JICS at a Glance
We've condensed the important highlights for your convenience:
Sept Parent Social NEW DATE: Sept 26 RSVP & register for babysitting
Photo Day is Monday September 16 - Dress in bright/vibrant colours!
Reminder: There is no parking in front of the school from 8:35-8:45AM
Topics covered in this post:
(Click to navigate straight to a section)
1. First Week of School
We hope this POST finds you all in great spirits as we celebrate the fantastic first week of school! It has been a remarkable beginning, filled with enthusiasm. The students’ eagerness to engage in learning has been inspiring. We are excited to embark on this new journey together with you and your children. At JICS, we firmly believe that a strong sense of community is essential for the growth and success of our students.
2. September Social - new date: Thursday, Sept 26
In her welcome letter last week, JICS Parents’ Association (PA) President, Megan, beautifully articulated our shared vision of creating a collaborative, responsive, and engaging community that is both equitable and diverse. We stand firmly behind these goals, and our dedicated staff at the JICS Lab School is fully committed to their realization.
To kickstart our journey towards building this vibrant community, we are excited about our first PA event of the school year, the "September Social". Originally scheduled for Monday, September 30, the event has been rescheduled to Thursday, September 26, from 6:00PM to 8:00PM, right here in our school gym.
To ensure that every parent and teacher can attend, while also demonstrating our commitment to allyship with Indigenous peoples and to the principles of truth and reconciliation, the PA Executive and School Administration have decided to move the event. The original date conflicted with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, so we feel it is important to reschedule to a more appropriate time. This change reflects our values and reinforces our dedication to creating an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and respected.
The PA is thoughtfully providing free babysitting for your children (who attend the school), along with a pizza dinner for them. This will enable parents, teachers, and staff to connect in a relaxed, informal setting. It is a great opportunity for adults to come together, strengthen existing bonds, and forge new connections.
We sincerely hope that each and every JICS parent will join us for the September Social on September 26th. It promises to be an evening of camaraderie, where we can celebrate our shared vision and the wonderful community we are creating together. Please take a moment to register for the event. We can't wait to see you there!
3. Photo Day
We are excited to announce that individual and class photos will be taken on Monday, September 16. To capture those wonderful smiles, we suggest that children come dressed in bright and vibrant colours. Every child will receive a unique online code which parents can use to view their child's photos and place orders. Once the orders are placed, the photos will be conveniently distributed to the children right here at school when they arrive.
4. Arrival Information
Nursery
Nursery parents/caregivers enter the school through the school yard to drop-off their child at their scheduled staggered arrival time.
JK-SK
JK and SK teachers will be outside to greet parents and children at 8:35am. We ask that JK and SK parents/caregivers wait with their children until they sign-in with their teacher.
Grades 1 to 6
The school doors open for arrival at 8:35am. Children enter the building at that time. Teachers are meeting with Teacher-Candidates/Staff to discuss the day prior to 8:35.
Driving, Drop-Off, and Parking
There is no parking in front of the school from 8:35-8:45AM. Parents who need to park must find another location in order to keep the drop-off zone clear.
Parents are asked to drive northbound on Walmer to the school and create a queue of vehicles. Staff on duty will assist child getting out of the vehicle and walking to their entrance point.
Parents are asked to remain inside the vehicle and immediately exit the drop-off area once children have entered the school area to ease congestion and maintain flow. Please ensure that your child’s bag/lunch is accessible by your child.
Please do not block the driveway of our neighbours to the south or north.
A list of local paid parking can be found here: https://www.oise.utoronto.ca/jics/contact/
Nursery families are welcome to park in front of the school beginning at 8:45AM.
5. Crossing Guard, Wolfgang
Please say hi to our crossing guard, Wolfgang! Wolfgang brings a wealth of experience from his time as a TCDSB school caretaker, and he is delighted to be returning to the JICS Lab School community. He kindly advises all caregivers/parents to exercise caution and maintain a reduced speed when approaching the intersection of Walmer Road and Kendal Avenue. This thoughtful approach ensures the safety of our precious children as they cross the road.
6. Upcoming September Events
Fri 6 – Deadline for Wednesday Afternoon Program payment
Fri 6 – (noon) Deadline for Hot Lunch Program registration
Mon 9 – Hot Lunch Program begins for registered students
Wed 11 – Wednesday Afternoon Program (Gr 1-6) begins for registered students
Fri 13 – School-wide lice check. Thank you to the Parents’ Association!
Mon 16 – Photo Day
Mon 16 to Fri 20 – JICS Safety Practice Week (fire drill, lock-down drill)
Wed 18 – Curriculum Night 6:00-9:00pm (details coming soon)
Fri 20 – Terry Fox Run. JK to Gr 6 (details coming soon)
Tues 24 to Fri 27 – Grade 6 Trip to Camp Arowhon (Alive Outdoors)
Wed 25 – Meeting of Parents of BIPOC Children
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.
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