A Message From The Head of the Junior School – Friday, March 27, 2026

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Families,

It was so lovely to welcome our students back to school on Tuesday after the March Break! The halls are buzzing once again with the sounds of our students learning and playing together; always a delight to see!

On Monday, our faculty and staff welcomed educational consultant, Eric Hudson to campus for a professional development day on the future of generative AI in education. Eric guided us through AI skills and tools in the morning session, with a deep dive in the afternoon focused on assessment strategies and the future of writing.  

Through hands-on learning, practical examples and Q & As, Eric discussed what it means to be a human in an AI world, emphasized the importance of thoughtful integration and shared three AI skills for educators and students: literacy, learning, and ethics. We are excited to bring these insights to our work and classrooms! 

To our families celebrating Passover next week, we hope it is a lovely time with family and friends. Chag Sameach!

Warmly,

Kate

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

Action Required:

Latest News

Reminders

ACTION REQUIRED

RSVP for Grandpals’ Day by Sunday, April 5

Grandpals’ Day will take place on  Friday, April 10, 2026 at 10:00 am! 

RSVP for Grandpals’ Day by Sunday, April 5 

New this Year for Students Who Do Not Have a Grandpal Attending!

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 by April 3, so that we can ensure she is included.

Sign the AAR for Founders’ Day by Sunday, April 12 (Grade 1 – 6)

All students in Grade 1 – 12 will attend Founders’ Day on Thursday, April 23. Students in JK and SK remain at school. If your daughter is in Grade 1 – 6, please complete the form below:

 Sign the AAR for Founders’Day by Sunday, April 12 (Gr. 1 – 6) 

In the event that your child is not able to attend, please indicate the absence on the Parent Portal  by Sunday April 12th at 9 am so we know not to expect a permission form for this event.

Register for The Amazing Race by Thursday, April 16

Come Rain. Come Shine. Come Ready to Race. The A-mazing Race is Sunday, May 3, 11am-3pm. All Junior School students and an adult guest are invited to join us.

Register for The Amazing Race by Thursday, April 16

LATEST NEWS

Information About Founders’ Day: Thursday, April 23 (Grade 1 – 12)

This year’s Founders’ Day celebration will be held at 9:45 am on Thursday April 23 at St. Paul’s Bloor Street church (227 Bloor Street East) – Havergal’s original parish church. 

A part of the Founders’ Day tradition includes hearing the Junior School (Grades 1-6), Middle School, and Senior Choirs perform. As always, the Graduating Class has a special role to play at Founders’ Day. The Class of 2026 will process into the church wearing Marguerite Pins – a gift of the Havergal Old Girls Association (HOGA). The Marguerite Pin symbolises a graduating student’s passage into the Old Girls/Alums network of over 9,500 members.

Founders’ Day is a birthday, of sorts, that builds community – our community. It’s a longstanding tradition in the life of Havergal that brings together students and faculty from both the Junior and Upper Schools alike. It marks the anniversary of the cornerstone being laid at the “New School” on Avenue Road in 1926. 

Welcome Back to Artist in Residence – Dr. Kofi Gbolonyo!

We are thrilled to be welcoming Dr. Kofi back on Monday, April 13th. He will be working with a variety of our students across the Junior School during Prayers & their regular Music and Integrated Arts classes. 

Grade 6 students will have a showcase of their learning on Wednesday, May 6th during Prayers to conclude Kofi’s residency. As always, parents are warmly invited to attend Prayers.

Kofi Gbolonyo is a scholar, educator, and performer whose primary research, expertise, and educational interests are in West African traditional music and dance, Ewe indigenous knowledge, language and culture, Orff-Schulwerk pedagogy, multicultural music education, Ghanaian brass band and choral music. His scholarship focuses on indigenous knowledge and cultural values in the musical practices of the Ewe and Fon of West Africa. He is currently a professor at Capilano University and The University of British Columbia.

CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMMING 

Athletics:

  • Spring has Sprung and Spring Athletics has started!
  •  Please refer to the  JS Athletics Schedule for practice details. 
  • Athletics Questions?

Clubs:

WHAT’S ON THE JS MENU NEXT WEEK?

JS Menu for Monday March 30 – Thursday, April 2 

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

JS A-mazing Race

Come Rain. Come Shine. Come Ready to Race. The A-mazing Race is Sunday, May 3, 11am-3pm. All Junior School students and an adult guest are invited to join us. 

  • PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!
  • Wondering what to expect? Check out our video reel here. 

HCPA General Meetings 2026-27

We are actively booking our monthly HCPA guest speakers for the 2026-2027 school year and we want to hear from you! Who would you like to hear speak? What topics would you like addressed? Please share your ideas here. 

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, 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 

  • School Closed for Good Friday – No classes

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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