JICS at a Glance
We've condensed the important highlights for your convenience:
Purchase tickets to JICS at the Movies - Thur February 6 at 6:30 pm
Register your child for WAP Session 2 Classes
RSVP to Upcoming Events with JICS Social Worker, Ellie
Next week: Lunch & Learn: Neurodiversity, Understanding and Supporting your Child with ADHD and/or Giftedness - Thur January 30 at 12:30 pm
Register your child for the Daycare March Break Camp - email ics.after.school.daycare@gmail.com by Feb 15
Topics covered in this post:
(Click to navigate straight to a section)
1. The Launch of The JICS SUMMER CAMP
The Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study (JICS) is thrilled to announce a brand-new summer camp pilot program running throughout the month of July! Designed for children aged 4 to 9, this unique camp will offer engaging, hands-on experiences through three exciting categories: Natural Curiosity Labs, Imagination Labs, and Creative Labs.
Open to both JICS and non-JICS families, the camp provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the innovative and nurturing environment that JICS is known for. The camp will incorporate an inquiry-based learning approach to the camp day, encouraging children to explore their natural interests, ask questions, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. Activities will be delivered in a secure, nurturing, and joyful environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, and collaboration — all hallmarks of JICS.
Registration is tentatively set to open in mid-February, but please note that spaces will be limited and demand is expected to be high. We encourage families to continue planning their summer schedules while reviewing camp cancellation policies, as availability cannot be guaranteed.
This initiative serves a dual purpose: to contribute proceeds to the JICS Endowment Fund, ensuring continued excellence in education and to help introduce JICS to the broader Toronto community.
We kindly ask for your support in spreading the word about this exciting new program! Whether or not your family plans to participate, sharing the news with friends and neighbors can help us make this initiative a success.
Stay tuned—the camp website with additional details will be shared soon. Thank you for your enthusiasm and support as we embark on this exciting new adventure!
2. JICS at the Movies: 40 Acres
Thursday, February 6
6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Innis College Theatre
2 Sussex Avenue
Toronto, ON M5S 1J5
* Content advisory: explicit violence, mature themes, sexual content, coarse language
Join us on Thursday, February 6 for a reception and advance screening of the critically acclaimed 40 Acres. The film, a powerful thriller set in a post-apocalyptic future, tells the story of the last descendants of a family of Black farmers who settled in Canada after the American Civil War. They must protect their homestead from an organized militia determined to take their land.
40 Acres, a TIFF Special Presentation selection, is a gripping film centred on Black and Indigenous characters, exploring themes of history, justice, and resilience. It examines generational trauma, the fear of “the Other,” and redefines Black masculinity through empathy and vulnerability.
The story follows a mother and son, blending Black and Indigenous heritage, who fight for survival and hope against all odds. Ultimately, the film emphasizes the importance of Black and Indigenous sovereignty in a world that often seeks to erase them.
Before the screening, you are invited to an exclusive wine reception sponsored by Halpern Enterprises. This special pre-screening gathering offers refreshments, small bites, the opportunity to mingle, celebrate the centennial of the Lab School, and engage with fellow members of the JICS community. Don’t miss this chance to connect and commemorate this milestone together!
Following the screening, we are thrilled to host an exclusive Q&A session with the film’s producer, Jennifer Holness. Heralded by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the most powerful women in Canadian Entertainment, Holness is a highly respected and accomplished producer committed to authentic storytelling.
Her partnership with Director R.T. Thorne on 40 Acres promises a rich, thought-provoking narrative, one that is both engaging and rooted in her dedication to craft and passion for storytelling. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in a meaningful conversation about the film and its themes.
Your ticket purchase will have a profound impact on supporting economic diversity through the Diana Rankin/Muncaster Family Tuition Support Fund (DRMFT), which ensures that students from all financial backgrounds have equal access to the outstanding education we offer here at the JICS Lab School—Canada's independent school with a public purpose.
A diverse student body is essential for a thriving educational environment, and your generosity will help us foster a community where students learn from each other's unique life stories and embrace diverse cultures and experiences.
To foster inclusivity to this and many of our events, we’re continuing with a dual fee model for ticket sales this year. Every ticket includes a delightful assortment of classic movie snacks and beverages.
When choosing from the ticketing options, please remember that each ticket sale will bring us closer to our annual goal of raising $120,000 for the DRMFT Fund.
We are excited for you all to experience this evening of memorable cinema while greatly contributing to the Lab School’s mission to create a diverse and rich learning environment.
Save the date, spread the word, and let’s make this event a resounding success!
3. International Holocaust Remembrance Day
The United Nations General Assembly officially designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day, commemorating the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. At the JICS Lab School, our commitment to diversity and inclusion extends beyond a single day, as we address various forms of hate and oppression in developmentally appropriate ways throughout the entire year. These designated days serve as poignant reminders of our ongoing dedication to creating an environment that fosters learning and growth for our students and families. We continuously examine and reinforce our commitment to ensuring that our school remains a safe haven for all students, staff, parents, and community members.
4. African Heritage/Black History Month
February marks Black History Month in Canada, inviting Canadians to engage in festivities and events that honor the rich legacy and achievements of Black Canadians, both past and present. At JICS, we integrate the celebration of Black History Month into our curriculum developmentally across grades and showcase it through whole-school events such as assemblies involving community members. Our commitment extends into specialty classes like Library, Music, and Visual Arts. We encourage parents to contribute suggestions to help our students gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of Black Canadians and their indispensable role in the community. Feel free to reach out to your child’s teachers with your ideas or to the Black Heritage Committee members: Kenisha, Marcia, Nadia, Tara.
5. Author Visits - Black History Month
As part of our Black History Month celebrations, we are excited to host two incredible storytellers who bring a wealth of culture and creativity to our students.
On Monday, February 10, storyteller Kesha Christie will engage students from Nursery to Grade 6 with the rich tradition of oral storytelling. Through her dynamic performances and interactive workshops, Kesha breathes life into timeless tales, inspiring the storyteller in each of us.
On Wednesday, February 12, we are thrilled to welcome Yolanda T. Marshall, an award-winning Canadian author of Guyanese and Bajan heritage. Yolanda will present her vibrant, inclusive children’s literature to students from Nursery to Grade 3, sharing stories that celebrate diversity and cultural richness.
6. Wednesday Program - Session 2 Registration
Session 2 Start date is next Wednesday, January 29.
Registration & payment is required by Friday, January 24 at 1:00 pm.
7. Parent Education Opportunities with JICS Social Worker, Ellie
For our upcoming Lunch and Learn sessions we will be having a two-part discussion about aspects of Neurodiversity, Understanding and Supporting your Child with ADHD and/or Giftedness on Thursday January 30th and Thursday February 6th. As always, these talks are 30 minutes a talk with slides (recorded) followed by 30 minutes of (unrecorded) discussion and questions.
We welcome everyone with a child/ren in the Early Years to our next Coffee and Conversation morning. Join us for this opportunity to connect and share ideas with other parents.
8. Daycare March Break Camp
Sign up by emailing ics.after.school.daycare@gmail.com
9. Celebrating UofT Arbor Awards
Last evening we celebrated the 2024 Arbor Awards, the University of Toronto’s highest honour for volunteers, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the U of T community. Please join us in congratulating Shawn Konopinsky, François Tanguay-Renaud, and Deepta Rayner, whose dedication of time, energy, and expertise has profoundly impacted our school community. We invite you to read about their inspiring acts of service and celebrate their contributions with us.
Shawn Konopinsky
Shawn has been a steadfast volunteer for the Lab School since 2020. His notable contributions included serving as Treasurer of the Parents’ Association (PA) for three years. In this role, Shawn managed donations, ensuring they funded programs and resources that enriched the educational experience for students and parents alike.
Deepta Rayner
A devoted and longtime supporter of the Lab School since 2011, Deepta took on leadership roles within the Parents’ Association as president and worked closely with parents, school leaders, and alumni to foster community and collaboration. Her contributions span providing content for publications, event planning, committee work, and championing parent education efforts, particularly in the areas of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
François Tanguay-Renaud
François has been an invaluable friend of the Lab School since 2018. His involvement with the Parents’ Association has included serving as class representative, vice-president, and president. François has also played a key role in organizing memorable events such as fundraising galas, community skating gatherings, and educational initiatives for parents.
These exceptional volunteers exemplify the spirit of service and community, and we are deeply grateful for their contributions to the Lab School’s success.
10. Natural Curiosity
The Natural Curiosity program plays a crucial role in advancing the Lab School’s public purpose by supporting educators with understanding the importance of Indigenous perspectives in environmental and all education.
We have currently sold over 18,000+ plus copies of our educator resource, Natural Curiosity 2nd Edition: The Importance of Indigenous Perspectives in Children's Environmental Inquiry. If you want to learn more about Natural Curiosity’s four-branch environmental inquiry framework, deepened by Indigenous perspectives, please view or download this gift copy of the "Intro and Preface" or purchase a copy of the entire book today! It is available in both English and French.
Photos from the Week!
Upcoming January Events
Mon 27 – International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Wed 29 – First Day of Spring Wednesday Program (runs to Jun 11)
Wed 29 – Lunar New Year
Thur 30 – Lunch & Learn: Neurodiversity, Understanding and Supporting your Child with ADHD and/or Giftedness - PART ONE. 12:30-1:30pm RSVP
Upcoming February Events
Black History Month
Thur 6 – Lunch & Learn: Neurodiversity, Understanding and Supporting your Child with ADHD and/or Giftedness - PART TWO. 12:30-1:30pm RSVP
Thur 6 – JICS at the Movies – screening movie “40 Acres”. Purchase Tickets
Tues 11 – Parents of BIPOC children meeting 7:00pm
Thur 13 – Valentine’s Day at JICS
Fri 14 – Midterm Holiday – School closed. Daycare open to registered users.
Mon 17 – Family Day Holiday – School and Daycare closed
Wed 19 – JICS Art Night (details coming soon)
Mon 24-Tues 25 – Japanese Teacher-Candidates visiting JICS
Tues 25-Fri 28 – Grade 4/5 students at YMCA Pine Crest Camp
Wed 26 – Pink Shirt Day/Anti-Bullying Day
Thus 27 – Coffee and Conversation Parent Education Session with Ellie 9:00am RSVP
Fri 28 – Ramadan (begins at sunset)
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