Last Days, Gifting, New Parent Portals
- JICS Office
- Jun 5
- 12 min read
JICS at a Glance
We've condensed the important highlights for your convenience:
Register for our new Parent Portals on MySchool - look out for your registration email!
Register for the Daycare June Camp (Deadline June 9)
Kindly look around your home for any JICS library books and return them to Krista
Please check out the Lost and Found - any unclaimed clothing with be donated on the last day of school
Bring in items for the Avenue Road Food Bank by Tuesday, June 10
Sign up here to water the JICS garden over the summer weeks
Topics covered in this post:
(Click to navigate straight to a section)
1. Message from Richard
Dear JICS Families,
As we approach the final weeks of the school year, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to you—our parent community—for your unwavering support, trust, and partnership. Your commitment to our shared mission of providing exemplary education to the children of the JICS Lab School is what makes our work so meaningful. Together, we have continued to nurture a vibrant intentionally-diverse learning environment and to advance research that contributes to the improvement of public school education in Canada and beyond.
All the best,
Richard
2. Grade 6 Graduation
Grade 6 parents, invited guests, staff, and all children (JK to Gr 5) are gathering for Grade 6 graduation which will take place in the afternoon of Thursday, June 12 and will feature an original play performed by our Grade 6s as a gift to the school community. Many thanks to Sarah Murray, our Drama Teacher, who writes, directs, and produces the play, Grade 6 teacher, Nadia who organizes all aspects of the ceremony, and the support team of Krista, Nick, Judith, and Jayda. A special thanks to the Gr 6 parents who have arranged a reception following graduation for the graduates, and to the Grade 5 parent-volunteers who help the reception run smoothly.
3. Last Day
Friday, June 13
We will start the day with a final school assembly of the year. The school day ends at noon, and the Daycare is open 12-6pm. JK to Grade 5 children will gather in the playground of 45 Walmer Road at 11:50 to “clap out” our Grade 6 Graduates – please join us if you can! Daycare children will proceed to Daycare. There is no hot lunch program on Friday.
4. Gifting is upon us: Letter from Megan, President of the Parents' Association
Dear JICS Parent Community,
It has been another full year for our community, and I remain grateful for the opportunities to learn from, and engage with one another.
As the school year comes to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of our executive team who, in the spirit of collegial and community-oriented collaboration, met weekly to engage in, and invite thoughtful dialogue about many of the important things JICS community members have identified; immense care was taken to orienting our work toward the stated values of the community: “JICS values a diverse, deeply interconnected school community in which all members feel known, respected, and supported as active participants”
Together, Andrea Russell, Allen Yi, Ann-Marie Williams, Juliana Klein, Lisa Taharally, Allison Chris, François Tanguay Renaud, Chriss Bogert, and Richard Messina offered numerous occasions for us to come together as a wider parent body.
Here are only some of the ways we, along with our children, have been invited to engage in dynamic and diverse ways, as result of the work of this Executive Team (and our allies - Nicole Lee, Reena Killian, Valerie Tso!):
September social
Parent education events, including:
Dr. Elin Kelsey (for parents and children)
Kai Cheng Tom
Dr. Twyla Kowalenko
Dr. Zia Lakdawalla
Grandpal's Day
Bike Parade
Skate Swap
Clothing Swap
JICS Summer Lab Camp
JICS x Al Runt Clothing
Lice Checks
Complimentary babysitting
Family Skate Days at Varsity Arena
An inclusive fundraising structure
There are, of course, countless other members of this community whose thoughtful volunteering needs recognition. Thank you to the Class Reps, for continuing the good work of community-building through events and organizing. And to the Grade One parents who never fail to (re)create the magical tradition of Hot Dog Night. Thank you to the Parents of BIPOC Children Group, whose labor (often unseen), contributes to the rich and relevant programming of the school. To the parents on the Gala Committee, whose work has furthered our goals toward economic diversity. Thank you to the countless parents who volunteered their time, expertise, and experience to inquire with our children, to be present for their field trip adventures, to support their initiatives, and to witness, as well as to contribute to the excellence of our classrooms in so many capacities.
I remain in awe of the power of our community and welcome with excitement, the newly elected Parents’ Association Executive Team:
President: Ann-Marie Williams
Vice President: Reena Killian
Treasurer: Allen Yi
Communications: Nicole Lee
Volunteer Coordinator: Casey Dabiet
Past President: Megan Pearson
Lastly, Gifting:
Many of the Class Reps came together in two sessions facilitated by Kai Cheng Tom, to unpack the discussions around gifting that arose in the months after the winter gifting season. The intensity of the conversations that took place in the broader community, and of the facilitated conversations afterwards, speaks to some of the many things we hold in common. In particular:
We care deeply about showing our appreciation for teachers
We care deeply about having a clear understanding of the culture of gifting at the school
We care deeply about having our experiences seen, understood, and considered
With all of this in mind, and in collaboration with Class Reps, we will proceed with the following outline (as per the Parent Handbook) as this year comes to a close.
2025: June Gifting Overview
$50 gift cards will be given to every staff member and teacher on behalf of the PA, as a small token of appreciation.
The amount of the gift cards is dictated by donations made to the PA at the beginning of the year
A form has been sent to teachers and staff, asking exactly what they would like, and every effort is made to purchase that particular gift card.
Gift cards DO NOT cover Interns or Day Care Staff
Class gifts: Classes may decide to give an additional gift to the classroom teacher(s). Class gifts are optional.
If additional funds are being requested from families, it must be understood that:
Donations are optional and any amount is welcome
Donations will be discreetly handled
The gift will be signed from all children and caregivers, regardless of whether a donation was made.
Individual gifts: Children and families are welcome to give individually, if they choose. Individual gifts are optional.
Communication: Please adhere to the communication guidelines outlined in the Parent Handbook. It is paramount that we engage respectfully with one another, especially over digital channels where tone and intent are easily lost. It is often helpful to:
Engage from a perspective of curiosity
Assume that people are operating with the best intentions.
Everything outlined above, is also outlined in thoughtful detail in the Parent Handbook.
As tuition structure has shifted, we will continue to engage with ideas around gifting that honour our unique experiences, as well as those we share, orienting toward our community’s goals for belonging and diversity in all its forms.
No policy or system will ever be perfect for everyone. We are not aiming for perfection. Our intent is a vibrant and healthy community. The culture of gifting emerged as an issue this year, and revealed some of the things we can address as we continue to grow and shift as a community.
Community Culture (gifting culture, political culture, friendships, etc.) in any respect, is nuanced, dynamic and shifting. What makes us such an incredible community, is a willingness to explore our shifts and nuances with an open, honest and curious commitment to a feeling of belonging, grounded and guided by the fundamental reason we are all here: our children.
Thank you all for a beautiful school year. We look forward to welcoming our new students and teachers in September. We wish the graduating class, and the outgoing teachers, all the best as you move on from JICS, and we wish you all an awesome summer!
5. Introducing New Parent Portals - For Questionnaires and Report Cards
Formerly known as SFO forms
We are excited to announce the launch of new Parent Portals! Parent Portals are where you will complete your Questionnaires (annual school registration forms) and where you can download digital copies of your child/ren’s report cards.
Later today you will receive an automated email from MySchool (email address no-reply@msm.io) with a username and password. Please look out for it to set up your MySchool account. |
What you will find when you log in:
Questionnaires (annual school registration forms) – to complete by June 30, 2025 for 2025-2026
Copies of past report cards – to download
Please note that your child’s final report card for this year school year will be posted later this month. You will receive a separate email when they are ready to be accessed and downloaded through your Parent Portal.
Please see the PARENT PORTALS page on the JICSFamily website for more information about the Questionnaires.
The Questionnaires will direct you to the 2025-2026 JICS Parent Handbook. This resource is required reading for all parents and provides a range of important information about the Laboratory School, its daily operations, and school policies. If you have any questions or suggestions for us regarding the new Parent Portals, please do not hesitate to reach out to Shama in the School Office.
6. Hot Dog Night
Hot Dog Night 2025 was a tremendous success. The positive energy, excitement, and appreciation was palpable as we gathered as a community, reconnecting, and making new friends. We are so happy to celebrate with many of the new students and families who will start their JICS journey in September.
Grade 1 Parents, you masterfully, thoughtfully, and magically transformed our school into a lively and colourful carnival, filled with fun activities and yummy food. Thank you, Grade 1 Parent Reps Extraordinaire: Lucia and Sam and all the amazing Grade 1 parents: Samira, David, Erin, Bram, Claire, Cillian, Josie, Mike, Adrienne, Bruce, Emma, Anthony, Behnaz, Vincent, Eri, Brian, Katherine, Mariya, Andrew, Patrick, Heather, Shawn, Kashir, Faiza, Jeffrey, Monika, Jared, Mehrak, Saeed, Sarah, David, Leah, Ann-Marie, Preeti, Anil, Kate, Noam, Marta, Allen, and Stephanie!
To the parent and student volunteers who helped with supervision, activities, and clean up, thank you.
We look forward to next year’s Hot Dog Night on June 3, 2026 organized by Grade 1 parents!
Enjoy more photos at the bottom of the Post!
7. School Crossing Guard Appreciation Week
This week is School Guard Appreciation Week. We invite parents and children to thank our crossing guard, Wolfgang this week (and every week!) for keeping us safe in our travels to and from school each day.
8. JICS Library Books
Please look around your home to find any JICS library books and kindly return them to Krista ASAP.
9. Lost and Found
On the last day of school, the remaining unclaimed clothing will be donated. Parents please use these final days to check our collection. Ask Paige for directions!
10. Staff PD Week
Monday, June 16 to Friday, June 20
The week after school ends is filled with planned professional development opportunities and meetings for classroom and specialty teachers.
11. Library Report for 2024/2025
Our JICS Library collection and program are designed to ensure that every student sees elements of their own identities represented in texts, and learns about other cultures, perspectives, and beliefs. The JICS Library has been enriched this year through the addition of beautiful picture books, graphic novels, and novels focusing on all kinds of perspectives and identities! Purchases were made from Another Story Bookshop, Inhabit Media, Mable’s Fables, Queen Books, Hiawatha First Nation, The Outdoors Store, TinLids, Value Village and the Beguiling. We made a few purchases from Indigo Books and Amazon.
Fundraising:
On December 4th , at JICS Book Night, the community raised $1,220.00 of credit from Another Story Bookshop!
The March Read-a-Thon raised $4, 583.68! SK and Grade Two had the most participants and celebrated with a Pizza Party at the park on May 30. Thanks to all who participated and supported the Library!
These funds supported many visits by authors, illustrators, and storytellers this year.
January 24 – Author Alex Gino: (LGBTQ2S+)‘Green’, ‘Melissa’s Story’ (online visit with grade 4-6)
February 10 – Storyteller Kesha Christie ‘Talkin’ Tales’ shared Anansi stories (JK-Grade 2, Grades 3-6).
May 6 – Indigenous Storyteller: Elder Ron Evans came with Jade (drummer), and told stories about Wisakechak stories, and shared insights about his life growing up on the land with his grandparents. (JK-Grade 6)
Canadian Children’s Book Week:
Your Story Matters (April 27 – May 3) was celebrated with the following author/illustrator visits:
April 29 - Leonarda Carranza – author ‘Abuelita and Me’, ‘Fighting Words’, ‘The Friendship Blanket’ (JK, SK, Grade 1, Grade 2)
April 30 - Nadja Lubiw-Hazard – author and veterinarian ‘Tizzy and Me, Fifteen ways to love a mink’ (Grade 2 and Grade 3) Supported by ‘Ontario Writers in the Schools’
May 1 – Vivian Rosas – illustrator ‘Queer History A-Z’, ‘Momma’s Going to March’ illustrator – Zoe’s Grade 4/5 and Grade Six (Protest posters and identity)
May 2 - Sid Sharp – author/illustrator ‘Bog Myrtle’, ‘The Wolf Suit’ – illustrations from nature (Robin’s 4/5)
Forest of Reading Program:
We registered for the Silver Birch and Silver Birch express novel sets. There were ten Canadian books per category. Students were invited to read from the sets and vote on their favourites. Our favourite was ‘Eerie Tales from the School of Screams’ by Graham Annable. On May 13, thirty students volunteered to attend ‘Festival of Trees’ at Harbourfront. They participated in workshops run by authors and illustrators, got autographs, and enjoyed an awards ceremony that revealed the book that received the most votes across the province which was ‘The Legendary Mo Seto’ by A. Y. Chan. Everyone left the event with a free novel.
With Thanks:
Through the generous contributions of our community, we continue to enhance our library collection, providing a rich, inclusive resource for all students. Thank you! If you have suggestions for books that your family loves or that you think should be included in our collection, please contact our Teacher/Librarian, Krista.
12. Donations Needed - Let's Support Our Community 🥫🎒
The Grade 6 class is organizing a Food Drive in support of the Avenue Road Food Bank, and they need your help! They are collecting non-perishable food items, with a special need for:
Pasta
Baby food
Rice
Toiletries
Tuna
Soups
And more!
🗓️ Donations can be dropped off at the school reception area until the morning of Tuesday, June 10th.
Let’s come together and make a difference—every item counts! 💙
13. JICS Garden
The JICS community would like to extend our thanks to the Parent Association for the brand new, cedar planters in our container garden in the laneway off Spadina Ave. The Grade One class worked hard this Spring to plant many seedlings indoors. They have now been transplanted outside in our new containers and older milk crates.
Currently we are growing peas, beans, kale, nasturtiums ,black krim tomatoes, pumpkins (with our seeds from Halloween!), cuke-a-melons, raspberries, purple carrots, bell peppers, lettuce, celery, chamomile, basil, parsley, oregano, anise, dill and thyme.
We are also growing Asemaa. This plant is not edible but ceremonial in nature. Asemaa, or tobacco, is used in Anishinaabe culture to communicate with the spirit world, strengthen relationships, show respect, and provide an offering. We are hoping that the asemaa we grow can be given to Indigenous educators and performers that visit our school as a sign of respect, as we give to them before taking from these learning experiences.
We are thrilled that the summer camp will be able to care for our veggies during July and hopefully the students will be able to return in September to harvest many more. We are looking for interested JICS families for help to water this garden in the weeks that camp is not running.
If you and your children are interested in a week of summer watering, please sign up here.
Of course, you are also welcome to harvest the veggies during the summer and enjoy eating from our garden. After signing-up, we will contact you with instructions. Thank you for helping our plants thrive this summer!
14. Natural Curiosity Awards
The NC team is excited to share that our educator awards for teaching excellence in environmental education are now open with the deadline extended to June 11th!
Edward Burtynsky Award for Teaching Excellence in Environmental Education
The grand prize winner will receive:
Signed Edward Burtynsky print
$500 towards environmental and/or Indigenous education related professional development
Runner-Up (two recipients) will each receive:
2 signed books by Edward Burtynsky – one for themselves, and one for their school library
$250 toward environmental and/or Indigenous education related professional development
Dr. David Suzuki Fellowship for Pre-Service Environmental Education
The recipient will receive $500, and access to their choice of virtual Natural Curiosity professional learning
For eligibility, prize information, and to apply, visit: http://www.naturalcuriosity.ca/awards
Photos from the Week
Grade 12 Reunion (JICS Class of 2019)
Games Day 2025
Hot Dog Night 2025
Upcoming June Events
Canada's National Indigenous History Month & World Pride Month
Fri 6 – Eid al-Adha (begins at sunset)
Thur 12 – Grade 6 Graduation Ceremony 1:30pm. Guests: JK to Gr 5 students and Gr 6 parents.
Fri 13 – Last day of school. Noon dismissal. “Graduates Clap-Out.” Daycare until 6:00pm.
Fri 20 – Report Cards posted online
Mon 16 to Fri 27 – Daycare Camp. Register.
Mon 30 – Building closed. President’s Day-UofT
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