JICS at a Glance
We've condensed the important highlights for your convenience:
Make your contribution to the PA. DONATE HERE
The Terry Fox Run is tomorrow! Bring "a toonie for Terry" or donate online
Playground Grand Opening - Tues Sept 24
Parents of BIPOC Children Meeting - Wed Sept 25
September Social - Thur Sept 26
Daycare AGM - Tues Oct 1
Ensure your child has indoor running shoes for Phys Ed
Get your Orange Shirt from The Cedar Basket Gift Shop
Topics covered in this post:
(Click to navigate straight to a section)
1. Letter from PA President, Megan
Dear JICS Families,
I hope the year has started well for you!
I have the privilege of having direct insight into four different classrooms, and can with gratitude, report four very distinct children, who are each very happy, as they continue to feel seen, heard and valued among their peers. For me as a parent, this brings an immense sense of pride in our community.
Every JICS parent is a member of our Parents’ Association (PA). Our PA exists to enrich the experiences of our children during their time at JICS. We do this by building a strong school community through supporting a number of initiatives, the aims of which are to nurture a dynamic, respectful and inclusive school culture; we are working to consciously and explicitly value the multiple and intersectional diversity in our community. We continue to learn and grow through:
parent education events
community events
resources for the school, and
social events (like our upcoming September Social, which is fully catered, with one complimentary drink and free childcare, including dinner for the children!). Register Here
Last September we reconceptualized how the PA could ask for contributions from our community in a way that better supports our existing socio- economic diversity. We feel this better supports our efforts to build and acknowledge our diverse JICS community.
This is our current model, which worked really well last year!
*Contributions are per family
For some context:
Previously, families were asked to donate $175 to the PA, as well as $150 per child for class gifts, for a minimum contribution of $325 per child.
The Facts:
Our tuition fees are used to pay for the general operations of the school. It is only through financial contributions to our collective, that we are able to support the school with its purchases and initiatives. With this in mind, we ask that you please consider what your family can contribute this year.
What’s Next:
Thank you for your continued support.
My very best,
Megan
2. Terry Fox Run
Tomorrow!
Join us at to cheer our student supporters of the Terry Fox Run. Each class will depart from the school at approximately 9:15am and head to Sibelius Park to run around the perimeter of the park. Huge thanks to Grade 3 parent volunteers for helping with supervision along the route.
The Grade 3 students have poured their creativity into crafting beautiful posters, inviting everyone to contribute "a toonie for Terry". Alternatively, you can make a direct donation to the Terry Fox Foundation “The Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study” Donation Page.
3. Grand Opening of the Playground
Tuesday, September 24
2:30-3:30 PM (reception to follow)
JICS Playground
We are delighted to invite all JICS parents to an exciting celebration as we unveil our newly renovated playground and mark the beginning of our centennial anniversary celebrations of the JICS Lab School, celebrating 100 years of educational excellence (1925-2025). All our students and guests (including Eric Jackman) will gather in the playground (auditorium in the event of rain) for an assembly of songs, special announcements, and a ribbon cutting!
Children accompanied by their parents or caregivers are invited to join the reception following the assembly, starting at 3:30 p.m. Refreshments, snacks, and fun activities will be provided for all to enjoy.
4. Parents of BIPOC Children Meeting
Wednesday, September 25
7:00-8:30 PM
Virtual
(link will sent to those who RSVP)
Join us for the first meeting of the school year! Created by JICS parents for JICS parents, this meeting is designed for conversation and advocacy for families at JICS with BIPOC children. This meeting will be held virtually and all parents of a BIPOC child are invited to attend. The virtual meeting link will be emailed to those who RSVP.
5. September Social
Thursday, September 26
6:00-8:00 PM
Free babysitting for JICS students (Registration deadline Mon Sept 23)
Entrance from 45 Walmer Road
We are excited about our first school year event to kickstart our journey towards building our vibrant community. Thank you to those who have registered and to the PA Exec for your thoughtful planning.
6. Rowan's Law Day
The last Wednesday of every September is designated as Rowan’s Law Day to honour Rowan Stringer’s memory and raise awareness about concussion safety. On September 25, each grade will review strategies to prevent, identify, and manage concussions. Parents are invited to review the excellent concussion information available from Parachute.
7. Running Shoes for Phys Ed
For safety reasons, we ask that all children have a pair of indoor running shoes to be used in Phys Ed. Crocs, sandals, boots, etc. are not appropriate footwear for the gym and may result in your child being unable to participate in the class. Thank you for your cooperation.
8. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Monday, September 30
September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day dedicated to the lost children, the Survivors of residential schools, their families, and their communities. Public acknowledgment and remembrance of the tragic and painful history, as well as the enduring impacts of residential schools, stand as crucial pillars of the reconciliation process. We invite you to read explore further insights into the origins of this significant day.
At JICS, we will honour both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on Monday, September 30th. Phyllis Webstad's poignant story of receiving a bright orange shirt from her grandmother before attending residential school, only to have it taken away, symbolizes the deliberate loss experienced by so many in the residential school system. This day offers us an opportunity to delve into the history and enforcement of residential schools and to reflect on their lasting effects on families, even generations later. For more information, please visit www.orangeshirtday.org.
Our dedicated JICS teachers are organizing a school-wide assembly in the gym at 9:00 a.m. We extend a warm welcome to all parents to join us. Anticipating a sea of orange in the gym, we aim to honor the truth and show support for residential school survivors and their families. Together, let us take steps towards healing and understanding on this important day.
The Cedar Basket Gift Shop, located just south of the school at the Native Canadian Center of Toronto, at 16 Spadina Road, has an online shop where T-shirt orders can be placed. They have youth and adult sizes of the ‘Every Child Matters’ T-shirts.
9. Daycare Dinner and Annual General Meeting
Tuesday, October 1
5:30-6:30 PM
We are excited to invite all parents to attend our Daycare Dinner and Annual General Meeting (AGM)! Whether you are new to our community or a long-time member, this is a great opportunity to learn more about our wonderful licensed daycare program, meet our dedicated staff, and connect with the Daycare Board. We will be sharing important updates, answering your questions, and discussing the future of our daycare. To make this evening as convenient as possible, dinner will be provided (to children and parents) and free babysitting will be available during the event. Please RSVP via email to ics.afterschool.daycare@gmail.com by September 24th to help us plan accordingly. We look forward to seeing you there!
10. 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. Our dedicated Specialty Subject Teachers (French, Drama, Music, Visual Arts, Library, Phys Ed, Land-based Ed, STEM) and Student Support Teams (Special Education, Social Work) have crafted information packages to provide an insightful introduction to their respective programs. We encourage parents to access this valuable information on the Specialty Teacher Handout page under the 'Programs' dropdown of our main menu.
Upcoming September Events
Fri 20 – Terry Fox Run. JK to Gr 6
Tues 24 to Fri 27 – Grade 6 Trip to Camp Arowhon (Alive Outdoors)
Tues 24 – 2:30pm Official Opening of JICS Playground Celebrations. Parents welcome! Reception to follow. RVSP
Wed 25 – Meeting of Parents of BIPOC Children RVSP
Wed 25 – Rowan’s Day (Concussion Awareness)
Thur 26 – NEW DATE for JICS “All Parents & Teachers” September Social in gym 6:00-8:00pm. RSVP
Mon 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day. School assembly.
Upcoming October Events
Islamic Heritage Month & LGBTQ History Month
Tues 1 – 5:30-6:30 PM Daycare Annual General Meeting (AGM). RVSP
Wed 2 to Fri 4 – Rosh Hashanah (begins at sundown Oct 2)
Fri 11 – Yom Kippur (begins at sundown)
Mon 14 – Thanksgiving Day. School and Daycare closed.
Wed 16 – Meeting of Parents of BIPOC Children
Thur 31 – Halloween
Thur 31 – Diwali
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