Diwali Assembly, Parent-Teacher Interviews, Upcoming School Closures, Daycare Updates, An Announcement from Natural Curiosity & More!
JICS at a Glance
We've condensed the important highlights for your convenience:
Parent Teacher Interviews - Wednesday November 11 & Friday November 13
Celebrate Diwali with us at JICS - Assembly tomorrow!
Daycare News & Updates
Photos and Videos from Halloween!
An announcement from Natural Curiosity
Topics covered in this post:
(Click to navigate straight to a section)
1. Diwali Assembly - tomorrow!
Diwali, the joyous Hindu festival of lights, is a cherished tradition here at our school. Our entire school community eagerly anticipates this special occasion each year, and we are truly grateful for the unwavering support of our parents. This year, we are delighted to announce that we will come together to celebrate Diwali tomorrow, Friday, November 6th at 9:00am in our gym.
In the spirit of this vibrant festival, we kindly request that all JICS children come dressed in colourful attire, which may include kurtas, salwar kameez, dupattas, or lehenga choli. Of course, we also encourage everyone to express themselves through their preferred clothing choices throughout the festivities.
We look forward to seeing you there!
2. School Closed - Friday, November 13 & Monday, November 16
On Friday, November 13, the JICS teachers and staff will engage in Parent-Teacher Interviews. We hope everyone enjoys the Midterm Holiday on Monday, November 16.
The Daycare will be open on November 13 and 16 (8:00am to 6:00pm). Please contact Anne Marie, Daycare Director if you are interested in registering your child: ics.after.school.daycare@gmail.com
Information about the school calendar for 2026-2027 can be found on the JICSfamily website.
3. Remembrance Day at JICS
Each year the JICS community pays tribute to the generations of brave Canadians who have put their lives on the line for peace and freedom. Our staff and students will honour the fallen, the war veterans, and those in active service with a Remembrance Day ceremony on Wednesday, November 11. The ceremony will include songs of peace, readings, and a minute of silence. Remembrance Day is not only a time to remember, but also a time to be thankful that we live in a country that does not take peace for granted and honours the sacrifice of those who lost their lives so that we may continue to live in peace in a world overcome with so much conflict.
4. Parent-Teacher Interviews: Wednesday, November 11 & Friday, November 13
Below are the links to sign up for your Fall interview with your child/children’s teachers. More information about parent teacher interviews can be found in last week’s POST.
Classroom Teachers (20 min)
Nursery: Register here!
JK: Register here!
SK: Register here!
Grade 1: Register here!
Grade 2: Register here!
Grade 3: Register here!
Grade 4/5 Audrey: Register here!
Grade 4/5 Raadiyah: Register here!
Grade 6: Register here!
Specialty Teachers (5 min)
Primary French with Tania (JK-Gr 2): Register here!
Junior French with Christel (Gr 3-6): Register here!
Primary Music with Suzanne (JK, SK): Register here!
Junior Music with Russell (Gr 1-6): Register here!
Art with Tara (JK-Gr 6): Register here!
Phys Ed with Luke (JK-Gr 6): Register here!
Drama with Sarah (JK-Gr 6): Register here!
Library/Land-Based Learning with Krista (JK-Gr 6): Register here!
5. Wednesday Afternoon Program - Movie Afternoon, November 11
To accommodate the Parent-Teacher Interviews taking place on the afternoon of Wednesday, November 11, all Grade 1 to Grade 6 students registered in the Wednesday Afternoon Program will enjoy a Movie Afternoon.
Grades 1 to 3 students will watch the movie in Room 120.
Grades 4 to 6 students will watch the movie in the Lunchroom.
6. Daycare News
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are excited to announce the introduction of our new enrichment programs designed to support children’s learning, development, creativity, and overall well-being.
Our programs will provide children with fun and engaging opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and build confidence in a supportive environment.
Chess Program - ALL GRADES
When: Mondays 3:30-4:15pm.
Begins: November 9th
Our chess program will introduce children to the exciting world of chess while strengthening their concentration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Children will learn to plan ahead, think strategically, and develop patience while enjoying friendly challenges with their peers.
LEGO Robotics Program - GRADES 3-6
When: Thursdays 3:30-4:30
Begins: November November 12
Our LEGO Robotics program will inspire children to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through hands-on building and creative problem-solving. Children will have opportunities to build LEGO models, explore basic engineering concepts, and develop their creativity, logical thinking, and teamwork skills.
If your child is registered in our daycare these days no extra fee is required. However if you would like your child to participate a daily fee of $39.00 will be charged. Your child may also stay after the program is over that day.
We believe these programs will provide valuable learning experiences that go beyond the classroom and help children develop important life skills while having fun.
We look forward to sharing these exciting opportunities with your children and supporting their growth, confidence, and success.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Please register your child by simply emailing us at ics.after.school.daycare@gmail.com and indicate which program you would like to be in. If your child is in daycare that day they are automatically registered.
Warm regards,
Anne Marie Bartoli
ICS Daycare
7. Upcoming Parent Education Events
November 18: The Four Goals of (Mis)behaviour and an Intro to Alyson’s Parenting Tool Kit
Join us for in-person parent ed event with Alyson Schafer at JICS with free onsite babysitting
Parent Social: 5:30-6:15pm
Alyson’s Presentation: 6:15-7:30pm
Where: JICS Lab School, 45 Walmer Road
November 25: "Ask Me Anything" with Alyson Schafer for JICS Families
When: 7:00-8:00pm
Where: Zoom
8. Financial Support
The JICS Lab School is committed to needs-based financial support that will both enable increased diversity and retain current Lab School families. Tuition support is available to current students entering Grades 3-6 in the 2027-2028 school year. Application and assessment of financial need is made through an arms-length, confidential application to Apple Financial Services, and decisions are made by a sub-committee at the JICS Lab School. All applications and requests are confidential.
The deadline for applications to Apple Financial is November 10.
If you are interested in donating to the JICS Lab School Endowment Fund, please see here or speak with Richard Messina.
9. Happy Halloween
Enjoy the photos of our spooky day. The day was filled with goblins, ghosts, and other excitements. Thanks to teachers, Suzanne, Russell, Tania, and Christel for leading us in Halloween songs at our assembly and to Paige in reception for transforming the school’s entrance.
Our JK - Grade 6 classes showing off their costumes!
Our Nursery friends enjoyed Halloween, too!
10. Take Me Outside 2026 Outdoor Leadership Conference
Vice Principal Chriss Bogert and Natural Curiosity Director Haley Higdon were in Banff at the Take Me Outside 2026 Outdoor Leadership Conference, which brought together 350 school system leaders and administrators for professional learning and leadership conversations focused on outdoor learning. Haley and Chriss' gave an outdoor presentation titled, When Space Becomes Pedagogy: Leading Outdoor Learning Systems Change, which shared the Lab School's approach to outdoor play and land-based learning, including the redesign of our playground, courtyard space, and Indigenous teaching garden, and our work using the OPAL approach to transform recess culture and develop our outdoor play policy.
11. Making the Shift: A Newsletter by Natural Curiosity
The Natural Curiosity program plays a crucial role in advancing the Lab School’s public purpose by supporting educators with understanding the importance of Indigenous perspectives in environmental and all education.
Please take a look at their October Newsletter which highlights winning the 2026 Outstanding Contribution to Education Award, Indigenous Language courses, resources for Treaty Recognition Week and exciting news to support environmental and Indigenous education.
We also invite you to read the following OISE article that highlights Natural Curiosity as the 2026 recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Education Award from the Ontario Principals’ Council (OPC). Congratulations again!
Upcoming November Events
Hindu Heritage Month
Fri 6 – Diwali Assembly (JK to Gr 6)
Tues 10 – Due date for applications to Apple Financial for 2027-2028 tuition support
Wed 11 – Remembrance Day Assembly (JK to Gr 6)
Wed 11 – Parent/Teacher Interview Afternoon
Fri 13 – School closed. Daycare open to registered users. Parent/Teacher Interview Day
Mon 16 – Midterm Holiday. School closed. Daycare open to registered users
Wed 18 – Parent Education Event with Alyson Schafer: The Four Goals of (Mis)behaviour and an Intro to Alyson’s Parenting Tool Kit, 5:30-7:30pm
Thur 19 – Last day of MA CSE Block 1 Teacher-Candidates in JK to Gr 2
Wed 25 – Parent Education Event with Alyson Schafer: "Ask Me Anything" 7:00-8:00pm (Zoom)
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