Wednesday Afternoon Program: Term 3 Schedule, JICS at the Movies, Centennial Skate, Principal for the Day, & More!
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JICS at a Glance
We've condensed the important highlights for your convenience:
Ramadan Mubarak!
Wednesday Afternoon Program: Term 3 Schedule
JICS at the Movies - Buy your tickets now!
JICS Centennial Family Skate - Monday, March 23
Principal for the Day - Friday, March 6
Grade 4/5 Students enjoying their trip to Camp Pinecrest!
Topics covered in this post:
(Click to navigate straight to a section)
1. JICS at the Movies
Monday, March 2nd, 2026
🕡 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
📍 Innis College Theatre
2 Sussex Avenue, Toronto, ON M5S 1J5
You’re invited to join us for a special evening of film, conversation, and community as part of the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study Centennial celebrations.
Our next edition of JICS at the Movies presents a screening of the acclaimed documentary The Making of a Japanese, followed by an in-depth Q&A with the filmmaker.
About the Film
The Making of a Japanese is a warm, intimate, and quietly captivating documentary that takes viewers inside a Tokyo public elementary school to explore how early childhood education shapes culture in Japan. Filmed over the course of a year, the film follows first- and sixth-grade students as they learn not only academics, but also responsibility, cooperation, and respect for others.
Through small, revealing moments — students cleaning their classrooms, serving lunch, or carefully placing their shoes — the film offers a fascinating look at an education system that places trust and responsibility in children from a very young age. The balance between individuality and community is tested daily, creating moments that are both deeply human and unexpectedly moving.
Directed by Japanese American filmmaker Ema Ryan Yamazaki, The Making of a Japanese is a gentle yet powerful portrait of childhood and the everyday rituals and reveal larger truths about community, responsibility, and identity. Praised by The New York Times as a “Nuanced portrait that trys to explain why Japan is the way it is, while also showing the potential costs of those practices.,” the film invites audiences to reflect on education, belonging, and the values we pass on — long after the final scene.
2. JICS Centennial Family Skate
We are excited to announce the JICS Centennial Family Skate, taking place on Monday March 23rd from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at Varsity Arena (299 Bloor Street West). Mark your calendar and join us for an evening of joy, warmth, and community spirit.
Junior grade students enjoying their first skating session of the year!
3. Principal for the Day - Friday, March 6
Move aside, Richard and Chriss, there are new principals taking charge! On Friday, March 6, under the dynamic leadership of Saje and Kian, the JICS Lab School students can look forward to an exciting and transformed day.
Our new principals have organized a school-wide “Cozy Dress Day”, inviting everyone to dress in their most comfortable clothing and bring their favourite stuffy along for the fun. Morning recess has been extended to allow for more outdoor play.
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!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us at the JICS Centennial Gala on May 13, 2025, in support of the JICS Endowment Fund. Your generosity helped ensure that children from all backgrounds have access to a JICS education—regardless of financial circumstances. The evening was filled with celebration and excitement, including the awarding of “Principal for a Day” prize.
For over 100 years, the JICS Lab School has been redefining education through transformative research and innovative teaching methods that enrich public school learning. With your support, we can continue this important work while fostering a community that is as diverse, inclusive, and thriving as possible.
Every gift makes a difference. Please consider donating here: Donate to the JICS Endowment Fund. Together, we are shaping the future of education.
4. Wednesday Afternoon Program (WAP)
We are excited to share the Spring Term’s WAP schedule!
Gr 1 to 6 Term 2 - Ends on March 4
Gr 1 to 6 Term 3 - Begins on March 25
JK and SK children remain together in their full class cohorts and will have outdoor play at the end of the day. A developmentally appropriate play-based program has been designed.
For Grades 1 to 6, each class will participate in two new activities per term, ensuring that everyone experiences a variety of opportunities throughout the year.
Opting Out
Please assist us in ensuring all children are safe and accounted for.
If you do not wish for your child to participate in the WAP, kindly fill out the Opt-Out Questionnaire. Without this Questionnaire, your child will not be dismissed at 12:45 pm and will be added to the attendance list for the class program.
The deadline to opt-out for Term 3 is Friday, March 6, 2025. Please see the Wednesday Afternoon Program Term 3 Opt-Out form in your Parent Portal.
Each program is carefully curated for the children in the class and is designed to build on previous weeks as it spans over the 12-week term. Having a consistent group of students will ensure the instructors can carry out their program as intended, offering the students an engaging and enriched experience.
All WAP information, including program descriptions can be found on the JICS Family website:
Below are the activities for Term 3, March 25 to June 10 for Grades 1 to 6:
Grade 1 | Grade 2 | Grade 3 | Grade 4 | Grade 5 | Grade 6 |
Action Potential Lab | Tiny Tales in Motion | Sock Puppet Theatre | Game Changers: Multi-Sport & Inclusive Play | The Music Connection | Cartooning & Animation |
Make & Create | Fibre Makers Studio | Dance Mix: Jazz, Ballet, Hip-Hop | Fictional Characters & Fantasy Art | Filmmaking: The Art Behind Visual Storytelling | Cooking with Vegetables |
5. The Natural Curiosity Program: February Newsletter
The Natural Curiosity program plays a crucial role in advancing the Lab School's public mission. It assists educators in understanding the importance of Indigenous perspectives in environmental education across the curriculum.
Please take a look at their February Newsletter, which highlights exciting news, upcoming events and more resources to support environmental education and incorporating Indigenous perspectives. This month's newsletter also includes great Educational Resources for outdoor winter activities.
Some moments from this week at JICS!
Upcoming March Events
March is Read-athon Month
Ramadan (Feb 18 to Mar 19)
Mon 2 – JICS at the Movies “The Making of a Japanese” 6:30pm. Innis College Theatre Buy Tickets
Tues 3 – Purim
Wed 4 – Holi
Fri 6 – Principals for the Day - Cozy dress day
Sun 8 – International Women’s Day
Mon 9 to Fri 13 – March Break Week 1 (School closed. Daycare open to registered users.)
Mon 16 to Fri 20 – March Break Week 2 (School and Daycare closed.)
Fri 20 – Eid al-Fitr & Nowruz & Spring Equinox
Mon 23 – Spring Term begins (Daycare opens at 7:45am)
Mon 23 – 5:00-7:00pm JICS Family Skate at UofT Varsity Arena
Tues 24 – St. Patty's Day at JICS (Wear green!)
Wed 25 – Wednesday Afternoon Program – Term 3 start
Thur 26 – Last Day of 1st Year Teacher Candidates (JK to Grade 6)
Thur 26 – Lice Check (Thank you for your donations to the PA!)