Dear Junior School Families,
What a wonderful week of connection, community building and spirit it has been! While February days can sometimes feel long and dark, the mood at Havergal was anything but. From Dress Down Days, to special activities led by our US Prefects, sweet treats, and cheering on the Havergal Hockey team it felt like a week of celebration. A special shout out to our U12 Hockey Team, who played the BSS Bobcats at the Mattamy Centre. It’s important to note that many of these students just started playing hockey for the first time this year! The purpose of this week is to bring a little light, laughter, and community spirit during the long winter months! I would say mission accomplished! Thank you to all those who helped in organising the events throughout the week.
As we head into the midterm Family Day long-weekend, I hope that this time provides you with an opportunity to pause, recharge, and enjoy time together.
Warmly,
Kate White
Today’s edition of “The Weekly” contains information on the following:
- Book Drive in Support of The Children’s Book Bank: February 20 – March 8
- Pink Shirt Day – Wednesday, February 28
- Grandpals’ Day – Save the Date and RSVP
- Nowruz – Call for Student Participation
- 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
Book Drive in Support of The Children’s Book Bank: February 20 – March 8
Start your spring cleaning early by donating to the Havercrest Book Drive from February 20th to March 8th! All proceeds will go to The Children’s Book Bank, an organization that provides free books to underprivileged children in Toronto, and Havergal’s various community partners (Grenoble Public School and New Circles). We are looking for gently used books for babies, children, and teens but are particularly in need of baby books and graphic novels.
There will be boxes placed outside the JS Library for students to place their donations.
Please note the Book Bank does not accept: Adult books, textbooks/school workbooks, self-published books, magazines, or damaged books.
Pink Shirt Day – Wednesday, February 28
Students in JK to Grade 12 will be marking the importance of Pink Shirt Day throughout the week on Wednesday, February 28th. All students in JK to Grade 12 are invited to wear a pink shirt on top of their uniform on this day.
While we speak to our students about the difference between being rude, being mean and bullying on a regular basis, Pink Shirt Day highlights the importance of choosing to lift each other up, how to be an “upstander” and the very real impact that bullying can have. We will be speaking about the importance of Pink Shirt Day, and how it came about with our students at Prayers, on Tuesday, February 27th. We will also be joined by some of our Junior School prefects who will be guiding us in some positive self-affirmations.
To learn more, or to purchase a pink shirt , please visit: the Pink Shirt Day – Official Site
REMINDERS
Grandpals’ Day – Save the Date – Friday, April 5th (10:00 am – 11:30 am)
The Junior School is thrilled to be holding “Grandpals’ Day” once again, on Friday, April 5th from 10:00 am – 11:30 am. On this special day, grandparents or other senior friends are invited to attend a special reception hosted by our Principal, Dr. Katrina Samson and myself. They will then have an opportunity to spend time in their granddaughter’s classroom, see their learning, and experience some of the magic of the Junior School.
Should you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Robertson in the Junior School Office (srobertson@havergal.on.ca)
Nowruz – Call For Student Participation in Prayers
We will be celebrating Nowruz in the Junior School on March 5 from 8:30 – 9 AM which will be followed by a small reception in the JS Dining Hall.
If your child celebrates Nowruz, and is interested in participating in this special Prayers, please email Rev. Ruch (jruch@havergal.ca) by Wednesday, February 21. Depending on responses, we may not be able to feature each child but we will take a list of all volunteers and try to include them on a later Prayers date should they not participate in this experience.
Please note that students who celebrate Nowruz are invited to wear their celebratory clothing on this day!
CO-CURRICULARS
Athletics
Good Luck to the 9 Volleyball teams while they compete in their final games this Thursday.
Performing Arts & Clubs
- Performing Arts & Clubs Winter Term have resumed!
- If you have any questions: please contact: srobertson@havergal.on.ca.
NOTES FROM THE HCPA
Grade 1 and Grade 5 Breakfasts
See you at the Grade 1 and Grade 5 breakfasts on Feb 21 and Feb 22 starting at 7:30 am sharp. Questions? Please email havergalbreakfast5@gmail.com.
Yoga at the BioWall/Student Commons
Parents are invited to join the HCPA at 2pm for yoga on February 22 or February 29. Sign up soon as space is limited!
JS A-mazing Race
This year’s A-mazing Race will take place on Sunday, May 5. All Junior School students and an adult guest are invited to join us for this fun event. Save the date!
Moms’ Night Out
Save the date for this year’s Moms’ Night Out—Thursday, May 23, 2024. More details coming soon.
WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK
JS Menu for Tuesday February 19 – Friday, February 22
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
Friday, February 16
- Mid-term Break (No Classes)
Monday, February 19
- Mid-term Break (No Classes)
Tuesday, February 20
- Classes Resume
Wednesday, February 28
- Pink Shirt Day (all students are invited to wear a pink shirt on top of their uniform on this day)
March Break and Easter Long Weekend
- Friday, March 8 – Last Day of Classes
- Monday, March 11 – Monday, March 25 (Break – No Classes)
- Monday, March 25 – Professional Development Day for Teachers
- Tuesday, March 26 – Classes Resume
- Friday, March 29 – Good Friday (No Classes)
- Monday, April 1 – Easter Monday (No Classes)
- Tuesday, April 2 – Classes Resume





