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.

Every great journey starts with an idea. For CIC alumnus LeBron Pryce, that idea became the CIC Student Media Team, which he helped bring to life in 2022.

During his time at �Ͼ�Ʒ��, LeBron completed over 200 community service hours, creating opportunities to explore storytelling, photography, and video while building a vibrant creative community on campus.

Today, the Media Team continues to inspire and capture the moments that make the school community special. After graduating, LeBron continued pursuing his passion for sports media at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).

A Foundation for the Future

Reflecting on his journey, LeBron shared the impact of his time on campus:

“At CIC, I was supported to bring the vision of a student-led media team to life. Without that foundation of community building and creativity, I wouldn’t be the photographer and filmmaker I am today.”

His advice to current students is simple but powerful: “Build something meaningful for yourself, something that will last beyond your time here.”

Coming Full Circle

We are thrilled to welcome LeBron back to campus to host an exclusive Sports Media Workshop.

He will be sharing his professional expertise on how to capture powerful, high-energy moments during live games, giving current creators a firsthand look at the world of sports photography and filmmaking.

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.

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.

Giving back to the local community has long been a tradition at �Ͼ�Ʒ��. 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.

Over the past two Saturdays, �Ͼ�Ʒ�� students proudly joined forces with the Ancaster Community Food Drive to make a tangible difference in our local neighborhood.

In a coordinated effort, our student volunteers spent the first weekend navigating local streets to deliver informational flyers, before returning this past Saturday to collect the generous donations left on doorsteps by community members.

Now in its 34th year, this incredible initiative supports eight local agencies that provide essential services to those in need. The scale of the impact is truly remarkable—this year alone, the drive successfully collected over 70,000 lbs of food, toiletries, and hygiene products, ensuring that local food banks are well-stocked for the months ahead.

An initiative of this size requires significant logistical support, and we would like to extend a special thank you to Attridge Transportation for generously providing the bus transportation that allowed our students to cover such a wide area. Their partnership was instrumental in helping us reach as many homes as possible across the community.

We are deeply grateful to the Ancaster Community Food Drive team for organizing this vital mission and for giving our students the opportunity to learn the value of service firsthand.

At �Ͼ�Ʒ��, we believe that empowering women is a fundamental step toward strengthening our entire global community.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we recognize the profound impact women make every day—not just within our classrooms, but across the diverse communities they lead and inspire.

This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” serves as a powerful reminder that progress is a collective journey; by supporting, uplifting, and investing in one another, we unlock potential and create a pathway for everyone to succeed.

We are incredibly proud of the students, educators, and leaders at CIC who bring unmatched passion and determination to their work, shaping a more inclusive future through mentorship and collaboration.

Today, we honor the strength and resilience of women everywhere, celebrating the transformative change that occurs when we commit to lifting each other up.

For many international students, the Alpine Ski & Snowboard Trip represents a major milestone as their very first introduction to a quintessential Canadian winter.

Whether gliding down the mountain for the first time or perfecting their technique on the slopes, our students proved that an adventurous spirit is the best way to celebrate the season.

Beyond the thrill of the descent, this journey is about the courage to step outside one’s comfort zone and the rewarding realization that comes with mastering a brand-new skill.

This unforgettable excursion stands as a testament to the vibrant student life at CIC.

Every challenge met becomes a cherished memory of the Canadian landscape.

To ensure a safe and successful adventure, members of Team Blizzard participated in comprehensive training and mountain safety guidance before ever hitting the trails.

This supportive environment allows students to focus on the joy of the adventure while building the resilience and self-assurance that defines the CIC spirit.

We extend a sincere thank you to the staff and organizers who transformed a cold winter day into a lifetime of warmth, friendship, and personal growth.

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.