Friday 13 October 2017

Message from Head of Junior School - October 13, 2017

Dear JS Parents,

If Ellen Knox, Havergal's first principal, were to walk through the halls of the Junior School today, she would be proud to see that our students are still asking the question "What are you going to do?"  Today, four Grade 6 students read a story entitled 
The Starfish Story. They discussed how each and every person can make a difference by doing one small thing.



Since the beginning of the year, we have been so inspired by the number of students who have come to us not only with an idea but with a PLAN for how they can make a difference to our school and to the wider community. Examples include: 

  • A Grade 3 student who initiated a sewing bee so that students could make re-useable snack packs, after noticing the large number of plastic bags left as garbage on the ground (thank you parent and grandparent volunteers!);
  • Two Grade 4 students who have been collecting lightly used Halloween Costumes for our community partners at New Circles;
  • Two Grade 3 students who recently adopted a dog from an animal shelter, and noted that the shelter was in need of blankets and towels, and set up a bin to collect donations;
  • A Grade 5 student, who wanted to bring back microwaves to heat up leftovers, and presented a thoughtful proposal that considered the percentage of students that would use them, where they would go and the logistics of how the microwaves would be cleaned and maintained.

Havergal students are such capable problem solvers, and as our Grade 6s said this morning, "it is not just about money, and making donations."  Instead, they challenged us to think about the many different ways that we can make a difference, no matter how small. From simply smiling at someone who looks like they may be having a rough day, to reading with a buddy, to volunteering time in an old age home, or animal shelter, there are so many ways to engage.  This weekend, we encourage you to talk about the starfish story with your daughter, and ask her "what are you going to do?"



Warmly,
Kate White


Please Note:                                                                      

ENRICHING GIRLS' MATH
Mathematics learning environments include the classroom, the school, home and community areas like the grocery store; that is, any place where mathematics can be used to describe and explain situations, as well as be used to ask questions and pose problems to extend understanding. Then, what should mathematics learning environments be like so that Havergal girls can develop mathematical proficiency (as described in Issue 2, No. 1)?  What should students believe about mathematics learning in these environments?
Click here for more information


PARENT MATH INFORMATION SESSION 1
Havergal’s Mathematics Program and Innovations
Key Underpinnings  
  • Focus on developing students’ mathematical proficiency across the grades
  • Coordinate mathematics concept and skill development across the grades (aligning units of study)
  • Use mathematics education and cognitive learning (e.g., Kahneman) research to inform program design and classroom teaching practices 
  • Engage in teacher mathematics content and pedagogical study and planning regularly
  • Engage in classroom research about girls’ and their learning of mathematics, in terms of math content and teaching practices
  • Communicate to Junior School community using weekly JS Blog (Enriching GIRLS’ Math blog in development)) of the key underpinnings of mathematics education at the Junior School, with research summaries, student mathematics work samples and “At Home” suggestions.
  • more to come …To see PowerPoint slides - Click Here
PHOTO RETAKES - MONDAY OCTOBER 16
Please send our photographer, Cameron Hubbs an email if you would like your daughter to have her picture retaken.  Cameron Hubbs cameronhubbs@icloud.com
Students who would like their photo to be retaken must wear their #1 dress uniform.
Retakes will be held between 9am-10am in the Learning Hub.  

CLUBS START NEXT WEEK
Please note that our clubs' program starts next week.  Clubs begin at 3:45 p.m. and end at 4:45 p.m. Parents are asked to pick up their daughter in front of the Learning Hub.  Parents are welcome to park either on the street, or in the Upper School Parking Lot at this time.

IT'S RAINING IT'S POURING - OUTDOOR RECESS
Time spent outdoors is an integral part of the school day at Havergal College!  This is because we know that regular physical activity and play support students’ physical, social and mental health and the improvement of cognitive function. Living in Canada, we can often experience extremes in weather, which often leads to the question: “How does Havergal determine whether or not students remain inside during recess?” As always, we use our best judgment to make this decision. Reasons why an indoor recess may be called, or why outdoor recess may be shortened, include: harsh rain, thunderstorms, lightning, hail, extreme winds and extreme cold (-15 degrees Celsius without wind chill). Our expectation is that all students come to school with appropriate outdoor gear so that they can participate fully in outdoor play. This may include a raincoat, boots, hat, mittens, snow pants and warm jacket (and extra socks!). If your child is too sick to go outside for recess, please keep her home. If there is another reason why your child cannot go out for recess but is well enough to attend regular classes, please provide the office with a doctor’s note.

JUNIOR SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE - OCTOBER 19
This coming Thursday October 19th is our Junior School Open House. The event begins at 9:00 am but guests will most likely start arriving around 8:30 am. Parking will be extremely limited on that day so we ask that you try your best to clear the Upper School parking lot as soon after drop-off as possible. We are expecting over 100 families so there will be a much-increased volume of traffic in the area. A traffic Police officer and our own security team will be helping families navigate the parking lots and drop off area to ensure safety and efficiency.
Thank you for your help on this special day.
Hilary Adamson

PICK-A-TIME: PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS
The first Parent/Teacher Conference is scheduled on Thursday, October 26 (1:30 pm-8:00 pm) and Friday, October 27 (8:00 pm am-3:00 pm).  Booking conferences can take place anytime beginning today, Thursday, October 12 at 5:00 pm until Thursday, October 26 at 12:00 pm
 Havergal College uses an online appointment booking solution ‘PickATime’ (www.pickatime.com).
 Returning families will be familiar with this program and will be able to use the account set up in the past. A ‘Forgot Password’ link is available on the site just in case. 
 New parents will need to register for an account prior to booking of appointments. This can be done at any time. 
 Begin the process at: https://pickatime.com/client?ven=11603584&event=313643
Attached are detailed instructions to help guide you through the process.

If you are having technical difficulty connected to logging in or navigating the site, please contact Information Technology Service Desk at 416-483-3843 ext. 6663.


GATOR CARE - THURSDAY OCTOBER 26
Is there Gator Care offered after early dismissal on Thursday, October 26, during Parent-Teacher Conferences? 
YES!! Gator Care will be available in the afternoon of October 26 from 12:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. at a rate of $15 per hour. If you would like to register your daughter for this date, please e-mail gatorcare@havergal.on.ca before 3 PM on Tuesday, October 24. 

HALLOWEEN COLOURING CONTEST
Draw a spooky, happy, smiling or scary face on the pumpkin!  
Pick up a copy at the JS front office.  Prizes will be awarded for the most creative designs!!
Please submit your entries by Monday, October 30.

HCPA ANNUAL PARENT LUNCHEON
Save the date for this year’s HCPA Annual Parent Luncheon: Friday, November 17, from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm at The Estates of Sunnybrook.
All parents are invited to attend our luncheon. We are excited to announce that this year our guest speaker is Paul Davis, a social networking and internet safety educator, who speaks to parents and students about safety in the digital age. Paul has presented to schools across the country as well as to law enforcement and corporations. In his presentation, Social Networking and Online Safety, Paul will talk about proper use of technology, potential dangers in using social media, cyberbullying, online privacy, and so much more. More information on Paul can be found at www.socialnetworkingsafety.net.  This event is a great opportunity for both new and returning parents to meet one another in our community. Seating is done by grade. Mark your calendars now! Parents will receive their invitations via email soon. We hope to see you there!

JS FATHER/DAUGHTER AMAZING RACE
Save the Date - Sunday, April 29, 2018!

UPCOMING MEETINGS - ALL PARENTS ARE WELCOME!
HCPA Meeting  - Tuesday, October 17 @ 8:30am in the Back Dining Room,  
JS Grade Rep Meeting – Wednesday, October 18 @ 8:30am in the Learning Hub.

HAVERGAL HOODIES BY LAZYPANTS
Havergal hoodies by Lazy Pants are here! They're black with the word 'Havergal' written across the bottom back in block letters.  Parents and students can try them on, charge them to their student account, and take their hoodies with them!

Hoodies are $105 and come in Adult sizes only: XXS to XL. Quantities are limited. See the photo attached. Contact Mary Dean or Jennifer Newton with any questions or if you are interested in purchasing a hoodie.

CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT BARK FOR SALE
New holiday fundraiser this year – the HCPA will be selling classic peppermint bark (lovingly made by Havergal parents)! Look for advance order forms online soon. Ready for pick up at the school Nov. 20th and 21st - in plenty of time for holiday gift giving!

NEW CIRCLES - HALLOWEEN COSTUME DRIVE
Our valued community partner New Circles has asked for our help! They are in need of new or gently used Halloween costumes for children of all ages. If you can help support this Spooktacular event, please drop the costumes off in the bins outside of the Learning Hub before October 18. As always, your contributions are very much appreciated.

USED BOOKS CONSIGNMENT - DROP OFF OCTOBER 17
The HCPA is hosting a book collection and consignment on October 17, from 7:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m., in the Ellen Knox Library.  Junior School parents may bring gently used books they no longer need.  If your book is in pristine condition, you will receive up to 50% of the resale price that the Canadian School Book Exchange (CSBE) sells your books for. 
Please note that books of any nature, including children's books and general interest books and fiction, will be accepted on consignment on that date (no encyclopedias).   The CSBE will take your books and attempt to sell them.  If the books sell, you receive your funds sent to you by cheque and Havergal also receives a percentage.  In the past, the HCPA has raised $22,000 to $30,000 year over year from Upper School families returning used textbooks alone!  And the best part is, you get a cheque too!!  For questions, contact jean.metcalfe@hotmail.com.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Morning & Afternoon Volunteers needed!  Junior School Moms & Dads do you have 30 minutes in the morning or 15 minutes in the afternoon to help at drop off or pick up?  We need extra hands to open car doors and make sure the JS girls (especially our little SK and JK girls) are getting out from their cars so parents don't have to park in the driveway and get out to open doors for the little ones.
Please click on the link below and sign up for a 30 min morning or 15 min afternoon slot! http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080e4aa8a92f4-havergal

UPCOMING MEETINGS - ALL PARENTS WELCOME!
HCPA Meeting  - Tuesday, October 17 @ 8:30am in the Back Dining Room,  
JS Grade Rep Meeting – Wednesday, October 18 @ 8:30am in the Learning Hub.
    This Week at Havergal Junior School              
    Monday, October 16 (Day 3)

    • 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. JS Prayers (Words of Gratitude)
    • 9:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m.  JS Photo Retakes (Learning Hub)  
    • 11:50 a.m. -12:50 p.m.  Chess Club (Learning Hub)
    • 3:45 p.m -4:45 p.m.  Drama Club Gr. 1-2 (Grade 1 Classroom)
    • 3:45 p.m -4:45 p.m.  Drama Club Gr. 3-4 (Kindergarten Classroom)
    • 4:00 p.m -5:00 p.m.   GAME: U12 Green Basketball @ CDS (travelling with soccer team)
    • 4:00 p.m -5:00 p.m.   GAME: U11/U12 Green Soccer @ CDS (travelling with bball team)
      • Class Dismissal: 2:30 a.m.
      • Campus Departure: 2:45 p.m.
      • Game: 4:00 p.m.
      • Estimated Departure from Venue: 5:15 p.m.
      • Estimated Return to Campus: 6:15 p.m.
    Tuesday, October 17 (Day 4)
    • 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.    PR: U12 Green Basketball (JS gym)
    • 6:50 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.    PR: U11/U12 Swim (drop off at Upper School)
    • 7:20 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.    PR: U12 Cross Country (Gr.1-6)
    • 3:30 p.m -4:15 p.m. Junior Choir Rehearsal
    • 3:45 p.m -4:45 p.m. Crafty Science Club (Art Room)
    • 3:30 p.m -4:30 p.m. Multisport Squad NEW EARLIER TIME
    Wednesday, October 18 (Day 5)

    • 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.    JS Grade Rep Meeting (Learning Hub)
    • 11:50 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. Caribou Math Contest (Learning Hub)
    • 2:00 p.m. Swim Meet @ Branksome Hall
      • Class Dismissal: 11:50 a.m. (girls can eat in classroom and then prepare at 12:20)
      • Campus Departure: 12:30 p.m.
      • Meet Start Time: 2:00 p.m.
      • Estimated Departure from Venue: 4:00 p.m.
      • Estimated Return to Campus: 4:20 p.m.
    • 3:45 p.m -4:30 p.m.  Primary Choir Rehearsal
    • 3:45 p.m -4:45 p.m.  Video Game Design (6C Classroom)
    • 3:45 p.m -4:45 p.m.  SIT Club (3L Classroom)
    • 3:45 p.m -4:45 p.m.  Soccer Squad
    • 3:45 p.m -4:45 p.m.  Basketball Squad (JS gym)
    • 4:00 p.m -5:00 p.m.  Staff/Student Lane Swim
    • 4:00 p.m -5:00 p.m.  GAME: U11 Green Basketball vs BSS (Upper School gym)
      • Class Dismissal: 3:20 p.m.
      • Campus Departure: 3:30 p.m.
      • Game: 4:00 p.m. (Upper School gym)
      • Estimated Pick Up: 5:00 p.m. at Upper School
    • 3:45 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.  GAME: U12  Gold Basketball @ BSS (tri-meet)
      • Class Dismissal: 2:45 p.m.
      • Campus Departure: 3:00 p.m.
      • Game 1: 3:45 p.m.
      • Game 2: 4:25 p.m.
      • Game 3: 5:05 p.m.
      • Estimated departure from BSS: 6:00 p.m.
      • Estimated return to campus: 6:15 p.m.
    Thursday, October 19 (Day 6)

    • #1 Dress
    • NO PRAYERS
    • 6:50 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Swim Squad (Drop off at Upper School)
    • 7:20 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. U12 Cross Country (Gr1-6)
    • 7:30 a.m. - 8:10 a.m. Staff/Faculty Breakfast
    • 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. JS Open House (Tours starting at 9am,10am, 11am, 1pm & 2pm)
    • 3:45 p.m -4:45 p.m.  PR: U12 Gold Basketball (JS Gym)
    • 3:45 p.m -4:45 p.m.  PR: U11/12 Green Soccer
    • 3:45 p.m -4:45 p.m.  Coding for Kids Club (2T Classroom)
    • 3:45 p.m -4:45 p.m.  Kids’ Lit Quiz Club (5L Classroom)
    • 4:00 p.m -5:00 p.m.  GAME: U11 Green Basketball vs BVG (Upper School Gym)
      • Class Dismissal: 3:20 p.m.
      • Campus Departure: 3:30 p.m. (walk to Upper School)
      • Game: 4:00 p.m.
      • Pick Up: 5:00 p.m at Upper School
    • 4:00 p.m -5:00 p.m.  GAMEL U12 Green Basketball vs BVG (Upper School Gym)
      • Class Dismissal: 3:20 p.m.
      • Campus Departure: 3:30 p.m. (walk to Upper School)
      • Game: 4:00 p.m.
      • Pick Up: 5:00 p.m at Upper School
    Friday, October 20 (Day 7)
    • 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. JS Prayers  (Quick Write Prayers)
    • 7:30 a.m. - 8:20 a.m.  History of Math Club (6C Classroom)
    • 3:45 p.m -5:00 p.m.  Staff/Student Lane Swim
    • No Athletics

    SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER
    LOOK AHEAD

    Monday, October 16
    JS Photo Retakes (9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.)


    Thursday, October 19
    JS Open House Tours (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.)


    Monday, October 23
    JS/US Winter Athletic Online Registration Opens
    - Diwali Prayers

    Thursday, October 26
    Parent-Teacher Conferences (1:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.)
    - Students Dismissed at 11:50 a.m. (Gator Care open until 6pm)

    Friday, October 27
    Parent-Teacher Conferences (8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
    - No Classes

    Tuesday, October 31
    JS Halloween Assembly (2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.)

    Monday, November 6
    JS Remembrance Day Service (8:30 a.m.- 9 a.m.)

    Tuesday, November 7 - School closes for Midterm Break @ 3:30pm

    Wednesday, November 8 - Monday, November 13 - Midterm Break - NO CLASSES

    Tuesday, November 14 - Classes resume

    Monday, November 20 - Friday, December 1st - JS Winter Athletic Tryouts