A Message From The Head of the Junior School – Friday, May 30, 2025

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Families, 

It is so lovely to see how engaged our students continue to be, as we approach the end of the school year! This week our Grade 5 students shared some of their learning around the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s “Calls to Action.” This started by sharing the commitments they had made with their peers, and an invitation to participate in activities at recess to learn just some of the ways that they too can support truth and reconciliation, right here at the Junior School.

Students in Kindergarten and Grade 12 also had the opportunity to attend the Teddy Bear & Friends Picnic, where students shared a popsicle and their favourite stuffie with one another. This beautiful tradition illustrates how we connect our youngest learners with our graduating class, fostering a sense of belonging. If you haven’t already, please do check out the absolute cuteness on our Instagram page! 

Finally, this morning we bid a fond farewell to our JS Prefects, Ailie and Becca. They have modelled exemplary leadership in the Junior School, modelling what it means to live by our school values. We will miss them tremendously next year, and wish them both the very best as they begin this next exciting chapter of their journey.

Warmly,

Kate

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

Latest News

Reminders

LATEST NEWS

Gator Day – Friday, June 6 (12:25 pm – 3:00 pm on Cohen Field)

What is GatorDay?

  • Gator Day extends back to 1935 when students participated in various outdoor activities with their houses for a chance to win the “Gator Day Cup.” It is a day that is filled with a competitive spirit, house pride, and most importantly, FUN! 

What to wear:

  • A House t-shirt, or a t-shirt that is your house colour 
  • Havergal shorts, leggings or sweatpants
  • Running shoes
  • Please refrain from wearing any accessories (ie. necklaces, skirts, hair accessories) as the kids will be very active

What to bring:

  • Sunscreen
  • House colour hat or cap
  • House  colour air clips or a hair elastic 
  • A labelled water bottle 

Who Can Attend?

  • All students in JK – Grade 6
  • Parents are also welcome to attend, as cheerleaders for their daughter and their house. As this is a student-centered event, however, we ask that parents and caregivers show their support from the side, as this is a student-event.
  • While we love our students’ furry friends, please leave them at home.

What about Parking?

  • Parking is extremely limited on campus. As such, we encourage any spectators to either walk, take public transit, an Uber or Taxi. 
  • For people wanting to drive, you are invited to look at Spot Angels, to find nearby parking options. 

Student Health Updates for the 25-26 School Year

It is that time of year when the Health Centre requires you to renew and update health information for your child if they are returning to Havergal in the fall.

Health information is collected for all students to support their safety, health, and wellbeing during their time at Havergal for any related activities.

You will receive an email prompting you to log in to Magnus (Havergal’s Medical Information System) on June 1st. You must log in even if no health information has changed.

As a reminder, per Havergal College’s Conditions of Enrolment, your child’s immunization record must be up to date and submitted to Toronto Public Health Immunization Connect Ontario website.

REMINDERS

Pizza Lunch is on Monday

A reminder that our last Pizza Month of the Year is on Monday. Students not participating are asked to bring their own packed lunch. The salad and sandwich bar will still be available.

End of Year Celebrations

We are eagerly planning our end of year events celebrating all that we have accomplished as a community. Please be sure to mark your calendars!

Last Prayers of the Year – Friday, June 6 (8:25 am – 9:00 am – JS Gym); Gator Day (12:25 pm – 3:00 pm)

  • This will be our last time coming together for Prayers as a community for the 2024-2026 school year. Parents, as always, are welcome to attend.
  • This prayers will be focused on the history of Gator Day, which will take place later in the day.

Grade 6 Crossing the Bridge Ceremony – Monday, June 9 (4:00 pm – 5:30 pm – JS Dining Hall)

  • This event is in honour of our Grade 6 students, and marks the end of their time at the Junior School, before “Crossing the Bridge” to Grade 7.
  • Grade 6 students and their families are invited.

Junior School Closing Ceremony – Wednesday, June 11 (2:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Brenda Robson Hall)

  • This is a special time for us to come together, one last time in celebration of our year of learning and friendship. Students are asked to come to school, at the regular time, and in their #1 Dress. We will end our day together in song, and reflection.
  • Please note the new timing of this event!

Last Day of School – Thursday, June 12 (Early Staggered Dismissal)

  • Students will come to school for a half day, where they will have an opportunity to say goodbye to their teachers and classmates. End of year certificates will be handed out on this day, and we will take pictures to send to families.
  • Early staggered dismissal:
    • JK-Gr.3- 11:15 -11:30
    • Gr.4-6- 11:30-11:45

CO-CURRICULARS

Please note that all co-curricular activities have now concluded! Thank you to our teachers, outside providers, and coaches for helping to make it such a rich and engaging experience for our students. Information regarding next year’s program will be available in our first summer message, which you can expect in the first week of July.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK?

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Pre-Loved Uniform Drop off

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

Moms’ Night Out Thank You!

Celebration Day Bazaar – Call for Vendors

  • Mark your calendars for Friday, September 26 Celebration Day! We are reaching out to Old Girls/Alum, parents, past parents, students and staff/faculty with an opportunity to participate in this year’s Bazaar or to donate an experience or prize to our Silent Auction. All funds raised will be donated to our Community Partners. Click here to find out all the details and book your vendor slot by July 1!

KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON

Tuesday, June 3

  • No Prayers 

Friday, June 6

  • Last Prayers of the Year (8:25 am – 8:55 am)
  • JS Gator Day  (12:25 pm – 3:00 pm on the Cohen Field)

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 goodbye to their peers and teachers before beginning their summer holidays.

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