Dear High School Community,

With each passing year I'm reminded that things change. Sometimes the changes are more significant than others. This year there were quite a few changes in my family, and over the summer we were able to celebrate some of them. One was my 40th birthday. Another was my dad's retirement after 42 years in pastoral ministry. Just this week my daughter is starting school at the ICS kindergarten. I could go on, but there were so many it became a theme for my wife and I in this season.

Starting this school year feels very different for me as well. After six years of teaching at ICS, I now start as Principal. God has been working in my life and around my life to prepare me for this year, and to prepare all of us. You will notice some changes. The building has upgrades. The policies are clarifying and responding to the needs of our community. The curriculum is adapting to the realities of cognitive science and responding to cultural chaos by centering on foundational resources and practices that have guided Christian educators for centuries. I'm so pleased to be on this journey with all of you, one that feels like a new adventure even though it is the beginning of my seventh year.

Some things to be aware of:

This year across the secondary school it is expected that that Monday through Thursday students wear official uniforms. On Fridays students may enjoy a wider selection from our Merch Store which is run by our Marketing club. Seniors will continue to enjoy Friday free dress, and everyone will enjoy periodic themed Spirit Days, provided they follow the dress code closely. 

Also, there is a global movement against the dangers of smartphone addiction, and adolescent social media exposure which has caused a mental heath crises. ICS is part of that movement, and as such we will strictly enforce a phone free campus from the moment students tap in through security to the moment that they tap out. This includes smart watches and iPads. In response to parent feedback, we are also being more judicious with laptop usage. While maintaining our 1:1 program, we are structuring class time and free time to ensure teacher supervision with the exception of the senior lounge and senior free periods. All ICS internet activity is monitored by our IT department as well. 

We maintain our commitment to both academic excellence and spiritual growth. This includes our weekly schedule of chapels, Tribes, Roots groups, classes, and assemblies. It also includes many events throughout the year. Some events to be aware of this month:

• Grade 9 Orientation Night August 22nd 7pm to 8pm

Grade 9 parents can meet the Tribe leaders, hear from the High School Counsellor, the Dean of Co-curricular Education and Pastoral Care, and a session with the Dean of Curriculum and Instruction regarding course pathways that achieve student's goals for university and beyond. 

• Grade 12 Night August 26th 7pm to 8:15pm

Grade 12 parents will hear from the University Advisors and the Dean of Curriculum and Instruction regarding the keys to academic success in the final year of ICS as they prepare for university. 

• 30 Hour Famine with Service Warriors August 29-30

Students will have a chance to participate in this overnight event that raises awareness about global hunger.