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What a great first week we've had here in the Prep!  We had a wonderful orientation day for new students on Tuesday, and a successful first day on Wednesday. Students were smiling, and families were thrilled to have a routine starting up again! Our Year 6 and Year 7 student ambassadors demonstrated tremendous leadership by supporting with orientation day, and ensuring all new students felt welcomed and comfortable

Today we came together as a full Prep community in our first assembly of the school year. Principal McKinney shared his own experience about joining the UCC community, and reminded us to be as welcoming as we can so we all feel a sense of belonging.  

Ms. Fleming, who is back from her parental leave, shared two messages. Firstly, the importance of approaching the new school year with fresh eyes and seeing our experiences and learning from a new perspective. Our whole community benefits from having new students join UCC with fresh observations and questions. And for those who have been at UCC for a long time, coming in with fresh eyes allows us to remain open to joining new clubs or activities, and ultimately learning more about ourselves.  

She also emphasised the importance of building each other up and spoke about specific ways to do so by using encouraging statements, pointing out strengths rather than flaws, and giving authentic and genuine compliments.  

We reminded students that their focus is to be a learner, a thinker, and a positive member of the community. Their job — as a member of the UCC community— is not to poke fun, put down or hurt people, but to build each other up with intentional words and actions. We challenged them to think about how they’ll do that today, tomorrow, and every day.  

Morning Drop-off

A few notes on morning drop-off to help the beginning of the year run smoothly. Please note the following procedures when dropping off from a car in front of the Prep:

• When entering the drop-off loop at the Prep, families must pull their car forward as far west as possible (in front of the arch) before coming to a full stop.  

• Student greeters in Years 5 to 7, or a Prep employee, will do their best to help each family by opening their car door, saying good morning, and welcoming your child to school. It is especially helpful if your child is seated on the right side of the car to expedite drop-off.  

• We request that families please not park and get out of their car or stop for extended periods of time during morning drop-off.  

• If families would like to walk their child to the Prep’s front entrance, please park at the east end of the William P. Wilder /40 Arena & Sports Complex parking lot. There is ample parking in this location.  

If we all work together, we can make drop-off a pleasant and efficient experience for all families.  

We look forward to seeing you all at the upcoming Welcome Back Information Evenings on Thursday, Sept. 12 for Years 6 and 7 and Thursday, Sept. 19 for SK to Year 5.  

Your partners in learning,

Sarah Fleming, David Girard and Gareth Evans

The Prep Leadership Team

Student and class photo day | Tuesday, Sept. 10

Student and class photos will take place for all Prep students throughout the day on Tuesday, Sept. 10 in Weston Hall.

Students in SK to Year 4 are expected to be in Primary Regular Dress, while students in Year 5 to Year 7 should be in First Dress, including black dress shoes. Please see page 27 of our Family Handbook for details concerning the uniform.

Years 6 and 7 Welcome Back Information Evening | Thursday, Sept. 12 

The Years 6 and 7 Welcome Back Information Evening for parents will take place on Thursday, Sept. 12 from 7 p.m. to approximately 8:40 p.m. Information evenings provide families with an overview of the Prep’s academic program, general expectations and student supports.

The evening will begin in Weston Hall, then parents/guardians will move to their child’s classroom to hear from their child’s form adviser. Families are then invited to join our specialist faculty in our dining hall to learn about programming while enjoying some refreshments. 

For those interested, an optional mix-and-mingle event for parents/guardians and the Prep Leadership Team will take place from 6:15–6:55 p.m. 

Please see the table below for a snapshot of how the Middle Division Welcome Back Information Evening will unfold.

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

Sincerely,

Gareth Evans, Assistant Head of the Preparatory School: Middle Division

Sarah Fleming, Head of the Preparatory School

Helpful reminders for September

Mobile phones and smartwatches

If students have phones/smartwatches and bring them to school, they're expected to leave them turned off and in their locker from the time they arrive at school until they are dismissed. Students who leave these devices unsecured will have them confiscated, and they will be returned to students at the end of the day. There is no need for a phone/smartwatch before or during school. 

After dismissal, students in Years 6 and 7 may use their phones/smartwatches in the Bitove Lounge while waiting for pickup. These devices may never be used in the basement of Prep, in the Prep locker rooms or washrooms; they will be immediately confiscated if used in a prohibited area. 

No student may record or photograph any member of the community anywhere on campus without their explicit permission. Students who connect their personal mobile devices to the College network should expect that anything accessed or transmitted may be discoverable by UCC, thus, the same rules apply regarding anything done that contravenes UCC policies or provincial or federal law.

To contact your child during the school day, please call or email the form adviser. If your child needs to contact you, they may use the phone in the Prep’s Main Office. 

Footwear and our uniform for students in Year 5 to Year 7

Please note that students in Years 5 to 7 should have a pair of polishable dress shoes to wear on First Dress days, and all black running shoes for all other days. Please see more details concerning the uniform in the Family Handbook by following this link.

 Locking Lockers

All students in Years 4 to 7 are required to lock their lockers at all times. Unless a student still has their double padlock from last year, they will be required to purchase a double padlock at the beginning of this school year. This will allow them to lock their book and athletic lockers with padlocks that require the same combination.

 Student Code of Conduct

All students in Years 6 to 12 are expected to sign the Student Code of Conduct that outlines their commitment to themselves and the community. Years 6 and 7 students will do so after reviewing the agreements with their form adviser. The Code of Conduct is also discussed in an age-appropriate manner by form advisers with students in SK to Year 5. 

Please follow this link to see a copy of our Code of Conduct.

Fall athletic information and commitment letters

Welcome to another exciting year of athletics at Upper Canada College! 

Whether it is your first year at the school or eighth, we can guarantee that this year will be filled with new experiences, friendships, and opportunities. This may be the year your child learns to skate or discovers a new passion for volleyball. Perhaps this is the year your child will travel to Montreal with his teammates or learn new basketball skills in our intramural program.

As a former NCAA athlete, I am passionate about offering skill development to our athletes and ensuring they discover something new about themselves and develop positive character traits through sport. The College believes strongly in the teacher-coach model, allowing our students and teachers to interact outside of the classroom. We know each student is unique and we look to our athletics program as yet another opportunity to support them in their journey as both a student and a healthy child.

This year the Prep will offer over 50 competitive and intramural programs for our Year 4 to Year 7 students and I am looking forward to seeing our community come together for yet another amazing year. 

You will receive an email with an attached Athletics Guide this week. This will answer any questions about uniforms, schedules and the selection process. Please note that all grades offer different programming.

We require parents and students to review and sign the commitment letter for the team they are trying out for. Intramural programs do not have commitment letters. Please ask your child what they have signed up for and sign the appropriate electronic form below. 

Year 4 - U10 Soccer Commitment Letter

Year 5 - U11 Soccer Commitment Letter

Year 5 -  U11 X-Country Commitment Letter 

Year 6 - U12 Soccer Commitment Letter

Year 6- U12 Volleyball Commitment Letter

Year 6 - U12 X-Country Commitment Letter

Year 7- U13 Soccer Commitment Letter

Year 7- U13 Volleyball Commitment Letter

Year 7- U13 X-Country Commitment Letter

Year 7- U13 Field Hockey Commitment Letter

Year 7- U13 Flag Football Commitment Letter

Should you have any questions about our programming, please do not hesitate to email me.

Sincerely,

Max Perren
Athletic Director

Help keep the Prep Allergin free

Many students and employees have allergies to tree nuts and peanuts and we try to provide an allergen-safe environment. Please remember to bring only nut-free products into the school. These must state on the product labels that they’re “nut-free”.

All students with allergies are encouraged to take ownership of their own safety by:

• Washing their hands before and after eating

• Eating only foods that are safe and not sharing food with others

• Inquiring about the preparation of foods outside their home

• Reading food labels

• And carrying their EpiPen at all times

Thank you for your cooperation,

The Health Care Team 

Years 4 and 5 fall garden clubs 

The Prep Learning Garden is lush and overflowing with beautiful produce, flowers and greens! There is no better time than the fall harvest season to fully enjoy this relaxing space as well as the delicious and nutritious fruits of our labour. The garden is regularly used by many classes for Inquiry-based lessons and activities. In addition, interested students can join an after-school garden club. 

Two faculty-run gardening clubs will take place this fall, as well as in the spring for students in Years 4 and 5. Students will spend time in the Learning Garden exploring where food comes from and discovering what it means to live sustainably. Activities will be inquiry-based and include harvesting, tasting, ecological garden maintenance and crafts. 

Interested families should fill out the Year-appropriate form below by this Saturday, Sept. 7 at 12 p.m.  

These clubs are free of charge and not part of the fee-for-service After School Program (ASP). When planning your child’s activities, please consult the ASP timetable to avoid scheduling conflicts.

Participation will be confirmed through a welcome email on Sunday, Sept. 8.

Year 4 Garden Club

Location:   Prep Learning Garden

Time:          Mondays from dismissal to 4:15 p.m.

Year 4 Garden Club permission form 

Important Note: Year 4 families should note that students must choose between participation in either the fall play OR fall garden club, as both clubs meet on Mondays. 

Year 5 Garden Club

Location:   Prep Learning Garden

Time:          Tuesdays from dismissal to 4:30 p.m. 

Year 5 Garden Club permission form

We look forward to working with your child in the garden this Fall!

Sincerely, 

Monika Kastelic

Dianne Jojic

Theatre opportunities at the Prep

We are so excited to begin our theatre opportunities for the 2024–25 school year. Here is an outline of what to expect, in chronological order.

1. Year 6–7 Theatre Club

   • Meets monthly from September to May during recess

   • Opportunity to create, get involved in and lead theatre activities, possibly including connecting with the Upper School, involvement in Nuit Blue, and learning the tech booth

2. Year 4–6 Fall Production

   • Rehearsals Monday and Wednesday after school until 4:30 p.m.

   • Runs from September to mid-November

3. Year 7 Fall Production

   • Rehearsals during Games time of the schedule

   • Runs from September to mid-November

4. Year 4–7 Musical

   • Rehearsals for Year 7 during Games time of the schedule

   • After-school rehearsals for Years 5–7 closer to March on Wednesdays and Thursdays

   • Collaboration with BSS

   • Runs from December to March

5. SK–Year 3 Spring Musical

   • Rehearsals during the school day for SK–2, includes all students

   • Year 3 rehearsals are after school on Mondays

   • Performances for Grandparents Day and Spring Concert

   • Runs from March to June

6.   SK–Year 1 Hip Hop

• Rehearsals on Mondays after school

• Runs after the March Break

• Performances for Grandparents Day, Spring Concert and Arts Assembly

Please show your student this list so they can consider what they might be interested in. In the true fashion of ownership and initiative, please have your student reach out to me if they have any questions.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Harper

Theatre Coordinator

Student private music lessons

Lesson information:

• Lessons are usually scheduled once a week by our private teachers 

• Cost is $44 each lesson (1/2 hr)

• Available for all band instruments for Years 5 to 12

• Available for violin, piano, guitar, and bass for Years 3 to 12

• Lesson times are first come, first served (teachers will reach out to you to schedule)

• Lesson times can occur during the school day only 7:40 a.m.–5:50 p.m.

For more information and to register, please use this application form.

Reasons for lessons could be: 

Recreational, assistance with keeping pace with curricular program, wanting to be "the best they can be" (soloist, leader in the bands), completion of RCM exams, getting a head start on the music program, advancing musical skills, assistance with skill development.

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out.

Sincerely,

Paul McGarr

Prep School Arts Coordinator
Years 6 and 7 Director of Bands

Sign up | Volunteer with the PPO

As we prepare for another exciting year at the Prep, we invite you to be a part of our vibrant school community by joining the team of parent volunteers!

This is a great way to build new connections, directly impact your child's UCC experience and contribute to the overall growth of our school. No matter what amount of time you have available to help out, we can find a volunteer opportunity that will suit your schedule. To explore current opportunities and sign up, please click HERE. 

Order today | Prep T-shirt bundle: Purple, Orange and Pink Shirt Days

The PPO has created a new three-shirt bundle for the awareness events we observe as a school. The bundle includes a purple shirt (Rowan's Law, September 25), an orange shirt (Truth and Reconciliation, Sept. 30, featuring the library mural designed by Philip Cote), and a pink shirt (anti-bullying, Feb. 26). 

From each order, $1 will be donated to each of the following organizations: the Concussion Legacy Foundation, the Indigenous Spirit Fund and Kids Help Phone. 

These classic fit shirts are 100% cotton and come in youth sizing from XS (2–4) to XL (18–20) and adult sizes from S-6XL. The shirts are bundled in a three-pack for $38.99.

Place your order here by Wednesday, Sept. 11. The shirts will be available for pick-up on the UCC campus no later than September 23 so that students can wear their purple shirts on Sept. 26 for Rowan’s Law Day. 

NOTE: As each item is a special order, we will not be able to provide refunds or exchanges. All sales are final.

Donate | Used Uniform Sale coming up 

Support shopping sustainably! Has your son grown out of last year’s uniform? As you clean out your closets, please drop off gently used uniform items in the Used Uniform blue box which you will find under the main staircase of the lower level of the Prep. Donations are always welcome, but please do not drop off stained, ripped or non-UCC clothing. 

Mark your calendars: the first Used Uniform Sale will be on Wednesday, Sept. 11 from 2:30–4:00 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 12 from 8–9:30 a.m. at the Wilder Arena.

Donate | Children's gently used sports equipment 

The PPO will be collecting soccer cleats, shin guards, hockey skates, neck guards, hockey gloves and helmets that are in good condition to sell at our upcoming used equipment sale during the Used Uniform Sale this September. Please drop off items in the labelled bin by the lost and found at the Prep and thank you for your support!

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

Get ready for the fall season ahead 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. The cost is $110. Puffer Vests are available in Adult sizes only for $70. Perfect for layering on chilly days.

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

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, 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.