Topics covered in this post:
School Closed for PD Day and Midterm Holiday (Friday, Nov 8 and Monday, Nov 11)
Letter from PA President
Remembrance Day at JICS
Gratitude
Happy Halloween
Nut-Free Candies and Recycling Wrappers
UNICEF
Upcoming November Events
1. PD Day – Friday, November 8 (School closed, Daycare open)
During this day of professional learning (Friday, November 8), the JICS teachers and staff will travel to the Six Nations of the Grand River First Nations Reserve in Ohsweken, Ontario (near Brantford). We will tour the Kayanase Greenhouse and Longhouse, the Woodland Cultural Center, and purchase indigenous books for our collection from the GoodMinds Bookstore.
One of the calls to action (63) from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission involves Education for Reconciliation. We believe this trip will provide opportunities for members of the Lab school team, the Robertson team, and the Natural Curiosity team to learn about the Haudenesaunee heritage and provide us with first-hand experiences that can inform our work in classrooms and specialty subjects.
We hope you enjoy the Midterm Holiday on Monday, November 11. The Daycare is open. Register here
2. Letter from PA President
Dear Parents
1. PA Meeting
Thanks to all who came out for our first PA Meeting of the year on Monday evening. We had a great turnout and great discussion, covering the following topics (and more):
A) Principal’s update:
Richard shared that we had a smooth start to the school year which included school-wide events such as Terry Fox Run, Orange Shirt Day, Harry Potter Day and more.
Richard answered questions about the new tuition fee schedule; please connect with him directly if you have any further questions.
B) Celebrating Diversity:
New this year – the PA is offering funds for each class for various diversity celebrations, such as Diwali, Chanukah, Lunar New Year, PRIDE, etc. Parents, please connect with Richard, Deepta or Hasina if you would like more details.
C) Fundraising:
We are formalizing a fundraising committee to help the school attract alumni, foundations, and supports of childhood education donations. More details to come at the next PA meeting.
D) Volunteer Opportunities
Please visit the following site to sign up for volunteer activities including Book Night and various diversity celebrations and activities throughout the year.
2. PA Fees and Donations
We are currently at 80% of our goal for collecting PA Fees and Donations. This is a gentle reminder to those who have not done so already to please pay your PA Fees/Donations. These fees go a long way to supporting the school. Here are a few examples of how PA funds are used to build our community:
Lice screening (3x per year)
Parent Education events
Babysitting for events held in the evenings for parents (Parent Social, Curriculum Night, PA meetings, etc.)
Classroom grants (up to $500 per teacher)
Access to a Social Worker for our children (1 day per week)
Celebrating diversity
3. Staying warm as the weather cools
As the weather starts getting chilly, we have sweatshirts and toques for you and your family to wear with JICS pride. Get your school wear at the JICS Shop online.
Warm regards,
Deepta
3. Remembrance Day at JICS
The children, JK to Gr 6, will gather on Thursday to recognize Remembrance Day. The assembly will include songs of peace, a reading of “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae, pairings of Special Friends lighting candles, and a minute of silence.
4. Gratitude
All members of our community are valued and we are grateful for their contributions.
The SK students created a “thank you card” which they painted and signed for our crossing guard, Jatindar. It said Happy Diwali and thank you for keeping us safe on our Monday trips to the park!
5. Happy Halloween
Thank you for joining us in our outdoor costume parade this morning. Enjoy the photos below of our parade and assembly. Happy trick-or-treating tonight!
6. Nut-Free Candy and Recycling Wrappers
With Halloween today and the winter holidays fast approaching, we want to share ways that can help make our school a safe and more inclusive place for students with food allergies. We prefer that students do not eat candy while at school. At JICS, we avoid sweet treats, preferring wholesome snacks whenever possible. However, there is a place for sweets in our diets and parents may choose to occasionally pack individual portions in student lunches or snacks from home. Students are not permitted to share candy, treats, or gum with others. In preparing your child’s lunch and snack, please be certain that all ingredients listed are free of nuts and nut warnings.
JICS is taking parting part in a recycling program called Terracyle. We are happy to collect candy wrappers or granola bar wrappers in a specially marked bin on the first floor so that they can be properly recycled.
7. UNICEF
The Grade 6 students proudly announced at today's assembly that they surpassed their goal of raising $1500 in support of children around the world. You can still donate online. Thank you for your help! More information next week.
8. Upcoming November Events:
Tues 5 – Dean’s Advisory Board for the Lab School with parent representatives: Nadia Thomas and Hasina Lookman
Thurs 7 – Remembrance Day Assembly
Fri 8 – PD Day. School closed. Daycare Open. Register here
Mon 11 – Midterm Holiday. School closed. Daycare Open (Register). Remembrance Day
Tues 12 – Block 2 teacher-candidate placements begin in JK to Gr 6
Wed 13 – Parent/Teacher Interviews - information about booking times here
Wed 20 – Parent/Teacher Interviews - information about booking times here
Fri 29 – Last Day with Fall Intern
