Dear Junior School Families,

We had two very special prayers in the Junior School this week that acted as opportunities to learn, reflect, and embrace the diversity of our community. 

On Tuesday, we took time to honour Holocaust Remembrance Day. Rev Ruch led us in a thoughtful reflection, and shared that on January 27th, each year, we remember the over 6 millions Jewish people who died, how they died, and the family members and lives that have forever been changed because of the Holocaust. She spoke about the power of listening to the stories of Holocaust survivors, and those of their families, so that we can better understand what happened, to remember these terribly sad times, and finally, to take our sadness and promise ourselves that we will do our part to make sure that it never happens again.  

This morning, we had the opportunity to celebrate and learn more about the rich history and traditions of the Lunar New Year. We had students from Grade 1 – Grade 6 teach us about the origins of the Lunar New Year and the Legend of Nian; learn about just some of the traditional dishes that are enjoyed; watch a Lion Dance performed by Upper School students; sing a song in Mandarin; enjoy both a Wushu (which is a Chinese Martial Art), and a traditional Chinese dance; watch a short play about the zodiac signs; and finally see a Fashion Show showcasing some of the beautiful outfits worn to celebrate the Lunar New Year. It was truly a spectacular and joyous celebration.

I am grateful for thoughtful work, learning, and practice that went into making these two prayers so special. Thank you to all involved.

Warmly,

Kate

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

Latest News

• Havergal Launches Centre for Learning Research
• Spirit Week – Monday, February 10 – Thursday, February 13

Reminders

• Speed Limit on the JS Driveway – 10 km/hr
• Re-registration: January 27 – February 2, 2025
• Hockey Day Registration for Students in Grades 4 – 6  – ACTION REQUIRED
• Pizza Lunch is on Monday, February 3
• Co-Curriculars
• What’s on the Menu Next Week
• Notes from the HCPA
• Key Dates on the Horizon

LATEST NEWS

Havergal Launches Centre for Learning Research

Havergal is excited to announce the launch of the Centre for Learning Research, an exciting initiative dedicated to fostering excellence in student learning, innovation and inquiry, with a particular focus on girls’ education. 

This transformative Centre will play a critical role in advancing the school’s learning and teaching priorities earmarked within our strategic plan, Empowering Excellence.

Leading this new initiative will be Dr. Seonaid Davis, currently the school’s Vice-Principal of Teaching & Learning. Dr. Davis will assume the role on July 1st and will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the Centre, integrating research-driven practices into every aspect of student learning and faculty development.

Stay tuned for updates about the Centre’s progress and research activities in the coming months. 

Spirit Week – Monday, February 10 – Thursday, February 13 

Havergal Spirit Week is almost here to help us keep smiling and engaged through the grey days of winter. Spirit Week planning committees in both the Junior and Upper Schools have been carefully planning activities and dress-down days to bolster our students’ pride in their school, provide opportunities for connection, and to just have some fun!  Please read below for some key information:

Monday, February 10 – Regular Uniform (Not a dress down day)

• JK – Grade 3
  • Students will come together during wellbeing time to share “warm and fuzzy” compliments with one another.
• Grades 4 – 6
  • In preparation for Hockey Day, students will work together to create posters to cheer on our HC hockey teams, when we go to the Mattamy Center.

Tuesday, February 11 – Green and Gold Hockey Day (full dress-down day)

• Students in JK–  Grade 6 are invited to wear FULL green and gold clothing to show their school spirit. Don’t have any green and gold wear? Not a problem! Students are welcome to wear their HPE shirt, or any Havergal “swag” to show their school spirit.
• JK – Grade 3
  • Students will remain at school, and have the opportunity to join in the fun, by watching the Live Stream of our JS Hockey Team play at intermission, 
• Grade 4 – 6
  • Students will be attending the Hewitt Cup Hockey game in the afternoon. 

Wednesday, February 12 – House Accessory Day (on top of uniform)

• Students are invited to show their house pride, by wearing house accessories on top of their Havergal uniform.

Thursday, February 13  – An “Ode to Valentine’s Day” (full dress down day)

• In honour of Valentine’s Day, all students are welcome to come to school wearing the valentine’s colour of their choice, or anything that they love! 

Friday, February 14 – Monday, February 19 – Family Day Weekend

• No Classes

REMINDERS

Speed Limit on the JS Driveway – 10 km/hr

We have noticed an increase in speed with which some cars are driving along the JS Driveway at morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. It is essential, especially in times where we have ice and snow, that people adhere to the speed limit of 10 km/hour. 

Re-registration for 2025-2026 is from January 27 – February 2, 2025

Re-registration for the 2025/26 school year will open on Monday January 27.  

Families will receive an email from the Board of Governors on that day with a link to reregistration and can also access reregistration through the Parent Portal Landing Page. Re-registration, which includes both completing the online forms and submitting the deposit,  is due on Monday February 2, 2025. We cannot guarantee a place for students who re-register after this date.  

While we are certainly hoping to be welcoming all of our students back next year, we recognize that family situations change and relocations occur.  If you are aware that your daughter is not returning to Havergal, please let us know by emailing mhw@havergal.on.ca as soon as possible so we can ensure we have a fulsome admission process at all necessary years.  

Hockey Day Registration for Students in Grades 4 – 6  – ACTION REQUIRED

On Tuesday, February 11, Havergal College will face the Bishop Strachan School (BSS) U20 Hockey team in a battle for the Hewitt Cup. This is affectionately known as HOCKEY DAY! In this annual game, faculty, staff, and students are decked out in green and gold to cheer on our Gators with pride. Our Junior School Gators hockey team will play the BSS Junior School team during the first intermission. 

Registration Link for Hockey Day 

Please note:

• Registration is now open, and will close at noon, on Monday, February 3
• Student accounts will be charged $25 to attend the event, which includes bus transportation and admission to the arena. 
• To review the Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk Click Here 
• All students will return by bus and can not be picked up from the arena. If you have any questions or if you know in advance that your child will be absent on hockey day please contact Ms. Bartlett (abartlett@havergal.on.ca).  

Pizza Lunch is on Monday, February 3

Students will enjoy a Pizza Lunch on Monday, February 3. Thank you to all of our parent volunteers and the Chartwells’ Team, who make this run so seamlessly.

Should your daughter not participate in Pizza Lunch, please remember to pack her a lunch on this day.

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

• JS Athletics Schedule 

Clubs

• JS Clubs Schedule

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

• JS Menu for February 3 – February 7 

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Pre-loved Uniform Sale

• Come to the Junior School Learning Hub Wednesday, Feb 5, from 2-5 pm for the Pre Loved Uniform sale.   Excellent deals on gently used uniform items!   Sizing from JK – grade 12.   The team is also looking for parent volunteers.  Please click here to sign up to help before and during the event.  
• In addition, the HCPA marketplace will be selling some additional items from their inventory.  You can also visit their website, HCPA marketplace, to purchase anytime during the year.

JS Bake Sale

• The Bake Sale is back! Please save the date on Thursday, February 13. All Junior School students will have an opportunity to attend our delicious annual bake sale with their class. This will be a cash only event, so please send up to $10 with your daughter so she can make her purchases.
• Please click here to sign up for donations.  We welcome all types of nut-free baked good donations.
• We are also looking for parent volunteers. Please click here to sign up if you can help with setup or during the bake sale. 

A-mazing Race

• A-mazing Race! Save the date – Sunday, May 4. All Junior School students and an adult guest are invited to join us for the always popular A-mazing Race—more details coming soon!

Grade Socials

• The Grade Evening socials are coming up!  Please see below some details and also the Evite links to RSVP.  We hope to see you all there!

Grade JK, SK, 1, 2 & 3: Thursday, February 27, 2025.7- 9 pm,  Theme: Wine and Cheese

Evite: Click Here 

Grades 4, 5 & 6: Thursday, February 20, 2025, 7 – 9 pm, Theme: Sip and Share

Evite: Click Here

KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON

Monday, February 3

• Pizza Lunch in the JS

Tuesday, February 4

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

Tuesday, Feb 11

• Hockey Day Gr. 4-6 at Mattamy arena 1:00 pm – 3:15 pm 

Thursday, February 13

• JS Bake Sale

Friday, February 14 

• Mid Term Break – School Closed

Monday, February 17

• Mid Term Break – School Closed

Friday, March 7

• Last Day of Classes

Monday, March 10 – Monday, March 24

• March Break

Tuesday, March 25

• Classes Resume for Students

Dear Junior School Families,

While a polar vortex has passed through Toronto, things at Havergal have remained HOT, HOT, HOT in the Junior School! This week our students have welcomed numerous guests to their classrooms, introducing them to Muay Thai, Zoomba Athletics, Shadow Puppet Theatre, and a visit from “Science Stan,” who worked with our Grade 6s to build their own models of the “Canadarm,” as part of their learning on space. In addition, we were thrilled to welcome over 80 families, with prospective students in JK and Grade 1, to the Junior School this week, as they participated in the assessment component of the admission process. Finally, it was such a pleasure to engage with so many of our new families on Wednesday evening! I remain grateful to be part of such a dynamic community, who looks deliberately to the past, present and future.

Warmly,

Kate

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

Latest News

• A Message from our Principal, Dr. Katrina Samson
• Incident Near Havergal Today
• Student Led conferences: April 11th – No Classes for Students
• The Great Movement Challenge
• Lunar New Year Prayers – Friday, January 31
• Bake Sale! Bake Sale! Bake Sale! – Save the date: Thursday, February 13 

Reminders

• Re-registration for 2025-2026 is from January 27 – February 2, 2025
• Hockey Day Registration for Students in Grades 4 – 6  – REGISTRATION – ACTION REQUIRED
• Co-Curriculars
• What’s on the Menu Next Week
• Notes from the HCPA
• Key Dates on the Horizon

LATEST NEWS

A Message from our Principal, Dr. Katrina Samson

Dear Havergal Community,

Happy 2025! The start of the new calendar year turns our attention forward to the excitement ahead. Just as our grads look toward June and the transition that will come with graduation, we look forward to welcoming new families and team members.

Today, I’m sharing the bittersweet news that Mr. Garth Nichols, Vice Principal, Experiential Education & Innovation, has been appointed as the next Head of School at Kingsway College School in Etobicoke. Mr. Nichols will assume his new role this summer, and while we will greatly miss his leadership and vision at Havergal, I know you will join me in congratulating him on this exciting next chapter in his career.

Mr. Nichols has had a wonderful impact during his time with us and his contributions to Havergal will leave a lasting legacy. He has been instrumental in advancing experiential and global education at the College, including his leadership in developing the Global Learning and Leading Diploma and his exceptional guidance of HC-X, our innovation hub. He has also been a steadfast advocate for Havergal’s work in Truth and Reconciliation, nurturing relationships with Indigenous educators who have partnered with our students and staff to support our continued learning, growth and action.

I am also pleased to share that, over the next year, our global education initiatives, the Forum for Change, and HC-X will report to Deputy Principal Ms. Lindsay Norberg. With her deep understanding of Havergal’s vision and mission, her previous work with our global experience program, and her years of dedicated leadership, Ms. Norberg is well-positioned to guide these important areas of our programming. I am confident that, under her stewardship, these teams will continue to thrive and advance their impactful work.

Please join me in thanking Mr. Nichols for his many contributions to Havergal and wishing him every success in his new role. 

Incident Near Havergal Today

We want to inform you about an incident near our school earlier today. Toronto Police Services were contacted when a community member acted aggressively toward students in the area. We can confirm that no Havergal students were involved or harmed. 

Our security team is aware of the individual and has taken precautions to ensure student safety. The person has since been apprehended by police.

As always, the safety and wellbeing of our students remain our top priority. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Student Led conferences: April 11th –  No Classes for Students

We are thrilled to announce that this year, for the first time, we will host Student-Led Conferences in the Junior School. This new initiative offers a wonderful opportunity for our students to take center stage in sharing their learning journey with you.

What Are Student-Led Conferences?
These conferences will showcase what students are currently learning in the classroom and provide them with the chance to present their progress to you formally. The focus will be on the learning process and self-reflection, which aligns with our broader educational philosophy and strategic plan. The goal is to empower students to take ownership of their learning while fostering a meaningful dialogue between students and parents. This is part of our ongoing commitment to incorporate student voice and reflection into our parent-teacher conferences and formal reporting, a key initiative in our strategic plan.  Rather than the traditional teacher-run parent-teacher conferences, this approach shifts the focus to the students themselves, allowing them to actively engage in reflection, goal-setting, and metacognition.

We hope that these conferences will allow for rich, reflective conversations that highlight not only what your child has accomplished but also the ways in which they are thinking about and growing in their learning. We look forward to celebrating our students’ achievements and growth with you at the upcoming Student-Led Conferences.

The Great Movement Challenge

This morning in prayers we highlighted the importance of getting moving. From January 25th to February 7th we challenge the Junior School to The Great Movement Challenge! This challenge is over a two-week period where you will get active for as many minutes as possible! Students have been given a tracking form (click the link to print) that they can hand into the mailbox outside of the HPE office after each week. Getting active can be as easy as playing in your backyard, skipping with a jump rope or going for a walk. We hope that you will get your child moving as much as possible during the great movement challenge! 

Lunar New Year Prayers – Friday, January 31

Students who celebrate the Lunar New Year are welcome to wear their celebratory outfits on this day, for the full day.

Please note that parking is extremely limited at the school, and families are encouraged to either use Spot Angels to find alternative parking arrangements, or consider using public transport. 

Bake Sale! Bake Sale! Bake Sale! – Save the date: Thursday, February 13 

All Junior School students will have an opportunity to attend our delicious annual bake sale with their class. This will be a cash only event, so please send up to $10 with your daughter so she can make her purchases.

Donations: 

• If you love baking, cookie decorating, making popcorn or candy kabobs, we are looking for you! We welcome all types of nut-feee baked good donations including cookies, cupcakes, cake pops, candy kabobs, pop corn, muffins, donuts etc for the sale. 
• Please sign up: Sign-Up Genius – Donations
• Please individually wrap the treats in enticing packaging with packaging ideas being Valentine’s Day, Springtime, Floral, Winter, Lunar New Year, Unicorns, Rainbows etc 
• If you have any plastic trays that you can either lend or donate to the HCPA for setting up the treats, please drop them off at the JS front desk by February 12. If you would like them returned, please label them with your name and contact info.

Volunteers: 

• We are looking for volunteers to help with receiving, pricing and setting up the baked goods as well as to help with the sale and clean up. 
• Please sign up: Sign-up Genius – Volunteers

REMINDERS

Re-registration for 2025-2026 is from January 27 – February 2, 2025

Re-registration for the 2025/26 school year will open on Monday January 27.  

Families will receive an email from the Board of Governors on that day with a link to reregistration and can also access reregistration through the Parent Portal Landing Page. Re-registration, which includes both completing the online forms and submitting the deposit,  is due on Monday February 2, 2025. We cannot guarantee a place for students who re-register after this date.  

While we are certainly hoping to be welcoming all of our students back next year, we recognize that family situations change and relocations occur.  If you are aware that your daughter is not returning to Havergal, please let us know by emailing Maggie Houston-White as soon as possible so we can ensure we have a fulsome admission process at all necessary years.  

Hockey Day Registration for Students in Grades 4 – 6  – REGISTRATION – ACTION REQUIRED

On Tuesday, February 11, Havergal College will face the Bishop Strachan School (BSS) U20 Hockey team in a battle for the Hewitt Cup. This is affectionately known as HOCKEY DAY! In this annual game, faculty, staff, and students are decked out in green and gold to cheer on our Gators with pride. Our Junior School Gators hockey team will play the BSS Junior School team during the first intermission. 

Like last year, this year’s game will be played at the Mattamy Athletic Centre (Formerly Maple Leaf Gardens) located at 50 Carlton St, Toronto. Attendance is mandatory for students in Grades 4 to 8. The parents of all attendees must complete the online registration and purchase tickets in advance. 

Registration Link for Hockey Day 

***REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN AND WILL CLOSE ON MONDAY FEBRUARY 4th AT NOON***

Please note:

• Student accounts will be charged $25 to attend the event, which includes bus transportation and admission to the arena. 
• To review the Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk Click Here 
• All students will return by bus and can not be picked up from the arena. If you have any questions or if you know in advance that your child will be absent on hockey day please contact Ms. Bartlett (abartlett@havergal.on.ca).  

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

• JS Athletics Schedule 
• A gentle reminder to please pick up your child from outside the gym unless they have a green bag tag. Thanks. 

Clubs

• JS Clubs Schedule
• Winter Clubs are off to a great start and a gentle reminder to please pick up your child from the classroom unless they’re in Primary or Junior Choir as they’ll be dismissed in the carline.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

• JS Menu for Monday, January 27 – Friday, January 31 

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Pre-loved Uniform Sale

• Come to the Junior School Learning Hub Wednesday, Feb 5, from 2-5 pm for the Pre Loved Uniform sale.   Excellent deals on gently used uniform items!   Sizing from JK – grade 12.   The team is also looking for parent volunteers.  Please click here to sign up to help before and during the event.  
• In addition, the HCPA marketplace will be selling some additional items from their inventory.  You can also visit their website, HCPA marketplace, to purchase anytime during the year.

JS Bake Sale

• The Bake Sale is back! Please save the date on Thursday, February 13. All Junior School students will have an opportunity to attend our delicious annual bake sale with their class. This will be a cash only event, so please send up to $10 with your daughter so she can make her purchases.
• Please click here to sign up for donations.  We welcome all types of nut-free baked good donations.
• We are also looking for parent volunteers. Please click here to sign up if you can help with setup or during the bake sale. 

A-mazing Race

• A-mazing Race! Save the date – Sunday, May 4. All Junior School students and an adult guest are invited to join us for the always popular A-mazing Race—more details coming soon!

Grade Socials

• The Grade Evening socials are coming up!  Please see below some details and also the Evite links to RSVP.  We hope to see you all there!
• JK, SK, Grades 1, 2 & 3: Thursday, February 27, 2025.7- 9 pm,  Theme: Wine and Cheese
• Grades 4, 5 & 6: Thursday, February 20, 2025, 7 – 9 pm, Theme: Sip and Share

Evite for JK, SK, Grades 1, 2 & 3: Click Here 

Evite for Grades 4, 5 & 6: Click Here

KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON

Tuesday, January 28

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

Friday, January 31

• Lunar New Year Prayers (8:25 am – 8:55 am in the JS Gym)

Tuesday, February 4

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

Tuesday, Feb 11

• Hockey Day Gr. 4-6 at Mattemy arena 1pm-3:15pm 

Thursday, February 13

• JS Bake Sale

Friday, February 14 

• Mid Term Break – School Closed

Monday, February 17

• Mid Term Break – School Closed

Friday, March 7

• Last Day of Classes

Monday, March 10 – Monday, March 24

• March Break

Tuesday, March 25

• Classes Resume for Students

Dear Junior School Families,

This morning Ms. Watt led us in a very special prayers, where we took a moment to think about some of the things, big and small, that we are grateful for. She also spoke about the joy that is sparked when we take the time to reflect on the specific people, experiences, and things we are grateful for. Ms. Watt shared that one of the things that she is most grateful for are people who she spoke of as being “spark igniters.” These are the people who build us up when we feel down, who are as excited about our achievements as we are, and say YES, when we offer up a new idea or thing to try. She then invited Mme. Rizzo to sing “Wind Beneath My Wings,” as we lit candles to symbolize how we all have the power to be “spark igniters” both at home and at school. Finally, if you are at the Junior School next week, you will see a gratitude jar at the reception desk. Students, faculty and staff have been encouraged to take a moment over the next several weeks to write down just some of the things they are grateful for, and put them in the jar. We would love to know what you, our families, are grateful for too! Feel free to contribute your thoughts if you are here, or give a note to your child to put in.

Wishing you a lovely weekend.

Warmly,

Kate

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

Latest News

• Cold Weather Next Week
• Save the date – Hockey Day for Students in Grades 4 – 6 (Tuesday, Feb 11)
• Reducing the Spread of Respiratory Infections
• Community Safety Update

Reminders

• Re-registration: January 27 – February 2, 2025
• Co-Curriculars
• What’s on the Menu Next Week
• Notes from the HCPA
• Key Dates on the Horizon

LATEST NEWS

Cold Weather Next Week

The weather is calling for particularly cold temperatures next week. Please remind your children to come dressed appropriately for the weather, so that they can enjoy being outside at recess. We also reminded the students about this at Prayers this morning. 

Save the date – Hockey Day for Students in Grades 4 – 6 (Tuesday, Feb 11)

Tuesday Feb 11th at 1pm is Hockey Day. Hockey Day is when all of the students in grades 4-6 get bussed to and from Mattamy arena to watch the U20 Havergal hockey team face off against BSS. The U12 team will play at intermission.

Families are welcome to join in the fun, but will have to make their way down to the arena independently. The game will also be streamed for those unable to attend.

If you know in advance that your child will be absent on that day please email Anna Bartlett abartlett@havergal.on.ca. 

Reducing the Spread of Respiratory Infections

At this time of year, respiratory illness can be more common as people gather indoors. To help protect our school communities, staff, students, and visitors are reminded to: 

• Check for symptoms of respiratory infection every day before going to school.
• Stay home when you have symptoms, even if they are mild.
• Wash or sanitize your hands often.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with an elbow or a tissue.
• Get your influenza and COVID-19 vaccines at a participating pharmacy or your primary health care provider. These vaccines are the best way to protect against infection with influenza and COVID-19.
• Clean high-touch school surfaces often and when they are dirty.
• Consider wearing a tight-fitting, well-constructed mask in indoor public settings, especially if you are at higher risk of severe infection.

What to do if you or your child are sick

If you or your child have symptoms of a respiratory virus, stay home. This means: 

• Stay home until you or your child have no fever and symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if you or your child have gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and/or diarrhea).
• The Ontario Ministry of Health advises that for 10 days after symptoms start, an ill person should wear a well-fitted, high-quality mask when out in public, including in school and childcare.
• Avoid visiting anyone who is immunocompromised or may be at higher risk of illness (for example, seniors).
• Avoid non-essential visits to high-risk settings such as hospitals and long-term care homes.
• Speak to your healthcare provider or call 8-1-1 if you have questions about you or your family’s health or if you are unsure where to access care.

More Information: 

• Ontario College of Family Physicians Family Doctor Tips for Caring for Children with Respiratory Symptoms
• Toronto Public Health Reduce the Spread of Respiratory Viruses
• Public Health Ontario How to Protect Yourself and Others from Respiratory Viruses 

Community Safety Update

Lawrence Park CI shared this afternoon about an incident that occurred this morning that involved one of their students being approached by an unknown male in a vehicle. The student did the right thing by ignoring the man, making their way to school, reporting it to a trusted adult and the school contacted the police.

We regularly reinforce safety protocols with students and are lucky to have an exceptional security team that works hard to keep our campus safe. We would like to remind everyone in our community to report any suspicious or unusual occurrences . 

REMINDERS

Re-registration: January 27 – February 2, 2025

Re-registration for the 2025/26 school year will open on Monday January 27.  

Families will receive an email from the Board of Governors on that day with a link to reregistration and can also access reregistration through the Parent Portal Landing Page. Re-registration, which includes both completing the online forms and submitting the deposit,  is due on Monday February 2, 2025. We cannot guarantee a place for students who re-register after this date.  

While we are certainly hoping to be welcoming all of our students back next year, we recognize that family situations change and relocations occur.  If you are aware that your daughter is not returning to Havergal, please let us know by emailing Maggie Houston-White as soon as possible so we can ensure we have a fulsome admission process at all necessary years.  

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

• JS Athletics Schedule 
• Best of luck to the U10 Volleyball team and the U11 white volleyball team in their first games of the season.  

Clubs

• JS Clubs Schedule
• Winter Clubs started this past week and please remember to pick up your child from the classroom unless they’re in Primary or Junior Choir as they’ll be dismissed in the carline.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU IN JANUARY

• JS Menu for Monday, January 20 – Friday, January 24 

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Pre-loved Uniform Sale

• Come to the Junior School Learning Hub Wednesday, Feb 5, from 2-5 pm for the Pre Loved Uniform sale.   Excellent deals on gently used uniform items!   Sizing from JK – grade 12.   The team is also looking for parent volunteers.  Please click here to sign up to help before and during the event.  
• In addition, the HCPA marketplace will be selling some additional items from their inventory.  You can also visit their website, HCPA marketplace, to purchase anytime during the year.

A-mazing Race

• A-mazing Race! Save the date – Sunday, May 4. All Junior School students and an adult guest are invited to join us for the always popular A-mazing Race—more details coming soon!

Grade Socials

• Please save the date for the following evening parent socials:
  • Grades 4, 5 & 6: Thursday, February 20th, 2025, 7 pm – 9 pm
  • Grades JK, 1, 2 & 3: Thursday, February 27th, 2025, 7 pm – 9 pm

KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON

Wednesday, January 22

• New to Havergal Parent Mixer (7:00 pm – 8:30 pm in the Ellen Knox Library)

Tuesday, January 28

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

Friday, January 31

• Lunar New Year Prayers (8:25 am – 8:55 am in the JS Gym)

Tuesday, February 4

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

Tuesday, Feb 11

• Hockey Day Gr. 4-6 (1:00 pm – 3:15 pm in the Mattamy Arena)

Friday, February 14 

• Mid Term Break – School Closed

Monday, February 17

• Mid Term Break – School Closed

Friday, March 7

• Last Day of Classes

Monday, March 10 – Monday, March 24

• March Break

Tuesday, March 25

• Classes Resume for Students

Dear Junior School Families,

Happy New Year and welcome back!

Our classrooms, hallways, and playground are buzzing with the energy and excitement that comes with reconnecting with friends, sharing stories of winter adventures, and diving back into learning. The New Year is a perfect time to set goals, try new activities, and continue building a strong, supportive school community where everyone thrives. Let’s make the most of this new beginning, embracing every moment as a chance to learn, grow, and to connect with one another. 

Warmly,

Kate

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

Latest News

• Re-registration: January 27 – February 2, 2025
• Update to Major Dates Calendar – JS Christmas Concert & US Carol Service
• Dismissal from Clubs and Athletics
• Call Out for Students Participation (Lunar New Year Prayers and Black Cultural Prayers)

Reminders

• JS Food Services – Registration
• Students with Green Tags – Independent Dismissal
• Dismissal Procedures
• Dressing Appropriately for the Weather
• Co-Curriculars
• What’s on the Menu Next Week
• Notes from the HCPA
• Key Dates on the Horizon

LATEST NEWS

Re-registration: January 27 – February 2, 2025

Re-registration for the 2025/26 school year will open on Monday January 27.  

Families will receive an email from the Board of Governors on that day with a link to reregistration and can also access reregistration through the Parent Portal Landing Page. Re-registration, which includes both completing the online forms and submitting the deposit,  is due on Monday February 2, 2025. We cannot guarantee a place for students who re-register after this date.  

While we are certainly hoping to be welcoming all of our students back next year, we recognize that family situations change and relocations occur.  If you are aware that your daughter is not returning to Havergal, please let us know by emailing Maggie Houston-White as soon as possible so we can ensure we have a fulsome admission process at all necessary years.   

Major Dates Calendar – Update on Date for JS Christmas Concert and US Carol Service 

Please note that there has been an update in the Major Dates calendar. The Junior School Christmas Concert, and the Upper School Carol Service will now take place on Wednesday, December 10, and NOT on Thursday, December 11, as previously communicated. Major School Dates Calendar 2025-26 

Dismissal from Clubs and Athletics

Primary Clubs: Run from 3:05-4:05 pm

• Please pick your daughter up from the club classroom between 4:05 – 4:10pm. If your daughter is not picked up by 4:10pm, you can pick her up from Gator Care, which is located across from the KG classrooms on the 1st floor. Regular Gator Care fees will apply until you arrive. If your daughter is already registered for Gator Care, the club instructor will drop her off there.

Junior Clubs: Run from 3:15 – 4:15 pm

• Please pick your daughter up from the club classroom between 4:15 – 4:20pm. If your daughter is not picked up by 4:20pm, you can pick her up from Gator Care, which is located across from the KG classrooms on the 1st floor. Regular Gator Care fees will apply until you arrive. If your daughter is already registered for Gator Care, the club instructor will drop her off there.

Finally, you should have received an email from your club instructor this week with important information. If your daughter requires any special accommodations or if there is anything the instructor should be aware of, please be sure to inform them directly.  If your daughter is going to be absent for a club session, please email the club instructor.

Call Out for Students Participation (Lunar New Year Assembly and Black Cultural Prayers)

We will be celebrating the Lunar New Year (Friday, January 31 ) and Black Cultural Prayers (Tuesday, February 4) during prayers from 8:25 am – 8:55 am. Both will be followed by a reception. 

If your child is interested in participating in either of these, please email Rev. Jillian Ruch (jruch@havergal.on.ca) by the end of the day on Sunday,  January 13th. For Lunar New Year prayers, we will be having a meeting Monday during the first recess to plan with the students in the STEM lab.  If your daughter is interested in participating in LNY prayers, please remind her to come on Monday morning.  If you, as a parent, would like to be involved in the planning of these prayers or in contributing, please also reach out to Rev. Jillian Ruch as she would welcome your input. 

For Black Cultural Prayers, a meeting will be set up in the next week and Rev. Ruch will share that information with the students who are interested in participating. 

Please note that while we will do our best to include all those students that volunteer, we may not be able to accommodate everyone in a speaking role. In this case, we will be sure to seek out other opportunities for them to participate in Prayers.

REMINDERS

JS Food Services – Registration

Please use the following link to register for JS Food Services for the Winter and Spring Terms.

 JS FOOD SERVICES REGISTRATION

This can also be done on the Parent Portal.

Students with Green Tags – Independent Dismissal

Please note that students with Green Tags, indicating permission for independent dismissal, should leave the school at dismissal time or after their co-curricular activity has concluded. For safety reasons, students are not permitted to stay in the Junior School past 4:30 pm, as they are not supervised during this time. 

Parents can sign up their child for independent dismissal through the Parent Portal Landing Page

Dismissal Procedures

• Parking
  • Only JK/SK Parents/Guardians are permitted to park in the Junior School Parking Lot, so that they can pick up their child from the  JK/SK door, at the rear of the building.
  • No other families are permitted to park in the JS parking lot during dismissal.
• Please note the times below and arrive in the correct time slot.
  •  If you are early, you may be asked to temporarily leave the Junior School driveway.
  •  If you have more than one child, please arrive during the time slot assigned to your eldest child.
• The dismissal times are as follows:

• Group 1: JK & SK: Students will be dismissed at 3:00 pm.
• Group 2: Grades 1 – 3:  Students will be dismissed at 3:05 pm.
• Group 3: Grades 4 to 6:  Students will be dismissed at 3:15 pm. 
• Late Arrivals/Early Dismissals

• If a student will be late for arrival, or is required to leave school early (i.e., for a medical appointment), you must notify us through the “report attendance”tool in the Parent Portal.
• Students who are late must sign-in, and students who are being dismissed early, must sign-out at the front desk prior to departing the Junior School. 

Dressing Appropriately for the Weather

The winter weather is here, and we want our students to make the most of their time outdoors to play, engage with friends and to have fun. To do this, it is essential that they come to school with the appropriate outdoor clothing. Coats, snow pants or sweatpants, mitts, hats, and boots should all be brought to school so that students can fully participate at recess.

We also wanted to provide a reminder of Havergal’s Extreme Weather Guidelines.

Please note that in Cold Weather:

• Environment Canada advises that wind chill temperatures of -28°C to -39°C pose a high risk of frostbite and hypothermia, and exposed skin can freeze in 10 to 30 minutes.  
• When these conditions exist it is recommended that recess be shortened or that students are kept indoors for their recess period, consistent with many school boards in Ontario.

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

• JS Athletics Schedule 
• Best of  luck to the U12 Volleyball team in their games this upcoming week.  

Clubs

• Winter Clubs start next week so please make sure to check your child’s personalized calendar for their activities. This can be found on the Parent Portal
• JS Clubs Schedule

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

• JS Menu for Monday, January 13 – Friday, January 17 

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Parent Socials

Please save the date for the following evening parent socials:

• Grades 4, 5 & 6: Thursday, February 20, 2025, 7 – 9 pm
• Grades JK, 1, 2 & 3: Thursday, February 27, 2025, 7 pm – 9 pm

KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON

Tuesday, January 28

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

Friday, January 31

• Lunar New Year Prayers (8:25 am – 8:55 am in the JS Gym)

Tuesday, February 4

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

Friday, February 14 

• Mid Term Break – School Closed

Monday, February 17

• Mid Term Break – School Closed

Friday, March 7

• Last Day of Classes

Monday, March 10 – Monday, March 24

• March Break

Tuesday, March 25

• Classes Resume for Students

Dear Junior School Families,

In our final edition of “The Weekly – Junior School,” I wanted to offer a sincere note of thanks to all of you for your partnership and support of Havergal this year. We have already accomplished so much together as a community, and we are excited to see all that 2025 has in store.

Our faculty and staff have been so blown away by the beautiful notes and gifts we have received throughout the week, including from the HCPA, sharing your appreciation with our amazing team. We are truly grateful for your generosity and kindness. Thank you.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday over the next few weeks, and a well deserved opportunity to rest, and spend time with family and friends. May the spirit of the season bring you all much joy, health and happiness. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all those celebrating.

We will look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday, January 7.

Warmly,

Kate

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

Latest News

• Major Dates Calendar for 2025 – 2026
• Family Independence Challenge

Reminders

• First Day of Classes in January
• Pizza Lunch is on Tuesday, January 7
• Registering for Gator Care
• Co-Curriculars
• What’s on the Menu in January
• Notes from the HCPA
• Key Dates on the Horizon

LATEST NEWS

Major Dates Calendar for 2025 – 2026

Please see the link to the Major Dates School Calendar for 2025-2026. We send the link to this calendar out at this time to allow employees and families to plan for the upcoming school year. Please be aware that it is subject to change and from time to time we need to make adjustments to it. 

Family Independence Challenge!

As we enter a much-needed winter break, we wanted to share a fun challenge that we learned about, and adapted, through The Laurel School Center for Research on Girls.

Fostering independence in new areas takes time, making the more relaxed pace of winter break a great chance to undertake practical challenges to build your child’s resilience in daily life. You can download and use the BINGO cards linked below as a rough guide or mark off squares to celebrate your child’s growing independence. Feel free to pencil in your family’s own ideas for building independence and resilience in the free corner squares! You are also welcome to create your own, based on your daughter’s goals.

Family independence challenge BINGO cards:

• JK & SK  
• Grade 1 & 2  
• Grade 3 & 4  
• Grade 5 & 6  

REMINDERS

First Day of Classes in January 

We look forward to welcoming students back to class on Tuesday, January 7

Pizza Lunch is on Tuesday, January 7

A reminder that students will have Pizza Lunch on the first day back at school!

Registering for Gator Care

Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful holiday season from the Gator Care team. Also, if you want to register your kids for Gator Care the link is shared below. Moreover, you can email and inform us if your child will no longer come to Gator Care regularly.

• Gator Care Registration Link

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

• JS Athletics Schedule 

Clubs

• Winter Clubs start the week of January 13, 2025 so make sure to check your child’s personalized calendar for their activities (instructions below).

WHAT’S ON THE MENU IN JANUARY

• JS Menu for January 7 – 10 

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

We wish you a joyful and restful holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished moments with loved ones. Thank you for being such an important part of our community—we look forward to an exciting year ahead!

KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON

Friday, December 20 

• No Classes – School Closed for December Break

Monday, January 6

• No school for students
• Faculty Professional Development

Tuesday, January 7

• Classes resume

Tuesday, January 28

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

Friday, January 31

• Lunar New Year Prayers (8:25 am – 8:55 am in the JS Gym)

Friday, February 14 

• Mid Term Break – School Closed

Monday, February 17

• Mid Term Break – School Closed

Friday, March 7

• Last Day of Classes

Monday, March 10 – Monday, March 24

• March Break

Tuesday, March 25

• Classes Resume for Students

Dear Junior School Families,

It was a week that highlighted the hope, love, peace and joy of the holiday season! Thank you to everyone for joining us for our Grade 1 – 6 Christmas Concert at St. Paul’s Bloor Street yesterday. It was the perfect opportunity to come together as a community, and set the tone for the holiday season. I am particularly grateful for the combined efforts of our faculty and staff for ensuring that it went off without a hitch. 

For those that were unable to attend, or for those who would love to see it again, we encourage you to watch the Grade 1 – 6 Christmas Concert on Havergal’s Youtube channel.  I also encourage you to visit Havergal’s social media pages, where you can find photos from this very special event.

As we embrace this season of giving and gratitude, we want to express our heartfelt thanks for your continued generosity and support of our community. We are very grateful for the gifts provided by your donation to the HCPA fund. If you choose to share an additional token of appreciation, we kindly ask that it remains modest, under $100 in value, in line with our employee policies. Thank you for your understanding and generosity during this special time of year.

Sincerely,

Kate

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

Latest News

• Report Cards Available for Viewing on Wednesday, December 18 at 4pm
• Students with Green Tags
• Locker and Cubby Clean out Next Week
• Thursday, December 19 – Festive Dress Down Day

Reminders

• Last Chance to Look Through the Lost and Found!
• Registration is open for JS Food Services for the REMAINDER of the YEAR
• Co-Curriculars
• What’s on the Menu Next Week
• Notes from the HCPA
• Your Child’s Personalized Calendar
• Key Dates on the Horizon

LATEST NEWS

Report Cards Available for Viewing on Wednesday, December 18 at 4pm

Your daughter’s first full report card is available through a link on your Parent Portal on Wednesday, December 18 at 4 pm.  

Please take a moment to review the following information from Dr. Seonaid Davis, Vice Principal of Teaching and Learning:

• Kindergarten Report Card Information – December 
• Grade 1 – 6 Report Card Information – December

Should you have any questions please reach out to your daughter’s homeroom or specialist teacher directly.

Students with Green Tags

Please note that students with Green Tags, indicating permission for independent dismissal, should leave the school at dismissal time or after their co-curricular activity has concluded. For safety reasons, students are not permitted to stay in the Junior School past 4:30 pm, as they are not supervised during this time. They are asked to sit quietly at reception until they are picked up.

Locker and Cubby Clean out Next Week

All students are asked to bring all personal belongings home for the holidays. This is so that our cleaners are able to do an extra deep cleaning during the break. Please send your child to school with extra bags to carry their things. Teachers will be on hand to support the students with this task.

Thursday, December 19 – Festive Dress Down Day

Please note that the WHOLE SCHOOL will be having a festive dress down day on Thursday, December 18. Students are invited to wear their favourite sweater, with pants, a skirt, or even PJ bottoms! Have fun with it!

REMINDERS

Last Chance to Look Through the Lost and Found! 

All items in the Lost and Found have been put on display on tables by the main staircase.

Families and students are encouraged to check for lost belongings. We will make every effort to return labelled items to the students.

All unclaimed items will be donated to New Circles, or will go to the Used Uniform Sale, Thursday, December 19

Please be sure to label ALL of their child(ren)’s clothing, as this makes it much easier for items to be returned. As we head into the winter season, we encourage you to make sure that things like coats, snow pants, boots, hats, and mitts are clearly labelled as well.

Registration is open for JS Food Services for the REMAINDER of the YEAR

Please note that registration for JS Food Services is now open. Please register by logging into the Parent Portal, and accessing the form shown below.

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

• JS Athletics Schedule 

Clubs

• Fall clubs have wrapped up for the term and winter clubs will start the week of January 13, 2025 so make sure to check your child’s calendar (instructions are below). The one exception is Ms. MacIntyre’s and Ms. Tulli’s Kids Lit club which has already started.
• A tremendous THANK YOU to all the faculty and vendors who hosted clubs over the past term and I’m grateful for the variety and engagement you brought to our students.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

• JS Menu for December 16 – December 19 

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Parent Socials

Please save the date for the following evening parent socials:

• Grades 4, 5 & 6: Thursday, February 20, 2025, 7 – 9 pm
• Grades JK, 1, 2 & 3: Thursday, February 27, 2025,  7 – 9 pm

HCPA Marketplace

The HCPA Marketplace Online Shop is open year-round with seasonal updates. It is not too late to order your HC Swag for the holidays. Deadline for pre-holiday orders is Sunday 15th of December. Collection at HC by December 19th!

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

Tuesday, December 17

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

Wednesday, December 18

• First Full Report Card Available for Viewing on the Parent Portal at 4:00 pm

Thursday, December 19

• Festive Dress Down Day
• Last day of Classes

Friday, December 20 

• No Classes – School Closed for December Break

Monday, January 6

• No school for students
• Faculty Professional Development

Tuesday, January 7

• Classes resume

Tuesday, January 28

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

Friday, January 31

• Lunar New Year Prayers (8:25 am – 8:55 am in the JS Gym)

Dear Junior School Families,

This morning in Prayers students learned all about Advent, and the four weeks leading up to Christmas. We lit the Advent wreath, with the candles symbolizing Hope, Peace & Preparation, Joy and Love. This was followed by the spectacular Kindergarten Christmas Concert, which set the perfect tone for the holiday season. We are also looking forward to next week, when we gather at St. Paul’s Bloor Street for our Grade 1 – 6 Christmas Concert.

I hope that people can enjoy some time outside this weekend, enjoying the first snowfall! The kids have been having an absolutely wonderful time at recess playing and enjoying the fun that comes with the winter season.

Kate

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

• Grade 1 – 6 Christmas Concert Live Stream Link 
• Canadian Singer-Songwriter Craig Cardiff Visits the Junior School
• Lost and Found Clean Out – Monday, December 9 – Thursday, December 19 
• Returning Finished Library Books; Taking Out New Books for the Holidays!
• Confirming or Declining Attendance at the Christmas Concert – ACTION REQUIRED
• Need To Know Information: Grade 1 – 6 Christmas Concert
• Gator Care for JK/SK Students from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm on Thursday, December 12
• Registration is open for JS Food Services for the REMAINDER of the YEAR
• Co-Curriculars
• What’s on the Menu Next Week
• Notes from the HCPA
• Your Child’s Personalized Calendar
• Key Dates on the Horizon

LATEST NEWS

Grade 1 – 6 Christmas Concert Live Stream Link 

Should you be unable to attend the Christmas Concert on Thursday, here is the Grade 1 – 6 Christmas Concert Live Stream Link so that you can access it online. 

Canadian Singer-Songwriter Craig Cardiff Visits the Junior School

• When: Tuesday, December 17th
• Time: 2:30pm-3:00pm
• Where: JS Gym

The Junior School is delighted to welcome back Juno nominated Canadian singer-songwriter Craig Cardiff for a full school concert on Tuesday, December 17th at 2:30pm in the JS Gym. Craig will perform a concert for all Junior School students. Parents are welcome to join us. 

Craig has released sixteen albums, both live and studio-based since 1997. He has toured North America and Europe. In 2012, Cardiff was nominated for a Juno Award for Roots and Traditional Album of the Year: Solo and for a Canadian Folk Music Award as Contemporary Singer of the Year. He has 100+ million streams and is 100% fan powered. “Cardiff makes it a point to keep the relationship with his fans personal, inviting and accepting any opportunity to make his audience as much a part of the performance as he is. Armed with an extensive catalogue of songs, his Book of Truths, sharp wit and soft voice. Over the years, he has played with and opened for artists such as Glen Phillips, Lucy Kaplansky, Dan Bern, Natalia Zukerman, Andy Stochansky, Sarah Harmer, Kathleen Edwards, Blue Rodeo, Gordon Downie (Tragically Hip), Hawksley Workman, Sarah Slean, Skydiggers, 54-40 and more.”

Returning Finished Library Books; Taking Out New Books for the Holidays!

With the fall term coming to an end, Ms. Rodd asks that families take stock of their library books. While books are not due until the end of the year, now is a great time to take stock and return any books that students have finished using. 

A reminder that students may have up to 15 books checked out at a time (10 for kindergarten students). Thank you!

Lost and Found Clean Out: Monday, December 9 – Thursday, December 19

All items in the Lost and Found have been put on display on tables by the main staircase.

Families and students are encouraged to check for lost belongings. We will make every effort to return labelled items to the students.

All unclaimed items will be donated to New Circles, or will go to the Used Uniform Sale, Thursday, December 19

Please be sure to label ALL of their child(ren)’s clothing, as this makes it much easier for items to be returned. As we head into the winter season, we encourage you to make sure that things like coats, snow pants, boots, hats, and mitts are clearly labelled as well.

REMINDERS

Confirming or Declining Attendance at the Christmas Concert – ACTION REQUIRED

The deadline for confirming or declining your child’s attendance at the Grade 1 – 6 Christmas Concert has now passed. Students not attending the concert be picked up from school at 11am

TO CONFIRM ATTENDANCE:

•  AAR for the Grades 1-6 Christmas Concert at St. Paul’s Church

TO DECLINE ATTENDANCE:

• Please email Sarah Robertson at srobertson@havergal.on.ca 

Need To Know Information: Grade 1 – 6 Christmas Concert

Please note the following:

• Date: 
  • Thursday, December 12
• Time: 
  • 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (doors open at 2:30 pm) 
• Location:
  • 227 St. Paul’s Bloor Street
• Parking:
  • Families are invited to visit Spot Angels for suggestions on nearby free and paid parking & garages near the church. 
• Tickets: 
  • Tickets are not required, all are welcome to attend. This includes grandparents and caregivers.
• Transportation to the Church
  • Students in Grades 1 – 6 will travel to St. Paul’s, via chartered bus, (after lunch) for a rehearsal and then perform for their families at 3:00pm.
  • There is no transportation back to the school, nor Gator Care available for students in Grades 1 – 6 after the concert.

• Lunch and Snacks:
  • We have arranged to have an early lunch on this day, so that we can start to depart Havergal at 11:45 am.
  • Students who bring their own lunch from home are asked to leave their lunch bag at school overnight. Families can also consider using disposable lunch containers made from recycled materials if they do not wish to leave a lunch bag overnight.
  • All students from grades 1-6 will be provided an afternoon snack and drink prior to the performance at St. Paul’s. All allergies have been taken into consideration.
• What to wear:
  • Number 1 Concert Dress is expected for the full school day on December 12. This consists of:
    • White long-sleeve dress shirt
    • Tie
    • Tunic (JK-Grade 4) and Kilt (grades 5 and 6)
    • Tights, not socks (if you do not have tights, please arrange with your family to order some from the Green and Gold shop)
    • Black shoes
    • Hair back from face with minimal hair accessories that are the same colour as your hair or the HC official hair accessories  
• Dismissal from the Church 
  • Students will be dismissed to their families after the concert is concluded. Primary students will be dismissed from a class pew inside the church. Pews will be designated to each Primary class (Ex. 2A, 3B etc). 
  • Junior students (Grades 4, 5 and 6) will be dismissed from Cody Hall. Families can exit the church from the interior doors on the eastern side of the church and proceed across the atrium to Cody Hall. Parents must pick their daughter up from their class pew/Cody Hall and sign them out with the homeroom teacher. 
  • If you have more than one student, we ask that you pick-up your youngest child in the church before collecting older students from Cody Hall. Instructions will also be given at the conclusion of the concert.
  • Please note that students will need to come to school in their black shoes on Thursday, December 12, as their winter boots will have been left at school.

Gator Care for JK/SK Students from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm on Thursday, December 12

• Please note that Gator Care is available for JK/SK students from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm on Thursday, December 12, while students in Grades 1 – 6 are at the Christmas Concert at St. Paul’s Church
•  Gator Care remains available from 7:30 am – 8:00 am on this day, for ALL Students.

Registration is open for JS Food Services for the REMAINDER of the YEAR

Please note that registration for JS Food Services is now open. Please register by logging into the Parent Portal, and accessing the form shown below.

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

• Please check the JS Athletics Schedule for specific details and future game times that may not be on your regular practice schedule. 
• Good Luck to the U12 & U11 Volleyball Teams on their first games of the season. 

Clubs

• Fall clubs have wrapped up for the term and winter clubs will start the week of January 13, 2025 so make sure to check your child’s calendar (instructions are below). The one exception is Ms. MacIntyre’s and Ms. Tulli’s Kids Lit club which has already started.
• A tremendous THANK YOU to all the faculty and vendors who hosted clubs over the past term and I’m grateful for the variety and engagement you brought to our students.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

• JS Menu for December 9 – December 13 

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Staff Appreciation

• Donations for HCPA Staff Appreciation are due today! Send via e-transfer to hcpatreasurer@gmail.com with your daughter’s name and grade/cohort in the message.

Parent Socials

Please save the date for the following evening parent socials:

• Grades 4, 5 & 6: Thursday, February 20, 2025, 7 – 9 pm
• Grades JK, 1, 2 & 3: Thursday, February 27, 2025,  7 – 9 pm

HCPA Marketplace

• The HCPA Marketplace Online Shop is open year-round with seasonal updates. Perfect for last-minute gifts or HC unique items!

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

Tuesday, December 10

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

Thursday, December 12

• Grade 1 – 6 Christmas Concert (3:00 pm – 4:00 pm at St. Paul’s – Bloor Street)

Friday, December 13

• House Assembly (Grade 6 House Leads Presenting)

Tuesday, December 17

• Hanukkah Prayers (8:25 am – 8:55 am in the JS Gym)
• Canadian Singer-Songwriter Craig Cardiff Visits the Junior School (2:30 – 3:00 pm in the JS Gym)

Wednesday, December 18

• First Full Report Card Available for Viewing on the Parent Portal at 4:00 pm

Thursday, December 19

• Last day of Classes

Friday, December 20 

• No Classes – School Closed for December Break

Monday, January 6

• No school for students
• Faculty Professional Development

Tuesday, January 7

• Classes resume

Tuesday, January 28

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

Friday, January 31

• Lunar New Year Prayers (8:25 am – 8:55 am in the JS Gym)

Dear Junior School Families,

Today marked our third “Thrive Day” in the Junior School. Students were welcomed to Prayers with three of our Grade 4 students singing “All Too Well” by Taylor Swift, accompanied by Mr. McLean and Ms. Barrett. It set a lovely tone as we learned more about some of the things that students in our community do to thrive. We learned about the “Wellbeing Kids’ Club,” which was started by several of our Grade 3 students.  The goal of the club is to create an inclusive, safe, happy space where we welcome all SK students to learn about wellbeing. They meet with the SKs once a month to teach them different techniques and tools to use to manage their emotions. This group also shared just some of the things they do to help them thrive, including spending time in nature, taking deep breaths, drawing, and getting hugs from their family. We also heard from a new to Havergal student in Grade 5, who shared that joining the basketball team was one of the ways that she started to feel more connected to our community.

Both the “Positivity Club” (Grades 1 – 3) and the “Beading Club” (Grades 4 – 6) invited students to spend lunch recess making Affirmation or other Bracelets, or some mindful colouring. It was truly incredible to see so many students turn up and participate. The Positivity Club even surprised teachers with kind and thoughtful notes that were delivered to classrooms throughout the day.

I encourage you to ask your children this weekend just some of the ways that they are learning to thrive!

Sincerely,

Kate

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

• Registration is open for JS Food Services for the REMAINDER of the YEAR
• Kindergarten Christmas Concert – Friday, Dec 6 (9:00 am – 9:30 am Concert in the JS Dining Hall; 9:30 am – 10:00 am Reception in the JS Dining Hall)
• Grade 1 – 6 Christmas Concert – Thursday, December 12 (3pm – 4pm – St. Paul’s Church)
• Gator Care is available for JK/SK Students from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm on Thursday, December 12
• Advent and Christmas Prayers
• What’s New in Gator Care
• Late Arrivals/Early Dismissal
• New Circles Holiday Angel Program (Nov 19 – Dec 2)
• Monday, December 2 – Pizza Lunch
• Co-Curriculars
• What’s on the Menu Next Week
• Notes from the HCPA
• Your Child’s Personalized Calendar
• Key Dates on the Horizon

LATEST NEWS

Registration is open for JS Food Services for the REMAINDER of the YEAR

Please note that registration for JS Food Services is now open. Please register by logging into the Parent Portal, and accessing the form shown below.

Kindergarten Christmas Concert – Friday, Dec 6

Kindergarten Christmas Concert – Friday, Dec 6 (9:00 am – 9:30 am Concert in the JS Dining Hall; 9:30 am – 10:00 am Reception in the JS Dining Hall)

• Location: Junior School Dining Room
• Date: Friday, December 6
• Time:
  • 9:00 am – 9:30 am (Performance)
  • 9:30 am – 10:00 am (Reception)
• Parking:
  • Please note that parking is extremely limited. 
  • Families are invited to visit Spot Angels for suggestions on nearby free and paid parking & garages.
• What Students Should Wear:
  • Number 1 Concert Dress consists of:
    • White long-sleeve dress shirt
    • Tie
    • Tunic
    • Tights, not socks (if you do not have tights, please arrange with your family to order some from the Green and Gold shop)
    • Black shoes
    • Hair back from face with minimal hair accessories that are the same colour as your hair or the HC official hair accessories  
• Who can come? All kindergarten families are welcome to attend. This includes grandparents and caregivers.

Grade 1 – 6 Christmas Concert – Thursday, December 12 (3pm – 4pm – St. Paul’s Bloor Street Church)

We are very much looking forward to our upcoming Christmas Concert for students in Grades 1 – 6.

Here is all the information you need to know!

Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk Form (AAR) – ACTION REQUIRED

• All students, with the exception of those students in Primary and Junior Choir, are required to fill out the following AAR for the Grade 1 – 6 Christmas Concert at St. Paul’s Church  

Please note the following:

• Date: 
  • Thursday, December 12
• Time: 
  • 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (doors open at 2:30 pm) 
• Location:
  • 227 St. Paul’s Bloor Street
• Parking:
  • Families are invited to visit Spot Angels for suggestions on nearby free and paid parking & garages near the church. 
• Tickets: 
  • Tickets are not required, all are welcome to attend. This includes grandparents and caregivers.
• Transportation to the Church
  • Students in Grades 1 – 6 will travel to St. Paul’s, via chartered bus, (after lunch) for a rehearsal and then perform for their families at 3:00pm.
  • There is no transportation back to the school, nor Gator Care available for students in Grades 1 – 6 after the concert.

• Lunch and Snacks:
  • We have arranged to have an early lunch on this day, so that we can start to depart Havergal at 11:45 am.
  • Students who bring their own lunch from home are asked to leave their lunch bag at school overnight. Families can also consider using disposable lunch containers made from recycled materials if they do not wish to leave a lunch bag overnight.
  • All students from grades 1-6 will be provided an afternoon snack and drink prior to the performance at St. Paul’s. All allergies have been taken into consideration.
• What to wear:
  • Number 1 Concert Dress is expected for the full school day on December 12. This consists of:
    • White long-sleeve dress shirt
    • Tie
    • Tunic (JK-Grade 4) and Kilt (grades 5 and 6)
    • Tights, not socks (if you do not have tights, please arrange with your family to order some from the Green and Gold shop)
    • Black shoes
    • Hair back from face with minimal hair accessories that are the same colour as your hair or the HC official hair accessories  
• Dismissal from the Church 
  • Students will be dismissed to their families after the concert is concluded. Primary students will be dismissed from a class pew inside the church. Pews will be designated to each Primary class (Ex. 2A, 3B etc). 
  • Junior students (Grades 4, 5 and 6) will be dismissed from Cody Hall. Families can exit the church from the interior doors on the eastern side of the church and proceed across the atrium to Cody Hall. Parents must pick their daughter up from their class pew/Cody Hall and sign them out with the homeroom teacher. 
  • If you have more than one student, we ask that you pick-up your youngest child in the church before collecting older students from Cody Hall. Instructions will also be given at the conclusion of the concert.
  • Please note that students will need to come to school in their black shoes on Thursday, December 12, as their winter boots will have been left at school.

Gator Care for JK/SK Students from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm on Thursday, December 12

• Please note that Gator Care is available for JK/SK students from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm on Thursday, December 12, while students in Grades 1 – 6 are at the Christmas Concert at St. Paul’s Church
•  Gator Care remains available from 7:30 am – 8:00 am on this day, for ALL Students.

Advent and Christmas Prayers

An amazing response to the call out for participants for both of these prayers has meant that 18 students will be participating in the Advent prayers and 31 students participating in the Christmas prayers!  Rev. Ruch will be emailing all the families involved, along with their teachers with all th information necessary. Due to the large numbers for the Christmas Prayers, we will be trying something a little different this year, in the form of a “scratch nativity”, which is an unpolished play where we go through the Christmas story together.  More information to follow as it draws near. 

What is New in Gator Care?

Should your daughter attend Gator Care on a regular basis, we encourage you to read the Gator Care Monthly Blast. This will provide you with a high-level overview of what is happening, and some quick reminders.

REMINDERS

Late Arrivals and Early Dismissals

A reminder that students are to arrive at school between 8:00 am and 8:20 am. On days when we have Prayers please note that it begins at 8:25 am. Attendance is taken between 8:20 am and 8:25 am on Prayers days, and between 8:20 am and 8:30 am on non-Prayers days.

It is essential that a student’s attendance and arrival/dismissal schedule is kept up-to-date by parents in the Veracross Student Logistics Request tool at all times. Calling the Junior School Office to update a child’s attendance (late arrivals/early departures/absences) should only be done in the case of an emergency.

To learn more about how to report attendance, please refer to our Reporting Attendance Document and use the link here to report your child’s absence.

New Circles Holiday Angel Program – Please Send in Gift Cards by Monday, December 2

A huge thank you to everyone for their generous donations in support of the families we are partnered with at New Circles. Please note that all gift cards should be brought to school by Monday, December 2, which is just after this weekend.

Grades	Gift Card Requests
JK, SK, Grade 1	Walmart or No Frills
Grade 2 & 4A	Walmart
Grade 3 & 4B	Walmart
Grade 5	Walmart, No Frills, Food Basics or Costco
Grade 6	Walmart, No Frills or Costco

Tax Receipts

Should you require a tax receipt:

• Print out and complete the Donor Tax Receipt Form 2024  and make sure to add your HAP # (This is the family you are donating to. It is located on the family information page.)
• Attach the gift card, activation receipt and tax form together and send them into school
• Please note that tax receipts can only be issued by New Circles for donations above $25 that have all the necessary components attached.

Monday, December 2 – Pizza Lunch

Students will enjoy the last pizza lunch of the term on Monday. Thank you to all of our parent volunteers and the Chartwells’ Team, who have helped this monthly treat to be so seamless.

Should your daughter not participate in Pizza Lunch, please remember to pack her a lunch on this day.

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

• Please check the JS Athletics Schedule for specific details and future game times that may not be on your regular practice schedule. 
• Good Luck to the U12 & U11 Volleyball Teams on their first games of the season. 

Clubs

• Fall clubs have wrapped up for the term and winter clubs will start the week of January 13, 2025 so make sure to check your child’s calendar (instructions are below). The one exception is Ms. MacIntyre’s and Ms. Tulli’s Kids Lit club which has already started.
• A tremendous THANK YOU to all the faculty and vendors who hosted clubs over the past term and I’m grateful for the variety and engagement you brought to our students.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

• Monday, December 2 -Friday, December 6 

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Ivy Market

• Thank you to everyone who supported Ivy Market! We hope you enjoyed the shopping, treats and chance to mingle and reconnect with others. Click here to view photos from the event.

Staff Appreciation

• Donations for HCPA Staff Appreciation are due by Friday, December 6. Send via e-transfer to hcpatreasurer@gmail.com with your daughter’s name and grade/cohort in the message.

HCPA Marketplace

• The HCPA Marketplace Online Shop is open year-round with seasonal updates. Perfect for last-minute gifts or HC unique items!

Parent Socials

Please save the date for the following evening parent socials:

• Grades 4, 5 & 6: Thursday, February 20, 2025, 7 – 9 pm
• Grades JK, 1, 2 & 3: Thursday, February 27, 2025,  7 – 9 pm

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

Tuesday, November 19 – Monday, December 2

• Holiday Angel Drive
• All Gift Cards to be dropped off by December 2

Tuesday, December 3

• No Prayers – Christmas Concert Rehearsal

Friday, December 6

• Advent Prayers (8:25 am – 8:55 am in the JS Gym)
• JK/SK Christmas Concert (9:00 am in the JS Dining Hall; Followed by reception in the Dining Hall at 9:30am)

Tuesday, December 10

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

Thursday, December 12

• Grade 1 – 6 Christmas Concert (3:00 pm – 4:00 pm at St. Paul’s – Bloor Street)

Friday, December 13

• House Assembly (Grade 6 House Leads Presenting)

Tuesday, December 17

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

Wednesday, December 18

• First Full Report Card Available for Viewing on the Parent Portal at 4:00 pm

Thursday, December 19

• Last day of Classes

Friday, December 20 

• No Classes – School Closed for December Break

Monday, January 6

• No school for students
• Faculty Professional Development

Tuesday, January 7

• Classes resume

Tuesday, January 28

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

Friday, January 31

• Lunar New Year Prayers (8:25 am – 8:55 am in the JS Gym)

Dear Junior School Families,

“We all have hearts. We all want to feel loved and valued.  And we all are human.”

This morning, Ms. Watt, along with three Grade 6 students challenged us to think about not just what it means to be kind, but to actually act with kindness. They asked us to reflect on times when they may have shown unkind behaviours, asking questions like: “Have you excluded a friend at lunch?” “Have you spoken meanly about someone behind their back?” “Have you judged someone, without knowing them?” They also asked if any of these things had ever been done to them, and the effect it had on them. Conversely, the students asked us to provide examples of when they had acted kindly towards someone, or when someone had been kind to them. We talked about how sometimes we can easily forgive and forget, while at other times the hurt we feel can be harder to move on from, and these unkind behaviours can leave a mark on our hearts, which can last for a long time. This is a message that we touch upon regularly in Prayers, in class, and on the playground, and is important to touch upon regularly as a community that is centered in courage, compassion, inquiry, and integrity.

In addition to saying thank you to Ms. Watt and our Grade 6 presenters, thank you as well  to Irene (Gr. 4) who set the tone for today’s message by playing piano for walk-in, and to Mme. Rizzo and Eileen (Gr. 4) who sang “You Lift Me Up” for walk-out.

Sincerely,

Kate

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

• Full School House Dress Down Day – Wednesday, November 27
• Gator Care Important Update – Grade 1 & 2 Belongings
• Christmas Prayers – Call for Participation (Tuesday, December 10)
• Hanukkah Prayers – Call for Participation (Tuesday, December 17)
• New Circles Holiday Angel Program (Nov 19 – Dec 2)
• Ella Minnow Books is Coming to Havergal – Monday, November 25 to Thursday, November 28!
• Co-Curriculars
• What’s on the Menu Next Week
• Your Child’s Personalized Calendar
• Key Dates on the Horizon

LATEST NEWS

Full School House Dress Down Day – Wednesday, November 27

Please note that on Wednesday, November 27th, we will be having a full school House Dress-Down Day. We invite both teachers and students to show their house spirit by dressing in their house colours.

Thank you to our Grade 6 students who will be leading the house meetings on this day! They have carefully planned a number of fun and engaging activities, that involve a little friendly competition between houses!

Gator Care Important Update – Grade 1 & 2 Belongings

Starting Monday, November 25th, all Grade 1 and Grade 2 students attending Gator Care will be asked to store their backpacks and personal belongings in their cubbies. When picking up your child, please sign them out and then proceed to their cubby to collect their belongings.

Students in JK/SK and Grades 3-6 will continue to keep their bags and coats in the Gator Care room.

This adjustment is being made to enhance safety and efficiency in our afterschool programming. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we implement this change.

Christmas Prayers – Call for Participation (Tuesday, December 10)

If your daughter would like to be involved in delivering the message at Christmas Prayers on Tuesday, December 10, please remind her to meet with Rev. Ruch on Tuesday, November 26 at morning recess to express her interest. Dates for script writing and rehearsals will be shared next week.

Hanukkah Prayers – Call for Participation (Tuesday, December 17)

If your daughter would like to be involved in delivering the message at Hanukkah Prayers on Tuesday, December 17, please remind her to meet with Rev. Ruch on Tuesday, November 26 at morning recess to express her interest. Dates for script writing and rehearsals will be shared next week.

REMINDERS

New Circles Holiday Angel Program (Nov 19 – Dec 2)

This November, Havergal College is participating in the New Circles Holiday Angels Program, a gift-giving program that serves individuals and families, many of whom are newcomers to Canada. 

New Circles is a not-for-profit organization that works to promote equity and dignity for families by providing basic necessities, employment training and settlement support. As part of their leadership learning, Grade 5 students are taking a leading role in the coordination and implementation of this worthy project.

This year we are sponsoring five families through the Holiday Angels Program. This week, students were introduced to the family they will be supporting. They learned about the different members in the family, a little bit about what brought them to Canada, and how we can help them meet some of their basic needs. The donation window is now open and will continue until Monday, December 2nd. 

Please see the family profiles below. Requests for specific gift cards are included to ensure your donations have the greatest impact by enabling the families to purchase what they most need from stores they can easily access.  To ensure that a gift card is valid, we ask that the activation receipt be attached to every gift card. New Circles and the Holiday Angel families are thankful for any donations that they receive.

Please see below for gift card requests and specific family information. To learn more about the family you are supporting, please visit your child’s homeroom page.

Grades	Gift Card Requests
JK, SK, Grade 1	Walmart or No Frills
Grade 2 & 4A	Walmart
Grade 3 & 4B	Walmart
Grade 5	Walmart, No Frills, Food Basics or Costco
Grade 6	Walmart, No Frills or Costco

Tax Receipts

Should you require a tax receipt:

• Print out and complete the Donor Tax Receipt Form 2024  and make sure to add your HAP # (This is the family you are donating to. It is located on the family information page.)
• Attach the gift card, activation receipt and tax form together and send them into school
• Please note that tax receipts can only be issued by New Circles for donations above $25 that have all the necessary components attached.

Ella Minnow Books is Coming to Havergal – Monday, November 25 to Thursday, November 28!

The Junior School Library is excited to once again be hosting an Ella Minnow Book Fair!

Ella Minnow specializes in books to delight children from birth to teen, and they will be bringing an excellent array of high quality children’s literature to choose from, and just in time for the holidays! 

When is the book fair? 

• The Book Fair will run from Monday, November 25th to Thursday, November 28th.

Why do we host a book fair when we can just buy books online and at Indigo? 

• Having a book fair is an opportunity for students to practice taking responsibility for their choices; managing money, and managing expectations.
• Our library also directly benefits from a Book Fair, as 20% of all sales goes toward new books for the library.

How can I support my child? 

• Students will have the opportunity to browse and create wish lists on Monday November 25th and Tuesday November 26th. The wish list is a tool for your daughter’s decision-making process, so please have a conversation with her about her choices. Please send the wishlist back to school with her. Students will have time to shop with her class on Thursday or Friday.
• We ask that parents do not purchase books from their daughter’s wish lists until after she has had a chance to do so herself, with her class.
• If your daughter’s wish list is very long, or if you would like to make purchases for the holidays or as a surprise, the book fair will be open from 8-5 on Wednesday and 8-4 on Thursday for shopping.
• Ella Minnow are quick to order and supply books that are sold out at the fair and will bring copies of any books that sell out to the school.

Payment Information

• Ella Minnow  accepts Visa, Master Card, debit, cash, and is able to charge purchases to student accounts with permission granted (via the Wish List).

Questions?

• Please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Rodd at erodd@havergal.on.ca or by phone at 416-483-3843, extension 7544.

CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

• Please check the JS Athletics Schedule for specific details and future game times that may not be on your regular practice schedule. 

Clubs

• Fall clubs are wrapping up for the term so please make sure to check your child’s personalized calendar (details on how can be found below).
• Kids Lit Quiz Club, led by Ms. McIntyre starts on Thursday, November 21, 2024; All other clubs start the week of January 13, 2025.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

• JS Menu for November 25 – November 29 

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

Tuesday, November 19 – Monday, December 2

• Holiday Angel Drive

Wednesday, November 27

• Full School House Dress Down Day

Friday, December 6

• JK/SK Christmas Concert (9:00 am in the JS Dining Hall)

Tuesday, December 10

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

Thursday, December 12

• Grade 1 – 6 Christmas Concert (3:00 pm – 4:00 pm at St. Paul’s – Bloor Street)
  • More information will be provided in the weeks to come

Tuesday, December 17

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

Thursday, December 19

• Last day of Classes

Friday, December 20 

• No Classes – School Closed for December Break

Tuesday, January 7

• Classes resume

Dear Junior School Families,

Thank you so much for participating in our first set of JS Parent-Teacher Conferences for the year!

These important conversations provide an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, to see the areas in which she is thriving, and to discuss targeted plans for continued growth. Moreover, they allow us to further strengthen the relationship between home and school.  It is important to remember, however, that while the conferences provide an overview of your child’s academic and social-emotional development, ongoing feedback throughout the year is paramount. 

We sincerely value your engagement with your daughter’s progress, and want to reiterate that should you ever have questions or concerns, we invite you to connect us. Be assured that we will do the same.

Sincerely,

Kate

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

• New Circles Holiday Angel Program (Nov 19 – Dec 2)
• Ella Minnow Books is Coming to Havergal – Monday, November 25 to Thursday, November 28!
• Co-Curriculars
• Notes From the HCPA
• What’s on the Menu Next Week
• Your Child’s Personalized Calendar
• Key Dates on the Horizon

LATEST NEWS

New Circles Holiday Angel Program (Nov 19 – Dec 2)

Next week we will launch our Holiday Angel Drive, in collaboration with New Circles, one of Havergal’s Community Partners. New Circles Community Services is a not-for-profit, grass-roots agency that builds strong and caring communities by providing clothing and skills training programs to equity-deserving individuals.

The Holiday Angel Program matches generous donors with client families, many of whom face significant challenges and are newcomers to Canada, to help meet urgent needs and make holiday wishes come true. 

Next Tuesday, November 19th, our Grade 5 students will be introducing the Holiday Angel Program to KG – Grade 6 students in Prayers. On Wednesday, November 20th, during community time, all Junior School students will have the opportunity to learn more about this program, as well as better understand the needs of the family they will be supporting. Next week, we will be sending more information about the families and all you need to know about how to contribute. 

Thank you in advance for your support!

Ella Minnow Books is Coming to Havergal – Monday, November 25 to Thursday, November 28!

The Junior School Library is excited to once again be hosting an Ella Minnow Book Fair!

Ella Minnow specializes in books to delight children from birth to teen, and they will be bringing an excellent array of high quality children’s literature to choose from, and just in time for the holidays! 

When is the book fair? 

• The Book Fair will run from Monday, November 25th to Thursday, November 28th.

Why do we host a book fair when we can just buy books online and at Indigo? 

• Having a book fair is an opportunity for students to practice taking responsibility for their choices; managing money, and managing expectations.
• Our library also directly benefits from a Book Fair, as 20% of all sales goes toward new books for the library.

How can I support my child? 

• Students will have the opportunity to browse and create wish lists on Monday November 25th and Tuesday November 26th. The wish list is a tool for your daughter’s decision-making process, so please have a conversation with her about her choices. Please send the wishlist back to school with her. Students will have time to shop with her class on Thursday or Friday.
• We ask that parents do not purchase books from their daughter’s wish lists until after she has had a chance to do so herself, with her class.
• If your daughter’s wish list is very long, or if you would like to make purchases for the holidays or as a surprise, the book fair will be open from 8-5 on Wednesday and 8-4 on Thursday for shopping.
• Ella Minnow are quick to order and supply and books that sold out at the fair and will bring copies of any books that sell out to the school.

Payment Information

• Ella Minnow  accepts Visa, Master Card, debit, cash, and is able to charge purchases to student accounts with permission granted (via the Wish List).

Questions?

• Please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Rodd at erodd@havergal.on.ca or by phone at 416-483-3843, extension 7544.

CO-CURRICULARS

Registration for Winter Co-curriculars is now closed. 

• The catalogue of Athletics and Clubs can be found here: JS Winter Co-curriculars and registration closes at 4pm on Monday, November 18, 2024.

Athletics

• It is an action-packed week with the start-up to Athletics.
• Please check the JS Athletics Schedule for specific details.

Clubs

• Fall clubs are wrapping up for the term so make sure to check your child’s calendar.
• Kids Lit Quiz Club, led by Ms. McIntyre starts on Thursday, November 21, 2024; All other clubs start the week of January 13, 2025.

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Ivy Market Details

• Ivy Market is coming on Thursday, November 21!  Please click HERE to learn more and pre-order custom Havergal gifts from a curated list of vendors. And please click HERE to volunteer for Ivy Market.
• The HCPA Holiday Marketplace is now online on our new shopify website!  Click HERE to get your holiday shopping done early. (password hcpa2024) 

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

• JS Menu for November 18 – 22 

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

Thursday, November 21

• The Ivy Market (10:00 am – 5:00 pm in the Brenda Robson Hall)

Friday, December 6

• JK/SK Christmas Concert (9:00 am in the JS Dining Hall)

Thursday, December 12

• Grade 1 – 6 Christmas Concert (3:00 pm – 4:00 pm at St. Paul’s – Bloor Street)
  • More information will be provided in the weeks to come

Thursday, December 19

• Last day of Classes

Friday, December 20 

• No Classes – School Closed for December Break

Tuesday, January 7

• Classes resume