Friday 15 April 2016

Message From the Head of Junior School: April 15, 2016

Dear Parents,

As I write this, the sun is shining and our temperature is actually in the plus column, I think it's safe to say that spring is finally here! With it comes many activities and events that you need to know about. Below please find information to keep you 'in the loop' and able to navigate through the next few weeks.
 
Warmly,
Leslie Anne Dexter

 

JS STARBOOKS - MATHEMATICAL MINDSETS: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20
It isn't uncommon for students to feel frustrated when trying to solve math equations, and ultimately taking the attitude that they simply can't succeed. With the right tools and tricks, you can learn how to turn a negative mindset into a positive growth mindset. Join Junior School teachers and math specialists - Britney Coleman and Dan McCrae as they present a seminar on Wednesday, April 20 at 8:30 am in the JS Learning Hub. This presentation will be of interest to all JS parents from grades JK-6.


FOUNDERS' DAY - THURSDAY, APRIL 21
Founders' Day is a birthday, of sorts, that builds HC community. It is a longstanding tradition in the life of Havergal that brings together students, faculty and staff from both the Junior and Upper Schools. It marks the anniversary of the cornerstone being laid at the "New School" on Avenue Road in 1926. Please note the following details:
  • Thursday, April 21 at St. Paul's Cathedral (Bloor Street)
  • Regular school day for JK and SK
  • All students in grades 1-6 are to be dressed in #1 Concert Dress Uniform consisting of: a long sleeve white blouse, HC tie, green socks and black shoes with either a kilt (grades 5+6), or tunic (grades 1-4) + special attention to her hair, hair should be pinned back using a plain accessory such as a small pin, or a headband without colour, sparkles or embellishments
  • Members of the Junior Choir are to arrive at school at 7:15 am and will depart by bus at 7:30 am (sharp!)
  • All other students in grades 1-6 are to arrive at school for attendance at 8:00 am, to load the bus at 8:10 am for an 8:30 am departure
  • The service will begin at 9:30 am
  • We anticipate students to return to the JS by 11:30 am, followed by an outdoor recess
  • Lunch will take place as normal, with an ice-cream treat served to celebrate
  • The afternoon schedule remains as usual 
 
 
EARTH DAY MOVIE: OFFSITE EXCURSION FOR GRADES 1-6 - FRIDAY, APRIL 22
Parents of students in grades 1-6 should have already received a permission form for your daughter to attend this Earth Day offsite excursion to the SilverCity Cinema at Yonge/Eglinton to see National Geographic's "Arctic Tale". This brilliant documentary introduces us to Nanu, a polar bear cub and Seela, a walrus pup and follows their journey from birth to maturity. It is a fascinating tale with an important environmental message that we can all learn from. 
 
Students in grades 1-3 will travel to and from the theatre by bus, while students in grades 4-6 will enjoy walking with faculty and staff, weather permitting. In the event of inclement weather, they will also travel by bus.
 
No outside food/drink is allowed in the theatre; however, your daughter has the option of receiving a small serving of popcorn, and either a Fruitopia or water from the concession stand. If you haven't signed and returned the permission form yet, we ask that you do so as soon as possible.
 
 
HEALTH WEEK - May 2-6
I'm delighted share that during the week of May 2-6, the JS joins the US to celebrate Health Week! The week's main focus will be on the importance of maintaining positive physical, mental and emotional health. Your daughter will engage in a myriad of activities conducive to all-round positive health. All the senses will be considered, such as soothing music in the corridors at drop-off/pick-up and during recess, fresh air during brisk ravine walks, and our first-ever 'graffiti wall' where students will share positive messages to motivate and inspire!


JS GRANDPALS' DAY
Please note that Grandpals' Day has been moved to Friday, May 13
Mark your calendars and invite your special grand-friends to join us at the Junior School. Please note the following:
  • Reception starting at 9:30 am in the JS Learning Hub (this is optional)
  • Assembly at 11:00 am in the JS gymnasium
  • Classroom visits to follow
If your daughter's special Grandpal is not able to attend, we encourage them to write a message and email it to ygarland@havergal.on.ca. Their words will be printed on a lovely certificate and delivered to classrooms after the assembly. In order to have these prepared in time, we ask that we receive all Grandpal messages by Thursday, May 12.


NEW CIRCLES - SPRING CLOTHING DRIVE
Thanks to your generous donations of clothing/footwear and more this past autumn, our community partner New Circles was able to provide and support many families new to our cold Canadian climate with the necessities that they sorely needed. The success of this autumn campaign has spurned our students to launch a spring/summer collection. If you have gently used spring clothing, jackets, footwear, hats, etc. that you wish to donate, collection bins will be located outside our Learning Hub from April 4 - May 4.


CO-CURRICULAR CLUBS - SPRING SESSION DATES
Parents- please note the date changes for the Squad Team Basketball & Squad Team Softball as they have been amended and differ from what is indicated on the verification slip given to your daughter.

Mondays:
ABT Ballet: April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 30 @ times advised by Ms. Wade
Chess Lunch Club: April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 30 @ 11:50-12:50 pm
Squad Basketball Team: April 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 30, June 6  @ 3:45-4:45 pm
 
Tuesdays:
Junior Choir: Dates advised by Mr. MacLean @ 3:30-4:15 pm
Mindful Moments Club: April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24 @ 3:45-4:45 pm
SIT/Primary: April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24 @ 3:45-4:45 pm
Squad Yoga: April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24 @ 3:45-4:45 pm
Word Games Club: April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24 @ 3:45-4:45 pm
 
Wednesdays:
Junior Choir: Dates advised by Mr. MacLean @ 3:45-4:15 pm
SIT/Junior: April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25 @ 3:45-4:45 pm
Squad Team Softball: April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25, June 1 @ 3:45-4:45 pm
Watercolour Wednesdays Art Club: April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25 @ 3:45-4:45 pm
 
Thursdays:
Gator Gardening Club: April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19, 26 @ 3:45-4:45 pm
Science Design Club: April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19, 26 @ 3:45-4:45 pm
Squad Karate: April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19, 26 @ 3:45-4:45 pm
Squad Team Softball: April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19, 26 @ 3:45-4:45 pm
 
 
DATES YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Wednesday, April 20: JS Starbooks Parent Session: Mathematical Mindsets (see above)
Thursday, April 21: Founders' Day (see above)
Friday, April 22: Earth Day Movie Excursion (see above)
Wednesday, April 27: Grade 6 Lunch @ US Hawkin's Dining Hall
Monday, May 2: JS Pizza Lunch
Monday, May 2 - Friday, May 6: Health Week
Tuesday, May 10: Primary Arts Night @ 6:30 pm in the JS Gymnasium
Thursday, May 12: Junior Arts Carousel @ 6:15 pm in the JS
Friday, May 13: JS Grandpals' Day (see above)