JICS at a Glance
The purpose of our new "JICS at a Glance" section is to ensure parents and caregivers are receiving the most important information and deadlines. We highly encourage families to continue reading the full post to learn more about our school community, opportunities for family involvement, what our students are learning, and more.
Topics covered in this post:
JICS Clothing
Parent's Association (PA) - Have you donated?
Message from JICS Parents' Association- PA "All Parents" Meeting Monday, October 23rd
JICS at the Movies- Donate a Ticket!
Cross Country Running Club Meet
1. JICS Clothing
Toronto mural artist, Al Runt has designed the latest edition of JICS clothing. The Parents’ Association have devised a “Pay What You Wish” option for both children and adult items. This is a limited time offer. To purchase JICS clothing, please click here.
2. Parents' Association (PA) - Have you donated?
Our Parents’ Association exists to enrich the experience of JICS students. If you have not had the opportunity yet to make your PA donation for this year, please read more about this year’s plan here. Every JICS parent is a member of our Parents’ Association. It is only through financial contributions that the PA is able to support the school.
Click HERE to make your contribution!
3. Message from JICS Parents' Association
PA "All Parents" Meeting
Monday, October 23rd
7:00-8:30 pm on Zoom
Dear Parent Community,
All JICS parents are invited to join the first “all parents” meeting of the Parents’ Association on Monday, October 23 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. On the agenda for the meeting:
1. Introduction to the PA and goals for the year;
2. Overview of Parents Education events currently being planned for the year;
3. Overview of the budget and current financial situation of the PA;
4. Other updates from our principal, Richard;
5. Class rep's reports on social happenings for their cohort;
6. Opportunities to volunteer;
7. Reminders.
The meeting will be held virtually. Please use this Zoom link to join: https://utoronto.zoom.us/j/89460723075
The password will included in the email notice for this Parent Information POST next week.
Sincerely yours,
Megan
4. JICS at the Movies- POSTPONED
TBD
Innis College Theatre
We regret to inform you that due to unforeseen circumstances, the JICS Movie Screening scheduled for tomorrow October 16th is postponed.
Please accept our sincere apologies for the inconvenience. We'll be in touch with a new date and more information soon.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Reesa Barkhouse at reesa.barkhouse@utoronto.ca or Sim Kapoor at sim.kapoor@utoronto.ca.
Thanks for your understanding!
5. Parents of BIPOC Children Meeting
Thursday, October 12, 2023 (TONIGHT)
7:00-8:30 pm over Zoom
Created by JICS parents for JICS parents, this meeting is designed for conversation and advocacy for families at JICS with BIPOC children. All parents of a BIPOC student at JICS are welcome.
The intention of this meeting is to gain a greater understanding of the issues facing our BIPOC children at school, so that we may support them during their time at JICS. As well as discuss how the JICS BIPOC parents can support the teachers and help with the school's cultural celebrations.
6. JICS Family Expanding
We have some truly exciting news to share with all of you! JK Teacher, Raadiyah's beautiful family is about to welcome a new addition as she and Agha eagerly anticipate the arrival of their second child in April. This is such a joyous moment for them, and we couldn't be happier. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this wonderful occasion and congratulating Raadiyah and her family.
Silvana, a dedicated member of our After-School Daycare Program team, had an extra reason to be thankful last weekend, as she welcomed her beautiful granddaughter, Rowan, into the world. Silvana has always been a pillar of support and care for the children under her watchful eye in our program, and now, she can proudly add the title of "Grandmother" to her list of accomplishments.
7. Cross Country Club Running Meet
We are excited that our Cross Country Team will race on Friday at Winston Churchill Park as part of the TDSB Running Meet. The children practised in the morning, three times a week. Thanks to coaches Michael and Judith.
8. Photo Orders
Photo orders have been distributed to classroom teachers and will be going home with students shortly.
9. Halloween
Parents, please join our JK to Grade 6 Halloween Celebration Assembly on Tuesday, October 31st, at the witching hour of 9:00am, in our enchanted gym. Our talented music teachers, Suzanne Schwenger and Russell Hersen, will lead us all in some spooky songs and together we will make some Halloween magic!
For our little pumpkins in the Nursery, there's a morning of magical activities awaiting them in their own cozy classroom!
Children (and parents) are all invited to dress up in costumes.
The school doors will open at 8:35am as usual and the children are asked to make their way to the classroom. Once everyone's accounted for, each grade will fly/slither/float into the gym together.
There are many internet articles that provide helpful and culturally sensitive Halloween costume advice. Search: Halloween culturally insensitive costumes.
We are looking forward to making some wonderful memories on this special day!
10. Halloween Candy
With Halloween and the winter holidays fast approaching, we want to share ways that can help make our school a safe and more inclusive place for students with food allergies. We prefer that students do not eat candy while at school. We avoid sweet treats, preferring wholesome snacks whenever possible. However, there is a place for sweets in our diets and parents may choose to occasionally pack individual portions in student lunches or snacks from home. Students are not permitted to share candy, treats, or gum with others. In preparing your child’s lunch and snack, please be certain that all ingredients listed are free of nuts and nut warnings.
11. Financial Support
The JICS Lab School is committed to needs-based financial support that will both enable increased diversity and retain current Lab School families. Tuition support is available to current students entering Grades 3-6 in the 2024-2025 school year. Application and assessment of financial need is made through an arms-length, confidential application to Apple Financial Services, and decisions are made by a sub-committee at the JICS Lab School. All applications and requests are confidential.
The deadline for applications to Apple Financial is November 10.
If you are interested in donating to the JICS Diana Rankin Muncaster Family Tuition Support Fund or the JICS Lab School Endowment Fund, please see here or speak with Richard Messina.
12. Grade 1 Trip to Cedarvale Ravine
The Grade 1 class had a fantastic time on their field trip to Cedarvale Ravine. Please enjoy some photos below!
13. Visit from Student Alumni
Last week, we were lucky to have some visitors from the JICS graduating class of 2023. We love hearing from JICS alumni about all their amazing growth and learning!
14. Upcoming October Events - Islamic Heritage Month & LGBT History Month
Thur 12 - Parents of BIPOC Children Meeting 7:00-8:30 pm on Zoom
Mon 23 – PA “All Parents” Meeting. 7:00pm, Zoom
Thurs 26 - Lunch & Learn with Ellie, 1:00 PM. Information coming soon.
Tues 31 – Halloween
15. Upcoming November Events - Hindu Heritage Month
Wed 8 – Due date for JICS sibling registration for Nursery 2024-2025 (email coming soon)
Thur 9 – Remembrance Day Assembly (JK to Gr 6)
Fri 10 – PD Day. School closed. Daycare open to registered users.
Fri 10 – Due date for applications to Apple Financial for 2024-2025 tuition support
Sun 12 – Diwali
Mon 13 – Midterm Holiday. School closed, daycare open to registered users.
Tues 14 – JICS Diwali celebrations
Wed 15 – Parent/Teacher Interviews (sign-up info coming soon)
Wed 22 – Parent/Teacher Interviews (sign-up info coming soon)
Tues 28 – Giving Tuesday
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