Friday 23 October 2015

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