A Message From The Head of the Junior School – FOR THE DAY- Thursday, May 15, 2025

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Families, 

My name is Alicia, but today, you can call me Ms. Alicia because I am the Head of Junior School (for the day!) Normally I am in Grade 3, but today, I am giving Ms. White the day off so she can relax. Today, I got to do many things that Ms. White usually has to do. Some of the things that I did were greet students in the morning, visit the Green and Gold shop, read with the kindergarten students, go to a Senior Leadership Meeting, have lunch with Dr. Samson, go to South House, take a ride in the golf shop, make an announcement about a special dessert next week, and say goodbye to the students at the end of the day! I’m exhausted, and hope that Ms. White got to take it easy today!

Warmly,

Ms. Alicia – Head of Junior School (for the day)

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

Latest News

Reminders

LATEST NEWS

Transition From Bring Your Own Device to School-Issued Apple Laptops 

Parents with daughters in Grade 4 received an email informing them that we will be making a transition from a “Bring Your Own Device” model, to students being provided with a school-issued Apple Laptop, starting in Grade 5.  

Here is a high level of what you need to know:

After careful consideration and evaluation of the BYOD program, we have decided to transition to a school-issued device model for our students in Grades 5 and 6. Please note that this is being done at no additional cost to our families, and that students will not be required or permitted to use their own personal computers at school. BYOD will remain in place for students in Grades 7 – 12.

What This Means for Your Child:

  • 2025-26
    • JK to Grade 2: No changes to current technology use
    • Grade 3-4: Continuing with current school-issued devices
      • iPad in Grade 3 and Apple Laptop in Grade 4
    • Grade 5 – Will receive school-issued laptops; personal devices no longer required or permitted
    • Grade 6 Will continue with BYOD for one more year
  • 2026-27
    • Grade 6 – Will receive school-issued laptops; personal devices no longer required or permitted

Benefits of This Change

  • Creates a standardized learning experience across the Junior School
  • Provides more efficient IT support
  • Establishes a more controlled digital environment for younger students
  • Comes at no additional cost to families

More specific details will be shared in our July summer message. If you have any questions, please contact me to arrange a time to connect.

A Conversation with Jake Ernst

Join us for an inspiring midday conversation with Jake Ernst from Straight Up Health on nurturing resilience, connection, and empathy in the digital age. Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 12-1PM (virtual). RSVP here. Please contact Courtney McNeillie with any questions!

REMINDERS

All Library Books to be Returned by Friday, May 30th 

The library has seen a flurry of activity this year, with thousands of books shared amongst our community. Thank you to everyone for taking care of these little pieces of the library as they’ve passed through the hands of students. As the school year draws to a close, it is time for these library materials to be returned to their home base. All library books must be returned by Friday May 30th. 

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

 JS Athletics Schedule 

  • Don’t forget, the Track and Field bus departs at 7:45 am on Tuesday. Please arrive by 7:30.  Good luck to those who are participating in the Championships. 
  • Good luck to the Ultimate and the Softball teams, who have their final games on Thursday. 

Clubs

  • A reminder that Chess finishes this week, as well as Gymboree Art, Crafting for Change, Bollywood Dancing, Sportkids, Lego, and Strings.
  • Please check the JS Spring Clubs Schedule to stay informed.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK?

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Pre-Loved Uniform & Used Textbook Drop off

  • Drop off pre-loved uniforms & used textbooks at the Upper School on Wednesday, June 11 (7:30 to 11:30 a.m. EK library). 

KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON

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) Bus Departs at 7:45am 

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.

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