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Following the March Break and Easter Weekend, please allow us to wish the community a Happy Easter, we hope those that celebrate had the opportunity to enjoy Good Friday and Easter Monday, with friends and family. 

Heading into the April long weekend, our community was delighted to partake in the Hellenic Festival hosted in the student centre, put on by parents and students in the Student Centre, celebrating Hellenic culture. Food, music and games provided an unbelievable wrap up to the month. On the other end of the long weekend, we kicked things off with a powerful Principal’s Assembly that focused on Ramadan. Year 11 students took the lead in highlighting not only the purpose and significance of the month, but also highlighting their own personal experiences in observing Ramadan. We were also joined by special guest speaker Timaj Garad, an Ethiopian Toronto-based creative consultant, arts-educator, community organizer and multi-disciplinary storyteller. She uses poetry, theatre and music to bring her stories to life and on Tuesday she delivered three spoken-word poems that captivated and intrigued our student body. Throughout the week, Year 10 Personal Project highlights ran on our Blues TVs, and on Thursday students showcased their Personal Projects in the Upper School Student Centre. 

June exams

Dear Year 8 to 11 students and families,

I hope this note finds you well. I know it’s a busy time as we approach final exams, and I want to assure you that you have the full support of your teachers, advisers, and mentors.

We’re writing to share important information on the Year 8 to 11 final examinations. Please review the exam schedule below.

• June 2024 examination schedule

Final examinations are mandatory with the expectation that all students will write exams as scheduled. 

The examination process provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate learning and receive feedback on academic progress and to review material covered during the academic year. Teachers will communicate course-specific exam details to students in their classes.

Important to note:

• June 3 and 4 are both regular school days for Year 8 students.

• June 10–13 is the end of year programming for Year 9s. Students must choose one of the five options presented. Full attendance is expected. 

• Language oral exams will be scheduled by individual teachers. 

• June 12 and 13 are marking turnaround days for teachers. No classes. 

• June 14 is the last day of classes (return of assessment materials)—modified schedule, which includes a celebratory BBQ.  

Best of luck with the upcoming exams.

Warm regards,

Dr. Jeff Aitken
Head of the Upper School

Year 8 | Art and science interdisciplinary unit of study

Dear UCC Community,

We are thrilled to share details about the upcoming week-long Year 8 art and science interdisciplinary unit of study starting on Tuesday, April 16. This presents a fantastic opportunity for our students to engage in interdisciplinary learning, a crucial component of the IB Middle Years Programme.

What is interdisciplinary learning?

Interdisciplinary learning is an educational approach that merges various disciplines and perspectives to enhance comprehension and address intricate issues. It allows students to investigate the links between art and science while developing skills and knowledge in both areas. By participating in this unit, students will understand how art and science intertwine to solve real-world problems.

Students will visit our Norval Outdoor School for a day to learn from Elder Garry Sault of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, along with OCAD professor Shannon Gerard and invasive species experts from the CVC (Credit Valley Conservation) Authority. Activities include guided hikes and drawing invasive species, culminating in a final project showcasing students' creative and scientific understanding.

Important Information:

Science sections visiting Norval will depart the UCC campus at 8 a.m. returning by 5:30 p.m. to maximize time at our outdoor facility. Please log onto Bluenet to submit a permission form by Friday, April 12 at 4 p.m. We thank our Norval teachers for organizing the program and our science and art teachers for guiding learning at UCC. Should a bus be more than 30 minutes late for pick up or drop off, families will be notified via email. 

Science Section Schedule: *To find your child’s science section, please look at the Bluenet timetable. 

• Tuesday, April 16: Science sections 2 and 3

• Wednesday, April 17: Science sections 7 and 1

• Thursday, April 18: Science sections 4 and 5

• Friday, April 19: Science section 6

Interdisciplinary learning is vital in preparing students to think critically, creatively, solve complex problems, and appreciate perspectives from diverse experts. It aids in developing a holistic view of the world, equipping students for future challenges. We encourage you to discuss this exciting learning opportunity with your child and support their participation. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us.

Warmest Regards, 

Scott Bruce, Science Teacher and IDU Leader 

Brent Evans, Norval Outdoor School Director

David Holt, Art Teacher and IDU Leader 

Gillian Levene, Assistant Head, Student Life & Community 

Emilia Martin, MYP and Personal Project Coordinator 

Nuit Bleue on April 11

Join the UCC community on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at our Nuit Bleue Arts Showcase as we celebrate film, visual art, theatre and music.

Nuit Bleue begins at 5 p.m. with theatre performances, short film productions and visual art exhibits. The evening will culminate with musical performances from 7–9 p.m.  

The evening program is as below:

Years 10 and 11 | Social on April 12

SIGN UP | Year 11 and 12 StepUP 

Year 8 | Toronto Public Health second clinic for Hepatitis B/Menactra/HPV 

Dear Year 8 Parents,

This is  a reminder on Monday, May 13, 2024, Toronto Public Health (TPH) will be holding their second Hepatitis B/Menactra/HPV clinic at UCC.

The following vaccines will be given:

• Hepatitis B, meningococcal, and human papillomavirus vaccines to Year 7 and 8 students who missed the first clinic. The location will be in the Prep Dining Hall, with Year 8 students scheduled to attend from 2–3:30 p.m. 

Please make sure your child eats breakfast the morning of the clinic and to wear short sleeves. If your child is unwell due to fever, and cannot receive their vaccinations, please notify the Health Centre as soon as possible. Any missed vaccinations that happen on the clinic date, do have options to receive their vaccines in the community. Students in Years 9 to 12 can get their vaccines through a TPH community clinic (appointments are required and can be booked online) or through their doctor’s office, where your physician can order the vaccine directly from public health.

A final reminder that the Meningitis (Men-C-ACYW-135 vaccine) vaccination or a valid exemption is required for students 12 years of age and older for school attendance. If your child has not received Menactra, or it has been over five years, Toronto Public Health does recommend a booster. Hepatitis B and HPV are optional.

Additional information and consent forms can be found here:

• School immunization consent form

• Hepatitis B, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and Meningococcal vaccine fact sheets

• Student and parent check sheet

• SIP facts and checklist

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Translation insert

If you wish to review what your child received at the last TPH clinic in the fall, you can do so directly on the TPH website. Questions or clarification on attending the vaccination clinic can be directed to health.centre@ucc.on.ca.

Thank you all for your cooperation!

Health Centre Team

Upper Health Centre ext. 2270

SIGN UP | Battalion Ball 2024

One of UCC’s oldest traditions, the Battalion Ball, is taking place for Year 12 students on April 12 from 8 to 11 p.m. at Palais Royale (1601 Lake Shore Blvd. West). This is an opportunity for the Leaving Class to celebrate together with their guests. The cost is $85 per ticket.

Parents, if your student is planning to attend, you must fill out this form together with them. Please note that it requires both parent and student signatures. There is a separate form linked within that must be sent to the guests of any students who plan on bringing a guest.

If you have any questions, please contact Andrew MacDougall, Assistant Head of the Upper School.

Solar eclipse glasses

Ontario will be in the path of the total solar eclipse on the afternoon of Monday, April 8. If you would like a pair of solar viewing glasses, please drop by the front desk this Friday to collect them, plus an information pamphlet on how to safely view the eclipse. 

Lost and Found parade: Thursday, April 4 to Friday, April 19

Is your son missing items such as clothing, bags, water bottles, or shoes? 

All lost and found items will be on display outside the Lower Dining Hall from Thursday, April 4 to Friday, April 19. Parents and students are encouraged to drop by during school hours to see if anything is yours. 

Note: after April 19, all remaining items will be donated to charity.

We hope we can reunite these items with their owners! If you have any questions, please email The Used Blues Store (TUBS) team.

SAVE THE DATE | UCC Prep Parents’ and Parents’ Organization spring luncheon on May 7