Topics covered in this post:
1. Welcome Back!
We hope this message finds you in good health and enjoying the pleasures of the last days of summer. We are excitedly awaiting the return of our students with open arms. To our new students and families, we extend a warm and heartfelt welcome as you join the JICS Family this year.
In June, we shared the JICS Parent Handbook, a comprehensive guide outlining our plans and policies for the 2023-2024 school year. This document contains new important information that you need to be aware of. We require that all JICS parents read and agree to the information in the Parent Handbook and refer to the Handbook throughout the year. The cohesiveness of the JICS community, encompassing both families and staff, derives its potency from our collective dedication to education and our unified comprehension of school policies and the procedures set for ensuring the holistic well-being of our cherished children.
Our pledge remains steadfast: delivering an unparalleled education, fostering an intentionally diverse and nurturing environment that prioritizes the sense of security of each child. This environment thrives on trust, care, and compassion between educators and students, bolstered by learning experiences rooted in inquiry, developmental readiness, and the latest educational research. In essence, the JICS Lab School is a place where a genuine love for learning is cultivated.
2. Tuition Balance Payment Schedule
As we prepare for the upcoming school year, kindly be reminded of the tuition balance payment schedule. We request that you remit the tuition balance for the 2023-2024 academic year to Shama Joshi, our School Office Administrator. You can do so next Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm, with the deadline set for Friday, September 1. The designated location is the school office at 45 Walmer Road.
Nursery 2023-2024 Tuition: $18,003
• An initial deposit of $5,000 and enrollment fee were submitted upon acceptance.
• 50% of the balance was fulfilled in April.
• Tuition balance remaining: $6,501.50
Full Day (JK to Grade 6) 2023-2024 Tuition: $27,973
• A deposit of $5,000 was submitted in January.
• 50% of the balance was fulfilled in April.
• Tuition balance remaining: $11,486.50
3. The First Days of School - Tuesday, Sept 5 (full day)
The first day of school and daycare is Tuesday, September 5, 2023 (8:45am-3:30pm). Wednesday, September 6, is reserved for a half day (noon dismissal) due to the launch of the Wednesday Afternoon Program on September 13. If you're enrolled in our Daycare, Anne Marie is at your service for inquiries regarding the afternoon of September 6. Full-day classes will resume on Thursday and Friday. Detailed arrival and dismissal instructions for each grade can be found in the Parent Handbook.
The entry for Nursery children will be staggered over several days, commencing on Tuesday, September 5.
4. Student Forms Online (SFOs)
Our sincere gratitude for your commitment to completing the Student Forms Online (SFO). Any outstanding forms must be addressed without delay (click here). The information provided in these forms is crucial for the assembly of emergency binders for every classroom, contributing to a safe learning environment for your child/children.
5. Wednesday Afternoon Program
The Wednesday Afternoon Program, an array of extra-curricular classes designed for Grade 1 to 6 students, launches on Wednesday, September 13 (not September 6). The Fall Program details are now accessible here: https://www.jicsfamily.com/wednesdayprogram
Online registration for this year's program will open on Tuesday, August 29 at 10:00am. While we are committed to accommodating every interested participant, please note that spots are limited and allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. Payment is accepted via cheque made payable to The University of Toronto, with the memo line indicating "Wed Afternoon Program." To ensure your registration, kindly submit your cheque to Shama, our School Office Administrator, no later than Friday, September 8.
Parents of Kindergarten (JK and SK) students seeking Wednesday afternoon care can explore the "Creative Play Program" provided by ICS Daycare. For more information, kindly contact the Daycare Supervisor, Anne Marie Bartoli, at 416-934-4522 or visit ICS After School Daycare.
6. Hot Lunch Program
The Lunch Mom (TLM) administers the elective hot lunch program at JICS, presenting a much-appreciated convenience for our parent community. This program is available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Below is a message from TLM for your reference:
Dear JICS Community,
We are thrilled to announce that we will be continuing with our BUFFET STYLE hot lunch service at JICS in the Fall! The buffet style lunch service allows children to modify their meals to their taste (i.e. - no sauce, more meatballs, plain pasta etc.) and they can even come for seconds.
Families can sign up for one to four days per week, and lunch days are sorted by food types to make it easy for parents of fussy eaters. Each meal will be served with a daily raw fruit and vegetable in addition to the hot portion of the lunch. Our morning snack program (for Grades 1 to 6) is also available again this year.
Lunch ordering is completely online and done three times a year. Fall Term 1 is September 11 - December. The Fall menu is found on the site, right above the order entry section.
Our kitchen is completely pork, nut and seed free. Other allergies can be accommodated, as can vegetarian meals (or just a beef free option). Just make a note in the comments section of the order if your child has special requirements. Questions? Just email me at tricia@thelunchmom.com.
Order deadline is Friday, September 8 at noon and lunch starts MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11th.
We look forward to feeding your kids again this Fall!
Regards,
The Lunch Mom Catering
Tricia Tait (aka "The Lunch Mom")
Ordering is online at www.thelunchmom.com, and you can find menus and other information on the site!
7. Summer Revitalizations
As the summer unfolds, so do our endeavors to enhance the learning environment for our students:
The playground transformation has progressed, revealing the emergence of the foundation of a new ramp that promises accessibility and inclusivity.
A fresh chapter has been written in the Junior Kindergarten Room with newly installed flooring and a vibrant coat of paint.
Stepping into the Grade 1 classroom, one will notice the relocation of the washroom area, designed with the convenience of our students in mind.
Our commitment to catering to diverse learning needs is evident in the creation of a second Special Education workroom, thoughtfully tailored to support the growth and development of our children.
With these renovations, we embrace the potential for enriched experiences as we welcome everyone back to a renewed learning space.
8. Daycare
Registration information for our licensed Day Care was communicated through email on Tuesday. For more information, kindly contact the Daycare Supervisor, Anne Marie Bartoli, at 416-934-4522 or visit ICS After School Daycare.
9. Connecting
Your inquiries, clarifications, and suggestions are always welcomed. Additionally, our dedicated classroom teachers will be reaching out to you in the upcoming days. As part of our ongoing commitment, the entire team, including teachers and staff, will be actively participating in our Professional Development Week commencing August 28.
10. JICS Family Website and Weekly Updates
Commencing today, a weekly email "post" containing current and important information will be dispatched to parents every Thursday. These posts will also be stored in the archives of the www.JICSFamily.com website. Notification emails for new postings will be sent through the school database. The JICS Family website serves as a valuable resource, housing comprehensive details about the school, along with an archive of weekly posts from preceding years. This repository offers a wealth of insights and historical context.
Thank you for your continued partnership in fostering an environment where every child thrives and belongs. We look forward to embarking on this new academic journey together. May the remaining weeks of summer bring forth joyful moments and an abundance of laughter and enjoyment.
11. Upcoming August Events
Tues 29 – Wednesday Afternoon Program registration opens at 10:00am
Thur 31 – Open House for new students (JK to Grade 6)
12. Upcoming September Events
Fri 1 – Deadline for tuition balance payment
Mon 4 – Labour Day
Tues 5 – First Day of School and First Day of Daycare
Fri 8 – Deadline for Wed Afternoon Program payment
Mon 11 – Hot Lunch Program begins for registered students
Mon 11 to Wed 13 – Grade 6 trip to Muskoka Woods
Wed 13 – Wednesday Afternoon Program (Gr 1-6) begins for registered students
Thur 14 – School-wide lice check. Thank you to the Parents’ Association!
Fri 15 – Rosh Hashanah (begins at sunset)
Mon 18 – Photo Day (details coming soon)
Tues 19 – JICS PA “All Parents & Teachers” September Social in gym 6:00-8:00pm (details coming soon)
Fri 22 – Terry Fox Run JK to Gr 6 (details coming soon)
Mon 25 – Yom Kippur
Wed 27 – Rowan’s Day (Concussion Awareness)
Wed 27 – Curriculum Night 6:00-9:00pm (details coming soon)
Fri 29 – Orange Shirt Day Assembly
