JICS at a Glance
We've condensed the important highlights for your convenience:
Hot Lunch Program - Survey- Message from PA President
Wednesday Afternoon Program - Registration for Winter Term
PA School-Wide Clothing Swap- December 1
Book Night- Wednesday, December 6
Topics covered in this post:
1. Message from PA President, Megan Re: Hot Lunch Program
To my fellow JICS community members, Re: Hot Lunch Program There has been some discussion around the hot lunch program at JICS, with a range of perspectives. Some families are quite happy with the program, while others have expressed some concerns about the menu and whether lunches are being eaten. These of course, are valid concerns and we recognise that each family will have different experiences depending on a number of factors. During the challenging process of establishing the hot lunch program a number of years ago, the PA Hot Lunch Committee came to understand that the logistical and practical needs of JICS are quite different from other schools who use other providers. What is lovely about Tricia (The Lunch Mom) is that she continues to be an enthusiastic and amenable part of ensuring a timely and cost-effective lunch program that meets the needs of our particular community. Thus, we have an opportunity to work with her to explore some possibilities that would help alleviate some of the concerns being expressed. Please look for a survey in next week’s post, so that your suggestions and concerns can be gathered and we can begin our collaboration with Tricia. All my best, Megan
2. Wednesday Afternoon Program
The final day of the Fall Term Wednesday Afternoon Program is Wednesday, November 29.
The first day of the Winter Term is the following Wednesday, December 6. The Winter Term Wednesday Program will run until March 6, 2024.
See the Winter Term Program Information here.
Registration is now open. The Wednesday Program is committed to providing a spot for all children who wish to register, but we cannot guarantee each child their first choice. All enquiries should be directed to Lisa.
Cheques are due to Shama in the School Office after completing registration by Wednesday, November 29. NEW!!Payment can also be made by credit card online (a link to our payment site will be shared in your registration confirmation email) upon registration.
3. PA School-Wide Clothing Swap
As temperatures drop, many parents are re-evaluating their children's wardrobes, determining what has been outgrown and what is needed. The PA's first school-wide clothing swap will take place on Friday, December 1st (8:15 am to 4:30 pm) in Room 120 next to our reception. Families are encouraged to drop off outgrown clothing and winter gear with Paige in reception now through November 30th. After our swap on December 1st, all remaining items will be donated to families in need.
4. Book Fair and Book Night
Two beloved JICS community annual events return this year – the Book Fair and Book Night!
On Tuesday, December 5, and Wednesday, December 6, books will be available for sale in our foyer.The highly recommended bookshop, Another Story, will supply books for both children and adults, with 20% of the sales benefiting the JICS Library. Parents, please support our library while doing your holiday shopping!
Back by popular demand, we will host a "Book Night Pyjama Party" on Wednesday, December 6, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm in our gym, designed for Nursery to Grade 6 children and their families. This evening will feature activities for all ages to enjoy.
5. JICS Food Drive by the Kids Who Care Club
The Community Outreach Branch of the JICS Kids Who Care Club invites you to donate the JICS Food Drive!
We are collecting non-perishable items for the month of November to donate to the Avenue Road Food Bank. They are presently serving upwards of 500 families each week and are constantly in need of donations. They especially need canned vegetable, fruits, soups, and proteins; dried pasta and rice; cooking oils; sundries like toothpaste, shampoo; and canned food for dogs and cats.
Please bring your donations to the reception at 45 Walmer Road. Thank you for supporting the JICS Kids Who Care Club Food Drive! View some photos of the club below.
6. All Weather Play
Children play outside in all-weather at JICS (including light rain, snowy days, and cold conditions). This week, we noticed children arrived dressed unprepared for the rain and cold. Please send your child with outdoor clothing appropriate to weather conditions. Also, please provide indoor shoes so that we are not tracking mud into the classroom spaces and the carpets they lay on.
7. Music in Grade 1
The Grade 1s enjoyed music in their classroom last week with Russell. What amazing singers they are!
8. Playground Update - Photos
We are thrilled that the asphalt and spongy surface for our playground has been completed. The sandbox will be expanded soon!
9. Upcoming November Events - Hindu Heritage Month & Lebanese Heritage Month
Fri 24 – Final day of classroom practicum experience for Fall Interns
Tues 28 – Giving Tuesday
Wed 29 - Payment for Wednesday Afternoon Program due
10. Upcoming December Events
Fri 1 – PA Children’s Clothing Swap
Tues 5 – Book Fair
Wed 6 – First Day of Wednesday Afternoon Program (Winter Term)
Wed 6 – Book Fair & Pyjama Book Night
Thur 7 – Hanukkah begins at sunset (Dec 7 to 15)
Mon 18 to Wed 20 - Term 1 Report Card distribution (Nursery to Grade 6)
Wed 20 – Last day of Fall Term. School ends at noon. Daycare open until 6:00pm
Thur 21 – University of Toronto closed. School and Daycare closed. Winter Holidays begin.
Thur 21 – Winter Solstice
Mon 25 – Christmas Day
Tues 26 – Kwanzaa begins (Dec 26 to Jan 1)
11. Upcoming January Events
Mon 8 – Winter Term begins. Daycare opens at 8:00. School opens at 8:35.
