JICS at a Glance
We've condensed the important highlights for your convenience:
Wednesday Afternoon Program- registration for Winter Term
PA School-Wide Clothing Swap - December 1st
Book Night - Wednesday, December 6th
Topics covered in this post:
Upcoming November Events - Hindu Heritage Month & Lebanese Heritage Month
1. Lebanese Heritage Month
Recently the Canadian Government announced that November is Lebanese Heritage Month. Lebanese Canadians have, for generations, made significant social, economic, cultural, religious, military, philanthropic and political contributions to our social fabric and to the strength, resiliency, and diversity of our communities. Lebanese people around the world celebrate Lebanese Independence Day in commemoration of their nation gaining independence on November 22, 1943. We invited Lebanese Canadian members of our community to share your traditions and culture with us at JICS. Please contact your child’s teacher.
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 will open on Wednesday, November 22 at 10:00AM. 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.
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!
6. Exploration and Appreciation of Flowers in SK
As part of their exploration and appreciation of flowers, Rivi (Fall intern) led the children in looking closely at how Norval Morriseau incorporated flowers into many of his paintings. Starting with a pencil to sketch their own designs, the children then used black oil pastels – in honour of Morriseau’s “spirit lines”, connecting all life together. With the black outlines complete, they filled in the lines with bright silky crayons. Finally, the children made ‘signature’ cards, and named their paintings.
It turns out the class is filled with poets, as well as artists! View their art below.
7. Upcoming November Events - Hindu Heritage Month & Lebanese Heritage Month
Wed 22 – Parent/Teacher Interviews
Wed 22 – Registration Begins for Winter 2023 Wednesday Program
Fri 24 – Final day of classroom practicum experience for Fall Interns
Tues 28 – Giving Tuesday
Wed 29 - Payment for Wednesday Afternoon Program due
8. 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)
9. Upcoming January Events
Mon 8 – Winter Term begins. Daycare opens at 8:00. School opens at 8:35.
