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Student Learning Surveys

As part of UCC’s Strategic Directions, as stated under Strategic Priority 1 (Learning), “to collect, analyze and interpret data for the purposes of decision making and improving teaching and learning.”  It's our belief that quantitative and qualitative feedback given by students to faculty on a more regular basis will support and improve learning and teaching.

Please allow me to take this opportunity to continue the topic and conversation around subject-specific student learning surveys. A topic I’ve presented and discussed previously with the Parents Organization. 

In the interest of quality learning and teaching and as part of the faculty growth and evaluation process, we have traditionally and intermittently surveyed students during the school year on topics like relationships, classroom climate and academic expectations. Over the past two years we have been piloting surveys in a more formal way by partnering with Panorama Education. Leadership teams and survey committees have worked since September 2021 to investigate current research and thinking, as well as the ways in which subject specific student learning surveys might benefit and improve learning and teaching as well as professional growth for teachers. 

During the pilot in 2023, 24 research-informed and tested questions framed four broad topic areas: classroom environment; teacher/student relationships; pedagogical efficacy; and subject rigour. No demographic information is included in the survey. In 2023, a group of approximately 40 teachers and their students engaged in the trial of the survey during the months of April and May. Information and feedback from that process and trial has informed next steps, which included a full roll out of the learning surveys during April and May 2024. 

Please note, the data is anonymously presented to the individual faculty member, faculty chair and head of school through a secure portal. The reports will allow faculty members to discuss the results with their faculty chair to support professional growth, as well as potentially inform departmental improvement and room for celebration.   Students will receive general information from advisers and then an invite for the surveys via email to be completed over a four week period during the month of April. 

Please encourage students to share their experience with the survey and the information discussed with you. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me on this topic or others. 

Warm regards,

Jeff Aitken
Head of the Upper School

UCC’s halls were filled with excitement and joy as the students returned from March Break and started the spring term, sharing stories of their time spent with friends and family, on cultural and language trips, and just taking some well-earned time off. 

The week opened with a Principal’s Assembly dedicated to an intersection of pluralism and wellbeing, which included a presentation on Hellenic Heritage Month, focusing on the achievements of Greek figures and the contributions of Hellenism to all aspects of our society. The Wellbeing steward delivered a message about the importance of taking care of yourself and a Year 12 student spoke to his CAS project, advocating for students’ wellbeing on a larger scale, focusing on how resilience changes in value as students shift from high school to university and beyond. On Wednesday morning the Bernick Family Foyer was transformed into a cafe where Greek treats and Mountain Tea was served to students, faculty and staff as a way to start the day. 

From all of us at Upper Canada College, we extend our warmest wishes for a joyous Eid!

Years 8–11 | Examination schedule

Please review the exam schedule below.

• June 2025 Examination Schedule

Final examinations are mandatory with the expectation that all students will write exams as scheduled. Any absences should be reported to the Registrar’s Office and require approval of the Exam committee.

The examination process provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate learning and receive feedback on academic progress and to review material covered during the academic year. Teachers will communicate course-specific exam details to students in their classes.

Important to note:

• June 2 and 3 are both regular school days for Year 8 students.

• Other than Latin, Language oral exams will be scheduled by individual teachers. 

• June 11 and 12 are marking turnaround days for teachers. No classes. 

• June 13 is the last day of classes (return of assessment materials). Modified schedule, which includes a celebratory BBQ.  

Best of luck with the upcoming exams.

Warm regards,

Jill Strimas
Director of Academics

Important information | Student laptop upgrade

Dear UCC families,

The following is important information regarding student laptops for the upcoming 2025–26 school year. 

All returning students in Years 8–12 will receive a new, upgraded laptop before the summer holiday. This upgrade ensures that our students have the best possible technology to support their learning throughout the coming years.

The laptop exchange will happen in the first few weeks of June and students will be asked to exchange their laptop after their last exam. All laptops must be exchanged before students leave on summer holidays, otherwise, the student account will be charged with the replacement value.

As the team prepares to exchange the student laptops, we would like to remind you that AppleCare+ ends in the middle of June. We are asking that parents/guardians take a look at the student's laptop, and if there is any visible damage, please have the device brought to the Upper School Help Desk during school hours. This is to facilitate repairs under the AppleCare+ pricing model before it expires. Please note that any damage beyond normal wear and tear not covered under AppleCare will be billed to your child's UCC account.

More information about when the laptop exchange will happen will follow in the coming months. We understand that changing devices can sometimes be disruptive, and we appreciate your cooperation in making this process as smooth as possible. This upgrade will be a significant benefit to our students, and we’re excited for them to use their new laptops in the coming year.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me at kpeak@ucc.on.ca.

Thank you in advance,

Kathleen Peak
Executive Director, Information and Innovation

Years 10 and 11 | Dance reschedule 

To accommodate more students, we have rescheduled the Year 10–11 dance to May 9. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to a fantastic event!

Year 12 | Battalion Ball 

One of UCC’s oldest traditions, the Battalion Ball, is taking place for Year 12 students on Friday, April 11 from 8 to 11 p.m. at Palais Royale (1601 Lake Shore Blvd. West). This is an opportunity for the Leaving Class to celebrate together with their guests. The cost is $85 per ticket.

Parents, if your child is planning to attend, you must fill out this form. Please note that it requires both parent and student signatures. There is a separate form linked within that must be sent to any guests planning on attending.

If you have any questions please, contact Andrew MacDougall, Assistant Head of the Upper School. 

Year 8 | Parent/guardian information evening 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

On the evening of April 22, we will host a parent/guardian information session for the Class of 2029. After the meeting, there will be an opportunity to socialize. More details on the meeting agenda to follow soon.

Please indicate here if you will attend in person or virtually so that we may prepare accordingly.

Time: 7–8:30 p.m.

Format: In person, with an online option (link to follow)

Location: Manucha & Bellamy Studio Theatre (room 201)

Many thanks for your support!

Gillian Levene and Alvin Jugoon

Year 10 | Career Morning 

Dear Year 10 Families, 

We are delighted to be hosting a Career Morning for all Year 10 students on Wednesday, April 2, featuring UCC alumni speakers.

Year 10 students are asked to arrive by 9 a.m. to check in on the 2nd floor in front of the CFL, grab a complimentary breakfast sandwich, and attend two sessions where attendance will be taken. Students will have a small career studies assignment to complete based on the sessions they attend. They will resume the regular schedule (late start day) at 10:40 a.m.

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Isaacs. We hope you are as excited as we are about this amazing opportunity for our Year 10 students. 

Sincerely,

The Community Relations Team and The University Counselling Office

Report | Bags to Beds House Weave-a-thon

During February’s Rivalry Week, houses battled in UCC’s first-ever hands-on service house competition, the Bags to Beds House Weave-a-thon. Nearly 50 students raced to transform used plastic bags into durable sleeping mats for individuals experiencing homelessness, all while competing for house points and earning service hours. 

Each mat required over 750 plastic bags, turning waste into warmth for those in need. The competition tested teamwork, strategy, skill, speed, and dedication, as students looped and wove their way to victory. The energy in the room was electric, with houses pushing to outwork and out-weave each other while embracing the larger mission of sustainability and social impact.

Congratulations to Mowbray’s for winning the House Weave-a-thon, completing an incredible 855 weaves and boasting the highest turnout of any house. Special shoutout to Orr’s for achieving a flawless 100% weaving accuracy. Every house put up an outstanding effort, and their dedication deserves to be celebrated.

In just three months, Bags to Beds has created 13 mats, involved nearly 100 students, and successfully repurposed over 10,000 plastic bags. Thank you to all students and faculty for their support.

Matthew Tong, Year 11

Greek festival tomorrow

The Hellenic Culture Club, alongside community volunteers, local vendors, and Hellenic associations across the GTA, invite you to the Greek panigyri at UCC tomorrow!

A panigyri is a traditional Greek festival typically consisting of music, dancing and food. This panigyri is in celebration of Hellenic Heritage Month in March and offers a gateway into the rich and diverse realms of Greek culture through cuisine, music, history, religion, games, and more. It will provide a space for community members to learn about and enjoy Hellenic culture in all its forms. 

We hope you'll join us for the festivities from 11:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. in the Student Centre. For those interested in volunteering please contact Ms. Gauthier.

Register | Arts Booster Club Magic Show