It was another successful Week Without Bells experience for our Upper School students. Over four days in beautiful Haliburton and Huntsville, students and faculty came together to build community, strengthen connections, and create lasting memories. The week provided valuable opportunities for teamwork, friendship, and personal growth as students lived and learned alongside their peers in a supportive and engaging environment. 

Dear Year 10 Families,

As Year 10 students progress towards completion of the IB Middle Years Programme, they will have begun looking ahead to the next stage of their UCC learning journey. Students entering Year 11 have the opportunity to pursue one of three UCC Graduation Pathways:

• IB Diploma Programme

• IB Diploma Programme Courses Pathway (by application)

• IB Diploma Programme Systems Transformation Pathway (by application)

Each pathway is academically rigorous while offering flexibility, enabling students to customize their studies in preparation for top-tier universities and competitive postsecondary programs. Students will earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) along with either the IB Diploma (in the IB DP and IB DP Systems Transformation Pathways) or IB Course Certificates (IB Courses Pathway).

You are invited to join us for an information evening that will offer an overview of all three pathways:

• Date: Thursday, Oct. 30

• Time: 6–7:30 p.m.

• Format: Virtual (Zoom)

Following a brief presentation about each pathway, we will be pleased to take your questions. If you would like to submit any questions in advance, please do so here.

In addition to this overview session, Upper School families will have opportunities to learn about the pathways and Years 11 and 12 programming in more depth:

• UCC Graduation Pathways Information Evening #2: Tuesday, Nov. 18, 6–8 p.m. (in person, Manucha & Bellamy Studio Theatre, Upper School)

• UCC Graduation Pathways Information Evening #3: Monday, Dec. 1, 6–7:30 p.m. (Virtual)

• DP Course Selection Information Evening: Tuesday, Jan. 13, 7–8:30 p.m. (Virtual)

This schedule will also be shared in Heads Up, and a recording of the virtual session will be posted to the parent resource boards on Bluenet.

If you have any questions, please email our Administrative Coordinator of Learning and Academic Innovation, Regina Li.

We look forward to partnering with you to explore these graduation pathways and support students as they pursue their passions, realize their potential, and find success in the next stages of their learning journeys.

Warm regards,

Dr. Julia Kinnear
Vice-Principal, Learning and Academic Innovation

Andrew MacDougall
Head, Upper School 

Bags to Beds is a youth-led charitable organization that transforms plastic bags into warm, waterproof, handwoven sleeping mats for those who experience homelessness. Founded by Year 12 service steward Matthew Tong, we are once again starting the program at UCC for the 2025–26 academic school year.  

This program is a fun and easy way for students to gain service hours during school days and develop skills such as leadership, environmental awareness, and social responsibility. The program is open in various Flex Time and after school times consistently every week. To sign up, click here or fill in the Google form that we send via email to the students every month. 

For more information regarding Bags to Beds, please visit our website.

Winston Chan

Class of 2028

Bags to Beds Exec.

Back by popular demand, parents and guardians of the Class of 2026 are invited to purchase their own parent “grad” wear. Specially-branded items, including 2026 branded fleece quarter zips, hoodies and hats, are again available to order here. Order deadline is tomorrow, Oct. 24 with delivery expected the first week of December.

Orders will be delivered domestically for an additional fee. All funds raised through this initiative will go towards enhancing special events for the Class of 2026. If you have questions, please contact the Year 12 PO Parent Reps or contact the merchandise supplier directly.

The UCC Parents' Organization wants to hear from you as we strive towards our mission of community building and enhancing the experience of students and families at UCC.  Please complete a short survey: Year 8, Year 9,  Year 10, Year 11, Year 12, to tell us what parent events and initiatives you'd like to see this year and to provide your ideas and suggestions as to how we can better deliver on our mission.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Mark your calendars for this year’s Festive Marketplace, Friday, December 12. 

A wonderful UCC tradition that includes in-person shopping, an online Festive Auction, a bake sale, a snowball grab, student musical performances and more. 

Grab lunch with a friend. Meet for a coffee and a freshly baked treat. Enjoy exclusive shopping at one of our local curated vendors. There is something for everyone.

Calling all Vendors

Interested in becoming one of our vendors? Want a great way to promote your local business? Do you know a great vendor? We're looking for small businesses, artisans or creatives who might be interested in participating. Send us a message at uccfestive@gmail.com to find out more information about becoming a vendor at Festive Marketplace. If you would like to sign up as a vendor, please register here.

Donate to Festive Auction

The Festive Auction is always a highlight of Festive Marketplace. Let’s make this year’s Festive Auction just as successful as last year’s. 

We are looking for donations. We would be thrilled to receive donations such as sports, concerts and event tickets, trips and unique experiences, behind-the-scenes tours to interesting places, meet-and-greets with famous people, wine and spirits, electronics, as well as gift cards, gift baskets and certificates.

If you have items to donate, please complete this online donation form or, send us an email at festiveauctionucc@gmail.com. Charitable tax receipts are available for eligible donations.  

If you would like to donate but don’t know what to give, we also accept monetary donations using e-transfer. We will buy auction items and gift cards on your behalf.  Please send cash donations by e-transfer to treasurer@uccpo.ca (please write “auction donation” in the note). 

All proceeds from Festive Marketplace and Festive Auction are used by our Parent Organizations for special initiatives that provide direct and positive enhancements for UCC students.

UCC will be offering two "Global Learning Adventure" program options to Upper School students from March 7 - 17, 2026. Each program has a projected 10-day itinerary. 

PERU: Sacred Valley cultural exchange in Ollantaytambo with Machu Picchu excursion

Immerse yourself in the heart of Peru with this transformative 10-day travel program designed for Upper Canada College students. You'll explore the rich history and vibrant culture of the Sacred Valley, balancing hands-on community service with incredible adventures. 

This trip can accommodate 12 student travellers with Mr. Sweetman and Mr. Bradford. The all-inclusive price is CAD $4,680 per student (based on 12 students) and includes return airfare, local transportation, hotel accommodations, all meals, a dedicated Casa Kuska Local Leader, and mandatory premium travel insurance. Don't miss this opportunity for a truly transformative educational experience.  

Click here to register.

This itinerary includes:

• Cultural immersion: Spend multiple days at Casa Kuska, engaging in bilingual games, art, storytelling, and English tutoring with local children. Participate in workshops on traditional Andean weaving, cooking, and dance, and gain a deeper understanding of the local community through dialogue with village leaders.

• Service and sustainability: Contribute to meaningful projects with Valle Sagrado Verde, helping with environmental activities like pruning and planting.

• Historical exploration: Discover the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu with a guided tour, hike to the archaeological site of Pumamarka, and visit the stunning salt mines of Maras and the agricultural terraces of Moray.

• Authentic connection: Stay in local lodges like Full Moon Lodge and El Albergue, and even experience a night of camping under the stars, ensuring a truly authentic and immersive experience.

This journey isn't just a trip; it's an opportunity for conscious travel, fostering reciprocity and a deep connection with the people and land of Peru.

The Casa Kuska / Valle Sagrado Verde program in Ollantaytambo aims to connect students with local families and children to cultivate community through shared meals, ESOL activities, and song. We've collaborated with colleagues and local partners to design a program for all our travelling students that fosters a deep sense of place, addressing themes such as local and diaspora communities, indigenous history and sovereignty, public art, tourism, and economic innovation. Travel experiences should be considered “supercharging moments” in the life of our students. Our team is committed to pre-travel curriculum and post-travel reflection. With a steadfast belief in the transformative power of global education and its importance in modern society, we are deeply committed to making this program as interactive as possible and nurturing our students’ and partners’ identities as changemakers in the world.

Detailed Itinerary: UCC- Peru Trip 2026.pdf