A Message From The Head of the Junior School – Friday, March 6, 2026

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Families,

On Sunday, March 8th, people around the world will celebrate International Women’s Day. This is a global day to recognize and celebrate women’s and girls’ social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. It’s also a time to raise awareness of the progress made towards achieving gender equality and the work remaining to be done. At Havergal College, this day carries a special resonance; it is a celebration of our very foundation and a reminder of our daily commitment to nurturing the confidence, agency, and voices of the young women who are prepared to make a difference.

As we head into the March Break, I wanted to take this opportunity to offer a sincere note of gratitude to everyone for such an engaging and productive second term. It continues to be such a pleasure to work alongside the exceptional group of educators that we have here at Havergal, as well as with our curious and capable students, and in partnership with you, our families.

Please note the many invitations and RSVPs throughout this edition of The Weekly – Junior School, and take a moment to complete all that is pertinent to your family! 

May the March Break provide an opportunity for a slightly slower pace and the time to spend with family and friends.

The next issue of The Weekly – Junior School will be published on Friday, March 27.

Warmly,

Kate

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

Latest News

Reminders

LATEST NEWS

Empowering Excellence Progress Update: Year Two

In the second year of our strategic plan, Empowering Excellence, we remain dedicated to impactful connection, preparing students for academic excellence, and transformation. We continue to make strides in our journey to position Havergal at the forefront of girls’ education globally.

As a school dedicated to preparing young women to make a difference, we are committed to ensuring that our students are ready to enter the ever-changing world with the confidence and skills they need to thrive after graduation. Empowering Excellence is our roadmap to make this a reality. Guiding our work and illustrating our commitment, three pillars are central to our plan: Connection, Wellbeing & Belonging, Future-Ready and Transforming Tomorrow.

This year’s progress update builds on the momentum realized in year one, moving from planning to action. It highlights the opportunities, resources and support that allow every Havergal student to realize their full potential. Thank you for embarking on this journey with us; your dedication is the driving force behind our progress! We look forward to continuing our work and shaping future difference-makers. 

Game, Set, Match: Introducing the Havergal Tennis Club!

As part of our commitment to promoting wellbeing, community engagement and the spirit of sport, we are pleased to announce the launch of the Havergal Tennis Club this spring, welcoming both the Havergal community and broader public to our campus. Utilizing our newly refurbished tennis courts, the Havergal Tennis Club will be membership-based, operating exclusively for members from April to October, seven days a week (outside of school hours). 

Havergal families are welcome to purchase memberships by visiting our facility rentals website;   sign up, view membership details, operating hours and learn more. Whether you are a competitive player or looking to pick up a racquet for the first time, we hope to see you on the court!

An Invitation to Easter Prayers and Reception – Wednesday, April 1

Families are invited to join us for Easter Prayers, followed by a reception, on Wednesday, April 1. 

Please RSVP for Easter Prayers and Reception by Friday, March 13. 

REMINDERS

Registration for Gator Care: Last Day to Register

  • Open: Friday, February 27 
  • Closes: Friday, March 6 at 11:59 pm

Registration Options:

Registration for afternoon care is mandatory; drop-ins are NOT permitted. 

  • Option #1: Register by term (five days a week) 
    • Term 3 ($1200)
    • Registration is currently open on the Parent Portal 
  • Option #2:  Registration on an “as needed basis”
    • Families who need to register for Gator Care on an “as needed basis” must email gatorcare@havergal.on.ca by 9 am on the day the service is required. If you know the days that you require in advance, we kindly ask that you register as soon as possible.
    • Flat fee of $30/day — fees will be compiled and charged by term. (New!)
  • Please note:

Invitations to Ramadan & Eid Prayers, and Nowruz Prayers – RSVP by March 9th

Families have received invitations to Ramadan & Eid Prayers (Wednesday, March 25th) and Norwruz Prayers (Monday, March 30th). 

If you would like to attend, kindly RSVP by MARCH 9th for: 

JS Family & Community Partner Sort – Monday, March 23 

We are excited to offer families opportunities to work alongside our community partners (North York Harvest Food Bank and New Circles), on Monday, March 23. To learn more about these, and to sign up, kindly visit the:

Family and Community Partner Information and Sort Form 

Invitation to Grandpals’ Day – RSVP by April 3

Grandpals’ Day will take place on  Friday, April 10, 2026 at 10:00 am! Families will have received an invitation today for this special event. 

RSVP for Grandpals’ Day, by Friday, April 3. 

New this Year!

We recognize that not all students have a grandpal who is able to attend. As such, we have arranged for alternate programming for students in Grade 1 – 3, and students in Grade 4 – 6. If this is the case for your daughter, kindly let her homeroom teacher know, so that we can ensure she is included.

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

A sign-up sheet was sent to families in Grade 1 – 6 on Monday, February 23 for Student-Led Conferences at 4 pm. Please refer to this email for the link to your child’s class sign-up form. 

If you are not able to attend on this day, kindly let your daughter’s teacher know, and they would be pleased to send home materials for you to review together at home.

Gator Care Monthly Blast

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

CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMMING 

Athletics:

Clubs:

  • Spring Clubs start the week of March 30 and check your child’s personalized calendar for their schedule.
  • Club Questions?

WHAT’S ON THE JS MENU

JS Menu for Tuesday, March 24 – Friday, March 27 

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

JS A-mazing Race

Come Rain or Shine to the A-mazing Race! All Junior School students and an adult guest are invited to join us on Sunday May 3, for the A-mazing Race— PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!

  • 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

Worried you missed the deadline and still want to get involved? If you are interested in joining the 2026-2027 HCPA in an event chair role, or in a Grade Rep position, we do have openings available. Please reach out hcpa.committee@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

Friday, March 6

  • Last Day of Classes
  • Final Day to Register for Gator Care on the Parent Portal 

Monday, March 9 

Monday, March 9 – Monday, March 23

  • March Break

Monday, March 23

Tuesday, March 24

  • Classes Resume for Students

Wednesday, March 25

  • Ramadan & Eid Prayers and Reception (8:25 am in the JS Gym)

Monday, March 30

  • Nowruz Prayers and Reception (8:25 am in the JS Gym)

Wednesday, April 1

  • Easter Prayers and Reception (8:25 am in the JS Gym)

Friday, April 3 

Monday, April 6

  • School Closed for Easter Monday – No classes

Friday, April 10th 

  • Grandpals’ Day (9:30 am – 11:00 am)

Friday, April 17 

  • Student-Led Conferences (8:30 am – 11:00 am)
    • No scheduled classes on this day.
    • If you have more than one daughter, one is welcome to go to Gator Care, while the other is presenting.

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