, find themselves in this position. We know that our students will greatly benefit from learning more about this important topic.

We invite all parents to join us at 7 PM for a talk by Kelly on human trafficking. She will discuss its potential impact on your daughters and share strategies for open and effective conversations at home. If you are interested in attending please complete this registration form. 

REMINDERS

Grade 1 – 6 Optional (Virtual) Parent-Teacher Interviews Registration Opens April 14 

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. 

In addition to the report cards that went out on March 5th, and Student-Led Conferences which will take place Friday, April 11th, families also have the option to meet with any teachers who they may have specific questions for on Wednesday, April 30th. Please feel free to let the teachers know your questions prior to meeting, so that they can address them appropriately.

Optional Parent-Teacher Interviews for students in Grades 1 – 6 will take place virtually on Wednesday, April 30 (4:00 pm – 7:00 pm)

Grandpals’ Day Registration – Due by April 1

A friendly reminder for you to register for this exciting event, please go to the Registration Section of the Parent Portal. 

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

  •  JS Athletics Schedule ← Please save this document on a device you frequently use. Computer vs a phone is easiest.  Thank you. 

Clubs

  • JS Spring Clubs Schedule
    • Spring Clubs start next week! 
    • Remind your daughter(s) what club they’re enrolled in and remember to pick up your child from the club classroom (except Jr Choir which is dismissed from the driveway).

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) at Taylors Landing on Thursday, May 22. Watch for the official invitation in early April.

HCPA Nominations 2025-26

  • HCPA nominations for the 2025-26 school year are now open! Forms are due no later than Friday, April 4, 2025 at 9pm.

Pre-loved Uniform Sales 

  • Monday, April 28 from 2:30 to 5 pm outside the Junior School Learning Hub.

HCPA Marketplace 

KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON

Tuesday, April 1

  • Arts’ Week Prayers (8:25 am – 8:50 am)

Friday, April 4

  • Ramadan and Eid Prayers (8:25 am – 8:50 am); followed by a reception

Monday, April 7

  • Pizza Lunch

Tuesday, April 8

  • Passover Prayers (8:25 am – 8:50 am)
  • Parent Speaker Invitation:  Human Trafficking Speaker at 7:00 pm (Grades 5 – 12 in the Upper School)

Friday, April 11

  • JK & SK Parent Teacher Interviews (Homeroom Teachers Only; a link to register will be send to kindergarten families directly)
  • Student-Led Conferences
    • NO CLASSES

Monday, April 14

  • Registration for Optional Grade 1 – 6 Parent-Teacher Interviews Opens at 10 am

Tuesday, April 15

  • Easter Prayers (8:25 am – 8:50 am)

Thursday, April 17 

  • Grandpals’ Day (10:00 am – 11:15 am)

Friday, April 18 

  • Easter Friday (No Classes)

Monday, April 21

  • Easter Monday (No Classes)

Tuesday, April 22

  • Founder’s Day (Gr 1 – 12 student event) at St. Paul’s Bloor Street

Wednesday, April 30 

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

A Message From The Head of the Junior School – Friday, March 7, 2025

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Families, 

Tomorrow, on March 8th, people around the world will celebrate International Women’s Day. This is  a global day to recognize and celebrate women’s and girls’ social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. It’s also a time to raise awareness of the progress made towards achieving gender equality and the work remaining to be done. 

As we head into the March Break, I wanted to take this opportunity to offer a sincere note of gratitude to everyone for such an engaging and productive second term. It continues to be such a pleasure to work alongside the exceptional group of educators that we have here at Havergal, as well as with our curious and capable students, and in partnership with you, our families.

May the March Break provide an opportunity for a slightly slower pace and the time to spend with family and friends.

Warmly,

Kate

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

Latest News

Reminders

LATEST NEWS

Safety Concerns At Drop-Off and Pick-up

Havergal’s Security Team recently conducted a traffic flow audit during drop-off and pick-up procedures. They were alarmed by some of the behaviours they observed, which they noted placed the safety and wellbeing of students at risk. 

Dropping off and picking up students can be a stressful time — especially when drivers are late, pressed for time, and otherwise in a hurry to begin their day. It is also a time when student safety can be unnecessarily compromised. 

Please be courteous and respectful of fellow drivers and members of Havergal’s Security Team. The safety and wellbeing of our students depend on your following through on the school’s expectations around drop off and pick up.

What follows are important points for drivers to immediately address going forward:

  1. Drive SLOWLY. Drivers are not to go beyond 10 km/hr, as is indicated on our signage. Far too many cars are driving well above this speed limit, which puts everyone’s safety in jeopardy. 
  2. DO NOT walk across the car exit leading out to Rosewell Ave. This is a practice that endangers the Havergal and wider community.
  3. Drop off on the RIGHT side of the driveway. Our Security Team has observed drivers dropping off students onto the driving lane. Other drivers may not see a student exiting the car, and students do not always look where they are walking. This is dangerous for everyone.
  4. Be patient. Impatient drivers race to the front of the line–weaving in and out of traffic. Please remain patient and take your place in the queue to drop off and pick up your passenger(s). * Please fill the gaps…if a vehicle pulls up or away, please pull up to the empty space. 
  5. Signal your intention to other drivers and Security. 80% of drivers do not signal their intentions when they drop off, pick up, and/or merge.
  6. Comply with Security directions. Many drivers ignore the signals our Security Team gives drivers. Here it is always helpful to make eye contact with Security personnel so that you can follow their signals and directions.
  7. Don’t Park Along the Curb after you have dropped off. Some drivers stay parked after dropping off their passenger(s) in order to check their phone. This impedes traffic flow patterns significantly and slows the entire process down.
  8. Passengers should be ready to exit the vehicle safely and promptly. Drivers leave their vehicles to unload items from their trunk, which also slows down the drop off process. Passengers should be ready to exit quickly. Items stored in the trunk should be easily accessible. 
  9. Be Alert When Driving on Rosewell and Other Streets! We have FOUR schools with students arriving and departing at the same time. We know that traffic is congested, and unfortunately students sometimes walk through the cars. If your daughter walks home, please reinforce  safe practices for walking across streets, and accidentally getting hit. We will do this as well when we return from the break.
  10. Accessible Parking Spots are ONLY for those with designated accessible parking permits, as issued by the City of Toronto. 

Noria Family Speaker Series

On Tuesday, we were honoured to welcome alumni Sonia Agrawal (‘02) as part of the Noria Family Speaker Series. This series was created to open doors and to introduce our students to trailblazing women in science, technology, engineering, and math who are using their knowledge and passion to make a difference in the world. Thanks to the generosity of the Noria family, this series gives us the chance to learn from their experiences and envision what’s possible in the future for our students. 

Ms. Agrawal works at Google, where she helps businesses use technology to solve the world’s hardest problems. Before working at Google, Sonia spent 10 years at IBM, learning all about sales, marketing, and how to help companies succeed and grow.

Sonia also loves giving back to others! She volunteers regularly, speaks out about mental health, and helps young women — especially young women of color — believe in themselves and reach for their dreams.

What’s New in Gator Care

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

REMINDERS

Grandpals’ Day Registration – Due by April 1

The Junior School is thrilled to be holding “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 in their granddaughter’s classroom, see their learning, and experience some of the magic of the Junior School.

Please note that due to space constraints, this event is intended for Grandpals only, and not parents. Should your Grandpal require someone to come to help with translation, please indicate this on the registration form. If your child does not have someone who is able to attend, please let the homeroom teacher know, so that we can partner them with a friend, and they can still participate.

Parking is extremely limited! Grandpals are encouraged to get dropped off, or make alternative arrangements. Should they wish to park off campus, they are invited to visit Spot Angels, which helps provide options of parking spots close by the school. 

You can register for this exciting event, please go to the Registration Section of the Parent Portal. 

CO-CURRICULARS

Registration for Clubs and Athletics is Open Until 8pm Today

To register, please go to the Registration Section of the Parent Portal. 

Kindly review the Spring Catalogue for all of the opportunities available.

Athletics

Clubs

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) at Taylors Landing on Thursday, May 22. Watch for the official invitation in early April.

HCPA Nominations 2025-26

  • HCPA nominations for the 2025-26 school year are now open! Forms are due no later than Friday, April 4, 2025 at 9pm.

KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON

Monday, March 10 – Monday, March 24

  • March Break

Monday, March 25

  • Professional Development Day for Teachers

Tuesday, March 25

  • Classes Resume for Students
  • Neurodiversity Prayers (8:25 am – 8:50 am)

Friday, March 28 

  • Nowruz Prayers (8:25 am – 8:50 am); followed by a reception in the JS Dining Hall

Friday, April 4

  • Ramadan and Eid Prayers (8:25 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 – 11:15 am)

Friday, April 18 

  • Easter Friday (No Classes)

Monday, April 21

  • Easter Monday (No Classes)

Tuesday, April 22

  • Founder’s Day (Gr 1 – 12 student event) at St. Paul’s Bloor Street

Wednesday, April 30 

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