Wellness happens in many forms—sometimes it arrives with a wagging tail and a friendly nudge.

Monty, the therapy dog from St. John Ambulance Burlington, brought comfort, joy, and plenty of smiles to the residence over March Break. This special visit provided a peaceful environment for everyone to pause, de-stress, and enjoy the calming presence of a furry friend.

Building a Supportive Community

These wellness initiatives reflect a core belief at CIC: meaningful growth happens when people feel supported, grounded, and connected.

By partnering with local organizations like St. John Ambulance Burlington, the community experiences genuine engagement that builds empathy and a sense of belonging.

More Than Just a Happy Moment;

These interactions offer more than just a happy moment; they create a space for interaction and emotional well-being that extends far beyond academic life. Taking the time for these small, impactful connections ensures a balanced and healthy campus atmosphere.

A special thank you to the CIC Wellness Team and St. John Ambulance for coordinating such a heartwarming experience and for their continued commitment to campus well-being.

Leadership and Peer Support (GPP3O) students put their skills into action this week by organizing a highly successful Krispy Kreme doughnut fundraiser.

Driven by compassion and community spirit, the initiative was held in support of the Hamilton‑Burlington Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (HBSPCA).

From the initial planning and promotion to every box sold, the organizers demonstrated what leadership looks like when it is focused on giving back.

Through meaningful activities like this, CIC aims to instill a lasting sense of responsibility toward local charities and the surrounding community—a value deeply rooted in our Total Care Education® system.

The Power of Compassion

These experiences help shape not only capable leaders but empathetic young people who understand the tangible impact they can make when they choose to care.

The teamwork, initiative, and kindness displayed throughout the fundraiser serve as a reminder that real leadership is about lifting others up and supporting vital causes, one small act at a time.

Turning Effort into Real Impact

Following the fundraiser, a formal cheque presentation meeting was held to officially hand over the proceeds to the HBSPCA.

The final total raised reached an impressive 1,476.50 CAD, a contribution that will go directly toward supporting the welfare and care of animals in our local region.

This moment of connection highlighted the bridge between student initiative and community impact, celebrating a successful mission driven by heart.

Spirit. Teamwork. Belonging. That’s the heartbeat of CIC intramurals.

These games aren’t just about winning – they’re about creating moments where students support one another, push their limits, and discover what they’re capable of.

That’s the heart of CIC: a community where everyone belongs, everyone participates, and everyone lifts each other up.

In an exciting Bronze Medal match, the Orange Chickens soared to a decisive 5–0 victory over the Red Flamingos, and in the Championship match the Pink Dolphins defeated the White Pandas in 3 sets to 2.

Congratulations to our champions, the Pink Dolphins, and to every team that gave it their all.

Beyond the scores, we witnessed something far more lasting: friendships kindled at the net , teammates lifting one another after every missed shot , and the quiet resilience and discipline forged through countless rallies and early‑morning practices.

That spirit – the care, the effort, the joy of growing together, is the true heart of CIC Badminton Intramurals.

The CIC community recently gathered to honor those who choose belief over doubt—individuals who step forward, speak up, and act with purpose.

These everyday decisions do more than just complete a task; they shape the confidence, resilience, and strength of the entire campus.

The Courage of Everyday Choices

Self-empowerment is not defined by a single grand gesture. Instead, it is a quiet, steady courage built from consistent actions.

This month, the spotlight was on those who lead by example, including:

• Taking Initiative: Volunteering as a Student Council homeroom representative without hesitation.
• Leading with Voice: Advocating for others as a Head Delegate of the MUN team and lifting peers through thoughtful leadership.
• Visionary Ownership: Putting oneself forward for executive roles, such as Vice President of Student Council, and speaking clearly about a vision for the future.

Ownership and Impact

These moments serve as a powerful reminder that self-empowerment begins with the courage to step forward.

By using their voices and taking ownership of their actions, these leaders are actively creating a positive impact on the world around them.

May these achievements inspire the entire community to continue leading with determination and confidence.

At ÀϾÅÆ·²è, learning goes far beyond academic results. We believe in preparing for the real world by building the confidence, skills, and experiences necessary for long-term success.

A few weeks ago, the CIC DECA team traveled to downtown Toronto to compete in the DECA Provincial Competition, joining more than 6,500 competitors from across the province. It was an unforgettable experience filled with energy, pressure, and excitement—a true test of knowledge, confidence, and determination.

From Theory to Practice

To prepare for competitions at this elite level, CIC focuses on sharpening essential professional skills, including:

• Analytical Thinking: Evaluating complex business scenarios in real-time.
• Clear Communication: Presenting ideas persuasively to industry judges.
• Teamwork & Problem-Solving: Collaborating under pressure to find innovative solutions.

These experiences allow participants to step beyond traditional lessons and showcase their ability to apply theory to practice.

Student Perspective

As CIC DECA team member Steven Weng shares: “DECA has taught me how to think critically, communicate with confidence, and apply concepts like financial statements and investment strategies beyond the classroom—skills I know will carry me far in business.”

A Proud Achievement

The CIC community is incredibly proud of those who embraced this challenge. By representing the school with such determination and poise, these individuals have demonstrated exactly what it means to be a future leader in the global business landscape.

Some lessons happen in the classroom. Others happen when you step onto an NBA court.

Through exclusive opportunities like the Raptors VIP Court Experience, CIC students are able to explore beyond the traditional school environment and step into moments they will never forget.

Members of our Athletic Council, along with the Boys’ and Girls’ Varsity Basketball teams, recently had the rare chance to walk onto the home floor of the Toronto Raptors for a unique “behind-the-scenes” visit.

Living the NBA Dream

The experience allowed our student-athletes to see the game from a whole new perspective:

• On-Court Access: Students spent time on the professional floor, capturing photos and experiencing the scale of an NBA arena firsthand.
• A Closer Look at Greatness: The group returned later that evening to witness the high-speed action of the Toronto Raptors facing off against the San Antonio Spurs.

Meaningful Canadian Experiences

Moments like this reflect CIC’s commitment to bringing world-class Canadian experiences closer to our students.

By providing access to professional sporting environments, we help our students explore their passions, gain new perspectives on team dynamics, and create lifelong memories with their peers.

A big thank you to Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) for making this incredible experience possible and for their continued support of our student leaders and athletes.

ÀϾÅÆ·²è students had the exclusive opportunity to sharpen their competitive edge at a Euclid Math Contest Preparation Workshop, led by a true expert in the field: Ian VanderBurgh, the former Director of the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC) at the University of Waterloo.

Strategic Preparation for Advanced Success

The Euclid Mathematics Contest is one of the most prestigious competitions for high school students globally, and preparing for it requires more than just textbook knowledge. During the intensive session, students moved beyond standard curriculum boundaries to:

• Deconstruct Complex Problems: Gained unique insights into the logic behind the contest’s most challenging questions.
• Master Problem-Solving Strategies: Explored advanced mathematical thinking and “outside-the-box” techniques essential for high-ranking results.
• Practical Application: Applied these high-level strategies in real-time practice, building the mental stamina required for the upcoming competition.

To ensure the momentum continues, all participants were provided with curated preparation materials to support their ongoing study and practice.

A Partnership Built on Excellence

This workshop is a testament to the strong and long-standing partnership between CIC and the University of Waterloo. This collaboration provides our students with unparalleled access to Waterloo’s academic leaders, allowing them to learn directly from the experts who shape the landscape of mathematics education in Canada.

By engaging with academic figures like Mr. VanderBurgh, CIC students don’t just improve their skills—they build the confidence and professional mindset needed to excel at the university level and beyond.

Upcoming Math Awards Ceremony

Looking ahead to March, the CIC community will gather for a special Math Awards Ceremony to celebrate our students’ exceptional achievements. This event will honor those who excelled in prestigious competitions, such as the University of Waterloo’s CSMC/CIMC and the Canadian Computing Competition (CCC). It is a moment to celebrate the Certificates of Distinction and Medals that underscore CIC’s status as a powerhouse for mathematics and STEM education.

Giving back to the local community has long been a tradition at ÀϾÅÆ·²è. Our students arrive from more than 70 countries with diverse cultures, languages, and dreams. In Hamilton, they find a welcoming community that supports them and becomes their home away from home — and in return, the CIC family gives back with incredible generosity and heart.

In 2025 alone, CIC students contributed 26,605.75 community service hours and raised $30,247.54 to support meaningful causes in Hamilton and beyond.

These efforts were more than volunteer hours or donations. They were expressions of gratitude — students showing appreciation for the city and people who have supported their journey in Canada.

Through charity events, volunteer work, and acts of kindness, our students proved that global citizens care deeply about the communities they call home.

Top Donations:
• Ronald McDonald House – $6,397.40
• World Vision – $6,293.76
• Terry Fox Foundation – $4,634.57
• Hamilton/Burlington SPCA – $4,528.56
• Neighbour to Neighbour – $2,000.00

From supporting local families to helping global causes, CIC students demonstrated that compassion knows no borders. Their dedication reflects the heart of CIC — a community where students learn not only to succeed academically, but also to serve, care, and give back.

Thank you to every student who volunteered, donated, and inspired others. Because of you, Hamilton is not just where you study — it’s where you belong.

At ÀϾÅÆ·²è, biology comes to life through immersive, hands-on experiences that bridge the gap between textbook theory and professional practice. Our SBI4U Biology students recently visited Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) for a specialized Medical Physics lab, where they stepped into the roles of diagnostic scientists.

During this intensive session, students analyzed complex patient cases to diagnose lung disease, utilizing advanced computer modeling to interpret CT scans and calculate the physical extent of lung damage. This high-level simulation provided a unique opportunity to apply biological concepts to critical medical technology and real-world diagnostics.

Beyond the laboratory, the day offered a diverse look at university culture and communication:

• Scientific Innovation: Students engaged with cutting-edge medical modeling and diagnostic tools.

• Visual Communication: A visit to the Image Arts Centre Gallery allowed students to explore how visual media is used to convey powerful ideas across both science and the arts.

• Campus Life: A guided tour of the TMU campus gave our students a firsthand look at the academic pathways and vibrant student life awaiting them in post-secondary education.

By connecting classroom lessons with real-world applications and university environments, we empower our students to explore their interests with confidence and gain a clearer vision of their future career trajectories.

ÀϾÅÆ·²è Class of 2026 graduates are officially taking their next steps toward careers in medicine, research, and healthcare innovation, securing placements at premier Canadian and international universities.

These offers are frequently accompanied by significant scholarships, a testament to our students’ academic excellence and their potential to lead the future of global health.

At CIC, we ensure aspiring scientists stand out in a competitive admissions landscape through a multi-faceted approach to the Health and Life Sciences:

• Advanced STEM Foundations: Our rigorous curriculum in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics is designed to bridge the gap between high school and the demanding expectations of university-level research.

• HOSA & Clinical Leadership: Through participation in Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), students apply clinical knowledge in competitive environments, developing the leadership and communication skills vital for healthcare professionals.

• Experimental & Research Exposure: From hands-on laboratory work to university visits, we move science beyond the textbook, giving students a firsthand glimpse into the world of scientific discovery and healthcare innovation.

• Holistic Development: Beyond technical proficiency, our programs emphasize global thinking and personal resilience, ensuring students are prepared for the ethical and practical challenges of higher education.

To our future doctors, researchers, and innovators—congratulations on this remarkable milestone. Your dedication is not just earning university placements; it is shaping a healthier, brighter future for our world.