JICS at a Glance
We've condensed the important highlights for your convenience:
Re-enrolment Forms & Deposit Due Date- January 17th, 2024, Please read below for important information
Lunch & Learn with Ellie- December 14th, 1:00-2:00pm REGISTER HERE
Festivals of Light Sing-Along- December 20th, 9:00-10:00am
Hot Lunch Program - Take survey HERE
Topics covered in this post:
1. Re-enrolment for 2024-2025
Re-enrolment forms will be emailed in the coming days for the 2024-2025 school year. The form and the non-refundable $5000 deposit are due in the office by January 17th, 2024. Please take the time to review the JICS values, philosophy, and mission before making your decision to re-enrol. Also, please note that the Admission Team will begin to fill vacant spots beginning January 18th, 2024.
2. Lunch & Learn with Ellie
Thursday, December 14th
1:00-2:00 PM
Zoom
Dear Parents,
You are all invited to join for the next Lunch and Learn on Thursday, December 14th from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. We will be discussing: Parenting in the Digital age - Supporting Your Relationship with Your Child and Their Tech. As usual there will be a 30 min talk (recorded) and 30 min of discussion and questions (not recorded). I gave this talk for the JICS community in 2020 and also feel it is such an important area to have conversations around that it is worth bringing back. Looking forward to the discussion.
Sincerely,
Ellie
3. Festivals of Lights - JICS Holiday Sing-Along - December 20, 9:00-10:00 am
Join us for a luminous celebration at the JICS Holiday Sing-along on December 20th, from 9:00 to 10:00 am! As we bid farewell to the Fall Term, we're crafting a special morning where parents/caregivers are invited to join us in the school auditorium. Led by our music teachers, Suzanne and Russell, with song lyrics provided, this communal singing experience invites children, parents, and teachers alike to revel in togetherness. From Diwali and Hanukkah to Christmas, Yaldā Night, Winter Solstice, and Kwanzaa, we'll unite in song to honor the diverse festivities that brighten this season.
4. Norah's Leave of Absence
In 2020, Norah and her family had planned to spend the year in Brazil, a venture disrupted by the pandemic. Thankfully, they are set to resume these plans next year, embarking on their awaited adventure. We have initiated a search for an exceptional Nursery teacher to join us for the 2024-2025 school year.
5. Double Your Impact
We're thrilled to remind you that our matching gift campaign, generously championed by Rajen Ruparell and Priya Pandya, is set to run until December 31st with all donations received before the deadline eligible to receive a charitable tax receipt for fiscal year 2023.
We're pleased to share that thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, we have now almost reached our goal of $15,000.
Every donation reinforces our cornerstone value of foster inclusive education at the Lab School. If you haven't had a chance to contribute yet, a donation now will make TWICE the difference! Your support TODAY is crucial to making our classrooms accessible, inclusive, and reflective of Toronto’s vibrant tapestry of diverse communities.
6. JICS GSA Student Delight with Kahoot Quiz
This week we would like to highlight the work of two dedicated grade 5 and 6 students, who spent lots of time collaborating to make the first ever JICS GSA Kahoot! Kahoot is an online multiple choice quiz that can be played as a game. These students not only wrote, edited, and tested the quiz, they also approached teachers in Grades 2 through 6 to schedule time to play it with each class. It was a hit, and students learned some new things about the JICS GSA along the way. We were fortunate to have them announce individual and whole class winners at our annual Book Night.
Speaking of Book Night, we would like to thank all of the GSA members who volunteered time sitting at our table. We would also like to congratulate some of our junior students on the completion of the first chapter of the comic Peggy The Pride Flag, copies of which are on sale for $2.00, proceeds of which are going to Rainbow Railroad, a charity that helps to relocate members of the 2SLGBTQIAP+ from unsafe places. So far we have raised $89.00!
7. Book Night Pyjama Party
Enjoy these photos of our celebration of books and stories. Thank you for supporting the JICS Library!
8. Message from PA President, Megan Re Hot Lunch Program
Hello JICS Families,
A little late, but please click the link to complete a brief Hot Lunch Program Survey. We invite all families who currently use, or are considering using the Hot Lunch Program. Your answers will allow us to begin to work with Tricia (the Lunch Mom) to make some changes that may better suit our community's needs., as your feedback and suggestions will be very helpful.
My very best,
Megan
9. Upcoming December Events
Thur 7 – Hanukkah begins at sunset (Dec 7 to 15)
Thur 14 – Lunch and Learn with Ellie (see above)
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, Yaldā Night
Mon 25 – Christmas Day
Tues 26 – Kwanzaa begins (Dec 26 to Jan 1)
10. Upcoming January Events
Mon 8 – Winter Term begins. Daycare opens at 7:45. School opens at 8:35.
Wed 17 – Re-enrolment form and deposit due.
