Topics covered in this post:
1. September Social Success
We are delighted to express our gratitude for the remarkable turnout of JICS parents, teachers, and staff on Tuesday evening. A heartfelt thank you goes to the PA Exec for orchestrating an enjoyable event that allowed our community to come together in a relaxed, informal atmosphere to reconnect and make forge new bonds. Stay tuned for information about future PA events!
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
Your participation and support are truly appreciated as we come together to honor Terry Fox's inspiring legacy and continue his mission to find a cure for cancer.
3. Yom Kippur
G'mar Chatima Tovah. Wishing everyone a good final sealing on this holiest day in Judaism (September 25).
4. Photo Orders
Photo proofs from Photo Day will be sent home with your child this week. Everyone looks fantastic! To Place your Order:
Focus on Children Photography has an online order process. You will be able to view the many packages & specialty items on their website and order right from there! Your unique access key is printed right on the photo proof. Due date for placing your online order is: September 27, 2023.
5. 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 27, each grade will review strategies to prevent, identify, and manage concussions. Parents are invited to review the excellent concussion information here.
6. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
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. For further insights into the origins of this significant day, please refer here.
At JICS, we will honour both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on Friday, September 29th. 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 comprehensive 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.
7. Curriculum Night - Wednesday, September 27, 6:00-8:00 PM
Curriculum Night is our paramount parent education event of the year, and we strongly urge all parents to participate. For detailed information about this essential parent education opportunity, kindly refer to last week's POST.
Please note that the designated entry point to the school will be solely through 45 Walmer Road. Regrettably, we are unable to offer babysitting services during this event.
Our dedicated Specialty Subject Teachers (French, Drama, Music, Visual Arts, Library, Phys Ed) and Student Support Teams (Special Education, Social Work) have crafted information packages and short videos to provide an insightful introduction to their respective programs. We encourage parents to access this valuable information via the provided link.
On September 27, our Classroom/Grade Teachers will present essential information. You can find the timetable and location details below for your convenience. Your active participation in Curriculum Night is greatly appreciated as we endeavour to foster a collaborative and informed educational journey for our students.
Time | Presentation | Grades | Location |
6:00 PM (sharp) - 6:45 PM (sharp) | Individual Grade Curriculum | Nursery, JK, SK, Garde 1, Grade 2 | Classrooms of: Nursery, JK, SK, Grade 1, Grade 2 |
6:50 - 7:05 PM | Welcome, Introductions of Staff | All Grades | GYM |
7:10 PM (sharp) - 7:55 PM (sharp) | Individual Grade Curriculum | Grade 3, Grade 4/5 Robin, Grade 4/5 Zoe, Grade 6 | Classrooms of: Grade 3, Grade 4/5 Robin, Grade 4/5 Z, Grade 6 |
8. JICS Support of 2SLGBTQIA+ Community Members
We firmly stand against harassment, discrimination, and hate in any form. We do not tell students who they should be, but welcome them as they are. We are proud to emphasize our unwavering commitment to the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community, which is documented in our archived September 19 letter, accessible on the JICSfamily website.
In our community, we prioritize inclusivity and diversity, fostering an environment where all members can thrive and be their authentic selves. Our dedication to supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community is a reflection of our core values, and we actively work towards creating a safe and welcoming space for everyone.
9. Playground Renovations
Anyone who has undergone a renovation project knows all too well the unpredictability of unforeseen circumstances that can inevitably lead to delays. The journey of rejuvenating the JICS playground began in May 2023, with our initial target completion date set for the end of October. However, we regret to inform you that the project will now extend later into the Fall. We sincerely appreciate the patience of everyone involved, particularly our young ones.
The new playground is more than just a mere renovation; it's a transformative space meticulously designed to be a shining example of joyous play. Geared towards children aged 2 to 12, it offers a plethora of exciting features. There are spacious areas for collaborative sports, numerous cozy nooks and crannies (including a secret garden) to stimulate imaginative and creative play with sand, water, and an assortment of building materials. The playground will be a world of possibilities for children to explore. The play structures are designed to provide robust challenges, inviting children to climb, spin, and slide, all while having a blast. Additionally, the playground will remain a vital community gathering space, now made fully accessible through a thoughtfully designed ramp and a brand new entryway.
Our decision to renovate the playground stems from our commitment to providing an outdoor play environment that optimally fosters rich, meaningful, and developmentally responsive experiences for children. Our understanding of best practices in outdoor play has evolved considerably over the past 16 years since the last playground renovation. The revitalized playground will not only inspire but also set the standard for well-designed outdoor play spaces within the public school system. Your support and patience are greatly appreciated as we work towards creating a world-class play area for our children and community.
10. Feasting the Bundle, Fall Equinox
On Wednesday, September 20 Doug Anderson feasted the bundle gifted to us by Onigaming First Nations Mikinaak School in 2013. He was joined in the courtyard by Lab School educators: Krista, Raadiyah, Judith, Chriss and Richard. To learn more about the origins and our commitment to the bundle, please read here.
11. Happy Birthday Andrea!
Our junior kindergarten class surprised our caretaker, Andrea, on her birthday with a card and celebration. Happy Birthday Andrea!
12. Upcoming September Events
Fri 22 – Terry Fox Run JK to Gr 6
Mon 25 – Yom Kippur
Wed 27 – Rowan’s Law Day (Concussion Awareness)
Wed 27 – Curriculum Night 6:00-9:00pm
Fri 29 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Assembly
13. Upcoming October Events
Mon 2 – PA Exec Meeting
Mon 9 – Thanksgiving Day. School and Daycare closed.
Tues 10 – Grade 5 & 6 Parent Meeting: Transitioning to Grade 7. 6:00-7:30pm. More info will be emailed to parents.
Mon 16 – “JICS at the Movies” More info coming soon.
Mon 23 – PA “All Parents” Meeting. 7:00pm.
Tues 31 – Halloween
