Month: May 2026

A Message From The Head of the Junior School – Friday, May 1, 2026

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Dear Junior School Families,

Happy May 1! 

This week in Prayers, we had the opportunity to really think about the idea of “inclusive curiosity.” On Monday, Ms. Watt and Ms. Cozier (Executive Director of Inclusive Excellence), and shared the book What Happened To You? by James Catchpole, illustrated by Karen George. It is a story, told from the perspective of a child with a physical disability, and who is tired of all of the intrusive questions people ask him about why he only has one leg. 

The book highlights that while it is natural to be curious when they see something that is different to them, this curiosity should always be balanced with empathy and respect, for how it might make someone feel to constantly be asked about it.

This message was further strengthened on Wednesday, when we welcomed teachers from the Bloorview School Authority, and former Grade 5 students who are now in Grade 9. They shared the story of how Havergal students worked collaboratively to develop “arcade games” that would be accessible for the Bloorview students to play.  This project served as a powerful reminder that inclusion is not a one-way street of “helping,” but a rich opportunity to learn from others. We thrilled to be collaborating with Bloorview School Authority again this year!

Warmly,

Kate

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

Latest News

Reminders

LATEST NEWS

Announcing Our New Board Chair

We are pleased to announce that Kate Horton ‘94 will be appointed as the new Chair of the Board of Governors this September. An alumna and current parent, Kate is the President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Canada. Her extensive experience in strategic leadership and her deep connection to the school will be invaluable as she guides Havergal’s long-term vision and sustainability.

We also share our deepest gratitude for outgoing Chair Jill Fraser ‘87. During her tenure, Jill was instrumental in launching the Empowering Excellence strategic plan, laying the groundwork for a substantial expansion of our outdoor athletic and play facilities, including a new Junior School playscape, refurbished tennis courts, lower pitch revitalization and preparations for a new turf field and seasonal dome. Her dedication to advancing girls’ education and athletics has left a lasting impact on our community. To ensure a seamless leadership transition and maintain governance continuity, Jill will serve as Past Chair for the coming year, providing strategic support to Kate in her new role.

As we look toward the fall, we are excited to build on this momentum. Kate will officially assume her role following the Annual General Meeting on September 21, and you can look forward to her first formal community message in the October edition of Inside Havergal.

Pride Week: May 4 – May 8 (Schedule)

Pride is the time – let your light shine.

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 and 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 invite you to explore some of these resources for your own learning ahead of next, and may help you engage in conversation with your daughter, should she have questions.

Here is a schedule of activities planned for the week:

Monday

  • 8:25 am – 8:55 am (JK – Grade 6)
    • JS Pride Prayers (JS Gym)
      • Students will be introduced to this year’s Pride Week Theme – Pride is the Time to Let Your Light Shine! We will share how there is a special light inside each of us that makes us uniquely ourselves, and to encourage people to be proud of who they are, and who they love. Students will then also learn about the history of the Pride Flag, and start to learn what it means to be an ally.
  • 9:00-10:00am – Grade 6
    • Students will participate in an engaging workshop that introduces identity, including 2SLGBTQ+ identities, in an age-appropriate way, which is aligned with the Grade 6 Ontario Curriculum, and shows students how they can be an ally, and make a difference at any age. Havergal has been thrilled to work in collaboration with team members from the The Get REAL Movement to plan and run this workshop.
  • 10:25 am – 11:25 am – Grade 4 & 5
    • Students will participate in a similar workshop as the Grade 6s, that is aligned with the Grade 4 & 5 curriculum.

Tuesday

  • 10:00 am – 10:25 am (Grade 1 – 6 Drop-in)
    • Students will participate in a Pride Week “Kahoot Trivia” game, where they will be asked questions about what the colours on the Progress Flag represent, who invented the Pride flag, and what are some of the ways that you can be an ally. 
  • 2:30 pm – 3:05 pm (Grade 1 – 3); 2:30 pm – 3:15 pm (Grades 4 – 6)
    • Students will make poster boards for our Pride Week Parade on Friday, with messages of inclusion and support.

Wednesday

  • 11:30 am – 12:00 pm (Grades 4 – 6 OPTIONAL); 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm (Grades 1 – 3 Drop-in)
    • Students will make rainbow suncatcher charms during lunch recess.

Thursday

  • 9:00 am – 10:00 am (Grade 1 – 3)
    • Students will engage in a Virtual Visit with Sarah Weed, author of Getting Glam at Gram’s. This is a warm and loving book that champions diversity, gender expression, and learning to love yourself.
    • Ms. Weed will do a read aloud for 30 mins, and then students will participate in a 30 min activity.

Friday

  • Dress-Down Day (JK – Grade 6)
    • Students will have the option of dressing brightly in any of the colours of the rainbow to show their PRIDE, OR ,in honour of the Toronto Tempo’s first ever home opener – wear colours, teams that represent WOMEN IN SPORT (e.g., Toronto Temple Jersey, Havergal Gators Athletic Wear…)
  • 10:00 am – 10:25 am
    • Karaoke Dance Pary (Gr 1 – 6; OPTIONAL)
  • 2:30 pm – 2:45 pm
    • JS Pride Assembly in the JS Gym
  • 2:45 pm – 3:00 pm (JK – Grade 3)
  • 2:45 pm – 3:15 pm (Grade 4 – 6)
    • JK to Grade 6 Pride Parade on Havergal Campus

Returning Library Books

The library has been a flurry of activity this year, with thousands of books shared amongst our community. As the school year draws to a close, it is time for these library materials to be returned to their home base for inventory and repairs. 

All library books must be returned by May 31st. Please note that students will be allowed to borrow books for the summer during their final library visit of the year (between Jun 1st -8th), but they must have an account cleared of all school-year loans. 

A gentle reminder that any school-year books not returned by the end of the school year will be subject to a replacement fine. Please see the library’s borrowing policy.

If you would like a list of current check outs, please email Ms. Rodd at (erodd@havergal.on.ca)

REMINDERS

Pizza Lunch is on Monday, May 4

Students are excited for Pizza lunch on Monday!  Please note that there is no hot lunch on this day. Students who do not participate in Pizza lunch are asked to bring their own lunches from home.

GLOW New Circles Drive – Extended until Monday, May 4

Thank you to everyone for your generous support of the GLOW New Circles Drive. If you haven’t yet had a chance to donate, and would like to, please bring in any gently used prom or formalwear by Monday, May 4. The GLOW pop-up shop is a special event in May that provides high school students the opportunity to “shop” for formal attire at no cost. This initiative is done with our community partners at New CIrcles, and is an opportunity to  support, promote inclusivity, and

 ensure that every student has the chance to enjoy a memorable prom night.

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) 

CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMMING 

Athletics:

  •  JS Athletics Schedule 
  • Athletics Questions?
  • Good luck to the U12 Ultimate team, who have their first game on Tuesday. 
  • Extended Practice at Lawrence Park on Thursday 7:10-8:45. U12 Track team

Clubs:

WHAT’S ON THE JS MENU NEXT WEEK?

JS Menu for Monday, May 4 – Friday, May 8 

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Moms’ Night Out

Moms’ Night Out is Thursday, May 28, 7pm at Taylor’s Landing. Tickets include appetizers, two drink tickets, and an excuse to wear a sparkly top. Space is limited – buy your tickets here. The last day to purchase tickets is Friday, 8 May. 

JS A-mazing Race 

Rain or Shine, we’ll see you at the A-mazing Race on Sunday, May 3, from 11 am to 3 pm. 

  • FOMO? Contact havergalamazingrace@gmail.com if you missed the registration deadline. You can also register day-of at the check-in desk (swag not guaranteed).
  • Interested in Volunteering? We need parent volunteers to run our event. Please support us by signing up here!

Staff & Faculty Appreciation Ivy Pub

Our Faculty and Staff Appreciation event is on Tuesday, May 26 from 3:30 – 5:30 pm. The afternoon is a meaningful way for parents to recognise and celebrate the faculty and staff members who dedicate themselves so fully to our daughters. We are seeking volunteers to help between 1:30-6:30pm, please 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

Sunday, May 3

  • A-mazing Race (11am – 3pm)

Monday, May 4

  • JS Pride Prayers (8:25 am – 8:55 am)
    • See above for details

Wednesday, May 6

  • JS Celebration of Learning with Dr. Kofi Prayers ((8:25 am – 8:55 am)

Friday, May 8 (Dress Down Day: JK – Grade 12)

  • Students will have the option of dressing brightly in any of the colours of the rainbow to show their PRIDE, OR ,in honour of the Toronto Tempo’s first ever home opener – wear colours, teams that represent WOMEN IN SPORT (e.g., Toronto Temple Jersey, Havergal Gators Athletic Wear…)
  • 2:30 pm – 2:45 pm
    • JS Pride Assembly in the JS Gym
  • 2:45 pm – 3:00 pm (JK – Grade 3)
  • 2:45 pm – 3:15 pm (Grade 4 – 6)
    • JK to Grade 6 Pride Parade on Havergal Campus

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