Upper School DECEMBER 21, 2023
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Upper School Highlights
Upper School Highlights
Friday, Dec. 22 to Monday, Jan. 8
🕓 School closed for the winter break
Tuesday, Jan. 9
🕓 Classes resume — Day 3
Wednesday, Jan. 10
🕓 Student late start at 9:30 a.m.
Thursday, Jan. 11
Year 11 parent/guardian info night at 6:30 p.m. in MB Theatre
A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF THE UPPER SCHOOL
A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF THE UPPER SCHOOL
Dear Families,
Thank you to this incredible community for the care and support you show, all in the interest of our students and their experience at school. The year to date has presented challenges, but also opportunities for growth and wonder both in the classroom and beyond. We are so fortunate to have the caring and engaged community we enjoy throughout the moments each day and in so many ways.
I know you'll join me in sincere thanks and appreciation to our staff and faculty for all they do in the interest and support of our students. We are so very fortunate to have such dedicated and caring professionals impacting our students in all they do and desire.
Please also accept my best wishes for the holiday season. I wish you time with friends and family, at home or away, enjoying the break and all that is needed for you and the ones you love. We look forward to welcoming 2024 as a school and community, and with it, the hopes and resolutions we need to get better and be better in all that we do and give.
Thank you again for your gifts.
Best wishes,
Dr. Jeff Aitken
THIS WEEK AT THE UPPER SCHOOL
THIS WEEK AT THE UPPER SCHOOL
Upper School Leadership Team
As we head into the final week, the school has been abuzz with holiday spirit and anticipation for the upcoming winter holiday. Our Holidays at Lonsdale spirit week wrapped up to great success, with students participating in karaoke, gingerbread house decorating, a menorah lighting, and much more.
Student leaders on the Board of Stewards, Lang Scholars and Captains program took part in a field trip to Scotiabank Arena, where they joined students from our Horizons and Six Nations of the Grand River partner schools in a panel discussion with leaders in various aspects of the sports industry.
Our assemblies this past week included the sixth annual UCC’s Got Talent show on Friday with the winner solving a Rubik’s cube with his feet! Students delighted in seeing many of the talents on display across our student body. Monday’s principal’s assembly saw us welcome back three members of the Leaving Class of 2023 to receive academic distinctions marking them at the top of their class.
SAVE THE DATE | Year 11 parent night
SAVE THE DATE | Year 11 parent night
Dear Year 11 Parents,
On Jan. 11 at 6:30 p.m., we will be offering a parent evening focused on what you need to know about supporting your student through upcoming and important components of their time in the Diploma Programme such as the Extended Essay and university applications. We will also provide information on the myriad of leadership opportunities available as they transition from Year 11 into Year 12.
You will have chances to ask questions and a reception with light snacks and refreshments will follow.
Please RSVP using this form and reach out to Maria Gauthier should you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Maria Gauthier
Year 11 Coordinator
Andrew MacDougall
Assistant Head of the Upper School
Course selection for the 2024–25 academic year
Course selection for the 2024–25 academic year
The course selection process for the 2024–25 academic year is underway with virtual course information evenings for families, group counselling sessions facilitated by the MYP Coordinator (students currently in Year 8) and the University Counselling Office (students currently in Years 9 and Year 10). All Year 10s will have individual counselling sessions with their University Counsellor.
MYP Coordinator:
University Counselling Office:
David Thompson, Bremner's and Howard's
David Hanna, Jackson's
Stephanie Rose, McHugh’s, Mowbray’s, Martland’s (L-Z)
Nili Isaacs, Orr's, Scadding's, Martland’s (A-K)
Andrew Turner, Seaton's and Wedd's
Upcoming course information evenings for families will be held virtually on Zoom as follows:
Tuesday, Jan. 16, 7 to 8:30 p.m. | Class of 2026 (Year 10 students entering Year 11)
Thursday, Jan. 18, 7 to 8:30 p.m. | Class of 2027 (Year 9 students entering Year 10)
Tuesday, Jan. 23, 7 to 8:30 p.m. | Class of 2028 (Year 8 students entering Year 9)
Please see the Course Offerings Guide 2024-25 for more information.
Course selections are made by students online in Bluenet and will open on Tuesday, Jan. 16. Parents/guardians should review a student’s course selections in their student’s Bluenet account and then approve those selections by logging into their parent/guardian account in Bluenet and completing the School Form by the deadline noted below (detailed instructions will be included in a future Heads Up).
Course Selection Deadlines:
Friday, Feb. 9 at 4 p.m. | Class of 2028 (Year 8 students entering Year 9)
Friday, Feb. 9 at 4 p.m. | Class of 2027 (Year 9 students entering Year 10)
Friday, March 1 at 4 p.m. | Class of 2026 (Year 10 students entering Year 11)
Year 10 | Highlights from Dec. 14
Year 10 | Highlights from Dec. 14
The Year 10s had a fantastic time gliding on the ice, playing board games and showcasing their creativity in cookie decorating during the joint skating and cookie decorating event with Branksome Hall.
Year 8 | Looking ahead to fun events in January
Year 8 | Looking ahead to fun events in January
We wanted to start the new year with some joyful experiences that will build connection, social skills, and positive culture.
As we look forward to spending time with family and friends over the holidays, we wish to congratulate the amazing students of Year 8 for the successful strides they have made in the Upper School. Their determination, resilience, and passion for learning are all key hallmarks of their success!
Next year will start off with a focus on wellbeing and community building with two important events for Year 8s to look forward to. On Jan. 23 during advising, we will welcome some furry friends from Sunshine Therapy Dogs to help us invoke the spirit of friendship, warmth and calm. The following week, we are excited to welcome our wonderful peers from Havergal College for a cookie decorating and skating party in the Foster Hewitt Foundation Lounge on Jan. 31 after school. Snacks and hot chocolate will be provided!
Looking ahead, our goal continues for us to be there in full support of our Year 8s as they grow academically, socially and emotionally in the new year and beyond. More information will follow on wellbeing programming from the Health Centre and learning strategy support from the Centre for Learning as part of the advising curriculum.
Many thanks for your support and best wishes for 2024!
Gillian Levene and Alvin Jugoon
Library resources and accommodations
Library resources and accommodations
The libraries at UCC collect resources in the following formats: print, digital, audio and DVD/video/video streaming. We will use the following resources to accommodate any request for a person with a disability requiring converted materials:
In-house assistive technologies: Google Read/Write
Library systems
Vendors who currently or could supply the above-mentioned formats
AERO service when subscribed to by UCC
The Social Innovators Program
The Social Innovators Program
Dear Students and Families,
We are excited to announce that UCC is partnering again this year with the University of Pennsylvania and Schoolyard Ventures, an organization that develops university-level, real-world learning opportunities for ambitious high school students, to offer The Social Innovators Program for students in grades 10 and 11.
The 12-week virtual program allows students to learn about social entrepreneurship and experience it first-hand, while earning a Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship from Penn.
During the program, students learn how to launch ventures of their own that create value and a positive impact on society. Students learn in small online classes and through engaging interviews and case studies with other young entrepreneurs from around the world, with personalized one-on-one guidance and support along the way. Because students choose their own projects, each student's experience in the program is unique. Learn more about the program here.
This program does have a cost associated with it, but financial support is available and consideration is made upon request.
The application deadline is Thursday, Feb. 1, and the program runs from Feb. 19 to May 13, with classes meeting virtually one evening per week. You can register at the webpage above.
A virtual information session for students and parents will be held on Monday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. ET. Register online here.
If you have any questions please reach out to Paul Miskew.
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