Topics covered in this post:
1. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
We extend a warm welcome to parents to join us tomorrow as we come together (Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 students) in our gym at 9 a.m. for a special gathering. We are gathering to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, both of which hold significant meaning. We are very fortunate to have musician Gabe Gaudet take part in our gathering. Gabe is Ojibway and Cree and his ancestry is from Moose Factory and from Manitoulin Island. Since 2002, he has been a member of the Bear Creek singers and has performed at numerous Pow Wows and recorded several albums with them.
On this day, we pay tribute to the lost children and the Survivors of residential schools, along with their families and communities. Publicly acknowledging this tragic and painful history, as well as recognizing its ongoing impacts, plays a crucial role in the process of reconciliation.
We also encourage parents to explore the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, which have been adapted into child-friendly language by the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada. This can be a valuable conversation to have with your child or children.
The JICS Lab School remains dedicated to actively listening and responding to the Calls to Action outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We are committed to amplifying diverse Indigenous voices from across Turtle Island. We welcome parents to visit the JICSfamily website to review our ongoing work in this area and provide suggestions on how we can continue to improve. Your input is invaluable as we strive to create a more inclusive and respectful educational environment for all.
Below you will find some photos from our National Day for Truth Reconciliation school-wide gathering in September 2022. JICS was joined by Danny Beaton, an elder of the Mohawk Nation, environmentalist, traditional flute player, and Annex neighbourhood resident. He spoke to students about giving thanks to each other and to the world that provides for us. He also played the flute and shared songs with the all of us.
2. Mid-Autumn Festival - September 29
Zhōngqiūkuàilè! Wishing everyone a happy Mid-Autumn Festival! The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is a traditional festival celebrated in Chinese culture. Similar holidays are celebrated in Japan (Tsukimi), Korea (Chuseok), Vietnam (TếtTrung Thu), and other countries in East and Southeast Asia.
3. Islamic Heritage Month
In 2016, the province of Ontario officially designated October as Islamic Heritage Month through the enactment of the Islamic Heritage Month Act. This initiative aims to provide Ontarians, both present and future generations, with a valuable opportunity to explore, celebrate, and deepen their understanding of the rich and enduring Islamic history within the province. Moreover, it seeks to highlight the diverse roles and significant contributions of Muslim individuals across Ontario's various communities.
At the JICS Lab School, our commitment to education embraces the remarkable diversity found in our world. We continuously strive to create learning experiences that are respectful, inclusive, and accurate for our students. This month, we extend an invitation to parents to enhance our educational journey by sharing your Muslim identity with us, not only in October but at any point throughout the year. We encourage you to reach out to your child's teacher. Our goal is for students to gain insights into the significant contributions made by Canadian Muslims to our society, appreciate the cultural diversity within the Canadian Muslim community, and understand the importance of learning about each other to foster a sense of belonging for all.
4. October is LGBT History Month
LGBT History Month serves as a dedicated platform to celebrate the remarkable achievements of 2SLGBTQIA+ Icons. Throughout the entire month of October, the https://lgbthistorymonth.com website features a daily showcase of a new icon. Each profile includes video content, biographical information, bibliographies, downloadable images, and various other resources. Additionally, LGBT History Month commemorates the historical milestones of 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and civil rights movements. This initiative was established in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a high-school history teacher from Missouri.
We firmly believe that learning about the invaluable contributions of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is essential in fostering a profound sense of belonging for everyone. As part of our commitment to inclusive education, we extend an invitation to parents to enrich our learning experience by sharing your own identities with us. This offer stands not only during October but at any point throughout the year. Please feel free to connect with your child's teacher. Together, we aim to create an environment where all individuals are recognized and celebrated for their unique contributions to our shared society.
5. JICS at the Movies
Monday, October 16, 2023
6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Innis College Theatre
Join us the evening of October 16 for a reception and advance screening of Four Daughters, a critically acclaimed documentary by Oscar Nominated Director Kaouther Ben Hania. The film is in Arabic with English subtitles. This 2024 Academy Awards contender for Best International Feature Film and Best Documentary Feature skillfully merges documentary and drama to explore the heart-wrenching story of two missing sisters in Tunisia and the grieving family they left behind. Get your tickets TODAY!
Your ticket purchase will have a profound impact on supporting economic diversity through the Diana Rankin/Muncaster Family Tuition Support Fund (DRMT) which ensures that students from all financial backgrounds have equal access to the outstanding education we offer here at the JICS Lab School—Canada's independent school with a public purpose.
6. Curriculum Night
We want to extend our gratitude to all who participated in Curriculum Night last night. Your involvement and support are instrumental in creating a dynamic and enriching learning experience for our students. We take great pride in our close-knit community of dedicated parents and teachers who collaborate to foster the growth and development of every student
7. Upcoming September Events
Fri 29 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Assembly
Fri 29 – Mid-Autumn (Moon) Festival
8. Upcoming October Events - Islamic Heritage Month & LGBTQ History Month
Mon 2 – PA Exec Meeting
Mon 9 – Thanksgiving Day. School and Daycare closed.
Tues 10 – Grade 5 & 6 Parent Meeting: Transitioning to Grade 7. 6:00-7:30pm. More info will be emailed to parents.
Mon 16 – “JICS at the Movies” Get your tickets TODAY!
Mon 23 – PA “All Parents” Meeting. 7:00pm.
Tues 31 – Halloween
Commentaires