A Message From The Head of the Junior School – Friday, February 20, 2026

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Families,

Next week is full of exciting opportunities! From celebrating the Lunar New Year in Prayers on Monday, to learning more about the origins of Pink Shirt Day, and having students participate in “Thrive Week,” it is sure to be a fulsome week. Be sure to take a few moments over the weekend to review all that we have in store in the weeks, and months ahead.

Warmly,

Kate

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

Latest News

Reminders

LATEST NEWS

Student-Led Conferences Sign-Up (Grades 1 – 6)

As previously communicated, Student-Led Conferences have been scheduled for Friday, April 17, 2025 from 8:30 am – 12:00 pm. 

Please note:

  • Families will receive an email from me on Monday, to sign-up for our upcoming Student-Led Conferences.

As a Reminder:

  • Our goal, with Student-Led Conferences, 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.  
  • Student-Led Conferences offer an opportunity for students to highlight what they are currently learning in the classroom and to provide them with the chance to present their progress to you formally. 
  • Our hope is 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. 

A Note From Our Librarian – Ms. Rodd

Over the past few months, we have noticed an increase in damage to our library books. This winter, many brand new books have been returned with significant water damage, food spills, and rips. Unfortunately this means that the books must be discarded and the library budget used to replace these copies.

We ask that you help support your child in maintaining the good condition of library books that they borrow. Please help your child remember to place water bottles and snack containers in separate compartments of their backpacks.

As well, if you or your child does notice a water or food spill, please alert Ms. Rodd, rather than returning the book in the return bin. This will help make sure that additional damage is not done to other books.

A refresher on library book care will also be delivered to students over the next few weeks.

Thank you for your support. If you have any questions please reach out to Erica Rodd 

Lunar New Year Celebrations – Rev. Ruch

The students have been working hard over the last three weeks to be able to share elements of their culture for our Lunar New Year Prayers on Monday. The students have been given their scripts, where applicable, for practice over the weekend. For those signed up in Grades 1-3, the link for the dance for them to practice if they wish is: YouTube link.

Students celebrating the New Year are welcome to come to school in their traditional clothing and are welcome to wear it throughout the day.  For those involved in Prayers, if they are not wearing traditional clothing, please come in your uniform. 

For all those participants (we have about over 65), can you please come to school for 7:45am where possible. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Rev. Jillian Ruch.

REMINDERS

Registration for Spring Co-curriculars is Open – Everything You Need to Know!

How to Register for Spring Athletics and Clubs: 

  • Families can register for Spring Co-curriculars on the JS Parent Portal 
    • Opened: Wednesday, February 18th at 10 am
    • Closes: Sunday, March 1st  at 8 pm

Pink Shirt Day – Wednesday, February 25 (Pink Shirt on TOP of uniform)

Students in JK to Grade 12 will be marking the importance of Pink Shirt Day on Wednesday, February 25th. All students in JK to Grade 12 are invited to wear a pink shirt on top of their uniform on this day.

While we speak to our students about the difference between being rude, being mean and bullying on an ongoing basis, Pink Shirt Day highlights the importance of choosing to lift each other up, how to be an “upstander” and the very real impact that bullying can have. We will be speaking about the importance of Pink Shirt Day, and how it came about with our students at Prayers, on Wednesday, February 25th, so they understand the context of the day, in age appropriate ways.

Please visit the Pink Shirt Day Website to learn more!

 CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMMING 

Athletics:

  •  JS Athletics Schedule  
  • Good luck to our U12 Swim team, who have their final meet this week. 
  • We are thrilled to be hosting an Athletic Breakfast for students in Grades 4-6 who participated in the Winter season . It will be held on March 3rd, 7:30 am – 8:15 am in the JS Dining Hall. 
  • Athletics Questions?

Clubs:

WHAT’S ON THE JS MENU NEXT WEEK

JS Menu for Monday, February 23 – Friday, February 27 

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)

JS A-mazing Race

A-mazing Race! Ticket sales are now open – Sunday, May 3. All Junior School students and an adult guest are invited to join us for the always popular A-mazing Race— PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!

  • Curious what’s in store? Check out our video reel here for a sneak peek at the high-energy fun and school spirit that makes this event so legendary!

HCPA Nominations 2026-27

The Havergal College Parent Association is seeking self-nominations for the 2026-27 school year.

To learn more about the available positions and how to get involved, please click here to view the self-nomination form. Nomination forms are due Monday, March 2, 2026 at 9 pm. We aim to find a position for all who apply and will be in touch in early May with the finalised roster.

  • Please click here to hear Leah Li (HCPA Vice Chair) speak about her positive experiences volunteering with the HCPA!

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 23

  • Lunar New Year Prayers (8:25 am – 8:55 am; followed by a reception in the JS Dining Hall)

Wednesday, February 25

  • Pink Shirt Day Prayers (8:25 am – 8:55 am )
    • Students are invited to wear a pink shirt over their uniform.

Thursday, February 26 

  • JK – Grade 4 Parent Social (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm at the Bio Wall)

Tuesday, March 3rd 

  • Gr. 4-6 Athletic Breakfast Celebration in the JS Dining Hall (7:30-8:15am) 

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.

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