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At UCC, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive community. In light of the Quebec City mosque attack, we learned in assembly this week about the Green Square Campaign, which honours the victims of this terrible tragedy. 

Islamophobia, a persistent and unfounded fear of Muslims, can lead to bias, dehumanization, and even violence toward Muslim members of the community. Our diverse community can only thrive when we strive to understand one another and work towards fostering a deeper connection based on our common humanity.

Principal McKinney supported this idea and message in his address to students during the assembly, remarking: “Canadian society must find ways to more fully and fairly value the differences that exist between us whilst cherishing the similarities we all share - to more fully commit to a society characterised by diversity, equity and inclusion. In so doing, not only would we address Islamophobia, but we would also positively impact anti-black racism, antisemitism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, indeed, all forms of oppression.”

In addition, members of the Muslim Affinity group prepared an interesting and engaging video addressing misconceptions that can lead to Islamophobia. The video provided a learning opportunity to gain insights, reduce fears, and promote inclusivity for all, which reflects and informs additional learning in advising and the classroom.

In addressing Islamophobia, we invited speaker Huda Adnan, a registered social worker with a decade of experience. As the lead consultant at Noor El Huda, she specialises in trauma-informed mental health support and provides culturally-responsive professional development training. Huda resides in Ontario, and you can learn more about her by visiting her website.  I’ll conclude with her powerful final words from the assembly here: 

“Remember that we are truly just like any other human being, so just see us as you would with any other person. In the same way that each of you is a unique individual, remember to apply the same grace/compassion to Muslims. Remember to reflect on your own privilege and the power you may hold. Intentionally engage in ongoing learning and listening. Take accountability for your actions and genuinely apologise if you consciously/unconsciously did something harmful.”

Best wishes,
Dr. Jeff Aitken

The Upper School was busy with anticipation and preparation this week. Students were enthusiastic to receive their first report cards, a key checkpoint of learning and opportunities for growth that inspires self-reflection and leads to purposeful conversations in classrooms and one-on-one with teachers. Year 12 students participated in exam readiness, supported through dedicated subject-related sessions and Diploma Programme seminar, as well as a protein boost of smoothies and energy bars on the first day of the exam period. A Year 8 into Year 9 course information evening capped off a series of similar evenings dedicated to building family and student understanding of the subsequent academic programme and to meet key figures leading this journey.

Students in Years 8 through 11 had the chance to build connection, joy, skills and relationships during Fun Friday activities, an event intended for Upper students and colleagues to engage in experiences that boost the spirit, body and mind in a variety of ways. Sessions included celebrating January birthdays, collaborative and building games, table tennis, gaga ball and guided meditation, as well the new and popular additions of sewing in the Atkins Family Design Lab and a foundations capoeira session.

Flex times have been full of fun this week as our annual house trivia tournament is in full swing, as well as a students vs teachers basketball tournament that has been organized by a Year 10 student for his Personal Project.

Our Principal’s Assembly, dedicated to the Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia, continued in the spirit of deepening positive community through sharing and learning. In addition to viewing a video developed by students and faculty explaining Islamophobia and challenging misconceptions, the community heard from a special speaker Huda Adnan as well as opening words from Principal McKinney.

The Blues Shop | Tracksuit sale

The Blues Shop is currently offering a sale on tracksuits (available to be sold together or separately). The suits are water resistant, and the fleece zips into the jacket. Available sizes range from adult x-small to adult x-large. Stop by the Blues Shop to get one today while quantities last!

Sunshine Therapy Dogs visit Year 8 students

On Tuesday, Jan. 23, Year 8s welcomed some friendly pups from Sunshine Therapy Dogs to the Old Gym for a visit. It helped to bring some smiles and warmth to lift our spirits!

Thanks to those students and teachers who came by to spend some time with us —and we look forward to their next visit!

Alvin Jugoon and Gillian Levene

Year 9 updates

Please click here to view updates.

Senior Jazz excursion

Early Friday, Jan. 26, the UCC senior jazz ensemble embarked on a 36-hour whirlwind musical tour.

First stop, Trinity College School, where students performed for and then with the TCS Jazz Band, culminating in morning danishes and exchanges of ideas and email addresses. Next was Albert College where we were graciously treated to lunch before performing our full set at their prep school. Their music teacher, Blair Yarrington, joined Mr. Gomes and Dr. Cigolea in filling out absent members' chairs, much to the delight of the audience and us.

After checking in to the hotel in Montreal, the boys made their way to Diese Onze where we had delicious food while listening to a live performance of a McGill jazz quartet featuring world-renowned pianist Michel Pilc. In the morning the boys worked hard in a workshop with Professor Joe Sullivan on their current performance competition pieces. The trip concluded with a tour of McGill Music's facilities.

A great success all around; our students were respectful, organized, played well, and had a lot of fun. Senior Jazz is a more cohesive group having learned just how good they can sound and how rewarding it is when they pull together!

Special thanks to Alex Aitken for stepping in at the last minute to cover the bari book and to Shaya and Jerry for their peerless leadership. 

Peter Smith

Upper School Music Teacher

Year 8 | Parent/Guardian information evening on Feb. 6

Dear Parents and Guardians,

On the evening of Feb. 6, we will be hosting a parent/guardian information session for the Class of 2028. The goal is to provide information about the academic program, ongoing support for academic success, extracurricular opportunities as well as social and emotional wellbeing. 

Please indicate here if you will be attending so that we may prepare for your arrival.

Time: 6:30–8 p.m. (refreshments will be available starting at 6 p.m.)

Format: In-person

Location: Manucha & Bellamy Studio Theatre (Room 201)

Many thanks for your support!

Gillian Levene and Alvin Jugoon

Engineering collaboration project — material request

Do you have an old bicycle (sized for Upper School students) or blender lying around? The blender motor does not need to work, but the container and blades must be intact. Please contact Paul Miskew to organize delivery; we want to avoid too many bikes on our doorsteps. 

Leading this project is Sierra Miller. She is an engineering student from U of T who volunteers twice weekly in the Upper School. She guides students through projects, shares her insights and experience and uses the space to do some of her own creating. One of those projects needs an old bike and blender. What are they creating? Come by the Atkins Family Design Lab to see what they are creating, or come and make something yourself.  

PO merchandise on UCC Marketplace

If you missed it, lost it or your son grew out of the fabulous UCC crested merchandise from the Parents Organization, the supply is back online and available for purchase. Go to uccmarketplace.com and find a YETI mug, pajamas, fleece vests or puffer jackets. They’re all available. A portion of each item purchased goes to the PO, which aims to enrich the student experience at UCC.

SIGN UP | Self-nominations open for the 2024-25 PO Advisory Committee

The self-nomination process for the 2024–25 Parents’ Organization (PO) is now open!

Volunteering is a great way to meet other parents/guardians, stay current and connected with the school, and support our students. In-person meetings give you the opportunity to interact with volunteers from Years 8–12, and are a great way to acquire knowledge about the Upper School.

PO goals and initiatives 

Our primary goal is to foster community engagement through social, informational and fundraising initiatives — from planning parent community speakers of interest, parent get-togethers and used uniform and spirit wear sales to organizing our annual Festive Marketplace. There’s a volunteer position for everyone!

REMINDER | Course selection for 2024–25 

Deadlines
Students must have course selections ​and ​online parent/guardian approval completed as follows: 

Friday, Feb. 9 at 4 p.m. | Year 8 students entering Year 9
Friday, Feb. 9 at 4 p.m. | Year 9 students entering Year 10
Friday, March 1 at 4 p.m. | Year 10 students entering Year 11 

The course request system for each year will be closed according to the schedule above. 

Parent/guardian approval process
Please use the following steps to complete the approval process: 

Review student choices in their Bluenet account (login required).

• Have students log in to ​their Bluenet account ​and view selections. 

• There are specific directions available in a link in their Bluenet. 

• Any course a student wishes to change can be deleted by using the trash can icon. Then add the preferred course.

Approve course selections by ​the dates above.

• Log in to Bluenet with your parent/guardian account.

• Click the yellow banner at the top of the page alerting you to the school form.

• Click the ​REVIEW​ button next to the ​appropriate course selection approval for 2024–25 form​. There are three separate forms — one for each year level.

• Follow the prompts on the form in order to submit your approval. Only one parent/guardian needs to approve the ​course selection form​. 

• You will receive a message upon submission of your approval.

If you would like to discuss your student’s choices before approving them, please contact one of the university counsellors listed below: 

Students entering Year 9, 10 or Year 11: 

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

Thank you for your ongoing support as we prepare for the 2024–25 academic year.

REMINDER | Three-way conferences on Feb. 14 and 15

Dear UCC Parents/Guardians,

The Upper School three-way conferences will be taking place in-person on Wednesday, Feb. 14 from 2–8 p.m., and virtually (via Google Meet links) on Thursday, Feb. 15 from 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

Feedback is an important tool to help students grow through their educational journey. The Upper School’s three-way conferences provide an opportunity for this to take place. 

In-person interviews will be held in five-minute intervals. Students are expected to attend and participate in these interviews with their parents/guardians to encourage ownership over their learning and develop self-advocacy skills. 

Virtual interviews will be held in five-minute intervals via Google Meet. Students are expected to attend and participate in these interviews.

*It’s important that you access the Google Meet link at the time of your scheduled appointment, and not before. Please use your email address and not your child’s UCC email. Upon entry, you will be placed in a “waiting room” until the meeting begins. At the start of the meeting, introduce yourself so that the teacher can confirm that the conversation is about your child. Please keep the conversation to the scheduled five minutes so that our faculty can meet with all families during the selected interview time slots.

Please feel free to book appointments on campus, virtually, or a combination of both. Registration must be completed through our pickAtime booking system. Please see below for instructions on how to book your appointments.

Accessing pickAtime

Each faculty member will have appointment times available between the opening and closing of each day. You will see their availability on the pickAtime system. You can begin scheduling appointments when the pickAtime system opens as follows:

pickAtime opens: Friday, Jan. 19 at 9 a.m.
pickAtime closes: Tuesday, Feb. 13 at noon

Please click here for instructions on how to book conferences. Please ensure that you can print or access your schedule when you’ve finished booking. 

Sincerely,

Joe Smith

Assistant Head of the Upper School