JICS at a Glance
We've condensed the important highlights for your convenience:
Re-enrolment forms & deposits are due by Jan 15, 2025
RSVP for the Parent Education Night with Kai Cheng Thom - Jan 13, 6-8 pm
Register for free babysitting by TODAY at 11:59pm
RSVP for the Parents of BIPOC Children Meeting - Jan 15, 7-8:30 pm
Utilize the Skate Swap before our Winter Skating sessions start, or donate skates!
Sign your child up for Tabla Lessons with the Daycare by Jan 10
Check out the Fall Newsletter (check email for password)
Wednesday Program Session 2 registration opens on Wednesday January 15 at 10am! Read about WAP Session 2 Classes
Topics covered in this post:
(Click to navigate straight to a section)
1. Welcome Back Message from Principal Richard
Dear Parents,
We are thrilled to have our students back this week! The energy they have brought in, buzzing with excitement and happiness, eager to reconnect with friends and teachers, has been truly heartwarming. As we step into 2025, I am filled with excitement and gratitude. This year marks the 100th anniversary of our school, a century of shaping minds, nurturing hearts, and building a community that stands as a beacon of learning and togetherness. It is a rare privilege to be part of this milestone, and we (students, teachers, staff, and parents) are all contributing to a legacy that generations will look back on with pride. How lucky we are to write our chapter in this incredible story!
I also want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your kind messages, prayers, and support during this challenging time for my family. Your compassion and thoughtfulness have been a source of comfort and strength for me, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such a caring and united community—the JICS family.
Sincerely,
Richard
2. Re-enrolment for 2025-2026
To secure your child's place at JICS in 2025-2026, please submit the completed re-enrolment form along with the non-refundable $5,000 deposit to the office by January 15, 2025. Before deciding to re-enrol, we encourage you to review the JICS values, philosophy, and mission.
Please note that beginning January 16, 2025, the Admissions Team will offer any unclaimed spots to new applicants.
3. Parent Education Night: Surfacing Stories of Difference, with Kai Cheng Thom
Monday January 13 | 6:00-8:00 pm
In-Person at JICS | Babysitting Offered | Presented by the JICS Parents' Association
We are thrilled to announce that acclaimed facilitator and author, Kai Cheng Thom, is returning to host two more parent education sessions! The first session will take place on January 13th, and the second is planned for February (exact date TBA). Many of you will remember Kai Cheng’s session last year, which received overwhelmingly positive feedback. We hope you’ll join us this year!
What to Expect:
Kai Cheng’s beautifully designed facilitated exercises offer participants a chance to share diverse perspectives and often unseen experiences. This evening will honour diversity, through uplifting these stories in a way that both celebrates them for their beauty, and also recognizes challenges.
Purpose:
These sessions aim to: build a better understanding of the varied experiences within our parent community; foster a deeper sense of belonging; and share valuable feedback with school leadership which helps shape a more inclusive school for our kids.
*NEW INFO:
Teachers and administration will be organizing their own session with Kai Cheng at an alternative time.
A Very Important Note:
The facilitated exercises that Kai Cheng offers will not require anyone to engage in public speaking if they don’t wish to. There will be many different options for sharing that are inclusive at a wide range of comfort levels. All will be invited to participate in ways that feel right for them, which includes observation only. Expect a warm, welcoming and compassionate environment. No experience or preparation is necessary.
Registration is required - please register by 12:00pm Monday, January 13.
Babysitting is available and requires pre-registration by Thursday, January 9.
Space is limited and we cannot guarantee availability to those who have not registered before the deadline.
4. Parents of BIPOC Children Meeting
Wednesday January 15 | 7:00-8:30 pm
Virtual (link will be sent to those who RSVP)
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.
5. Exciting Update: Tuition Support Fund Campaign
We are thrilled to share the incredible progress of our 2024/25 campaign for The Diana Rankin Muncaster Family Tuition Support Fund! Thanks to your generosity and a $10,000 Matching Gift from Suresh Singh and Nicole Koziel, we have raised an impressive $40,090.
Your support helps ensure that economic diversity remains a core value at JICS, reflecting the inclusive spirit of Toronto. Let’s keep the momentum going as we work toward our $120,000 goal!
6. JICS Skate Swap
As the 2025 Winter Skating Season approaches, the JICS Skate Swap is now accepting donations. Our Phys Ed teacher, Luke Van Ryn has organized skating sessions at Bill Bolton Arena for students in SK and Grades 1 to 6 (specific dates to be announced by classroom teachers). To participate safely, students will need properly fitted skates and a CSA-approved helmet. There are no rental options available at the arena.
In the spirit of supporting families, we have set up a skate swap at the school. If you have skates or helmets to donate, please drop them off at the reception area. Additionally, parents seeking to borrow equipment can bring their children to try on donated items in the same area.
7. Teacher-Candidates in JK to Grade 6
We are excited to welcome two new teacher-candidates in each class from JK to Grade 6! These candidates collaborate with classroom teachers, enriching our students' learning experiences. This program serves as a stepping stone for them to pursue careers as educators in the public school system after their time here.
8. Daycare News - Tabla Lessons
The Daycare is excited to be able to offer group tabla lessons at JICS on Wednesdays 3:00 to 3:30pm. The tabla is a percussion instrument originating from the South Asian subcontinent. The lesson will focus on the technique of playing tabla, as well as principles of the Hindustani genre of classical music: improvisation, call and answer, and learning rhythms through an oral tradition.
When: Wednesdays 3:00-3:30 pm
Cost for Registered Daycare Users: $30 per child per lesson
Cost for Non Daycare Users: $65.00 per child per lesson (includes childcare until 6pm) OR $30 per child for just the lesson (no childcare afterwards)
Program Dates: January 15 to March 12, 2025
Registration Deadline: January 10, 2025
Registration Instructions:
- Include the name and age of each child
There will be a maximum of 5 children per group. If the interest is high, we would be able to offer another class from 3:30 to 4:00pm on Wednesdays. There will be a second term of the program after March Break until June. Children who are in daycare will move from tabla class back to their daycare group. We are very excited to invite Ravi Naimpally to teach our children!
9. Wednesday Afternoon Program - Session 2 Registration
As session 1 of the Wednesday Program prepares to wrap up on January 22nd, we are excited to share with you the courses available for session 2!
REGISTRATION OPENS: Wednesday, January 15 at 10:00 am
Session 2 Start date: Wednesday, January 29
Registration & payment is required by Friday, January 24 at 1:00 pm.
Before registration opens, take time to review each class description. Be sure to note the grade restrictions when making your decision.
*Please note: Due to high demand and limited spaces, students who have previous taken Baking are asked to please choose a different class. Thank you!
More details about the Wednesday Program:
The Wednesday Afternoon Program (WAP), an array of extra-curricular classes designed for Grade 1 to 6 students, runs in two sessions: September 11 to January 22 and January 29 to June 11. The cost is $750 per session. Each session is 18 weeks (last year, each session was 12 weeks).
The Second Session details are now accessible: WAP Session 2 Details
Online registration will open on Wednesday, January 15 at 10:00am.
To ensure registration, please submit your payment ($750/child) no later than Friday, January 24. Payments can be made by credit card or cheque.
Credit Card: a link to our payment site will be shared in your registration confirmation email.
Cheque: please bring payment by cheque to Shama in the School Office. Cheques are payable to University of Toronto.
While we are committed to accommodating every interested participant, please note that spots are limited and allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Parents of Kindergarten (JK and SK) students seeking Wednesday afternoon care can explore the "Creative Play Program" provided by ICS Daycare. For more information, kindly contact the Daycare Supervisor, Anne Marie Bartoli, at 416-934-4522 or visit ICS After School Daycare.
Wednesdays: January 16 to March 5, 2025
Natural Curiosity invites you to join us for this Kanien’kéha Introductory Online Language Course.
Open to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners, this course focuses on language revitalization and offers an in-depth exploration of the grammar and vocabulary of Kanyen’kéha.
11. Teacher Professional Development
Our commitment to exceptional learning experiences for our 200 JICS children and mentoring teacher-candidates remains steadfast. Through self-directed and whole-group initiatives, we continuously deepen our understanding of child development and pedagogy. Here are highlights from recent professional development endeavors:
Exploring Mathematics Education
This year, we are focusing on mathematics education, collaborating with Dr. John Mighton (Fields Institute for Research in Mathematical Sciences, UofT) and Dr. Brent Davis (University of Calgary) to guide our collective research and inquiry.
Advancing Indigenous Perspectives
JICS Indigenous expert and co-author of Natural Curiosity 2nd Edition, Doug Anderson successfully defended his thesis, BIINDGOOSHNAME SHKODE TEMGOOG (WE ARE COMING TO WHERE THE FIRE IS) at York University. His work emphasizes reorienting schools toward humanity's original instructions and integrating Indigenous perspectives into education.
Global Educational Exchange in Japan
Vice Principal Chriss Bogert, teachers Robin Shaw, Zoe Donoahue, and Judith Kimel joined an International Association of Lab Schools (IALS) delegation visiting lab schools and research institutes across Japan. Stops included:
Ochanomizu Women's University
Takehaya Elementary School of Tokyo Gakugei University
NIER (National Institute for Educational Policy Research)
Nara Women's University Elementary School
Doshisha Elementary and Junior High School
This tour fostered cross-cultural learning and strengthened global connections within the IALS network.
Building Resilience and Well-Being
Christel Durand (French) and Nadia Dharsee (Grade 6) attended the Growing Strong Minds Conference in Toronto, learning evidence-based strategies to promote resilience and well-being in children through the Strong Minds Strong Kids Psychology Foundation.
Collaborative Parent Education
JICS staff joined parents for the Fall PA Parent Education Event with clinical psychologist Dr. Zia Lakdawalla, learning strategies to support children in managing emotions in today’s fast-paced, digital world.
Equity and Belonging
JICS educators engaged with Dr. Ann Lopez (OISE) on "Exploring Identity and Belonging." Her workshop on decolonizing education and fostering community invited us to reflect on key questions:
How can we integrate equity and anti-racism in our classrooms?
How do we create spaces where all voices are valued?
Her insights continue to guide our efforts to build a more inclusive JICS community.
Enriching Educational Practices
Richard Messina attended the NAIS People of Colour Conference (POCC) in Denver, exploring strategies for equity, diversity, and inclusion under the theme "Meeting the Moment: Anchoring and Enriching Our Educational Futures."
JICS teachers visited the Spirit Garden in Nathan Phillips Square, guided by architects and Indigenous partners. This learning will inform future class trips and deepen students’ understanding of reconciliation.
Exploring Innovative Tools
Richard Messina attended a presentation by Ricky Chandarana (Khan Academy) on Khanmigo, an AI-powered education tool, offering insights into its potential to transform teaching and learning.
Professional development remains central to our mission, ensuring we grow as educators, leaders, and advocates for positive change in our school and beyond.
12. Dissemination: Serving Our Public Purpose
Since 1925, our school has been at the forefront of shaping elementary education and advancing teacher training worldwide. Below are recent highlights of our ongoing commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering innovation:
Advancing STEM Education
Nick Song, Special Education and STEM teacher, partnered with Paul Deitz of the University of Toronto's Computer Science Department on a groundbreaking animatronics project. This initiative merged storytelling and technology to make STEM learning accessible for classrooms across Canada. Students designed animatronic puppets, bridging the arts and sciences while learning valuable tech and literacy skills. Building on its success at JICS, the program aims for nationwide adoption.
Promoting Outdoor Learning
Krista Spence, teacher-librarian and land-based educator, contributed to an educator tool developed by BC’s Megan Zeni after connecting at the 2023 ‘Take Me Outside’ Conference. Krista’s insights on land-based learning, showcased on Outside Play, provide resources for fostering outdoor exploration in elementary education.
Elevating Early Childhood Education
Marcia Bumbury, JK teacher, taught Trent University’s Kindergarten Part 1 Additional Qualification Course, sharing expertise in inquiry-driven and play-based learning. Her teachings emphasized cutting-edge research and strategies to enhance early years education.
Supporting Pre-Service Teacher Education
Each year, our teachers contribute to the training of teacher-candidates in the Master of Arts in Child Study and Education (MA CSE) program at OISE, UofT. Some typical topics include:
Long-Term Planning
The Learning Environment
Classroom Management and Building Community
Reflections and Strategies for Early-Career Teachers
Inquiry
Expanding Music Education
Russell Leon Hersen, music teacher, received a Toronto Musicians' Union grant to bring music workshops to rural schools in the Ottawa Valley last summer. Students explored global music and vocal techniques, culminating in original songs celebrating kindness and community.
Advocating for Arts and Indigenous Education
Tara Rousseau represented JICS at the Ontario Art Education Association and ARTSECO meetings, addressing topics like Indigenous art education and diversity in arts teaching. She also attended the Indigenous Resurgence Conference, engaging with renowned scholars to deepen her understanding of community-based and academic Indigenous work.
Exploring Education’s Future
Nadia Dharsee, Grade 6 teacher, participated in the Canadian EdTech Leadership Summit, discussing transformative education technologies with thought leaders. Similarly, Richard Messina contributed to global education discussions at the OECD Future of Education and Skills 2030 Forum, focusing on teacher well-being and student competencies.
Fostering Global Research Collaboration
As President of the International Association of Laboratory Schools (IALS), Chriss Bogert led initiatives to promote research collaboration. Her work includes a monthly forum supporting member schools in conducting and publishing child-centered research.
Welcoming Global Visitors
This Fall, we hosted international delegations eager to learn from our innovative practices:
Saudi Arabian Ministry of Education, to explore lab school models.
Leaders from Hunter College School (NYC) and the University of Toronto Schools, examining our inquiry-based approach.
Educators from Japan’s Tokyo Institute of Early Childhood Education.
Representatives from the Toronto Region Conservation Authority, Keystone School, Albert College, and Clearmeadow Public School (York Region District School Board).
JICS remains a vibrant hub for education innovation, proudly sharing our practices and insights with communities worldwide.
13. JICS Fall Edition Newsletter
Our JICS Newsletter serves as a window into the wider school experiences, offering insights you might not have come across otherwise. A special thanks to Krista for her dedicated work in publishing it! Crafted to be enjoyed by both parents and children, we highly recommend taking a peek at the captivating Fall Newsletter together.
To access the Fall Newsletter, use the password provided in the Parent Information Post email. It's a fantastic opportunity to share and explore together!
14. Festivals of Lights - JICS Holiday Sing-Along
Thank you to the parents, family members, and friends who were able to join for the Holiday Sing-along. From Diwali and Hanukkah to Christmas, Yaldā Night, Winter Solstice, and Kwanzaa, we uniting in song to honor the diverse festivities that brighten this season.
Photos from the week!
Upcoming January Events
Mon 13 – 6:00-8:00pm Parent Education: Kai Cheng at JICS. Babysitting provided. RSVP
Tues 14 – 8:00pm Daycare Board Meeting
Wed 15 – Due Date for Re-enrolment form and deposit
Wed 15 – Wednesday Program Spring Session registration opens
Wed 15 – Parents of BIPOC Children Meeting. 7-8:30pm RSVP
Wed 22 – Last day of Fall 2024 Wednesday Program
Wed 22 – UofT Arbor Awards Ceremony
Thur 23 – Coffee and Conversation with Ellie. RSVP
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
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