A Message From The Head of the Junior School – Friday, May 8, 2026

On By havergaljuniorschool

Dear Junior School Families,

It has been a colourful and joyous time in the Junior School, as we celebrated Pride Week and enjoyed an incredible performance by our Grade 6s, under the direction of Dr. Kofi Gbolonyo, one of our artists in residence.

This week truly highlighted how the Havergal community celebrates inclusion, demonstrates curiosity, and acts from a place of kindness and respect.

Finally, a huge thank you to all of the organizers and participants of last weekend’s A-Mazing Race! Just another event highlighting the Junior School community’s incredible spirit.

Wishing everyone a lovely Mother’s Day weekend!

Warmly,

Kate

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

Latest News

Reminders

LATEST NEWS

House Shout Information – Wednesday, May 13

House Shout it next week! This is an annual whole school event (JK to 12) where students come together to showcase their house pride and engage in a little friendly competition. A huge thank you to our Grade 6 leaders and our Junior School Prefects for writing House Cheers and leading House spirit this year.

Here is everything you need to know:

  • This is a House Dress-Down Day! Everyone where everyone is invited to put their house pride on full display!
  • 8:25 am – 8:55 am – JS House Cheer Assembly
    • Each JS House will share the cheers they have been working on all year, and will be judged by our esteemed judges from the Upper School, who will evaluate cheers based on spirit, teamwork and energy!
  • 1:40 pm – 3:00 pm
    • Junior School Students will head over to the Ratcliffe Field, by House, join the Upper School, and see the Upper School Cheers.

Should your daughter wish to continue practicing the JS Cheer, here is the link to the 

House Shout Video from JS prefects, which includes with lyrics and actions! 

JS Agenda Cover Competition – Submissions due on Tuesday, May 19 at 8 am

It is that time of year again! We are looking for submissions for next year’s agenda covers. Students were told about this opportunity at Prayers on Monday.

Here is a summary of what was shared with them:

When are the covers due?

  • Tuesday, May 19, by 8 am. Covers submitted after this will not be considered.

Where do students drop off their submissions?

  • Cover submissions should be handed to the Art Teacher, Ms. Barrett, or put in the mailbox outside the Art Room

What Should Students Be Asking Themselves Before Starting Their Cover?

  • Where do I feel most at home or comfortable at Havergal?

What must be included on the Cover submission?

  • The title: “Havergal College Junior School Agenda” 
  • The academic year “2026-2027”
  • The student’s name and current grade

What is the Orientation of the Paper?

  • Covers must be in PORTRAIT orientation on 81/2 x 11″ paper

Can students use Technology for their Submission?

  • No. All submissions must be completed by hand. We encourage students to use lots of colour and creativity!
  • Tracing or AI enhancements may not be used.

Are Group Submissions Allowed?

  • Yes! Just be sure to include everyone’s names and current grades.

Gator Care – Request for Donations for Dramatic Play

We’re looking to introduce a dramatic play center in Gator Care and would appreciate your help. If you have any gently used costumes, accessories, or fun dress-up items that your child has outgrown, please consider donating them. Things like hats, scarves, superhero outfits, princess dresses, or even simple props are all welcome. Please bring donations to the Gator Care Room.

Donations can be sent at any time over the next couple of weeks. Thank you for helping us spark creativity and imaginative play in the classroom!

REMINDERS

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 to return these library materials 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 here.

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

CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMMING 

Athletics:

  •  JS Athletics Schedule 
  • Athletics Questions?
  • Good luck to the U12 Ultimate and the U12 Softball team at their game on Thursday. 

Clubs:

WHAT’S ON THE JS MENU NEXT WEEK?

JS Menu for Monday, May 11 – Thursday, May 14 

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Moms’ Night Out

Moms’ Night Out is Thursday, May 28, 7pm at Taylor’s Landing. Tickets are $100 and include appetizers, two drink tickets and unlimited laughs. Purchase your tickets here before the deadline on Friday, May 8. 

JS A-mazing Race 

Thank-you to everyone who organized, volunteered for and attended the JS A-mazing Race! Photos are available here. 

Staff & Faculty Appreciation Ivy Pub

Our Staff Appreciation Ivy Pub 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. 

The refreshments are made possible by the generous donations contributed to the HCPA earlier this year. Should you like to support the event with a raffle prize or monetary donation, please email Rebecca at yitong.fu@gmail.com.  

Please upload a photo of your daughter holding a “Thank you” sign for our slide show here by Monday, May 18.

HCPA Volunteer Reception

HC warmly invites all HCPA members and volunteers to the HCPA Volunteer Reception on Monday, June 1, from 6:00 – 8:30 pm at the Upper School.

Please check your email for the RSVP link. If you’ve volunteered this year but didn’t receive an invitation, reach out to Lauren Farquharson, Parent Relations Manager, at lfarquharson@havergal.on.ca.

HCPA General Meeting

Our final HCPA General Meeting of the school year is on Wednesday, May 20, 8:45-10:45 am in the JS Dining room. All parents are welcome to attend. 

YOUR CHILD’S PERSONALIZED CALENDAR

Use this link to see a personalized summary of your child’s activities next week, on the Parent Portal.

KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON

Monday, May 11

  • 8:25 am – 8:55 am
    • House Shout Practice in the JS Gym.
    • No Prayers

Wednesday, May 13 – House Dress Down Day

  • 8:25 am – 8:55 am
    • Junior School Cheer Off in the JS Gym
    • Families are welcome to attend
    • No Prayers
  • 1:40 pm – 3:00 pm
    • Junior School attend House Shout on Ratcliffe Field 
    • Families are welcome to attend

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

Wednesday, May 20

  • 8:45 am – 10:45 am
    • Final HCPA General Meeting of the school year (JS Dining Room)

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