Dear Junior School Parents,

As I look out my beautiful office window this afternoon, the sun is shining brightly, and I am watching the students head out to the Cohen Field for lunch recess. It gives me such pleasure to see them interacting with their peers, racing to play with one another, and enjoy our outdoor spaces! Being outside and being active has been such an important part of our students’ lives this year, perhaps more than ever, while we have found ourselves on screens more often than in the past. As we head into the weekend, I encourage you to find some time to spend outdoors with your family, walking, playing, and simply being together.

I look forward to seeing you next week at “Conversations With Kate” throughout next week.

Best,

Kate  

LATEST NEWS

COVID-19 Variants of Concern 

Toronto Public Health has asked all schools to share this LETTER with parents/guardians. It contains information regarding new strains of the virus that causes COVID-19.

Pink Shirt Day – Monday, March 1

Students in JK to Grade 12 will be marking Pink Shirt Day on Monday, March 1. It will be a full “Dress-Down Day,” where students are invited to wear a pink shirt. The purpose of this day is to bring about awareness about the issue of bullying. We shared this news with students this morning in prayers. Should you wish to know more, please visit the Pink Shirt Day Website.

House Spirit Day – Friday, March 5

Friday, March 5 is another “Dress-Down Day” in the Junior School. Students are invited to dress in their House colours to celebrate their house pride, and end the week with a celebration.

Persian New Years (Nowruz) Prayers

We will be marking Persian New Years/Nowruz in Prayers in March.  If you celebrate Nowruz and your daughter would like to participate in a message, please email Rev. Douglas at sdouglasbowman@havergal.on.ca and she will be in touch.

REMINDERS

Uniform Orders (For Next Year) – Due Monday, March 1

A friendly reminder that uniform orders for next year are due on Monday, March 1. 

• Current Grade 4  – Kilt orders for Grade 5
• Current Grade 6 –  Blazer orders for Grade 7

Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our Green & Gold Shop at greenandgold@havergal.on.ca or call Margie Fleming at 416-483-3843 ext. 4710.

Kilt Orders

• Available to order from our online Green & Gold Shop.
• We ask that you place your order by Monday, March 1, 2021 in order to receive it prior to the summer break. The kilt will be charged to your child’s student account.
• Please reference the sizing chart in order to determine the correct size.

Blazer Orders

• Available to order from our online: Green & Gold Shop.
• We ask that you place your order by Monday, March 1, 2021 in order to receive it prior to the summer break. The blazer will be charged to your child’s student account.
• Please reference the sizing chart in order to determine the correct size.

Returns

• If the size you ordered is not correct, we will be happy to exchange the item provided all tags remain attached to the garment.
• Once we fulfill your order, we will make arrangements to get the kilt to you either by curbside pickup or delivery to your child’s classroom.

Dates on the Horizon

Monday March 1 

• Pink Shirt Day 
• Uniform Order Day 
• JK & SK (6:30 pm – 7:00 pm) Conversation with Kate
  • JK/SK Zoom Link
  • Meeting ID: 993 2982 2701
  • Passcode: 439000
• Grades 3 & 4 (7:15 pm – 7:45pm) Conversation with Kate
  • Grade 3 & 4 Zoom Link
  • Meeting ID: 944 0688 7273
  • Passcode: 369846

Tuesday, March 2

• Grade 5 – 8 Parent Webinar with Phyllis Fagell
  • Grade 5 – 8 Parent Webinar Zoom Link
  • Passcode: 277333

Thursday March 4 

• Grades 1 & 2 (6:30 pm – 7:00 pm) Conversation with Kate
  • Grade 1 & 2 Zoom Link
  • Meeting ID: 967 2341 8097
  • Passcode: 335295

Friday, March 5

• House Colour Dress Down Day

Monday, March 8 – Friday, March 12

• School Closed

Monday, March 15

• School Resumes
• JS Pick-A-Time Registration OPENS at 6:00 pm

Tuesday, March 16

• Grade 5 – 8 Parent Webinar

Friday, March 19 

• Professional Development for Faculty and Staff
• School Closed for Students

Wednesday, March 24

• JS Pick-a-Time Registration CLOSES at 12:00 pm

Thursday, March 25 & Friday, March 26

• Parent-Teacher Interview Day – School Closed

Monday, April 12 – Friday, April 16

• School Closed

Monday, April 19

• School Resumes

Dear JS Parents

A very warm welcome back to campus! I can’t tell you how lovely it has been to see our students back at school this week. Their energy and enthusiasm has certainly provided the motivation to keep forging ahead, learning and being together as a community.

I have thoroughly enjoyed wandering the halls over the course of the week, and seeing everything the students have been up to! From making ice sculptures, which will be displayed as part of an outdoor JS winter Art Installation (pics coming soon); to stopping into the Grade 6 classes as they watched the NASA livestream of the landing of  “Mars Perseverance;” to watching our Grade 1s continue to explore standard and non-standard units of measurement; and seeing our JKs and SKs write books, and re-adjust to their classroom routines, it has been a week of inspiration.

This week’s blog is PACKED with need-to-know information! Grab a cup of tea, settle in, enjoy the read!

As always, should you have any questions or concerns, I invite you to connect with me. 

Warmly,

Kate  

LATEST NEWS

Major Dates Calendar

Please see the updated Major Dates Calendar that reflects the changes to the March/April calendar.

Gator Care – Up and Running!

We are thrilled to announce that Gator Care will be up and running again, starting on Monday, February 22. As always, it is critical that you pre-register for this program, by emailing: gatorcare@havergal.on.ca

Save the Date – Conversations with Kate White, Head of Junior School

I am excited to let you know that I will be hosting a series  of online conversations with parents in JK to Grade 2, parents in Grades 3 & 4, and parents in Grades 5 & 6. I have very much missed informally connecting with families, and hope this will be an opportunity to come together. 

In addition, this will provide a chance for me to share some of the exciting things happening across the various grade divisions, and for you to ask questions. Ms. Norberg, Associate Head, and Ms. Charlton, Interim Assistant Head, will also be there to introduce themselves so that you can get to know them better, and understand the role they play in the life of the Junior School. I am looking forward to meeting with you!  You will receive an invitation, and the pertinent Zoom links early next week. To assist with your planning, however, the dates and times are as follows:

• Monday March 1
  • JK & SK (6:30 pm – 7:00 pm)
  • Grade 3-4 (7:15 pm – 7:45pm) 
• Thursday March 4
  • Grade 1 & 2 (6:30 pm – 7:00 pm) 
• Tuesday, March 16 
  • Gr 5-6 (6:30 pm – 7:00 pm)

Please also stay tuned for more parent engagement events in the spring term, where we will be discussing how we have been supporting students through the pandemic, as well as some of the  skills they will need moving forward.

The Junior School Library – Supporting Young Readers!

JK to Grade 2

• “The Book Bag” Program will continue for students in JK to Grade 2. 
• A gentle reminder to please double check that all books in a set are returned together!

Grade 3 – 6

• Students now have access to the JS Library Catalogue and will be able to request books online. Ms. Marino will be visiting classes next week to go over login procedures and how to make requests. Instructions will also be sent home.
• Your child may receive an email notification if a book has not been returned within 2 weeks. Please ensure the book is returned, so that it can be quarantined and then loaned out to another student in a timely manner.

As always, the safety of our school community remains the top priority. Books returned to the school will continue to be quarantined for seven days before being put back into circulation or lent out to another student. This length of time is based on the recommendation of the “Reopening Archives, Libraries and Museums (REALM) Study to quarantine books for three to seven days. 

Upcoming Registration for Parent Teacher Interviews

Parent-Teacher Interviews are still scheduled for Thursday, March 25th, and Friday, March 26. 

We will once again be using Pick-A-Time for registration. Please note:

• Registration OPENS on Monday, March 15 at 6:00  pm
• Registration CLOSES on  Wednesday, March 24 at 12:00 pm

Veracross Unavailable – Feb 19-21, 2021

In order to reset the calendar/rotation schedule to coincide with the new calendar dates that will be adjusted due to the March break changes, Veracross will be unavailable to all employees, students, and parents from February 19 at 4pm to February 20 at 8 am and again from February 20 at noon to February 21 at 4pm. Faculty have prepared students for this by making sure students have what they need and that they know they will be unable to access their class websites for much of this upcoming weekend. Our apologies for the short notice but it is challenging to find the right time to do this necessary work. 

REMINDERS

Junior School Progress Reports 

This is a reminder that Junior School  Progress Reports will be available for viewing on March 3 at 4:00 pm on Veracross. These are progress reports, and as such only contain a mark, rather than full comments. As always, should you have any questions or concerns you  are encouraged to contact the appropriate teacher.. 

Drop – Off & Pick- Up

Thank you for your collective efforts in improving our drop-off and pick-up procedures. In order for us to keep our community safe, and the flow of traffic moving, please adhere to the following:

• SLOW DOWN on the driveway! It can sometimes be icy, despite all attempts to salt and clear the snow, making for a slippery surface.
• Parents/Caregivers are to remain in their car, and be aware of your surroundings. 
• Students need to have all of their belongings ready for quick drop-off, and not have to get access to the trunk.
• Arrive at your designated pick-up time. Those who arrive earlier, will be asked to exit the line and circle the block
• Ensure that you bring your child(ren)’s name card(s), and be sure that it is CLEARLY visible to the teachers on duty!

Dates on the Horizon

With so many new dates on the horizon, we thought it would be helpful to have them listed here for your convenience. Veracross has also been updated to reflect these changes.

Monday March 1 

• JK & SK (6:30 pm – 7:00 pm) Conversation with Kate
• Grades 3 & 4 (7:15 pm – 7:45pm) Conversation with Kate

Tuesday, March 2 

• Grade 5-8 Parent Webinar with Phyllis Fagell (6:30 pm -7:30 pm)

Phyllis Fagell Zoom Link

Passcode: 277333

Thursday March 4 

• Grades 1 & 2 (6:30 pm – 7:00 pm) Conversation with Kate

Monday, March 8 – Friday, March 12

• School Closed

Monday, March 15

• School Resumes
• JS Pick-A-Time Registration OPENS at 6:00 pm

Tuesday, March 16

• Grade 5 – 8 Parent Webinar

Friday, March 19 

• Professional Development for Faculty and Staff
• School Closed for Students

Wednesday, March 24

• JS Pick-a-Time Registration CLOSES at 12:00 pm

Thursday, March 25 & Friday, March 26

• Parent-Teacher Interview Day – School Closed

Monday, April 12 – Friday, April 16

• School Closed

Monday, April 19

• School Resumes

Dear JS Parents,

As we enthusiastically prepare to welcome back our community to campus on Tuesday, February 16th, it is essential that you review the important information below.

Sincerely,

Kate

No Gator Care Next Week

Please be advised that there is NO Gator Care next week, due to unforeseen circumstances.  We apologize for this inconvenience. We are working thoughtfully to re-open as soon as possible.

Congregating on Campus

In order to minimize the number of people congregating on campus day, especially at drop-off and pick-up times, please adhere to the following:

• All parents/caregivers MUST wear a mask while anywhere on campus.
• If you have more than one child at the school, pick-up is at the older sibling’s time.  
• Once you have collected your child(ren), please leave the property.
• We also ask that families not bring their dogs on campus during dismissal. 

Lunches

Please ensure you send your child to school with containers that they can open and close themselves. It can be especially difficult for young students to open thermoses on their own.

Dear JS Parent,

Today marks the end of another “spirited” Spirit Week!  It was an absolute pleasure seeing our students participate in our theme days, and attending the co-curricular activities, organized by the Junior School Prefects, Lindsay and Pyper. A huge thank you to them, for helping to remind us all of just what an enthusiastic community we have! I invite you to listen to the Havergal Spirit Week Song, which was written by some of our Grade 5 and 6s, along with singer-songwriter Craig Cardiff during co-curriculars.  In addition, I encourage you to take a look at all of the posts on social media this week, showcasing some of what this week looked like.

We are very much looking forward to welcoming students back to campus on Tuesday February 16. The blog contains many essential updates about our return and upcoming events. Please take time to review this material carefully.

Sincerely,

Kate White

LATEST NEWS

Important Updates for Return to Campus on Tuesday, February 16

The Ontario government announced that schools in Toronto will be permitted to reopen for in-person learning beginning on Tuesday, February 16. Given this news, Havergal’s campus will reopen, as planned and previously announced, on Tuesday, February 16. The government announcement can be viewed here. 

We are pleased to welcome our students back to the College for in-person learning. Returning to campus will allow them to gain a deeper level of engagement between their teachers and peers, helping to foster stronger connections and support cognitive, social and emotional learning and development.

As before, we have numerous safety measures in place to help minimize the infection and spread of COVID-19 on campus, which meet or exceed the requirements of both the Ontario Ministry of Health, Ontario Ministry of Education and Toronto Public Health. Havergal has made extensive efforts to ensure a high level of safety for our community. Some of our key safety measures include the investment in bipolar ionization technology and air purification devices, physical distancing, hand sanitizing and our updated masking protocol. Our health and safety protocols have been updated in the Return to Campus Parent & Student Handbook.

Screening Update – Action Required February 10 & 11

All parents must complete the daily online screening prior to students arriving on campus each day. Proof that the screening has been completed will be checked upon arrival at the College. We ask that parents complete screening on February 10 and 11 next week so we can stay informed of any pertinent COVID-19 related health concerns or travel prior to returning to on-campus learning. Parents will be asked to confirm they have read the updated parent agreement when screening is completed on February 10 and 11. 

Mask Update – Action Required Grades 4-12

In light of the emerging COVID-19 variants, we ask that all students in Grades 4 to 12 wear a medical mask (non-cloth) at all times indoors during the school day. All students must now wear masks while outdoors. A supply of masks will be available in the Junior and Upper Schools for students who may be without one. Students should change their mask when soiled or wet; this means students may need to bring two to three masks to school per day. 

Travel Requirements – Out of Province Travel

While the provincial lockdown order is in place, the Ontario government is recommending that individuals who travel domestically outside of the province self-isolate for 14 days upon their return to Ontario. Havergal College will be following this recommendation and students will be asked to learn from home until their 14-day quarantine period is complete. Questions related to inter-provincial travel and international travel will be part of the daily screening.

Arriving and Departing From School

Students must refrain from congregating as they arrive and depart from school. Parents are encouraged to remain in their cars, not to linger or gather outside the school. A reminder that we continue to ask parents to be masked on campus. 

While we have been permitted to re-open for in-person learning, the province encourages us to limit our contacts. We ask that families continue to follow all general public health guidelines and avoid congregation and socialization outside their own households.  

Remote Learning

We understand that some families may opt to continue with remote learning at this time. If you wish your child to continue as a remote learner for longer than 14 days, please register for remote learning

Remote Student Registration Form.

.  If your daughter is currently registered as a Remote Learner, but is returning to campus on February 16th, please email Maggie Houston-White at mhw@havergal.on.ca.

Toronto Public Health and COVID Testing

The Ontario Government announcement referenced the availability of targeted asymptomatic testing and rapid tests for students. These tests are to be distributed through local public health units. We will continue to engage with Toronto Public Health about access to these tests. Based on the availability of rapid-testing technology and current Ontario COVID-19 testing eligibility, we will not be offering widespread testing to our general community at present.

Student Wellbeing 

Caitlin Parsons, School Social Worker, presented at the US Grade Rep meeting earlier this week. She spoke about Student Wellbeing during the pandemic. A copy of the presentation can be found HERE.

Grade 5-8 Parent Webinar with Phyllis Fagell – Tuesday, March 2, 2021, 6:30-7:30 pm

Save the Date! Phyllis Fagell presented to parents in the spring of 2020 and we are fortunate to have her join us again in March. She will focus on presenting strategies from her book Middle School Matters: The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond — and How Parents Can Help in addition to addressing the challenges of parenting during the pandemic. Phyllis is the school counsellor at Sheridan School in Washington, DC, a therapist who works with kids and families in private practice, and an author and journalist. She’s a frequent contributor to the Washington Post and writes for Psychology Today, Working Mother, U.S. News & World Report and Your Teen. Her ideas have been shared in outlets including The New York Times, The Atlantic, The New Yorker and NPR.

Rose Reisman – Hot Lunch Ordering

Lunch will be available starting on Tuesday, Feb 16th. Due to the long weekend, all orders for Tuesday, Feb 16th the cutoff will be Thursday, Feb 11th at midnight! 

Reminders

Black Heritage Month Prayers

On February 22, we will have our Black Heritage Month Prayers.  If your daughter is of African heritage and would like to participate in these Prayers, please email either Rev. Douglas or Ms. Abebe and they will be in touch.  Their emails are:  sdouglasbowman@havergal.on.ca and labebe@havergal.on.ca

Grade Rep Meetings

As a reminder, parents are welcome to attend the Grade Rep Meetings held periodically throughout the year. Your invitation to attend can be found in the Grade Rep emails. The next Grade Rep Meeting will be on Wednesday, March 31 from 10:00 am – 11:30 am. 

Lindsay Norberg, Associate Head, will be one of the guest speakers. She will introduce herself, share how we work together, and further explain her role in the Junior School. We hope you can make it.

Valentine’s Day

• Students will be invited to wear Valentine’s themed Grub wear on Thursday, February 11. 
• Teachers can, if they wish, have their students participate in some kind of Valentine themed activity (ies) on that day. 
• For safety reasons, students will not be permitted to bring in cards this year.

Spirit Week in the Junior School – Monday, Feb 1 to Friday, Feb 5

Students from JK to Grade 12 will be celebrating Spirit Week next week. Please note the following “Dress Down Theme Days” for the Junior School:

• Monday – “Wear What You Like Grub Day”
• Tuesday – “Green & Gold”
• Wednesday – “Athletic Wear Day” (favourite team shirt or jersey)
• Thursday – “PJ Day”
• Friday – “House Colour Day”

Our JS Prefects are also hard at work creating some optional after school content (3:30 pm – 4:00 pm) which will be shared on Monday.

Lunar New Year – Video Submissions Requested

Rev. Douglas is inviting families who celebrate Lunar New Year to send photos of their daughter and their families celebrating Lunar New year. 

She will be compiling a video for Lunar New Year Prayers next week. 

Parents can send their photos to Rev Douglas at sdouglasbowman@havergal.on.ca   

Dear JS Parent,

Thank you for your continued support as we navigate through the Continuous Learning Plan. As well as our students and teachers have transitioned, it is not without challenges. Time spent outdoors, regular breaks, and connecting with friends, virtually are all important in maintaining Wellbeing. If you haven’t had an opportunity to check out some of the asynchronous co-curricular activities we have suggested, we encourage you to do so!  They provide a great opportunity for students to connect with one another outside of class, or together as a family, in fun and engaging activities. Check them out HERE! If you or your child has any further suggestions to add to the list, please send them to our Interim Assistant Head, Andrea Charlton (acharlton@havergal.on.ca).

As always, should you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Kate White

Reminders

The Havergal College IT Service Desk Team is here for you!

As you and your child use digital tools in the course of their schoolwork, you may encounter difficulties and require assistance. The first step is for your or your child to notify their teacher, who may be able to provide support for websites or applications that are specific to that course/class/grade. It is important for them to be aware when their students are experiencing technical difficulties.

If their teacher is unable to resolve your issue or if the problem is with a laptop or tablet issued by the school to your child, your next step is to contact the Havergal College IT Service Desk Team. They are available to help with systems and equipment provided by the school.

The IT Service Desk Team is available Monday to Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm, and can be teached by email at servicedesk@havergal.on.ca or by calling 416-483-3843 x6663.

Ongoing Student Support During Remote Learning

As we continue with remote learning, please be reminded that your child’s homeroom teacher is your first point of contact. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s overall wellbeing you are encouraged to reach out to them directly.

Dear Junior School Parents,

Please read below for several updates in the JS this week.

Sincerely,

Kate White

Head, Junior School

Library Curb Side Pick-up & Online Reading Resources

• Thank you to the families who arranged a time for book exchange, unfortunately with the recent stay at home order we will NO LONGER be offering curb side pickup. This applies to students in JK to Grade 6.

• Online Reading Resources
  • For your reference, here is a link to the SORA/OVERDRIVE APP. This will allow you and your child to access ebooks and audiobooks from Havergal’s library collection on any device. It is also possible to connect your personal public library account on Sora, for access to an even greater number of books. If you do not have a public library card, many libraries are offering digital cards that you can register for online. 
  • Here is the sign-in  information you need:
    • Students are able to simply use their Havergal username and password.
    • This  SET-UP GUIDE may also be helpful.

Co-Curriculars

Please note the following updates to the co-curricular updates, effective next week:

Grade 1 – 4

• Starting next week, co-curriculars in Grade 1 – 4 will be asynchronous. Homeroom Teachers, will also share this link on Seesaw and Google Classroom. These continue to be optional.

Grades 5 – 6

• Synchronous Co-Curriculars will continue for the next several weeks for students in Grades 5 & 6. In addition, we have created a list of list of asynchronous co-curricular options that students can also choose to participate in.

Prayers

It has been absolutely wonderful to see so many members of our community continue to attend prayers. It will continue on Mondays and Fridays, however the timing will now be from 3:30 pm – 3:50 pm.

Dear JS Parents,

Happy New Year!  

It has been such a genuine pleasure to reconnect with our students this week! When I think back to last March, and our very first experience with Remote Learning, I am in awe of the astounding strides we have made together. I have been privileged to have the opportunity to “pop-in” to each class, and have seen firsthand the tremendous productivity and learning that is occurring from JK to Grade 6.

It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the hard work, deep care,  and exemplary efforts of the faculty and staff who have been preparing for this eventuality all year. It has resulted in an incredibly smooth transition.  

While yesterday’s announcement from the Ontario Government that we are to continue with remote learning until January 25th may have brought about mixed emotions, I have every confidence that our students will continue to thrive.  As always, should you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s academic or social-emotional wellbeing, please connect with their homeroom teacher. 

Thank you to you as well for your continued support.  We’ve got this, Havergal!

Sincerely,

Kate White

Latest News

Co-Curriculars

Students  in Grades 1 to 6 will have the OPTION to participate in co-curricular programming next week as part of the Continuous Learning Program. These are available between 3:30  pm and 4:00 pm as follows:

• Tuesday: Grades 1 & 2
• Wednesday: Grades 3 & 4
• Thursday: Grades 5 & 6

Zoom links and program details will be sent to families via homeroom teachers.

Junior School Library 

Reading remains an integral part of the Havergal learning experience. As such, we are pleased to share the following: 

JK to Grade 2

• “The Book Bag” Program will continue for students in JK to Grade 2. 
• Book Bags can be exchanged, via curbside pick-up.

Grade 3 – 6

• Students will have access to the JS Library Catalogue and will be able to request books on-line. Ms. Marino will be visiting classes next week to go over login procedures, and how to make requests. Instructions will also be sent home.  Students are encouraged to request at least three books.

Safety considerations have, as always, been thoroughly considered in our planning. Books returned to the school will continue to be quarantined for seven days, before being put back into circulation or lent out to another student. This length of time is based on the “Reopening Archives, Libraries and Museums (REALM) Study, which recommends that library books be quarantined between three to seven days. 

Safe Curbside Pick-Up Instructions: 

• Curbside Pick-up is available for JK to Grade 6 on Mondays between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, starting on Monday, January 18.
• Please contact Ms. Marino (amarino@havergal.on.ca by Thursday to indicate what time on Monday you will be coming to pick-up/drop-off books.
• If you have more than one child who you are picking-up/dropping-off for, please indicate this in your email, so that it can be coordinated.
• Upon arrival, at the pre-arranged time, please have ONE person exit the car (wearing a mask), and place any books to be returned on the table outside. 
• Ms. Marino will have new books ready to swap out for  students in JK to Grade 2, and the requested books ready for students in Grades 3 – 6. 

Rose Reisman 

• For those families who participate in the hot lunch program, through Rose Reisman, please be advised that your accounts have been credited for any meals that have been ordered throughout the campus closure.  Any questions regarding this, should be directed to Rose Reisman Catering.

Reminders:

• Catherine Misson’s communication regarding the extended school closure, can be found HERE. 

Dear JS Parents

It hardly seems possible that we have reached the end of the first term together! Today in prayers, we lit the third advent candle, symbolizing joy. We then had the opportunity to give our students a sneak peak “Junior School Christmas Holiday Story.”  This Flipbook was creatively put together as an alternative to the  Christmas Concert, which has been a much loved part of the holiday season for many years. Thank you to Rosa Mastri, Jeff McLean, Rachel Read, Cissy Goodridge, Carol Tsang, Marketing and Communications,  all of  the students who created this for us to enjoy. We hope that this serves as an opportunity to reflect on the joy we have experienced this term, and the tremendous talents and creative expression of our students.

We wish everyone a wonderful December break and continued good health for you and your family.

Sincerely,

Kate White

Latest News

December 8th JS Parent Webinar Recording

For those of you who were unable to attend the Parent Webinars on Tuesday, December 8th, the recording is available through the following link:  JS Parent Webinar.

The recording showcases some of the many highlights throughout the last four months, as well as photos of students in the new JS spaces.

What Students Will be Bringing Home Over the Break

As we look forward to a well deserved holiday and a long rest, we are also looking forward to 2021. We are eager to resume classes on campus, as planned on January 4, but want to be prepared for continuous learning, should it be deemed safer for people to remain at home. 

To this end, students will be sent home with the immediate materials that they will need to get started with continuous learning after the break [e.g., notebooks, pencils/markers, iPad (Gr. 3) or laptop and charger (Grades 4 – 6). Should a longer absence from campus be mandated, we will arrange for a curbside pick-up of any relevant materials. 

Please be assured that Havergal is continuing to  monitor the trends and regular communication from Toronto Public Health, and communicate with families about any changes you need to be aware of.

Reminders:

Return to Campus Protocols for January 2021

We will continue to monitor the recommendations of Toronto Public Health and the Ministry of Education as we plan for a safe return to campus after the December break. We will be in touch over the break if we have updated information to share.

We ask for your cooperation by adhering to Toronto Public Health and the Ministry of Education guidelines. Toronto Public Health has asked that we share this letter with you regarding guidance for the holiday season.

• If your child will not be returning to campus on January 4th due to travel quarantine or other reasons, you are asked to complete this survey. Please feel free to contact the Day School Office (dso@havergal.on.ca) directly should you have additional details to submit related to your child(ren)’s delayed return in January.
• If your child will be away from school for more than 14 days but is able to learn online, please register them as a remote learner using this link.
• If your plans include international travel, please be reminded that you are required to quarantine for 14 days after your return to Canada, as per the Government of Canada Quarantine Act
• Following your quarantine to meet the Ministry of Education guidelines, you must submit a negative Covid-19 test to the school by emailing the test results to the Havergal College Health Center at covid@havergal.on.ca. The test results must be received before the student is permitted on campus.

Dear JS Parents,

The snow has started to fall, and we are all eagerly anticipating the upcoming winter break!  

A huge thank you for your generous contributions, totalling $15,000 from JK to Grade 12, to the New Circles’ Holiday Angels’ Program. These gift cards are much appreciated by the organization and by the families who will receive them. We have so very much to be grateful for, amidst all of the challenges we have faced this year, and this important initiative provides our students with the opportunity to reflect on this. Students  were also pleased to be able to create small notes and pictures of hope and cheer to attach to each of the gift cards. These were all delivered yesterday!

Click on the following link “Great to Give” for a short video documenting the process.

Wishing you all a lovely holiday season! May we all enjoy the last days of the term, proud of all we have accomplished as a community.  

Sincerely,

Kate White

Latest News

COVID-19 Screening Protocols – Update

Parents should be advised that today Toronto Public Health (TPH) announced changes to the COVID-19 screening process in schools, to further prevent opportunities for viral spread.TPH requires that students with one or more symptoms associated with COVID-19 must stay home, self-isolate and get tested before returning to school. Additionally, siblings or children in the same household as the symptomatic student will need to stay home and self-isolate while awaiting test results. 

As a result, the Havergal Screening Protocol will mirror these changes effective this Monday, December 7, 2020. See here for What to do if your child has COVID19 symptoms.   

Return to Campus Protocols for January 2021

As the December break draws near, we are looking ahead and planning for everyone’s safe return to campus on January 4th. In order to best support our students, faculty, and staff, we are asking for your assistance in the following ways.

• If your child will not be returning to campus on January 4th due to travel quarantine or other reasons, you are asked to complete this survey by Friday, December 11th. If your plans change after December 11th, please contact the Junior School Office (jsoffice@havergal.on.ca).
• If your plans include international travel, please be aware that you are required to quarantine for 14 days after your return to Canada, as per the Government of Canada Quarantine Act.
• Following your quarantine to meet Ministry of Education guidelines, you must submit a negative covid-19 test to the school by emailing the test results to the Havergal College Health Center at covid@havergal.on.ca. The test results must be received before the student is permitted on campus.

Reminders:

JS Parent Webinar: Tuesday, December 8 (6:30 pm – 7:45 pm)

We would like to invite you to a JS Webinar on Tuesday, December 8 from 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm.

The purpose of this event is to:

• Celebrate and communicate some of our student and College-wide accomplishments;
• Reflect upon the College’s top learnings throughout the term; and
• Share important information about health and safety protocols.

Please note that the webinars will be recorded and shared with the community if you are not able to attend.

Zoom Link for Junior School Parent Webinar

• Zoom Link
• Webinar ID: 993 7636 4856
• Passcode: 470773

Important Dates for the last Week of School:

• Monday, December 14 
  • Last Day of Gator Care; It will resume on Monday, January 4.
  • In lieu of a Christmas Concert this year, families will be receiving a very special “Flip Book” made with love and the holiday spirit from the Junior School Students. A video link will be provided to all parents at 5pm, on December 14th.
• Tuesday, December 15 – Last Day of School for the Fall Term; Students in JK to Grade 12  are  having a holiday dress down day where everyone is invited to dress in their favourite holiday dress. 

Drop-Off and Pick-Up:

In order for our drop-off and pick-up procedures to run as safely and efficiently as possible, it is critical that everyone adheres to the following:

• Speed:
  • Drive no faster than 15 km/hour along the driveway.
• Drop-Off:
  • Students need to be prepared to exit the car quickly. To do so, they must have all of their belongings with them and ready to go, without having to get things from the trunk. This delays the flow of traffic.
  • Students should exit the car on the curbside of the driveway, and not into oncoming traffic.
  • Stay in the drop-off line, and follow the instructions of the security guard on duty. Weaving in and out of the drop-off line is a safety concern.
• Pick-Up Times:
  • Only pick up your child during their designated pick-up time. 
  • Parents/guardians who arrive outside of their time will be asked to leave the line. When families arrive outside of their designated time, it impedes the dismissal flow, and backs up traffic unnecessarily onto Lawrence, often past Avenue Road.
  • Pick-up times are as follows:
    • JK: 3 -3:15 pm 
    • SK: 3:15 – 3:30 pm 
    • Grades 1 to 3: 3:25 – 3:40 pm 
    • Grades 4 to 6: 3:40 – 3:55 pm
  • Families who have more than one pick-up time, are asked to come at their older child’s pick-up time, when siblings will be called to to the car together. 
• Parking:
  • Only families with children in JK or SK are permitted to park on the Asphalt Parking Lot between 2:45 pm and 3:30 pm. This is because they have to walk around the building to physically pick up their children. All other families will be asked to leave the lot during this time.