A Message From The Head of the Junior School – Friday, April 10, 2026

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Families,

Today was another incredible special day, where we welcomed just over 400 grandpals to the school! The students were beyond excited to welcome them, and the pride that they have in their learning, and their community was palpable. We certainly hope that the grandpals had as much fun as we did. Should you have any feedback about the event, please feel free to reach out to me. We are always looking on ways to continue to grow and improve.

Today was also a great opportunity for our students to practice just some of what they will share with you next Friday, April 17, when we welcome families for Student-Led Conferences.

All the best for a wonderful weekend.

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.

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: 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: Lauren Farquharson

LATEST NEWS

Arts Week – Monday, April 13th – Friday, April 17th

Monday, April 13th – Arts themed workshops

  • Students will participate in a variety of arts themed workshops from 8:25am-9:00am to celebrate the launch of arts week.

Wednesday, April 15th – Arts Week Celebration Prayers

  • We’re thrilled to invite you to join us for a special Arts Week Prayers celebration on Wednesday, April 15th from 8:25am-9:00am.

Come experience the incredible talents of our young artists as we showcase:

  • Primary Choir performance – hear our students’ beautiful voices 
  • Steel Pan Co-curricular  – enjoy the vibrant sounds of our steel pan ensemble as they play walk-in and walk-out
  • Community singing with Kofi – join in the musical celebration!
  • Video Presentation – celebrating the arts in the Junior School

This special morning is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the arts and witness the creativity, dedication, and joy our students bring to their artistic pursuits. We can’t wait to share this moment with you!

Call Times:

  • Primary Choir should meet Mr. MacLean in the Music Room at 8:05am wearing number 1 dress with socks
  • Co-Curricular Steel Pan Club from the Winter Term Club should meet Ms. Read at 8:00am in the Integrated Arts room wearing number 1 dress with socks

Thursday, April 16th – Arts Week Dress Down Day

  • Get ready for Monochromatic Thursday during Arts Week!
    • Choose ONE colour and wear different shades of it from head to toe. Think all blues (navy pants, sky blue shirt, light blue socks), all greens, all purples—you get the idea! Mix light and dark versions of your colour to create a monochromatic masterpiece. It’s a fun way to show off your artistic style and celebrate colour!

JK & SK VIRTUAL Parent-Teacher Interviews on Friday, April 17 

Families with a daughter in JK or SK will have Virtual Parent-Teacher Interviews on Friday, April 17. This is an opportunity for you to connect with their homeroom teacher, who will share the progress your daughter is making. 

Please note that there are NO CLASSES for JK or SK students on this day.

Student-Led Conferences: Everything You Need to Know for Friday, April 17  (Grade 1 – 6)

We are very much looking forward to welcoming families on Friday, April 17 for Student-Led Conferences. This will be an opportunity for you to see what students are currently learning in the classroom, and to provide and opportunity for them to present their progress to you formally. Rather than showing you a final product, students will focus on the learning process and self-reflection. 

Please note:

  • There are no classes on this day, for students (JK – Grade 6). 
  • If you have more than one daughter, one is welcome to go to Gator Care, while the other is presenting.
  • Students should dress in their regular Havergal uniform when coming into the Junior School for their conference.
  • If you are unsure of when you have signed up, please reach out to your child’s homeroom teacher.
  • If you are unable to attend, kindly let your daughter’s teacher know, and we would be happy to send materials home so that she can share them with you there.

Information Re: Founders’ Day: Thursday, 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.

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.

Spring Uniform Check

As we head into the final term, we’ve noticed many of our students have had significant growth spurts! Please take a moment to check that your daughter’s kilt sits no more than 9 cm above the knee. If a new size is needed, we highly encourage you to visit the HCPA Used Uniform Sale on April 21st.  Finally, patent or platform shoes are not permitted; we ask that they be replaced.

CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMMING 

Athletics:

  •  JS Athletics Schedule 
  • Good luck to the U12 Track team, who will have their first indoor meet on Thursday, April 16th. Drop off for the meet will be at 7:30 am. Details will be emailed. 
  • Athletics Questions?

Clubs:

WHAT’S ON THE JS MENU NEXT WEEK?

JS Menu for Monday, April 13 – Friday, April 17 

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

JS A-mazing Race

It’s going to be A-mazing! Be part of the fun on Sunday, May 3, 11am – 3pm for the A-mazing Race on the HC campus. 

All Junior School students + one adult guest are invited. But Hurry! Ticket sales close in just 1 WEEK (April 16). 

  • Buy your TICKETS NOW!
  • We need parent volunteers to run our event. Please support us by signing up HERE.  

Grade 6 Parent Social

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

Moms’ Night Out

Join us on Thursday, May 28, 7pm at Taylor’s Landing for Mom’s Night Out. Your ticket includes appetizers, two drinks and more fun than you’ve had since 2001. Get your tickets here!

Pre-Loved Uniform Sale

Celebrate the planet during Earth Week by shopping for Pre-Loved Uniforms Tuesday, April 21 from 2:30 to 5 pm in the Junior School Learning Hub Hallway.

Interested in Volunteering? Sign up 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, April 13

  • No Prayers – Students will be participating in dance workshops as part of Arts Week

Wednesday, April 15

  • Arts Week Prayers (8:25 am – 9:00 am in the JS Gym)

Thursday, April 16th

  • Arts Week Dress Down Day
    • Students are invited to choose ONE colour and wear different shades of it from head to toe. 

Friday, April 17 

  • JK/SK: 
    • VIRTUAL Student-Led Conferences with homeroom teachers.
  • Grade 1 – 6:
    • 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.

Tuesday April 21 

  • Pre-Love Uniform Sale (2:30 pm  to 5:00 pm in the Junior School Learning Hub Hallway)

Thursday, April 23

  • Founders’ Day (Grade 1 – 12  students only; JK/SK remain at school)

Thursday, April 30

  • Grade 6 Parent Social (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm in the EK Library)

Sunday, May 3

  • A-mazing Race (11am – 3pm)

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