Friday Message From the Head of Junior School: October 30, 2015

Dear JS Parents,

It's Halloween! As a young child this was one of my absolute favorite days of the year. I was positively bursting with excitement as I planned my costume, whether it was a princess, witch, clown or cowgirl and today I am a gourmet chef! The Junior School is full of some of the most creative, cute and even scary costumes you could possibly imagine. I hope that you were able to join us for our annual assembly led by the Upper School prefects and shared in some of this 'spirited' fun.

Stay safe and best wishes for a Happy Halloween!

Warmly,
Leslie Anne



ATHLETICS MESSAGE FROM DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS - ANNIE MAKI
To our grade 5+6 parents: The plans for the upcoming winter athletic season are already in motion. The girls will have the opportunity to try out for the volleyball and swim teams. The tryout period is from Monday, November 24 - Friday, December 4.

Online registration - we are pleased to announce that the Junior School is moving to online registration for the winter season. The online sign up is for our competitive teams only. The winter athletic volleyball training squad and primary athletic club will be part of the co-curricular clubs registration which will happen in the next few weeks. This club sign up will also include the JS hockey club. There is no online registration for the hockey club. Interested girls will be invited to sign up with the coaches soon.

Online registration is open from Monday, November 2 at 8:00 am, until Tuesday, November 17 at 12:00 pm. Please log into the Parent Portal for access to the Winter Athletics sign up link. Here, you will find the welcome  message and be directed to the Launch registration link at the bottom of the page and be prompted to move through the registration. The teams that are visible are the only teams that your daughter is eligible to sign up for (ie: a grade 5 student will not be able to register for the grade 6 volleyball team). The Winter Athletics sign up link is both in your parent portal and your daughter's Veracross home page. It does not matter if you use your or your daughter's account to sign up. The system will not allow your daughter to sign up twice for the same team and you will be able to see if your daughter has already signed up. A confirmation email will be sent to the account that is used to register. Once registered and during the tryout period students will be listed on the team in Veracross so that they can see tryout times. Once the team has been selected only the students that have made the team will remain on the team list. Your daughter received an introduction to the online sign up process this week. We encourage you to go through the registration process together. The seasons schedule will be distributed to students at the first try out. It is an expectation that each team member attend every practice and league game. It is mandatory that all team members attend the final championship. If you have any question with registration, please contact Ms. Maki at amaki@havergal.on.ca or at 416.483.3843 extension 6606.

STARBOOKS - Tuesday, November 3
Our parent workshop on Independent Reading and how it is one of the most important factors in your daughter's reading development is being offered again on Tuesday, November 3 from 8:30-9:15 am in the JS Learning Hub. I encourage parents of students in Grades JK-6 to come and learn Havergal's philosophy and how you can support your daughter in her development of this crucial academic and life skill. I hope to see you there!

JS GRADE REP MEETING - Wednesday, November 4
Co-convenors Andrea Cohen and Dana Rippon would like to invite all parents to attend the upcoming Grade Rep meeting on Wednesday, November 4 at 8:30-9:430 am in the JS Learning Hub.

REMEMBRANCE DAY - Monday, November 9
The Junior School will be honouring Remembrance Day on Monday, November 9 at 11:00 am. As this is a formal occasion, we ask that your daughter come to school in her #1 uniform. We encourage family members to join us at this special service. Please note, that Junior School Grandpals' Day will take place on Wednesday, May 25 this year, rather than following the Remembrance Day Service.

JS PORTRAITS REMINDER
Just a quick reminder that your daughter's school portrait is online and available for purchase at www.perfect-portraits.com/. The password to enter the secure site for HC is: JR2015. The viewing and ordering is time sensitive as an upload fee of $20 will be applied to all orders after Saturday, November 7, 2015.

SIT - NEW CIRCLES NEEDS OUR HELP!
Our friends at New Circles have reached out to us for our support. Since moving to a larger space last year, they have been able to accommodate even more families. More clients means more demand, and New Circles is experiencing an unusual shortage of girls' clothing, winter coats and boots of all sizes. With winter fast approaching, the HC community will be collecting gently used items throughout the month of November. Collection boxes will be set up outside the Learning Hub. Coats, snow-pants, boots, hats, mittens, clothing and (new) socks and underwear of all sizes are all greatly appreciated. To learn more about this valued Community Partner, please visit their website: http://newcircles.ca/

CO-CURRICULAR CLUBS: Remaining Session Dates
Mondays:
ABT Ballet @ November 2, 9, 23, 30, December 7 (session times advised by Ms. Wade)
Chess Lunch Club & Basketball Clinic @  November 2, 9, 23, 30
Zodiactors @ November 2, 9, 23, 30, with a performance on December 7

Tuesdays:
Corking Club, Junior Choir, Multi-Sports, One Act Play, SIT/Primary @  November 3, 10, 17

Wednesdays:
SIT/AM (Grades 1-6) at 7:45-8:30 am @ November 4, 18, 25
Junior Tennis Club @ November 4
Primary Choir & SIT/Junior @ November 4, 18, 25

Thursdays:
Fashion Design, Junior Journalists, Science & Video Games Design Clubs @ November 5, 19, 26, December 3

NEXT WEEK AT A GLANCE: November 2-6
Monday, November 2: Pizza Lunch (Rose Reisman Catering not available)
Tuesday, November 3: Starbooks @ 8:30 am in the JS Learning Hub
Wednesday, November 4: JS Grade Rep Meeting @ 8:30 am in the JS Learning Hub
  
PARENT PORTAL REMINDER:
For detailed information about your family's household calendar, I encourage you to log onto Veracross through the Parent Portal (http://www.comunity.havergal.on.ca). For the latest school news, visit http://www.havergal.on.ca/news

Friday Message From the Head of Junior School: October 23, 2015

Dear JS Parents,

There is much for you to read in this message. As always, I am available to you should you have any questions or concerns.

Enjoy your weekend!

Leslie Anne Dexter
Head of Junior School



ATHLETIC PHILOSOPHY
Every student, from our Junior School to Senior School, has the capability to engage in Havergal's athletics program.

Havergal's athletics program has the breadth to meet the needs of a diverse group of students, and the depth to challenge students at all stages of development. It also develops in all students: self-confidence, sportsmanship, commitment, perseverance, co-operation, responsibility, resilience, self-efficacy, and pride in representing the school.

The Junior School Athletic Program has three components to develop our athletes:

Squad Teams & Clubs

• New in PRIMARY grades! Each term as a part of the after-school Clubs' Program, students in Grades 1-3 can now sign up to participate in a non-competitive athletic program, (e.g., Multi-Sport Club). The goal is to allow our youngest students to participate in a variety of non-competitive athletic activities so that they can stay active and develop a lifelong commitment to healthy, active living while having fun.
• New in JUNIOR grades! Each term, as part of the after-school Clubs' Program, students in Grades 4-6 are invited to join a sport specific Squad Team. A different sport is offered each term, (Fall - Basketball; Winter - Volleyball; Spring - Softball). The goal is to allow students to explore an interest in a specific sport in a non-competitive environment, to develop individual skills and to experience being part of a team.

Intramurals

• Students in Grades 1-6 are invited to participate in Intramurals on Wednesdays from 8:30-9:00 am. The Intramural program is designed to involve all students.
• Intramurals offer a mix of co-operative and competitive games. Students play in House Teams, and this creates an environment for fun and for building community.

Competitive Teams

• The competitive athletic program provides the opportunity for students to participate on teams representing Havergal College. Our teams compete in the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association of Girls (CISAA-G).
• In the Junior School, the following is in place to ensure that we have a blend of maximum participation with competitive excellence. Every team member is awarded the opportunity to contribute to achieving these goals while having fun playing the game.
• Teams offered in the Junior School are:
• Cross-Country (Grades 1-6)
• Swim (Grades 5-6)
• Basketball (Grades 5-6)
• Soccer (Grades 4-6)
• Volleyball (Grades 5-6)
• Softball (Grades 5-6)
• Track & Field (Grades 4-6)

OPEN HOUSE - Wednesday, October 28
On October 28, we invite prospective families to come to our Open House between 8:30-11:00 am. It is a special opportunity for families to visit our campus and see our school in action. As we want to look our best, please send your daughter to school in her #1 uniform. Student Ambassadors in Grade 6 will act as tour guides and represent us. If you have any questions concerning the admissions process, please do not hesitate to contact Hilary Adamson at hadamson@havergal.on.ca/.

HALLOWEEN IN THE JUNIOR SCHOOL - Friday, October 30
JS students will celebrate Halloween on Friday, October 30. We invite students to come to school in grub (non-uniform) clothing during the day, and change into costumes after lunch. Upper School students will join us for a fun assembly in the afternoon, and Grade Reps will provide a healthy treat in the classroom to follow. Please do not send in additional treats or sweets.

STARBOOKS - Tuesday, November 3
Our parent workshop on Independent Reading and how it is one of the most important factors in your daughter's reading development is being offered again on Tuesday, November 3 from 8:30-9:15 am in the JS Learning Hub. I encourage parents of students in Grades JK-6 to come and learn Havergal's philosophy and how you can support your daughter in her development of this crucial academic and life skill. I hope to see you there!

JS PORTRAITS REMINDER
Just a quick reminder that your daughter's school portrait is online and available for purchase at www.perfect-portraits.com/. The password to enter the secure site for HC is: JR2015. The viewing and ordering is time sensitive as an upload fee of $20 will be applied to all orders after Saturday, November 7, 2015.

GRADE 4/5/6 LOCKER HELP NEEDED
Students take great pride in their lockers. Please assist us in helping them to manage and organize these space independently by not going into their locker. We appreciate your support in this.

CO-CURRICULAR CLUBS: Remaining Session Dates
Mondays:
ABT Ballet @ October 26, November 2, 9, 23, 30, December 7 (session times advised by Ms. Wade)
Chess Lunch Club & Basketball Clinic @ October 26, November 2, 9, 23, 30
Zodiactors @ October 26, November 2, 9, 23, 30, with a performance on December 7

Tuesdays:
Corking Club, Junior Choir, Multi-Sports, One Act Play, SIT/Primary @ October 27, November 3, 10, 17

Wednesdays:
SIT/AM (Grades 1-6) at 7:45-8:30 am @ October 28, November 4, 18, 25
Junior Tennis Club @ October 28, November 4
Primary Choir & SIT/Junior @ October 28, November 4, 18, 25

Thursdays:
Fashion Design, Junior Journalists, Science & Video Games Design Clubs @ October 29, November 5, 19, 26, December 3

NEXT WEEK AT A GLANCE: October 26-30
Monday, October 26: JS Evacuation Drill @ 8:40 am
Tuesday, October 27: Grade 1 Parent Coffee Morning @ 8:30 am in the JS Learning Hub
Wednesday, October 28: Open House @ 8:30-11:00 am, students in #1 dress
Friday, October 30: Grub dress (non-uniform), change into costume in the afternoon, assembly @ 2:30 pm

 
PARENT PORTAL REMINDER:
For detailed information about your family's household calendar, I encourage you to log onto Veracross through the Parent Portal (http://www.comunity.havergal.on.ca). For the latest school news, visit http://www.havergal.on.ca/news

Friday Message From the Head of Junior School: October 16, 2015

Dear JS Parents,

Last Wednesday, a group of parents and teachers came together during our first Starbooks of the year to consider Independent Reading and its crucial role in developing our students into life long readers. They explored the importance of reading quantity, book selection, parental involvement, and shared strategies to support our girls. Homework, reluctant readers, the prevalence of fairy books, and competition with screens and busy lives were also discussed. Parents asked thoughtful questions and shared valuable anecdotes that enriched the conversation. As we know that proficient reading is one of the biggest factors in academic success, I am pleased that we are able to offer such an important forum to our parent community.

We received feedback that some parents were unable to attend this session, and may be wondering about the following questions:

- How can I support my daughter's reading development?
- Why is the majority of my daughter's homework independent reading?
- What are 'just-right books', and which ones are right for my daughter?
- What is Havergal's philosophy on independent reading?

If you would be interested in attending a repeat session of Starbooks on Independent Reading, please email Nancy Tulli, our Literacy Coordinator at ntulli@havergal.on.ca. Also, I encourage you to talk to your daughter's teacher during upcoming conference about any questions you may have.

Leslie Anne Dexter
Head of Junior School


HC/BSS FUN RUN - Grades 1-3
Our Cross Country Fun Run returns next week on Tuesday, October 20. Primary students and teachers from BSS will join us for an afternoon of fun, running and friendship. We will run the Terry Fox loop around the school and enjoy activities together on the lower pitch. The Fun Run begins at 1:40 pm, and will finish by regular dismissal time. Your daughter can wear her HC athletic clothing all day. Please ensure that she comes to school in PE uniform and brings warm clothing to put on for the afternoon's outside activities. She can wear track pants over her PE shorts to keep warm. We are looking forward to a fabulous, and hopefully sunny afternoon!

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES - October 22 & 23
October conference time to meet with your daughter's teachers is scheduled for Thursday, October 22 between 4:00-8:00 pm, and Friday, October 23 between 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. The scheduling site, Pick A Time closes at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, October 21. Please note that there is no school or child care available on Friday, October 23. Gator care is available on October 22 until 6:00 pm only, I encourage you to register a spot for your daughter now.

USBORNE BOOKS
Usborne Books will be running a book fair during Parent/Teacher Conferences. Usborne offers a variety of attractive books for all ages, from board books to great fiction and non-fiction for older readers. The fair will take place outside of the Learning Hub during the evening of October 22, and all day October 23. Be sure to stop by!

JS PRAYERS
The Anglican Diocese of Toronto has hired local filmmaker Nicholas Bradford-Ewart to create a video to illustrate the ordinary and extraordinary moments of Chaplains working with students. The project will be a 2-3 minute collage, made up of short moments in which Chaplains interact with students. The final video will be shown at the Toronto Synod (bi-annual general meeting) and online at the Dioceses' YouTube page. The video will have a similar feel and tone to University of Toronto's video, as you can see here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zP7qF0xZpuU
On Monday, October 19, Nicholas will film at the Junior School. There will be shots set up outside of Prayers, and students in those scenarios will be approached by the Reverend Canon Susan Bell or the Reverend Andrew MacDonald for permission, otherwise student faces will be blurred. This project is a city-wide initiative and many other schools will also participate.

OPEN HOUSE - Wednesday, October 28
On October 28, we invite prospective families to come to our Open House between 8:30-11:00 am. It is a special opportunity for families to visit our campus and see our school in action. As we want to look our best, please send your daughter to school in her #1 uniform. Student Ambassadors in Grade 6 will act as tour guides and represent us. If you have any questions concerning the admissions process, please do not hesitate to contact Hilary Adamson at hadamson@havergal.on.ca/.

HALLOWEEN IN THE JUNIOR SCHOOL - Friday, October 30
JS students will celebrate Halloween on Friday, October 30. We invite students to come to school in grub (non-uniform) clothing during the day, and change into costumes after lunch. Upper School students will join us for a fun assembly in the afternoon, and Grade Reps will provide a healthy treat in the classroom to follow. Please do not send in additional treats or sweets.

JS PORTRAITS
Just a quick reminder that your daughter's school portrait is online and available for purchase at www.perfect-portraits.com/. The password to enter the secure site for HC is: JR2015. The viewing and ordering is time sensitive as an upload fee of $20 will be applied to all orders after Saturday, November 7, 2015.

CO-CURRICULAR CLUBS: Remaining Session Dates
Mondays:
ABT Ballet @ October 19, 26, November 2, 9, 23, 30, December 7 (session times advised by Ms. Wade)
Chess Lunch Club & Basketball Clinic @ October 19, 26, November 2, 9, 23, 30
Zodiactors @ October 19, 26, November 2, 9, 23, 30, with a performance on December 7
Tuesdays:
Corking Club, Junior Choir, Multi-Sports, One Act Play, SIT/Primary @ October 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17
Wednesdays:
SIT/AM (Grades 1-6) at 7:45-8:30 am @ October 21, 28, November 4, 18, 25
Junior Tennis Club @ October 21, 28, November 4
Primary Choir & SIT/Junior @ October 21, 28, November 4, 18, 25
Thursdays:
Fashion Design, Junior Journalists, Science & Video Games Design Clubs @ October 29, November 5, 19, 26, December 3

 
PARENT PORTAL REMINDER:
For detailed information about your family's household calendar, I encourage you to log onto Veracross through the Parent Portal (http://www.comunity.havergal.on.ca). For the latest school news, visit http://www.havergal.on.ca/news

Friday Message From the Head of Junior School

Dear Parents,

 

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

 

I open this message with the above quote from Melody Beattie as I reflect on the Thanksgiving holiday and our beautiful JS Harvest Festival Service we had this morning. I am grateful for many things, chief among them the relationships and friendships I have with your daughters and you. I want to thank you for your generous donations of food, which have already made their way to the North York Harvest Food Bank, whose mission is to provide dignified food assistance and support to community members in northern Toronto. I’m delighted to announce that your gifts weighed in at  1,140 pounds! This will go a long way in helping others to have a food on their tables this holiday.

 

Warmly,
Leslie Anne Dexter

 

CELEBRATION SATURDAY 

Thank you to all for your generous contributions to and participation at Celebration Saturday. Although the weather was a brisk and chilly, everyone had a wonderful time enjoying the many activities while supporting our school partnerships. Look for photos on the HC website.

STARBOOKS

Are you wondering about…
·             How can I support my daughter’s reading development?
·             Why is the majority of my daughter’s homework independent reading?
·             What are “just-right” books and which ones are right for my daughter?
·             What is Havergal’s philosophy on independent reading?

If these questions speak to you, then you may be interested in attending our first Starbooks of the year. Grade 1, 4 and 5 Teachers, Librarian, and Literacy Coordinator will be discussing Independent Reading – why it is important to your daughter’s development and the role you can play in supporting her. Join us in the Learning Hub from 8:30 – 9:15 am on Wednesday, October 14, 2015.

 

QSP MAGAZINE DRIVE

Support our Community Partnerships with our magazine drive. Please consider ordering your magazine subscriptions through Havergal’s magazine drive and your contributions will help support our community partnerships. By participating in this initiative, you will receive great magazines at reduced prices so you can save up to 91% off what you would pay at the newsstand. A single magazine can cost as little as $1 per issue. To place an order or purchase a gift, visit www.QSP.ca and enter either the Junior School or Upper School group numbers:
- Junior School: 3736733
- Upper School: 3736758
Orders are due by Thursday, October 15

 

CO-CURRICULAR CLUBS: Remaining Session Dates
Mondays:
ABT Ballet @ October 19, 26, November 2, 9, 23, 30, December 7 (session times advised by Ms. Wade)
Chess Lunch Club & Basketball Clinic @ September 28, October 5, 19, 26, November 2, 9, 23, 30
Zodiactors @ October 19, 26, November 2, 9, 23, 30, with a performance on December 7
 

Tuesdays:
Corking Club, Junior Choir, Multi-Sports, One Act Plays, SIT/Primary @ October 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17
 

Wednesdays:
SIT/AM (Grades 1-6) at 7:45-8:30 am @ October 14, 21, 28, November 4, 18, 25
Junior Tennis Club @ October 14, 21, 28, November 4
Primary Choir & SIT/Junior @ October 14, 21, 28, November 4, 18, 25
 

Thursdays:
Fashion Design, Junior Journalists, Science & Video Games Design Clubs @ October 15, 29, November 5, 19, 26, December 3

 

PARENT PORTAL REMINDER: For detailed information about your family’s household calendar, I encourage you to log onto Veracross through the Parent Portal (http://www.community.havergal.on.ca). For the latest school news, visit http://www.havergal.on.ca/news