A Message From The Head of the Junior School – Friday, December 12, 2025

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Families,

What a pleasure it was to come together as a community for our annual Grade 1 – 6 Christmas Concert on Wednesday! There was a special magic in the air as our students sang magnificently and helped usher us into the holiday spirit.

In the final piece of the concert, entitled “There is Peace” by Jim Papoulis,” students invited us to think about how in a world where there is conflict, peace can be found inside each and every one of us. We spoke about how while for many, this is the “most wonderful time of the year”, for others it can be a time of amplified silence, bringing on feelings of sadness or loss. With this in mind, my challenge for all of us as we embark on the winter break is to take inspiration from this song, and:

  • Look beyond the tinsel: If you know a neighbor, a colleague, or a friend who might be finding this season difficult, reach out.
  • Check in: Send the text, make the call, or drop off a card.
  • Be the Peace: Let the melody of the song translate into action. A small gesture of kindness is the most authentic way to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

If you were unable to attend or simply want to re-live the magic, I highly encourage you to watch the full concert on Havergal’s Youtube Channel.  

For all those celebrating the start of Hunukkah on Sunday, we wish you a joyful celebration with family and friends.

Warmly

Kate

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

Latest News

Reminders

LATEST NEWS

Term 1 Report Cards Available on Wednesday, December 17, 4 pm 

Term 1 report cards will be available for parents and students to access through the Veracross portal on Wednesday, December 17 at 4:00pm. 

December report cards represent a snapshot of a student’s achievements, progress, and areas for growth at this point in the academic year. The objective of a report card is to communicate what a student has learned and how she is developing as a learner across each discipline.

Partnership between Havergal and parents is key to student success. We encourage you to take time to review the report card, discuss it with your child, and identify any key themes or questions you might have. If you have any questions about specific courses, please reach out directly to the teacher; they are eager to partner with you.

Further information on how to access the report cards will be emailed next week. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Lam Nguyen, Dean of Academics.

Locker and Cubby Clean out Next Week

All students are asked to bring all personal belongings home over the Winter Break. This is so that our cleaners are able to do an extra deep cleaning during the break. 

  • Please send your child to school with extra bags to carry their things home. 
  • Teachers will be on hand to support the students with this task.

North York Harvest Food Bank Parent/Daughter Food Sort Opportunity – Monday, January 5 

On Monday, January 5th, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., parents and their daughters will have a wonderful opportunity to connect with one of our community partners by volunteering at the North York Harvest Food Bank to help sort food. Space is limited, so if you are interested, please email Liz Watt (lwatt@havergal.on.ca) to sign up. Details will follow closer to the date.

REMINDERS

New Tuition Instalment Dates for 2026-2027 Fees

With enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year set to open in the new year, please be advised that Tuition Instalment Dates are set to change for the Standard and Monthly Payment Plans.

Check out the new dates here: Tuition Instalment Dates for 2026-2027 Fees  

Lost and Found Clean Out: Monday, December 8 – Thursday, December 18

All items in the Lost and Found have been put on display on tables by the main staircase.

Families and students are encouraged to check for lost belongings. We will make every effort to return labelled items to the students.

All unclaimed items will be donated to New Circles, or will go to the Used Uniform Sale, Thursday, December 18.

Please be sure to label ALL of their child(ren)’s clothing, as this makes it much easier for items to be returned. As we head into the winter season, we encourage you to make sure that things like coats, snow pants, boots, hats, and mitts are clearly labelled as well.

ATHLETIC and CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMMING 

Athletics:

  • Read the Fall issue of Gator Zone. Gator Zone is Havergal’s official athletic newsletter, showcasing student achievements, team highlights, and sports news. 
  •  JS Athletics Schedule  
  • Congratulations to the U12 Swim team, U11 Volleyball team, and our U12 Badminton team, who had their first games last week!
    •  Special congrats to Xiwen who dominated and placed 1st in the Mixed Under 12, 100 Meter!
  • Athletics Questions?

Clubs:

  • A huge thank you to our instructors for their time, creativity and support for delivering a large breadth of clubs to our students this past term.
  • Winter clubs start the week of January 12 and run until March Break with the exception of Primary and Junior Choir which continue until April.
  • Questions?

WHAT’S ON THE JS MENU NEXT WEEK

Js Menu for Monday, December 15 – Thursday, December 18 

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Parent Evening Socials

Please save the date for the following evening parent socials:

  • Grades JK – 4: February 26, 7 – 9 pm (Bio Wall)
  • Grade 5 – 6: TBA 

HCPA Marketplace

Celebrate the season in style! The HCPA Marketplace is open for holiday shopping – visit our Shopify page today.

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, December 17

  • Singer-Songwriter Craig Cardiff Visits the Junior School (8:30 am – 8:55 am in the JS Gym)
  • Report Cards Available for Viewing (4:00 pm)

Thursday, December 18

  • Last Day of Classes before Winter Break
  • Registration for Term 2 of Gator Care Closes

Monday, January 5

  • PD Day for Faculty
  • No Classes for Students
    • North York Harvest Food Bank Parent/Daughter Food Sort Opportunity (9:30 am – 12:00 pm; Sign-Up Required)

Tuesday, January 6 

  • Classes Resume

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