Our approach and understanding of pluralism must be rooted in a basic and fundamental respect for one another as human beings. As a school, we feel it is important to affirm the lived experience of the members of our community who identify as 2SLGBTQ+. We owe it to all of our students. We owe it to ourselves. 

Jeff Aitken

Head of the Upper School

There are so many exciting ways for students to be involved at the Upper School outside of the classroom. All our Club and Service opportunities are published on BrightSpace.

Here is our existing lineup of the Upper School Fall Clubs which are currently underway and have been shared with all students.

Please mark your calendar for our photo days next week on Wednesday, Oct. 25 (Year 10 and 11) and Friday, Oct. 27 (Year 8 and 9). While our photos do not go into the yearbook, they are used for internal purposes such as preparing Prize Day or Election Day slides and appearing on our security cards. It is important for students to have their photo taken.

Dress code for photo: While First Dress is recommended, a UCC-crested golf shirt is acceptable.

If a student is away on their photo day, our make-up date is on Monday, Oct. 30.

Please see the schedule here (shared with students and all faculty via email).

The loaning of musical instruments has been a vital part of the success of music education at UCC. The privilege of using a school instrument does come with many responsibilities that include proper care while playing and during the assembling process. Unfortunately, we have had a rise in the number of repairs due to neglect and careless use of instruments. This has produced broken keys, valves, and various dents.  

We ask that students who use a school instrument take the care needed to carefully put instruments away in the assigned case and correct storage area. This will minimize unwanted damage and performance concerns for many students who rely on specific instruments for their development. 

Sincerely, 

Tony Gomes

Faculty Chair of the Arts, Music Coordinator

We welcome Professor Thompson to UCC on October 26 and 27 as he works with our musicians. Prof. Thompson teaches trumpet at the renowned Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. He will be providing brass master classes, private lessons and full ensemble workshops.

Sincerely, 

Tony Gomes

Faculty Chair of the Arts, Music Coordinator

Virtual (via Google Meet): Tuesday, Nov. 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In-person on campus: Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 2 p.m. to 8 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. Both virtual and in-person appointment options are available.

Virtual interviews will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 14 for Year 8 to 12 students in five-minute intervals via Google Meet. 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.

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. If you do not have a Google account, you will need to create one in order to log in to the meeting. You will be placed in a “waiting room” until the meeting begins. At the start of the meeting, please introduce yourself so that the teacher can confirm that the conversation is about your child. Keep the conversation to the scheduled five minutes so that our faculty can meet with all families.

In-person interviews will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 15 for Year 8 to 12 students in five-minute intervals. Students are expected to attend (in regular dress) and participate in these interviews. Note that this day is a half day for students and that period 4 ends at 12:20 p.m. 

Please feel free to book appointments virtually or in-person. Registration must be completed through our pickAtime booking system. Please see below for instructions on how to book your appointments.

Warm regards,

Joe Smith

Assistant Head, Upper School, Student Life and Programming

Using pickAtime | Three-Way conference booking information

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, Oct. 20 at 9 a.m.

pickAtime closes: Monday, Nov. 13 at 12 p.m.

Please click here for instructions on how to book your conferences. Please ensure that you can print or access your schedule via email when you’ve finished booking. If you experience any problems, please contact Sandra Fulford.

Most are familiar with the Middle Years Programme’s commitment to fostering well-rounded, globally-minded students. Global contexts play a pivotal role in the MYP. But what exactly are MYP global contexts? Global contexts are six overarching themes that provide a framework for exploring and understanding the world. These contexts guide students in connecting their classroom learning and real-world issues. By studying topics within these contexts, students are encouraged to think critically, develop a global perspective, and appreciate the relevance of their education in a broader context.

Are you looking for a remarkable way to enrich your child's life during the upcoming March Break? 

We're thrilled to offer two exciting opportunities for our young explorers. This year, we are offering a cultural trip to Mexico and a service trip to Costa Rica! These trips provide incredible adventures, educational enrichment and authentic cultural immersion. Our safe and supervised trips allow students to develop valuable life skills while building strong bonds with their peers and making memories to last a lifetime. They'll return home with incredible stories, a broader perspective, and cherished memories that will shape their outlook on the world.

Learning outside the classroom provides hands-on, unforgettable educational experiences. Mexico is a treasure trove of history and culture. Students will have the chance to visit ancient ruins, explore vibrant markets, and immerse themselves in the local customs. Costa Rica offers a unique setting for students to engage in service projects that make a real difference. They'll contribute to local communities and ecosystems, developing a sense of empathy and civic responsibility. 

Exposing students to different cultures is an invaluable gift and the cornerstone of an IB education. Mexico's rich heritage, traditions, and delicious cuisine will open their eyes to a world beyond their own, fostering empathy, understanding, and global awareness. In Costa Rica, by working closely with locals, learning about their customs, and savouring delicious traditional foods, students will have a chance to embrace the warmth and diversity of the country. These unforgettable experiences foster a profound understanding of the world beyond our own.

Immersion is the key to language acquisition. While in Mexico and Costa Rica, students can practice their Spanish skills with native speakers, boosting their proficiency and confidence in the language. Besides language learning, travelling fosters independence, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities. Your child will learn to navigate a new environment and manage their responsibilities, all under the watchful eye of our experienced and caring staff. 

Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to provide your child with an enriching and unforgettable cultural experience. March Break in Mexico or Costa Rica allows them to grow, learn, and create memories. Sign-up details and links are below. 

Registration deadline for both trips is November 1, 2023.

Thank you all so much for supporting the Parents' Organization and purchasing Yeti mugs! If you missed picking up your mug on A-Day, you can now pick up your purchase at the William P. Wilder ’40 Arena & Sports Complex reception area next week on Tuesday, Oct. 24 from 8 to 9 a.m. or 3 to 4 p.m. 

We hope you enjoy them!