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Literacy Learning at the Prep 

We are excited to welcome back Colleen Ackford, an experienced literacy strategist from Erin Kent Consulting, to our school as she continues to support us with advancing our literacy program in alignment with the new Ontario Language Curriculum. 

Colleen has extensive expertise in literacy development and is passionate about helping students improve their reading and writing skills through structured, evidence-based methods. Colleen will work alongside our teachers in SK through Year 7 during the week of Oct. 14 to 18 to continue to grow our literacy practices. We look forward to the positive impact Colleen will have on our UCC-specific literacy program and the continued growth of our students' literacy skills. 

Parents are invited to join us for an evening of literacy learning with Colleen Ackford and the UCC literacy leaders on Thursday, Oct. 17 from 6-7:30 p.m. in Weston Hall. This session will focus on The Power of Reading in a Fast-Paced World and Tips for Supporting Readers at Home. Please join us to explore:

• The benefits of reading for children of all ages (and us, too)

• The role that reader identity and environment play in creating sustainable habits

• Reading on screens versus reading in print

• Playful experiences that support early reading development and more

Update from Year 3

What a fantastic start to our school year! Our students are settling into their classroom routines and adapting beautifully to the Year 3 program. It's heartwarming to see new friendships blossoming as we get to know one another better. A big thank you to all the families who attended the Information Night! We’re excited about the meaningful conversations unfolding during the Hopes and Dreams conferences.

In math, we are wrapping up our place value unit. Students represented, compared, and ordered whole numbers to 1000 using tools such as base ten materials and number lines. They learned to compose and decompose four-digit numbers into thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones in various ways (for example, 2456 = 2000 + 400 + 50 + 6). Our next math unit will focus on mental math strategies for addition and subtraction using two-digit numbers. We focus on accuracy and fluency (speed). If you want to support your child at home, we encourage you to play dice or card games involving mental math. If your child can accurately and fluently recall facts with two-digit numbers, the games can be easily adapted to include three-digit numbers. 

Our current inquiry unit explores identity, centred around the idea that “the right to identity and its expression encourages tolerance, respect, and happiness.” We’re integrating read-alouds, writing activities, and creative artwork as students delve into their own identities. Students have been discovering and sharing their name stories as part of their homework, introducing them to public speaking. We’ve also begun examining how individuals use their identities to inspire change, learning from remarkable figures like Malala Yousafzai, Jazz Jennings, and Robby Novak, and discuss how we can all be “changemakers” in our lives.

In language, we have started the year with our phonics program, cursive writing, literacy work, and regular library visits. During our Literacy Reading Block, students have been exploring their identities as readers (i.e. what books they enjoy and where they like to read) and learning strategies to maintain their reading focus. We encourage your child to read for twenty minutes every day. Please contact us if your child needs help finding a series or book to engage them. In our Literacy Writing Block, students have been writing in their journals. We are working on writing personal narratives. If your child enjoys writing stories at home, please remind them that we love to celebrate our Year 3 authors in class. 

We also want to express our gratitude to everyone helping our home-school routines run smoothly. Agendas have been signed, homework has been completed, and your support of our weekly homework program is greatly appreciated.

As the weather changes, we’ll be spending as much time outside as possible. Please ensure your child has appropriate outdoor clothing to embrace the elements! For a smooth and safe dismissal, we ask that caregivers be ready to meet students at the flagpole by 3:25 p.m. Once picked up, students are expected to leave with their caregiver, helping us maintain organization and calm for those still waiting.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to a wonderful year ahead!

Kathryn and Christie
Year 3 Form Advisors

Update from Primary Art

The new school year is off to a colourful start in the PYP art studio! Our SK and Year 1 students have been diving into the world of self-expression by exploring the elements of Art. The SKs showed incredible focus and keen detective skills while searching for different types of lines outside in nature and within the built environment. They applied their findings to create mixed-media “wild hair” self-portraits. Year 1 students have been building their fine-motor skills and hand strength by working with wire to craft self-portrait sculptures inspired by the amazing American kinetic artist, Alexander Calder. It is quite challenging for them to bend and attach the wires and they are learning the value and power of teamwork to help get the job done effectively and safely. 

With Year 2, in conjunction with the Healthy Choices unit of inquiry, we are exploring the importance of naming and expressing specific emotions through artwork instead of keeping them “bottled up”. We’ve explored the work of Canadian artist Johnston Foster who “up-cycles” discarded materials to create amazing sculptures of animals. Students are currently part way through building their very own mixed-media “upcycled” feelings creatures — each representing a specific emotion. The creative challenge is to make intentional choices about specific shapes, lines, colours and textures in order to clearly communicate their chosen emotion.

Our Year 3 students are fully immersed in creating bold, pop-art style paintings, visually symbolizing aspects of their identity or personal interests. Inspired by artist-activist Keith Haring, these large-format paintings will soon brighten our Prep hallways! Students are also challenging themselves to reflect on how their personal values can positively impact the community. Some are incorporating their cultural heritage into their pieces, expressing their determination to keep their traditions alive for the future.

Over in Year 4, students are exploring the beautiful landscapes of the Group of Seven and the Native Group of Seven. They’ve been discussing thought-provoking questions like “how does this painting reflect the artist’s connection to nature?” and “how does cultural identity shape artwork?”. These insights came to life during their recent trip to the McMichael Art Gallery, where they experienced these stunning works up close. Stay tuned for their own large-scale acrylic paintings, where they’ll express their feelings about a special place in nature.

The PYP art studio is buzzing with vibrant colours as Year 5 students dive into printmaking! Through bold designs that reflect their understanding of line, texture, and composition, each student is creating a series of prints inspired by a leadership quality they believe is crucial for building a better future.

A huge thank-you to parents who have volunteered to help with putting up art installations this year. We need all the help that we can get in order to ensure that the hallways stay filled with up-to-date displays. If you are interested in helping out this year — even once — please feel free to reach out to me or the PPO. 

We invite you to take a stroll through the Prep School during drop-off or pick-up to admire the incredible artwork on display. It’s a true celebration of creativity and self-expression!

Monika Kastelic

PYP Visual Arts Teacher

Update from Individuals and Societies

The Year 6 Individual and Societies program has started the year with an introductory unit on geography and the study of the six elements of geography (world in spatial terms, places and regions, physical systems, human systems, environment and society, and uses of geography). The boys have been focusing on the effects of climate change and the negative impact it is having on our planet. They have just begun an in-depth group project on recent natural disasters that can be related to climate change. They then will be writing an in-depth report analyzing the preparedness of their region for a similar disaster in the future. In their next unit they will study the early history of ancient Rome, and whether “conflict” is a necessary change agent to achieve a fairer society. 

The Year 7 Individuals and Societies Programme is well underway. The students are currently learning how to apply the six dimensions of historical thinking (historical significance, evidence, cause and consequence, perspective, continuity and change, and moral judgment) to a case study on pre-contact Indigenous history in Canada. Within the context of the historical dimensions, the boys will also study the impact the residential school system and treaty relations have had on Canada’s First Nations People. In the next unit, the students will be focusing on the character trait of leadership by examining these qualities in two of Canada’s early European explorers — Samuel de Champlain and Jacques Cartier. The culminating activity for this unit will be a five paragraph essay. 

Donate | Eyeglasses drive 

Do you have old, used prescriptions, readings, sunglasses at home, or any glasses? Are you looking for a meaningful way to clean your drawers and help someone in need?

Then we have excellent news!

UCC Prep and Upper School are collecting used GLASSES, FRAMES, OR SUNGLASSES to help those who are unable to afford their own eyewear. Your donations will make a significant difference in the lives of individuals who need proper eyewear.

WHERE SHOULD I DONATE? You can drop them off at the Bitov Lounge to donate eyeglasses (beside the printer!)

WHEN CAN YOU DONATE? The eyeglass drive will be from now to October 16 so you can contribute until after Thanksgiving. Your generosity during this period will be greatly appreciated.

We encourage you to spread the word and gather as many eyeglass donations as possible. Together, as a community, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. Thank you for your support and generosity!

Chen Lin (7B), Deenpaul Johal (7B), Adi Momin (7G)

The Prep Community Service Council

Register | PPO Parent Social

Please join us at an evening social for all Prep parents from SK to Year 7 on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 7–8:30 p.m. 

We know not everyone can make the daytime coffee socials and we look forward to hosting you and spending time together as a community. 

Click here to register.