A Message From The Head of the Junior School – Friday, October 24, 2025

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Families,

There was a buzz in the air at the Junior School this week, as we welcomed over 150 prospective families at our Open House. Our Grade 6s played a pivotal role, acting as tour guides. It was impressive to see their confidence, ability to thoughtfully engage with our visitors, and the joy and pride they feel for Havergal. A huge note of thanks as well to our parent-ambassadors, who volunteered their time to speak about the parent-experience at Havergal. It was greatly appreciated.

Thank you as well for your participation in our first set of Parent-Teacher Conferences over the last two days! These important conversations provide an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, to see the areas in which she is thriving, and to discuss targeted plans for continued growth. Moreover, they allow us to further strengthen the relationship between home and school. 

We sincerely value your engagement, and want to reiterate that should you ever have questions or concerns, we invite you to connect us. Be assured that we will do the same.

Sincerely,

Kate

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

LATEST NEWS

Go Jays Go! Dress-down Day on Tuesday, October 28

In support of our Blue  Jays,  we will once again swap our Gator Green and wear the colour Blue (or Blue Jays gear) on TUESDAY, October 28, for a special whole school dress-down day. Students are invited to dress down and do not require specific Blue Jay gear to participate. Let’s Go Blue  Jays! 

Halloween in the Junior School

Halloween is next week and the JS community is very excited!!  As the day approaches, we would like to share some details with you.

Costumes and Accessories:

  • Students are welcome to come to school in their costumes!
  • They are to leave any accessories (masks, broom sticks, etc…) for their costume in their lockers or cubbies, until it is time for the JS Halloween Parade in the afternoon.

What NOT to bring:

  • Students are not permitted to bring in any gifts or candy to share with their classmates. Our JS Prefects and their Council will be bringing in treats to hand out at the Junior School

Schedule

2:15-2:25 pm: Halloween Parade

  • The parade will start with JK students leading, followed by SK, then Grade 1 (and so forth) through the primary hallway, upstairs to Grade 3, along the Junior Hallway and down the main stairs. Students will enter through the back of the gym so our social media team and parents can take photos. 

2:25 pm – 2:50 pm

  • Halloween Assembly in the JS Gym, run by our Junior School Prefects and the Junior School Council

3:05- 3:35 pm: 

  • Regular dismissal begins

Limited Operating Hours / Temporary Closure of the Green & Gold Shop

As a reminder, the Green & Gold Shop will be closed over the November break from Thursday November 6th to Monday November 10th, re-opening on Tuesday November 11th.

Additionally, as part of a scheduled upgrade to our Retail Management System, the Green & Gold Shop will have limited hours or be temporarily closed on the dates listed below.

Whilst in-store services will be limited during this period, orders can still be placed online which will be fulfilled when the shop reopens.

We appreciate your understanding and continued support.

Green & Gold In-Store Hours

October 

  • Friday, October 31st (Open 8am – 1pm)

November 

  • Monday, November 3rd (Closed)
  • Tuesday, November 4th (Closed)
  • Wednesday, November 5th (Closed)
  • Monday, November 17th (Open 8am – 1pm)
  • Tuesday, November 18th (Open 8am – 1pm)
  • Wednesday, November 19th (Open 8am – 1pm)
  • Thursday, November 20th (Open 8am – 1pm)
  • Friday, November 21st (Open 8am – 1pm)

Havergal Connections Presents: Reflections – Self-Confidence in a Changing World

Tuesday, October 28, 6 – 8 pm, Legacy Theatre

Girls and young women today face immense pressures around body image and self-esteem. Join us for a thoughtful panel discussion moderated by Christina Sorbara (Current Havergal Parent), featuring Nicole Tapscott ’02 (current Havergal Parent; Chief Commercial Officer, Knix), clinical psychologists Dr. Nina Mafrici ’02 (current Havergal Parent) and Dr. Michele Foster, and Krista Koekkoek, Head of the Upper School. Together, they’ll explore how to build confidence, resilience, and well-being in today’s complex world. This free event requires registration. Click here to register.

Havergal Connections Presents: Beyond the Bar – Conversations with Legal Leaders

Tuesday, November 4, 8 – 10 am, Aird & Berlis LLP, Brookfield Place, 181 Bay St., Suite 1800, Toronto


Join fellow Havergal Old Girls/Alums and parents in the legal field – or those curious to learn more – for a morning of conversation, connection, and inspiration. Hosted by Jill Fraser ’87, Chair of the Board of Governors, and Christina Beharry ’97, Partner at Foley Hoag LLP. This event is free, but requires registration. Click here to register.

REMINDERS

Arrivals on Friday Mornings

Our teachers have been greatly appreciative to spend time collaborating on professional development initiatives on Friday mornings! A friendly reminder that students should be in their classrooms by 8:55 am, as attendance is taken promptly at 9:00 am.  

Pick-Ups during Morning and Lunch Recess

When picking up your child during morning or lunch recess, kindly let your child know to go to the reception desk, rather than going outside. This way they can sign out quickly prior to meeting you, rather than someone having to go to the lower pitch to find them. Thank you.

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 27 – Friday, October 31 

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Parent Pub

Parent Pub Night is on Thursday November 20, 7 – 10 pm at Local Public Eatery – Leaside.

Join fellow Havergal parents for 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. 

  • Tickets:
    • $85 per person (includes food & two drinks)
    • $75 per person when two tickets are purchased together

RSVP required — space is limited! Purchase your 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 is on Tuesday November 4. We’re still looking for parent volunteers to help collect baked goods on Monday, November 3, 3 – 4.30pm. Please click here to sign up. 

  • Help make this event a success! We’re hoping to add more baked goods and tasty treats to our tables. Click here to bake or donate!

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! 

Grade 1 and 5 Breakfasts

Prepare your coziest pyjamas (or robe!) and mark your calendars for our Grade 1 and Grade 5 Pyjama Breakfasts!

  • Grade 1: Thursday, November 13, 7:30 – 8:45 am – RSVP Here!
  • Grade 5: Friday, November 14, 8.00 – 9:15am  – RSVP Here!

Students and one guest (a parent or another special adult) are invited to join us in the JS Dining Room to enjoy a delicious breakfast and participate in fun activities together including creating playful, cartoon-style portraits, a photo booth, and joyful dancing. See you there!

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

Monday, October 27

  • Prayers – What does it Mean to Thrive?
  • HCPA Parent Coffee Morning for Families in Grades 1 – 3 (8:00 am – 9:30 am in the JS Dining Hall

Tuesday, October 28 

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

Wednesday, October 29 

  • Prayers – Islamic Heritage Month 

Friday, October 31

  • Halloween Parade and Assembly (2:15 pm – 3:00 pm)

Tuesday, November 4

  • JS Bake Sale
  • Havergal Connections Presents: Beyond the Bar – Conversations with Legal Leaders
    (8:00 am – 10 am, Aird & Berlis LLP, Brookfield Place, 181 Bay St., Suite 1800, Toronto)

Wednesday, November 5 

  • Last Day of Classes before November Mid-Term Break

Thursday, November 6

  • PD Day for Teachers
  • No classes for students

Tuesday, November 11

  • Classes Resume
  • Remembrance Day Service (2:30 pm – 3:00 pm in the JS Gym)

Thursday, November 13 

  • Grade 1 Pyjama Breakfast (7:30 – 8:45 am – RSVP Here!)

Friday, November 14,

  •  Grade 5 Pyjama Breakfast (8.00 – 9:15am  – RSVP Here!)

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