A Message From The Head of the Junior School – Thursday, November 6, 2025

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Families,

Halloween, the bake sale, and the time change have made for a jam-packed week! We hope that the mid-term break provides some time to slow things down, and get some rest!

Please carve out some time this weekend to read The Weekly – Junior School, as there is lots of information that will help you stay informed as we head into the winter season.

Sincerely,

Kate

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

LATEST NEWS

JS Remembrance Day Prayers – #1 Dress (Please Bring in a Toonie or Loonie for a Poppy)

There will be a Remembrance Service in the Junior School  on Tuesday afternoon from 2:30 – 2:55pm, in the Gym.  We welcome any guests. 

Students are encouraged to bring a toonie or loonie (or more!) for the poppy that they will receive at school on Tuesday. This contribution goes directly to the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Fund. Thank you for the support of our veterans!

Ella Minnow Book Fair – Monday, November 17 – Thursday, November 20

The Junior School Library is excited to once again be hosting an Ella Minnow Book Fair!

Ella Minnow specializes in books to delight children from birth to teen, and they will be bringing an excellent array of high quality children’s literature to choose from, and just in time for the holidays! 

When is the book fair? 

  • The Book Fair will run from Monday, November 17 –  Thursday, November 20.

Why do we host a book fair when we can just buy books online and at Indigo? 

  • Having a book fair is an opportunity for students to practice taking responsibility for their choices; managing money, and managing expectations.
  • Our library also directly benefits from a Book Fair, as 20% of all sales goes toward new books for the library.

How can I support my child? 

  • Students will have the opportunity to browse and create wish lists on Monday November 17th and Tuesday November 18th. The wish list is a tool for your daughter’s decision-making process, so please have a conversation with her about her choices. 
  • Please send the wishlist back to school with her – this is her permission form to shop. Students will have time to shop with her class on Thursday or Friday.

How do I pay for my child’s purchases?

  • Ella Minnow  accepts Visa, Master Card, debit, cash, and are able to charge purchases to student accounts with permission granted (via the Wish List). Cash and student account is encouraged for student shopping.

Please Note:

  • We ask that parents do not purchase books from their daughter’s wish lists until after she has had a chance to do so herself, with her class.
  • If your daughter’s wish list is very long, or if you would like to make purchases for the holidays or as a surprise, the book fair will be open for parent shopping from 8am-9am, and 3pm-5pm, Wednesday and Thursday. Ella Minnow is quick to order and supply books that are sold out at the fair and will bring copies of any books that sell out to the school.

**NEW THIS YEAR – Teacher Wishlists! 

  • This is an exciting program that helps teachers build their in-class libraries AND contributes to our book fair revenue. Like students, teachers create a Wish List of books they’re interested in for their classrooms. These lists will be available to view at the fair, and teachers will share their lists via their class portals.
  • If you wish to take part in this program, come by the fair during parent shopping hours, or simply call me at 416-483-3843, extension 7544, or email your request at erodd@havergal.on.ca. All classroom purchases will include a bookplate commemorating your donation.

Questions?

  • Please contact our Librarian,Ms. Rodd at erodd@havergal.on.ca or by phone at 416-483-3843, extension 7544.

Reflections: Self-Confidence in a Changing World

Last week, the Havergal Old Girls’ Association (HOGA) brought together Old Girls/Alum, parents, and educators for an authentic conversation about how confidence, body image, and belonging evolve in today’s world. 

Moderated by Christina Sorbara, with panellists Nicole Tapscott ’02, Dr. Nina Mafrici ’02, Dr. Michele Foster, and Krista Koekkoek, the discussion explored how social and cultural shifts —including social media, perfectionism, and post-pandemic pressures —are shaping how girls feel about and in their bodies. From a psychological perspective, fostering confidence today means helping youth stay connected to their inner experiences, challenge unrealistic standards, and feel seen and supported in all aspects of who they are.

Five key takeaways emerged:

  1. Model body trust and self-compassion: Confidence begins with adults who respect and care for their own bodies and emotions.
  2. Focus on function, not form: Emphasize what bodies do (e.g., move, create, express), rather than how they look.
  3. Normalize emotions and body signals: Encourage awareness of hunger, rest, joy, and discomfort as gateways to self-understanding.
  4. Create safe, inclusive spaces: Confidence flourishes where diversity is visible and belonging is felt.
  5. Encourage agency and critical thinking: Help girls question cultural pressures, make authentic choices, and set healthy boundaries.

The evening served as an important reminder that when schools, families, and communities work together to nurture body trust, self-compassion, and a sense of belonging, we lay the foundation for resilience and authentic confidence to thrive. The positive response from parents and educators highlights a shared commitment to continuing this dialogue and to ensuring our girls grow up grounded, confident, and connected.

REMINDERS

Health Centre Reminder – Viral Illness Season

As we move further into the viral illness season, we are seeing an increase in common respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses. We kindly ask families to monitor their children for any signs of illness and to keep students home if they are unwell.

Symptoms that warrant staying home include:

  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Cough and congestion
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • General fatigue or feeling unwell

Keeping students home when they are sick helps protect classmates, staff, and our broader school community. Students may return to school once they are feeling better and able to fully participate in the school day.

Please refer to the image below for a helpful visual reminder of when to stay home and when to return.

Thank you for your support in keeping our school community healthy!
The Health Centre

Parents as Partners Presents: Exploring Futures Together – How foresight is shaping organizations and schools and why it matters for Havergal

Join us Wednesday, November 12, 6:30 – 8:30 pm in the Brenda Robson Hall/Legacy Theatre for an interactive, thought-provoking evening featuring:

  • Suzanne Stein, internationally recognized futurist, Associate Professor at OCAD University, and Director of the Super Ordinary Lab
  • Lindsay Norberg, Deputy Principal at Havergal College
  • Facilitated by Allison Campbell-Rogers, HC-X

Open to all parents, alumni, faculty/staff and prospective families, it’s a great opportunity to learn what futures thinking is, why it matters for young people, and how it’s being applied in education and beyond. This free event requires registration. Click here to register.

Registration for Winter Co-curriculars – Everything You Need to Know!

Catalogue of Athletics and Clubs:

How to Register: 

  • Families can register for Winter Co-curriculars on the Parent Portal.
    • Opens: Wednesday, November 5th at 10 am
    • Closes: Sunday, November 16th at 8 pm

Athletics:

First Day of Tryouts for Winter Athletics

While all the dates for tryouts, practices, and games can be found on the JS Athletics Schedule, we thought it would be helpful to highlight the first day of tryouts for your reference. Kindly ensure that you register before the first day of tryouts!

  • Thursday, November 13 
    • U11 Volleyball (7:15 am – 8:15 am in the JS Gym)
    • U12 Volleyball (3:15 pm – 4:20 pm in the JS Gym)
    • U12 Swim Team (3:15 pm – 4:20 pm at the Pool)
  • Monday, November 17
    • U12 Badminton (7:15 am – 8:15 am in the JS Gym)
  • Wednesday, November 19
    • U10 Volleyball (7:15 am – 8:15 am in the JS Gym)

Clubs 

  • All winter clubs begin the week of January 12, 2026
  • Special Update Regarding Teaching Kitchen
    • Teaching Kitchen is one of our most popular after-school clubs, and we have heard your frustration at how difficult it can be to get a spot! As such, we are moving to a lottery system to make the signup process more equitable. A huge thank you to one of our parents for making this suggestion!
    • ALL families, with the exception of those whose children have already participated in Teaching Kitchen this year, will be allowed to register for this club, and will then be put on a wait list. Once registration closes, we will then enter the names of all students into a pool, and pull names randomly. We will then update families accordingly.

ATHLETIC and CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMMING 

Athletics:

Clubs:

  • Please read your child’s personalized calendar to see which fall clubs are still running.
  • Questions?

WHAT’S ON THE JS MENU NEXT WEEK

JS Menu for Tuesday, November 11 – Friday, November 14 

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Grade 1 and 5 Breakfasts

The excitement is growing! Grade Breakfasts are around the corner. 

Grade 1: Thursday, November 13, 7:30- 8:45 am 

Grade 5: Friday, November 14, 8:00- 9:15am

If you missed the RSVP deadline of October 31, please contact the Grade Breakfast Chair, Terra Cheng (terracheng@gmail.com), or Vice-Chair, Aylin Elmaagacli (Aylin@talesma.com).

If you haven’t already done so, please submit a baby photo of your student and a recent photo of your student with their guest for the slideshow. Email Grade 1 photos to havergalg1breakfast@gmail.com and Grade 5 photos to havergalg5breakfast@gmail.com.

HCPA General Meeting

Our next HCPA General Meeting is on November 12, 2025 – 8:45 to 10:45 am in the JS Dining Room. Our guest speaker is Lam Nguyen, Dean of Academics.

Parent Pub

Parent Pub Night is on Thursday November 20, 7 – 10 pm at Local Public Eatery – Leaside. The Parent Pub Night is your chance to unwind, laugh, and connect with other Havergal parents. You can expect to: 

  • Build community – Meet parents across grades and discover how they navigate the Havergal journey with their daughters.
  • Find inspiration – Hear stories, exchange tips, and share in the joys and challenges of raising confident Havergal girls.
  • Create Connection – Build friendships that go beyond the classroom — because every great school community starts with strong parent bonds.

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! 

We are looking for volunteers to help with check-in, raffles, and coordinating games. Help make this event run smoothly by signing up here. 

Marketplace

Looking for the perfect gift? Get your holiday shopping done early at the HCPA Holiday Marketplace. Visit our Shopify page today. 

Reminder! Our green and white Patagonia-style fleeces must be pre-ordered on Shopify by November 15 (Delivery in early December). They are available in both adult and youth sizes. 

Pre-Loved Uniforms: Volunteers Needed!

The Pre-Loved Uniform team needs your help to ensure this meaningful initiative continues to flourish. We are looking for volunteers to help once per year by: 

  • collecting donations from the Junior and Upper School bins, sorting and washing uniforms, and returning items to the HCPA closet.

Your support right now is essential to helping us build on our success in 2025 and every bit of help makes a difference.

If you can lend a hand, please join us hcpapreloveduniform@gmail.com

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

Tuesday, November 11

  • Classes Resume
  • Remembrance Day Service (2:30 pm – 3:00 pm in the JS Gym) – Students are asked to wear their #1 Dress

Wednesday, November 12

  • HCPA General Meeting (8:45 am – 10:45 am 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!)

Sunday, November 16

  • Registration for Winter Co-Curriculars close at 8 pm

Monday, November 17 –  Thursday, November 20

  • Ella Minnow Book Fair

Thursday, November 20

  • Parent Pub (7:00 pm – 10:00 pm at the Local Public Eatery – Leaside)

Friday, December 5

  • JK/SK Christmas Concert (9:00 am – 9:30 am)

Wednesday, December 10

  • Grade 1 – 6 Christmas Concert (3:00 pm – 4:00 pm at St. Paul’s Bloor Street)

Wednesday, December 17

  • Report Cards Available for Viewing (4:00 pm)

Thursday, December 18

  • Last Day of Classes before Winter Break

Monday, January 5

  • PD Day for Faculty
  • No Classes for Students

Tuesday, January 6 

  • Classes Resume

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