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Dear Upper School Families,

At a recent assembly, some of our Prefects shared thoughts and reflections on the theme of light and our own Festival of Lights on campus. Year 12 student Mouctar, shared how light is more than a physical presence; it represents joy, love, and the triumph of good over evil. Whether it’s twinkling Christmas lights, the shimmering diyas of Diwali, the glowing Hanukkah menorah, or the vibrant kinara of Kwanzaa, traditions remind us to cherish our shared value of community. Our Head Steward, Chisom, closed with a reminder that, like the light, we can brighten our communities and inspire hope for the year ahead.

My assembly speech focussed on examples of 'active hope' throughout the academic year and the ways in which hope can be a powerful tool and a reminder about moving forward in a positive direction even in the midst of challenges. And reminded students of the message I shared at the beginning of our school year—hope is what sustains us to keep trying, keep fighting and keep doing.

As we close this term, I want to thank our students, faculty and staff for choosing hope and doing the hard work to seek out solutions and a better future. I know it can be difficult, but it matters. Hope matters. 

Warmest wishes for a happy and restful holiday season, 

Jeff Aitken

The Upper School is a festive place this week as students look forward to a well-deserved holiday break. Last Friday’s student assembly saw students present on the symbolism of light to represent hope, celebrated by many cultures at this time of year. The wind ensemble, led by Mr. Gomes, filled the hall with music during their rendition of “Simple Gifts — Four Shaker Songs” followed by a Movember update and the annual baking competition. This year’s student body set a new school record for Movember fundraising, raising over $20,000. 

On Monday, the Board of Stewards kicked off our spirit week with free hot chocolate for students as they headed to their first period classes. Later that morning, the Leaving Class academic awards for 2024 were presented in assembly, followed by Helping Hand’s annual UCC talent show. The talents were many and varied, including musical performances and a recitation of 150 digits of π. Dr. Aitken and Mr. McKinney addressed the student body and reiterated the messages of hope, and congratulated the students on an excellent term. 

On Tuesday, the Year 10s were joined by guest speaker Rev. Joe Elkerton, an Indigenous Reverend and intergenerational survivor of the Residential School system. During house meeting time, houses competed to see who could decorate the best gingerbread house. After school, Year 10 students from UCC and Branksome got together to decorate cookies and go skating.

2025-26 course selection 

The course selection process for the 2025–26 academic year is underway with virtual course information evenings for families, group counselling sessions facilitated by the MYP Coordinator (students currently in Year 8) and the University Counselling Office (students currently in Years 9 and Year 10). All Year 10s will have individual counselling sessions with their University Counsellor. Please see contact details below.

Upcoming course information evenings for families will be held virtually as follows:

Tuesday, Jan. 14, 7 to 8:30 p.m. | Class of 2027 (Year 10 students entering Year 11) Zoom link

Thursday, Jan. 16, 7 to 8:30 p.m. | Class of 2028 and 2029 (Year 9 students entering Year 10 and Year 8 students entering Year 9) Zoom link

For your information, please see the UCC Course Offerings Guide 2025–26. Course selections are made by students online in Bluenet and opens on Tuesday, January 14. Parents/guardians should review a student’s course selections in their student’s Bluenet account and then approve those selections by logging into their parent/guardian account in Bluenet and completing the school form by the deadline noted below (detailed instructions will be included in a future Head’s Up).

Course selection deadlines:

Year 8 students entering Year 9 | Class of 2029  Friday, Feb. 7 at 4 p.m.

Year 9 students entering Year 10 | Class of 2028 Friday, Feb. 7 at 4 p.m.

Year 10 students entering Year 11 | Class of 2027 Friday, Feb. 28 at 4 p.m.

MYP Coordinator: 

• Emilia Martin (emartin@ucc.on.ca)

University Counselling Office:

• Alison Champ, Bremner's and Howard's

• David Hanna, Jackson's

• Stephanie Rose, McHugh’s, Mowbray’s, Martland’s (L-Z)

• Nili Isaacs, Orr's, Scadding's, Martland’s (A-K)  

• Andrew Turner, Seaton's and Wedd's

Microplastics workshop | Individuals and Societies Department

On Thursday, Dec. 5, and Friday, Dec. 6, Year 8 Geography and Year 11 Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) students participated in an in-school workshop on microplastics. Facilitated by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, this interactive learning experience brought environmental issues to life, encouraging students to think critically about the impact of plastic waste on ecosystems and consider actionable solutions.

Through hands-on activities, students analyzed terrestrial samples from Tommy Thompson Park and aquatic samples from Toronto Harbour. These investigations were complemented by an engaging presentation, where students learned about the sources of microplastics and their global impact on aquatic ecosystems. By connecting scientific data to everyday choices, students explored how their actions can contribute to reducing plastic pollution and fostering a more sustainable future.

This workshop exemplified the inquiry-based and interdisciplinary learning approaches of the IB and Ontario curricula. For Year 11 ESS students, the experience deepened their understanding of core IB concepts like systems thinking and sustainability. They examined how human activities influence natural systems, using real-world examples to connect theoretical knowledge to practice. The workshop also aligned with the IB's mission to develop global citizens who take responsibility for creating a more sustainable world.

For Year 8 Geography students, the workshop supported Ontario curriculum expectations by applying geographic inquiry and critical thinking skills to investigate environmental issues. It provided students with the opportunity to analyze the interrelationships between human activities and natural systems, enhancing their understanding of sustainability and spatial significance. Students also developed transferable skills like problem-solving, digital literacy, and collaboration—competencies essential for success in a rapidly changing world.

Helping Hands Club | Letters to Santa 

This season, the spirit of giving was alive and well at Upper Canada College, thanks to the thoughtful efforts of the Helping Hands Club. Led by Lincoln Dugas-Nishisato and Jai Sandhu, the club spearheaded a heartwarming initiative that transcended distance and circumstances: a letter-writing campaign in response to Santa letters from children in an underprivileged community in the Philippines.

Our students embraced the task with compassion and care, stepping into Santa’s boots to write heartfelt letters of encouragement to young children they’ve never met but whose dreams and hopes they could feel. Each word they penned was chosen to bring joy, assurance, and wonder — the kind of magic every child deserves during the holidays.

But the letters weren’t all. Students filled goody bags with small treasures, treats, and essentials, creating little bundles of love to accompany their messages. For the children receiving them, these were more than just bags or notes. They were tangible reminders that they matter, that they are seen, and that the world is filled with kindness.

For our boys, this experience was equally powerful. They learned that the smallest gestures — a few heartfelt words, a bag filled with care — can create ripples of joy that reach far beyond what they can see. As one student shared, “It felt like we were sending hope and maybe making the holidays just a little brighter for them.”

The Helping Hands Club reminds us that helping others doesn’t always require grand actions. Sometimes, all it takes is a little imagination, a lot of heart, and the belief that we can make a difference — one letter at a time.

We would like to thank Ms. Samantha Dugas, Lincoln’s mom, for her endless energy and commitment to our school. 

Seasons greetings, 

Ms. Emilia Martin and Ms. Lindsay Rielly

Year 10 | Skating and cookie decorating highlights

On Thursday, Dec. 12, Year 10 students hosted an exciting Skating and Cookie Decorating event filled with winter fun and community spirit. We were delighted to welcome students from Branksome Hall to join us for the festivities.

Students enjoyed a variety of activities, including skating, playing board games, decorating delicious cookies, and sharing pizza together while festive music added to the cheerful atmosphere. It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to connect, relax, and celebrate the season.

Thank you | UCC holiday food drive

Dear UCC Community,

On behalf of Churches on-the-Hill Food bank, I would like to send our appreciation for the incredible amount of food raised on our behalf during the food drive. The sorting of the items was such an incredible assistance in getting the food items ready for clients in record time. It was also beneficial to have identified and received the items most needed to in order to support our clients. In particular, the diapers, toilet paper and baby formula are such a bonus to us as these are items that we have to purchase on a regular basis. Thank you also to the students who stayed behind to assist in sorting and storing the items for immediate use.

Thank you students, teachers and parents for your incredible support. A big thank you to Aramark for providing their van for the delivery!  UCC should be very proud of the student population with such commitment and dedication to assisting those in need.

Thank you from both the clients and volunteers at the Churches on-the-Hill Foodbank.

With best regards,

Kenneth W. Burns

Churches on-the- Hill Foodbank

Student service opportunity 

Belmont House and The Russell Hill Intergenerational Visitation Program: January 2025 

A registration form has been sent to all students who may be interested in two unique opportunities to spend quality time with seniors in our community. There will be a pre-planned, very simple art activity that they can engage in with the seniors. There are two separate 45-minute sessions planned for 10–15 students each time. Students may sign up for one or both (1 service hour per session).

The Russell Hill visit will be Wednesday, Jan. 15 from 4–4:45 p.m. after school — we will walk over.

The Belmont House visit will be Thursday, Jan. 30 from 1:10–2:30 p.m. at Flex Time — we will taxi over.

Years 10 and 11 | Social Innovators Program

Dear Students and Families,

We are excited to announce that UCC is partnering again this year with the University of Pennsylvania and Schoolyard Ventures, an organization that develops university-level, real-world learning opportunities for ambitious high school students, to offer The Social Innovators Program for students in Years 10 and 11. 

The 12-week virtual program allows students to learn about social entrepreneurship and experience it first-hand, while earning a Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship from Penn.

During the program, students learn how to launch ventures of their own that create value and a positive impact on society. Students learn in small online classes and through engaging interviews and case studies with young entrepreneurs, with personalized one-on-one guidance and support along the way. Because students choose their own projects, each student's experience in the program is unique. Learn more about the program here. 

This program does have a cost associated with it, but financial support is available and consideration is made upon request. The application deadline is Thursday, Jan. 23 at 11:59 p.m. ET, and the program runs from the week of Feb. 17 through the week of May 12.

A virtual information session for students and parents will be held on Jan. 13 at 7 p.m. ET. Please register for the information session on the site.  

If you have any questions, please reach out to Paul Miskew.