JICS at a Glance
We've condensed the important highlights for your convenience:
Register for full-day Daycare on school closure days - Nov 8 & 11
Drop-off gently used child-sized clothing and winter gear with Paige at reception anytime through Nov 21
Save the date for an upcoming Parent Education Event - Nov 26
Topics covered in this post:
(Click to navigate straight to a section)
1. School Closed: Friday, November 8 & Monday, November 11
Friday, November 8 – Teachers and staff will be hosting Parent-Teacher Interviews.
Monday, November 11 – Midterm Holiday.
For families needing childcare, Daycare will be open on both days from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. If you would like to register your child, please reach out to Anne Marie, our Daycare Director, at ics.after.school.daycare@gmail.com.
For planning ahead, you can find the 2024-2025 school calendar on the JICSfamily website.
2. Remembrance Day at JICS
Each year the JICS community pays tribute to the generations of brave Canadians who have put their lives on the line for peace and freedom. Our staff and students will honour the fallen, the war veterans, and those in active service with a Remembrance Day ceremony on Tuesday, November 12, led by the Grade 6 and JK students and teachers, Nadia and Marcia. The ceremony will include songs of peace, readings, and a minute of silence. Remembrance Day is not only a time to remember, but also a time to be thankful that we live in a country that does not take peace for granted and honours the sacrifice of those who lost their lives so that we may continue to live in peace in a world overcome with so much conflict.
3. Celebrating Hindu Heritage Month
November is Hindu Heritage Month in Canada, a time to recognize and celebrate the rich contributions of Canadians of Hindu faith to our communities, and to honor the values of compassion, mutual respect, and inclusion. At the JICS Lab School, we are committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive learning environment. To deepen our understanding, we invite parents to share aspects of your Hindu heritage with us, this month and throughout the year. If interested, please contact your child’s teacher or consider joining the Hindu Heritage Planning Team alongside teachers Jessica, Walker, and Krista.
4. School-wide Children Clothing Swap
Friday, November 22
As the weather cools, join us in making wardrobes more sustainable! The Parents' Association is excited to host our first school-wide clothing swap on Friday, November 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Room 120 near reception.
How to Participate: Drop off gently used child-sized clothing and winter gear with Paige at reception anytime through November 21.
During the Swap: Come to JICS any time from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on November 22 in Room 120 and browse the selection of gently-used clothing for anything your child may need
After the Swap: All remaining items will be donated to local families in need.
Special thanks to JICS parent, Juliana, for leading this initiative!
5. Save the Date! Parent Education Event
Tuesday, November 26
6:00-8:00pm
Our first parent education event of the year will be on Tuesday, November 26th from 6-8 pm in-person at JICS with Dr. Zia Lakdawalla, clinical psychologist and founder of Foundations for Emotional Wellness. Childcare will be provided. More information to come in next week’s Post!
6. Natural Curiosity - Planning for Inquiry Workshop
This workshop introduces the four branches of Natural Curiosity and Indigenous perspectives on environmental inquiry. JICS teachers, Zoe Donoahue and Mike Martins share about their inquiry-based teaching practice and support a discussion around how educators can begin to plan for inquiry.
Natural Curiosity is a 100% donor-funded program – thank you for supporting our program sustainability. All proceeds help fund our facilitators for their time and work, and the creation of more Natural Curiosity professional learning opportunities.
Photos from the week!
Upcoming November Events
Hindu Heritage Month
Fri 8 – School closed. Daycare open to registered users. Parent/Teacher Interview Day.
Sun 10 – Due date for applications to Apple Financial for 2025-2026 tuition support
Mon 11 – Midterm Holiday. School closed. Daycare open to registered users.
Tues 12 – Remembrance Day Assembly (JK to Gr 6)
Thur 14 – Growing Strong Minds Conference
Wed 20 – Meeting of Parents of BIPOC Children
Thur 21 – Last day of 1st Year Teacher-Candidate placements in classrooms
Fri 22 – School-wide Children's Clothing Swap. Room 120
Fri 22 – Last day of Fall Interns in classrooms
Thur 28 – 12:30-1:30 Lunch & Learn with Ellie (details coming soon)
