JICS at a Glance
We've condensed the important highlights for your convenience:
Re-enrolment forms & deposits are due by Jan 15, 2025
Join us for the Festivals of Lights - JICS Holiday Sing-along - Dec 20 at 9:00 am
Purchase raffle tickets for your child to be Principal for the Day!
RSVP for the Parent Education Night with Kai Cheng Thom - Jan 13, 6-8 pm
Register for free babysitting by Jan 9
Consider a donation to Natural Curiosity this giving season
Topics covered in this post:
(Click to navigate straight to a section)
1. Last Day of School
The Fall Term ends Friday, December 20 at 12:00pm (6:00pm for registered daycare users). There is no hot lunch program. The JICS building is closed during the holidays.
2. Happy Holidays
Hanukkah Sameach! Shabe Yalda Mobarak! Happy Winter Solstice! Merry Christmas!
Happy Kwanzaa! Happy New Year!
We wish everyone a holiday that is just the right balance between festive merriment and quiet relaxation. We look forward to seeing everyone on Monday, January 8, 2024.
3. Teacher Gifts
Dear Parents,
At JICS, we are fortunate to have thoughtful and generous parents who deeply value the dedication of the faculty and staff who work with their children. To honour this commitment, part of the Parents’ Association (PA) donation that was collected at the start of the year will be allocated to ensure that every member of the faculty and staff receives a gift this holiday season. This initiative reflects the thoughtful work of the volunteer PA Exec, who from the outset approached this effort with a spirit of transparency, community engagement, and collaboration. It has evolved through many meaningful conversations between the PA Exec, the School Administration, and in consultation with the teachers and previous class reps. We thank JICS parents for your contributions to making this recognition possible.
Families are also welcome to individually recognize teachers and staff with personal gifts. A gift created or selected by a child offers a meaningful opportunity for the teacher to connect directly with the child and express their appreciation.
We also recognize that additional collections have been organized within individual grade cohorts by our wonderful class rep volunteers to acknowledge specific individuals, such as classroom teachers. While this initiative is optional, we believe it stems from a spirit of appreciation and community. Families who wish to participate are welcome to do so. Contributions to these gifts will remain voluntary, anonymous, and presented collectively from the group. We thank the PA Exec and Class Reps for continuing to manage this process with discretion and care.
We understand that discussions around additional collections have emerged in chat groups. These platforms, while convenient, may not always support nuanced conversations. Exploring different ideas, including those opposed to our own, enriches our understanding and drives progress, but it must happen in an open, judgment-free space, which can sometimes be lost on these platforms. In order to address these concerns and clarify expectations for the future, we are committed to organizing a parent meeting in January/February. Facilitating this kind of open dialogue has always been a collective goal of the PA Exec and the School Administration, rooted in our shared vision of community engagement and inclusivity. This meeting will provide an opportunity for thoughtful discussion and collective input as we refine our approach to teacher gift-giving and continue our vital work of fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community for the children, parents, teachers and staff.
Our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community remains steadfast. We believe that diverse viewpoints are essential for intellectual growth, just as biodiversity is vital for ecosystems. Acknowledging our imperfections, we value listening deeply to the voices of students, parents, and staff to guide our diversity and equity efforts. We aim to ensure that everyone feels respected and valued. In the interim, I would like to share guidance from our Parent Handbook to provide clarity on the topic of teacher and staff gifts:
Gifts/Cards for Teachers & Staff
No Expectation of Gifts: It is important to emphasize that there is no obligation to give gifts to teachers or staff. We encourage mindfulness and respect for the diverse attitudes and economic situations within our community.
Cards and Personal Gestures: Teaching children to create a thank-you card is a meaningful way to express gratitude, offering a lifelong lesson in appreciation.
Resources for Gratitude: A list of classroom and specialty teachers, along with staff who work with your child, can be found on the JICSfamily website: Welcome and Staff. Consider reviewing this list with your child and identifying individuals they’d like to thank.
Preferred Expressions of Gratitude: While pooled gifts are a convenient option for some families, teachers particularly value personal or handmade cards and gifts from individual students, which allow them to connect directly with the children.
Teacher-Candidate Gifts: There is no expectation of gifts for teacher candidates, as classes often create collective keepsakes to commemorate their shared experiences.
Ongoing Appreciation: The PA Exec organizes several Teacher Appreciation events throughout the year—such as coffee mornings, treat days, and lunches—to celebrate and thank our educators. These events are announced in the Thursday POST.
We thank you for your trust, understanding, and cooperation as we navigate this matter with sensitivity and care. Our shared goal is to nurture a harmonious community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and respect.
All the best,
Richard Messina, Principal
4. Re-enrolment for 2025-2026
To secure your child's place, 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.
5. Food Drive
Last day Friday, December 13
The Grade 6 class has organized a food drive for the Avenue Road Food Bank. More information has been sent by your child’s teacher.
6. Festivals of Lights - JICS Holiday Sing-Along
Friday, December 20 | 9:00-10:00 am
Join us for a luminous celebration at the JICS Holiday Sing-along on December 20th, from 9:00 to 10:00 am! As we bid farewell to the Fall Term, we're crafting a special morning where parents/caregivers are invited to join us in the school auditorium. Led by our music teachers, Suzanne, Russell, and Jayda, with song lyrics provided, this communal singing experience invites children, parents, and teachers alike to revel in togetherness. From Diwali and Hanukkah to Christmas, Yaldā Night, Winter Solstice, and Kwanzaa, we'll unite in song to honor the diverse festivities that brighten this season. We warmly invite you to review the Sing-Along program and share your invaluable thoughts, concerns, and suggestions.
Here's an overview of what the program includes:
Land Acknowledgement
Discussion of Winter Solstice: Featuring invited guest dancer Nichole Leveck (Wyandot)
Student Readings Covering: Diwali, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Yaldā Night, and Yule.
Raffle for Principal for the Day (last day to purchase tickets is Friday, Dec 13)
Community Sing-along Songs:
Winter Wonderland
I Have a Little Dreidel
Hanukkah
Vive Le Vent/Jingle Bells
Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer
Umoja
Auld Lang Syne
Go Now in Peace
Your feedback is invaluable in ensuring that our program reflects the rich tapestry of traditions and beliefs present in our community.
7. Staff Update
In June, we will bid farewell to two 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.
Suzanne Schwenger, Early Years Music Teacher
Suzanne has been a cherished member of the JICS community for over 25 years. A former Lab School student herself, Suzanne returned in 1997 to teach music, beginning her tenure when her daughter joined the Nursery program. Throughout her career, she has continuously deepened her expertise in early childhood music pedagogy through professional development opportunities, including training at the Royal Conservatory of Music, attending Ontario Music Educators Association annual conferences, and participating in the Orff PLC—a professional learning community of elementary music teachers in the GTA.
Currently, Suzanne serves as a teacher and curriculum mentor for the Smart Start program at the Oscar Peterson School, Royal Conservatory of Music. Not one to shy away from new challenges, Suzanne began learning jazz piano during the pandemic through Zoom lessons and even attended a week-long jazz camp in Louisville, Kentucky, last summer.
At JICS, Suzanne’s approach to music education has been characterized by a commitment to creating a curriculum that is sequential, inclusive, and joy-filled. Highlights of her time here include collaborating with Russell on Halloween assemblies, organizing our annual spring Music Night—which transformed into a virtual "Zoombilee" during COVID—and leading the much-loved Festival of Lights celebration. Suzanne looks forward to one more memorable sing-along with everyone on December 20th.
Jayda Lam, Administrative Assistant, In-House Supply Teacher, Music and Special Ed Teacher
Jayda joined the JICS community in September 2023 after graduating from the Master of Arts in Child Study and Education program. A standout teacher-candidate, Jayda was hired immediately after graduation as our administrative assistant and in-house supply teacher.
In her first year, Jayda excelled in her diverse responsibilities, including managing the school website and communications such as the weekly POST, overseeing and hiring UofT work-study students, and coordinating supply teachers and staff absences.
This year, she expanded her contributions by joining the Music Team, where she taught vocal technique classes to Grades 1-6. These sessions focussed on developing foundational skills like pitch, diction, and breath control, promoting healthy singing practices, and fostering collaboration and peer connections through music-making. She provided additional opportunities for students interested in singing to expand their knowledge through the Singing Skills club, which focussed on creating original arrangements with two-part harmonies. Jayda’s role extended to the Special Education team, where her support for children has been invaluable.
She is now preparing to join the public school system as a full-time Special Education teacher, where her remarkable skills and deep knowledge will undoubtedly benefit countless students.
We are fortunate to have Suzanne and Jayda with us until the end of the school year. Parents will have opportunities to thank them and wish them well at the December 20th Festival of Lights Sing-along and Music Night on May 22nd. Their legacies will remain a cherished part of the JICS story, and we wish them both every success in their future endeavors.
8. Parent Education Night: Surfacing Stories of Difference, with Kai Cheng Tom
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.
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.
9. Basketball Tournament
The Grade 6 Basketball Tournament tomorrow will be the culmination of weeks of dedicated early morning practices led by coach Luke. Our JICS team will showcase their love of the game, their skills, and sports manners in an exciting, all-inclusive tournament against Montcrest and Mabin Schools.
10. Thank You, Parents' Association!
Thank you to the Parents’ Association for organizing Tuesday’s fun-filled Family Skate event—it was a fantastic opportunity for families to come together and enjoy some quality time on the ice. We also appreciate the delicious selection of desserts provided at yesterday’s staff meeting, made possible by your generous contributions to the PA.
11. Teacher Professional Development
Next Wednesday afternoon, teachers will participate in a professional development activity at Nathan Phillips Square, featuring a visit to the newly created Spirit Garden. This experience will include a curated tour led by architects Valerie Gow and Philip Hasting (JICS alumni parents), along with Indigenous partners who collaborated on the project. The SK class has already visited this site, and we hope other classes will also have the opportunity to learn from it during future class trips.
12. Natural Curiosity - Support our Most-Wide Reaching Dissemination
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.
As a 100% donor-funded program, on-going support is essential to providing free resources and expanding environmental education and Indigenous language programs for all.
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.
Miigwetch/Hiy hiy/Nya:wen for considering a gift this holiday season!
Photos from the week!
Upcoming December Events
Mon 16 to Fri 20 – Term 1 Report Card distribution (Nursery to Grade 6)
Fri 20 – Festivals of Lights: JICS Holiday Sing-along. 9:00am - 10:00am.
Fri 20 – Last day of Fall Term. School ends at noon. Daycare open until 6:00pm
Fri 20 – Yaldā Night
Sun 22 – Winter Solstice
Mon 23 – Winter Holidays begin
Wed 25 – Hanukkah begins at sunset (Dec 25 to Jan 2)
Wed 25 – Christmas Day
Thur 26 – Kwanzaa begins (Dec 26 to Jan 1)
Upcoming January Events
Mon 6 – Winter Term begins. Daycare opens at 8:00am. School opens at 8:35am.
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