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The Upper School is currently conducting its annual student elections this month, providing students with the opportunity to elect their peers to the Board of Stewards. The Board comprises representatives from each of UCC's ten houses, along with a Head Steward and eight Portfolio Stewards, all elected by the student body. These student leaders play a pivotal role in representing their peers, organizing events, and fostering a vibrant school community. The election process, which takes place between February and April, culminates with the newly elected Stewards assuming their roles in May, ready to serve for the upcoming academic year.

We also celebrated the final Principal’s Arts Assembly, facilitated by the Year 12 Arts Captains, who reflected on the importance of the arts as a means of appreciating human ingenuity and bringing people together. Students also had an opportunity to share their experiences on the recent trip to Taiwan and China, where they were immersed in language and culture, as well as present on IB Film and a Visual Arts Showcase of work in Years 8 through 12. The Wind Ensemble then performed beautifully to close the assembly, which promoted the upcoming Nuit Bleue. 

We’re excited to launch the inaugural Coxford Lecture at UCC on Wednesday, April 16. Our Year 10 and 11 students, parents and our senior volunteer community will hear from our first lecturer, Kelly Meighen. Kelly serves as chancellor of Western University, is a former UCC governor and past parent and will be speaking about the importance and impact of civic engagement and public service. Year 12 students are welcome to attend with their teachers' permission and all UCC parents are welcome to attend. 

Invitation | Nuit Bleue

Year 12 | Important: laptop return deadline is May 23

Dear Year 12 Families,

As we approach the end of the school year, I'd like to inform you about the process for the return of the school-owned laptop and the Apple 30W power supply and charging cable. This email also contains important information about Year 12 continued access to their UCC Gmail and Google Drive account. This email has also been sent to all Year 12 students.

It is recommended that Year 12 students return their school-issued laptop and power supply after their last exam, but the devices must be returned before the Leaving Class Ceremony on May 23. Both the laptop and the power supply must be dropped off at the Upper School Help Desk between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on weekdays. The deadline is Friday, May 23, 3:30 p.m. Students must ensure all files are backed up. 

The laptop must be returned in its case, in good condition, and without damage. Any damage beyond normal wear and tear that is not covered under AppleCare+ for Schools will be billed to the UCC student account. Stickers must be removed from the laptop to avoid potential charges due to excessive sticker residue.

Please return the Apple 30W power supply and cable that was issued with the laptop. We only accept the small Apple branded 30W power supply. If the Apple branded power supply and charging cable is not returned, a replacement charge of $74 will be billed to your UCC student account. 

Access to students Google Drive will be removed on July 31, 2025. Their Gmail account will remain active until Oct. 14, 2025.  After Oct. 14 the UCC Google account will be deleted, and there will no longer be access to any stored emails.

Students are responsible for backing up all their files that are on your hard drive before returning the laptop. Once the laptops are returned, they will be wiped immediately, and there will not be another opportunity to access the files. Students can use Google Takeout to move content from the UCC Google environment before July 31.

Thank you in advance, and do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Kathleen Peak
Executive Director, Information and Innovation

Year 12 | Order your graduation gown by April 11

An email was sent to all Year 12 students last week, with a form collecting information about their graduation gown sizing. 

Please remind your child to complete the form no later than noon on Friday, April 11. Students must be signed in to their UCC Google account for the form to work.

Year 8 | Parent/Guardian information evening

Dear Parents and Guardians,

On the evening of April 22, we will be hosting a parent/guardian information session for the Class of 2029. After the meeting, there will be an opportunity to socialize. 

Please note that there has been an adjustment to the time and the session will now be from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The focus of our time together will be a discussion of Wellbeing and Life/School Balance led by Emilia Martin and Caitlin Dobie; Wellbeing and Managing Technology: AI Policy led by Lincoln Smith; and a Year 12 Student Panel led by four portfolio stewards. There will be opportunities for questions throughout.

Please indicate here if you will be attending so that we may prepare accordingly.

New Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Format: In-person, with an online option as well (Zoom link in calendar).

Location: Manucha & Bellamy Studio Theatre (Room 201)

Many thanks for your support!

Gillian Levene and Alvin Jugoon

Sign up | Years 10 and 11 social

Dance and social — music, dancing, games, karaoke, light refreshments and guests from other schools.

Date: Friday, May 2

Time: 8–10 p.m. (doors close at 8:30 p.m.)

Cost: $20

Theme: Country Club 

Sign up: by Friday, April 25 

• Permission Form: Year 10–Year 11 Social — Friday, May 2  

• Guest permission form Year 10-Year 11 Social — Friday, May 2 (UCC student to share link with guest)

Earth Week is coming!

Get ready to celebrate Earth Week with the UCC community! This year’s Upper School theme is “Food, Fun, and Fashion” and we have an exciting lineup of activities for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re curious about making fresh chocotillas with maize and amaranth, eager to get your hands dirty potting indoor plants, passionate about thrifted fashion, or interested in crafting beeswax candles - there is something for everyone! 

We’re also thrilled to be hosting UCC’s first-ever TEDx event, as well as a brand-new Farmers’ Market featuring sustainable local products. Plus, we'll be running an eWaste and soft goods collection drive all week in support of the Toronto Zoo’s great ape conservation initiative and Toronto Cares.

UCC Outdoors Club | Canoe Trip 

Hello families of Outdoor Adventurers!

With the weather warming up and the snow melting (maybe), canoe trip season is just around the corner. 

UCC’s Outdoors Club is running a canoe trip to Killarney Provincial Park from June 16–19. We will paddle through the backcountry, portage into remote lakes and camp in tents under the stars.

The trip will be supervised by Mr. Bradford, Mr. Turner and Mr. Kiddell. For more information on the trip, here is an informational letter, and here is the trip’s agenda (which includes a map). The cost per student (assuming 16 students) will be $626.30

If you are interested in coming, please complete the permission form here. Permission forms are due April 17 by lunch, and the trip will be filled on a first come, first served basis. We can only accommodate 16 students, so please have your permission form filled out ASAP.

Please note that you must be able to pass a swim test (proof of previous swim test from this school year or your Bronze Medallion or Cross) to come on this trip.

Thank you!

Mike Bradford 

Norval Outdoor School Instructor

Report | OMUN 2025 recap

This year’s OMUN, held on April 5–6 at UCC, was nothing short of a triumph. With over 450 students and teachers from 25 schools across the GTA in attendance, the student organizers of this incredible event have every reason to be proud.  Click here for the full report and photos.

Sustainability Council indoor planting project 

After school on Wednesday, April 2, members of the Upper School’s Sustainability Council, along with other student volunteers, came together to fill the seven planters around the perimeter of the Student Centre with vibrant greenery. The students were expertly guided and supported by Tara Soloway of Plantd Life—plant designer and parent volunteer extraordinaire.

Phase 2 of this project will take place during Earth Week (April 22–25), when Council members will continue their collaboration with Ms. Soloway to install a homemade “living wall” and additional potted plants. These enhancements are part of a larger vision to create a Sustainability Hub on the Student Centre stage.

Our sincere thanks go to Dr. Aitken, Mr. Smith, Mr. MacDougall, and Mr. Sweetman for their generous support of this student-initiated project. Photos of our team in action are included below. As we prepare to welcome spring, we invite everyone to stop by the Student Centre and enjoy the fresh burst of greenery! 

Spencer Lehnert, Class of 2025
Sustainability Steward

Co-Curricular theatre

Quiddity/Creative writing

Volunteers Needed: National Bank Open

Dear UCC families,

My name is Mackenzie and I’m from Tennis Canada. I want to share our National Bank Open volunteer opportunity with the students at UCC. I think it would be a really fun and rewarding experience, and students can count their hours worked during the tournament towards their required highschool volunteer hours!

Volunteer applications for the 2025 National Bank Open are still open! Join our team for an experience of a lifetime at one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world. To learn more and to submit your application, please visit our website: https://nationalbankopen.com/volunteers. Applications are due April 20.

Below are a few volunteer program quick facts and how to apply:

Volunteer requirements:

• Must be at least 16 years old to volunteer.

• Must be available to work a minimum of 42 hours over the course of the tournament (July 26– Aug. 7).

• Must be available to attend 1 of the 3 volunteer hiring fair dates at the end of April/beginning of May.

Some benefits of the volunteer program:

• Volunteer accreditation pass

• Complimentary tickets that increase in quantity as your years of service increase

• Psycho Bunny uniform package, which includes a hat, two shirts and a sweatshirt

• Complimentary parking

• Invite to our famous ‘tournament party’ which includes a fantastic meal, drinks and great prizes

How to apply:

• New volunteers can apply at this link: https://accessto.tenniscanada.com/volunteer/

• The application deadline is just under 2 weeks away on April 20

• To learn more about the volunteer program, please click here: https://nationalbankopen.com/volunteers

All the best,

Mackenzie 

Mackenzie Fahie

Coordinator, Event Operations and Volunteers

Coordonnatrice, opérations événements et bénévoles

T: (416) 665-9777 x4337

E: mfahie@tenniscanada.com | W: tenniscanada.com

A: 1 Shoreham Drive, Suite 100, Toronto, Ontario M3N 3A6

Donate | Staff Appreciation Lunch

We need your support to make this year’s Staff Appreciation Lunch a success!

A time-honoured tradition at UCC, the Staff Appreciation Lunch is our school community’s way of thanking all the different staff who help make our students’ experience at the College so remarkable. This includes teachers, administration, arena staff, housekeeping, food services and support staff. Approximately 350 staff will attend the lunch on Wednesday, May 28 in the Foster Hewitt Foundation Lounge.

The Staff Appreciation Lunch is fully funded by parent donations, so please contribute to this wonderful event for all of our UCC staff by donating here. 

Thank you so much for your support! 

UCC Parent Grad Social | Thursday, May 22

For Year 12 parents, please join us in raising a glass and saying some final farewells at the UCC Parent Grad social. This is a parents’ only event and takes place while the boys attend their Leaving Class Dinner at UCC. 

It's the end of an era and we look forward to celebrating with you!  

Save the date | Year 8 to 11 Parent Socials

For Year 8 to 11 parents, the UCC PO warmly invites you to an evening social with other parents in your son’s year. It’s an opportunity to meet, reconnect and celebrate the school year before we all break for the summer. Cash bar and light snacks will be available.

Location: Toronto Lawn Tennis Club, 44 Price Street, Toronto

Please find your son’s year below, and follow the link to RSVP. We hope to see you there.

Year 8 Parent Social 

Wednesday, April 23, 7 to 9 p.m.

RSVP here by Wednesday, April 16

Year 9 Parent Social 

Tuesday, May 13, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

RSVP here by Monday, May 5

Year 10 Parent Social  

Wednesday, May 14

Save the date. More details and to come.

Year 11 Parent Social

Wednesday, May 28

Save the date. More details and to come.

Backpacks and school supplies drive 

All students should have access to backpacks and school supplies to help them get the most out of their school experience. You can help students and families in need by donating to the UCC Backpacks and School Supplies Drive! 

Backpacks and school supplies can be expensive. They can also wear out quickly, or are often lost or misplaced by students throughout the school year. They represent a problematic purchase for some students and their families.

This year’s Backpacks and School Supplies Drive will run from Monday, April 14 to Friday, April 25. You can help out TDSB students in need by making a donation of new backpacks and school supplies and/or a monetary donation. 

For more information, please email Jayden Wong, Class of 2025.

For any information regarding a monetary donation, don't hesitate to get in touch with Mr. Sweetman directly.