A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, October 27

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Families,

This week we celebrated all of our Junior School Athletes with a Green and Gold Dress Down Day on Thursday. Students from Grades 1 – 6 have participated in a variety of teams throughout the fall term, including: Multisport, Pickleball, Basketball, Soccer, Swim, and Cross-country. It has been such a pleasure to see so many of our students having fun as they develop not only their physical skills, but also to learn about the importance of communication, collaboration, and perseverance. Congratulations to all of our fall term athletes, and a HUGE thank you to our Junior School Athletic Director, Ms. Bartlett, and all of ourHavergal coaches for the enormous time and effort that goes into making all this possible.

Please note that registration for ALL of our Winter Co-Curriculars opens on November 3. All the information you need, including the catalogue of what is running, and registration details can be found in the Co-Curricular section below.

Warmly,

Kate White

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

REMINDERS

Halloween in the JS!

Halloween is just around the corner and the JS community is very excited!!  As the day approaches, we would like to share some details with you.

Costumes and Accessories:

  • Students are welcome to come to school in their costumes 
  • Should leave any accessories (masks, broom sticks, etc…) for their costume in their lockers or cubbies, until it is time for the JS Halloween Parade in the afternoon.

What NOT to bring:

  • Students are not permitted to bring in any gifts or candy to share with their classmates. Our JS Prefects and their Council will be bringing in treats to hand out at the Junior School

Activities

12:40 pm – 2:10 pm

  • Halloween Activities Run by the Halloween Committee (Crafts, Halloween Read Alouds, Pumpkin hunt, Halloween Just Dance, Kahoot games and more!)

2:15 pm – 2:30 pm

  • JK- Grade 6 Halloween Parade Through the School

2:30 pm – 2:50 pm

  • “Halloween Assembly” in the Junior School Gym, all parents are welcome to join us!

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm

  • Regular dismissal procedures

Please note: 

  • All Co-curriculars will still run as per usual on Tuesday, October 31st; with the exception of Choir, which will not run on October 31.

Learning Skills Report Cards – Available for viewing on Wednesday, November 1 (Grades 1 – 6) 

Your daughter’s Learning Skills Report Card is available through a link on your Parent Portal on Wednesday, November 1 at 4 pm.  Please follow the instructions outlined in theJS Learning Skills Report Card Information Letter  from Dr. Seonaid Davis, Vice Principal of Teaching & Learning. 

If you have any questions please reach out to your daughter’s homeroom teacher as the first point of contact.

Diwali Prayers & Parent Reception – Friday, November 3

Families are invited to attend the Junior School Diwali Prayers & Parent Reception on Friday, November 3 from 8:30 to 9 am in the JS Gym, and afterwards for a reception of coffee, tea and snacks in the JS Dining Hall from 9:00 am to 9:30 am. Students who celebrate Diwali are invited to wear their traditional or cultural dress on this day.

Junior School Parent-Teacher Interviews 

The first Junior School Parent/Teacher Conferences of the school year will take place virtually via Zoom on:

  • Thursday, November 16 from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm 
    • There will be an early dismissal on this day
      • JK- Gr. 3: 1:30-1:45 pm
      • Gr.4-6: 1:45-2:00 pm
      • Gator Care will run from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm; billing begins at 2:00 pm and be sure to register for Gator Care by Monday, November 13th, so that we can ensure we have the appropriate staffing.
  • Friday, November 17 from 8:00am – 3:00pm 
    • Please note there are NO CLASSES or Co-Curricular Activities on this day.

Zoom links will be made available for the interviews in 

“The Weekly – Junior School,” on Friday, November 10 

Havergal’s online booking system – PickAtime

The online conference booking system used by Havergal College is called PickAtime. A link for this will be included in next week’s edition of “The Weekly – Junior School.”

  • PickAtime OPENS:  Thursday, November 2 at 6:00 pm
    • If you have any last changes, please contact Sarah Robertson (srobertson@havergal.on.ca) 
    • Please note that PickAtime does not permit the scheduling of back-to-back appointments 
    • Student Support Team Members (formerly Learning Support) will join homeroom teachers for as many of these interviews as possible
  • PickAtime CLOSES: Thursday, November 9 at 6:00 pm

Registering and Signing into pickAtime:

Already have a pickAtime account?

  • CLICK HERE  to sign into your pickAtime account with your password.

Need to register for an account?

  • If you do not have a pickAtime account, please create a pickAtime link in advance of the online opening. 
  • Please be sure to select the “Junior School” option in the drop down menu (not the “Upper School” or “Green and Gold”).

How to Optimize your Experience on Zoom

In order to have the best possible experience at the upcoming event, it is strongly recommended that your Zoom application be updated to the latest version. 

The following information and links have been provided by our IT department for your use:

Need any Further Help?

For assistance with pickAtime, please contact the Service Desk at servicedesk@havergal.on.ca (416) 483-3843 ext. 6663 and they will assist you. Their hours of operation are from Monday – Friday 7:30 am to 5 pm.

WINTER CO-CURRICULARS – Registration Opens Friday, November 3 at 8:00 am

Please note:

  • All registration for clubs, arts and athletics can be done in the “Registration” section of the Parent Portal. Here is the:  JS Winter Co-Curricular Catalogue for your review
  • Registration will close on Tuesday, November 14th at 8:00pm.  
  • Clubs and Arts programming begin the week of January 15. 
  • Most athletic programming begins the week of November 14th.
    •  Please reference the JS Athletics Schedule for more information.

Athletics – JS Athletics Schedule

What an incredible fall season it has been. I’d like to share with you the pictures of the season. These pictures are taken by our professional photographer who captures the moments and the spirit that the students display. They make fantastic Christmas presents for loved ones. 

Fall Athletic Photographs. 

Clubs and Arts 

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Ivy Market – Tuesday, November 21

Save the date for this fantastic holiday market and cocktail party. Watch your inbox for more details on Monday!

HCPA Coffee Mornings at HC

Thank you to everyone who joined us this morning for our first coffee morning. We look forward to seeing Grade 4 – 6 parents in the beautiful Biowall/Student Commons space at the Upper School from 8 – 9:30 am on Friday, December 1. (RSVP to hcpa.parentevents@gmail.com). 

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

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 

Tuesday, October 31 

  • Halloween is celebrated in the JS. We welcome all parents to our Halloween Assembly, which begins at 2:30pm in the JS gym. 

Wednesday, November 1

  • Student Progress Reports available for viewing at 4pm on the Parent Portal

Friday, November 3 

  • Diwali Prayers (8:25 am – 9:00 am) and Reception (9:00 am – 9:30 am)

Thursday, November 9 – Monday, November 13

  • November Break – No Classes
  • Thursday, November 9 – Professional Development Day for Faculty

Tuesday, November 14 

  • Classes Resume

Thursday, November 16

  • Parent Teacher Interviews 3 pm – 7:00 pm 
  • Early Dismissal
    • JK- Gr. 3: 1:30-1:45 pm
    • Gr.4-6: 1:45-2:00 pm

Friday, November 17

  • Parent Teacher Interviews (8:00 am – 3:00 pm)
  • No Classes

Tuesday, November 21

  • Ivy Market & Cocktail Party

Friday, December 1 (8:00 am – 9:30 am at the Upper School Bio Wall)

  •  HCPA Coffee Morning for Parents in Grades 4 to 6 

A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, October 20, 2023

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Families,

This week, we welcomed over 400 visitors on Tuesday as prospective families came to learn more about the Havergal experience at our Junior School Open House. Our Grade 6s did an exemplary job of touring families through the school, and sharing their personal experiences as Havergal students. It was so lovely to note the number of parents who were blown away at how confident, thoughtful, and welcoming they were! 

Then, this afternoon we welcomed students in Grades 1 – 3 from neighbouring schools to participate in a “Fun Run” as part of the Cross-Country Programme. It was so lovely to see all the students running, with huge smiles on their faces, despite the muddy conditions.

I wish you all a lovely weekend, and look forward to welcoming our students back on Monday.

Warmly,

Kate White

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

LATEST NEWS

Dress Down Green and Gold Day – Thursday, October 26

Please note that students are invited to wear Green and Gold on Thursday, as a show of support for our Fall Athletic Teams.

Halloween in the JS!

Halloween is just around the corner and the JS community is very excited!!  As the day approaches, we would like to share some details with you.

Costumes and Accessories:

  • Students are welcome to come to school in their costumes 
  • Should leave any accessories (masks, broom sticks, etc…) for their costume in their lockers or cubbies, until it is time for the JS Halloween Parade in the afternoon.

What NOT to bring:

  • Students are not permitted to bring in any gifts or candy to share with their classmates. Our JS Prefects and their Council will be bringing in treats to hand out at the Junior School

Activities

12:40 pm – 2:10 pm

  • Halloween Activities Run by the Halloween Committee (Crafts, Halloween Read Alouds, Pumpkin hunt, Halloween Just Dance, Kahoot games and more!)

2:15 pm – 2:30 pm

  • JK- Grade 6 Halloween Parade Through the School

2:30 pm – 2:50 pm

  • “Halloween Assembly” in the Junior School Gym, all parents are welcome to join us!

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm

  • Regular dismissal procedures

Please note: 

  • All Co-curriculars, with the exception of Primary Choir, will still run as per usual on Tuesday, October 31st

Learning Skills Report Cards – Available for viewing on Wednesday, November 1 (Grades 1 – 6) 

Your daughter’s Learning Skills Report Card is available through a link on your Parent Portal on Wednesday, November 1 at 4 pm.  Please follow the instructions outlined in theJS Learning Skills Report Card Information Letter  from Dr. Seonaid Davis, Vice Principal of Teaching & Learning. 

If you have any questions please reach out to your daughter’s homeroom teacher as the first point of contact.

Junior School Parent-Teacher Interviews 

The first Junior School Parent/Teacher Conferences of the school year will take place virtually via Zoom on:

  • Thursday, November 16 from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm 
    • There will be an early dismissal on this day
      • JK- Gr. 3: 1:30-1:45 pm
      • Gr.4-6: 1:45-2:00 pm
      • Gator Care will run from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm; billing begins at 2:00 pm and be sure to register for Gator Care by Monday, November 13th, so that we can ensure we have the appropriate staffing.
  • Friday, November 17 from 8:00am – 3:00pm 
    • Please note there are NO CLASSES on this day.

Zoom links will be made available for the interviews in “The Weekly – Junior School,” on Friday, November 10  

Havergal’s online booking system – PickAtime

The online conference booking system used by Havergal College is called PickAtime. A link for this will be included in next week’s edition of “The Weekly – Junior School.”

  • PickAtime OPENS:  Thursday, November 2 at 6:00 pm
    • If you have any last changes, please contact Sarah Robertson (srobertson@havergal.on.ca) 
    • Please note that PickAtime does not permit the scheduling of back-to-back appointments 
    • Student Support Team Members (formerly Learning Support) will join homeroom teachers for as many of these interviews as possible
  • PickAtime CLOSES: Thursday, November 9 at 6:00 pm

Registering and Signing into pickAtime:

Already have a pickAtime account?

  • CLICK HERE  to sign into your pickAtime account with your password.

Need to register for an account?

  • If you do not have a pickAtime account, please create a pickAtime link in advance of the online opening. 
  • Please be sure to select the “Junior School” option in the drop down menu (not the “Upper School” or “Green and Gold”).

How to Optimize your Experience on Zoom

In order to have the best possible experience at the upcoming event, it is strongly recommended that your Zoom application be updated to the latest version. 

The following information and links have been provided by our IT department for your use:

Need any Further Help?

For assistance with pickAtime, please contact the Service Desk at servicedesk@havergal.on.ca (416) 483-3843 ext. 6663 and they will assist you. Their hours of operation are from Monday – Friday 7:30 am to 5 pm.

REMINDERS

Junior School Book Fair with Ella Minnow Children’s Bookstore! Oct 23 – 27

Havergal Junior School will be coordinating a book fair with Ella Minnow Children’s Bookstore from October 23 – 27.  Such events provide kids the chance to choose what they want to read from a wide selection of bestselling titles, series, and beloved characters.  Students of all ages and reading levels can connect with stories that entertain, inspire, and delight. We invite you to enhance your home library and help us instill a lifelong love of reading. Wishlists during that week will be brought home to be reviewed by parents and guardians. 

FALL CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics – JS Athletics Schedule

Congratulations to our Gr. 1 – 3 Cross Country Runners today for participating in the Havergal fun run. We had over 320 runners through the finish line! 

Our Swim team went to their 3rd meet of the season. This team has 32 swimmers and every swimmer has had the opportunity to test their skills at a swim meet.

Our U10 Basketball Squad Team had their first basketball game ever on Thursday. Congratulations to both the Green and Gold team for their tremendous growth throughout the game. It was fun to watch as their confidence developed as they were swishing their way to success. 

Finally our U11 Basketball teams went to BVG on Tuesday and had a successful experience. 

Good Luck to all of the teams at their championships this week. This will finalize the Fall Athletics Season. Winter registration opens on Nov. 3rd. 

Clubs and Arts

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Junior School Grade Rep Meeting

Be sure to join us at our next JS Grade Rep meeting – Wednesday, October 25 at 8:45 am (JS Dining Hall). All parents are welcome! Nicole Cozier, Executive Director, Equity Diversity and Inclusion at HC will be our special guest. 

Ivy Market – Tuesday, November 21

Save the date for this fantastic holiday market and cocktail party. More details will arrive in your inbox on October 30.

HCPA Coffee Mornings at HC

Join us for coffee and conversation in the beautiful Biowall/Student Commons space at the Upper School from 8 – 9:30 am! (RSVP to hcpa.parentevents@gmail.com). 

  • Friday, October 27: JK to Grade 3 Parents
  • Friday, December 1: Grades 4 to 6 Parents

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

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 

Thursday, October 26

  • An Evening with Joanna Griffiths (HC ‘01) – The Knix Entrepreneurial Journey       (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm in the JS Dining Room)

Friday, October 27 (8:00 am – 9:30 am at the Upper School Bio Wall)

  • HCPA Coffee Morning for Parents in JK to Grade 3 

Tuesday, October 31 

  • Halloween is celebrated in the JS. We welcome all parents to our Halloween Assembly, which begins at 2:30pm in the JS gym. 

Wednesday, November 1

  • Student Progress Reports available for viewing at 4pm on the Parent Portal

Friday, November 3 

  • Diwali Prayers (8:25 am – 9:00 am) and Reception (9:00 am – 10:00 am)

Thursday, November 9 – Monday, November 13

  • November Break – No Classes
  • Thursday, November 9 – Professional Development Day for Faculty

Tuesday, November 14 

  • Classes Resume

Thursday, November 16

  • Parent Teacher Interviews 3 pm – 7:00 pm 
  • Early Dismissal
    • JK- Gr. 3: 1:30-1:45 pm
    • Gr.4-6: 1:45-2:00 pm

Friday, November 17

  • Parent Teacher Interviews (8:00 am – 3:00 pm)
  • No Classes

Tuesday, November 21

  • Ivy Market & Cocktail Party

Friday, December 1 (8:00 am – 9:30 am at the Upper School Bio Wall)

  •  HCPA Coffee Morning for Parents in Grades 4 to 6

A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, October 13, 2023

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Families,

Our thoughts continue to be with those affected by the terrorist attacks in Israel and with the innocent civilians suffering in Israel and Gaza. Havergal’s number one priority as a school is to ensure that our community is a safe and supportive environment for everyone. We are mindful of the impact that the devastation that  war may have on our students and families. We continue to provide students with access to one-on-one and group support and resources as we grieve.  

This morning during Prayers, Rev. Ruch led us in prayer and a minute of silence to reflect on and honour those who have lost their lives and the suffering of people in Israel and Gaza.

We are conscious that in the Junior School there are varying degrees of knowledge and understanding about what is happening in the world right now. As the days unfold, we encourage you to speak with your child in a way that feels most appropriate for your family. For our older students, we are particularly mindful of the disturbing news and imagery that they may be encountering, notably on social media. We would like to offer the following resource from Common Sense Media, which you may find helpful in navigating conversations with your children: Explaining the News to Our Kids.

Kate White, Head of Junior School

& Dr. Katrina Samson, Principal 

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

LATEST NEWS

JS Open House – October 17 

Next Tuesday (October 17),  we will be welcoming prospective families to the Junior School for our annual Open House from 9 am – 12 pm

Open Houses are crucial to the admission process – families get the opportunity to visit the school, interact with students and faculty members and get a sense of our programs and community. Families often describe the “feeling” of visiting a school – and we are consistently told that our guests feel the warmth in our community, which is thanks to all of you.

Upgrades to HC Security Systems

Starting Monday, October 16, 2023, our Facilities team will be starting with Phase 1 upgrade of our security systems. This includes the installation of new security cameras, replacing end of life cameras and new intercom stations. The new security cameras will be installed in the corridors and dining hall for both US and JS. These cameras will assist the security team in protecting stakeholders, property and information in a more efficient future forward manner including improved response time to unforeseen conditions. This will also ensure that Havergal College remains as the apex for security compared to its CAIS peers.

The cameras and intercom stations will be monitored by trained and dedicated Havergal security staff, allowing for effective and instantaneous communication with staff, students, and visitors to our campus.  

Announcing Our Summer Reading Challenge Winners

On Tuesday, at Prayers, it was announced that the Junior School community read an astonishing 1,978 books this summer!! Congratulations to all of our amazing readers!

The challenge this year was to see which House could read the most books, and we are thrilled to announce the results!

  • In 3rd place with 240 books…..way to go, Agnes Hansen!
  • In 2nd place with 309 books….awesome job, Ellen Knox!
  • And with an amazing 331 books, CONGRATULATIONS to Marion Wood!!

Celebrating Diwali in the Junior School on Friday, November 3 – Call for Participation

Diwali is the Indian “festival of lights,” and is acknowledged by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs around the world, and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. If you or your daughter(s) would like to be involved in delivering the message at Diwali Prayers, please let Rev. Jillian Ruch by Friday, October 20 (jruch@havergal.on.ca) 

School Photos are Ready for Viewing & Photo Retakes

Your daughter’s school pictures are now available for viewing and ordering.

To access your photos, please visit Echo Photography and when prompted for a password, enter your daughter’s student ID. You can customize your prints or digitals with a variety of options to suit your preferences. If you have any questions or special requests, please contact Cameron Hubbs directly at cameron@echophotography.ca or by text at 905-599-3557.

Should you wish to have retakes, please contact Cameron Hubbs directly. He will be on campus on November 1 to accommodate retakes and you can sign up here: Photo retake form.

Pictures from Harvest Festival and The Terry Fox Run

We are thrilled to share our photos from last week’s  Harvest Festival and Terry Fox Run! Ejoy!

REMINDERS

Havergal Connections Presents: An Evening with  Joanna Griffiths – Oct 26

Discover the incredible journey of Joanna Griffiths, a pioneering Havergal College alum from the Class of 2001. She is the Founder and CEO of Knixwear, a brand that has revolutionized the world of women’s intimate apparel.

Date: 

  • October 26, 2023

Time: 

  • 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Location:

  • Havergal College’s Junior School Dining Hall

Address: 

  • 460 Rosewell Avenue (parking is limited)

Ticket Details:

  • $25 per person. 
  • Proceeds support the Havergal Fund, specifically programming and innovation.

Link to Register: 

Junior School Book Fair with Ella Minnow Children’s Bookstore! October 23 – 27

Havergal Junior School will be coordinating a book fair with Ella Minnow Children’s Bookstore from October 23 – 27.  Such events provide kids the chance to choose what they want to read from a wide selection of bestselling titles, series, and beloved characters.  Students of all ages and reading levels can connect with stories that entertain, inspire, and delight. We invite you to enhance your home library and help us instill a lifelong love of reading. Wishlists during that week will be brought home to be reviewed by parents and guardians. Information on options for payments will be sent out in advance of the event. 

FALL CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

On Tuesday the swimmers were swimming at their second meet of the season. On Thursday, Havergal was the host to 18 games of u12 Basketball and Soccer and today Havergal hosted a cross country meet at Sunnybrook Park. The athletes have had a big week!   Congratulations to all of the teams for their progress throughout the season.  

Clubs and Arts

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

JS Grade Rep Meetings

All parents are welcome at the JS Grade Rep meeting – Wednesday, October 25 at 8:45 am (JS Dining Hall). Nicole Cozier, Executive Director, Equity Diversity and Inclusion at HC will be our special guest.

HCPA Coffee Mornings at HC

Don’t forget to RSVP (hcpa.parentevents@gmail.com) for upcoming HCPA coffee mornings, to be held from 8 to 9:30 am in the Upper School’s Biowall/Student Commons. We hope you will be able to join us.

  • Friday, October 27: JK to Grade 3 Parents
  • Friday, December 1: Grades 4 to 6 Parents

Ivy Market 

Save the Date for the Ivy Market – Tuesday, November 21. More details coming soon!

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

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 

Tuesday, October 17 

  • JS Open House – No Prayers!

Thursday, October 26

  • An Evening with Joanna Griffiths (HC ‘01) – The Knix Entrepreneurial Journey (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm in the JS Dining Room)

Friday, October 27 (8:00 am – 9:30 am at the Upper School Bio Wall)

  • HCPA Coffee Morning for Parents in JK to Grade 3 

Tuesday, October 31 

  • Halloween is celebrated in the JS. We welcome all parents to our Halloween Assembly, which begins at 2:30pm in the JS gym. 

Wednesday, November 1

  • Student Progress Reports available for viewing at 4pm on the Parent Portal

Friday, November 3 

  • Diwali Prayers (8:25 am – 9:00 am) and Reception (9:00 am – 10:00 am)

Thursday, November 9 – Monday, November 13

  • November Break – No Classes
  • Thursday, November 9 – Professional Development Day for Faculty

Tuesday, November 14 

  • Classes Resume

Thursday, November 16

  • Parent Teacher Interviews 3 pm – 7:00 pm 
  • Early Dismissal
    • JK- Gr. 3: 1:30-1:45 pm
    • Gr.4-6: 1:45-2:00 pm

Friday, November 17

  • Parent Teacher Interviews (8:00 am – 3:00 pm)
  • No Classes

Tuesday, November 21

  • Ivy Market & Cocktail Party

Friday, December 1 (8:00 am – 9:30 am at the Upper School Bio Wall)

  •  HCPA Coffee Morning for Parents in Grades 4 to 6

A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Thursday, October 5, 2023

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Families,

What better way to start the Thanksgiving long weekend, than with the Harvest Festival! I feel particularly grateful to our students, who under the thoughtful care and direction of Mr. Jeff MacLean and Ms. Rachel Read, sang so beautifully!  We are also thankful to our faculty and staff for all of their support to prepare for this event. For all of those who were able to join us, we hope you left with warm and joyful hearts. If you were not able to join us, here are links to two of the songs performed by our students in Grades 1 – 6: Encourage One Another at Harvest Festival 2023 and Golden Leaves at Harvest Festival 2023.

Harvest Festival is a longstanding Havergal Junior School tradition. It not only allows us to acknowledge all of our many blessings but also helps us to remember the importance of sharing the bounty. We are also pleased to let you know that our community was able to collect just over 2000 pounds of food for the North York Harvest Food Bank. Thank you for your generosity

We also came together this afternoon to once again participate in the Terry Fox Run. Students from JK to Grade 6 participated, and it was so lovely to see so many families join us.

On behalf of all of the staff and faculty of the Junior School, we wish you a restorative and happy Thanksgiving weekend.

Sincerely,

Kate

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

LATEST NEWS

“Havergal Connections” Presents: An Evening with Knixwear Founder and CEO – Joanna Griffiths (HC Alum, ‘01)

Discover the incredible journey of Joanna Griffiths, a pioneering Havergal College alum from the Class of 2001. She is the Founder and CEO of Knixwear, a brand that has revolutionized the world of women’s intimate apparel.

  • Date: October 26, 2023
  • Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Location: Havergal College’s Junior School Dining Hall
  • Address: 460 Rosewell Avenue (parking is limited)
  • Light Refreshments: Provided

But that’s not all! We’re thrilled to announce that this event will be moderated by acclaimed video journalist Pauline Chan ’83.

Joanna’s entrepreneurial journey began with innovative leak-proof underwear, rapidly expanding into bras that generated an impressive $2 million in pre-sales. Since Knixwear’s 2013 launch, Joanna has not only disrupted the industry but also set new standards in the $250 billion underwear market.

Gain exclusive entrepreneurship insights as Joanna shares her strategies for identifying unmet consumer demands and strategically positioning Knixwear for remarkable growth. Whether you’re a Knixwear enthusiast, aspiring entrepreneur, or just eager to learn, don’t miss this chance to hear from one of Canada’s most influential female founders.

Ticket Details:Cost: $25 per person. Proceeds support the Havergal Fund, specifically programming and innovation.

Join us for an inspiring evening with Joanna Griffiths ’01 and Pauline Chan ’83. Secure your spot today by registering

Link to Register: HERE

Junior School Book Fair with Ella Minnow Children’s Bookstore! October 23 – 27

Havergal Junior School will be coordinating a book fair with Ella Minnow Children’s Bookstore from October 23 – 27.  Such events provide kids the chance to choose what they want to read from a wide selection of bestselling titles, series, and beloved characters.  Students of all ages and reading levels can connect with stories that entertain, inspire, and delight. We invite you to enhance your home library and help us instill a lifelong love of reading. Wishlists during that week will be brought home to be reviewed by parents and guardians. Information on options for payments will be sent out in advance of the event. 

REMINDERS

Drop-off and Pick-Up Safety Routines

The safety of your children is our top priority, and we need your cooperation and compliance with the following:

  1. Use the Crosswalk, where our Crossing Guard is stationed, to cross the street; 
  2. Do NOT walk across the exit lane to drop-off or pick up your child. Exiting cars may not see you;
  3. Stay in the line while dropping off or picking up. “Jumping the Cue,” unless otherwise advised by a member of our security team is NOT permitted.

Outdoor Clothing

Daily outdoor play is an integral part of the day, and it is essential that our students have what they need to make the most of this time. Knowing how to dress your daughter for outdoor play in any weather can make a HUGE difference to the amount of time she is happy to spend outside. Clothing should remove the distractions that less-than-ideal weather imposes, leaving kids free to focus on play, not the physical discomfort of being “too hot” or “too wet” or “too cold”.

As we make the transition from summer to fall please ensure that your daughter arrives at school with the appropriate outdoor clothing. In the days to come, this may include items such as a raincoat, rain boots, a warmer jacket, sweatpants or splash pants, mitts, or a hat.

FALL CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

Clubs and Arts

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Coming soon: Used Book Collection and Used Technology Drive at the Upper School October 12, 7:30 – 11:30 am

Click here to find information about the used technology drive. Please see the October edition of the HCPA News You Can Use for details about our book collection.

HCPA Coffee Mornings at HC

Be sure to RSVP (hcpa.parentevents@gmail.com) for upcoming HCPA coffee mornings, to be held from 8 to 9:30 am in the Upper School’s Biowall/Student Commons. We hope you will be able to join us.

  • Friday, October 27: JK to Grade 3 Parents
  • Friday, December 1: Grades 4 to 6 Parents

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

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, October 6 & Monday, October 9

  • No classes – School Closed for Thanksgiving

Tuesday, October 10

  • Classes resume

Thursday, October 26

  • An Evening with Joanna Griffiths (HC ‘01) – The Knixwear Entrepreneurial Journey      
  • 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm in the JS Dining Room

Friday, October 27

  • HCPA Coffee Morning (JK to Grade 3 Parents)
  •  8:00 am to 9:30 am in the Upper School’s Biowall/Student Commons

Tuesday, October 31 

  • Halloween is celebrated in the JS – stay tuned for more details

Tuesday, November 21

  • Ivy Market & Cocktail Party (details to come)

Friday, December 1

  • HCPA Coffee Morning (Grade 4 to 6 Parents)
  •  8:00 am to 9:30 am in the Upper School’s Biowall/Student Commons

A Message from the Head of the Junior School – Friday, September 29

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Families,

This week Havergal observed Truth and Reconciliation Week. Occurring from Monday, September 25 to Friday, September 29, this is a time for all Canadians to learn more about residential schools, their impact on Indigenous peoples today, and how to participate in meaningful reconciliation. We were honoured to have members of our Indigenous community work alongside us and our students to guide us through our theme, Celebrating our reciprocal relationship with the land. Madeleine Alderson, Herbie Barnes, Marjie Chud, Theresa Kutknife, and the Tribal Vision Dance Troupe were all instrumental in helping our continued learning about residential schools as well as supporting us as we do our part to honour the Truth and Reconciliations Calls to Action.

While our students wore orange shirts today, tomorrow, September 30 is the official Orange Shirt Day. As we head into the weekend, we wanted to highlight some of the additional ways that families can continue their own learning about Truth and Reconciliation, in addition to purchasing and wearing an orange shirt from an Indigenous artist or organization.

Sincerely,

Kate

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

REMINDERS

Pizza lunch is on Monday!

Our students are excited for the first pizza lunch of the year! Should you have any questions regarding this program, or Food Services in general, please contact chartwells@havergal.on.ca 

Harvest Festival and Terry Fox Run – Thursday, October 5 

Please note that parking is extremely limited for both these events! We encourage you to find alternative arrangements to come to the school, or to 

find alternative legal parking spaces using Spot Angels.

Harvest Festival (9:00 am – 9:30 am in the Brenda Robson Hall)

The Junior School annual Harvest Festival takes place on Thursday, October 5 at 9:00 am in the Brenda Robson Hall (Upper School). This formal service is an ideal and heart-warming start to the Thanksgiving long weekend, and a wonderful way for our community to gather and celebrate all that we have to be thankful for, as well as to support our community partners at the North York Harvest Food Bank. We look forward to welcoming you and your family members!

Donations to the North York Harvest Food Bank (September 25 – October 5)

The Junior School will be running a food drive in support of the North York Harvest Food Bank, between Monday, September 25 and Thursday, October 5. Students in JK to Grade 6 are asked to bring in non-perishable food items for donation.

The following items are urgently needed:

  • Pasta, Rice, Grains
  • Canned Tomatoes
  • Canned Vegetables
  • Cooking Oil
  • Canned Fish

Please send your donations to school with your daughter.  She can place them in the bins, which are organized by house, outside the Junior School Library. 

Terry Fox Run (1:45 pm – 2:45 pm on the Cohen Field) 

The 2023 Terry Fox School Run is set for the afternoon of October 5th and we are so excited to be taking part! Every year Havergal makes a huge difference with our donations to fund cancer research, while also building incredible school spirit. 

When:

  • Thursday, October 5th (1:45 pm – 2:45 pm)

How to order a shirt – Today is the last day to order:

  • To order a shirt, please download a form on the Parent Portal and submit it today. It can be found as a banner at the top of the page.
  • Cheques should be made payable to Havergal College. All proceeds will go to the Terry Fox Foundation.
  • These t-shirts can be worn for the whole month of October in HPE classes! 

Other ways to donate:

  • Havergal has raised over $275,000 in support of The Terry Fox Foundation, to date!
  • Please support our school’s fundraising efforts once again this year through our  Havergal College Terry Fox Donation Page
  • Receipts are issued immediately to donors by email from the Terry Fox Foundation

Who can participate:

  • Students in JK to Grade 6 will all take part!
  • This is very much a community event, so all families are invited to join in by walking or running. Please meet us at the Cohen Field at 1:45 pm.
  • We kindly ask, however, that your furry friends stay at home. 

What students need to bring:

  • Each student will need to change into their Phys-Ed uniform for the afternoon, as Harvest Festival takes place in the morning.
  • A water bottle 
  • A hat if it’s a sunny day
  • Please dress appropriately for the weather 

FALL CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics

Congratulations to Alison T (Gr. 5) who placed 4th and Leigh S (Gr. 5) and Charlotte G (Gr. 4) who placed 3rd at the first XCountry meet of the season! It was an excellent race for the 43 Gr. 4&5 runners – some who participated for the first time. 

Well done to our Gr. 5 swimmers and Gr. 5 Soccer team members who represented Havergal at their first meet/game this week. 

Clubs and Arts

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

HC Spirit Wear – Deadline extended!

Click here to purchase HC spirit wear: green and white fleece, baseball hats and sideline coats. The sale ends at midnight on Wednesday, October 4.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

JS Fall Menu – Oct 2 to Oct 5 

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 

Thursday, October 5

  • Harvest Festival (9:00 am – 9:30 am)
  • Terry Fox Run (1:45 pm – 2:45 pm) (everyone is welcome to join us for a walk/run) 

Friday, October 6 & Monday, October 9

  • No classes – School Closed for Thanksgiving

Tuesday, October 10

  • Classes resume

Tuesday, October 31 

  • Halloween is celebrated in the JS – stay tuned for more details

Tuesday, November 21

  • Ivy Market & Cocktail Party

A Message From The Head of the Junior School – Friday, September 22, 2023

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Families,

The learning and depth of thought that occurs in the Junior School, never ceases to amaze me! 

I wanted to share a message with you, on behalf of our fabulous Grade 5 Team, who launched the first of five full days of programming throughout the year, centred on developing our Digital Wisdom. 

“Our first Digital Wisdom Day was an exciting and thought-provoking experience for all involved. The day was filled with activities and provocations that encouraged critical thinking and reflection. 

One of the highlights was the interactive session with Spot, the robot dog, where students marvelled at the possibilities of robotics today and in the future. They also engaged in mindset work through “Ozbot” coding, learning not only about programming but also the importance of adaptability, creative problem-solving and growth mindset. The students thought about their “third spaces” as digital communities, considering the impact of their online interactions on their own well-being and the well-being of others. In the Upper School, we conducted observations of digital habits, leading to valuable insights that prompted meaningful discussions about the role of technology in our lives. It was a day of exploration, self-discovery, and digital enlightenment, setting the tone to continue considering our overarching question, How can we thrive today and tomorrow in digital spaces?“

We look forward to our next Digital Wisdom day on November 22, 2023!” 

I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible tomorrow, at Celebration Saturday.

Sincerely,

Kate

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

LATEST NEWS

Truth and Reconciliation Week in the Junior School

Havergal College will honour Truth and Reconciliation Week between September 25 – 29th with in-school programming throughout the week. We are honoured to have members of our Indigenous community work alongside us and our students to guide us through our theme, Celebrating our reciprocal relationship with the land. Madeleine Alderson, Herbie Barnes, Theresa Kutknife, and the dance troupe ‘Vision Dance’ will support our continued learning about residential schools and support us as we do our part to honour the Truth and Reconciliations Calls to Action.

The week will culminate on Friday, September 29th with Orange Shirt Day. 

In honour of the experiences of Indigenous Peoples and to promote the message that “Every Child Matters”, students are invited to wear orange t-shirts on Friday, September 29th over their uniforms. Please note that this will not be considered a “grub” day.

Harvest Festival and Terry Fox Run – Thursday, October 5 

Please note that parking is extremely limited for both these events! We encourage you to find alternative arrangements to come to the school, or to find alternative legal parking spaces using Spot Angels.

Harvest Festival (9:00 am – 9:30 am in the Brenda Robson Hall)

The Junior School annual Harvest Festival takes place on Friday, October 5 at 9:00 am in the Brenda Robson Hall (Upper School). This formal service is an ideal and heart-warming start to the Thanksgiving long weekend, and a wonderful way for our community to gather and celebrate all that we have to be thankful for, as well as to support our community partners at the North York Harvest Food Bank. We look forward to welcoming you and your family members!

Donations to the North York Harvest Food Bank (September 25 – October 5)

The Junior School will be running a food drive in support of the North York Harvest Food Bank, between Monday, September 25 and Thursday, October 5. Students in JK to Grade 6 are asked to bring in non-perishable food items for donation.

The following items are urgently needed:

  • Pasta, Rice, Grains
  • Canned Tomatoes
  • Canned Vegetables
  • Cooking Oil
  • Canned Fish

Please send your donations to school with your daughter.  She can place them in the bins, which are organized by house, outside the Junior School Library. 

Terry Fox Run (1:45 pm – 2:45 pm on the Lower Pitch) 

The 2023 Terry Fox School Run is set for the afternoon of October 5th and we are so excited to be taking part! Every year Havergal makes a huge difference with our donations to fund cancer research, while also building incredible school spirit. This year we will be selling t-shirts to boost our fundraising efforts (please look out for an order form in your daughter’s backpack in the coming days). These t-shirts can be worn for the whole month of October in HPE classes!  Don’t delay, let’s start fundraising today!

When:

  • Thursday, October 5th (1:45 pm – 2:45 pm)

Who can participate:

  • Students in JK to Grade 6 will all take part!
  • This is very much a community event, so all families are invited to join in! Please meet us down at the Lower Pitch at 1:45 pm.
  • We kindly ask, however, that your furry friends stay at home. 

What students need to bring:

  • Each student will need to change into their Phys Ed uniform for the afternoon, as Harvest Festival takes place in the morning.
  • A water bottle 
  • A hat if it’s a sunny day
  • Please dress appropriately for the weather 

How to donate:

  • Havergal has raised over $275,000 in support of The Terry Fox Foundation, to date!
  • Please support our school’s fundraising efforts once again this year through our  Havergal College Terry Fox Donation Page
  • Receipts are issued immediately to donors by email from the Terry Fox Foundation

REMINDERS

Celebration Saturday Essential Information

We are so excited to see everyone at Celebration Saturday, which takes place on Saturday, September 23 from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. This event not only raises funds to support our Community Partners, but also brings together students, parents, Old Girls/Alum, faculty and staff for activities and games. All are welcome to attend and to contribute.

Map boards will be up around the school and there will be a QR Code to scan to download the map to your phone so you can find all of the fun games, events and activities taking place.  Feel free to preview the map here!

Attendance

  • Celebration Saturday is a community event for any and all that would like to attend!  While attendance is mandatory for students in Grades 4 – 12, students in JK – Grade 3 are highly encouraged to join in the fun! The more the merrier!
  • Students and their families are asked to come directly to the Ratcliffe field at 9am, rather than meeting at the Junior School, as has been done in the past.

Purchasing Wristbands and Tickets 

  • Wristbands and tickets will be available to purchase in person on September 23, if you have not pre-ordered them. Pre-ordered wristbands and tickets were distributed to students on Wednesday. If there was an issue with your purchase, please go to one of the ticket tables on Saturday, and we would be happy to assist!
  • Where to buy tickets on Saturday:
    • The Upper School Rotunda, 
    • The South Quad 
    • The Old Girls Bio Wall 
  • Please note that this will primarily be a CASHLESS EVENT but some vendors and food trucks will accept cash.

Schedule

  • 9:00 AM Opening Ceremonies on Ratcliffe Field 
  • 9:15 AM House Stalls, JS Activities, Inflatables, The Bazaar, Silent Auction open  (The fabulous hand painted Muskoka chairs that each Junior School grade created are sure to be hot items!)
  • 9:15 AM Gator Games begin
  • 10:00 AM Food trucks open for business
  • 11:00 AM HCPA Hotdog Hut starts serving
  • 11:30 AM Silent Auction closes
  • 12:45 PM Closing Ceremony on Ratcliffe Field
    •  Please note there is no official dismissal. Students will leave with parents.

What to Wear

  • Students are asked to come dressed in House Colours
  • Parents are encouraged to dress casually and comfortably

Supervision of Students

  • Primary girls (JK to Grade 3) must be accompanied by their parents.

Parking

  • There is EXTREMELY limited parking available at the school on this day.
  • We highly encourage everyone to explore alternative transportation options on this day, such as walking, biking, or taking public transit.
  • Should you wish to drive, you may consider checking out Spot Angels which can assist in finding legal parking spots. 

Neighbourly Traffic Request

We have had some of our neighbours reach out with concerns that members of our community are making illegal and dangerous u-turns on our surrounding streets, as well as mounting the sidewalks and driving on lawns. Traffic on Rosewell Ave and surrounding streets is exceptionally busy, especially at drop-off and pick-up. Please drive safely and courteously.

FALL CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics 

Good Luck to our Gr. 5’s in their first Swim meet and Soccer Game this week. Our Gr. 4 & 5’s will also be running in their first XCountry meet of the season this week. Go Gators! 

Clubs and Arts

We had a wonderful start to our Clubs and Arts programming this week! Please remind your daughter what club she is signed up for, to make for an easy transition from class to their co-curricular.

Questions? 

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

The Silent Auction is LIVE!

Sign up in advance and BID NOW! From Raptors tickets to Front of the Line Dining Hall Passes, there is something for everyone.

HC Spirit Wear – NEW!

Click here to purchase HC spirit wear: green and white fleece jackets, baseball hats and sideline coats! The deadline to purchase is September 30 so don’t delay.

Ivy Market

The Ivy Market is back! Save the date—Tuesday, November 21.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

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 

Saturday, September 23

  • Celebration Saturday (9:00 am – 1:00 pm) 

Monday, September 25 – Friday, September 29

  • Acknowledgment of Truth and Reconciliation Week 
  • Friday, September 29 – Orange Shirt Day (students are invited to wear an orange shirt over their uniform)

Thursday, October 5

  • Harvest Festival (9:00 am – 9:30 am)
  • Terry Fox Run (1:45 pm – 2:45 pm) (everyone is welcome to join us for a walk/run)

A Welcome Message from the Head of the Junior School – Friday, September 15, 2023

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Families,

What a wonderful week it has been in  Junior School! We were delighted to have Dr. Samson give the message in Prayers on Tuesday, where she spoke about what a difference it can make when we choose to lift one another up, as opposed to putting others down. This is a theme that we will return to throughout the year. Our Athletics program is now fully underway, with this week seeing the start of participation in basketball, pickleball, soccer, swim, cross country, and multi-sport. We can’t wait to start with all of our clubs next week! Finally, it was such a pleasure to have so many families come out for our People and Program Night on Tuesday, where we had the opportunity to come together as a community, for all of you to meet your child(ren)’s teachers and to learn more about all that awaits them this year.  

For all those in our community who are celebrating Rosh Hashanah this weekend, we wish you a heartfelt Shana Tova.

Sincerely,

Kate

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

LATEST NEWS

Junior School Admission Ambassadors – Call for Volunteers

Although we have only just started the school year, the Admissions team is already looking ahead to September 2024! 

Beginning in early October, we will be offering Group Tours of the Junior School for prospective families, led by a group of committed parent volunteers. The tours will run on select Tuesdays and Thursdays each week at 9:00am, 10am and 1pm. Our Parent Ambassadors can sign up to give a tour according to their availability.

Our Parent Ambassadors play a crucial role in sharing the Havergal experience with prospective families. If you are interested in signing up to be a tour guide and joining our Parent Ambassador team for the upcoming school year, please sign up at this link.

We will be in contact with all volunteers to invite you to join us for a training session (with coffee!) on September 26th at 9am in the Junior School Dining Hall.

Thank you in advance for considering supporting our department as we work to share the Havergal Junior School experience with prospective community members.

If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Milligan in the Junior School Admission office (smilligan@havergal.on.ca).

REMINDERS

Labelling Your Child’s Belongings

With school now fully underway, it ESSENTIAL that all students belongings are labelled! This is especially important for all uniform items, jackets, water bottles and food containers. If unlabelled, it is incredibly difficult to have them returned to the proper owner.

Celebration Saturday Essential Information

We are so excited to see everyone at Celebration Saturday, which takes place on Saturday, September 23 from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.  This event not only raises funds to support our Community Partners, but also brings together students, parents, Old Girls/Alum, faculty and staff for activities and games. All are welcome to attend and to contribute.

Attendance

  • Celebration Saturday is a community event for any and all that would like to attend!  While attendance is mandatory for students in Grades 4 – 12, students in JK – Grade 3 are highly encouraged to join in the fun! The more the merrier!

Purchasing Wristbands and Tickets 

  • Want to purchase tickets or wristbands in advance?
    • Click: HERE! Note the deadline for advanced tickets is Sunday, September 18!
    • All wristbands and tickets purchased in advance will be delivered to students in their classroom on Wednesday, September 20. If you have more than one daughter, it will be delivered to your oldest child’s class.
  • Wristbands and tickets will be available to purchase in person on September 23 but we would encourage everyone to buy ahead to avoid line-ups. 
  • Please note that this will primarily be a CASHLESS EVENT but some vendors and food trucks will accept cash.

Schedule

  • 9:00 AM Opening Ceremonies on Ratcliffe Field (students and their families are asked to come directly to the Ratcliffe field, rather than meeting at the Junior School, as has been done in the past.
  • 9:15 AM House Stalls, JS Activities, Inflatables, The Bazaar, Silent Auction open  (The fabulous hand painted Muskoka chairs that each Junior School grade created are sure to be hot items!)
  • 9:15 AM Gator Games begin
  • 10:00 AM Food trucks open for business
  • 11:00 AM HCPA Hotdog Hut starts serving
  • 11:30 AM Silent Auction closes
  • 12:45 PM Closing Ceremony on Ratcliffe Field
    •  Please note there is no official dismissal. Students will leave with parents.

What to Wear

  • Students are asked to come dressed in House Colours
  • Parents are encouraged to dress casually and comfortably

Supervision of Students

  • Primary girls (JK to Grade 3) must be accompanied by their parents.

Parking

  • There is extremely limited parking available at the school on this day.
  • Should you wish to drive, you may consider checking out Spot Angels which can assist in finding legal parking spots. 
  • We highly encourage everyone to explore alternative transportation options on this day, such as walking, biking, or taking public transit.

Green and Gold Shop’s Special Promotion in Support of Celebration Saturday

FALL CO-CURRICULARS

Athletics 

The gyms and fields were buzzing with excitement this week as Athletics started! All questions can be directed to the coach or if you’re not sure please email: abartlett@havergal.on.ca 

Clubs and Arts Start on Monday

  • To set your child up for success: please remind them about their after-school activities.
  • Questions? Please contact: srobertson@havergal.on.ca 

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

HC Spirit Wear – NEW!

Click here to purchase HC spirit wear: green and white fleeces, baseball hats and sideline coats!

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

YOUR CHILD’S PERSONALIZED CALENDAR

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

KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON 

Monday, September 25 – Friday, September 29

  • Acknowledgment of Truth and Reconciliation Week 
  • Friday, September 29 – Orange Shirt Day (students are invited to wear an orange shirt over their uniform)

Saturday, September 23

  • Celebration Saturday (9:00 am – 1:00 pm)

Thursday, October 5

  • Harvest Festival (9:00 am – 9:30 am)
  • Terry Fox Run (1:45 pm – 2:45 pm)

A Message from the Head of the Junior School – Friday, September 8, 2023

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Families,

It has been such a lovely week, as we have welcomed our new and returning students to the Junior School. We are all loving getting to know your daughters, and to what we are confident will be a wonderful year of learning and community building.

Today, we held our very first prayers for the 2023-2024 school year, for our students in Grades 1 – 6. Prayers has been an integral part of the Havergal College tradition since we first opened in 1894, close to one hundred and twenty nine years ago!

This much loved tradition serves to bring our community together. It is a place to ask questions, to learn not only about the school’s rich Anglican traditions, and also to celebrate other religions, cultures, and traditions. It is where we come together  to share thoughts and ideas, to challenge our thinking, to reflect and to grow. 

I encourage you to connect with your child about what this experience was like for her today. What did she like best? What questions does she have about prayers this year? How might she use this time to reflect about herself as a learner and a member of the Havergal community?

We are very much looking forward to spending time together in prayers again on Tuesdays and Fridays each week. Families are always warmly invited to attend. Please note that our students in JK and SK join us on Fridays for Prayers, but not on Tuesdays.

Wishing you all the very best this weekend! We are very much looking forward to seeing everyone next week.

Sincerely,

Kate

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

LATEST NEWS

Second Step Social-Emotional Skill Building Program

This year, the Junior School will be continuing its implementation of the Second Step program to support the wellbeing of all our students. Second Step is a research-based program that provides explicit instruction and practice of key social-emotional skills considered necessary for students to effectively navigate social situations and build positive relationships with their peers. Lessons will support our students to develop skills in the following areas:

  • Empathy
  • Impulse Control
  • Problem Solving
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Social Awareness
  • Relationship Skills
  • Responsible Decision Making
  • Positive Self-Talk

The Second Step program will be taught by Child and Youth Worker, Holly Fournier, in collaboration with your child’s classroom teacher. If you have any questions about the Second Step program, please reach out to Holly Fournier at hfournier@havergal.on.ca. 

REMINDERS

How You Can Support a SAFE and EFFICIENT Arrival and Dismissal Process

Join us in ensuring that our Junior School remains a consistently safe environment for everyone in our community. Our amazing team of teachers and security professionals are here to support in this process, please follow their directions!

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 that there cars must NEVER be left unattended along the driveway, as this impedes traffic flow during both arrival and dismissal.

Arrive for Dismissal at School During Your Child’s Designated Time 

  • 3:00 pm and 3:15 pm (JK and SK)
    • Please pick up at the rear kindergarten doors 
  • 3:00 pm – 3:15 pm (Grades 1 – 3)
    • Please pick up your child from the carline, or from the front of the school; have your laminated dismissal card clearly visible.
  • 3:15 pm – 3:30 pm (Grades 4 – 6)
    • Please pick up your child from the carline, or from the front of the school; have your laminated dismissal card clearly visible
  • Please NOTE
    • 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.

When Using the Carline

  • Stay in the “cue,” rather than driving ahead and around other vehicles, unless instructed otherwise by one of our security professionals.
  • Have students ready to exit, curbside, as soon as your car stops alongside the curb (backpacks, water bottles, etc, should be easily accessible). Stay in your car, if at all possible. If you need to exit your car to assist your child to get out of a car seat or booster, please do so quickly. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAR UNATTENDED AT ANY TIME!
  • Abide by the signage both on and off school property. This includes: driving 10 km along the driveway, not parking along the driveway during peak times, no double parking, or stopping in restricted zones on Rosewell Ave. 

When Walking

  • Cross at the designated crosswalk with the crossing guard and flashing pylons, and NOT across the driveway exit.

To learn more, please refer to our Junior School Arrival and Dismissal  Protocols.

People and Program Night – Tuesday, September 12

Please join us for People and Program Night! This is an opportunity for us to gather as a community, hear whole school messages about the year ahead, meet your daughter’s teachers and learn about what to expect this year. It is also a chance for you to connect with other families in your child’s grade. The schedule is as follows:

  • 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Preloved Uniform Sale 
  • 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm Reception in the JS Dining Hall
  • 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm Whole School Presentation in the JS Gym
  • 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm – Classroom Presentations

Student Photos

  • We will be having student photographs taken on two different dates:
    • Wednesday, September 13, 2022  (JK – Grade 3)
    • Thursday, September 14, 2022 (Grades 4 – 6)
  • Students are asked to wear their #1 Dress both on Tuesday, as well as on the day that their photo is taken.

Celebration Saturday

Celebration Saturday is just around the corner! Watch for an email on Monday with details about purchasing wristbands and tickets. We can’t wait to see everyone on Saturday, September 23.

JS Food Services and Pizza Lunch Registration

A friendly reminder that in order for your child to participate in the Food Services program or in Pizza Lunch, they must be registered. While registration is now closed, via the Parent Portal is now closed, you can still register using the following links:

Should you require any assistance, please contact our partners at Chartwells directly: chartwells@havergal.on.ca 

Students with Allergies or Dietary Restrictions

If your daughter has an allergy or any dietary restrictions, we ask that you kindly let them know that their lunch will be served separately in an individual box rather than from the servery. Should you have any questions regarding this, please do not hesitate to connect with Chartwells directly. (chartwells@havergal.on.ca)

FALL CO-CURRICULARS

Registration for Fall Co-Curriculars (Clubs, Athletics, Arts) – FINAL REMINDER

Registration for Fall Co-Curriculars is still open. It will close on September 12 @ 8:00 pm. You can register via the Parent Portal. Click here for the fall catalog.

Athletics – Start Next Week (September 11)

Clubs and Arts start the week of September 18th

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

YOUR CHILD’S PERSONALIZED CALENDAR

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

KEY DATES ON THE HORIZON 

Monday, Sept 11 

Tuesday, September 12 

  • People and Program Night
    • 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Preloved Uniform Sale 
    • 5:30 pm – Reception
    • 6:00 pm – 6:30 Whole School Presentation in the JS Gym
    • 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm – Classroom Presentations
  • Registration for Co-Curriculars closes at 8:00 pm

Wednesday, September 13

Thursday, September 14

Tuesday, September 19

  • Honouring the Jewish High Holidays  and Reception (8:30 am – 9:00 am in the JS Gym ; followed by a reception for families in the JS Dining Hall)
  • We would very much like to include photos from members of the Junior School community participating in events in honour of these two very special times in the Jewish Calendar. Should you wish to share any photos, please send them to our new Chaplain, Rev. Jillian Ruch (jruch@havergal.on.ca) so that they can be included in our slideshow. The photos should be submitted not later than Friday, September 15.

Monday, September 25 – Friday, September 29

  • Acknowledgment of Truth and Reconciliation Week & Orange Shirt Day
  • Students are invited to wear an orange shirt on Friday, September 29. Should your child wish to wear an orange shirt on this day, here is a list of vendors who sell orange shirts that are either designed by Indigenous artists, are sold at Indigenous-owned businesses, or whose donations are going to reconciliation efforts:

Saturday, September 23

  • Celebration Saturday (9:00 am – 1:00 pm)

Thursday, October 5

  • Harvest Festival (9:00 am – 9:30 am)

A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Thursday, August 31, 2023

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear Junior School Families,

A very warm welcome to all of our new and returning families! Our team has been working hard this week to ensure that everything is ready for a smooth transition back to school. 

Last week you received our second “Back to School” summer communication from our Deputy Principal, Lindsay Norberg. Please be sure to read through this information thoroughly, so that you and your daughter(s) are well prepared for the beginning of school. While the transition back to school after the summer can be very exciting, it may also result in some uneasy feelings as well. I encourage you to read the following article, “The Age-by-Age Guide to Making this the Smoothest Back-to-School Transition Yet” which provides some practical tips for kids and parents for the return to school.  

For our new families, please note that “The Weekly” is published on the last day of the school week and provides the latest news, reminders, as well as important dates on the horizon. The other key place to look for information is the PARENT PORTAL.

Wishing you all the very best this weekend! We are looking forward to seeing everyone next week.

Sincerely,

Kate

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

LATEST NEWS

Changes to Parking Regulations on Rosewell Ave

Please note that, The City of Toronto has changed the parking signs on Rosewell Avenue to no parking from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM. This has been done in an effort to assist with Junior School pick up and to mitigate traffic jams in both directions, during this busy time. Those picking up, are advised to use the right side of the lane as opposed to the middle or left side of the lane to avoid holding up the traffic.

Honouring the Jewish High Holidays and Reception – Tuesday, September 19

The Junior School will be acknowledging Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur during on Tuesday, September 19. from 8:25 am – 9:00 am, in the JS Gym. Families are warmly invited to join us for this event, following which there will be a small reception for parents in the Dining Hall.

We would very much like to include photos from members of the Junior School community participating in events in honour of these two very special times in the Jewish Calendar. Should you wish to share any photos, please send them to our new Chaplain, Rev. Jillian Ruch (jruch@havergal.on.ca) so that they can be included in our slideshow. The photos should be submitted not later than Friday, September 15.

Acknowledging Truth and Reconciliation Week & Orange Shirt Day

Havergal will be honouring Truth and Reconciliation Week from Monday, September 25 – Friday, September 29. This will culminate on Friday, September 29th, with Orange Shirt Day. Please note that this is just part of Havergal’s commitment to understanding what Truth and Reconciliation means, and will be revisited throughout the year. 

Students are invited to wear an orange shirt on this day, on top of their regular HC uniform on Friday, September 29th.

Should your child wish to wear an orange shirt on this day, here is a list of vendors who sell orange shirts that are either designed by Indigenous artists, are sold at Indigenous-owned businesses, or whose donations are going to reconciliation efforts:

Green & Gold Shop – Back to School Promotion!

In anticipation of Celebration Saturday (Sat, Sept 23), The Green and Gold Shop is pleased to offer a 10% discount for all HOUSE SPIRIT WEAR, from September 4th – September 23rd. This is available both Online & In-Store.

Show off your house spirit on Celebration Saturday by getting yours today!!!!

The Chronicle – HC’s Alumni Magazine

Introducing the 2023 Chronicle Magazine: A Tribute to Havergal’s Legacy.

Explore the captivating stories and enduring influence of our remarkable Havergal Old Girls/Alum in the newly unveiled 2023 Chronicle magazine. This edition is a tribute to the incredible journeys and connections that shape our community.

We are also excited to embark on a new chapter as we transition to a digital magazine format. This shift not only embraces modern preferences but also upholds our commitment to sustainability and environmental well-being.

Discover the Chronicle HERE.

REMINDERS

Before and After School Care for Junior School Families – Opens Thursday, September 7 

Some key things to remember:

  • Before Care runs between 7:30 am and 8:00 am
    • No charge; No registration required
  • After Care runs between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm
    • Registration is mandatory
    • Please note that there are two different ways to register your child, based on your family’s needs:
      • REGULAR Use – For students who will attend Gator Care on a consistent basis (e.g., Monday to Friday; every Tuesday and Friday)
        • Please visit the Parent Portal, and register using the Gator Care Registration button.
      • OCCASIONAL Use – For families that only require Gator Care on an occasional basis 
        • Please register by sending an email to the Gator Care team, gatorcare@havergal.on.ca, by 9 am on the day Gator Care is required.
    • Cost for After Care: 
      • $20 an hour as of 3:30 pm (NEW!), when dismissal is complete.
      • Late fees after 6 pm: $25 flat fee (this is in addition to the regular fee).
      • Fees for this program will be applied to your monthly statements.

Subscribing to Havergal Calendars

Some families find it helpful to subscribe to HC calendars, so that they appear on your digital calendar. Instructions on how to do this, are provided below for your reference:

Celebration Saturday, September 23 (9am – 1pm)

We are looking forward to seeing everyone at Celebration Saturday – a fundraiser for our wonderful community partners.  Join us for House Activities, Inflatables, Gator Games, a Bazaar, a Silent Auction, Food Trucks and much more!  More details will be coming soon with all that you need to know for a great day!.

While this is a mandatory event for all students in Grades 4 – 12, students in JK – Grade 3 are highly encouraged to attend with their families.

Please note some of the other ways that you can participate:

  • There are still a few vendor spots available at The Bazaar! Please email Martha Fell (martha@jaxxandmarbles.com) and complete this form and contract if you are interested in participating.
  • We are also seeking items for our amazing Silent Auction. Click here for more details. All of the profits from this event benefit HC’s Community Partners.

NOTES FROM THE HCPA

Mabel’s Labels

Families are asked  to label all of their children’s belongings, as all children wear the same uniform! ! Click HERE to order these great labels.

Pre-Loved Uniform Sale

Be sure to drop by the HCPA’s Pre-Loved Uniform Sale at the JS People and Program Night on Tuesday, September 12. The sale will run from 5 – 7 pm.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU NEXT WEEK

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

Junior School Opening Weeks Schedule 2023 

Friday, September 8

  • First prayers  in the JS for students in Grades 1 – 6
    • We will be introducing our new Chaplain, Rev. Ruch, and speak about our rights and responsibilities as members of the Havergal community.

Tuesday, September 12 

  • People and Program Night (5:30 pm – Reception; 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Presentations)
  • Registration for Co-Curriculars closes at 8:00 pm

Wednesday, September 13

Thursday, September 14

Monday, September 25 – Friday, September 29

  • Acknowledgment of Truth and Reconciliation Week & Orange Shirt Day
  • Students are invited to wear an orange shirt on Friday, September 29

Saturday, September 23

  • Celebration Saturday (9:00 am – 1:00 pm)

Thursday, October 5

  • Harvest Festival (9:00 am – 9:30 am)
  • Terry Fox Run (1:45 pm – 2:45 pm)

A Message From the Head of the Junior School – Friday, June 14, 2023

On By havergaljuniorschoolLeave a comment

Dear JS Families,

Today marks our final blog for the 2022 – 2023 school year. 

Congratulations to all of our students, families, faculty and staff for another successful end of the school year! It was so lovely to join together today at our Closing Ceremony to celebrate our year, say goodbye, and wish each other well for the summer. 

I am very much looking forward to welcoming people back in September! A very special congratulations and best wishes to our Grade 6s who will soon be “crossing the bridge” and starting their Upper School Journey!

Thank you for all of your continued support and partnership throughout the year.

This week’s blog contains information on the following:

All the best for a happy and healthy summer.

Sincerely,

Kate

Report Cards

Report cards will be available online at 9 am on Wednesday, June 21.

How to Access Student Files

  1. Sign into the Veracross Parent Portal
  2. In the upper left, select My Children, then select Student Files under the child you wish you view
  3. In the Files section, select Download next to the file you wish to view

Green & Gold Closes this Friday, June 16

The Green & Shop will close for summer holidays on Friday, June 16 and reopen on Tuesday, August 8. It will also be closed on the Friday of the Labour Day holiday, September 1. 

Orange Shirt Day – Order shirts by June 16

The Truth and Reconciliation Student Committee has been busy planning for TRC week for September, 2023. The students are partnering with an Indigenous owned, Toronto based company (Resist Clothing Co.), to sell Sept 2023 Orange Shirt Day t-shirts. 

If you would like a t-shirt, please fill out the Google Order Form

Summer Messages – Preparing for 2023-2023 School Year 

This summer you will receive two important emails with information for the upcoming school year. The first message is sent on Wednesday July 5 and the second message on Wednesday August 23. 

Notes from the HCPA

Mabel’s Labels

Don’t forget to order labels for your children’s clothing for summer camp! Click HERE to order.

Pre-loved Uniforms and Used Books

Thanks to everyone who dropped off items this morning! You will have another opportunity to donate used books in the fall or you may ship or drop off to CSBE directly following the instructions in your CSBE account. Please feel free to drop off gently used uniforms in our Pre-Loved bins any time!