Living – CIC

Furry Friend Brings Moments of Calm and Connection

Harvey — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 13:02:00 +0000

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.

Food, Community & Care: A Festive Week at CIC

Shawn — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 15:54:06 +0000

Dear parents.

From December 1st to 5th, �Ͼ�Ʒ�� is bringing joy and community to the dinner table. Our Chartwells Food Service team has prepared a fun and engaging Festive Week Dinner Program, filled with themed evenings: a taco bar, sushi night, trivia games, smoothie stations, a foodie photo contest, and even close-up magic. These activities offer students a cheerful break and a chance to enjoy time with their friends before exams begin.

December 1st to 3rd, 2025:

· Recipe Submission & Storytelling Experience: Students submit family recipes and share the cultural story behind them. Winning recipes will be featured as a Student Special Menu Item.

December 1st to 4th, 2025:

· Foodie Photo Contest: Students snap and submit their best-plated meal. The most creative or aesthetic entry wins a gift card or cooking gear.

December 1st, 2025 at Pine Girls:

· Food & Trivia Night: A friendly competition with themes like memes, movies, music, and global culture – paired with pizza. Bonus food trivia for extra points and prizes.

· Study Fuel Bar with Smoothies: A brain-boosting pop-up bar designed to help students stay energized during exams. Featuring fruit smoothies, a perfect balance of healthy and refreshing drink to support focus, memory, and exam stamina.

December 2nd, 2025 at Pine Boys:

· Food & Trivia Night: A friendly competition with themes like memes, movies, music, and global culture – paired with pizza. Bonus food trivia for extra points and prizes.

December 2nd, 2025

· Build-Your-Own Taco Bar: Students customize their tacos with multiple meat options, sauces, and toppings — perfect for all tastes and spice levels.

December 3rd, 2025

· Build-Your-Own Doritos Nacho Bar: A fun twist on classic nachos — toppings, sauces, protein choices, and Doritos as the base.

December 4th, 2025 – Entertainment:

· Strolling Close-Up Magic: Interactive magic performed table-to-table using cards, coins, and borrowed items — bringing spontaneous excitement and surprise.

· Balloon Twisting Giveaways: Fun balloon creations for students – a lighthearted, playful experience and a memorable takeaway.

· Sushi Night: A simple and satisfying sushi feature offering two popular favourites: California rolls and crab rolls. Served with classic sides like soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger. A great way for students to enjoy a light, flavourful dinner option during exam week.

December 5th, 2025

· Bubble Tea Pop-Up Station: A fun and refreshing treat where students choose their tea base, flavour, and toppings.

· Hot Chocolate with Marshmallow: A cozy winter treat perfect for exam season. Students can enjoy warm, rich hot chocolate topped with mini marshmallows, whipped cream, and optional flavour add-ins like caramel, vanilla, or peppermint. A comforting way to unwind and reset during study breaks.

Supporting Your Child With Comforting Meals and Meaningful Moments

At CIC, good food is part of how we care for your child. As we approach the festive season, we are pleased to share a special initiative taking place in our residences next week. We understand how meaningful a warm, comforting meal can be—especially for students living far from home. Our dining program isn’t only about nutrition; it is an important part of helping students feel supported, relaxed, and connected.

Your encouragement will help make this week meaningful for your child. Please invite your son or daughter to participate and experience these special moments. This is a pilot project, and student feedback will guide us as we build more enjoyable dining experiences in the months ahead.

Thank you for trusting us with your child’s well-being. We remain committed to caring for them in every aspect of their lives—academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. A nourishing and positive meal environment is a small but important way we honour that promise.

CIC’s Halloween: Where Creativity Meets Spooky Fun!

Shawn — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 21:17:02 +0000

Spooky season is in full swing at CIC, with creative costumes, sweet treats, and lots of Halloween spirit all around!

A huge thank-you to everyone who put their time, energy, and creativity into making this celebration such a memorable one – from our amazing students who showed up in their best costumes, to the staff and organizers who made every detail come together.

Our students showcased incredible creativity in this year’s Pumpkin Carving Contest at CIC.

Beyond the festive spirit, the contest encouraged students to collaborate effectively, and celebrate diverse ideas – valuable skills that go far beyond the classroom.

Happy Halloween, everyone!

A Month Filled with Community, Learning, and Special Opportunities for Total Care+ Students.

Shawn — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 16:01:42 +0000

August was a month filled with community, learning, and special opportunities for our Total Care+ (Under-16) students.

Friday Open Kitchen Nights
Every Friday evening, students gathered for our Open Kitchen events. These nights gave students the chance to cook together, try new recipes, and share meals in a relaxed, family-style environment.

Exclusive Trip Selection
One of the biggest perks of the Total Care+ program is early access to SLD trips. In August, our students were able to reserve their spots on upcoming excursions before everyone else, guaranteeing them a chance to explore and experience the best of what’s planned for the fall.

Community Service at Ronald McDonald House
Giving back to the community was another focus this month. Students wrote heartfelt letters to children and families supported by the Ronald McDonald House, sharing encouragement and positivity with those going through difficult times.

Residence Event: Time Management & Agenda Decorating
Inside residence, students took part in a creative and practical workshop. The session focused on building strong time management habits while decorating personal agendas. This hands-on activity helped students set goals and organize their schedules in a way that was both productive and fun.

Looking Ahead
Looking forward to the rest of the semester, Total Care+ has even more exciting opportunities in store for students. Along with exclusive events that allow them to try new activities and experiences before anyone else, students can expect meaningful community service projects that give back to the local Hamilton community. These experiences not only help build a sense of responsibility but also create memories that last beyond the classroom.

In addition, the program will continue to emphasize friendship and connection. Whether it’s through special residence workshops, weekend outings, or small group events, students will have countless chances to meet new people, strengthen existing friendships, and feel part of a supportive community. The rest of the semester promises to be a balance of fun, growth, and learning—designed to help every Total Care+ student feel engaged and inspired.

CIC Kicks Off the Fall Semester in Style with Exciting Activities

Shawn — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 17:18:08 +0000

The The Fall Semester at �Ͼ�Ʒ�� began with excitement, energy, and plenty of opportunities for connection! From Orientation Week assemblies to guided tours, Niagara Falls trips, and campus scavenger hunts, new students and their families were warmly welcomed into the CIC community. During Orientation Week, Principal Joe Knap and key members of the Total Care team welcomed new students and their families at the assembly. Students learned essential health and safety tips, explored leadership opportunities, discovered student life experiences, and found out how to access help and support when needed.New students also took a guided walk through the charming Westdale neighborhood and McMaster University, both within walking distance of campus. They enjoyed a trip to Niagara Falls, experiencing the world-famous natural wonder up close on an amazing cruise tour.

BBQ, Bunnies & New Beginnings

Nothing beats a welcome BBQ on the residence lawn—great food, fresh air, and new friends to share the semester ahead Cute animals from the pet farm visited too — bunnies, llamas, goats, and more! Families from around the world attended this BBQ and enjoyed a day of family fun with their children. Thanks to our amazing Residence Team and Chartwells Food Services for creating such a fun-packed event.

New Students Connect with Teachers Through Scavenger Hunt

Our new students kicked off their CIC journey with an exciting scavenger hunt around campus before the semester began!�� They explored classrooms, met their teachers, and got to know their classmates. The activity was a fun and interactive way to familiarize themselves with their new environment.It helped build friendships, boost confidence, and start the school year on a high note!

Teachers Start Semester with Team-Building Fun

Before the new semester began, CIC teachers took part in a lively scavenger hunt across campus. From solving clues to working in teams, the activity was filled with energy and friendly competition. It was a great opportunity to strengthen teamwork, build camaraderie, and reconnect with colleagues. Most importantly, it reinforced our shared commitment to building a School of Character—where every lesson, interaction, and experience helps students grow and thrive.

We Wish Everyone Fresh Beginnings & a Truly Remarkable Year Ahead!

With friendships formed, confidence boosted, and both students and teachers energized through fun activities and team-building, we look forward to a semester full of growth, discovery, and unforgettable experiences. If you need any help or support, please reach out to any of our Total Care staff—we’re always ready to assist!

Cheerful BBQ Lunch Celebrates End of Semester in Style

Shawn — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 20:29:26 +0000

To wrap up the semester on a high note, CIC students came together on June 17 for a fun-filled BBQ lunch under the sunny skies.

With juicy burgers hot off the grill, refreshing drinks, and lots of laughter, the event gave students a perfect chance to unwind and celebrate their hard work.

The relaxed atmosphere and delicious food helped everyone take a well-deserved break before final exams and summer plans.

A big thank you to Chartwells team for making lunchtime feel like a party — and to Crumbl Cookies for generously donating hundreds of delicious cookies that added an extra touch of sweetness to the day!!

CIC Residence: Where Students Thrive Beyond the Classroom

Shawn — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 20:05:34 +0000

At CIC, learning goes beyond textbooks — it’s about building a vibrant, supportive community! Our Residence events are all about fun, friendship, and personal growth. From laughter-filled nights to meaningful connections, these moments make CIC feel like home. Let the smiles speak for themselves — here’s a glimpse into the amazing lifestyle at CIC Residences![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

From Cookie Decorating and RSL Bake Sale, to Paint Night and Valentines Card Decorating, we always make sure students at CIC have a chance to connect, unwind, and create lasting memories with their peers.

It’s all about fostering a supportive, engaging community that empowers students to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

Activities to Connect, Learn, and Thrive at CIC in January

Shawn — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 15:17:36 +0000

As we welcome Year 2025 and new semester, �Ͼ�Ʒ�� has lined up exciting activities to help new and returning students settle in, build connections, and explore interest!

January is also a time to embrace inclusiveness—let’s show care and support for others whenever they need it. Together, we can create a welcoming and inclusive community for everyone!

Student Leadership Development Department (SLD) Activities：

(Sign up via the REACH app)

Orientation and Niagara Falls Tour
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
Club Fair & Club Sign-up
Leadership Application & Interviews
Model United Nations Application
Badminton Intramural Sign-up & Tryout
Varsity Boys Basketball Tournament
Ski Team Trip to Chicopee
Ski Team Trip to Glen Eden
Mapleview Mall Shopping
CN Tower & Ripley’s Aquarium
Royal Ontario Museum & Square One
Raptors 905 Basketball Game
Activate
Ginger Bread House Competition
Mission Services
Total Care Plus Event
Leadership Retreat
Varsity Retreat

Residence Activities

(For details on time and location, check with your Residence Front Desk)

New Student Social
Roommate Bonding Bingo
Laundry Tutorials
Open Kitchen
Local Walk
Orthodox Christmas
Residence Scavenger Hunt
Conversation Cafe
Dumpling Guided Recipe
3×3 Basketball
Clay Art
Knitting
Coffee with the Manager
Movie Night
Cultural Show and Tell
Pizza with Alessio
Multicultural Trivia
Paint Night

Got questions or suggestions? Feel free to reach out to the Student Leadership Development Department (S244) or your Residence Front Desk!

CIC Community Celebrates Holiday with Meaningful Activities

Shawn — Fri, 27 Dec 2024 16:46:24 +0000

As we wrap up a successful Fall Semester with finals and the December Graduation Ceremony, �Ͼ�Ʒ�� is embracing the winter holiday with joy and a well-deserved break. Here’s how our teachers, staff, and students are celebrating, and feel the vibrant energy across the school and residence!

CIC teachers and staff gathered for our beloved tradition—a festive holiday Lunch and Raffle Ticket Drawing!

This special event celebrated a season of dedication, hard work, and the unwavering commitment that makes CIC truly exceptional.

Staying in residence during the winter holiday is filled with fun and meaningful activities! From decorating Christmas trees to learning new skills, there’s always something to do.

A group of our students even got creative, DIYing rice crisps and donating them to a retirement home, spreading love and joy to the elderly.

Our students had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Monastery at Northcliffe, continuing an annual tradition of connection and joy.��These cherished moments of togetherness remain close to our hearts year after year.

A group of students spread the holiday cheer with two amazing days of volunteering at the Anishnabeg Outreach Indigenous Family Service Centre!

From sorting fruits and veggies to crafting pizzas, making reindeer cookies, decorating gingerbread houses, and creating snowflakes papercuts — every moment was filled with joy and festive spirit.

This magical atmosphere has truly lit up the Christmas mood!

Braving the snow and harsh weather, our students went door-to-door, reaching over 400 local residents to deliver flyers and collected an incredible 176 pounds of non-perishable food the next day!

All donations were delivered to Neighbor2Neighbor Hamilton, a local food bank supporting those in need.

The generosity of the community and the dedication of our students are truly making a difference this holiday season!

Total Care+ Empowers Young Students for Academic and Personal Success

Shawn — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 20:17:02 +0000

With the Total Care+ (TCP) program, �Ͼ�Ʒ�� students are supported to thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. The TCP program is designed to ��

Teach students essential life skills, independent living and learning skills��

Build strong student and staff social connections��

Help students navigate their educational journey with confidence and success��

This is achieved through:��

Group leadership activities��

Lunch time, afterschool and evening (residence) workshops��

Teambuilding events��

Other exclusive opportunities��

Exclusive Support Services for TCP students

As a TCP participant, TCP students benefited from personalized support and programming such as:

One-on-one Guidance: Students met with their Guidance Counsellor for tailored academic advice and check-ins on progress, course and study plan questions, and supplementary application support if needed.�� Medical and Wellness: Our Medical and Wellness team prioritized TCP student health with dedicated services and check-in appointment opportunities.�� Student Leadership Development Sign-ups and Activities: TCP students gained access to priority club and priority trip sign-up every month, as well as TCP exclusive clubs and trips.�� Exclusive Tutoring: Students had access to exclusive TCP tutors who were there to help with academic success�� Cocoa & Cram�� Students connected with tutors to gain assistance with their midterm and final CCA assessments, all while enjoying some hot chocolate and treats. Students had access to math, science, business, English, and social science tutors who offered additional support.��

What went on during the Fall semester

Bowling – at the start of the semester, TCP students went bowling at Splitsville in Hamilton. This gave students the opportunity to make new connections and establish friendships in a relaxed environment. It also gave students the opportunity to make age-appropriate friends in the program while creating some friendly competition. Students also got to meet our designated TCP staff who they are able to connect with and ask questions throughout the semester.�� ASEP Workshops �� This semester we held three workshops for the students to help empower them with practical knowledge and skills. These workshops took place on September 23rd, October 7th, and November 11th in our Ainsliewood and Cedar buildings. Students learned skills to help prepare them for both academic and personal success with the following workshops:�� Medical and Wellness: to help students prioritize their health and well-being, while offering tips and advice for students to use �� Effective Communcation: students developed active listening, conflict resolution, peaceful communication, and collaboration skills �� Email Etiquette: to help students master professional communication�� Dining Etiquette: to sharpen social skills and Canadian dining etiquette�� Food Safety: to ensure students understand nutrition and are storing their food correctly to stay safe�� Supplementary University Applications: to help students understand and navigate the supplementary application process with ease�� Teamwork & Leadership Training�� Through engaging activities, students developed their teamwork and leadership skills that translate into real-world application. Students learned how to collaborate effectively, while forming lasting connections and friendships in a supportive environment.�� McMaster ALTITUDE:�� On November 22nd, students and staff walked to the McMaster University campus to participate in a McMaster ALTITUDE Team Building course. These activities encouraged team building while developing leadership skills. Students also left with enhanced problem-solving skills and stronger connections with their peers.��