Dear Junior School Families,
Spring is definitely in the air, and it was the perfect opportunity to celebrate Earth Week! Students have been engaged in a variety of activities throughout the week that allowed them to reflect on the importance of our planet, and ways that we can actively work to protect it. Here are just some of what the students participated in.
- Nature walks along the Lisa Hardie Trail
- Garbage pick-ups around our campus and local community
- Educational workshops, including sessions on waste awareness, endangered animals, and climate action
- Daily Earth Week challenges for the Junior School to help make a difference!
A HUGE thank you to our Grade 4s and their teachers for taking on the leadership of this week! It was appreciated by all involved.
Earlier in the week, we also had the opportunity to travel down to St. Paul’s Bloor Street, to celebrate Founders’ Day. A highlight was hearing from old girl, radiologist, and medical consultant for television and film, Dr. Mary Grant ( ‘01.) Dr. Grant spoke to us about how her time at Havergal not only gave her the academic skills she needed, but also taught her the importance of acting from a place of empathy and understanding, to be willing to change paths when faced with new opportunities, and to genuinely celebrate when others succeed. It was an inspiring message, and another example of a Havergal student who is making a difference.
Warmly,
Kate
Today’s edition of “The Weekly” contains information on the following:
Latest News
- An Announcement From Dr. Katrina Samson – Executive Director of Advancement
- Pride Week – Monday, May 5 – Friday, May 9
- Havergal Babysitting List – NEW!
Reminders
- Parent-Teacher Interviews on Wednesday, April 30
- Co-Curriculars
- What’s on the Menu Next Week
- Notes from the HCPA
- Key Dates on the Horizon
LATEST NEWS
An Announcement From Dr. Katrina Samson – Executive Director of Advancement
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Kate Crokam as Executive Director, Advancement, effective May 1, 2025.
A seasoned advancement leader with more than 15 years of experience in the independent school sector, Kate brings a proven track record of building strong donor relationships, fostering community engagement and leading strategic philanthropic and alumni engagement initiatives. She has held key roles at Upper Canada College, The Bishop Strachan School, and most recently at Havergal, where she has served as Director of Advancement (interim) and Director of Alumni Engagement since 2022.
Kate is a passionate advocate for girls’ education, having worked at two independent girls’ schools. In addition, she is a parent of two independent school graduates, a perspective that enables her to bring a deep understanding of the independent school community, as well as a strong personal commitment to Havergal’s values. Her thoughtful leadership, authentic relationship-building and results-oriented approach have already made a significant impact within the Advancement team and broader school community.
In her new role, Kate will lead Havergal’s Advancement team efforts, shaping a bold and sustainable future through strategic fundraising and engagement. We are excited for her continued leadership as we work together to inspire generosity and deepen connections within our vibrant Havergal network.
You can reach Kate at kcrokam@havergal.on.ca
Please join me in congratulating Kate on her appointment. I look forward to the opportunity to introduce her to our parent community in her capacity as Executive Director, Advancement.
Warmly,
Dr. Katrina Samson
Principal
Pride Week – Monday, May 5 – Friday, May 9
Havergal is excited to once again be celebrating Pride Week from Monday May 5 – Friday, May 9.
As a school, Havergal is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where every student feels safe, seen, and valued throughout the entire year. Our inclusive practices are woven into our curriculum, school events, and classroom discussions to ensure that all children and families – regardless of background, identity of ability – are celebrated and respected. During Pride Week, we take time to specifically recognize and honour the experiences and contributions of LGBTQ2S+ individuals. This is an important opportunity to help our students practice kindness, empathy, and build a strong sense of community. By highlighting these important issues, we aim to foster an environment where all students can thrive, feel proud of who they are, and know that they belong.
We look forward to sharing the activities that have been planned, at a variety of age levels, and resources for families wishing to carry on the discussion at home with you next week.
Havergal Babysitting List – NEW!
The Havergal Babysitting List is a resource to provide Senior School students with a way to indicate their interest in babysitting for Junior School families. It is also a resource for Junior School families to identify Senior School students who are looking for babysitting jobs.
Havergal is supporting this initiative by providing a list of Senior School students who are interested in babysitting on the Junior School parent portal. The list will be updated at the start of each academic year.
The list can be accessed through the Parent Portal Junior School Landing Page under “Registrations.”
REMINDERS
Parent-Teacher Interviews on Wednesday, April 30
Please note the following:
- Gator Care is available by registering in advance from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm;
- There are no After-School Co-Curriculars;
- Please submit any specific questions for teachers in advance. This will help ensure that the meeting is as productive as possible;
- Signing on to Pick-A-Time and Zoom:
CO-CURRICULARS
Athletics
- JS Athletics Schedule
- The next outdoor track meet is this Friday, May 2nd. Please refer to the JS Athletics Schedule for details.
- Congratulations to the U12 Softball team, who had their first games of the season this week. They have their second game this Thursday. Good Luck!
Clubs
- JS Spring Clubs Schedule
- Please note that Junior Choir has wrapped up for the year.
WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK?
NOTES FROM THE HCPA
A-mazing Race
- We hope you are looking forward to A-mazing Race – Sunday, May 4 | 11 AM – 3 PM for fun outdoor challenges, pizza, snacks, swag, & more! Rain or Shine!
- Interested in volunteering? Please click here to sign up.
HCPA’s Moms’ Night Out
- Get your tickets for the HCPA’s Moms’ Night Out (MNO) at Taylors Landing on Thursday, May 22. Click here to purchase tickets.
Pre-loved Uniform Sales
- Monday, April 28 from 2:30 to 5 pm outside the Junior School Learning Hub.
Havergal Frames
- Havergal frames are on sale until Wednesday, May 1. Click here to order.
COSSOT Relay for Life
- Havergal, UCC, and Crescent School are teaming up to host the COSSOT Relay for Life on Wednesday, May 1, from 4:30–9:00 p.m. at the UCC Oval.
- This powerful event brings together over 1000 students, staff, and parent reps from COSSOT schools in support of cancer research and those impacted by cancer.
- The HCPA is entering a parent team, and we’d love your support!
Ways to Get Involved:
- Donate to the HCPA team here
- Interested in joining the parent team (8–15 members)? Reach out by this Sunday, April 27 to your class rep today or join the HCPA team here.
KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON
Sunday, April 27
- Optional Parent-Teacher Conference Registration closes at 8 pm
Monday, April 28
- Pre-Loved Uniform Sale (2:30 to 5 pm outside the Junior School Learning Hub)
Tuesday, April 29
- Celebrating Our Partnership with the North York Harvest Food Bank Prayers (8:25 am – 8:55 am)
Wednesday, April 30
- Optional JS Parent-Teacher Interviews (4:00 pm – 7:00 pm Virtual)
- JK/SK Specialist Teachers Only
- Grade 1 – 6 Homeroom Teachers & Specialist Teachers
Friday, May 2
- Public Speaking Club Prayers (8:25 am – 8:55 am)
- Track and Field Meet (Outdoor) at York University (10:30am-3:30am)
Friday, May 16 – Monday, May 19
- No Classes – Victoria Day Long Weekend
Tuesday, May 20
- Classes Resume
- Track and Field Finals at York University (8:45 am – 4:30 pm)
Friday, May 23
- House Shout – House Dress Down Day (1:45 pm – 3:00 pm)
- More information to come
Monday, June 9
- Grade 6 Leaving Ceremony (4:00 pm – 5:30 pm)
- Grade 6 families only
- More information to be sent directly to Grade 6 families
Wednesday, June 11
- JS Closing Ceremony (2:00 pm – 3:00 pm in the Brenda Robson Hall)
- All JS Families Invited
Thursday, June 12
- Last Day of School (School Closes at 11:30 am)
- Students will have an opportunity to say goodby to their peers and teachers before beginning their summer holidays.
The Weekly: Junior School 