A Message From The Head of the Junior School – Friday, September 5, 2025

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Families,

I cannot tell you how thrilled we were to welcome everyone to the 2025-2026 school year! It has been a week of connection and community building, as we set the foundation for what I know will be a fantastic year together. We often talk about the important partnership between home and school. Your warm welcomes, kind words and feedback this week have been so appreciated. We look forward to continuing to work together in support of your amazing daughters.

This week’s edition of “The Weekly” contains a lot of information to keep you in the know in the coming weeks. Grab a cup of coffee, put up your feet, and settle in to read all about what is coming up next!

Sincerely,

Kate

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

LATEST NEWS

How You Can Support a SAFE and EFFICIENT Arrival and Dismissal Process

Join us in ensuring that our Junior School remains a consistently safe environment for everyone in our community. Our amazing team of teachers and security professionals are here to support in this process, please follow their directions!

Parking

  • Only JK/SK Parents/Guardians are permitted to park in the Junior School Parking Lot, so that they can pick up their child from the  JK/SK door, at the rear of the building.
  • No other families are permitted to park in the JS parking lot during dismissal.
  • There is limited parking on Rosewell Ave. for families with students in Grades 1 – 6

Arrive for Dismissal During Your Child’s Designated Time 

  • JK to Grade 3: 3:05–3:20 pm
  • Grades 4 to 6: 3:15–3:30 pm
  • Please Note:
    • If you arrive early for your dismissal time, you may be asked to temporarily leave the Junior School driveway. If you have more than one child, please arrive during the time slot assigned to your eldest child.

Dismissal Cards

  • Have your laminated dismissal card clearly visible. 
  • It is easiest to see if it is placed on the dashboard of the front passenger seat.

When Using the Carline

  • Stay in the “cue,” rather than driving ahead and around other vehicles, unless instructed otherwise by one of our security professionals.
  • Have students ready to exit, curbside, as soon as your car stops alongside the curb (backpacks, water bottles, etc, should be easily accessible). Stay in your car, if at all possible. If you need to exit your car to assist your child to get out of a car seat or booster, please do so quickly. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAR UNATTENDED AT ANY TIME!
  • Abide by the signage both on and off school property. This includes: driving 10 km along the driveway, not parking along the driveway during peak times, no double parking, or stopping in restricted zones on Rosewell Ave. 

When Walking

  • Cross at the designated crosswalk with the crossing guard and flashing pylons, and NOT across the driveway exit.

To learn more, please refer to our Junior School Arrival and Dismissal  Protocols.

Junior School People and Program Night – Thursday, September 11 (6:00 pm – 7:30 pm)

We are very much looking forward to welcoming families to people and program night next week.

Here is a link that outlines the JS People and Program Evening Schedule 2025. 

Purchasing JS Athletic Sweatshirts (Gr. 4-6) 

Athletic Sweatshirts will be on sale at People and Program night. These sweatshirts are intended for Gr. 4-6 students who are on a team. After this sale, JS Athletic Sweatshirts will be available for purchase at the Green and Gold Shop.

Terry Fox Run – Friday, September 12 (1:45 pm – 2:45 pm on the Cohen Field) – for Students in JK to Grade 6

The 2025 Terry Fox School Run is set for the afternoon of Friday, September 12th, from 1:45 pm to 2:45 pm. Students can come to school dressed in their phys-ed uniform for the day. Every year, Havergal joins as a community make a difference with our donations to fund cancer research.

Ways to donate:

  • Havergal has raised over $280,000 in support of The Terry Fox Foundation to date!
  • Please support our school’s fundraising efforts once again this year through our  Havergal College Terry Fox Donation Page
  • Receipts are issued immediately to donors by email from the Terry Fox Foundation.

Who can participate:

  • Students in JK to Grade 6 will all take part!
  • This is a community event, so all families are invited to join in by walking or running. Bring your running shoes and be ready to participate! Please meet us at the Cohen Field at 1:45 pm.
  • We kindly ask, however, that your furry friends stay at home. 

What students need to bring/wear:

  • Students will come to school dressed in their phys-ed uniform for the day
  • A water bottle 
  • A hat 
  • Please dress appropriately for the weather 

Before and After School Care (“Gator Care”) Registration Update

We are pleased to share that registration for Full-Time Gator Care has been re-opened until midnight on Sunday. Families may now register on the Parent Portal.

You may choose from the following two options:

  • Full-Time Registration: Your child will be registered for every school day for the Fall Term.
  • As-Needed Basis: If you choose this option, you’ll need to complete the registration form (available on the Parent Portal) before your child’s first visit to Gator Care. This form only needs to be submitted once. After that, simply email the Gator Care Team, at gatorcare@havergal.on.ca, in advance of any day you require the service.

We ask families to complete registration at their earliest convenience to help us plan and provide the best possible care and supervision for your children.

To learn more about “Gator Care” please review:  Before and After School Care (“Gator Care”) 2025-26 

Junior School Admission Ambassadors – Call for Volunteers!

Although we have only just started the school year, the Admissions team is already looking ahead to September 2026! 

Beginning in early October, we will be offering Group Tours of the Junior School for prospective families, led by a group of committed parent volunteers. The tours will run on select Tuesdays and Thursdays each week at 9:30am,10:30am and 1pm. Our Parent Ambassadors can sign up to give a tour according to their availability. New Havergal parents are invited to participate – we will ensure volunteers have training and support!

Our Parent Ambassadors play a crucial role in sharing the Havergal experience with prospective families. If you are interested in signing up to be a tour guide and joining our Parent Ambassador team for the upcoming school year, please sign up at this link.

We will be in contact with all interested volunteers to invite you to join us for a small group training sessions at the end of September.

Thank you in advance for considering supporting our department as we work to share the Havergal Junior School experience with prospective community members. If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Milligan in the Junior School Admission office (smilligan@havergal.on.ca).

A Message From Our Librarian – Ms. Rodd

Summer Loans

I hope you enjoyed many hours of reading this summer! It is time for any books that took a summer vacation to return to their home in the library. If you could please return any summer loans by your child’s first library class, this will ensure that they will be able to begin borrowing books right away. 

Summer Reading Challenge

Please have your reading logs submitted by Monday September 15.

Request for stuffies 

Ms. Rodd is looking to add some more cozy reading buddies to the library. She is looking for some stuffies that are clean and in excellent condition. Please reach out at erodd@havergal.on.ca or simply drop by the library.

REMINDERS

Reporting Student Attendance 

A link for reporting attendance is available directly on the Parent Portal homepage. We recommend you bookmark the link. Instructions for using Veracross can be found here. It is important to review these instructions and be familiar with how to report a student absence through Veracross.

Please Submit Your Child’s Health Information – ACTION REQUIRED

As was sent out in the summer mailing, we need all families to complete their child’s Vital Health Record and Student Health Tracker in the Magnus Health Portal to ensure the following information is accurate and updated: health history and conditions, allergies, history of concussions, dietary restrictions and over-the-counter medication consent. Parents are responsible for updating the school on any changes in their child’s health status throughout the year by updating information in the Magnus Health Portal. 

Plans of care for children with life-threatening conditions are shared with teachers and coaches. If there is any other information you would like to share with your child’s circle of care (other than the Health Centre), please reach out to healthcentre@havergal.on.ca. 

High Holidays Prayers Reception – Please RSVP

We will be observing the High Holidays in the Junior School on Wednesday, September 17th from 8:25 – 8:55 in the Junior School Gym. This will be followed by a small reception in the JS Library.

CELEBRATION DAY

Mark your calendars for Friday, September 26 — you’re invited to two exciting HC community events!

Join us for Celebration Day from 3:30 to 6:30 pm, where our whole community will come together in support of our cherished community partners. Experience our school’s vision and mission in action through House-run games, fun activities, a lively Bazaar, BBQ and Silent Auction.

What Junior School Families Need to Know:

Attendance & Participation

  • Optional for JK-Grade 4
    • JK – Gr. 4 must be accompanied by an adult, 
  • Mandatory for Grades 5 – 6 
    • Grade 5 and 6 students will sign up to run activity stations throughout the event, between 3:30 pm and 5:45 pm.
    • If your child is not able to attend, please email me at kwhite@havergal.on.ca

Dismissal

  • JK-Grade 4: 
    • 2:45 pm – 3:15 pm – Students will be dismissed from the Junior School, as usual
  • Grade 5 & 6:
    • 3:15 pm – Students will remain with their teachers and walk to the Ratcliffe Field for the Celebration Day Opening Ceremony
    • 5:45 pm – 6:15 pm Students will be dismissed from the Junior School

Tickets & wristbands are now on sale! 

Click here to get your tickets now! Advance ticket sales will end on Friday, September 19. However, tickets will still be available for purchase at the event.

Celebration Day Volunteers Needed!

Calling all parents! Want to lend a hand and be part of the fun? We need help both before and during the event with ticket sales, working with the students at stations, helping with the BBQ and more.  This is a great way to meet other parents and support our community partners. Sign up here.

Celebration Day Bazaar & Silent Auction 

We’re excited to invite Old Girls/Alums, current and past parents, students, and staff/faculty to be part of this year’s Celebration Day Bazaar and Silent Auction! 

​​Whether you’d like to host a stall at the Bazaar or contribute an experience or prize to our Silent Auction here, it’s a great way to support our Community Partners as all proceeds will go directly to them. There are still a few vendor spots left at the Celebration Day Bazaar. Please email Martha Fell (martha@jaxxandmarbles.com).

​​Our silent auction is also live! Sign up in advance and bid now! We have some great items, including Canadian Stage Tickets, HC Reserved Seating at the US Carol Service and more.

Friday Night Lights (7:00 pm) 

Our first ever Friday Night Lights takes place directly after Celebration Day.  Kicking off at 7 pm, this special event will feature a competitive soccer match against Branksome Hall, and is open to all US students, parents, past parents, Old Girls/Alums and community members. 

Junior School students are welcome to attend Friday Night lights, but MUST be accompanied by an adult.

Join us to cheer on the Gators, have a bite to eat and enjoy a beer in the 19+ Beer Tent. All proceeds will go toward Havergal’s Ahead of the Game campaign. Junior School students are also welcome to come with their parents. We hope you can come out and show your support! 

ATHLETICS and CO-CURRICULARS 

Registration for Fall Athletics and Co-curriculars is still open, and will close on Sunday, September 14th at 8 pm. You can register on the Parent Portal Landing Page. 

Athletics:

  • JS Athletics Schedule. This can also be found on the parent portal. 
  • Please keep in mind that Athletics practices start next week, and your child needs to be registered before the first practice. 
  • Students in Gr. 4-6 may register for two teams plus cross country. After the 2-week trial period, students must choose between Basketball, Soccer, or Swim. Please consult with your child/children to confirm the teams they would like to try out for before you complete the online registration.
  • Questions?

Clubs:

  • Thank you for your feedback regarding the club registration process, and the frustration regarding signing up for some of our most popular offerings. We are seeking a solution.
  • Please note that there is still space available in the following clubs:
  • SK
    • Lego Club
  • Grade 1 – 3
    • Bollywood Dancing
    • Little Architects
  • Grade 2 & 3
    • Math Club
  • Grade 5 – 6
    • Learn to Play Band
    • Strings
  • Questions?

WHAT’S ON THE JS MENU NEXT WEEK

JS Menu for Monday, September 8 – Friday, September 12 

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Grade Coffee Mornings

  • Please look out for the HCPA coffee morning invites coming soon. This is a great opportunity to drop in for a quick coffee and chat with other parents in your grade.

HCPA General Meeting

  • The next HCPA General Meeting is Wednesday, September 10, 8:45 – 10:45 am in the Junior School Dining Room.

YOUR CHILD’S PERSONALIZED CALENDAR

Personalized Havergal Calendars

Use this link to see a personalised summary of your child’s activities next week, on the Parent Portal.

KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON

Monday, September 8 (#1 Dress Day)

  • Opening Prayers (8:25 am – 8:55 am)
    • Parents/Guardians are always welcome to attend!
    • Dr. Katrina Samson will deliver today’s message
  • JS Class Photo Day

Wednesday, September 10

  • Prayers (8:30 am – 8:55 am)
    • Ms. White will deliver today’s message, about what it means to be a member of the Havergal Community

Thursday, September 11

  • People and Program Night (6:00 pm – 7:30 pm)

Friday, September 12

  • Terry Fox Run (1:45 pm – 2:45 pm)
  • Students are asked to come dressed in their Phys Ed Uniform

Sunday, September 14th at 8 pm 

  • JS Fall Athletics and Co-Curriculars CLOSES at 8:00 pm 

Friday, September 26

  • Celebration Day & Friday Night Lights
    • Early Dismissal
      • JK – Grade 3: 2:45 pm – 3:00 pm
      • Grade 4 – 6: 3:00 pm – 3:15 pm

Monday, September 29 – Friday, October 3 

  • Truth and Reconciliation Week
  • Tuesday, September 30
  • Students are invited an orange shirt on top of their regular HC uniform in recognition of Truth and Reconciliation Week

Monday, October 6

  • First Pizza Lunch of the year

Thursday, October 9

  • Harvest Festival (Brenda Robson Hall – 9:00 am – 10:00 am)

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