A Message From The Head of the Junior School – Friday, April 24, 2026

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Families,

Spring is finally blooming on campus, and it was the perfect backdrop for Earth Week. A huge thank you to our Grade 4 leaders for organizing such meaningful experiences and empowering us to protect our planet.

Yesterday, we also gathered at St. Paul’s Bloor Street to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Founders’ Day. Reflecting on a century of history, we considered how much the student experience has evolved—from horse and buggy to carpools, and from library stacks to instant digital information.

Yet, while our classrooms and technologies change, our core values remain steadfast. Just like the cornerstone laid on April 23, 1926, our mission continues to be the foundation of the Havergal experience.

Warmly,

Kate

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

Latest News

Reminders

LATEST NEWS

Pride Week: Monday, May 4 – Friday May 8

Havergal is excited to once again be celebrating Pride Week from Monday May 4 – Friday, May 8.

As a school, Havergal is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where every student feels safe, seen, and valued throughout the entire year. Our inclusive practices are woven into our curriculum, school events, and classroom discussions to ensure that all children and families – regardless of background, identity of ability – are celebrated and respected. During Pride Week, we take time to specifically recognize and honour the experiences and contributions of LGBTQ2S+ individuals. This is an important opportunity to help our students practice kindness, empathy, and build a strong sense of community. By highlighting these important issues, we aim to foster an environment where all students can thrive, feel proud of who they are, and know that they belong.

We look forward to sharing the activities that have been planned, at a variety of age levels, and resources for families wishing to carry on the discussion at home with you next week. 

School Busing Interest Survey for Families 

We are always looking for ways to better support our families’ daily routines. With that in mind, we are investigating the possibility of launching a private Havergal busing service. Whether this looks like centralized pick-up points or door-to-door service, we need your input to move forward. Your feedback will help us understand if there is enough collective interest and long-term commitment to make this program a reality.  

You can access the survey here.

Welcome Back to Artist in Residence – Doug Goodin: Tuesday, April 28th – Thursday, May 14th

We look forward to welcoming Doug Goodkin to the Junior School from Tuesday, April 28th – Thursday, May 14th to work with a variety of our students during their regular Music and Integrated Arts classes.

Doug Goodkin is a globally acclaimed Orff Schulwerk educator, teaching music education courses in over 50 countries. For 45 years, he inspired young minds at The San Francisco School and now serves as a dedicated consultant, mentor, guest teacher, workshop leader, and performer in schools, both near and far.

Doug is also the director of the San Francisco International Orff Course, the founder of the Jazz/ Orff Course, Doug Goodkin & the Pentatonics Jazz Band, Pentatonic Press, the SF School Intern Program and a frequent guest teacher at The Orff Institute in Salzburg and in the Orff-Afrique Course in Ghana.

Doug is a prolific author with ten published books and has left an indelible mark as a featured personality in the documentary film, ‘The Secret Song.’ His passion for music education and his extensive reach in nurturing the next generation of learners are the hallmarks of his illustrious career.

REMINDERS

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.

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:

  •  JS Athletics Schedule 
  • Athletics Questions?
  • Good luck to the U12 softball team, who have their first game on Monday. 
  • Good Luck to the U12 Track team at their meet on Thursday. 

Clubs:

  • The Junior Choir sang beautifully at Founder’s Day this past Thursday, which was their final performance for the school year.
  • Both Primary and Junior Choir have finished for the school year.
  • Spring Clubs Schedule
  • Club Questions?

WHAT’S ON THE JS MENU NEXT WEEK?

JS Menu for Monday, April 27 – Friday, May 1 

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Moms’ Night Out

Moms’ Night Out is Thursday, May 28, 7 pm at Taylor’s Landing. Tickets are selling fast, and space is limited

Buy Your Tickets Now!! 

JS A-mazing Race 

The JS A-Mazing Race takes place Sunday, May 3, from 11 am to 3 pm on the Havergal campus. 

  • Registration: Missed the deadline? Email havergalamazingrace@gmail.com or register on-site (swag not guaranteed).
  • Highlights: Expect new challenges and House rewards; the event runs rain or shine with indoor backup plans.
  • Interested in Volunteering? We need parent volunteers to run our event.

Please support us by signing up here!

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!

Grade 6 Parent Social

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

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 27

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

Wednesday, April 29 

  • Holland-Bloorview Prayers (8:25 am – 8:55 am in the JS Gym)
  • 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)

Monday, May 4 – Friday, May 8

  • Pride Week

Wednesday, May 13

  • House Shout  – House Dress Down Day (1:45 pm – 3:00 pm)
  • More information to come

Friday, May 15 

  • School Closed for Victoria Day Long Weekend (No Classes)

Monday, May 18

  • School Closed for Victoria Day Long Weekend (No Classes)

Tuesday, May 19

  • Classes Resume

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