top of page
Search

Principal for the Day, Art Night, Research Night

Updated: Jan 31


JICS at a Glance

We've condensed the important highlights for your convenience:

  • Monday is school-wide Cozy Dress Day

  • Purchase tickets to JICS at the Movies - Thur February 6 at 6:30 pm

  • RSVP to Upcoming Events with JICS Social Worker, Ellie

    • Next week: Lunch & Learn: Neurodiversity, Understanding and Supporting your Child with ADHD and/or Giftedness PART 2 - Thur February 6 at 12:30 pm

  • Art Night is Wed, February 19

  • Register your child for the Daycare March Break Camp by Feb 15

  • Save the Date for Research Night & Parent Social - Mon March 3

Children watching a Lion Dance for Lunar New Year
 

Topics covered in this post:

(Click to navigate straight to a section)


 

1. Lunar New Year


Gong Hei Fat Choi
Xīnnián hǎo
Chúc Mừng Năm Mới
Saehae bok mani badeuseyo
Happy New Year!

On Tuesday, we prepared the school for the Lunar New Year festivities by tidying up and "sweeping away" any bad luck. On Wednesday, we opened our windows and doors to invite good luck into our spaces! Jayda and Nick organized a vibrant assembly featuring a traditional lion dance performance, which brought excitement and energy to the day. Every student also received a special surprise gift. A heartfelt thank you to the parents who generously shared their culture with us, enriching our learning experiences and making the celebrations even more meaningful. See photos below. 

 

2. Principal for the Day

Monday, February 3

Move aside, Richard—there are two new principals taking charge! On Monday, under the dynamic leadership of Kairav and Gia, the JICS Lab School students can look forward to an exciting and transformed day.

Principal with two small children at a computer

Our new principals have organized a school-wide “Cozy Dress Day”, inviting everyone to bring their favourite stuffy along for the fun. Morning recess has been extended to allow for more outdoor play because “it is so much fun” say Gia and Kairav. 

 

The day will also include a special nut-free sweet treat for every student. In the afternoon, the entire school will gather for a movie—complete with popcorn, of course!

Kairav and Gia will kick off the day by welcoming everyone at Kiss and Drive, so don’t forget to give them a cheerful wave.

 

A big thank-you to everyone who participated in the “Principal for the Day” lottery in support of the Patrick Harvie Arts Fund. The funds raised help enrich our arts-based diversity-learning experiences, such as the recent Lion Dance performance and the upcoming Black History Month storytellers. If you would like to contribute, donations can be made here: https://www.jicsfamily.com/enriching-the-arts.

 

We can’t wait to see you on Monday for this unforgettable day!

 

3. JICS at the Movies: 40 Acres

Thursday, February 6
6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Innis College Theatre

2 Sussex Avenue

Toronto, ON  M5S 1J5




40 acres movie

* Content advisory: explicit violence, mature themes, sexual content, coarse language


Join us on Thursday, February 6 for a reception and advance screening of the critically acclaimed 40 Acres. The film, a powerful thriller set in a post-apocalyptic future, tells the story of the last descendants of a family of Black farmers who settled in Canada after the American Civil War. They must protect their homestead from an organized militia determined to take their land.


40 Acres, a TIFF Special Presentation selection, is a gripping film centred on Black and Indigenous characters, exploring themes of history, justice, and resilience. It examines generational trauma, the fear of “the Other,” and redefines Black masculinity through empathy and vulnerability.


The story follows a mother and son, blending Black and Indigenous heritage, who fight for survival and hope against all odds. Ultimately, the film emphasizes the importance of Black and Indigenous sovereignty in a world that often seeks to erase them.


Before the screening, you are invited to an exclusive wine reception sponsored by Halpern Enterprises. This special pre-screening gathering offers refreshments, small bites, the opportunity to mingle, celebrate the centennial of the Lab School, and engage with fellow members of the JICS community. Don’t miss this chance to connect and commemorate this milestone together!

Jennifer Holness headshot

Following the screening, we are thrilled to host an exclusive Q&A session with the film’s producer, Jennifer Holness. Heralded by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the most powerful women in Canadian Entertainment, Holness is a highly respected and accomplished producer committed to authentic storytelling.


Her partnership with Director R.T. Thorne on 40 Acres promises a rich, thought-provoking narrative, one that is both engaging and rooted in her dedication to craft and passion for storytelling. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in a meaningful conversation about the film and its themes.



Your ticket purchase will have a profound impact on supporting economic diversity through the Diana Rankin/Muncaster Family Tuition Support Fund (DRMFT), 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.


A diverse student body is essential for a thriving educational environment, and your generosity will help us foster a community where students learn from each other's unique life stories and embrace diverse cultures and experiences.


To foster inclusivity to this and many of our events, we’re continuing with a dual fee model for ticket sales this year. Every ticket includes a delightful assortment of classic movie snacks and beverages.


When choosing from the ticketing options, please remember that each ticket sale will bring us closer to our annual goal of raising $120,000 for the DRMFT Fund.


We are excited for you all to experience this evening of memorable cinema while greatly contributing to the Lab School’s mission to create a diverse and rich learning environment.


Save the date, spread the word, and let’s make this event a resounding success!

 

4. Art Night

Wednesday, February 19

On Wednesday, February 19, the Lab School will be transformed into The JICS Art Gallery for our annual Art Night—a celebration of creativity and expression.

 

This year, we are returning to hosting Art Night and Music Night as separate events, allowing families ample time to fully enjoy each unique program. Tara and the Art Night Committee have thoughtfully curated an engaging and memorable experience for everyone.

 

Families will follow a defined tour route to explore the incredible artwork created by the students, displayed throughout the school. We kindly ask that families stick together (children and caregivers) as they move through the exhibits, ensuring a shared experience of appreciation and discovery.

 

To help manage the flow of visitors and avoid congestion, we recommend the following entry times:

  • 7:00 PM – Nursery, JK, SK families

  • 7:20 PM – Grades 1, 2, 3 families

  • 7:40 PM – Grades 4, 5, 6 families

 

If your family has children in multiple grades, please choose the time that works best for you.

 

We are looking forward to seeing you at Art Night and celebrating the amazing talents of our students together!

 

5. Author Visits - Black History Month


As part of our Black History Month celebrations, we are excited to host two incredible storytellers who bring a wealth of culture and creativity to our students.


On Monday, February 10, storyteller Kesha Christie will engage students from Nursery to Grade 6 with the rich tradition of oral storytelling. Through her dynamic performances and interactive workshops, Kesha breathes life into timeless tales, inspiring the storyteller in each of us.


On Wednesday, February 12, we are thrilled to welcome Yolanda T. Marshall, an award-winning Canadian author of Guyanese and Bajan heritage. Yolanda will present her vibrant, inclusive children’s literature to students from Nursery to Grade 3, sharing stories that celebrate diversity and cultural richness.

 

6. JICS Summer Camp


Last week, JICS announced a brand-new summer camp pilot program running throughout the month of July! Designed for children aged 4 to 9, this unique camp will offer engaging, hands-on experiences through four exciting categories: Natural Curiosity Labs,Imagination Labs, a Leadership Lab, and Creative Labs.


At this time, we are happy to share the camp website with you! 



Here you will find additional details, and can opt to sign-up for our mailing list to ensure you are notified when registration opens. Registration will be on a first come, first served basis and is tentatively set to open in mid-February. 


Our camp serves a dual purpose: to contribute proceeds to the JICS Endowment Fund, ensuring continued excellence in education and to help introduce JICS to the broader Toronto community.


We kindly ask for your support in spreading the word about this exciting new program! Whether or not your family plans to participate, sharing the news with friends and neighbors can help us make this initiative a success.


Thank you for your enthusiasm and support as we embark on this exciting new adventure!

 

7. Parent Education Opportunities with JICS Social Worker, Ellie


  1. If you missed today’s Lunch and Learn sessions, we will be our second discussion about aspects of Neurodiversity, Understanding and Supporting your Child with ADHD and/or Giftedness on Thursday February 6th. As always, these talks are 30 minutes a talk with slides (recorded) followed by 30 minutes of (unrecorded) discussion and questions.   


  1. We welcome all JICS parents to our Coffee and Conversation mornings. Join us for this opportunity to connect and share ideas with other parents. The topic for the next gathering is Letting them Lead: The Benefits of Child Directed Play.

 

8. Daycare March Break Camp


camp poster

 

9. Save the Date: Parent Social and Research Night on March 3rd


We are excited to invite you to our upcoming "Research Night" on Monday, March 3rd. This special evening will feature a parent social, where you can connect with other parents and enjoy light refreshments. Following the social, researchers and teachers will present fascinating studies that have taken place in our classrooms. We look forward to sharing these insights with you and fostering a deeper connection between our school community and the incredible work being done here. Free babysitting is available onsite for JICS students. Registration details coming soon. Please mark your calendars with this event and we hope to see you there!

research night poster
 

10. Professional Development Update


In November 2024, Chriss, Zoe, Judith, and Robin had the incredible opportunity to participate in the International Association of Laboratory Schools (IALS) Japan Tour. This unique experience offered them invaluable insights and learning opportunities within a global educational context.

For a beautifully detailed account of their enriching journey, including highlights from the tour, check out the latest edition of the IALS Newsletter.

 

11. 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. 

 

We have currently sold over 18,000+ plus copies of our educator resource, Natural Curiosity 2nd Edition: The Importance of Indigenous Perspectives in Children's Environmental Inquiry.  If you want to learn more about Natural Curiosity’s four-branch environmental inquiry framework, deepened by Indigenous perspectives, please view or download this gift copy of the "Intro and Preface" or purchase a copy of the entire book today! It is available in both English and French

 

Join Natural Curiosity for a Cree language course that weaves together language learning and cultural teachings through storytelling. This course offers participants the opportunity to learn Cree words and phrases while gaining deeper insights into the cultural values, traditions, and knowledge embedded in Nêhiyawêwin.

 

This course is open to everyone – both Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants who wish to learn to uplift language revitalization. Learning starts March 12, 2025 and the EARLY Bird pricing is available until February 21, 2025

 

Lunar New Year Photos


 

Upcoming February Events

Black History Month

Thur 6Lunch & Learn: Neurodiversity, Understanding and Supporting your Child with ADHD and/or Giftedness - PART TWO. 12:30-1:30pm RSVP

Thur 6 – JICS at the Movies – screening movie “40 Acres”. Purchase Tickets

Tues 11 – Parents of BIPOC children meeting 7:00pm

Thur 13 – Valentine’s Day at JICS

Fri 14 – Midterm Holiday – School closed. Daycare open to registered users.

Mon 17 – Family Day Holiday – School and Daycare closed

Wed 19 – JICS Art Night

Mon 24-Tues 25 – Japanese Teacher-Candidates visiting JICS

Tues 25-Fri 28 – Grade 4/5 students at YMCA Pine Crest Camp

Wed 26 – Pink Shirt Day/Anti-Bullying Day

Thus 27 – Coffee and Conversation Parent Education Session with Ellie 9:00am RSVP

Fri 28 – Ramadan (begins at sunset)



Comments


DR. ERIC JACKMAN INSTITUTE OF CHILD STUDY

LAB SCHOOL

  • White Instagram Icon

© Copyright 2017 by Jackman Institute of Child Study.

Contact Us

Lab School Office:

416 934 4517

labschooloffice@utoronto.ca


ICS After School Daycare:
416 934 4522

Address

45 Walmer Road

Toronto, ON M5R 2X2

bottom of page