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This week in assembly we honoured the founding of the College with our annual Founder’s Day assembly. This year’s Old Boy of Distinction winner, Dr. Szatmari ’70, spoke about his time at the College and shared his perspective on wellbeing that he has gained in his career in child wellbeing, mental health and autism research. 

We also had a student-led assembly focused on learning, with a particular focus on mathematical learning. Old Boy and renowned mathematician Dr. James Arthur ’93 addressed the student body on this topic. The year-level learning reps also presented grade-specific updates and reflections on learning. 

Our Year 8 students participated in Shakespearience, an interactive workshop, over a period of two days focusing on the works of William Shakespeare.  

Student leaders played key roles in the Founder’s Day celebration, delivering speeches reflecting on their learning journeys, providing guest support and reconnecting with recent graduates.

Year 9 | In-person parent information evening

All Year 9 parents are invited to attend an in-person information evening on February 26, 2024, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. It will begin in the Manucha & Bellamy Studio Theatre with a presentation and then will move to the Atkins Family Design Lab for some social time. Light refreshments will be served. The evening will include general Year 9 updates with a focus on the end-of-year trip opportunities which Norval staff will provide details on. These trips are set to take place between June 10–13 (after Year 9 exams). If you plan on attending in person please let us know via this interest form. A copy of the presentation will be available in Heads Up following the event. We hope to see you there!

Joe Smith and Lindsay Rielly

SAVE THE DATE | Year 8 WAC day excursions

Dear Year 8 Families,

We are excited to invite all of the Year 8 students to participate in one of two very special excursions on March 6, 2024. Permission forms will be sent out next week through Heads Up.

1. Some Year 8 students will have the opportunity to travel to the Six Nations of the Grand River Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford, Ontario. Students will participate in a number of meaningful workshops including a traditional games workshop, a Six Nations land claim workshop and a Wampum Belt Craft workshop. During this trip, students will be joined by Barry Hill ’62 who will provide information about special places of interest. Stay tuned for lunch details.

2. Some Year 8 students will be headed to the Norval Outdoor School for a Winter Fun day or Spring Maple Syrup Festival depending on the weather. A cookout style lunch will be provided. Students will be outside for this experience and they are asked to dress appropriately for the weather.  

Norval Winter Fun Day information

Winter Fun Day trailer and what to pack video

Norval winter clothing list

Norval Spring Maple Syrup Festival information

Early spring clothing list

The excursions will be organized by house, and we hope to also offer the Six Nations of the Grand River Woodland Cultural Centre experience to Year 8 students visiting Norval the opportunity to do so at the end of the year.

For both excursions, students will depart by bus from Upper Canada College on March 6 at 8:30 a.m. from the north entrance. We will return to UCC by bus between 3:30 and 4 p.m. If the buses are going to be more than 15–20 minutes late, we will send out a communication to families. 

Students are permitted to bring their phones on the bus, though our gaming policy still applies and they will be asked to not use them at Norval and during educational activities at Six Nations of the Grand River.

Brent Evans, Alvin Jugoon and Gillian Levene

REGISTER | Year 9 parent coffee morning

The Parents’ Organization is hosting a Year 9 parent coffee morning next week on Feb. 23 in the Foster Hewitt Lounge in the Wilder Arena.

Date: Friday, Feb. 23

Time: 8:30–10 a.m.

Please click here to register.

REGISTER | Year 11 and 12 joint parent coffee morning 

 
The Parents’ Organization is hosting a joint Year 11 and 12 parent coffee morning next week on Feb. 21 in the Foster Hewitt Lounge in the Wilder Arena.

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 21

Time: 9–10:30 a.m.

Please register here. The combined coffee morning is a great way for parents in Year 11 to learn what to expect in their son’s final year at UCC.

SAVE THE DATE | Upper School Comedy Night

The Arts Booster Club (ABC) is reviving a school tradition that’s sure to bring you some laughs — UCC Comedy Night. On April 16, professional stand-up comedians will take the stage at the Upper School’s David Chu Theatre. It is an event geared towards Upper School students, their parents, guardians or any other trusted adult in the students’ lives who would like to accompany them. Come early and mingle over delicious appetizers and refreshments in the Student Centre before the show gets underway. The UCC Comedy Night will be emceed by Greg Eckler ’87, long-time writer for The Rick Mercer Report.

Tickets go on sale next week via Heads Up.

Event date: Tuesday, April 16

Time: 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Cost: $50

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!