Dear Prep Families,

We would like to share an important update to school operations. In alignment with our neighbouring schools, the College will be dismissing students early on Monday, April 8 due to potential safety concerns with regard to a rare total solar eclipse that will put parts of Ontario into temporary darkness around the time of dismissal.

On April 8, Prep dismissal times will be as follows: 

• SK to Year 5 students will be dismissed at 11:45 a.m.

• Year 6 and 7 students will be dismissed at 12:10 p.m.

Please note that the After School Program will not be available due to the early dismissal. 

We recognize the eclipse offers a rich learning opportunity for our students. In addition to classes on the morning of April 8, the Prep will hold a special SK–Year 7 community time facilitated by our science department with a focus on understanding the eclipse (details below). 

We will share resources with families closer to the date which may be used to extend the learning at home should you wish. 

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

Julia Kinnear
Head of the Preparatory School
Academic Dean

Prep community time on Monday, April 8

On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America. The moon will completely obscure the sun, casting a shadow over the Earth, and this rare occurrence will be seen by millions on the continent. The total eclipse will first be observed in the southwestern part of Mexico and then head northeast, tracking a path across the United States before entering Canada, specifically Ontario. NASA has put together this excellent graphic that tracks the total solar eclipse. In case you didn't know, this awe-inspiring celestial event was last observed in Ontario in 1979, many years before our students were born. 

Given the unique nature of the day, the Prep will hold a special community time focused on the eclipse. During this time the Eco-warriors Club will lead classes in learning about eclipses and how they work. In addition to the presentation, there will be a demonstration that students can replicate at home.

We will hold our third SK–Year 7 parent education evening of the year on Wednesday, April 3 from 7–8:30 p.m. Join us in the Bitove Lounge for some light refreshments and a chance to reconnect and then we’ll transition to Weston Hall for Tech Time!

Members of the Prep team will focus on technology as a part of the Prep program, sharing highlights of the exciting tech learning our students are engaged in across the year levels, as well as information about our expectations for student conduct with respect to technology and how we approach student learning about online safety and digital citizenship. 

Parents may wish to review our Technology Guide for Prep Parents which outlines our school approach to technology education, logistical matters and student expectations.

The session on April 3 comes after a very well-attended PPO coffee morning in February that focused on online safety, where we were fortunate to hear from Radhika Kakkar, UCC parent and online safety expert. For those who are interested in exploring online safety from a parent perspective, the resources below suggested by Radhika may offer a starting place.

Online and digital safety resources

• Connect safely

• Connect safely parent guides

• Boston Children's digital wellness guide (research-based)

• TELUS Wise - Digital literacy and safety resources

Platform specific safety resources

• Apple parental controls

• Google family link

• Google's Be Internet Awesome content and guide

• Snapchat privacy and safety hub

• Snapchat parents guide

• Snapchat safeguards for teens 

• Meta safety centre

• TikTok safety centre

• Discord safety centre

Nearly every large-scale platform has a set of safety resources if you search for <platform name> safety center or safety guide.

Hello Year 7 Families,

CanGrad Studios will be on campus to photograph Year 7 students on Thursday, April 4.

Process

All photos will take place in Weston Hall. Faculty will accompany students to Weston Hall.

Attire for photo

Students are expected to wear their First Dress uniform (with a white dress shirt) for these photos. Please click here for First Dress details.

Students should arrive at school in their First Dress uniform. As always, please be reminded that Year 7 students should also bring their PE uniform to school for their games period. 

Volunteers from the Prep Parents Organization (PPO) will assist with the photo process this year (e.g. making sure everyone looks sharp, etc.)

Details for ordering grad photos

The following details are especially important if your student is absent on April 4:

1. CanGrad Studios contact information — always feel comfortable reaching out to CanGrad with questions. 

• CanGrad Studios, 416-253-6466 or cyelle@cangrad.com

2. Photo process 

• On April 4, it will take approximately 2 minutes per student to capture 5–6 images

• CanGrad will email sample photo proofs and order forms directly to parents by end of the day on April 9

• The due date for families selecting a composite photo is April 19

• Students who are absent will need to have their photos taken at CanGrad Studios (there may also be opportunities to have a photo taken at U of T)

• April 22 is the last day for a student to be photographed at CanGrad Studios

Total inclusive cost: $39+tax per student

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We're excited to announce that our Year 6 and Year 7 students will be participating in the Tour for Humanity program next week. This award-winning initiative offers interactive workshops focusing on human rights education, particularly addressing genocide, including the Holocaust, racism, tolerance, diversity and democracy.

What is Tour For Humanity?
It's a mobile classroom with experienced instructors leading 60-minute workshops inside a fully accessible vehicle.

What will students learn?
They'll explore the history of genocide, emphasizing the Holocaust, and engage in discussions and activities promoting tolerance, empathy, and social justice.

Why is this important?
Understanding human rights and confronting discrimination are essential in today's world. This program fosters empathy and equips students to be advocates for equality and inclusivity.

How can parents support?
Engage in conversations with your children about the workshop topics and reinforce values of respect and compassion.

Thank you for your support in providing enriching educational experiences.

The Prep Parents’ Organization is thrilled to invite you to the Blue Ties Breakfast on Thursday, April 18. Enjoy a pancake breakfast, participate in a fun tie-swap, be part of UCC history by signing the giant tie on our wall and have a commemorative picture taken at the photo booth!

Students are invited to bring one special guest to accompany them to this event. To accommodate everyone there will be two seatings: 7–7:45 a.m. seating and a 7:45–8:30 a.m. Please click here to register.

The self-nomination process for the 2024–25 Prep Parents' Organization (PPO) committee is now open!  We hope that you will consider bringing your skills, ideas and enthusiasm to the PPO team. All parents and guardians of UCC Prep students are eligible to self-nominate for a role on the PPO. If you are interested in volunteering, we are committed to finding you a role.

The self-nomination process is quick and easy. Simply click here and take a few minutes to select the roles you are interested in. A detailed description of what each role entails can be found here. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions that you may have about the various roles.

The nomination process will close on Friday, April 5, 2024, at 9 p.m. The Nomination Committee will be in touch with you later in April to confirm roles.