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The Upper School was alive with energy leading up to our annual Terry Fox Fun Run and 5 km race in support of the Terry Fox Foundation. This year’s race marked the opening event of the Prefects’ Cup and featured strong representation from every house, with their top runners giving it their all. Many others joined the 2.5 km campus walk, enjoying the sunshine and the chance to participate together. Whether competing for valuable Prefects’ Cup points or simply appreciating the day in good company, the event brought our community together for a memorable start to the year. Monday’s Principal’s Assembly was dedicated to celebrating the Autumn Festivals, led by our Pluralism Steward. A number of students shared their personal stories about these celebrations, deepening empathy and understanding across UCC students, faculty and staff for the values we share.

​I​SA test rewrite date

This year, students in Years 3 through 10 ​w​rote the International Schools’ Assessment (ISA) test​ on September 22 and 25 (today). 

Please note that we have added an ISA Test Rewrite date for those students who were absent during one of the above dates​. This will take place on Thursday, Oct. 2​ , between 1:30–3:40 p.m.

The ISA is based on the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)’s 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 ISA will be administered through the ISA online portal in your ​child’s classroom by their teacher and in collaboration with the Wernham West Centre for Learning. ​In case your child has missed writing the test, please refrain from scheduling appointments or other absences during the period of ISA administration​ on Oct. 2. Testing can only be administered at the school. 

It’s important to note that no preparation is required ahead of writing the test. It is 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. We will work with ​our students to ensure this is a positive experience. Families can assist by reinforcing th​i​s message​.

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

Upcoming | Week Without Bells

As we inch closer to the Week Without Bells, October 14 to 17, we’d like to direct Year 8 to 11 parents to our Bluenet parent resource board, where we will share important trip information and updates. Currently, you will find bus departure and pickup times, as well as trip packing lists. If you haven’t already done so, please take some time to complete the trip forms.

Quick Facts

Year 9 | Health education overview

Please click here for an overview of the Year 9 Health Education curriculum for 2025–26.

Save the date | Year 9 Take Our Kids to Work Day

UCC is proud to support Take Our Kids to Work Day for Year 9 students on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. This national career exploration event, now in its third decade, invites students to spend the day at the workplace of a parent, relative, friend, or volunteer host, witnessing first-hand the world of work. In doing so, students begin early career planning, gain insight into future goals and endeavours, and learn from the knowledge, experience, and advice of professionals. The event also provides families with a valuable opportunity to discuss career prospects and fosters connections between education and the skills needed in today’s workplace. This year’s theme, Lift Up the Future, encourages all of us to support young people as they imagine the world they want to build. Year 9 students will learn more in an upcoming assembly, and participating families are reminded to communicate their child’s absence through the SchoolPass App or by emailing usattendance@ucc.on.ca.

Katherine Maloney

Year 9 Coordinator

Save the date | Prize Day 

Prize Day recognizes students currently in Years 9 through 12 and is based on their academic results for the 2024–25 academic school year. Prizes will be announced on Prize Day, which is Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m.

If your student is an award recipient, you received an invitation via email earlier this week. Student award recipients were notified earlier this week as well and will receive further details in the coming weeks. Please note that the dress code is First Dress.

In addition to subject-specific prizes, students will be recognized for an Academic Tie (top five per cent of their class), Principal’s List (top ten per cent of their class), and overall General Proficiency.

To earn General Proficiency, the following applies:

Diploma Programme — All 6s or 7s and an A in ToK

Middle Years Programme — All 6s or 7s

If you have any questions, please email UCC Registrar, Leigh Berndsen.

Year 12 | Grad photos

Grad photos will be taken on October 2, 6, 7, 8, and 9. Please remind your child to sign up for their grad photo (the sign-up sheet has been shared with the Class of 2026).

Year 12 | Grad ring sizing

Parents, please remind your Year 12 students they have one remaining opportunity to get sized for grad rings at school on Monday, Sept. 29, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Bernick Family Foyer.

Please note: this is for ring sizing only. All Grad Ring orders must be placed online.

Rings and cuff links will be delivered directly to the address provided at the time of purchase. Delivery may take 6–8 weeks. The order website will remain open throughout the entire school year.

RSVP | Welcome Back Parent Coffee Mornings

Please join us in the Foster Hewitt Foundation Lounge in the Wilder Arena, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., for coffee, tea and snacks. You’ll have the opportunity to meet new parents in your son’s year, and catch up with those you already know.

RSVP using the links below:

Year 10, Monday, Sept. 29 — RSVP here 

Year 11, Tuesday, Sept. 30 — RSVP here 

Year 9, Tuesday, Oct. 7 — RSVP here  

We look forward to seeing you there! 

Reminder | TUBS Lost & Found parade ends tomorrow

Lost-and-found items are currently on display outside the Lower Dining Hall (turn right as you exit the basement doors). But only until 3 p.m. on Friday, September 26. This is the final opportunity to claim belongings. After tomorrow, reusable UCC uniforms will be donated to TUBS, and all remaining items will be given to charity.