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The Upper School was rich with end-of-year activities and preparations this week. A number of Year 8 students enjoyed a special breakfast celebrating their first year in the Upper School, and the whole Year participated in a presentation from Mr. Lincoln Smith (CfL Co-ordinator for Jackson’s, Orr's and Scadding’s) that focused on preparing for final exams. The students also enjoyed the annual Spirit of Athletics assembly that featured special guest speaker Dave Lougheed who reflected on a career that spans sports, education, and finance. The community also enjoyed many videos honouring coaches and the Year 12 in review, for example: the athletes of the year; an introduction of the new Blue Army Generals; and an overview of the Lang Scholars program and incoming members.

House track took place on the Oval, this year a rally point where both Upper and Prep students had the opportunity to engage in a community BBQ and sport, with the Prep games day also taking place in the afternoon. This is a final event of the yearly Prefects’ Cup competition and the weather could not have been any nicer for such a fun-filled morning. 

The school also saw the ribbon cutting of the renovated Lower Dining Hall. The ribbon cutting marks the end of a year-long process that saw input from students, teachers, and parents around rejuvenating the popular lunch and break-time space. The week ended with the culminating events of the UCC student journey, the Leaving Class Dinner and Leaving Class Ceremony. At the Leaving Class Dinner, the Leaving Class gathered for one last “student assembly”, and heard words of wisdom from a teacher and a young alumni. The next morning, Year 12s with their families gathered to celebrate the earning of graduation diplomas and hear well wishes from their valedictorian as well as school leaders as they enter the next phase of their journey. The weather was wonderful as families gathered in the Massey Quadrangle for a reception afterwards and to say their goodbyes.

Boarding community update

Please click here to read the update.

Year 10 | Update on Max Ishida memorial tree fundraiser

I am thrilled to share our heartfelt gratitude following the successful completion of our recent fundraiser for the planting of a memorial tree for Max Ishida ’26. The activities that took place on Friday, May 10 not only honoured Max’s memory but also showcased the incredible spirit of collaboration and generosity within our community.

Thanks to the tireless efforts and dedication of our students and the Parent Organization, along with the overwhelming support from community members, we have successfully planted a beautiful tree that will serve as a living tribute to our student's legacy.

Sarah Khalanski

Year 10 Coordinator

Outdoor experiential learning programs in the fall

As we look ahead to the new school year we are thrilled to share some new opportunities in the Upper School. 

For the 2024–25 academic year, along with our Norval Outdoor School programming, the Upper School has partnered with ALIVE Outdoors to provide an outdoor experiential program for all students in Years 9 to 11. 

ALIVE Outdoors works with several Independent Schools in Ontario and contracts with well-established camps that many of our families may be familiar with. The program will highlight curricular and co-curricular themes that aim to foster student connections through shared experiences and learning. This Outdoor Experiential Programming will take place from Monday, October 7 to Thursday, October 10, 2024. 

Year 9 students will engage in a four-day / three-night experiential program in and around our Norval Outdoor Campus led by our Norval Team, and accompanied by UCC Faculty. 

Year 10 and 11 students will travel to camps where they will participate in a four-day / three-night program run by ALIVE Outdoors. They will participate in various outdoor activities that build personal skills and community connections. UCC Faculty members will accompany students at camp.

Y9 Program: Norval Outdoor Campus area (4 days / 3 nights)

Y10 Program: Camp Pine Crest, Bala, Ontario (4 days / 3 nights)

Y11 Program: Camp Wanakita, Haliburton, Ontario (4 days / 3 nights)

Note: Year 8 students will continue to enjoy Norval programming, as planned, for Sept. 9–12.

During the week of October 7, Year 8 students will be on campus for a special IB Middle Years Programme interdisciplinary learning experience week. Year 12 students will also remain on campus, and use this time to work on Diploma Programme-specific tasks, work closely with the University Counselling Office on their applications, and participate in other programming designed to meet their needs during a busy term.

Please note that the cost of each trip will be approximately $1100, which will be billed to student accounts in the fall. If there is an extenuating circumstance where your student is unable to attend their trip, please contact Joe Smith (Y9/10) or Andrew MacDougall (Y11) by June 14.  Please note that there will be no alternative programming on campus during the trips as the majority of Faculty will be trip supervisors or will be facilitating the Year 8 and Year 12 programs.

Please save the date and stay tuned for more information.

From the wings

UCC Marketplace to close last day of May

If you’ve been putting off sizing up your son’s Spirit Wear, don’t wait much longer. The website to purchase Blue Army trucker hats, sweatshirts and t-shirts for the 2023–24 school year is Friday, May 31. You can also find UCC Yetis, pjs, tote bags and game day chairs. Please click here to make purchases before then. Pick-up will be arranged before summer break.