Dear Junior School Families,

What a week! From the close to 60 cm of snow that covered the city on Sunday, to temperatures of -30 degrees, this winter is showing us everything it’s got! While we have been shortening our recesses, students are still going outside to ensure they have time to play and get some fresh air throughout the day. Thank you for ensuring that students come to school appropriately dressed to enjoy their time outside.

With Spirit Week just over a week away, we are looking forward to spreading some Havergal Cheer, and celebrating our school spirit. 

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend.

Sincerely,

Kate

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

Latest News

• Hygiene Kit Drive (Monday, Feb 2 – Thursday, Feb 12)
• Spirit Week (Monday, Feb 9 – Thursday, Feb 12)
• Gator Care Monthly Blast
• Pizza Lunch is on Monday, February 2!

Reminders

• Final Date for Reregistration for 2026-2027 – Monday, February 2!
• Hockey Day 2026: Online Registration, Ticket Purchase, Transportation – ACTION REQUIRED
• Student-Led Conferences – Friday, April 17 (No Classes on This Day)
• Athletic and Co-Curricular Programming
• What’s On The Menu Next Week
• Notes From the HCPA
• Your Child’s Personalized Calendar
• Key Dates On The Horizon

LATEST NEWS

Hygiene Kit Drive (Monday, Feb 2 – Thursday, Feb 12)

This February, Havergal College is pleased to once again be collaborating with our long-time community partners, New Circles, in support of their Hygiene Kit Program. Our Grade 5 students, as part of their Leadership Programming, will be working with their teachers to run this important initiative in the Junior School.

• You can support the drive by sending the assigned items with your child to school (collected by the homeroom teacher) by Thursday, February 12, 2026. 
• Every contribution makes a meaningful difference and helps our students learn the impact of leadership, empathy, and community service. Encourage your child to participate fully—together, we can help New Circles families feel supported and cared for this season.

When and How are Donations Being Accepted?

• Donations can be brought in anytime between now and February 12, 2026.
• Students should place their items in their homeroom collection bin.
• After the collection period, Grade 5 students will sort the donations and assemble Hygiene Kits, which will be delivered to New Circles at the end of February.

On behalf of the Junior School and our Partners at New Circles thank you for your generosity! 

Please see below for Grade item requests:

JK/SK/Grade 1

• Toothpaste and toothbrushes

Grade 2 & Grade 4A

• Soap and Lotion

Grade 3 & Grade 4B

• Lysol Wipes

Grade 5

• Shampoo and Conditioner

Grade 6

• Small packs of pads and tampons
  • (Buying smaller packs will allow more clients to receive them) 

To learn more, please review the New Circles- Hygiene Kit Drive Information Sheet  

Spirit Week (Monday, Feb 9 – Thursday, Feb 12)

Spirit Week is just around the corner! At Havergal, Spirit Week is about coming together, supporting one another, and celebrating what makes our community so special. It’s a time for our community to share moments of joy together and create a positive ripple effect throughout our school – because spirit is contagious!  

• Monday, February 9th: Students are invited to wear an accessory over their uniform that represents a country they love or celebrates where they are from.
• Tuesday, February 10th: It’s hockey day!!! Students are encouraged to dress down in one of the following:
  • green and gold, 
  • an HPE shirt or 
  • a hockey jersey of their choice.  
• Thursday, February 12th: To gear up for Valentine’s Day, everyone is encouraged to “Wear What You Love” as a way to celebrate your authentic self.

Gator Care Monthly Blast

Should your daughter attend Gator Care on a regular basis, we encourage you to read this month’s  edition of the Gator Care Monthly Blast. It will provide you with a high-level overview of what is happening, as well as some quick reminders.

Pizza Lunch is on Monday, February 2!

A reminder that our students will enjoy a Pizza Lunch on Monday!  Students not participating are asked to bring their own packed lunch. The salad and sandwich bar will still be available.

REMINDERS

Final Date for Reregistration for 2026-2027 – Monday, February 2!

The final day for Re-registration for the 2026/27 school year is on Monday, February 2.

Families have all received an email from the Board of Governors with a link to reregistration. This can also be accessed through the Parent Portal Landing Page. Re-registration, which includes both completing the online forms and submitting the deposit,  is due on Tuesday February 2, 2026.  We cannot guarantee a place for students who re-register after this date.  

While we are certainly hoping to be welcoming all of our students back next year, we recognize that family situations change and relocations occur.  If you are aware that your daughter is not returning to Havergal, please let us know by emailing Maggie Houston-White (mhw@havergal.on.ca) as soon as possible so we can ensure we have a fulsome admission process at all necessary years. 

Hockey Day: Online Registration, Ticket Purchase, Transportation – ACTION REQUIRED

Hockey Day takes place on Feb 10th at 1 pm at Mattemy arena. 

Everyone in Gr. 4-6 must complete the online registration.

REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2nd AT NOON! Register Now!

Click here:  HOCKEY DAY REGISTRATION (Gr. 4 – 6) 

What to do if Your Child Cannot Attend Hockey Day:

• If you know you can not attend on this day, please email Ms. Bartlett. abartlett@havergal.on.ca

Student-Led Conferences – Friday, April 17 (No Classes on This Day)

We are thrilled to announce that we will be hosting Student-Led Conferences in the Junior School again this year! This initiative offers a wonderful opportunity for our students to take center stage in sharing their learning journey with you. 

What Are Student-Led Conferences?
These conferences will showcase what students are currently learning in the classroom and provide them with the chance to present their progress to you formally. The focus will be on the learning process and self-reflection, which aligns with our broader educational philosophy and strategic plan. The goal is to empower students to take ownership of their learning while fostering a meaningful dialogue between students and parents. This is part of our ongoing commitment to incorporate student voice and reflection into our parent-teacher conferences and formal reporting, a key initiative in our strategic plan.  Rather than the traditional teacher-run parent-teacher conferences, this approach shifts the focus to the students themselves, allowing them to actively engage in reflection, goal-setting, and metacognition.

We hope that these conferences will allow for rich, reflective conversations that highlight not only what your child has accomplished but also the ways in which they are thinking about and growing in their learning. We look forward to celebrating our students’ achievements and growth with you!

ATHLETIC and CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMMING 

Athletics:

•  JS Athletics Schedule  
• Don’t forget to register your child for Hockey Day! See the hockey day message above. 
• Good Luck to the Twelve, U10, U11, and U12 Volleyball teams, who all have games next week. Also, to our swimmers who have their last meet before the finals. 
• Questions about Athletics?
  • Email JS Director of Athletics, Anna Bartlett

Clubs:

•  JS Clubs Schedule
• Due to the Snow Days on January 15 and 26, 2026: club fees have been adjusted.
• Questions about clubs?
  • Email Junior School Office Administrator, Sarah Robertson 

WHAT’S ON THE JS MENU NEXT WEEK

JS Menu for Monday, February 2 – Friday, February 6 

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)

Preloved Uniform & Marketplace Sale 

Preloved Uniform & Marketplace mid-year sale is on Wednesday, February 4, 2:30 – 5:00 pm in the Junior School Learning Hub hallway.  Sizing is available from JK – grade 12.  

• The teams are looking for parent volunteers to help before, during and after the events. Please click here to sign up.

The Bake Shop

The Bake Shop is open Wednesday, February 11, from 12:30 – 2:00 pm in the Gator Care room. All JS students will have the opportunity to visit the bake sale with their classes. We recommend bringing $10 cash to shop the sale. 

• We’re looking for parent volunteers to bake or donate nut-free baked goods.
  • Sign up here. Those who donate will have first dibs on volunteer time slots. 
• Donations can be homemade or store-bought—all delicious contributions welcome!

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, February 2

• Registration for Hockey Day CLOSES at 12:00 pm
• Pizza Lunch Day

Wednesday, February 4

• Black History Month Prayers (8:25 am – 8:55 am); followed by a reception in the JS Library
• JS Pre-Loved Uniform Sale (2:30 – 5:00 pm in the Junior School Learning Hub hallway) 

Monday, February 9 – Thursday, February 12 – Spirit Week 

• Monday, February 9th: 
  • Students are invited to wear an accessory over their uniform that represents a country they love or celebrates where they are from.
• Tuesday, February 10th:
  • It’s hockey day!!! Students are encouraged to dress down in one of the following:
    • green and gold, 
    • an HPE shirt or 
    • a hockey jersey of their choice.
• Wednesday, February 11 (12:30 pm – 2:00 pm)
  • JS Bake Sale
    • We recommend bringing $10 cash to shop the sale.
• Thursday, February 12th:
  • To gear up for Valentine’s Day, everyone is encouraged to “Wear What You Love” as a way to celebrate your authentic self.
• Friday, February 13 
  • Mid Term Break – School Closed

Monday, February 16

• Mid Term Break – School Closed

Thursday, February 26 (7 – 9 pm at the Bio Wall)

• JK – Grade 4 Parent Social

Friday, March 6

• Last Day of Classes

Monday, March 9 – Monday, March 23

• March Break

Tuesday, March 24

• Classes Resume for Students

April 10th (9:30 am – 11:00 am)

• Grandpals’ Day
  • More information about this day will be sent prior to the event.

Friday, April 17 

• Student-Led Conferences
  • Families will be able to sign-up for 30 minute slots to see just some of what students are currently learning in the classroom, and present it to you formally.
  • Please note that there are NO SCHEDULED CLASSES on this day.
  • More information will be sent prior to the event.

Dear Junior School Families,

The cold temperatures and heavy snow are not getting the Junior School down! Our second term is in full swing as students continue to dive deeply into their learning and the co-curricular life of the school. It has been an absolute pleasure visiting classrooms, and seeing our students so engaged in their core and specialist subjects. One of the things that strikes me most on these visits is the curiosity and confidence that our students demonstrate. From asking thoughtful questions, taking time to learn from errors, and making the choice  to persevere, in the face of challenges truly sets these exceptional students apart. 

With more heavy snow predicted over the weekend, rest assured that we will keep everyone posted on any changes to our schedule.

Warmly

Kate

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

Latest News

• Hockey Day 2026: Online Registration, Ticket Purchase, Transportation
• Student-Led conferences: Friday, April 17th –  No Classes for Students
• Dressing Appropriately for the Weather
• Havergal Babysitting List

Reminders

• Re-registration: January 27 – February 2, 2026
• Student Entry
• Athletic and Co-Curricular Programming
• What’s On The Menu Next Week
• Notes From the HCPA
• Your Child’s Personalized Calendar
• Key Dates On The Horizon

LATEST NEWS

Hockey Day: Online Registration, Ticket Purchase, Transportation

What is Hockey Day?

Hockey Day, which happens annually, brings the BSS and Havergal Hockey teams (U20) together to face off in a battle for the Hewitt Cup. It is a celebration of women in sport, embodying camaraderie and tradition. Havergal students look forward to this event every year, and come decked out in their Green and Gold, to cheer on our Gators with pride. Our Junior School Gators hockey team will play the BSS Junior School team during the first intermission.

When and Where is Hockey Day?

• Tuesday, February 10 
  • Students will depart HC at approximately 11:50 am, and will return to school in time for dismissal
    • Lunch will be eaten prior to students leave
• Mattamy Athletic Centre (Formerly Maple Leaf Gardens) located at 50 Carlton St, Toronto.

Who Attends Hockey Day and How Do They Get to the Game?

• Attendance is mandatory for students in Grades 4 – 6
  • They will be transported to the game via bus
• Grade 1 – Grade 3 will come together in the JS Gym to see a live streaming of the game

Registration and Cost of Tickets:

• Families of all attendees must complete online registration in order to attend.
• Student accounts will be charged $25 to attend the event. This includes bus transportation and admission to the arena and admission to the arena.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN AND WILL CLOSE ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2nd AT NOON! To register your child, click below: HOCKEY DAY REGISTRATION – ACTION REQUIRED (Gr. 4 – 6) 

What Do to If My Child Cannot Attend:

• If you know your child not attend on this day, please email Ms. Bartlett. abartlett@havergal.on.ca

Student-Led conferences: Friday, April 17th –  No Classes for Students

We are thrilled to announce that we will be hosting Student-Led Conferences in the Junior School again this year! This initiative offers a wonderful opportunity for our students to take center stage in sharing their learning journey with you.

What Are Student-Led Conferences?
These conferences will showcase what students are currently learning in the classroom and provide them with the chance to present their progress to you formally. The focus will be on the learning process and self-reflection, which aligns with our broader educational philosophy and strategic plan. The goal is to empower students to take ownership of their learning while fostering a meaningful dialogue between students and parents. This is part of our ongoing commitment to incorporate student voice and reflection into our parent-teacher conferences and formal reporting, a key initiative in our strategic plan.  Rather than the traditional teacher-run parent-teacher conferences, this approach shifts the focus to the students themselves, allowing them to actively engage in reflection, goal-setting, and metacognition.

We hope that these conferences will allow for rich, reflective conversations that highlight not only what your child has accomplished but also the ways in which they are thinking about and growing in their learning. We look forward to celebrating our students’ achievements and growth with you at the upcoming Student-Led Conferences.

Dressing Appropriately for the Weather

The winter weather is here, and we want our students to make the most of their time outdoors to play, engage with friends and to have fun. To do this, it is essential that they come to school with the appropriate outdoor clothing. Coats, snow pants or sweatpants, mitts, hats, and boots should all be brought to school so that students can fully participate at recess.

We also wanted to provide a reminder of Havergal’s Extreme Weather Guidelines.

Please note that in Cold Weather:

• Environment Canada advises that wind chill temperatures of -28°C to -39°C pose a high risk of frostbite and hypothermia, and exposed skin can freeze in 10 to 30 minutes.  
• When these conditions exist it is recommended that recess be shortened or that students are kept indoors for their recess period, consistent with many school boards in Ontario.

Havergal Babysitting List 

The Havergal Babysitting List is a resource to provide Senior School students with a way to indicate their interest in babysitting for Junior School families. It is also a resource for Junior School families to identify Senior School students who are looking for babysitting jobs.

Havergal is supporting this initiative by providing a list of Senior School students who are interested in babysitting on the Junior School parent portal. The list will be updated at the start of each academic year.  

To Learn More Visit the: HC Babysitting Information and List 

REMINDERS

Re-registration: January 27 – February 2, 2026

Re-registration for the 2026/27 school year opened on Tuesday January 27.  

Families will receive an email from the Board of Governors on that day with a link to reregistration and can also access reregistration through the Parent Portal Landing Page. Re-registration, which includes both completing the online forms and submitting the deposit,  is due on Tuesday February 2, 2026.  We cannot guarantee a place for students who re-register after this date.  

While we are certainly hoping to be welcoming all of our students back next year, we recognize that family situations change and relocations occur.  If you are aware that your daughter is not returning to Havergal, please let us know by emailing Maggie Houston-White (mhw@havergal.on.ca) as soon as possible so we can ensure we have a fulsome admission process at all necessary years. 

Student Entry

If your child is arriving at school, earlier than 8:00 am, a few reminders for the safety of our students.

• Gator Care opens at 7:30 am. Please do not drop off your child prior to this.
• For students coming to school early (7:00 am – 7:30 am) for clubs or athletics, please do not leave your child unattended until their coach meets them at the front door.

ATHLETIC and CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMMING 

Athletics:

•  JS Athletics Schedule  
• Don’t forget to Register your child for hockey day! See the hockey day message above. 
• Athletics Questions?
  • Email JS Director of Athletics, Anna Bartlett

Clubs:

•  JS Clubs Schedule
• Questions?
  • Email Junior School Office Administrator, Sarah Robertson 

WHAT’S ON THE JS MENU NEXT WEEK

JS Menu for Monday, January 26 – Friday, January 30 

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)

Preloved Uniform & Marketplace Sale 

Preloved Uniform & Marketplace mid-year sale is on Wednesday, February 4, 2:30 – 5:00 pm in the Junior School Learning Hub hallway.  Sizing is available from JK – grade 12.  

• The teams are looking for parent volunteers to help before, during and after the events. Please click here to sign up.

The Bake Shop

The Bake Shop is open Wednesday, February 11, from 12:30 – 2:00 pm in the Gator Care room. All JS students will have the opportunity to visit the bake sale with their classes. We recommend bringing $10 cash to shop the sale. 

• We’re looking for parent volunteers to bake or donate nut-free baked goods. Sign up here. Those who donate will have first dibs on volunteer time slots. 
• Donations can be homemade or store-bought—all delicious contributions welcome!

YOUR CHILD’S PERSONALIZED CALENDAR

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

KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON

Monday, January 26

• Prayers (Holocaust Remembrance Day; 8:25 am – 8:55 am)

Wednesday, January 28

• Prayers (House Cheer Presentations; 8:25 am – 8:55 am)

Monday, February 2

• Prayers (New Circles – Learning About Community Partnerships; 8:25 am – 8:55 am)
• Registration for Hockey Day CLOSES at 12:00 pm

Wednesday, February 4

• Prayers (Black History Month; 8:25 am – 8:55 am; followed by a reception in the JS Library)

Monday, February 9 – Thursday, February 12

• Spirit Week (dress down day details to come)

Friday, February 13 

• Mid Term Break – School Closed

Monday, February 16

• Mid Term Break – School Closed

Thursday, February 26 (7 – 9 pm at the Bio Wall)

• JK – Grade 4 Parent Social

Friday, March 6

• Last Day of Classes

Monday, March 9 – Monday, March 23

• March Break

Tuesday, March 24

• Classes Resume for Students

April 10th (9:30 am – 11:00 am)

• Grandpals’ Day
  • More information about this day will be sent prior to the event.

Friday, April 17 

• Student-Led Conferences
  • Families will be able to sign-up for 30 minute slots to see just some of what students are currently learning in the classroom, and present it to you formally.
  • Please note that there are NO SCHEDULED CLASSES on this day.
  • More information will be sent prior to the event.

Dear Junior School Families,

Welcome Back!

We hope you stayed warm and safe during yesterday’s snow day.

While an unexpected closure often requires some logistical gymnastics for parents, there is something undeniably magical about a mid-week pause.

The students arrived this morning buzzing with stories of sledding hills, snowmen, and extra mugs of hot cocoa. It was wonderful to see their red-cheeked faces back in the hallways today. Thank you for your flexibility and for helping us keep our community safe during the weather event.

The campus is now fully plowed, school is back in session, and we are looking forward to the week ahead.

Warmly

Kate

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

Latest News

• Black History Month Prayers – An Invitation
• Save the Date for Two Important Junior School Events!

Reminders

• Re-registration: January 27 – February 2, 2026
• Major Dates Calendar for 2026-2027
• Book Fair Update
• Athletic and Co-Curricular Programming
• What’s On The Menu Next Week
• Notes From the HCPA
• Your Child’s Personalized
• Key Dates On The Horizon

LATEST NEWS

Black History Month Prayers – An Invitation

Save the Date for Two Important Junior School Events!

There are two very important JS Events that we wanted to be sure to put on your calendars.

Grandpals’ Day – Friday, April 10th (9:30 am – 11:00 am)

• More information about this day will be sent prior to the event.

Student-Led Conferences – Friday, April 17 

• Families will be able to sign-up for 30 minute slots to see just some of what students are currently learning in the classroom, and present it to you formally.
• Please note that there are NO SCHEDULED CLASSES on this day.
• More information will be sent prior to the event.

REMINDERS

Re-registration: January 27 – February 2, 2026

Re-registration for the 2026/27 school year will open on Tuesday January 27.  

Families will receive an email from the Board of Governors on that day with a link to reregistration and can also access reregistration through the Parent Portal Landing Page. Re-registration, which includes both completing the online forms and submitting the deposit,  is due on Tuesday February 2, 2026.  We cannot guarantee a place for students who re-register after this date.  

While we are certainly hoping to be welcoming all of our students back next year, we recognize that family situations change and relocations occur.  If you are aware that your daughter is not returning to Havergal, please let us know by emailing Maggie Houston-White (mhw@havergal.on.ca) as soon as possible so we can ensure we have a fulsome admission process at all necessary years. 

Major Dates Calendar for 2026-2027

Our Major Dates Calendar for 2026-2027 has been set! We know that many families like to plan ahead, so we hope that this is helpful. Please note that dates are subject to change. This information can also be found on the Parent Portal.

Book Fair Update

Ms. Rodd distributed the last of the book fair orders. She still has a small handful of books with no names attached. If you are still waiting for an item from the book fair, kindly reach out to Ms. Rodd at erodd@havergal.on.ca so that she can follow up.

ATHLETIC and CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMMING 

Athletics:

•  JS Athletics Schedule  
• Congratulations to the U12 Hockey team, who had their first game against Royal St. George’s. They played incredibly and squeaked out a 5-5 tie!   
• SAVE THE DATE: Hockey Day at Mattemy Arena. Puck drop at 1pm. Details will be in next week’s weekly. 
• Athletics Questions?
  • Email JS Director of Athletics, Anna Bartlett

Clubs:

• Winter clubs started this past week and are off to a great start.
•  JS Clubs Schedule
• Questions?
  • Email Junior School Office Administrator, Sarah Robertson 

WHAT’S ON THE JS MENU NEXT WEEK

JS Menu for Monday, January 19 – Friday, January 23.pdf 

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)

Preloved Uniform & Marketplace Sale

The Pre-Loved Uniform and Marketplace mid-year sale is on Wednesday, February 4, 2:30 to 5:00 pm in the Junior School Learning Hub hallway.  Please stop by to stock up on extra uniform pieces or to replace lost items.

The Bake Shop

The HCPA Bake Sale has had a glow up! Join us at The Bake Shop on Wednesday, February 11, from 12:30–2:00pm in the Gator Care room. 

We’re looking for parent volunteers for the following:

• Baking and donating nut-free baked goods: click here to sign up
• Donations can be homemade or store-bought—all delicious contributions welcome!

*This will be a cash only event, so please send up to $10 with your daughter so she can make her purchases.

YOUR CHILD’S PERSONALIZED CALENDAR

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

KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON

Monday, January 19

• Prayers (Smudge and Sacred Medicines with Marissa Magneson & Rachel Read)

Wednesday, January 21

• Prayers (Principal, Dr. Katrina Samson will be delivering the message)

Wednesday, February 4

• Black History Month Prayers (8:25 am – 8:55 am); followed by a reception in the JS Library

Monday, February 9 – Thursday, February 12

• Spirit Week (dress down day details to come)

Friday, February 13 

• Mid Term Break – School Closed

Monday, February 16

• Mid Term Break – School Closed

Thursday, February 26 (7 – 9 pm at the Bio Wall)

• JK – Grade 4 Parent Social

Friday, March 6

• Last Day of Classes

Monday, March 9 – Monday, March 23

• March Break

Tuesday, March 24

• Classes Resume for Students

April 10th (9:30 am – 11:00 am)

• Grandpals’ Day
  • More information about this day will be sent prior to the event.

Friday, April 17 

• Student-Led Conferences
  • Families will be able to sign-up for 30 minute slots to see just some of what students are currently learning in the classroom, and present it to you formally.
  • Please note that there are NO SCHEDULED CLASSES on this day.
  • More information will be sent prior to the event.

Dear Junior School Families,

Welcome Back!

On January 5, we welcomed all faculty back to school for a full day of professional learning focused on strengthening how we work together and on designing learning environments that help students thrive. It was an energizing and highly engaging day.

The day began with the faculty revisiting the Strength Deployment Inventory (SDI), a tool we have used with employees and our Grade 12 students. This work deepens self-awareness and strengthens relationships across divisions—an essential foundation for strong teaching and learning and our commitment to wellbeing.

A central focus of the day was rethinking perfectionism. Faculty explored the difference between healthy striving—where high expectations are balanced with flexibility, reflection, and care—and unhelpful perfectionism, which can limit learning and wellbeing. Teachers reflected on how adult beliefs and behaviours shape classroom culture, influence student confidence, and either encourage or inhibit risk-taking and resilience.

In the afternoon, faculty engaged in hands-on learning on classroom risk-taking. Through shared activities and discussion, teachers examined instructional choices that invite students to think deeply, make mistakes safely, and persist through challenge. This work reinforces our commitment to learning environments where curiosity, creativity, and growth are valued as much as outcomes, which we know lead to student success.

Across the day, faculty were united by a shared goal: excellence grounded in healthy striving, strong relationships, and a deep commitment to student wellbeing. This professional learning directly informs our teaching practice and supports our ongoing work to ensure every Havergal student feels confident, challenged, and supported as a learner.

We hope you and your family had a lovely December break together, and we look forward to continuing our partnership to support your child in 2026.

Lindsay Norberg, Lam Nguyen, Kate White & Krista Koekkoek

Academic Leadership Team

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

Latest News

• Re-registration: January 27 – February 2, 2026
• Dismissal from Athletics and Clubs

Reminders

• Arrival on Friday Mornings (Late Start)
• Nail Extensions are Not Permitted in the Junior School
• Major Dates Calendar for 2026-2027
• Athletics and Co-Curricular Programming
• What’s on the Menu in the JS Next Week
• Notes From the HCPA
• Your Child’s Personalized Calendar
• Key Dates on the Horizon

LATEST NEWS

Re-registration: January 27 – February 2, 2026

Re-registration for the 2026/27 school year will open on Tuesday January 27.  

Families will receive an email from the Board of Governors on that day with a link to reregistration and can also access reregistration through the Parent Portal Landing Page. Re-registration, which includes both completing the online forms and submitting the deposit,  is due on Tuesday February 2, 2026.  We cannot guarantee a place for students who re-register after this date.  

While we are certainly hoping to be welcoming all of our students back next year, we recognize that family situations change and relocations occur.  If you are aware that your daughter is not returning to Havergal, please let us know by emailing Maggie Houston-White (mhw@havergal.on.ca) as soon as possible so we can ensure we have a fulsome admission process at all necessary years.

Dismissal from Athletics and Clubs

Primary Clubs: Run from 3:05-4:05 pm

• Please pick your daughter up from the club classroom between 4:05 – 4:10pm. If your daughter is registered for Gator Care, the club instructor will drop her off there.

Junior Clubs: Run from 3:15 – 4:15 pm

• Please pick your daughter up from the club classroom between 4:15 – 4:20pm. If your daughter is registered for Gator Care, the club instructor will drop her off there.

Finally, you should have received an email from your club instructor this week with important information. If your daughter requires any special accommodations or if there is anything the instructor should be aware of, please be sure to inform them directly.  If your daughter is going to be absent for a club session, please email the club instructor.

REMINDERS

Arrival on Friday Mornings (Late Start)

Attendance on Friday mornings is taken at 8:55 am. Please ensure that your child arrives prior to this, so that they can start Period 1 on time, and not miss out on classroom instruction. We really appreciate your support.

As a reminder, students can be dropped off on Fridays between 7:30 am and 8:05 am or between 8:40 am and 8:50 am.

Nail Extensions are Not Permitted in the Junior School

We have noticed that a number of Junior School Students have returned after the break with long nail extensions (biogel, acrylic, etc.). A friendly reminder that while the students are permitted to wear nail polish, extensions of any kind are not permitted, as outlined in our Family Handbook 2025-26. We reminded students of this on Wednesday at Prayers. 

Major Dates Calendar for 2026-2027

Our Major Dates Calendar for 2026-2027 has been set! We know that many families like to plan ahead, so we hope that this is helpful. Please note that dates are subject to change. This information can also be found on the Parent Portal.

ATHLETIC and CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMMING 

Athletics:

•  JS Athletics Schedule  
• Intramurals for Grades 1-6 start up this week! This is run by our Grade 6 leaders at recess. Students in each Grade will be able to participate on a designated day.
• Good Luck to the U12 hockey team on their first game against RSGC on Jan 14th. 
• Athletics Questions?
  • Email JS Director of Athletics, Anna Bartlett

Clubs:

• JS Clubs Schedule
• Questions?
  • Email Junior School Office Administrator, Sarah Robertson 

WHAT’S ON THE JS MENU NEXT WEEK

JS Menu for Monday, January 12 – Friday, January 16 

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 

YOUR CHILD’S PERSONALIZED CALENDAR

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

KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON

Monday, January 12

• Prayers (Ms. White will be delivering the message)

Wednesday, January 14

• Prayers (Rev. Ruch will be delivering the message)

Monday, February 9 – Thursday, February 12

• Spirit Week (dress down day details to come)

Friday, February 13 

• Mid Term Break – School Closed

Monday, February 16

• Mid Term Break – School Closed

Thursday, February 26 (7 – 9 pm at the Bio Wall)

• JK – Grade 4 Parent Social

Friday, March 6

• Last Day of Classes

Monday, March 9 – Monday, March 23

• March Break

Tuesday, March 24

• Classes Resume for Students