Message
Dear Junior School Families,
We are now at the point in the year where people start asking, “How is it already November?”
As the autumn leaves settle and the weather starts to get cooler, November brings a wonderful opportunity for us to pause and reflect. This month, we begin focusing with our students on gratitude, the meaningful progress they’ve made since September, and the strength of our school community. It is inspiring to see how much our young learners have already grown, and will continue to throughout the year.
Please carve out some time this weekend to read The Weekly – Junior School, as there is lots of information that will help you stay informed as we head into the winter season.
Warmly,
Kate
Next Week in the Junior School
Monday
- Day 8
- #1 Dress
- Diwali Prayers and Reception (8:25 AM in the JS Gym)
Tuesday
- Day 1
Wednesday
- Day 2
- No Prayers
- HCPA General Meeting (8:45 – 9:45 AM in the JS Dining Room)
- Remembrance Day Service (2:30 PM in the JS Gym)
Thursday
- PD Day for Teachers
- No Classes for Students
Friday
- School Closed; No classes
Latest News
- Holiday Angel Program
- Advent, Christmas and Hanukkah Prayers – An Invitation
- Health Centre Reminder – Viral Illness Season
Reminders
- Winter Co-Curricular Registration is Open!
- 27-28 Financial Support Application Deadlines (Gr. 7 – 12)
- Personalized Havergal Calendars
Latest News
Holiday Angels Program (November 17th and 27th)
The New Circles Holiday Angel Program will begin the week of November 16th! The gift card drive will run November 17th – 27th. The JS community will be donating to 6 families. This year, all of the gift cards we collect will be redistributed to these families by New Circles to ensure each family receives enough support.
Please see this attached note for more information on our New Circles Holiday Angels Program.
Advent, Christmas and Hanukkah Prayers – An Invitation
Advent, Christmas and Hanukkah are just around the corner. We are looking forward to our Prayers about these celebrations in late November and Early December. An invitation for students to sign up for these Prayers will be announced on Monday in Prayers for a Tuesday meeting at the first recess in the gym. If your student is ill or not able to make that meeting, but interested in participating in any of these prayers, please feel free to email Rev. Ruch (jruch@havergal.on.ca) and she will add their names to the list.
Health Centre Reminder – Viral Illness Season
As we move further into the viral illness season, we are seeing an increase in common respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses. We kindly ask families to monitor their children for any signs of illness and to keep students home if they are unwell.
Symptoms that warrant staying home include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Cough and congestion
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- General fatigue or feeling unwell
Keeping students home when they are sick helps protect classmates, staff, and our broader school community. Students may return to school once they are feeling better and able to fully participate in the school day.
Thank you for your support in keeping our school community healthy!
Reminders
Winter Co-Curricular Registration is Open!
View the Catalogue of Athletics and Clubs here.
How to Register:
- Families can register for Winter Co-curriculars on the Parent Portal.
- Opened: Wednesday, November 4th at 10 AM
- Closes: Monday, November 16th at 8 PM
Athletics:
While all of the dates for tryouts, practices, and games can be found on the JS ATHLETICS SCHEDULE, we thought it would be helpful to highlight the FIRST DAY of practice for your reference. Kindly ensure you register before the first day of tryouts!
- Tuesday, November 17
- U11 Volleyball (3:15 PM – 4:20 PM in the JS Gym)
- Wednesday, November 18
- U10 Volleyball (7:15 AM – 8:05 AM in the JS Gym)
- U12 Badminton (3:15 – 4:20 PM in the JS Gym)
- Thursday, November 19
- U12 Volleyball (3:15 – 4:20 PM in the JS Gym)
- U12 Swim (3:15 – 4:30 PM in the pool)
- Monday, November 23
- U9 Multisport (3:05 – 4:05 PM in the JS Gym)
- Friday, November 27
- U8 Multisport (3:05 – 4:05 PM in the JS Gym)
Clubs
- All winter clubs begin the week of Monday, January 11, 2027
- Reminder about Teaching Kitchen
- Teaching Kitchen is one of our most popular after-school clubs, and we have heard your frustration at how difficult it can be to get a spot! As such, we have a lottery system to make the sign-up process more equitable.
- ALL families, with the exception of those whose children have already participated in Teaching Kitchen this year, will be allowed to register for this club, and will then be put on a wait list. Once registration closes, we will then enter the names of all students into a pool, and pull names randomly. We will then update families accordingly.
27-28 Financial Support Application Deadlines (Gr. 7 – 12)
Havergal is now accepting applications for tuition financial support via Apple Financial Services for Students entering Grades 7-12 in the 2027-2028 school year.
Renewal of Financial Support is not automatic. Families must reapply and qualify annually.
Apple’s review and analysis of an application may take 2 to 3 weeks once all required financial documents have been submitted. Begin your Apple application as early as possible. The deadline for fully completed applications, as determined by Apple Financial Services, is December 23, 2026.
Refer to our Financial Guide on the Parent Portal for information on Financial Support at Havergal College.
Personalized Havergal Calendars
Use this link to see a personalized summary of your child’s activities next week, on the Parent Portal
Co-Curriculars
Athletics’ Information:
- Registration for winter athletics is now open, and can be accessed on the Parent Portal.
- Registration closes on Monday, November 16th at 8 PM
Clubs Information
- Fall Clubs Schedule this can also be found in “My Household Calendar” on the Parent Portal.
Questions about Registration, Athletics, or Clubs
- For Athletics – Email the JS Director of Athletics, Anna Bartlett,
- For Clubs – Email the Junior School Office Administrator, Sarah Robertson.
JS Menu for Monday, November 9 – Wednesday, November 11
HCPA
HCPA General Meeting
The next HCPA general meeting is on Wednesday, November 11, 8:45 – 9:45 AM in the JS Dining Room. Our November guest speakers are: Carla DiFilippo, US Athletic Director & Anna Bartlett, JS Athletic Director, who will be presenting on the topic “Athletics”. Please join us!
JS Grade 1 & 3 Breakfasts
Students and one guest (a parent or a special adult) will enjoy a delicious breakfast and participate in fun activities together creating lifelong memories. To attend, please complete your registration using the relevant link below:
Grade 1: November 24, 7:15 – 8:30 AM
- Grade 1 RSVP link — Deadline is Friday, November 6
Grade 3: December 8, 7:15 – 8:30 AM
- Grade 3 RSVP link — Deadline is Friday, November 20
If you haven’t already done so, please remember to submit a baby photo of your student and a recent photo of your student with their guest for the slideshow.
- Email Grade 1 photos to havergalg1breakfast@gmail.com
- Email Grade 3 photos to havergalg3breakfast@gmail.com
Parent Pub
Join us for our HC Parent Pub on Thursday, November 19. Buy your tickets here!
Enjoy a relaxed evening connecting with fellow Havergal parents over drinks, delicious appetizers, trivia, and some friendly competition. Whether you’re catching up with friends or meeting new ones, it’s the perfect excuse for a parents’ night out!
- Thursday, November 19 | 7:00–10:00 PM
- Amsterdam Barrel House | 87 Laird Drive
- Tickets are $85 per person or $150 for two and include two drink tickets (beer, wine, or mocktails), complimentary soda, passed appetizers, trivia, and prizes!
Don’t forget to RSVP by Monday, November 9.
Key Dates on the Horizon
Thursday, November 12 – Monday, November 16
- Mid-term Break
Monday, November 16
- Registration for Winter Co-Curriculars closes at 8 PM
Tuesday, November 17
- Classes Resume
Thursday, November 19
- Parent Pub (7:00–10:00 PM at the Amsterdam Barrel House)
Tuesday, November 24
- Grade 1 Breakfast (7:15 – 8:30 AM in the JS Dining Hall)
Friday, December 4
- Kindergarten Christmas Concert (9:15 – 10:15 AM in the JS Dining Hall)
Tuesday, December 8
- Grade 3 Breakfast (7:15 – 8:30 AM in the JS Dining Hall)
Wednesday, December 9
- Grades 1 – 6 Christmas Concert (3:00 – 4:00 PM at St. Paul’s Bloor Street)
Tuesday, December 15
- Report Cards Available for viewing
Friday, December 18 – Monday, January 4
- No Classes – December Break
Tuesday, January 5
- Classes Resume
