A Message From The Head of the Junior School – Friday, April 11

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Families, 

WOW! The students know that whenever I say “my face hurts,” it’s because I am filled with pride and joy, and can’t stop smiling. Today, this pride and joy stemmed from seeing our incredible students share and reflect on their learning with you at our first ever Student-Led Conferences. We hope that it offered a glimpse into the depth and breadth of learning that our students are involved in each and every day. A HUGE thank you to all of our homeroom, specialist, and learning support teachers, our academic coordinators, and the Gator Care team. The thoughtful planning and practicing that went into making this day such a success is a tribute not only to their expertise as educators, but to the dedication and deep care they have for all of our students. I hope that your faces are all hurting a little today too!

For all those celebrating Passover this weekend, we wish you a chag sameach!

Warmly,

Kate

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

Latest News

Reminders

LATEST NEWS

Student-Led Conferences – Feedback

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend our Student-Led Conferences today. As we look ahead to next year, we are eager to hear your feedback! Kindly take a moment to fill out the following short Student-Led Conference Feedback Form. 

Empowering Excellence Progress Update: Year One

A year ago, launched our Empowering Excellence Strategic Plan. As strategy expert Kathleen Eisenhardt puts it, “Strategy answers two basic questions: Where do you want to go, and how do you want to get there?” For us at Havergal, the answer is clear: to solidify Havergal’s position as a world leader in girls’ education by ensuring the long-term wellbeing and success of young women, empowering them to be change agents of the future and to make a positive, lasting difference in the world. 

Focusing on three key pillars — Connection, Wellbeing & Belonging, Future-Ready, and Transforming Tomorrow — we’ve begun our commitment by investing in programs, people and our campus.

We are pleased to share a Year One progress update, with key highlights and milestones we have achieved together. These initiatives underscore our commitment and build upon Havergal’s 130-year legacy of delivering excellence in girls’ education. We look forward to continuing our journey to prepare girls for success in every possible version of the future.

Welcome Back to Dr. Kofi Gbolonyo 

We are thrilled to be welcoming Dr. Kofi back on Monday, April 14th. He will be working with a variety of our students across the Junior School during Prayers & their regular Music and Integrated Arts classes. Grade 6 students will have a showcase of their learning on Friday, May 9th during Prayers to conclude Kofi’s residency. We welcome all grade 6 families to attend.

Kofi Gbolonyo is a scholar, educator, and performer whose primary research, expertise, and educational interests are in West African traditional music and dance, Ewe indigenous knowledge, language and culture, Orff-Schulwerk pedagogy, multicultural music education, Ghanaian brass band and choral music. His scholarship focuses on indigenous knowledge and cultural values in the musical practices of the Ewe and Fon of West Africa. He is currently a professor at Capilano University and The University of British Columbia.

REMINDERS

Grandpals’ Day – Need to Know Information

We are thrilled to be welcoming our Grandpals to the Junior School next week on Thursday, April 17. Here is the schedule for the event:

9:30 am – 10:00 am

  • Grandpals arrive, sign in, attend a reception and enjoy some refreshments in the JS Gym.
  • Please do not arrive earlier than 9:30 am, as this will disrupt our drop-off procedures.

10:00 am – 10:15 am

  • Welcome and Address from Dr. Katrina Samson (Principal) and Ms. Kate White (Head of Junior School)

10:20 am – 11:10 am

  • Grandpals will be picked up from the gym by teachers and guided to the appropriate classrooms. Once there, their granddaughters will give them a tour of their classroom and share their learning. For Grandpals with more than one granddaughter, please go to the younger student’s classroom first.

Please also note the following important information:

  • Due to space, this event is intended for “Grandpals” only (e.g., a grandparent, aunt, uncle, family friend). For parents who are dropping off their “Grandpal” we ask that you return at the end of the event, and not go visit the classrooms. Alternatively, you are welcome to go to the JS Dining Hall, where there will be tea, coffee and water available.
  • If your daughter does not have a “Grandpal” who is able to attend, please let their home room teacher know so that we can be sure to pair them up with a friend.
  • There is an elevator available for anyone with mobility issues. A member of staff will be on hand to assist.
  • Parking is EXTREMELY limited at the Junior School. If at all possible, grandpals are encouraged to walk, take public transportation, or a taxi. For those driving, please note if there are not any spots available on campus, we recommend you look on SpotAngels for nearby free and paid parking options. 

Parent Satisfaction Survey 

A friendly reminder to please complete our parent satisfaction survey by Wednesday, April 16. You should have received an email last week from Independent School Management (ISM) with a survey invitation. If you have not received it, please contact surveys@isminc.com or parentsurvey2025@havergal.on.ca, and we will resend it.

This anonymous survey takes about 15 minutes to complete and is confidential. We would appreciate learning more about your experience with Havergal and look forward to your feedback. 

Grade 1 – 6 OPTIONAL (Virtual) Parent-Teacher Interviews Registration Opens Monday, 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)

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

  •  JS Athletics Schedule 
  • All Track and Field team members need to meet at 7:30am so the team can leave at 7:45am on Monday. 

Clubs

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

  • Mark your calendars for the HCPA’s Moms’ Night Out (MNO) at Taylors Landing on Thursday, May 22. Watch for the official invitation this month.

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.

KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON

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 

  • Good Friday (No Classes)

Saturday, April 19

Monday, April 21

  • Easter Monday (No Classes)

Tuesday, April 22

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

Friday, April 25

  • Earth Week Prayers (8:25 am – 8:50 am)

Sunday, April 27

  • OPTIONAL Parent-Teacher Conference Registration closes at 8 pm
  • No after-school clubs on this day

Monday, April 28

  •  Pre-Loved Uniform Sale (2:30 to 5 pm outside the Junior School Learning Hub)

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

Leave a comment