Next Week in the Junior School
Monday
- Labour Day – School Closed
Tuesday
- Orientation Day
- JK – Group A (9–10 am); Group B (1–2 pm)
- Gr. 1 to Gr. 6 NEW-to-Havergal Students (9:30–10:30 am)
- All SK Students & Returning Students in Gr. 1 to 6 – NO SCHOOL
- Coffee/Tea/Water and light snacks will be available for families in the JS Dining Hall during these time.
- All new families will receive “carline dismissal cards” today
Wednesday
- Opening Day for All Students
- JK Students (8–11:30 am)
- Principal Prayers – Dr. Samson will be delivering the message (8:25–8:55 am in the JS Gym)
- All returning families will receive “carline dismissal cards” today
Thursday
- First Academic Day (Day 1)
- First full day for JK students
- JS Fall Co-Curricular Registration OPENS at 10 am on the Parent Portal
Friday
- Second Academic Day (Day 2)
- Before-school supervision is available free of charge between 7:30 am and 8:50 am.
- There are two time slots in which you may drop off your child
- 7:30–8:10 am OR
- 8:40–8:50 am
- There is NO DROP-OFF between 8:10 am and 8:40 am.
- Attendance is taken promptly at 8:55 am in the classroom.
Highlights
Latest News
- JS Parking, Drop-Off & Pick-Up Procedures
- Carline Dismissal Card Information
- High Holidays Prayers: Call for Participation and an Invitation
Reminders
- Before and After School Care (Gator Care)
- Celebration Day and Friday Night Lights – Friday, September 25
- Personalized Havergal Calendars
- Other Havergal Calendars to Subscribe To
Co-Curriculars
- Registration for Fall Athletics and Co-curriculars
- Questions about Registration, Athletics or Clubs?
- Athletics’ Information
- Clubs Information
Message
Dear Junior School Families,
We are only five sleeps away until we welcome our new to Havergal students on Tuesday, and six sleeps until everyone is back on campus on Wednesday!
Our teachers returned to school this week and have been eagerly preparing for the start of the school year. As wonderful as it has been for all of us to reconnect, collaborate and plan, there is just nothing better than the feeling of having the halls and classrooms filled with the energy, curiosity, and joy that our students bring. We also recognize that the start of school can sometimes feel a little overwhelming for students (and their families)! Know that we are here to help support and partner with you, not just in the opening weeks of school, but throughout the year.
This first edition of The Weekly is an important one. Below you’ll find key information to help your family prepare for a smooth start, including Opening Week schedules and arrival times, updated drop-off and pick-up procedures, Arts and Athletics registration and other important dates and opportunities.
Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy long weekend.
Sincerely,
Kate
Latest News
JS Parking, Drop-Off & Pick-Up Procedures
Please:
- Parking Restrictions: The northwest parking lot (closest to the ravine) is partially fenced off. During the first four weeks of the fall term (approximately), additional spots will be temporarily closed for underground storm sewer installation.
- Drop-Off & Pick-Up Procedures:
- Morning Drop-Off: This will be unaffected and operating as usual, for families with daughters in Grades 1–6, who use the drop-off lane in the JS driveway. It will, however, impact families with daughters in JK & SK. As on-campus parking is not available at this time, families can either:
- Park on a side street and walk their daughter to school; or
- Use the drop-off lane in the JS driveway, where a member of our team would be happy to escort students directly from their car to their classroom.
- Afternoon Pick-Up: This process will be altered due to the lot closure. Please consult our Junior School traffic flow map before the first day.
- Safety: Paid-duty officers will assist with traffic flow at the Junior School during the first weeks of school as an extra safety measure, in addition to our campus security team.
- Alternatives: With reduced parking capacity, we strongly encourage families to consider carpooling, taking public transit, or using the SpotAngels app to find nearby options.
- Morning Drop-Off: This will be unaffected and operating as usual, for families with daughters in Grades 1–6, who use the drop-off lane in the JS driveway. It will, however, impact families with daughters in JK & SK. As on-campus parking is not available at this time, families can either:
- Note that parking or leaving vehicles unattended in the driveway is not permitted during drop-off or pick-up.
- Fllow the directions of Havergal Security at all times. Thank you for your partnership in keeping arrival and dismissal safe and efficient.
Carline Dismissal Card Information
Families Who Are DRIVING:
- Should place a dismissal card on the dashboard of their car, so that it is easily visible to a member of our dismissal team.
Families Who Are WALKING:
- Are asked to bring their card, or know their dismissal card #
Each family is issued with TWO dismissal cards.
- Should you need additional cards, please contact: jso@havergal.on.ca and they would be happy to assist!
Jewish High Holiday Prayers: Call for Participation and an Invitation
We will be observing the High Holidays in the Junior School on Wednesday, September 23, from 8:25–8:55 am in the Junior School Gym. This will be followed by a reception in the JS Library. Families who are observing, and their child(ren) are welcome to attend.
If your child is interested in participating in High Holiday Prayers, please email Rev. Ruch (jruch@havergal.ca) by Friday, September 11, so that she can start working with the students.
Reminders
Before and After School Care (Gator Care)
A reminder that our before and after school care program (“Gator Care”) opens on Wednesday, September 9 for students in SENIOR Kindergarten to Grade 6. It will be open for JK on Thursday, September 10.
A reminder that families wishing to use the Gator Care Program, on an “as-needed” basis, must email the Gator Care Team by 9 am on the day the service is required (gatorcare@havergal.on.ca), and sign the AAR, which can be found on the Parent Portal.
More details about the program can be found here: Before and After School Care (“Gator Care”) 2026-27
Celebration Day and Friday Night Lights – Friday, September 25
Join us for Celebration Day from 3:30 to 6 pm, as our whole community comes together in support of our cherished community partners. Experience our school’s vision and mission in action through House-run games, fun activities, a lively Bazaar, BBQ and Silent Auction.
Interested in contributing to the Silent Auction? Click here to donate now.
Tickets & wristbands will go on sale next Tuesday, September 8. Keep an eye on our socials and The Weekly for the ticket link!
Friday Night Lights
Friday Night Lights takes place directly after Celebration Day. Kicking off at 6:30 pm, this special event will feature a competitive soccer match against The Bishop Strachan School Bobcats, and is open to all US students, parents, past parents, Old Girls/Alums and community members. Join us to cheer on the Gators, have a bite to eat and enjoy a beer in the 19+ Beer Tent. All proceeds will go toward Havergal’s Ahead of the Game campaign. Junior School students are also welcome to come with their parents. We hope you can come out and show your support!
Personalized Havergal Calendars
Use this link to see a personalised summary of your child’s activities next week, on the Parent Portal.
Other Havergal Calendars to Subscribe To
Some families also find it helpful to subscribe to HC calendars, so that they appear on your digital calendar. Instructions on how to do this, are provided below for your reference:
Co-Curriculars
Registration for Fall Athletics and Co-curriculars
- Opens: Thursday, September 10, at 10 am
- Closes: Sunday, September 20 at 8 pm
- To register, please visit the Parent Portal
- Please note that parent consent is required for students to participate in all athletic tryouts/practices, and clubs. This is completed as part of the online registration process.
Questions about Registration, Athletics or Clubs?
- Email JS Director of Athletics, Anna Bartlett,
- or the Junior School Office Administrator, Sarah Robertson.
Athletics’ Information
- Students in Gr. 4–6 may register for two teams plus cross-country. After the 2-week trial period, students must choose between Basketball, Soccer or Swim. Please consult with your child (ren) to confirm which teams they would like to try out for before you complete the online registration.
- Fall Athletics Schedule (bookmark this) can also be found on the Parent Portal. The season schedule will be finalized on Sep. 16. When you click on the link below, make sure you are looking at the first tab – “FALL 2026.”
- ¼ ZIP Athletics Sweater will be sold at People and Program Night. Students are to wear the Havergal ¼ zip to all games.
Clubs Information
- JS Clubs start the week of September 21
- Please note:
- 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 are moving to a lottery system to make the signup process more equitable. A huge thank you to one of our parents for making this suggestion!
- ALL families 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.
JS Menu for Wednesday, September 9 – Friday, September 11
Key Dates on the Horizon
Thursday, September 17, 2026
- People and Program Night (6–7:30 pm)
- Parent Reception to follow afterward
Friday, September 18, 2026
- Terry Fox Run (1:45–2:45 pm). All are welcome to come and walk/run with the students.
Friday, September 25, 2026
- Celebration Day at 3:30 pm
- Friday Night Lights at 7 pm
Monday, October 5, 2026
- First Pizza Lunch of the year
Thursday, October 8, 2026
- Harvest Festival, Brenda Robson Hall: 9–10 am
