A Message From The Head of the Junior School – Thursday, April 2, 2026

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Families,

It has been an incredibly vibrant and enriching time in the Junior School since our return from March Break. One of the greatest privileges of being part of this community is the opportunity to learn and grow in an environment that so warmly celebrates such a beautiful tapestry of cultures and traditions. By sharing these experiences, our students gain more than just knowledge—they develop a deeper sense of empathy and a global perspective that is truly wonderful to witness. Last week we learned about Ramadan and Eid, and this week we celebrated Nowruz, and Easter. We are very much looking forward to next week when we will be honouring Passover.

I wish everyone a happy and healthy long weekend. Happy Easter and Happy Passover to all those celebrating.

Warmly,

Kate

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

Action Required:

Latest News

Reminders

ACTION REQUIRED 

ALL RSVPS or REGISTRATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED ON A LAPTOP OR DESKTOP COMPUTER, AND NOT ON A MOBILE DEVICE. SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY DIFFICULTY, THERE IS CONTACT INFORMATION BELOW.

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!

If your daughter does not have a grandpa attending, kindly let her homeroom teacher know by April 5, so that we can participate in alternative programming.

Questions? Contact Agnes Cicha

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. In order for your child to attend, kindly fill out the:

 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.

Questions? Contact Matthew Varey

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 

Questions? Contact Lauren Farquharson

LATEST NEWS

Grandpals’ Day – Need to Know Information

We are excited to welcome our Grandpals next Friday, April 10!

9:30 am – 10:00 am

  • Grandpals arrive, sign in, attend a reception and enjoy some refreshments in the JS Gym.
  • Please do not arrive earlier than 9:30 am, as this will disrupt our drop-off procedures.

10:00 am – 10:15 am

  • Welcome and Address from Dr. Katrina Samson (Principal) and Ms. Kate White (Head of Junior School)

10:15 am – 11:15 am

  • Grandpals will be picked up from the gym by teachers and guided to the appropriate classrooms. Once there, their granddaughters will give them a tour of their classroom and share their learning. For Grandpals with more than one granddaughter, please go to the younger student’s classroom first.

Please also note the following important information:

  • Due to space, this event is intended for “Grandpals” only (e.g., a grandparent, aunt, uncle, family friend). For parents who are dropping off their “Grandpal” we ask that you return at the end of the event, and not go visit the classrooms. Alternatively, you are welcome to go to the JS Dining Hall, where there will be tea, coffee and water available.
  • If your daughter does not have a “Grandpal” who is able to attend, please let her homeroom teacher know, so that she can participate in alternative programming during this time.
  • Should a grandpal have any mobility issue, we will have people on hand to provide support.
  • Parking is EXTREMELY limited at the Junior School. If at all possible, grandpals are encouraged to walk, take public transportation, or a taxi. For those driving, please note if there are not any spots available on campus, we recommend you look on SpotAngels for nearby free and paid parking options. 

Information for Founders’ DayThursday, April 23 (Grade 1 – 12)

Students in Grade 1 – 12 will be celebrating Founders’ Day on Thursday, April 23 at St. Paul Bloor Street. Please read the following information carefully, to ensure your daughter is here on time for her bus’ departure. Students in JK and SK will remain at school.

JS Bus Departure Schedule:

  • 8:00 am
    • All students in the Junior Choir and the Steel Pan Drummers depart from Havergal College to St. Paul’s. Please arrive no later than 7:45 am
  • 8:45 am
    • All students in Grades 1- 6 students depart from Havergal College. Please arrive no later than 8:20 am.
  • 9:45-10:45 am
    • Founder’s Day Ceremony
  • 10:45-11:20 am
    • Students return to school via bus
  • 11:20 – 12:20 pm
    • Regular lunch

What to Wear:

  • Students should wear their #1 dress.
  • Indoor shoes will be left at school, with students wearing their black shoes to the church.

Pizza Lunch is on Tuesday, April 7

A reminder that we will be holding our monthly Pizza Lunch on Tuesday, April 7. Students not participating are asked to bring their own packed lunch. The salad and sandwich bar will still be available.

CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMMING 

Athletics:

Clubs:

WHAT’S ON THE JS MENU NEXT WEEK?

JS Menu for Tuesday, April 7 – Friday, April 10 

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. The last day to purchase tickets is Thursday, April 16. 

  • PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!
  • We’re looking for parent volunteers: If you’re available to help, please take a moment to sign up using this form. Thank you for your support! 

Grade 6 Parent Social

Save the Date: Grade 6 parents, please join us on Thursday, April 30 for our Parent Social. 7 – 9 pm (EK Library). More details to follow. 

Moms’ Night Out

Join us on Thursday, May 28 for Mom’s Night Out. It’s an evening filled with great food and drinks, laughter, and the chance to reconnect with familiar faces while meeting new friends. Get your tickets 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

Friday, April 3 

  • School Closed for Good Friday – No classes

Monday, April 6

  • School Closed for Easter Monday – No classes

Wednesday, April 8

  • Passover Prayers

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.

Thursday, April 23

  • Founders’ Day (Grade 1 – 12 only)

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