Select a link to jump to an article.

We had a very exciting event last night—the official opening of the Chen Innovation Lab! This innovative and purpose-built space is bringing our signature Design program to our youngest learners in SK-Year 5.  We are deeply grateful for the families who supported our vision and to the students who participated by submitting designs and meeting with our architect. We had six student ambassadors who were present last night offering tours and sharing some of the highlights of the space with families. Thanks to Andrew, Freddie, Noah, Spencer, Max and Theo for being such incredible ambassadors for our new space!  

The excitement is palpable with lessons beginning in the new space today. We will share more learning stories from this space in the weeks and months to come. 

We have heard a few questions popping up over the last week. Take a read below — it might answer a question you had too!  

Are you curious when your child’s class will be heading to Norval?  We know these dates are important for your planning, and exciting for your child to look forward to. They are now published in the 2024–25 Family Calendar. If you have more questions about Norval trips, please contact your child’s home form adviser.  

Do you still have questions about the UCC Uniform? The uniform is clearly outlined in the Family Handbook on page 27.  Many families find the photo guides to be helpful as everything on these photos is accurate and up to date for the 2024–25 school year.  Please find the SK-Year 4 photo guide linked here and the Year 5-Year 7 photo guide linked here.  

Are you wanting to get to know the UCC security guards so that you can greet them by name?  At UCC, safety comes first. We are fortunate to have an incredible team of security guards who support us in this work. Next week, we will run an article in Heads Up introducing you to all of the security guards. We also have photos and names up in the Prep. Please support their work.

We are looking forward to seeing Middle Division parents and guardians this evening at the Middle Welcome Back Information Evening!  

Your partners in learning,

Sarah Fleming, David Girard and Gareth Evans

The Prep Leadership Team

SK to Year 5 | Welcome back information evening

The SK to Year 5 parent welcome-back information evening will take place on Thursday, Sept. 19 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The evening will begin in Weston Hall to hear from school leadership. Afterwards, families will move to their child’s classroom to hear from their form adviser. After the form adviser presentation, families will be invited to join our subject specialist faculty in our dining hall to ask about programming while enjoying some refreshments. Information evenings provide families with an overview of the Prep’s academic program, general expectations and student supports.

In addition, an optional mix and mingle event from 6:15 to 6:55 p.m. will be available for families who are interested in connecting with other UCC families. This session is entirely optional and will be held in the Bitove Lounge.

Please see the table below for a snapshot of how the Primary information evening will unfold.

Please enter the Prep through the main entrance just beyond the Peacock Arch.

Sincerely,

David Girard Assistant Head of the Preparatory School: Primary Division

Sarah Fleming, Head of the Preparatory School

Years 4–6 fall play

Dear Parents and Guardians of Years 4, 5, and 6 students,

We are delighted to invite your child to participate in the fall play this year! Students will be working together during after-school rehearsals, and their efforts will culminate in a live performance in Weston Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 6.

This may be your child’s first introduction to theatre, so all students will participate in all play elements, including acting or speaking roles, set, prop, costume design, graphic design, tech, and stage management. 

Students who wish to participate must complete this commitment and permission form with their parent(s) or guardian (s) by Monday, Sept. 16.

Philosophy

Upper Canada College Preparatory School believes in encouraging a love of theatre through the development of character and skills. The theatre program values and develops respect, compassion, integrity and discipline, as well as developing teamwork and team commitment. Students will learn a strong work ethic by committing to team ideals and goals. The school facilitates its students' growth by encouraging their involvement in theatre, leading to an increased sense of self-confidence. Directors and players will work together to live up to the values and commitments in our philosophy.

Everyone who commits to rehearsals will be assigned a role to support the production. 

Team Commitments

Participation in any school co-curricular activity requires a strong commitment. We understand that many students have outside obligations. Students representing school co-curricular teams must commit to the final performances and all rehearsals. Injury, illness, or other difficult family circumstances will be given special consideration. 

Rehearsal schedule

Rehearsal times are Mondays and Wednesdays from dismissal until 4:30 p.m., from Sept. 16 to Oct. 30. Students will meet in 2C (E103), then move to various spaces, including Weston Hall.

Dress rehearsal: Tuesday, Nov. 5, during the school day

Live performance: Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Please contact Prep Theatre Co-ordinator, Jennifer Harper, with any questions.

Sincerely,

The Directors, 

Kathryn O’Brien, Carly Crippin , Anna Crawford  and Anna Marshall

Register Now | ASP 

The ASP clubs will begin the week of Sept.23. Click here to register. 

For information about which clubs are being offered click here.

Information regarding head lice

Dear Parents,

It's the time of year when lice is the most prevalent in schools due to summer camps, sleepovers etc. Therefore I am asking for everyone to please check your child's head for lice. This will help prevent some of the spread of head lice throughout the classrooms. 

The main symptom of infestation is frequent scratching of the scalp. However, some infected children do not experience itching. In order to tell if your son has head lice, you need to check his hair for the presence of eggs (nits) on the hair shaft. 

To check for eggs, part the hair in sections and look for tiny oval particles which are attached to the hair shaft close to the scalp. Eggs are deposited in a halo pattern around the temples, above the ears or at the nape of the neck. Lice eggs are tear-shaped, brown in colour and are attached to only one side of the hair shaft. If you identify any eggs, it is necessary to apply a special shampoo to the hair (lice treatment). A pharmacist can recommend a variety of products.

Head lice is not a sign of poor hygiene. Head lice can be transmitted through the sharing of personal items such as combs, brushes, towels, earphones, hats, stuffed toys, pillows and clothing. Please instruct your son not to share these items. If your son has head lice, it is important to check all family members and to do proper cleaning around your household. Lice will die within 24-48 hours without blood from a person. To clean your environment you can put items that can be dried in a dryer for 20 to 30 minutes on high heat, vacuum items that can't be dried and items that can't be vacuumed or dried can be set aside away from the family for 24-48 hours.

For more information on lice and treatment options please refer to these websites: LiceSquad and the Toronto Public Health website.

Please contact us if you have questions or need to report any identified cases. 

Thank you for your cooperation,

The Health Care Team

The Prep Terry Fox Run

Prep students will be participating in this year’s Terry Fox School Run in support of cancer research.

The event will take place during school hours on Friday, Sept. 20. Students are strongly encouraged to wear their colour house colours, running shoes and bring a water bottle. As this is a whole school event, the campus will be busy with faculty and students. The Terry Fox Run is not open to parent/guardian spectators and will remain a student-only event. Photos will be shared with the community at a later time.

We are proud to continue our support for this event and the legacy of Terry Fox, one of Canada’s great heroes. Donations to the Terry Fox Foundation can be made online. Please click here and find your child's homeroom and follow the donation prompts to support the Prep Terry Fox Run. 

Thank you in advance for joining us in supporting cancer research and continuing Terry’s legacy,

Stephen Kupfer

Interim Community Engagement and Service Coordinator

Toronto Public Health Student Immunization Clinic on Oct. 7

Upper Canada College will be hosting Toronto Public Health (TPH) vaccination clinic on Monday, Oct. 7 at the UCC Preparatory School dining hall, during school hours for all students in Year 7. It will also offer catch-up opportunities to students in Year 8 who are behind on these important vaccines, and who may have missed their opportunity in Year 7. Further details will be shared in future communication.

Please note that TPH has confirmed they will not be providing vaccines onsite for Years 9 to 12 students. Please read on for options on how to obtain these vaccines for your child. 

Vaccinations that will be made available:

● Meningococcal — to prevent meningitis 

● Human papillomavirus — to prevent cancers 

● Hepatitis B — to prevent liver cancer 

Important reminder for parents that immunization against meningococcal disease is required by law for all children attending school in Ontario, unless exempted. For more information about the updated immunization requirements for school attendance, please visit Ontario, Ministry of Health.

Eligible students: 

• All students in Year 7 and higher who have not received any or all of these vaccines. 

• Students who have started but not completed their series may also book an appointment. 

For more information, you can access the School Immunization Program Fact Sheets.

For questions regarding the TPH School Immunization clinic, please contact the health centre at health.centre@ucc.on.ca. Please include your son’s name and year in the title of the email. 

For students in Years 9 to 12

If your son is in Years 9 to 12, this is a reminder that your child may be eligible for one or all of the vaccines listed above. These vaccines are free of charge at a community TPH Vaccination Clinic. See additional information below regarding TPH community clinics.

Community appointments: 

• Review the parent package and consent form. 

• Book an appointment prior to attending the clinic. Appointments can be booked at the TPH booking site.

For more information about these vaccines, please talk to your doctor or call Toronto Public Health Appointment Booking System To Public Health at 416-338-7600.

Thank you for your ongoing support to keep our students and UCC community healthy.

UCC Health Centre

Helpful links: 

Grade 7 and up TPH School Vaccination Program 

Ontario’s Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule 

UCC puffer jacket and vests | Brought to you by the PPO and PO

Get ready for the fall season with the UCC Crested Puffer Jacket and Puffer Vest! Both styles feature the UCC crest on the left chest pocket and are made of 100% polyester for durability and water resistance.

Puffer jackets are available in Youth and Adult sizes, featuring a removable snap hood and elastic cuffs for a snug fit for $110. 

Puffer Vests are available in Adult sizes only and are perfect for layering on chilly days. Available for $70

Order yours now! The deadline for ordering is Sept. 25. Click here for more details and to order.

SAVE THE DATE | Prep Parent Social

Please mark your calendars for an evening Prep Parent Social on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 7–9 p.m. at Weston Hall. More information will be shared in the coming weeks.

Save the date | Year 7 Graduation on Tuesday, June 17

For your planning purposes please note that our Year 7 graduation ceremony will take place on Tuesday, June 17 at 6 p.m. The ceremony will take place in Laidlaw Hall and run for approximately 75 minutes. The ceremony will be followed by a reception in the Upper School quadrangle. An official invitation and details will be provided closer to the date. Students will be asked to arrive at the Upper School at 5:30 p.m.