School Closure, 25/26 Calendar, Staff Update, P/T Interviews
- JICS Office
- Apr 3
- 13 min read
Updated: Apr 9
JICS at a Glance
We've condensed the important highlights for your convenience:
Register for Parent Education: Lunch & Learn: Supporting Social Growth: How Parents Can Help Kids Build Positive Relationships - Thur April 10
The school will be closed Thur April 17 (daycare open), Fri April 18, and Mon April 21
View the 2025/2026 School Calendar
Make an online donation for the Read-a-thon or download a form
The second tuition payment is due on April 17, 2025
Sign up for Parent Teacher Interviews (April 16 & 17) - Links below!
Volunteer to participate in a new research study (info below)
Get your tickets to the JICS Centennial Gala & Silent Auction
Topics covered in this post:
(Click to navigate straight to a section)
1. School Closed
Thursday, April 17 + Friday, April 18 + Monday, April 21
On Thursday, April 17, the JICS teachers and staff will engage in Parent-Teacher Interviews.
The school and daycare are closed on Good Friday (April 18) and Easter Monday (April 21).
April 17th PA Day - School Closed, Daycare Open!
The daycare is thrilled to welcome some amazing animals as we host “Hands on Exotics!” Students will have the unique opportunity to participate in an immersive, hands-on animal experience.
Date: Thursday, April 17th
Hours: 7:45 AM – 6:00 PM
Snacks provided
Bring a nut-free lunch
Cost: $80.00 per child
Register by emailing: ics.after.school.daycare@gmail.com
Subject: PA DAY
Once you register via email, you will be automatically charged for the day.
We look forward to an exciting and educational PA Day!
2. 2025-2026 School Calendar
Information about the school calendar for 2025-2026 can be found on the JICSfamily website > "Calendar and Holidays".
3. JICS Read-a-thon - Celebrating 31 Years!
Your donations will be used to replace lost and broken books, purchase new books, and to support authors, illustrators, and storytellers to visit with students.
We are so grateful to our supportive community! Donations of $25 or more will be rewarded with a personalized book plate placed in a new library book.
4. Second 2025-2026 Tuition Payment Due
The second tuition payment is due on April 17, 2025. This payment is non-refundable and representing 50% of the balance tuition balance. Please make your cheque payable to the University of Toronto.
Nursery 2025-2026 Tuition is $20,127
A non-refundable deposit of $5,000 was paid at the time of acceptance.
50% balance due April 17 = $7,563.50 (non-refundable)
Full Day (JK to Grade 6) 2025-2026 Tuition is $31,874
A non-refundable deposit of $5,000 was paid in January 2025 or at time of acceptance.
50% balance due April 17 = $13,437 (non-refundable)
Shama is available in the school office each school day, 8:00am to 4:00pm. She is happy to receive post-dated cheques in advance of April 17.
The final tuition payment is due September 1, 2025.
5. Staff Update
In June, we will bid farewell to three beloved and invaluable members of the JICS community. Their contributions have left a lasting impact, and they will be greatly missed. Let us celebrate their journeys and achievements as they prepare for their next chapters.
Robin Shaw
Robin has been a beloved and integral part of the JICS community for an incredible 31 years—29 of them as a dedicated and inspiring teacher. A graduate of the ICS Diploma in Child Study Program, she began her journey at JICS immediately after completing her studies, first serving as a Special Education teacher before bringing her expertise to a variety of classrooms. Over the years, she has taught Grades 1, 2, 3, 4, and most recently, the combined Grade 4/5 class, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students.
Throughout her career, Robin has been a passionate advocate for deep, meaningful learning. She has been especially devoted to bringing Indigenous history and knowledge into the classroom, completing the Indigenous Worldviews course at OISE and ensuring that students engage with these perspectives in an authentic and respectful way. Her contributions to both Natural Curiosity Teacher Resource publications further reflect her commitment to fostering inquiry-based learning that connects students to the world around them and to Indigenous knowledge.
Robin has also been a lifelong learner, continuously expanding her knowledge in special education, particularly in the areas of ADHD and executive function. Whether through independent study, reading, or attending conferences, she sought to refine her approach to understanding and supporting students’ diverse learning needs. Her deep interest in assessment led her to develop a nuanced and comprehensive system for identifying and nurturing students' strengths, helping each child thrive in their own unique way.
Robin possesses a vast knowledge of children’s books and has always encouraged her students to explore different genres to deepen their love of reading. Whether introducing them to realistic fiction, fantasy, or non-fiction, she has helped students develop both a personal connection to literature and an appreciation for diverse voices and perspectives.
Robin developed the beloved "OLOGY" creative writing project, which she refined over many years. This initiative empowered students to explore their voices through a variety of genres, a passion she shared beyond JICS—most recently, she was invited to present her work to staff at the Edith Bowen Laboratory School, Utah, U.S.
Robin’s influence extends beyond her own classrooms. She has been an insightful mentor to many teacher candidates, including current JICS teachers Raadiyah and Walker during their time in the MA CSE Teacher Education Program. She frequently shared her expertise with graduate students, presenting in MA classes and helping to shape the next generation of educators.
Beyond academics, Robin brought a sense of wonder and curiosity into her classroom by introducing students to the fascinating world of animals. Over the years, her students had the rare and magical experience of observing, caring for, and learning from an extraordinary range of creatures—including ducks, chicks, fish, snakes, turtles, newts, geckos, frogs, toads, chameleons, and a wide variety of invertebrates. These experiences enriched the classroom environment and fostered a deep appreciation for the natural world among her students.
Robin’s contributions to JICS have been immeasurable. Her passion and dedication will be missed, but her impact will continue to resonate for years to come. We celebrate her remarkable career.
Zoe Donoahue
Zoe has been a cherished member of the JICS community for 22 years. A graduate of the ICS Diploma in Child Study Program, she began her teaching career in the Etobicoke Board of Education (now the Toronto District School Board), where she taught Junior Kindergarten as well as Grades 1, 2, 4, and 5. She later returned to OISE to complete her Master’s degree, deepening her commitment to both teaching and research.
Even before joining the JICS Lab School, Zoe was a teacher-researcher, securing grants and awards to support her work. She was published in numerous educational journals and presented her research at conferences both nationally and internationally. Initially seconded to JICS as a Grade 2 teacher, she went on to teach Grade 1, Grade 3, Grade 5, and most recently, our combined Grade 4/5 class. Her deep relationships with children and parents have always been at the heart of her work.
As a JICS teacher, Zoe expanded her role as a researcher, collaborating with esteemed scholars such as Dr. Marlene Scardamalia and Dr. Joan Moss to produce influential work. She presented at the prestigious American Educational Research Association (AERA) Conference and played a key role in advancing Knowledge Building Pedagogy, presenting her work to the Ministry of Education in 2013 and at various conferences: IALS and NCTM. She even led a groundbreaking Knowledge Building classroom—"Tomorrow’s Innovators"—where students from JICS and the TDSB came together for a demonstration at the IKIT Summer Conference.
Zoe is a dedicated team player, actively engaging in Japanese Lesson Study, a collaborative professional development approach involving research, lesson design, and peer observation. Never one to shy away from challenges, she frequently volunteered as a demonstration teacher, welcoming observers into her classroom to witness innovative teaching in action. Mentoring countless teacher candidates both at JICS and in the TDSB was an important and impactful part of Zoe’s teaching practice.
Over her career, Zoe developed a passion for teaching Mathematics. She developed the Primary Daily Math Discussion—a structured daily review of mathematical concepts such as number patterns, factors, early multiplication, and graphing, all connected to the school calendar and weather. This initiative was published in Teaching Children Mathematics (Vol. 22, No. 7, March 2016) and became a highlight for visiting researchers and teachers at the JICS Lab School. She later adapted this approach for Junior Grades and worked with the JICS Robertson Program for Inquiry-Based Teaching in Mathematics and Science to create valuable resources for public school educators, students, and parents.
Beyond JICS, Zoe collaborated with the Rainy River District School Board and First Nations community partners to support educators in Fort Frances, Ontario. She was also a frequent guest expert in the MA CSE Teacher Education program, sharing her expertise with aspiring educators. Long before the term "land-based education" gained prominence, Zoe was bringing children to the ravine each season to observe and understand the natural world.
Her contributions to JICS—its students, faculty, research, MA program, and the broader public education community—have been profound. While she will be deeply missed, we look forward to finding ways to stay connected and continue learning from her expertise and passion.
Nadia Dharsee
Nadia’s secondment from the TDSB comes to an end this June, and while we are sad to see her go, we are incredibly grateful for the time she has spent at JICS. As a passionate and dynamic educator, she has enriched both the classroom and the school community in countless ways.
In 2019-2020, Nadia brought energy and innovation to Health and Physical Education, coaching various teams and introducing students to new athletic experiences, including kickboxing, yoga, squash, and curling. When she returned to JICS in 2022, she brought an inquiry-driven approach to teaching Grade 6, leading students through thoughtful explorations of accessibility, gentrification, community, belonging, and sustainability.
Her dedication to experiential learning extended beyond the classroom. She organized memorable trips and excursions that deepened students’ understanding of the world around them, from exploring documentary storytelling at Hot Docs and uncovering history at the Toronto Archives to immersing students in their city with Walk T.O. and fostering independence and teamwork on overnight trips to Montreal, Quebec City, Muskoka Woods, and Camp Arowhon.
Committed to her own professional growth, Nadia actively engaged in ongoing professional development, participating in the Outdoor Education Conference in Banff, studying the role of AI in teaching and learning, exploring Animatronics and Jump Math, and contributing to mental health research with Strong Minds, Strong Kids. Her passion for learning has not only shaped her own practice but has also inspired those around her.
Though Nadia will be returning to Westwood Middle School (TDSB), her impact at JICS will be long remembered. She will be deeply missed, but we know she will continue to bring the same enthusiasm, dedication, and care to her students and colleagues in her next chapter. We are grateful for all she has given to the JICS community and wish her the very best in the future!
6. 2025-2026 Staffing Plan
As we say goodbye to these incredible educators, we also look ahead with excitement. We know that transitions can bring questions, especially with new teachers joining our Grade 4, 5, and 6 classrooms next year. Rest assured, we have thoughtfully designed an exceptional staffing plan to ensure a smooth transition and continued excellence in teaching and learning. We are excited to share the details of our 2025-2026 staffing model in next week’s post and look forward to introducing the talented educators who will be joining our community.
7. Parent Teacher Interviews: April 16 & 17
The Spring interviews are an opportunity for a conversation with your child’s/children’s teachers who will share observations about your child’s/children’s academic profile as well as their social emotional development.
Our interviews with Grade Teachers are designed to be concise, typically lasting 20 minutes, and are conducted in person. In addition to your child’s teacher, your interview may include one or more of the following individuals: teacher-candidate/intern, Special Education teacher, or Chriss or Richard. At the JICS Lab School, we take a collaborative approach, with our classroom teachers working closely with the administrative team, specialty teachers, interns, and Special Education teachers. We meet regularly to discuss each child's progress and needs. It is important to note that students do not need to be formally identified on the Special Education caseload to benefit from this collective effort. Our Special Education teachers are actively involved in the classroom, providing support to all students and offering a long-term, multi-year perspective on their development and progress.
Our Specialty Teachers will be available for Parent-Teacher Interviews for parents of children in JK to Grade 6 at select times. To ensure a detailed discussion of your child’s progress, we kindly ask that you schedule your meeting in advance, allowing the teacher time to prepare. Drop-ins are discouraged to ensure each family receives the attention they deserve.
Please be aware that all interviews are meant to be an in-person, adult-only experience to ensure open and candid discussions about your child's development.
The following are the links to sign up for your Spring interview with your child’s/children’s teachers. The dedicated interview dates are Wednesday, April 16 and Thursday, April 17. Your child’s teacher may list other available days/times.
Classroom Teachers (20 min)
Nursery: https://signup.com/go/TtwGSYP
Grade 1: https://signup.com/go/KVGwsnO
Grade 2: https://signup.com/go/PULRrQW
Grade 3: https://signup.com/go/SnDHvav
Grade 4/5R: https://signup.com/go/npWvSjq
Grade 4/5Z: https://signup.com/go/ChWWLvJ
Grade 6: https://signup.com/go/ACtzwoM
Specialty Teachers (5 min)
Primary French (JK-Gr 2): https://signup.com/go/DuxcRBp
Junior French (Gr 3-6): https://signup.com/go/waODBOy
Early Years Music (JK, SK): https://signup.com/go/icQugbS
Primary/Junior Music with Russell (Gr 1-6): https://signup.com/go/EhZaZGr
Primary/Junior Music with Jayda (Gr 1-6): https://signup.com/go/ThjYtMF
Art (JK-Gr 6): https://signup.com/go/FckDoLF
Phys Ed (JK-Gr 6): https://signup.com/go/tJPnJjz
Drama (JK-Gr 6): https://signup.com/go/EOSUypD
Library (JK-Gr 6): https://signup.com/go/dsTFiZc
8. JICS Lab School Parent Participants Needed for Research on School Choice in Canada
JICS Lab School Parents have an exciting opportunity to participate in a new research study, with researchers from the Department of Political Science at McMaster University, in conjunction with the Universities of Toronto, Regina, and British Columbia, including Dr. Linda White, a former JICS Lab School parent.
The study, Assessing the Financial, Governance, and Parental Feedback Effects of School Choice in Canada, examines parents’ views regarding the Canadian education system and the factors behind why parents make the choices they do for their children’s education. The goal of this research is to gather insights and opinions on school choice in the Canadian context. Parents of children attending the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study Lab School are invited to participate in group-based discussions on the topic of school choice and the factors that have influenced your decisions regarding your child/ren’s education.
We need JICS Lab school parents to participate in one of the following focus group sessions:
Tuesday 15 April 2025 at 3:30-4:30 pm – in person. The in-person focus group will take place in room 120 near the reception at 45 Walmer Road.
OR
Wednesday 16 April 2025 at 7:30-8:30 pm – online (Zoom). The link will be shared with volunteers in advance.
To volunteer to participate in this study, or to request information, please contact Dr. Linda A. White linda.white@utoronto.ca.
There is more information about the study on this flyer:
Thank you for considering your support for this important research!
9. Dissemination: Serving Our Public Purpose
JICS is at the forefront of shaping elementary education and advancing teacher training worldwide. Our commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering innovation continues through various initiatives.
Recent Highlights:
Robin Shaw, Grade 4/5 teacher, presented the OLOGY literacy project to educators from Edith Bowen Laboratory School in Utah, U.S. Developed by Robin, this year-long creative writing initiative encourages students to explore topics they are passionate about, drawing on their own knowledge and lived experiences. The project serves as a powerful and engaging tool for exposing students to a wide variety of text forms. Over many years, Robin has refined this approach, seamlessly integrating writing lessons that feel meaningful to students. These lessons include mini-sessions on style, structure, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling, ensuring a well-rounded and inspiring learning experience.
Nick Song and Judith Kimel (JICS Special Education Teachers) presented at the University of Toronto China Education Forum (UTCEF) 2025. This year’s theme is “A Shared Future from a Global Perspective: Fostering engagement, inclusion, and creativity in education.” Judith and Nick were part of an international panel who spoke on the topic of “Empowering Educators: Advancing inclusive education through cross-cultural insights.”
10. JICS Centennial Gala and Silent Auction
Join us to celebrate!
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) 158 Sterling Road
Toronto, ON
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate 100 years of the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study Lab School (JICS). This milestone event will bring together alumni, parents, and friends to honour our legacy, support our future, and enjoy an inspiring night of art, entertainment, and philanthropy.
Event Highlights:
🍸 A vibrant cocktail party featuring signature drinks and delicious food
🎶 Live music and entertainment throughout the evening, including special Centennial toasts and tributes
🎨 An exclusive auction featuring pieces from renowned artists, unique experiences and one-of-a-kind items
Proceeds & Impact:
The proceeds from this evening will directly support the JICS Lab School Endowment Fund, providing children from diverse backgrounds with access to a JICS education, regardless of financial circumstances. For over a century, the JICS Lab School has been at the forefront of redefining education, pioneering transformative research and innovative teaching methods that enhance public school education. Your contributions will help us expand this vital work, fostering a thriving and inclusive community while advancing our mission to shape the future of education.
Purchase Tickets:
Ticket Price: $450 per person (each ticket is eligible for a $225 charitable tax receipt)
Get Involved:
If you’d like to help us reach our goal by generously contributing artwork, an exclusive experience, or a valuable item, please contact Sim Kapoor at sim.kapoor@utoronto.ca or Reesa Barkhouse at reesa.barkhouse@utoronto.ca.
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate a century of impact at JICS and support the future of education. We look forward to welcoming you to this unforgettable evening!
Thank you for your support in making the JICS Centennial Gala & Silent Auction a success!
11. 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.
Help Natural Curiosity support 30,000 educators in 2025 by donating just $20 today!
Every donation, no matter the size, helps educators bring environmental learning to life through Indigenous perspectives, empowering students to imagine a better world and take the steps necessary to make that world a reality.
As a 100% donor-funded program, your support is essential to providing free resources and expanding environmental education and Indigenous language programs for all. The Government of Canada has extended the eligible period for charitable donations—contribute by February 28th and receive a 2024 tax receipt.
Miigwetch/Hiy hiy/Nya:wen for considering a gift to Natural Curiosity.
Photos from the Week
Upcoming April Events
Fri 4 – Final Day of Winter Internship
Wed 9 – International Day of Pink Thur 10 - 12:30-1:30pm Lunch and Learn with Ellie “Supporting Social Growth: How Parents Can Help Kids Build Positive Relationships” Register here.
Sat 12 (evening) to Sun 20 - Passover
Mon 14 – Vaisakhi
Mon 14 to Thur 17 – La Semaine de la Francophonie at JICS
Tues 15 – 7:00 Meeting of Parents of BIPOC Children RSVP
Wed 16 – Parent/Teacher Interview Afternoon (sign-up above)
Thur 17 – Due date for 2nd Tuition Payment
Thur 17 – School closed. Daycare open. Parent/Teacher interview Day (sign-up above)
Fri 18 – Good Friday (School and Daycare closed.)
Mon 21 – Easter Monday (School and Daycare closed.)
Tues 22 – Earth Day
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