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Dear Upper School Community,

As we approach the much-anticipated March Break, I wanted to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes to all. It's been a busy and productive stretch, filled with learning, growth, and moments to be proud of. I've been so impressed by the dedication and creativity of our students, and of course, as always, the support from our parent community. 

I'd be remiss if I did not take the opportunity to reference our amazing staff and faculty and all they do to make the school such a special place. As we've all witnessed in different ways, they are truly what makes learning transformational and the experience what it is for our students.

Now, it's time to relax, recharge, and enjoy some well-deserved time. Whether you're planning a trip, spending time with family and friends, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of home, I hope you have a truly wonderful and rejuvenating break.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, March 24, refreshed and ready for the exciting final stretch of the academic year.

In the meantime, please stay safe and healthy. Wishing you all a happy and restful March Break!

Sincerely,

Jeff Aitken
Head of the Upper School

There was high energy in the halls this week as the students made their way to March Break, and some tremendous examples of student leadership, collaboration and community building. Monday’s Principal’s Assembly was focused on International Women’s Day and this year’s theme of equality and empowerment. Facilitated by our Pluralism Steward, the platform included incredible speakers and messages, beginning with a faculty member speaking to their experience growing up in apartheid South Africa and an upbringing founded on unity, inclusion equality and desegregation. Her messages about allyship were reinforced by a subsequent faculty member’s reflection on how being a father of three girls has changed his perspective on access and equality. Two students then shared a powerful presentation on women’s health and a service initiative related to supporting Nellie’s women’s shelter.

The World Affairs Conference 2025 took place on Wednesday. This event for Year 9 –12 students was organized in collaboration with Branksome Hall and is a premier event that brings together students from across Toronto to engage in thought-provoking discussions and debates on pressing global issues. Through simulations, workshops, and keynotes, participants had the opportunity to develop leadership skills, foster international understanding, and collaborate with like-minded peers. The conference is an enriching experience that empowers young leaders to drive positive change in the world. The SPRINT–COSSOT Entrepreneurial Competition also took place on March 5, a technology and entrepreneurship competition where students competed to win funding, gain exposure, and have a runway to bring their projects to extraordinary lengths. This year, competing teams identified problems in the world and proposed a feasible, innovative, tech solution with a sustainable business plan to tackle the issue.

Year 8 students also had a special WAC Day excursion to the Norval Outdoor School for a Winter Wellbeing Fun Day and Maple Syrup Festival, where students enjoyed Norval’s famous maple syrup lunch and participate in activities including a Self Management Leadership Session, a Giant Marble Run, and a Maple Toffee and S'mores in the sugar shack.

Inaugural Coxford Lecture for Year 10 and 11 students

We're very pleased to announce that from 1:45 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, UCC will host our first Coxford Lecture. Our inaugural speaker will be eminent community member Kelly Meighen, who will discuss the importance of public service and community leadership.

This special event complements the Year 11 CORE course and its focus on the development of essential skills such as critical thinking, reflection and other-mindedness. It will be held for all Year 10 and 11 students in place of their Period 3 and 4 classes. Classes will run as usual for other year levels. Year 12 students are welcome to attend with their teachers' permission.

The lecture has been made possible thanks to the generosity of past parent and former UCC governor Steve Coxford. The Coxford Lectures are delivered annually at the Faculty of Law at Western University and Victoria College at the University of Toronto. UCC is proud to become the newest home for this esteemed series.  Further details will be shared as the event approaches.

Year 10 | Career Morning 

On Wednesday, April 2, the Community Relations Team and the University Counselling Office will be hosting a career morning for all Year 10 students, featuring UCC alumni speakers.

Career morning replaces Period 1 for Year 10 students on this day. Attendance will be taken at the event. 

Year 10 students are expected to arrive by 9 a.m. to check in, grab a breakfast sandwich, and attend two speaker sessions. They will also complete a small career studies assignment based on their sessions. Students will resume their regular schedule for the day at 10:40 a.m. 

When students return from the March Break, they will have the opportunity to indicate the sessions that are of most interest to them. While we will do our best to honour student preference, space in each session will be limited to ensure that there is an opportunity for students to interact with our alumni. Please be assured that each session will feature interesting alumni speakers. 

More details will be provided as we get closer to career morning. We're excited about this opportunity for our Year 10 students.

Year 10 | Mock elections

On February 27, as part of the Year 10 Individuals and Societies course, students actively participated in the Student Vote program, a collaborative initiative between Elections Canada and CIVIX. This program allowed students to engage in a parallel election process to foster civic education and democratic participation. The activity aimed to enhance students' understanding of government and the electoral process, promote civic duty, and encourage dialogue about current issues. By participating in this hands-on learning experience, students gained valuable insights into democracy and developed a sense of responsibility as future voters. UCC’s election resulted in a Conservative majority with 55 per cent of the vote, followed by the Liberals at 23 per cent, the Green Party at 12 per cent and the NDP at 9 per cent. Overall, the Student Vote program was a successful and engaging way to engage students in the voting process and inspire future civic engagement.

Special thank you to Ms. Hogan and Mr. Toope for acting as our election officials. 

Save the date | Greek panigyri festival 

The Hellenic Culture Club, alongside community volunteers, local vendors, and Hellenic associations across the GTA, invite you to the Greek panigyri festival. This panigyri celebrates 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 provides a space for community members to learn about and enjoy Hellenic culture in all its forms. Join us for the festivities on March 28 from 11:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. in the Student Centre. For those interested in volunteering please contact Ms. Gauthier.

Sign up | Years 10 and 11 social 

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

Date: Friday, March 28

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

Cost: $20

Theme: Country Club 

Sign up: by Friday, March 7 (before March Break)

• Permission Form: Y10–Y11 Social — Friday, March 28  

• Guest permission form Y10-Y11 Social — Friday, March 28 (UCC student to share link with guest)

Save the date | Year 11 StepUP

Please save the date for an exciting parent/guardian and student event celebrating the Year 11s as they all StepUP into the role of school leaders. It will be an excellent opportunity to make connections, put names to faces, and meet friends’ families. Parents and guardians can enjoy student-led tours and join their sons on a school-wide scavenger hunt, followed by a casual dinner and live music in the Upper Dining Hall. The guest speaker is TBD.

Date: Tuesday, April 8

Time: 7–8:30 p.m.

Sign up: after March Break

Save the date | Year 12 Leaving Ceremony

The Class of 2025 will have their Leaving Ceremony on Friday, May 23 at 2 p.m.  Invitations will be sent to families after the March Break.

TUBS spring sale 

Spring dress starts on March 24. Don't forget to buy your gently used uniform items at TUBS (The Used Blues Shop). From March 3 to 28, TUBS will be offering 50 per cent off all polos, khakis, and sweatshirts. 

TUBS Hours:

8–9 a.m. (except Wednesdays)

12–1:15 p.m.

3–4 p.m. (except Fridays)

Note:

• All sales are final, students are allowed to try on before they buy

• All purchases will be charged to the student's account

• Parents are welcome to shop

• TUBS will be closed during March Break

• TUBS is located in the basement next to the Lower Dining Hall

Volunteer | John Symons memorial 

In remembrance of John Symons, a special reception for the Symons family will be held at Christ Church Deer Park on Saturday, March 15 from 1–3 p.m.

As well as devoting his career to UCC, John gave a great deal of care and love to his congregation and church property.

There is an opportunity for eight UCC students to serve as greeters, servers, and kitchen help. We would be very pleased to have students earning Community Service hours while assisting with a few jobs to relieve the family. The family and their friends from UCC will be in attendance. David Burt ’67 will assist volunteers and organize them when they arrive at 12:30 p.m. They will wrap up by 3:30 p.m.    

Please fill out this form if your student would like to volunteer. 

Volunteer coordinator Jayne Miles Simpson can be reached at 416-489-2400.

Register | Arts Booster Club Magic Show 

RSVP | Year 8 Parent Social 

The UCC Parents’ Organization warmly invites Year 8 parents and guardians to join us for a Spring Social. Join us to connect with other parents and celebrate the school year in a relaxed, social setting.  

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

Venue: Toronto Lawn Tennis Club

Please RSVP by Wednesday, April 16 by clicking here.