From Ms. Kanga:

UCC boarding sent this year’s energetic cohort of Year 11 boarders to Norval for a weekend of leadership games, year-level bonding and camping under the stars! This year, Mr. Parry-Lai and Mr. Del Zotto, our residential advisers, founded the Boarding Initiative: Community Engagement Program — commonly known to the boarders as BICEP. The program was founded with a vision to increase leadership pathways for boarders in Year 11 through facilitated monthly seminars focused on stewardship, compassion, trust, integrity and respect. We can’t wait to see these enthusiastic leaders tackle their upcoming senior year with these new skills and deeper friendships across the boarding houses.

From Mr. Parry-Lai:

This past weekend, our Year 11 boarders enjoyed a weekend of bonding, leadership and outdoor fun at UCC’s Norval Outdoor School. This retreat was the culmination of a new initiative, BICEP, founded by RAs Mr. Parry-Lai and Mr. Del Zotto to increase the incoming senior cohort’s commitment to deepening house culture and being effective role models. Over two action-packed days, students formed new friendships through bonding exercises, honed their leadership skills through discussion and activity and slept under the stars after learning to assemble a tent with no instructions! Keep an eye out for how this next generation of boarders find new ways to embody their chosen values of culture, accountability, pride, family, initiative and vision.

A fantastic game of offense, defense, momentum, and perseverance from all students involved. Golden Stick is a historic tradition within our boarding community, a competitive hockey game between Seaton's and Wedd's to conclude the year. This game highlights some of the best and brightest hockey talent within our boarding houses. Students with limited hockey experience are also given the opportunity to get out on the ice and show off what they have been working on throughout the year. 

The game was an instant classic, with Seaton's jumping out to a significant lead in the first period and Wedds having to recuperate and retaliate in the 2nd and 3rd periods. Wedd's rose to this challenge and went on an impressive run of their own. In the concluding minutes of the third period, Wedd's had to sacrifice it all to give themselves a chance at winning the game. While this sacrifice created some tangible pressure, Seaton's maintained their discipline and were able to close out the win!

The night ended with some amazing pizza and wings making all the students winners! Congratulations to all the students who got involved and we look forward to Golden Stick 2025.