Dear Parents,
The Student Institute Team (SIT) was officially added to our after-school club program list this year, as well as operating once a week in the morning. In SIT, girls learn that they don't have to wait, and they don't have to be older - they can step up to their place in the world now. They are encouraged to share their ideas, get help developing them, and build on the ideas of others as they answer the question, "What kind of world do I want?" Students met every week to develop inquiry skills, research and collaborate on a topic that held significance to them. The outstanding students of SIT exemplify how Havergal's values of Inquiry, Integrity, Compassion, and Courage are lived within the school community inside and outside the classroom. Some examples of the work being done in SIT this year include:
Primary SIT: A grade 1 student began with the guiding question, "How do endangered animals become endangered?" and completed a research inquiry into the plight of rhinoceroses. Focusing on unique qualities that make rhinos an important species in the African ecosystem as well as interesting concepts like the symbiotic relationship they have with some birds for cleaning, the student enthusiastically encouraged her fellow SIT members to ask questions about ethically sourcing materials and learning more about how to protect endangered rhino species.
Junior SIT: Two Grade 5 students have teamed up to learn more about the role of vaccinations in healthy communities. The two have researched the efficacy of different vaccination schemes and have contrasted the successful eradication of smallpox with the ongoing work being done by health professionals on malaria and dengue fever. Learning the difference between viral and bacterial infections and how healthcare responses differ to each, they are eager to learn more and share their findings with the Havergal Community. Currently, the team is preparing to interview an employee of UNICEF with the hopes of having it published in both Junior and Senior School newspapers.
There are dozens more ideas being explored during SIT this year and teachers, staff and parents are all invited to share in the learning. Wednesday morning sessions will continue until the holiday break for interested students from 7:45-8:30 am in the Learning Hub. We're looking forward to resuming the afternoon club SIT times in the new year!
Warmly,
Leslie Anne
ESL PARENT COFFEE MORNING - CALLING ALL PARENTS (Grades JK-6)!
In an effort to assist our Junior School families, for whom English is a second language, with a better understanding of what goes in inside our ivy-covered walls, we invite you to join us for a coffee morning in the Learning Hub on Thursday, December 3 from 10:00-11:30 am. We will begin the event with some words of welcome from our Principal, Mrs. Helen-Kay Davy, followed by a brief presentation from senior faculty and staff including:
- Leslie Anne Dexter, Head of Junior School
- Seonaid Davis, Director of Curriculum and Faculty Development
- Heather Johnstone, Head of Guidance
- Louise Yearwood, Executive Director of Advancement and Community Relations
Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. We will have translators for all those who have RSVP'd with a language request. Please direct questions to Sara Ly at sly@havergal.on.ca or call 416.483.3843 extension 6915.
BUILDING STUDENT SOCIAL LITERACY AND INTRA & INTER-PERSONAL CAPACITIES
As many of you know, Kate Sharpe is no stranger to the halls of Havergal College. Kate is a teacher, and has completed her training as a certified coach. She is a well respected member of our community and is an HC Old Girl. We are excited to continue our work building resiliency and capacity in all students. Over the last three years, Kate has worked with our students, parents, faculty and staff. This year, we continue to build on this vital and important learning. She has already worked with the Grade 3's this term, and in the winter will work with students in Grades 4, 5, and 6. Kate addressed the parents at the HCPA luncheon last Friday, and it is our hope that she will again be able to work with our parents this year.
JS CHRISTMAS CONCERTS
Grades JK+SK - Monday, December 14 at 2:00 pm in the JS Gymnasium
Grades 1-6 - Wednesday, December 16 at 6:30 pm in the Brenda Robson Hall (Upper School)
Tickets for the grades 1-6 concert are available in the JS Office. Each family of students in grades 1-6 will be provided with 2 tickets to this event. Tickets are to be collected from the JS Office and students will be permitted to collect them on their parent's behalf. If you will not be using one or both of your tickets, we ask that you advise the office as soon as possible so the seats can be reassigned to a family requesting additional tickets. If you would like to request additional tickets, please ask the office to be put on the waitlist. All efforts will be made to accommodate as many as possible. We thank you for your understanding.
SIT - THANK YOU JUNIOR SCHOOL - FROM NEW CIRCLES
We received the following message from our friends at New Circles to share with you::
"Dear Havergal Families, we just picked up the donations that the Junior School had collected today. Wow! What a generous clothing drive! Thank you so much to the staff, student body and parents for supporting this initiative. Winter is a very busy time at New Circles - we serve a high volume of people living on a low income, the majority of whom are newcomers and refugees. We are often short on clothing for children - especially winter gear. We are so grateful to have such a wonderful and generous supporter in Havergal College. These donations will go a long way in helping us serve the community!
Sincerely,
Nita Saini
New Circles - Manager, Volunteer Programs
With this said, if you have any items left to donate, the bins will remain outside the Learning Hub until Monday. 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 30, December 7 (session times advised by Ms. Wade)
Chess Lunch Club & Basketball Clinic @ November 30
Zodiactors @ November 30, with a performance on December 7
Tuesdays:
Junior Choir @ December 1
One Act Plays @ December 1, 8
Wednesdays:
Primary Choir @ December 2
Thursdays:
Fashion Design, Junior Journalists, Science & Video Games Design Clubs @ December 3
NEXT WEEK AT A GLANCE: November 30-December 4
Monday, November 30: Advent Prayers with Mrs. Helen-Kay Davy @ 8:30 am (JS Gym)
Wednesday, December 2: JS Grade Rep Meeting @ 8:30 am (JS Learning Hub)
Thursday, December 3: ESL Parent Coffee Morning @ 10:00-11:30 am (JS Learning Hub)
NEED TO KNOW DATES
Monday, December 14: Kindergarten Christmas Concert @ 2:00 pm (JS gym)(reception to follow)
Tuesday, December 15: Locker/Cubby/Desk Clean Out
Wednesday, December 16: Grades 1-6 Christmas Concert @ 6:30 pm (Brenda Robson Hall)
Thursday, December 17: Whole School Red/Green Dress (casual dress/non-uniform)
Thursday, December 17: Christmas Prayers @ 8:30 am (JS Gym)
Thursday, December 17: Dismissal @ 3:30 pm, aftercare available until 6:00 pm
Friday, December 18 to Friday, January 1: Christmas Break (no school)
Monday, January 4: Back to school!
