Heads Up - Prep - Sept. 4, 2025

What a wonderful first few days we have had at the Prep! New students started with an orientation day on Tuesday, and everyone returned for the first day of school on Wednesday. Students were smiling and families were thrilled to have a routine starting up again.

Our Year 6 and Year 7 student buddies demonstrated tremendous leadership by supporting orientation day, and ensuring all new students felt welcomed and comfortable.

On the first day of school, Ice was on campus greeting students for their first day, and the Prep Leadership took a moment to get a photo with Ice too!

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 UCC, and reminded us to be as welcoming as we can. Ms. Fleming shared about our focus for this school year—building a culture of belonging. Students shared examples of when they felt a sense of belonging, and Ms. Fleming talked about ways we can contribute to that sense of belonging. For example: learning people’s names, fostering healthy and strong friendships, and celebrating the strengths and gifts that others bring.

Our UCC community will be complete when we welcome SK students for a half day on Friday and a full day Monday!

We know that traffic has been challenging this week. Once families establish their routines, and after school clubs and activities get started, it will ease. However, we would like to re-share a few tips to make drop off in the morning and dismissal more effective and efficient.

Morning drop-off

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 Year 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's 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 Arena & Sports Complex parking lot or in the Parkin Surface. There is ample parking in these locations.

Afternoon dismissal

Students are dismissed on a staggered schedule to ease congestion. Teachers will accompany students from SK-Year 3 to the Peacock Arch in front of the Prep. Year 4 will be dismissed at the back of the Prep - directions have been sent to those families.
Students in Year 5 may leave campus with parental permission. We will send home a form shortly which will enable this to occur.
Students in Year 6 and 7 may leave campus independently.
Parents/guardians can park in the Arena/Parkin Surface and meet their child or drive through the pick up lane and their child will join them.
It is important that parents/guardians do not park in the pick up line before the appropriate dismissal time as that creates significant congestion. If you will be getting out of your car please park at the arena or on the Parkin surface.
In order for this process to work as efficiently as possible please do not arrive early and wait in line. This causes a vehicle backup and delays pick up for everyone.
We value the opportunity for families to have a connection moment with their child’s teacher each day. However, please remember to refrain from talking to teachers at length, especially if you are in a car, as teachers are supervising dismissal.

We look forward to seeing you all at the upcoming Welcome Back Information Evenings on Monday, Sept. 8, for Years 6 and 7 and Thursday, Sept. 18, for SK to Year 5.

Your partners in learning,

Sarah Fleming, David Girard and Gareth Evans

The Prep Leadership Team

Year 6 and 7 | Welcome Back Information Evening

The Years 6 and 7 Welcome Back Information Evening for parents will take place on Monday, Sept. 8, from 7 p.m. to approximately 8:30 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 p.m. to 6:55 p.m. in the Bitove Lounge.

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

Year 7 | Lunchtime seating arrangements

We understand how important it is for Year 7 students to feel supported and comfortable during their lunchtime. To help achieve this, there is assigned seating for Year 7 students on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

There are three key reasons for this approach:

Orderly and safe lunch service: With 132 Year 7 students navigating the lunch hall, assigned seating helps maintain an orderly and safe serving process. This ensures everyone receives their lunch efficiently, reduces congestion, and eliminates unnecessary running to available tables and chairs.
Developing social skills: Assigned seating provides a structured opportunity for students to interact with peers outside their immediate friend groups. This supports them in developing important social skills and building new relationships, which is crucial for settling into school life as they grow older.
Ensuring inclusivity: Our priority is that no student feels isolated or alone during lunchtime. Assigned seating guarantees that every student has a place at a table with other students. This is especially important for students new to UCC.

We also recognize the importance of choice and flexibility and will carefully introduce more seating options as the year progresses. This will provide students with a choice in where they sit.

We believe these measures strike a balance between providing a supportive and structured environment for our new Year 7s and allowing them increasing independence while navigating a very busy dining area. We greatly appreciate your support and understanding as we work together to create a positive and inclusive experience for all our students.

Sincerely,

Gareth Evans

Assistant Head of the Preparatory School: Middle Division

Helpful reminders for September

Theatre opportunities at the Prep

As we know, all the world is a stage, and we have some awesome stage opportunities at UCC Prep this year. Here is an outline of what to expect, in chronological order.

Year 4 fall production
- Rehearsals Monday and Wednesday after school until 4:30 p.m.
- Runs from Sept. to mid-Nov.
- Show time Nov. 5 at 6:30 p.m.
- Directors are Ms. O’Brien and Ms. Marshall

Year 5-6 fall production
- Rehearsals Monday and Wednesday from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m.
- Runs from Sept. to mid-Nov.
- Show time Nov. 5 at 6:30 p.m.
- Directors are Ms. Crippin, Ms. Crawford and Ms. McLaughlin

Year 7 fall production
- Rehearsals during Games time of the schedule
- Runs from Sept. to mid-Nov.
- Show time Nov. 5 at 6:30 p.m.
- Directors are Ms. Trelford, Ms. Chambers and Ms. Preston

Year 3 and 4 improv club
- Runs during recess time during the winter term
- Led by Ms. Gosse

Year 5-7 winter musical
- Rehearsals for Year 7 during Games time of the schedule
- After school rehearsals for Year 5-7 on Wednesdays and Thursdays
  - Year 7s starting in Nov.
  - Year 5 and 6 starting in Jan.
- Collaboration with BSS
- Runs November to March, performing on Feb. 26 and 27
- Directors are Ms. Chambers, Ms. Heo, Ms. Tran, Mr. Berney and Ms. Harper

SK -Year 3 spring musical
- Rehearsals during the school day for SK-Year 2 includes all students
- Year 3 rehearsals are either in school or after school on Mondays (to be determined later)
- Performances for spring concert and Generations Day
- Runs March to May
- Directors are Ms. Heo, Ms. Gosse, Ms. Porto and Ms. Gordon

7. SK-Year 1 Hip Hop

Rehearsals Mondays after school
Runs after the March Break
Performances for spring concert, Generations Day and arts assembly

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” – George Bernard Shaw

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

Sincerely,

Jennifer Harper
Theatre Coordinator

After School Program fall clubs

Here at the ASP, we are busy planning a combination of new and exciting clubs to complement some past favourites. Please find information about our clubs here. Be on the lookout for our new offerings in 2026, including Harry Potter Mystery Adventures, Global Music Explorers, Drone Club and more!

Year 4 and Year 5 fall garden clubs

The Prep Learning Garden is lush and overflowing with beautiful veggies, flowers and greens! There's no better time than the fall harvest season to fully enjoy this relaxing, rejuvenating space as well as the delicious and nutritious fruits of our labour.

Two faculty-run gardening clubs run by Ms. Kastelic, Ms. Jojic, as well as Master Gardener Arlene Hazzan-Green from BUFCO will take place this fall. Students will spend time in the Learning Garden exploring where food comes from, harvesting produce to bring home, caring for the garden and making art using natural pigments. Activities will be inquiry-based and approached through the lens of encouraging learners to consider how our choices can help to heal and regenerate the ecosystems that we are all a part of.

Please note: clubs often fill up fast. Interested families should fill out this Google form by Tuesday, Sept. 9 or sooner to guarantee a spot!

Year 5 Garden club permission form

Thursdays after school from Sept. 18 to Oct. 30. Dismissal to 4:15 p.m.

Year 4 Garden club permission form

Tuesdays from Sept. 16 to Oct. 28. Dismissal to 4:30 p.m.

Participation will be confirmed through a welcome email on Wednesday, Sept. 10.

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

Sincerely,

Monika Kastelic and Dianne Jojic

Help keep the Prep allergen-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
Carrying their EpiPen at all times, have 2 EpiPen’s on them when off campus

Thank you for your cooperation,

The Health Care Team

Save the date | Year 7 Graduation

For your planning purposes, please note that our Year 7 graduation ceremony will take place on Tuesday, June 16 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.

Prep Terry Fox Run 2025

One of the most exciting days of the year is almost here! On Friday, Sept. 19, our entire school community will come together for the annual Terry Fox School Run, a day filled with spirit, movement, and purpose, in support of cancer research.

The event will take place during school hours and 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 carry forward Terry’s dream of a world without cancer, and we invite you to join us by donating online. Please click here to support the Prep School Terry Fox Run.

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

Riley Carter

Community Engagement and Service Learning Coordinator

Introducing Tinkering Tuesdays!

After the excitement the Primary family design challenges sparked last year, we’re thrilled to expand the experience with a new weekly series: Tinkering Tuesdays. Starting on Tuesday, Sept. 9 and running through until the winter break, Primary families are invited to join us in the Brenda & Reid Chen Innovation Lab every Tuesday after school from 3:45-4:45 p.m.

These sessions will feature a mix of family design challenges, technology explorations, and crafting experiences. Each month, families will receive a communication with Google Forms to register for upcoming sessions.

A few important notes:

Year levels: Some Tuesdays are specific to certain year levels, while others are open to everyone from SK–Year 5. Please check carefully when signing up.
Registration: Space is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. If the Google Form says the form is closed, the session has reached capacity.
Time and place: All sessions run from 3:45–4:45 p.m. in the Chen Innovation Lab.

September Line-Up

Sept. 9 – Year 5 Family Design Challenge
Sept. 16 – SK–Y5 Tech Tuesday: Exploring Book Creator for digital book making
Sept. 23 – Year 4 Family Design Challenge
Sept. 30 – SK–Y5 Crafternoon: Autumn crafts

Joanna Martin

Innovation & Technology Coach, Primary Design Learning Leader

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 serve (teachers will reach out to you to schedule)
Lesson times can occur during the school day only at 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

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

Reasons for lessons could be:

Recreational
Assistance with keeping pace with the 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,

Caroline Heo

SK–Year 5 Music Teacher

Order | UCC puffer jackets

Get ready for the fall season ahead with the UCC Crested Puffer Jacket! Featuring the UCC crest on the left chest pocket, these jackets 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. Perfect for layering on chilly days.

Order yours now! The deadline for ordering is Sept. 12. Click the link for more details and to order.

Donate | Used Uniform Sale

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. 10 from 2:30-4 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 11 from 8-9:30 a.m. at the William P. Wilder ’40 Arena & Sports Complex!

Sign up | Parent Coffee and Conversation

We are thrilled to invite parents to our Parent Coffee Socials to connect with parents in their child’s year. Please RSVP using the links below:

- Monday, Sept. 8: Year 6 and 7
- Tuesday, Sept. 9: SK–Year 5

All PPO Coffee Socials take place in the Foster Hewitt Foundation Lounge (inside the William P. Wilder ’40 Arena & Sports Complex) from 8:30–10 a.m.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Order | Prep T-Shirt Bundle

The PPO is proud to launch a limited-edition three-shirt bundle to support the meaningful awareness days we observe as a school community:

Purple Shirt – Rowan’s Law Day (Sept. 24): Honouring concussion awareness and safety.

Orange Shirt – Truth and Reconciliation Day (Sept. 30): Featuring a powerful mural design by Indigenous artist Philip Cote.

Pink Shirt – Anti-Bullying Day (Feb. 25): Promoting kindness, inclusion, and respect.

Each bundle includes all three shirts for $38.99, and with every purchase, $1 will be donated to each of the following organizations:

• Concussion Legacy Foundation
• Indigenous Spirit Fund
• Kids Help Phone

Please order prior to Thursday Sept. 11. Let’s wear our values proudly and support these important causes together!

Sign up | PPO Volunteers

As we prepare for another exciting year at the Prep, we invite all parents to be a part of our vibrant school community by joining the team of dedicated volunteers in the Prep Parent Organization (PPO).

This is a wonderful way to build new connections, directly impact your child's UCC experience and contribute to the overall growth of our school. There are several fun and diverse volunteer opportunities available at the Prep to suit your schedule. To explore current opportunities and sign up, please click here.

Thank you for volunteering!

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