A Message From The Head of the Junior School – Friday, April 17, 2026

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Families,

It was such a pleasure to welcome so many families to Student-Led Conferences today! Our students were absolutely beaming as they shared their learning in homeroom and specialist classes. One of the things that I noted, no matter which class I visited, was how confidently our students were able to talk about the process of their learning, and not just the final product. 

At their heart, student-led conferences are a masterclass in leadership and self-awareness. By stepping into the role of facilitator, our girls develop much more than just public speaking skills; they practice metacognition, learning to reflect deeply on how they think and solve problems. This process builds a profound sense of agency and accountability, as students take full ownership of their goals and learn to advocate for their own learning needs with confidence. Ultimately, these conversations foster the relational intelligence and poise necessary for our girls to navigate the world as self-assured leaders who aren’t just reciting facts, but are actively shaping their own futures. We hope you enjoyed today, as much as they did!

For families with daughters in JK and SK, we hope that your Parent-Teacher Interviews were productive, and gave you an opportunity to learn more about their progress this year!

This week we also had the opportunity to celebrate “The Arts” in the Junior School. This week served to highlight how our students use the arts help us to celebrate our identities and cultures, learn about others, grow, feel safe and seen, express and explore our feelings, and make the world a beautiful place.

A HUGE note of thanks to our incredible faculty and staff for all of their work, not only preparing for Arts’ Week and Student-Led Conferences, but for all they do each day to make the Junior School so special.

Warmly,

Kate

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

Latest News

Reminders

LATEST NEWS

Student-Led Conference Parent Feedback

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend our Student-Led Conferences today. As we look ahead to next year, we are eager to hear your feedback! Kindly take a moment to fill out the

Student-Led Conference Feedback Form 

GLOW New Circles Drive: April 27 – May 1 

As part of our commitment to service, community partnership, and global citizenship, the Junior School is proud to launch the upcoming GLOW Drive in support of one of our community partners, New Circles. 

From April 27 to May 1, we will be collecting gently used prom and formalwear for the New Circles Prom Pop-Up Shop, a special event in May that provides high school students the opportunity to “shop” for formal attire at no cost. The goal is to offer support, promote inclusivity, and ensure that every student has the chance to enjoy a memorable prom night. 

This initiative also connects meaningfully to our upcoming Earth Week, encouraging sustainability by giving beautiful items a second life. 

We invite all members of our community to contribute (for all genders): 

  • Prom attire (dresses, suits) 
  • Dress shoes (heels, flats, dress shoes) 
  • Accessories (purses, belts, costume jewelry) 

Donations can be placed in the bins and on the hanging racks located outside the JS Library.  

Thank you for your continued generosity and partnership in making a difference.

“Dori” The Therapy Dog is Coming to the Junior School!

We are excited to share that Ms. Kelly, Head of Library, will be bringing her therapy dog, Dori, to the library to visit with students in the coming weeks.

Dori is a  certified therapy dog who has spent many days on campus at the upper school this year. We are thrilled to be able to include the Junior School in this endeavour.

Dori will be visiting with classes during their regularly scheduled library class. She will be in a quiet area, and students will be able to read with Dori in pairs or groups of 3 for a few moments at a time. 

If you would not like your child to participate for any reason, please let me know so we can make alternate arrangements. Here are the dates that Dori will be with each class:

Monday, April 20 

  • JK and SK

Friday, May 1

  • 2A

Wednesday, May 6

  • 3A & 3B

Friday, May 8

  • 5A, 5B, 5C

Monday, May 11

  • 1A
  • 2B

May 14

  • 1B

May 21

  • 6A, 6B, 6C

Wednesday, May 27

  • 4A & 4B

REMINDERS

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

This year, on Founder’s Day, we are celebrating 100 years (!) since the placement of the cornerstone at 1451 Avenue Rd. Students in Grade 1 – 12 will be celebrating this moment 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 Drumming depart from Havergal College to St. Paul’s. Please arrive no later than 7:45 am
  • 8:30 am
    • All other 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.

CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMMING 

Athletics:

Clubs:

WHAT’S ON THE JS MENU NEXT WEEK?

JS Menu for Monday, April 20 – Friday, April 24 

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

HCPA General Meeting

Our next HCPA General Meeting is Wednesday, April 29, 8:45 – 10:45 am in the JS Dining Room. Our April guest speakers are Adam Caplan, Alison Campbell-Rogers and Jeff Adams who will be speaking about T9C/HCx – Havergal’s innovation hub that combines integrative learning models to help our girls practice future-ready skills. See you there!

JS A-mazing Race – Ticket Deadline Extended

Have you asked your daughter about the A-mazing Race? Have you watched this video together?

  • Spend Sunday, May 3, 11am – 3pm with your daughter and support the HCPA.  It’s going to be A-mazing!
  • Ticket sales have been extended to Monday, April 20 so that all JS girls can join in the fun. 

Buy your TICKETS for THE A-MAZING RACE NOW!!

Grade 6 Parent Social

Grade 6 parents, please join us on Thursday, April 30 for our Evening Parent Social. 7-9pm (EK Library). More details available through your Grade Reps.

Moms’ Night Out

Moms’ Night Out is Thursday, May 28, 7pm at Taylor’s Landing. Tickets are selling fast, and space is limited – buy yours now! Click here for all the details. 

Pre-Loved Uniform Sale

Our next Pre-Loved Uniform sale and HC Marketplace are Tuesday, April 21 from 2:30 to 5 pm in the Junior School Learning Hub Hallway. 

We need your help – please consider 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 20 

  • Earth Week Prayers (8:25 am – 8:55 am in the JS Gym)

Tuesday April 21 

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

Wednesday, April 22

  • No Prayers: Students will be participating in Earth Week Activities

Thursday, April 23

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

Wednesday, April 29

  • HCPA General Meeting 8:45 – 10:45 am in the JS Dining Room.

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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