Select a link to jump to an article.

Year 12 students were in exams this week, supported by faculty and staff. Students in Years 8–11 continue to prepare for their final assessments and are excited to take more wellbeing breaks outside with the warmer weather. Our community enjoyed the last Fun Friday of the year, taking part in some great new sessions including year-level sports events in years 8, 9 and 10, a therapy dog activity, sewing design project, and scavenger hunt rooted in UCC tradition and lore.

May is Asian Heritage Month, and our Principal’s Assembly was led by student leaders and featured incredible presentations and performers, including a Sichuan Opera face-changing piece and a unique guzheng performance, a traditional Chinese plucked string instrument. The Asian Heritage Club reflected on their new initiatives this year, including a service project and collaborative field trip and highlighted special events in May, such as a board game session and fair. 

During advising on Tuesday, Year 9 students were introduced to an important MYP milestone: the IB MYP Personal Project. This exciting, independent learning experience officially launches in the coming weeks and will culminate in a showcase in February of Year 10. To support their research, planning, and creation, students will be assigned a supervisor and will have dedicated time built into their schedules both this year and next. Year 8 students also enjoyed their Step Up breakfast celebration in the Lower Dining Hall.

The introductory session was led by our MYP and Personal Project Coordinator, Ms. Martin, and featured several current Year 10 students who showcased their own projects and shared helpful tips and insights from their experiences.

Year 11 students signed up for a series of exam preparation workshops this week. Sessions ranged from student planning and organization to mindfulness workshops in the SAS, and students were actively engaged in personalizing their own exam study schedules. 

Year 8 | Trip to Medieval Times

Dear Year 8 Families,

As we look to round out a very successful year full of building community and social connections, we would like to invite your student to join us for a trip to Toronto’s Medieval Times on Saturday, June 14 at 4:30 p.m. The location is at 10 Dufferin Street, Toronto.

Students would be required to make their own way to the venue to meet us at 3:50 p.m., and students would also be required to make their own way home. The show finishes at approximately 7 p.m. 

The cost, which includes dinner, taxes and gratuities, is $80 per student. Payment will be made via invoice to your student’s UCC account.

This will be a fun trip for the Year 8s, and Mr. Jugoon and Ms. Levene will supervise them. We require you to fill out this trip permission form by Thursday, May 22. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email Mr. Jugoon.

Many thanks for your support and best wishes!

Gillian Levene and Alvin Jugoon

Leaving Ceremony | FAQs 

Please click here for frequently asked questions.

Last call | Volunteer opportunity at The Russell Hill Senior Residence 

Here is a unique opportunity for you to spend quality time with seniors in our community.

Compliments of the Senior's Wish Foundation, there will be a pre-planned, very simple art activity that you can engage in with the seniors.

Russell Hill Seniors Visitation

Wednesday, May 28, 3:45 – 5:15 p.m.

(2 service hours for this session)

Sign up here.

Textbook and course materials ordering information for 2025–26

The University of Toronto Bookstore is UCC’s course materials supplier. The UCC-specific section of the website will be available on Friday, August 1, and a link to the site and all pertinent information will be provided closer to the date. Textbooks can be purchased online to be shipped to your address, or shop in-person at the Bookstore’s downtown location (214 College Street).  You can also request to have your order delivered to other U of Toronto campuses for pick-up, this includes U of T Mississauga (UTM) or U of T Scarborough (UTSC). To check our hours and addresses, click here. Boarding families will receive a special delivery code if they would prefer their books are sent directly to the school. Your books will be delivered to UCC and held for you to pick up for the first week of school.

True to the spirit of the MYP and DP, text selection is based on the success of previous units, current issues, student interest, and cultural awareness. This reflection and research takes place at the close of each academic cycle. The August 1 date provides our teachers with the necessary time for this selection process and the University of Toronto Bookstore to source the materials. 

In the meantime, please direct any questions to one of the following:

Upper School — Leigh Berndsen, Registrar

Prep School — Patti Cawker, Blues Shop Manager

Year 11 | Exams, wrapping up and looking forward

As we gear up for the upcoming IB exams, we want to ensure that our Year 11 students are well-prepared and equipped to excel. To support them in this endeavour, our recent DP Seminar focused on exam preparation. In this document, you will find invaluable exam tips, workshop resources, and a comprehensive list of exam topics. We encourage your child to utilize these resources to kickstart their preparation this weekend.

In addition to exam readiness, the UCO is guiding our students through the crucial process of prepping for university applications. Year 11s are currently working on a "brag sheet," a detailed questionnaire designed to assist our university counsellors in crafting personalized letters of recommendation. This exercise demands thoughtful reflection and attention to detail. We recommend each student approach this task in a sustained manner for at least one hour. The deadline for submission is May 26. Advising time has been dedicated to this task, and will continue. We encourage you to engage with your child about their responses, offering support and guidance where needed.

As we approach the end of the academic year, we also want to remind you about the importance of CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) experiences. The spring term and upcoming summer break present excellent opportunities for your child to engage in meaningful CAS activities and initiate their CAS Project. Please note that to qualify for a CAS tie, the project must be completed before December 2025.

Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement in your child's academic journey. Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we can ensure that our Year 11 students thrive academically and personally.

Maria Gauthier
Year 11 Coordinator

Year 11 | ESS field trip to Tommy Thompson Park 

On Monday, May 5, the Year 11 environmental systems and societies (ESS) students partnered with the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to explore the ecology of Tommy Thompson Park (TTP), also known as "The Spit."

The program engaged students in a variety of ecology-focused activities at TTP, including monitoring bird diversity, restoring wetlands, and analyzing soil health. Students learned to identify different bird species and contributed their observations to the eBird community science database, gaining valuable insights into bird ecology and migration patterns. They also studied wetland creation and aquatic ecosystem health by examining habitat restoration efforts, with a focus on aquatic invertebrates as indicators of water quality and ecosystem condition. Soil analysis involved collecting samples to understand mineral composition and its role in supporting habitat restoration. These hands-on activities emphasized key ecological principles by exploring biodiversity, habitat function, and environmental health indicators essential to wetland ecosystems, bringing environmental learning to life in an authentic and inspiring outdoor environment.

Mr. Toope

Intermediate Jazz receives Gold at Music Fest Nationals

After delivering an impressive performance and participating in a valuable clinic, the Intermediate Jazz Ensemble, led by Dr. Cigolea, earned a Gold Award for their national performance at York University this past Monday, May 12. This marked a fitting and thrilling conclusion to a remarkable year filled with countless musical achievements.

Dr. Niigaan Sinclair inspires in powerful sessions on Reconciliation

This past week, UCC had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Niigaan Sinclair, a renowned Indigenous scholar, writer, and advocate, for a series of meaningful engagements with both students and faculty. Students in Year 10 Civics and Global Citizenship and Year 11 Global Politics participated in an insightful lecture and interactive Q&A session that deepened their understanding of Indigenous histories and contemporary issues. Much of the conversation centred on the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the 94 Calls to Action, which Dr. Sinclair framed as not just government directives, but personal and collective responsibilities, particularly for young Canadians.

Among the most memorable moments was Dr. Sinclair’s message to students that they are miracles—a powerful acknowledgment of their place in a long continuum of resilience and change. He emphasized that youth are not only learners, but also leaders, and encouraged them to critically consider how they can contribute to reconciliation through everyday choices, especially as they move toward adulthood and the workforce. His message called on students to engage with the 94 Calls to Action as urgent and ongoing commitments, rather than distant policy items.

Students came away from Dr. Sinclair’s visit with a powerful understanding that reconciliation is not just a historical issue—it’s a shared, ongoing responsibility that demands collaboration, awareness, and action. Many reflected on the importance of working with Indigenous peoples across all fields—from law and medicine to business, engineering, and education—and how meaningful change depends on listening, respect, and partnership. A recurring theme was the idea that the next generation has a critical role in shaping Canada’s future. They were reminded that tradition and progress are not in conflict—and that the past can inform a stronger, more inclusive future. Dr. Sinclair’s message that “we're all in this together” resonated deeply, inspiring students to think about reconciliation as a shared journey grounded in kindness, responsibility and unity. 

In addition to student sessions, Dr. Sinclair worked closely with faculty from Year 7 History, Year 9 Canadian History, and Year 10 Civics and Global Citizenship. These professional conversations focused on enriching the curriculum by embedding Indigenous perspectives more deeply and accurately, and ensuring that it reflects the diverse histories and lived experiences that shape Canada today. The collaborative review provided valuable direction for making classroom learning more inclusive and impactful.

Dr. Sinclair’s visit left a lasting impression on the UCC community. It was both a timely and powerful reminder that reconciliation is not a destination, but a continuous journey grounded in education, empathy, and action. His time at the College reaffirmed UCC’s commitment to learning, unlearning, and contributing meaningfully to truth and reconciliation in Canada.

Coming soon | Lost and found parade

Is your son missing clothing, bags, water bottles, or shoes? This is your last chance to reclaim missing items. All lost and found items will be on display outside the Lower Dining Hall from Monday, May 26 to Friday, June 6. Parents and students are encouraged to drop by during school hours and take a look to see if anything is yours. Note that after 3 p.m. on Friday, June 6, any remaining items will be donated to charity.

If you have any questions, please email The Used Blues Store (TUBS) team.

Save the date | Used book intake and used uniform donations

As the school year winds down, we’re preparing for our used book intake and used uniform donations.  More information is coming, including the list of books that the U of T Bookstore will buy back. The intake will be completed at the William P. Wilder ’40 Arena & Sports Complex on these dates:

Year 12: Wednesday, May 21

Years 8–11: Tuesday, June 10

RSVP | UCC Parent Grad social

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 students attend their Leaving Class Dinner at UCC. 

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

Thursday, May 22 

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The Badminton and Racquet Club

25 St. Clair Ave. West

Cash bar and light snacks will be available.

RSVP here

Note: Parking is limited, so please consider taking an Uber, subway or parking in one of the many nearby lots. 

RSVP | Year 11 Parent social

The UCC PO warmly invites Year 11 parents to an evening social on Wednesday, May 28. Please join us to meet, reconnect and celebrate the school year before we all break for the summer. Cash bar and light snacks will be available.

Wednesday, May 28

Toronto Lawn Tennis Club

44 Price Street, Toronto

RSVP here by Wednesday, May 21.

Year 12 | Important: laptop return deadline is May 23

A reminder to Year 12 parents/guardians, that students must return their school-owned laptop and the Apple 30W power supply and charging cable before they graduate.

It's 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 at 3:30 p.m. Students must ensure all files are backed up. 

The laptop must be returned in its case, in good condition. 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, 2025.

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

Kathleen Peak
Executive Director, Information and Innovation