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Years 3–10 | International Schools’ Assessment (ISA) test

Dear UCC families,

This year, students in Years 3 through 10 will write the International Schools’ Assessment (ISA) test. 

This standardized test will be administered on Friday, Sept. 27 (math, literacy and writing task A) and Tuesday, Oct. 1 (reading and writing task B). Students in Years 3–7 will take the test in the morning, and Years 8-10 in the afternoon.

Please refrain from scheduling appointments or other absences during the period of ISA administration. No make-up testing is available due to the test’s confidential nature and can only be administered at the school. 

We will work with the students to ensure that this is a positive experience, and families can assist by reinforcing that message and ensuring students are well-rested on testing mornings.  

The ISA is based on the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) frameworks for reading, writing and mathematical literacy. The aim is to gather baseline information for students as a cohort to assist faculty as they consider instructional strategies that can be used to support learning. Regular ISA administration allows us to observe cohort growth and progress over time, inform ongoing improvements to teaching and learning, and compare UCC’s performance internationally. 

The tests will be administered through an online portal in your student’s classroom by their teacher and in collaboration with the Wernham West Centre for Learning. 

It’s important to note that no preparation is required ahead of writing the test. It's meant to capture a snapshot of student skills and does not form any part of report card grades. The information gathered is for internal use only by faculty and administrators to inform teaching and learning at the College. ISA’s privacy statement is available here. 

Should you have any questions, please contact Liz Kennedy, Director of the Wernham West Centre for Learning and Student Services.

Yours sincerely,

Liz Kennedy

Director, Wernham West Centre for Learning and Student Services

Julia Kinnear

Vice-Principal, Learning and Academic Innovation

Register | Speaking Of: Artificial Intelligence

Join us for a stimulating discussion with industry experts, academics and thought leaders as we delve into the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI). We will explore the implications of AI on the scope and nature of education, business, ethics and society. 

This is an excellent opportunity to gain insights, ask questions and engage in meaningful conversations about a future shaped by AI. The panel will feature Dr. Susan McCahan, Dr. Beth Coleman, Janet Krstevski and Shelby Austin with David Morgenstern ’90 serving as moderator.

Monday, September 23, 2024

In person | UCC Preparatory School and virtual

6 p.m. Registration opens

6:30–7:30 p.m. Presentation, Weston Hall

Reception to follow in the Bitove Lounge 

Click here to register and learn more about the speakers.

New this year at A-Day!

A-Day is Saturday Oct. 5, and we have some news for you! 

Check out what is new this year:

• Horizons celebrates 25 years

• From the Archives: A-Day edition

• Speaking Of: A-Day edition

Speaking of: Words

Do you miss English class? Come and join Julian Bauld in the Manucha Bellamy Studio Theatre where he invites you to read, discuss, and even perform Shakespeare together. Drawing from the sonnets and short extracts from well-known plays, Mr. Bauld will recreate a familiar classroom experience where the language of The Bard and the College’s literary culture will be in the spotlight. This session is open to anyone and promises a lively return to thinking about Shakespeare in a friendly and inclusive environment.

Check out the full schedule here and don’t forget to pre-purchase your vouchers for the dunk tank, BBQ lunch and snack shack here.

Volunteer | Join us at A-Day

A-Day needs volunteers!  Please express your interest by signing up here and checking the “Association Day” box.

We look forward to seeing you there! GO BLUES!

Register | Norval New Family Open House on Sept. 29!

Come join us for an outdoor getaway with friends and family! Norval Outdoor School is located just outside the city, and the whole community is invited for an outdoor getaway on Sunday, Sept. 29 from 1 to 3 p.m. 

The property has 450 acres of forest and fields, with the beautiful Credit River flowing through the middle. If you’ve never seen Norval before, this is a great opportunity to see what it's all about first-hand. The Norval teachers will show you around and answer any questions about your child’s upcoming trips here, and the main lodge, Stephen House, will be open with food and refreshments. 

Please note: Dogs on a leash are welcome, but not inside Stephen House. Please bring socks, as shoes are not allowed inside. 

Directions to Norval: Take Highway 401 west to Winston Churchill Boulevard. Follow Winston Churchill Boulevard north and go through the village of Norval. Continue straight ahead. The entrance to the Norval property is on your left, 1.2 kilometres north of the village stoplight. The drive takes about 50 minutes from UCC in light traffic.

Please click here to register, or contact Amanda Vieira-Hasz in the Association Office, 416-488-1125, ext. 2038.