Halloween Reminders, Parent-Teacher Interviews, Upcoming School Closures, Hindu Heritage Month, Kids Vote at JICS, An Announcement from Natural Curiosity & More!
JICS at a Glance
We've condensed the important highlights for your convenience:
Halloween at JICS - tomorrow!
Parent Teacher Interviews - Wednesday November 11 & Friday November 13
Celebrate Diwali with us at JICS - Please send in photos of your families Diwali Celebrations!
Kids Vote: JICS students cast their votes!
Thank You from Na-Me-Res
Daycare News & Updates
Moments from this week!
Topics covered in this post:
(Click to navigate straight to a section)
1. Parent-Teacher Interviews: Wednesday, November 11 & Friday, November 13
We are excited to invite you to our Fall Parent-Teacher Interviews, where you will have the opportunity to engage in a conversation with your child's teachers. During these discussions, teachers will share their observations concerning your child's academic progress and social-emotional development. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have about your child's learning journey at school and to provide any information that can help us gain a deeper understanding of your child's needs and enhance their school experience.
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, Inclusive Education (iED) 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 iEd 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 iEd caseload to benefit from this collective effort. Our iEd 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 also be available for Parent-Teacher Interviews for the parents of children in JK to Grade 6.
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.
While we set aside specific dates in the Fall and Spring for formal Parent-Teacher Interviews, we want to emphasize that parent-teacher communication is an ongoing process throughout the school year. We welcome and encourage open conversations at any time. By working together, we can best support your child's learning and ensure their enjoyment of school.
To sign up for your Fall interview with your child's teachers, please use the links provided below. The designated interview dates are Wednesday, November 11 and Friday, November 13. Some classroom teachers have also provided additional dates. If these dates do not align with your availability, do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher to make alternative arrangements. Your participation in your child's education is highly valued, and we look forward to these discussions.
Classroom Teachers (20 min)
Nursery: Register here!
JK: Register here!
SK: Register here!
Grade 1: Register here!
Grade 2: Register here!
Grade 3: Register here!
Grade 4/5 Audrey: Register here!
Grade 4/5 Raadiyah: Register here!
Grade 6: Register here!
Specialty Teachers (5 min)
Primary French with Tania (JK-Gr 2): Register here!
Junior French with Christel (Gr 3-6): Register here!
Primary Music with Suzanne (JK, SK): Register here!
Junior Music with Russell (Gr 1-6): Register here!
Art with Tara (JK-Gr 6): Register here!
Phys Ed with Luke (JK-Gr 6): Register here!
Drama with Sarah (JK-Gr 6): Register here!
Library/Land-Based Learning with Krista (JK-Gr 6): Register here!
2. Wednesday Afternoon Program - Movie Afternoon, November 11
To accommodate the Parent-Teacher Interviews taking place on the afternoon of Wednesday, November 11, all Grade 1 to Grade 6 students registered in the Wednesday Afternoon Program will enjoy a Movie Afternoon.
Grades 1 to 3 students will watch the movie in Room 120.
Grades 4 to 6 students will watch the movie in the Lunchroom.
3. School Closed - Friday, November 13 & Monday, November 16
On Friday, November 13, the JICS teachers and staff will engage in Parent-Teacher Interviews. We hope everyone enjoys the Midterm Holiday on Monday, November 16.
The Daycare will be open on November 13 and 16 (8:00am to 6:00pm). Please contact Anne Marie, Daycare Director if you are interested in registering your child: ics.after.school.daycare@gmail.com
Information about the school calendar for 2026-2027 can be found on the JICSfamily website.
4. Daycare News
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are excited to announce the introduction of our new enrichment programs designed to support children’s learning, development, creativity, and overall well-being.
Our programs will provide children with fun and engaging opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and build confidence in a supportive environment.
Chess Program - ALL GRADES
When: Mondays 3:30-4:15pm.
Begins: November 9th
Our chess program will introduce children to the exciting world of chess while strengthening their concentration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Children will learn to plan ahead, think strategically, and develop patience while enjoying friendly challenges with their peers.
LEGO Robotics Program - GRADES 3-6
When: Thursdays 3:30-4:30
Begins: November November 12
Our LEGO Robotics program will inspire children to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through hands-on building and creative problem-solving. Children will have opportunities to build LEGO models, explore basic engineering concepts, and develop their creativity, logical thinking, and teamwork skills.
If your child is registered in our daycare these days no extra fee is required. However if you would like your child to participate a daily fee of $39.00 will be charged. Your child may also stay after the program is over that day.
We believe these programs will provide valuable learning experiences that go beyond the classroom and help children develop important life skills while having fun.
We look forward to sharing these exciting opportunities with your children and supporting their growth, confidence, and success.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Please register your child by simply emailing us at ics.after.school.daycare@gmail.com and indicate which program you would like to be in. If your child is in daycare that day they are automatically registered.
Warm regards,
Anne Marie Bartoli
ICS Daycare
5. 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 honour 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 the planning committee members: Simone, Raadiyah, Victoria and Shama.
6. Upcoming Parent Education Events
November 18: The Four Goals of (Mis)behaviour and an Intro to Alyson’s Parenting Tool Kit
Join us for in-person parent ed event with Alyson Schafer at JICS with free onsite babysitting
Parent Social: 5:30-6:15pm
Alyson’s Presentation: 6:15-7:30pm
Where: JICS Lab School, 45 Walmer Road
November 25: "Ask Me Anything" with Alyson Schafer for JICS Families
When: 7:00-8:00pm
Where: Zoom
7. Thank you from Na-Me-Res
A huge thank you to our JICS families for your donations of men's socks and small toiletry items for the men who use the services of Na-Me-Res. Na-Me-Res supports Indigenous Men experiencing homelessness through culturally appropriate supports and safe and stable housing. The work of Na-Me-Res focuses on the Giving Spirit which is a teaching from Elders.
We received a note of appreciation from the Executive Director of Na-Me-Res, Steve Teekens, who wrote: "Thank you to the Students at JICS for the display of kindness toward the men that use Na-Me-Res services. The donation is very appreciated!"
8. Kids VOTE at JICS!
In October, during the Toronto Municipal election campaign, kids around the city were invited to vote for their favourite tree. Basswood, Paper Birch, Red Oak, Sugar Maple and White Pine were selected as candidates for Toronto’s 2027 Tree of the Year because they are large trees native to Toronto that play an important role in our urban forest. These trees are found throughout Toronto’s green spaces, parks, and streets.
The Grade Two’s decided to survey the JICS student population to determine which tree our school preferred. After counting the ballots, Sugar Maple won the election with 98 votes, Basswood and White Pine tied for second with 27 votes, followed by Red Oak with 24 and Paper Birch with 10. The students worked hard to create a variety of graphs to visually display the results. Next time you are in the school, feel free to come take a closer look at their work in the upstairs hallway. We are hoping to plant a sugar maple on the JICS grounds this spring to celebrate JICS KIDS’ VOTE!
The Grade 2 Class sharing the results!
In Audrey's Grade 4/5 Class, the students led their very own municipal election. The students hosted a polling station in their classroom, and invited students in Grades 3-6 to cast their vote. Students spent time learning about the importance of democracy, had the chance to hear answers to student-posed questions from top candidates, and used this information to cast an informed vote. The students then counted the votes and had the chance to compare our JICS results with that of other schools, and the
Thank you to Audrey and the Grade 4/5 students for their hard work and diligence managing the polling stations and counting the votes!
Thank you, Grade 4/5A!
9. Halloween at JICS
Parents, please join our JK to Grade 6 Halloween Celebration Assembly tomorrow at the witching hour of 9:00am, in our enchanted gym. Our music teachers, Suzanne and Russell will lead us all in some spooky songs and together we will make some Halloween magic!
Children (and parents) are all invited to dress up in costumes.
The school doors will open at 8:35am as usual and the children are asked to make their way to the classroom. Once everyone is accounted for, each grade will fly/slither/float into the gym together.
There are many internet articles that provide helpful and culturally sensitive Halloween costume advice. Search: Halloween culturally insensitive costumes.
We are looking forward to making some wonderful memories on this special day!
Enjoy these photos of our haunted gothic castle. Thank you, Paige for transforming the reception!
Thank you, Paige for transforming the reception!
10. Halloween Candy
To keep our school safe and inclusive for everyone, we ask that students/parents not bring Halloween candy to share at school. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
11. Financial Support
The JICS Lab School is committed to needs-based financial support that will both enable increased diversity and retain current Lab School families. Tuition support is available to current students entering Grades 3-6 in the 2027-2028 school year. Application and assessment of financial need is made through an arms-length, confidential application to Apple Financial Services, and decisions are made by a sub-committee at the JICS Lab School. All applications and requests are confidential.
The deadline for applications to Apple Financial is November 10.
If you are interested in donating to the JICS Lab School Endowment Fund, please see here or speak with Richard Messina.
12. Take Me Outside 2026 Outdoor Leadership Conference
Vice Principal Chriss Bogert and Natural Curiosity Director Haley Higdon are in Banff at the Take Me Outside 2026 Outdoor Leadership Conference, which is bringing together 350 school system leaders and administrators for professional learning and leadership conversations focused on outdoor learning. Haley and Chriss' presentation, When Space Becomes Pedagogy: Leading Outdoor Learning Systems Change, will share the Lab School's approach to outdoor play and land-based learning, including the redesign of our playground, courtyard space, and Indigenous teaching garden, and our work using the OPAL approach to transform recess culture and develop our outdoor play policy. All the presentations are outside, so we hope Haley and Chriss packed their winter gear!
13. Natural Curiosity Announcement
Early Bird registration ends October 30th.
As part of the 2026-2027 Cycles of Indigenous Learning, we invite you to join us for… Cycle 2: Learning from the Land, which was developed in partnership with Natural Curiosity.
Upcoming October Events
Islamic Heritage Month
Fri 30 – Halloween at JICS
Upcoming November Events
Hindu Heritage Month
Mon 2 to Fri 6 – Treaty Week
Fri 6 – Diwali Assembly (JK to Gr 6)
Tues 10 – Due date for applications to Apple Financial for 2027-2028 tuition support
Wed 11 – Remembrance Day Assembly (JK to Gr 6)
Wed 11 – Parent/Teacher Interview Afternoon
Fri 13 – School closed. Daycare open to registered users. Parent/Teacher Interview Day
Mon 16 – Midterm Holiday. School closed. Daycare open to registered users
Wed 18 – Parent Education Event with Alyson Schafer: The Four Goals of (Mis)behaviour and an Intro to Alyson’s Parenting Tool Kit, 5:30-7:30pm
Thur 19 – Last day of MA CSE Block 1 Teacher-Candidates in JK to Gr 2
Wed 25 – Parent Education Event with Alyson Schafer: "Ask Me Anything" 7:00-8:00pm (Zoom)
Comments