Message from Head of Junior School - December 1, 2017

Dear JS Parents,

Today's message is written by Garth Nichols, VP Student Engagement, and Experiential Development. 

On Nov. 28th, Havergal had our second Day 9 which saw over 350 of our students depart on excursions to High Park to study the seasons, to Kensington Market to immerse themselves in Spanish culture, to George Brown College for culinary skills, to Harbourfront to explore their artistic side, and to the Aga Khan Museum, to name but a few. Truly, our campus was expanded, as was our learning. On campus, we had students pitch their business ideas to ‘Dragons’, meet exotic animals, explore virtual reality and the exponential future, make their own chocolate, and engage in the challenges and opportunities that are presenting themselves in Canada’s North. Our students were pushed outside their comfort zones and were able to create things that otherwise they would not have been able to.

To find out more about the day please check out our SnapChat, Twitter and Instagram feeds. There you might see your daughter laughing, learning and engaged in great experiential learning opportunities. The visuals speak for themselves about the exploration and engagement of learning on this Day 9.

Firstly, thanks to our faculty and staff for making these excursions possible: from the creation to the implementation, our faculty and staff are integral to its success. Secondly, thanks to all the students that attended on this day. The feedback, thus far, has reinforced that the mission of Day 9 is being met. Our students are deepening and extending their learning; their learning about issues that are important to them, about their passions, and about themselves and what they are capable of. Finally, thank you to the parents that are supporting this day by either being directly involved or by supporting your daughter to engage in the opportunities presented through Day 9.

Our next Day 9 will take place on Feb. 15th, and it is shaping up to look and feel a little different. Day 9s are new to the school and we are designing them based on the feedback that we are receiving from the teachers and students. I am excited to see what is in store for our community on Feb. 15th, and I hope that you are as well.

As always, if you have any questions please contact me at gnichols@havergal.on.ca

Please Note:

Monday, December 4th is Pizza Day!

LICE SQUAD 
Tuesday, December 5

• The school has arranged to have The Lice Squad come in to perform lice checks for our students in JK - Grade 6 on Tuesday, December 5. Should your daughter(s) present with having lice, you will be informed.
• Please note that according to Havergal College's 'Head Lice (Pediculosis) Protocol' (outlined in full in the Family Handbook), the treatment of head lice is ultimately the parent/guardian's responsibility; however, communication and education about head lice with students and parents/guardians is essential for fostering a relationship of trust and respect in dealing with the issue.  
• It is important, even after The Lice Squad has come to the school to regularly check your daughter for lice, and if she is infected, please let the Wellness Centre know.  Early notification slows the infection rate and allows the school to monitor the situation more accurately. 
• More information can be found at websites such as headlice.org or from Toronto Public Health.  
• Please call the Wellness Centre at 416-482-4712 with any questions or concerns.
• We appreciate your cooperation with this matter. 

RED DOOR FAMILY SHELTER
Donations Due: Monday, December 4

• A reminder that the Junior School is collecting items (toiletries, winter socks and accessories) for the Red Door Family Shelter. Each class is responsible for specific items in order to ensure that we have enough of everything to put together as many care boxes as possible. You should have received a letter last week outlining the items your class is responsible to bring. In case you did not receive this letter, the class items are shown on the chart at the link below:  Christmas Giving By Class

WINTER JACKETS DONATIONS FOR NEW CIRCLES

• New-Circles, a long-time Havergal Community Partner needs our help!  They are in need of gently used winter jackets. If you have anything that might be suitable to donate, please place it in one of the bins outside of the JS Learning Hub. Thank you!

KINDERGARTEN CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Friday, December 15th, 2017  
2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
No tickets are required for this event

• Our Junior and Senior Kindergarten students are feeling the Christmas spirit, and can’t wait to show you their holiday-themed poems and songs.  Families and friends of kindergarten students are invited to join us on Friday, December 15 at 2:00 pm in the JS Gym, for what is sure to be a fantastic start to the holiday season.  

JUNIOR SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CONCERT GRADES 1-6

Tuesday, December 19th, 2017 

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Eglinton St. George’s United Church, 35 Lytton Blvd, Toronto

• Please note that this year's Junior School Christmas Concert will take place at Eglinton St. George's United Church. Our new and larger venue is located at 35 Lytton Blvd, Toronto.  Please note our concert begins at 4:00 p.m. this year. Come listen to our students in Grades 1 - 6 perform holiday favourites. You will be inspired by the work the students have accomplished in a few short months. 
• We are thrilled to offer each family 3 tickets this year. Any leftover tickets will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Tickets will be ready for pick-up on Tuesday, December 5th from the Junior School Office.
• If you have tickets that you will not be using, please return them to the JS office by Tuesday, December 12th  so we they can be offered to another family.
• Please contact Calen Walker at cwalker@havergal.on.ca if you would like to be placed on the waiting list for extra tickets.  Please indicate the number of extra tickets that you require, and we will do our best to accommodate.

JUNIOR SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CONCERT GRADES 1-6

REHEARSAL - WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13 

• In preparation for our JS Christmas Concert Grades 1-6 will be travelling to Eglinton St Georges United Church for a short rehearsal on Friday December 13.  
• Below, you will find the schedule for arrival, departure, and the rehearsal. Grades 1-3 will be bussed to the church and Grades 4-6 will walk.   

TIMING

7:55 a.m. Students in Grades 1- 6 arrive at Junior School

8:00 a.m. Students in Grades 1 – 6 attendance is taken

8:10 a.m. Grades 4-6 depart for the church (walking)

8:20 Grades 1-3 depart HC (by bus)

8:30 a.m. Arrival at Eglinton St.Georges

8:40 a.m. Rehearsal begins

9:15 a.m. Approximate time  to return to Junior School

9:30 a.m. Approximate time of arrival back at school

UNIFORM

Regular school uniform 

(Grades 4-6 wear track pants with your skirts for the walk)

WHO ATTENDS

• Students in Grades 1 – 6
• Students in JK and SK remain at school

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS -  FACEBOOK LIVE!!

• We are excited to announce that both Christmas Concerts will be posted on Facebook Live!  Click the following link to watch the Christmas Concerts from the comfort of your home:  http://facebook.com/havergalcollege

ENRICHING GIRLS' MATH (ISSUE 4)

• About Problem Posing and Solving for Learning Mathematics:  We distinguish Havergal Junior School as a place of learning through inquiry.  What does that mean for learning mathematics?  It does not mean learning mathematics through discovery. Instead, it means that students are examining details in order to ask questions about number relationships within mathematical and situational contexts. Then, the girls work to create and communicate responses/solutions to the questions/problems they posed. The questions/problems the girls ask are similar to the kinds of questions/problems that their teacher would ask.  These questions/problems are as a means to develop the girls’ conceptual understanding, procedural proficiency, problem solving and strategic competence. In fact, when the girls see that their questions are relevant and useful for solving problems, their confidence and interest in understanding mathematics through problem solving increases.  
• Read more:         https://drive.google.com/file/d/10jP_hFvpBDR2PoUhCGCjJYrDPvUK3myi/view?usp=sharing

PLAY DATES

• We have noticed a substantial increase in students requesting to use the phone to call home.  We ask that all play dates and after school activities be arranged ahead of time.  Thank you for your cooperation.  

PARENT WORKSHOPS
Primary Years Parent Math Workshop (JK to Grade 3)

Tuesday, December 12  from 8:30-9:00am in the JS Learning Hub 

• How do children learn mathematics? What does mathematics instruction look like for your daughter in her classroom each day? How can you as parents best support your daughter in doing/learning mathematics at home?
• Please join our Mathematics Coordinator, Kathy Kubota-Zarivnij, in the HUB (Junior School Library) on Tuesday, December 12 from about 8:30am to 9:15am to learn and discuss ideas.

PAUL DAVIS: SOCIAL NETWORKING SAFETY
Friday, December 8, 2017
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. 
For Students in Grades 4 - 6
JS parents welcome to attend

• Last week, the HCPA welcomed social media expert Paul Davis to their annual luncheon.  Students in the Upper School were also given the opportunity to listen to him share his expertise. Mr. Davis emphasizes "the importance of accountability, responsibility and ownership of their choices, decisions, and actions when using social media." (Kathleen Kirkpatrick, Director of Middle School, Appleby College)  
• We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Davis to the Junior School on December 8th between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to speak with our students in Grades 4 - 6.
•  For more information on Paul Davis, please visit his website: http://socialnetworkingsafety.net/

PARENT INFORMATION SESSION- GR. 5 EXCURSION 
Ranger Camp at Spirit Point, Algonquin Park
Monday, January 22, 2018
6:30 p.m. -  7:30 p.m.

• Join us for our Grade 5 Excursion Parent Information Session.
• The overnight trip will take place: Wednesday, February 7 to Friday, February 9.

HAVERGAL HOODIES BY LAZYPANTS

• Are you looking for a one-of-a-kind gift this holiday season? Havergal hoodies by Lazy Pants are a limited edition gift idea! Hoodies are $105 and come in Adult sizes only: XXS to XL. Quantities are limited. 
• Contact Mary Dean (marygdean@rogers.com) or Jennifer Newton (newtonjennifer@me.com) with any questions or your order.

JS MOTHER DAUGHTER PAJAMA JAMS 2018

• Get ready for a new and exciting Mother Daughter event at the JS on January 9th (grade 1) and January 16th (grade 4)! This year, grades 1 and 4 will take part in the Mother Daughter breakfast events to facilitate community building with new families and new girls in these entry years.
• In the Junior School, the Havergal College Parent Association (HCPA), is  hosting a "pajama jam"  themed breakfast where moms (or another special  female) and daughters will arrive in pajamas! As a special bonus, all Junior School girls will have a pajama day on January 16th, 2018!
• A delicious breakfast will be served and guests will also enjoy a slide show and interactive dance -along. The girls will receive photos and stuffies as keep sakes.
• Grade 1 and grade 4 moms, please watch your email for an Evite invitation coming very soon!
• Please contact JS Mother Daughter Co-Chairs: Alnar dr.meghji@gmail.com or Ply ply999@gmail.com for more information

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - WELCOME COMMITTEE

• The Havergal JS Welcome Committee is still looking for volunteers to give tours during the school day to new families that are interested in applying to Havergal. Applications to Havergal JS are way up again this year, and there are many families interested in seeing the amazing school we have! There is no commitment required, you can sign-up for tours whenever it is convenient for your schedule.
• A "sign-up genius" link is sent, usually on Friday, to all the volunteers on the Welcome Committee email distribution list. The link opens up to a list of all the tours for the following week (date, time, and grade that the family is interested in applying for). Simply click on the time that works best for you – that’s it - no further emails back and forth. You can also check back throughout the week using the same link to see which tours are still available or even just to see if your friend is signed up to give a tour so you can tag team the new family. 
• Hesitant to do a tour on your own?  Please feel free to reach out to some of the seasoned  volunteers that have been doing tours for many years to get a better sense of the route and the information to share. Often the new parents have the same questions you may have had when applying to Havergal.
• Please do consider being a part of the Welcome Committee this school year.  If you are interested, please email Steven R. (steven.rathwell@yahoo.ca).    

UPCOMING !! SAVE THE DATE

• Grade 1 Mother/Daughter Breakfast - January 9 at 7.30am
• Grade 6 Parents Tour the Upper School - January 12 from 8:00-10:00am
• Grade 4 Mother/Daughter Breakfast - January 16 at 7:30am 
• JS Father Daughter A Maze-ing Race! - April 29, 2018

This Week at Havergal Junior School

Monday, December 4 (Day 8)

• 7:00 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. U12 Volleyball - Gold Practice (JS Gym)
• 8:25 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.   JS Prayers (S Douglas)
• 11:50 a.m. -12:50 p.m.  Chess Club (Learning Hub)
• 11:50 a.m. -12:20 p.m  JS Pizza Lunch
• 3:30 p.m -4:45 p.m.  Volleyball Squad (JS Gym)
• 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)

Tuesday, December 5 (Day 1)
Lice Squad to Check Students in JK - Grade 6

• 6:50 a.m. - 8:00 a.m U12 Swim Practice
• 11:50 a.m. -12:50 p.m.  Math Discussion Club Grades 3 & 4  (Learning Hub)  
• 3:30 p.m -4:15 p.m. Junior Choir Rehearsal
• 3:30 p.m -4:30 p.m.  Gr. 3 & 4 Creative Movement (JS Gym)
• 3:45 p.m -4:45 p.m. Crafty Science Club (Art Room)

Wednesday, December 6 (Day 2)

• 7:00 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. U12 Volleyball - Green Practice CANCELLED
• 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.   U12 Swim Meet
• Campus Departure: 7:30 am
• 11:50 a.m. -12:50 p.m.  Math Discussion Club Grades 3 & 4  (Learning Hub)  
• 3:30 p.m -4:45 p.m. U11 Volleyball Green Practice (JS Gym)
• 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)
• 4:00 p.m -5:00 p.m.  U12 Volleyball Game (Gold) - Pickering College
• Class Dismissal: 2:30 pm
• Campus Departure: 2:45 pm
• Return to Campus Approx.: 6:00 pm

Thursday, December 7 (Day 3)

• #1 Dress
• 8:25 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.   JS Prayers
• 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Grades 1 and 2 Multi-Sport (JS Gym)
• 3:45 p.m -4:45 p.m.  Coding for Kids Club (Grade 2 Break out)
• 3:45 p.m -4:45 p.m.  Kids’ Lit Quiz Club (3P Classroom)
• 4:00 p.m -5:00 p.m.  HOME GAME: U11 Volleyball Game (Green) vs. TFS - Gym C
• Class Dismissal: 3:15 pm
• Campus Departure: 3:30 pm sharp!

Friday, December 8 (Day 4)

• 8:25 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.   JS Prayers
• 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. U12 Volleyball - Green Practice (JS Gym)
• 7:45 a.m. - 8:20 a.m.  History of Math Club (6C Classroom)
• 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.  Guest Speaker- Paul Davis (JS Gym)
• 2:30 p.m. - 3:10 p.m.  Kindergarten Story Share (Learning Hub)

LOOK AHEAD Tuesday, December 12 - Primary Year Math Workshop for Parents JK to Grade 3  (8:30-9:00 am) Wednesday, December 13 - Off site Christmas Concert Rehearsal at Eglinton St. George’s United Church Friday, December 15 - JK /SK Christmas Concert at Junior School (2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.) Tuesday, December 19 - Grade 1-6 Christmas Concert at Eglinton St. George's United Church (4:00-5:00 pm) Wednesday, December 20 - Carol Service (7:00 pm-8:20 pm) Thursday, December 21 - School Closes - Early Dismissal (2:40 pm) Friday, December 22-January 7 - Christmas Break! (no classes) Monday, January 8 - Classes resume Tuesday, January 9 - Grade 1 Mother/Daughter Breakfast (7:30 am) Tuesday, January 16 - Grade 4 Mother/Daughter Breakfast (7:30 am) Monday, January 22 - Grade 5 Excursion Parent Information Session (6:30-7:30 pm) Monday, February 5 -  Friday February 9 - Spirit Week Wednesday, February 7 -  Friday February 9 - Grade 5 Overnight Excursion Thursday, February 15 - DAY 9 Friday, February 16 - Professional Development Day (no classes) Monday, February 19 - Family Day (no classes) Thursday, February 22 - JS Parent Teacher Conferences Monday, February 26 - ATHL:  JS/US Spring Athletic Online Registration Opens Friday, March 9 - ATHL:  JS/US Spring Athletic Online Registration Closes Monday, March 12 - Friday, March 23 - March Break (no classes) Monday, March 26 - Classes resume