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The Upper school has the feel of excitement and high activity as we move into December. The front foyer has been transformed into the annual holiday food drive for Churches on the Hill, and plans are in the works for a celebratory next few weeks. To start things off, the community took part in the final Fun Friday of 2024, which included sessions like a holiday movie and popcorn room, a Festival of Lights design activity, a birthday party event, and ever-popular activities like soccer and house trivia. Also on Friday, the UCO and Advancement teams partnered to deliver a new opportunity for our Years 11 and 12 students. Young alumni studying the U.S., returning over their American Thanksgiving break, spoke to small groups of Years 11 and 12 students about their experience with applications and student life at their institutions. 

In Monday’s Principal’s Assembly, sthe audience heard from student and faculty voices reflecting on the importance of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Student leaders from the Human Rights Club honoured victims of the Montreal Massacre and then offered action pieces of allyship our community members can take part in. This caring message was then followed by a moving address by Ms. Ferguson who spoke to the challenges of and opportunities for allyship, and by Mr. Heffernan about his own learning and commitment. Year 8s also participated in a grade-level assembly dedicated to Service learning.

Invitation | Festival of Lights

Year 11 | Introducing the Extended Essay (EE)

The Extended Essay (EE) is an independent, student-driven research project that forms a core part of the IBO Diploma Programme. It's a chance for students to explore a topic about which they are passionate within one of their DP courses, culminating in a research essay. The EE encourages students to take ownership of their learning, develop strong research and writing skills, and prepare for the demands of university-level work.

While the EE is designed to be completed independently, students are supported within CORE class, including direct instruction on skill development and formative feedback on their engagement. As well, students have regular checkpoints with a supervisor who offers guidance and feedback. To help manage the process, mini-deadlines are set throughout the year, breaking the project into manageable steps and ensuring steady progress. 

During the recent DP Seminar, Year 11 students participated in carousel sessions to explore topics for the EE such as Language A, World Studies, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, History, Global Politics, Economics, and Business Management. Other subject areas will be addressed directly in their classes. This seminar marks an important first step in preparing students to embark on their EE journey, where they will develop essential skills in research, time management, and academic writing.

Before Year 11s leave for the holiday, students will request their top three preferences for EE subject areas. When they return in the New Year, they will be matched to a subject and advisor based on their initial proposal for a topic to investigate. It's important to note that while we do our best to give students their top choice, we have limits to the number of qualified supervisors in each field. However, students will be given one of their top three choices.

Please consult this resource: Subject Selection Support. For additional guidance or questions about the Extended Essay, feel free to contact our DP Coordinator Colleen Ferguson.

Maria Gauthier, 

Year 11 Year Level Coordinator

Ms. Ferguson, 

DP Coordinator

Year 10 | Learning beyond the classroom

The Individuals and Societies department is thrilled to announce two enriching opportunities for Year 10 students this term. Spearheaded by Ms. Joanne Hogan these additional learning experiences hope to provide students with a chance to broaden their understanding of important social and global issues, develop their analytical and communication skills, and apply their learning in real-world contexts. We encourage all students to seize these opportunities to enrich their academic experience and explore their potential.

Essay Writing Competition: Nuclear Disarmament and World Peace
Students are invited to participate in an essay competition inspired by Setsuko Thurlow, a Hiroshima survivor and advocate for nuclear disarmament.
Deadline: Dec. 19, 2024

Field Trip to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice
Students have the opportunity to visit the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and gain firsthand insights into the legal system.
Field Trip Date: Dec. 10, 2024

For more information about these opportunities, including contest details and permission forms, please contact Ms. Hogan or visit her in Room 124.

We encourage all eligible students to take advantage of these unique learning experiences!

Recording | Graduation Pathways Parent Evening 

Please click here to view the third presentation, and visit this link to view recordings from the evening.

Annual food drive 

The last day to donate is next Friday, Dec. 13.  Please place items in the labelled bins in the main foyer, or bring any donation(s) to the Festive Marketplace on Friday, Dec. 13. There will be collection bins at the Hewitt Athletic Centre entry to the marketplace. 

Located just a few blocks from UCC, COTH supports 1,200 people each week. That number matches the student population of UCC! Over the past three years, our community has contributed more than 5,000 pounds of food, providing thousands of meals. However, COTH now needs our help more than ever. Rising inflation, especially in food and housing costs, is forcing more families to rely on food banks. Currently, one in ten people across Toronto uses food banks to help get by (Cheese & Draaisma, 2024).

How you can help:

• Drop-Off Location: Main Foyer

• Dates: Monday, Nov. 25–Friday, Dec. 13

• Goal: Collect one pound of food per student

Please bring your food donations to the bins in the main foyer—every pound counts!

COTH has also provided a list of high-demand items, which we've assigned by House (see below). Additionally, please consider donating powdered baby formula (Kirkland 1.36 kg for ages 0–12 months or Nestle Good Start Plus 1) and diapers (sizes 5–6) to support COTH’s Infant Program.

Each year, we have some parents who prefer to donate funds rather than the above goods. If you would like to donate funds, please do so via their website. Please indicate "UCC FOODDRIVE" in the info line and COTH will be able to report the amount of funds received.

House-specific items:

Bremner’s: Peanut butter (family size)

Howard’s: Tetra packs of shelf-stable milk (e.g., Organic Meadow, Dairy Pure)

Jackson’s: Toilet paper (packages of 8 or 12)

Martland’s: Canned salmon

McHugh’s: Dry pasta (Family Size)

Mowbray’s: Canned tuna

Orr’s: Low-sugar cereal

Scadding’s: Canned fruit (no sugar added)

Seaton’s and Wedd’s: Mac and cheese

The clients of the Daily Bread Food Bank at Churches on the Hill are very thankful for your support and generosity!