Dear Parents,
In the 2006-2007 school year, our theme was, "The Year of the Story". Our Grade 1 students at that time felt that the Thomas King quote, "The truth about stories is that's all we are" was a good starting point for a study unit. From that point on, their teachers asked HC parents if they would like to share their story. Each week they would regale us with extraordinary and amazing narratives that the students in the Upper School still remember to this day.
During Prayers this year, we have been talking about life's journeys and people's stories. As the girls of 2006-2007 are now close to graduating, we thought that our current student body would benefit greatly from hearing some of the parent stories shared a decade ago. We invited some of these parents back to the Junior School to retell their stories. We are so delighted that Mrs. Anh Truong, mother of Old Girl, Bernice Chan and current student Renee Chan, has kindly agreed to share hers. She will talk about her life in Vietnam and the journey that brought her to Toronto. Hers is story that is particularly pertinent in light of current world events. Please join us on Tuesday, February 16 at 8:25 am for our "Year of the Story" P4C in the JS gym.
Warmly,
Leslie Anne Dexter
ATHLETICS: A MESSAGE FROM ANNIE MAKI, JS ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Please join Athletic Directors - Annie Maki (Junior School) and Jackie Suongas (Upper School) for our Parent Starbooks Session on Wednesday, February 17 at 8:30 am in the JS Learning Hub and learn more about our whole school athletic philosophy.
JSMNO - JS MOM'S NIGHT OUT!
There's still space for you at the JSMNO. Our fourth annual JS mom's night out takes place at Terroni on Wednesday, February 17 at 7:00-11:00 pm. Book your spot at http://jsmno2016.eventbrite.ca
CELEBRATING CHINESE NEW YEAR - YEAR OF THE MONKEY
The JS welcomes the Lion Dance Troupe on Thursday, February 18 at 9:30-10:00 am. Learn about the history of Chinese New Year and more about the Year of the Monkey.
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES - NOTE: EARLY DISMISSAL + GATOR CARE
Teachers are looking forward to speaking with parents on Thursday, February 25. Please note that students will be dismissed at 2:40 pm on this day. Gator Care will be available from 2:40-6:00 pm.
PARENT LEARNING CONFERENCE - Note: New Location - Brenda Robson Hall
Combining Character Development and Intellectual Development: A Startling Conclusion of the Recent Brain Research
"Every interaction a child has, during the course of a day, influences the adult that child will become." - Dr. JoAnn Deak
On Thursday, February 25 we welcome Dr. JoAnn Deak to lead our first ever day-long Parent Learning Conference. The session runs from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm in the Brenda Robson Hall (note: new location).
JS GREAT BAKE SALE - Bakers and Volunteers Wanted!
We need you! We need more volunteers at our first ever JS Great Bake Sale on Thursday, February 25. And, to all you bakers, we want all your delicious nut-free treats for our sweet sale in the JS. Contact Katy Sisley at ksisley@rogers.com if you can spare an hour or two or want to make/donate a treat.
Students - Bring a toonie to school and join your classmates as you shop at the 'Student Treat' table. All items on this table will have been made in, or purchased/donated from a nut-free facility. There will also be items available that consider other allergy sensitivities such as dairy and eggs.
Parents - After school and throughout the Parent/Teacher Conferences, you are invited to purchase home-made baked goods that have been lovingly made by JS families. Please note, that while none of the treats on these tables will have any peanuts or treenuts directly in them, they cannot be considered 'nut-free' as they have not been made in a nut-free facility.
The Bake Sale will be open to parents at 3:00 pm - a word of advice, come early while the selection is at it's best!
Payment may be made by cash or charged to student accounts.
SIT UPDATE
The Student Institute Team (SIT), continues to meet on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for girls interested in learning about the world and making a difference. This past Tuesday, grade 3 students Suri, Selena, and Shirley researched and created an action plan to help endangered leatherback sea turtles. Junior SIT members, Annabel and Carina are using their skills in computer coding to create an interactive game to teach children about the effects of global climate change. We are looking forward to seeing the results of all the students' hard work over the coming months!
A NEW HOME FOR GENTLY USED CHILDREN'S BOOKS
Do you have gently used children's books that your family has outgrown? Would you like to give those books a second life by donating them to children who cannot afford books of their own? The Children's Book Bank is a charitable organization whose mission is to provide children's books and literacy support to children living in high needs Toronto communities. The Book Bank operates like a wonderful children's bookstore, except that the books are FREE of charge. Havergal will be supporting the Children's Book Bank by running a book drive during the week of February 29-March 4. Please take care to ensure that the donated books are gently used, suitable for children up to grade six and have been printed within the last 10 years. No teen or adult books please. There will be drop boxes located the foyer in front of the Learning Hub. For additional information, please contact Erica Rodd at erodd@havergal.on.ca or call 416-483-3843, extension 7544.
CO-CURRICULAR CLUBS - REMAINING WINTER SESSION DATES
Mondays:
ABT Ballet: February 22, 29, March 7 @ times advised by Ms. Wade
Chess Lunch Club: February 22, 29, March 7 @ 11:50-12:50 pm
Squad Volleyball Team: February 22, 29, March 7 @ 3:45-4:45 pm
Tuesdays:
Brain Busters + SIT/Primary: February 16, 23, March 1 @ 3:45-4:45 pm
Games Galore Club: February 16, 23, March 1, 8 @ 3:45-4:45 pm
Junior Choir: @ 3:30-4:15 pm, for dates please refer to email from Mr. MacLean
Wednesdays:
Ukulele Club + SIT/Junior: February 17, 24, March 2 @ 3:45-4:45 pm
Primary Choir: @ 3:45-4:30 pm, for dates please refer to email from Mr. MacLean
Thursdays:
Crafty Science, Lego Engineering & Photojournalist's Clubs + Squad Karate: February 18, March 3, 10 @ 3:45-4:45 pm
NEXT WEEK AT A GLANCE:
Monday, February 15: Family Day Holiday - NO SCHOOL
Wednesday, February 17: JS Starbooks Parent Talk @ 8:30 am in the JS Learning Hub "HC Athletic Philosophy"
Wednesday, February 17: Grade 6 lunch @ US Hawkin's Dining Hall @ 11:50 am
Wednesday, February 17: HCPA Meeting @ 1:00 pm
Wednesday, February 17: JS Mom's Night Out @ 7:00-11:00 pm
Thursday, February 18: JS celebrates Chinese New Year @ 9:30 am in the JS gym
DATES YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Wednesday, February 24: Grade 1 Parent Coffee Morning, contact your Grade Rep for details
Wednesday, February 24: Parent/Teacher Conferences online booking closes @ 12:00 pm
Thursday, February 25: Parent Learning Conference (see above for details)
Thursday, February 25: JS Great Bake Sale (see above for details)
Thursday, February 25: Parent/Teacher Conferences @ 3:20-8:00 pm - Gator Care available until 6:00 pm, NO AFTERSCHOOL ACTIVITIES
February 29 - March 4: JS Mabel's Fables Book Fair
Tuesday, March 1: Grade 6 Parent Coffee Morning, contact your Grade Rep for details
Thursday, March 3: Grade 5 Parent Coffee Morning, contact your Grade Rep for details
Monday, March 7: JS Pizza Lunch @ 11:50-12:50 pm
Thursday, March 10: JS locker/cubby/desk clean up
Friday, March 11: JS closes @ 3:30 pm, aftercare available until 6:00 pm
Monday, March 14 - Monday, March 28: Spring Break - NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, March 29: Back to school!
