Message From the Head of Junior School: May 27, 2016

Dear Parents,

Isaac Newton once said, "We build too many walls but not enough bridges." Of course, at Havergal College we have a bridge, and our Grade Six leaving girls are headed over to the other side to start the next chapter of their HC academic career. It was only a few years ago that we started the tradition of recognizing our girls at a luncheon served literally on the bridge that connects the Junior School to the Upper School. Luckily Mother Nature was on our side as it was nothing but sunshine and warm breezes for us today. Please join me in congratulating our Grade Six girls!

Warmly,
Leslie Anne Dexter


RETIRING FACULTY MEMBER
Mrs. Dayfoot is hanging up her ballet slippers, stowing away her character skirt and retiring from teaching. She has introduced this classical art form, along with many other dance genres to countless young girls over her many years in the Junior School. She is a passionate and inspirational educator who generously shares her vast knowledge and love of the arts, performance dance, choreography, staging, and physical fitness with professionalism and grace. She leaves us to spend more time with her husband Tim, and to visit her children, Sophia and Andrew in Alberta more often. Please join us in wishing Mrs. Dayfoot much happiness in her retirement.


UPDATE: FORT McMURRAY RELIEF DAY - BLUE 'GRUB' DRESS

The school is awash in blue today - to remind us of the many victims of this devastating natural disaster in our own country. If your daughter forgot to bring in a donation today, there is a very bright orange collection box on the counter in the main office until Monday, May 30 (until lunch). All funds collected by this time will be matched by both the federal and Alberta provincial governments to help people in dire need. Please help us to make a difference.

 

 

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: CHANGE TO LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
The JS BBQ planned to follow the Closing Assembly has been cancelled, please note that this information has been updated in Veracross. We do invite you to join us in the Junior School immediately following the assembly for a chance to say good-bye and enjoy a light refreshment. Look for an invitation to our beginning of the school year Welcome Back BBQ along with other need to know information in Back To School emails over the summer months.

GRADE SIX PARENTS: PLEASE NOTE
The Grade 6 leaving gift will presented to the school at morning Prayers on Thursday, June 2 at 8:30 am, it would be special if you could join us at this special service. Also, please mark your calendars to remember that on Monday, June 13 we recognize our leaving Grade 6 girls at a special Grade Six Celebration at 4:00-5:30 pm.


BE A 'WELCOME FAMLY'
Calling all Junior School parents!  We are still looking for volunteer to be a part of our Welcome Family program. Welcome Families are assigned one of our new JS families and are asked to connect with them over the summer by phone and email to give them a sense of belonging even before they arrive on their daughter's first day of school in September. Please click the following link to join this wonderful and worthwhile program that supports our new families as they transition to the HC community
Click here: http://goo.gl/forms/HWWutWzvViBMXprI2


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: final session - May 30 @ times advised by Ms. Wade, parents invited to performance at Prayers on Friday, June 3 @ 8:30 am

Chess Lunch Club: final session - May 30 @ 11:50-12:50 pm

Squad Basketball Team: final session May 30, inter-squad game @ 4:00 pm in the double gym at the Upper School

 

Tuesdays: All co-curricular activities finished

 

Wednesdays:

SIT/AM: June 1, 8 @ 7:45 am
SIT/Junior: final session - June 1 @ 3:45-4:45 pm
Junior Choir/Squad Team Softball/Watercolour Wednesday: finished

 

Thursdays: All co-curricular activities finished

 

 

DATES YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Thursday, June 2: Grade 6 Leaving Gift presentation at Prayers @ 8:30 am
Friday, June 3: JS Gator Day @ 12:50-3:20 pm (more info to follow)
Monday, June 6: JS Pizza lunch @ 11:50 am
Friday, June 10: JS Final Prayers @ 8:30 am
Monday, June 13: Grade 6 Celebration @ 4:00 pm
Tuesday, June 14: JS Closing Ceremony @ 11:00 am in Brenda Robson Hall, reception at JS to follow
 

Message From the Head of Junior School: May 20, 2016

Dear Parents,
 
It's been an exciting and eventful week from performances in Prayers to book festivals. Some highlights include:

• Monday - Strings performance of Star Wars, playing with their cool light saber bows.
• Tuesday - In the morning, our amazing prefects from the Upper School came and practiced our Junior School cheer with us for House Shout. Then, in the afternoon, we kicked off House Shout with our spectacular cheer. Next, we all turned on our spirit to support our Houses while the Upper School performed their cheers.
• Wednesday - The highlight on this day was the Forest of Reading Book Festival. Everyone from grades 4 to 6 who read five or more of this year's book nominees travelled downtown to the Waterfront to participate in a celebration and the unveiling of the 2106 Silver Birch book winner. The winner was Gordon Korman as he received the most votes from the readers.
• Thursday - The day started off in Prayers with music and dance performances. Everyone gave it their all and created a great show. The grade 1 students left early in the morning to learn about bees at a bee farm and I hope no one got stung! And...

I got to be Head of the Junior School for a day. It was so much fun, especially when we asked some SK students about what they thought would be the worst part about being a principal. Some answers included: (1) sitting around all day and doing nothing, (2) having to sometimes miss Prayers, (3) doing work, (4) being strict. Some of my favourite things included writing this blog post, creating a list of changes for the Junior School with Dr. Simmonds (see letter below), getting my swipe card, and sitting in the big chair greeting everyone in the morning. Now that I've had this experience, I'm ready for anything!
 
Sincerely,
Anna Zufferli
Acting Head For A Day (05-19-16)



Dear Parents,

Isn't Anna amazing! As you may know, one of the most popular auction items at Celebration Saturday is being the Head of the Junior School for a day. On Thursday, this office was represented by Grade 6L student, Anna Zufferli and I couldn't be more proud of her. She was kept busy throughout the day with meetings at both the Junior and Upper Schools, co-taught in JK & SK and HPE, recess duty, tours and took the time to write the above blog opening for me. I was so amused by the letter she and Dr. Simmonds drafted, I felt compelled to share it with you. I think you will agree with me that she has some interesting suggestions, especially Sleep-in Mondays! Please visit our Facebook page to see how much fun Anna had.

Warmly,
Leslie Anne Dexter

SIT ANNOUNCEMENT -  FORT McMURRAY RELIEF DAY - BLUE 'GRUB' DRESS

Havergal College is joining forces with the Canadian government to raise money to support relief efforts for the many victims of one of the worst natural disasters Canadians have ever faced. All funds raised will be matched by both the federal and Alberta provincial governments. Our girls in SIT want to help .... on Friday, May 27, all JS students are encouraged to bring $2 (toonie) and show they care by wearing blue 'grub', non-uniform clothing to school. As a whole school, HC has  raised over $2,300 so far. Your support is much needed, and very appreciated! 

 

 

HOUSE SHOUT

This year for the first time, House Shout was broadcast live on Facebook Live! If you weren't able to be here to see how 'spirited' HC can be, please take a look at our Facebook page to find the video and see for yourself: https://www.facebook.com/HavergalCollege/

 

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: CHANGE TO LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
The JS BBQ planned to follow the Closing Assembly has been cancelled, please note that this information has been updated in Veracross. We do invite you to join us in the Junior School immediately following the assembly for a chance to say good-bye and enjoy a light refreshment. Look for an invitation to our beginning of the school year Welcome Back BBQ along with other need to know information in Back To School emails over the summer months.

GRANDCHILDREN'S PARTY - WEDNESDAY, MAY 25 AT 3:30-5:30 PM
All Old Girls and current parents are welcome to join us to celebrate more than 100 years of tradition! The Havergal Grandchildren's Party was started in 1910 by first Principal Ellen Knox for Old Girls and their descendants. The event is an opportunity for all Old Girls, parents, their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren (girls and boys) to visit the school for an afternoon of exciting games, music, pony rides, critters, treats and more. This event takes place rain or shine. We hope to see you here! For more information and to RSVP, please visit: www.havergal.on.ca/grandchildrensparty


GRADE SIX PARENTS: PLEASE NOTE
The Grade 6 leaving gift will presented to the school at morning Prayers on Thursday, June 2 at 8:30 am, it would be special if you could join us at this special service. Also, please mark your calendars to remember that on Monday, June 13 we recognize our leaving Grade 6 girls at a special Grade Six Celebration at 4:00-5:30 pm.


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:

Monday, May 23: Victoria Day Holiday - NO SCHOOL
Wednesday, May 25: Grade 6 Lunch at the US Hawkin's Dining Hall CANCELLED
Wednesday, May 25: Grandchildren's Party (see above)
Thursday, May 26: Prayers - Fort McMurray @ 8:30 am
Friday, May 27: Fort McMurray Relief Day - wear blue 'grub' dress & bring a toonie
Friday, May 27: Grade 6 Crossing the Bridge Lunch @ 11:50 am
Thursday, June 2: Grade 6 Leaving Gift presentation at Prayers @ 8:30 am
Friday, June 3: JS Gator Day @ 12:50-3:20 pm (more info to follow)
Monday, June 6: JS Pizza lunch @ 11:50 am
Friday, June 10: JS Final Prayers @ 8:30 am
Monday, June 13: Grade 6 Celebration @ 4:00 pm
Tuesday, June 14: JS Closing Ceremony @ 11:00 am in Brenda Robson Hall, reception at JS to follow
 

Message From the Head of Junior School: May 13, 2016

Dear Parents,

This morning we had the privilege of hosting very special Grandpals at a lovely morning assembly and to deliver personal messages received from family members who were not able to join us today. Grandpals' Day is one of the most anticipated and exciting days of the school year for students, faculty and staff. Your daughters were beaming with pride as they showed off their classrooms and school facilities and introduced their teachers. It is our hope that this day highlights the importance of, and respect for family and community. I'd like to thank Reverend MacDonald for sharing the following prayer that he closed the assembly with:

Loving God,
We thank you for our grandparents, aunts, uncles and all our families,
For their never-ending love and support,
Their wisdom and guidance, and their time.
Help us be patient and appreciate them,
That we may always show them how much we love and respect them.
May you keep them in your loving care,
Watching over them always, as they watch over us.
This we pray,
Amen.

Warmly,

Leslie Anne Dexter

 

  

 

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: CHANGE TO LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
The JS BBQ planned to follow the Closing Assembly has been cancelled, please note that this information has been updated in Veracross. We do invite you to join us in the Junior School immediately following the assembly for a chance to say good-bye and enjoy a light refreshment. Look for an invitation to our beginning of the school year Welcome Back BBQ along with other need to know information in Back To School emails over the summer months.

GRANDCHILDREN'S PARTY - WEDNESDAY, MAY 25 AT 3:30-5:30 PM
All Old Girls and current parents are welcome to join us to celebrate more than 100 years of tradition! The Havergal Grandchildren's Party was started in 1910 by first Principal Ellen Knox for Old Girls and their descendants. The event is an opportunity for all Old Girls, parents, their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren (girls and boys) to visit the school for an afternoon of exciting games, music, pony rides, critters, treats and more. This event takes place rain or shine. We hope to see you here! For more information and to RSVP, please visit: www.havergal.on.ca/grandchildrensparty


GRADE SIX PARENTS: PLEASE NOTE
The Grade 6 leaving gift will presented to the school at morning Prayers on Thursday, June 2 at 8:30 am, it would be special if you could join us at this special service. Also, please mark your calendars to remember that on Monday, June 13 we recognize our leaving Grade 6 girls at a special Grade Six Celebration at 4:00-5:30 pm.


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:

Tuesday, May 17: House Shout at 2:00 pm on Ratcliffe Field
Thursday, May 19: JS Head For A Day - Anna Zufferli
Friday, May 20: Grade 6 Pizza Party @ 11:50 am in the Cohen Amphitheatre
Monday, May 23: Victoria Day Holiday - NO SCHOOL
Wednesday, May 25: Grade 6 Lunch at the US Hawkin's Dining Hall
Wednesday, May 25: Grandchildren's Party (see above)

 

Message From the Head of Junior School: May 6, 2016

 

Dear Parents,
In truth these balloons should read "Thank you JS Parents". There are no words to express how thankful we in the Junior School are for the tremendous day we were given yesterday. We were treated in every possible way from gourmet food offerings all day long, recess duties covered by parents, beautiful floral arrangements and this lovely balloon message in the foyer greeting faculty and staff as they arrived in the morning. A huge shout out to the following ladies who coordinated an army of volunteers throughout the day:

• Tanuja Gupta, mother of Maya 5C, Nisha 3C, and Sara SK
• Sarah D'Souza, mother of Carina 4PR
• Alexandra Hodgson, mother of Sophie 5L, and Grace 3C (+ Olivia in grade 7)
• Amy Cheung, mother of Caroline 5C
• Katy Sisley, mother of Jillian 3Y, and Stephanie 1M

Best wishes to all JS moms for a wonderful Mother's Day this weekend!

Warmly,

Leslie Anne Dexter

 

 

ARTS WEEK - May 9-13
Throughout Arts Week, the Junior School will be awash with examples of student art on display on the walls, tables and desks and even on ceilings throughout the building. The expression of talent that you will see and experience, when combined with other programming enhances our students ability to develop confidence as they solve problems, make decisions, prioritize tasks, collaborate with others, and form opinions about the world around them.
 

A quick reminder about the Primary and Junior Arts Celebrations taking place next week:

 

Tuesday, May 10 - Primary girls in grades 1-3 are excited to present French-Canadian songs and dances, both live and on video for you. Please help us by ensuring your daughter arrives at the school at 6:15 pm in #1 dress. If your daughter is a member of the Primary Choir, she should go to the Music Room, while others go to their home form classroom.

Thursday, May 12 - Junior girls in grades 4-6 will celebrate the arts as an 'Arts Carousel', for you to best see and appreciate the sounds, movements, and sights of the arts disciplines. To assist you in helping your daughter please note the following:

- Grade 4, 5 + 6 - hair should be tied back, with minimal natural hair coloured accessories
- Grade 6 call time at 5:50 pm - meet in the Learning Hub, attire: all black
- Grade 4 call time at 6:15 pm - meet in the gym, black bottoms, plain red or white top
- Grade 5 call time at 7:00 pm - meet in the gym, attire: all black


IMPORTANT TO NOTE:
In order to best prepare for both events, all afterschool clubs on Tuesday & Thursday have been cancelled.

 

GRADE FOUR EXCITEMENT!
What an exciting day it was in Grade 4! Earlier this week, both grade 4 classes gathered in the Learning Hub, where Ms. Phillips, Ms. Hood, Ms. Tulli and Ms. Rodd gave book talks on a wide range of books. Afterward, students wrote down their top 3 choices. Every student in Grade 4 was on tenterhooks this morning as they waited to find out what their first book would be, and who they would partner with. Each book was wonderfully wrapped up, and there were loud cheers and applause from students as they discovered their books and reading partners. A tea party followed, with special tea cups and saucers borrowed from the Upper School. The excitement and enthusiasm was palpable in both classrooms as students began reading and discussing their books over tea and cookies. The event was a true testament to the power of our school's reading community!

 

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.

GRANDCHILDREN'S PARTY - WEDNESDAY, MAY 25 AT 3:30-5:30 PM
All Old Girls and current parents are welcome to join us to celebrate more than 100 years of tradition! The Havergal Grandchildren's Party was started in 1910 by first Principal Ellen Knox for Old Girls and their descendants. The event is an opportunity for all Old Girls, parents, their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren (girls and boys) to visit the school for an afternoon of exciting games, music, pony rides, critters, treats and more. This event takes place rain or shine. We hope to see you here! For more information and to RSVP, please visit: www.havergal.on.ca/grandchildrensparty


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:

Monday, May 9 - Friday, May 13: Arts Week
Monday, May 9: Grades 4/5/6 Dance Presentation at Prayers @ 8:30 am
Tuesday, May 10: Primary Arts Night (see above)
Wednesday, May 11: JS Grade Rep Meeting @ 8:30 am
Thursday, May 12: Junior Arts Night (see above)
Friday, May 13: JS Grandpals' Day (see above)
Tuesday, May 17: House Shout at 2:00 pm on Ratcliffe Field
Monday, May 23: Victoria Day Holiday - NO SCHOOL