Topics covered in this post:
1. Building a Thriving Community
Dear Wonderful JICS Parents,
We hope this POST finds you all in great spirits as we celebrate the fantastic first week of school! It's been a remarkable beginning, filled with enthusiasm and a deep thirst for knowledge from our amazing students. Their eagerness to engage in the learning process has been truly inspiring. We're excited to embark on this new journey together with you and your children.
At JICS, we firmly believe that a strong sense of community is essential for the growth and success of our students. Together, with your invaluable support, we are nurturing an environment where ideas thrive, and a genuine commitment to learning flourishes. It is heartwarming to see our students actively participating in every class and embracing the educational opportunities that await them.
2. September Social
In her welcome letter last week, JICS PA President, Megan, beautifully articulated our shared vision of creating a collaborative, responsive, and engaging community that is both equitable and diverse. We stand firmly behind these goals, and our dedicated staff at The Lab School is fully committed to their realization.
To kickstart our journey towards building this vibrant community, we are excited about our first event of the school year, the "September Social," scheduled for September 19th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, right here in our school gym.
To ensure that every parent and teacher can attend without any barriers, the Parent Association (PA) is thoughtfully providing free babysitting for your little ones, along with a pizza dinner for them. This will enable parents, teachers, and staff to connect in a relaxed, informal setting. It's a great opportunity for adults to come together, strengthen existing bonds, and forge new connections.
We sincerely hope that each and every JICS parent will join us for the September Social on September 19th. It promises to be an evening of camaraderie, where we can celebrate our shared vision and the wonderful community we are creating together. Please take a moment to register for the event. Let's embark on this exciting journey of collaboration, unity, and inclusivity together. We can't wait to see you there!
3. Photo Day
We're excited to announce that individual and class photos will be taken on Monday, September 18. To capture those wonderful smiles, we suggest that children come dressed in bright and vibrant colors.Every child will receive a unique online code which parents can use to view their child's photos and place orders. Once the orders are placed, the photos will be conveniently distributed to the children right here at school when they arrive.
4. Snacks
For our youngest learners in Nursery, JK, and SK, we continue to prioritize their health with our nutritious and nut-free snack program. Our dedicated teachers administer this program every morning to ensure our little ones stay energized and focused.
We're also thrilled to share that The Lunch Mom has updated the hot lunch ordering system for the Fall. Now, the snack option is available for Grades 1 to 6 as well. If you'd like to add a morning snack to your child's day, it's as simple as clicking the following link and filling out the snack order form: JICS HOT LUNCH LINK INCLUDING SNACKS.
Starting from September 11, snacks from The Lunch Mom will be available every day, including Wednesdays.
5. Arrival Information
Nursery
Nursery parents/caregivers enter the school at 45 Walmer Road to drop-off their child at their scheduled staggered arrival time.
JK-SK
JK and SK teachers will be outside to greet parents and children at 8:35am. We ask that JK and SK parents/caregivers wait with their children until they sign-in with their teacher.
Grades 1 to 6
The school doors open for arrival at 8:35am. Children enter the building at that time. Teachers are meeting with Teacher-Candidates/Staff to discuss the day prior to 8:35.
All
Parents are asked not to park in front of the Walmer entrance until 8:45 AM. Prior to 8:45 AM, caregivers walking students into the school must park at another location in order to keep the drop-off and pick-up zone clear from 8:35-8:45 AM.
6. Crossing Guard, Wolfgang
Let's welcome our new crossing guard, Wolfgang, with a warm greeting! Wolfgang brings a wealth of experience from his time as a TCDSB school caretaker, and
he's delighted to be joining the JICS Lab School community. He kindly advises all caregivers/parents to exercise caution and maintain a reduced speed when approaching the intersection of Walmer Road and Kendal Avenue. This thoughtful approach ensures the safety of our precious children as they cross the road.
7. Mini Parent Ed Supporting Back to School
Inviting parents / caregivers of Nursery to Grade 2 children to a mini-parent education chat with JICS social worker Ellie Lathrop, next week Thursday September 14th at 9 am, in person at JICS. This is a chance to meet with Ellie and other parents for brief presentation on supporting smoother drop-offs and building independence for our youngest students. Additionally, there will be an opportunity for discussion and answering any questions you may have.
Please rsvp with Ellie directly at elliel@jackmanics.onmicrosoft.com
8. Upcoming Events
Fri 8 – Deadline for Wed Afternoon Program payment
Mon 11 – Hot Lunch Program begins for registered students
Mon 11 to Wed 13 – Grade 6 trip to Muskoka Woods
Wed 13 – Wednesday Afternoon Program (Gr 1-6) begins for registered students
Thur 14 – School-wide lice check. Thank you to the Parents’ Association!
– Mini Parent Chat: Back to School – 9:00 AM at JICS (RVSP elliel@jackmanics.onmicrosoft.com )
Fri 15 – Rosh Hashanah (begins at sunset)
Mon 18 – Photo Day
Tues 19 – JICS PA “All Parents & Teachers” September Social in gym, 6:00-8:00 PM - Register here
Fri 22 – Terry Fox Run JK to Gr 6 (details coming soon)
Mon 25 – Yom Kippur
Wed 27 – Rowan’s Law Day (Concussion Awareness)
Wed 27 – Curriculum Night 6:00-9:00pm (details coming soon)
Fri 29 – Orange Shirt Day Assembly
