A Message From The Head of the Junior School – Friday, October 17, 2025

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Families,

Earlier this week we had the opportunity to celebrate the Festival of Diwali in Prayers. Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word deepavali, meaning “row of lights,” and marks the triumph of light over darkness, and of good over evil. It is one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists, and other religions based in India. Even though the meaning of the celebration may be different, the enthusiasm, and joy it brings to people’s lives is what binds everyone together. 

Then, today, to end the week we had the pleasure of hosting a fun-run for Cross-Country runners from Grade 1 – 3 from a  variety of schools across the GTA. It was a fantastic  way to end the season for these students who have been training throughout the term. A huge thank you to the coaches for encouraging and training our athletes since September.

As we head into the weekend, it feels only appropriate to end with Let’s Go Blue Jays!

Sincerely,

Kate

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

LATEST NEWS

Purpose of Parent-Teacher Conferences 

We are looking forward to the upcoming Parent-Teacher conferences. These conferences provide an opportunity for teachers to share with you your daughter’s progress, celebrate successes, and next steps for continued support. At this early stage, the focus is on observable learning skills and initial understanding of course content rather than on evaluations or marks. You might find the following guiding questions helpful in framing the conversation:

  • “What areas and concepts does my daughter understand well? What areas does she find challenging?”
  • “What learning skills are my daughter showing that contribute positively to her learning? What are some learning skills that might be causing barriers to her learning?”
  • “What can I do to support my daughter’s learning at home?”

Instructions for registering can be found below in the Reminders section.

Updated Arrival and Dismissal Procedures

A note of thanks for everyone’s flexibility and cooperation with our updated arrival and dismissal procedures. We have especially appreciated people following the directions of our security team as they guide cars into the correct lanes. 

A friendly reminder to not stop directly in front of the side loop entrance, and this will impede traffic flow exiting from this area. Thank you.

Open House – Wednesday, October 22

The Junior School Admission Open House will be hosted next Wednesday, October 22nd between 9-12pm. We are looking forward to welcoming prospective families to campus to experience our program in action. Tours will be run by our Grade 6 students, giving them an opportunity to showcase their school pride and to share their HC experience with families considering Havergal for their daughters. As this is a special event, we are asking all students to come to school on Wednesday Oct 22 in their #1 dress. Thank you in advance to all of our Junior School Parent Ambassadors who will be joining us to help support Open House! 

Dressing Appropriately For Outdoor Play

With the fluctuations in temperatures over the last several weeks, please ensure that your child comes to school with the appropriate clothing so that they can enjoy their time outdoors. 

A reminder that students are permitted to wear Havergal “Spirit Wear,” such as HC plaid lounge pants or sweatpants under their tunic or skirt. These can be a great option, as an extra layer of warmth on colder days!  They are NOT, however, permitted to wear these items in class, or during the regular school day.  

REMINDERS

Remember to select your daughter’s yearbook photo.

Your daughter’s school photos and class pictures are available to view and order online at echophotography.ca

Log in using your daughter’s student number followed by “-2526” (for example, 12345-2526) to view your gallery and select your favorite picture for the yearbook.

Free shipping ends this Saturday. Place your order before then to take advantage of complimentary delivery.

Junior School Parent-Teacher Conferences – Logistics

  • Thursday, October 23 from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm 
    • There will be an early dismissal on this day
      • JK-Grade 3 (1:30 pm – 1:45 pm)
      • Gr.4 – 6  (1:45 pm – 2:00 pm)
        • Please note that all clubs have been cancelled on this day. This includes Private Music Lessons. 
        • U12 Basketball, U10 Basketball & U12 Soccer have their final games this afternoon.  JS Athletics Schedule
      • Gator Care is available from 1:30 pm – 6:00 pm.
        • Families need to register by Monday, October 20th should they need to register
  • Friday, October 24 from 8:00am – 3:00pm 
    • Parent/Teacher Conferences continue over Zoom from 8:00 am – 3:00 pm.
    • Please note there are NO CLASSES or Gator Care.

ATHLETIC and CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMMING 

Athletics:

Clubs:

  • A reminder to please pick up your child when the club concludes, otherwise they will sit at security until your arrival.
  • Questions?

WHAT’S ON THE JS MENU NEXT WEEK

JS Menu for Monday, October 20 – Friday, October 24 

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Parent Pub

Join fellow Havergal parents at our very first Parent Pub Night on Thursday November 20, 7 – 10 pm at Local Public Eatery – Leaside. 

  • Parent Pub will be a relaxed evening of great food, drinks, and community connection! Expect lots of conversation, laughter, and fun games throughout the night as we raise funds for our school initiatives. Invitations have been sent directly but you can also purchase tickets here! 

HCPA Coffee Mornings

  • Our coffee mornings take place in the JS Dining Hall, 8 – 9:30 am. Mark your calendars for the following dates:
    • Monday, October 27: Grades JK -3
  • RSVP to your grade reps

JS Bake Sale

  • The Junior School Bake sale will be held on Tuesday November 4.  We’re looking for parent volunteers for the following:
  • Setting up and staffing at the Bake Sale: click here to sign up 
  • Baking and donating nut-free baked goods: click here to sign up

Please Note:  Junior School students are reminded to bring cash to the Bake Sale (up to $10) should they wish to purchase goodies. Thanks for your support! 

YOUR CHILD’S PERSONALIZED CALENDAR

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

KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON

Wednesday, October 22

  • JS Open House – Students are asked to wear #1 Dress
  • Registration for Parent-Teacher Interviews Closes (8:00 pm)

Thursday, October 23

  • Early Dismissal for Parent-Teacher Interviews
    • JK-Grade 3 (1:30 pm – 1:45 pm)
    • Gr.4 – 6  (1:45 pm – 2:00 pm)
      • Please note that all clubs have been cancelled on this day. This includes Private Music Lessons.
      • U12 Basketball, U10 Basketball & U12 Soccer have their final games this afternoon.  JS Athletics Schedule
      • Gator Care is available from 1:45 pm – 6:00 pm
        • Families need to register by Monday, October 20th should they need to register

Friday, October 24

  • No classes (Parent-Teacher Interviews)

Tuesday, October 28 

  • Reflections: Self-Confidence in a Changing World – An Invitation for Parents (6 pm – 8 pm; Legacy Theatre)

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