A few notes on morning drop-off to help the year start smoothly. 

Year 1 to 7 families driving to school should drop off their child at the front of the Prep by the Peacock Arch. Please note the following procedures:

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

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

JK and SK families driving to UCC should drop off their child at the drop-off/pick-up loop on the west side of the Prep School just north of the Lonsdale Road and Forest Hill Road intersection.

• When entering the drop-off/pick-up loop, please follow the one-way directional signs by using the north entrance to the drop-off/pick-up loop. We respectfully ask that families approach the drop-off/pick-up loop by driving south on Forest Hill Road.

• When entering the drop-off/pick-up loop, an employee will welcome your child to school. It is especially helpful if your child is seated on the left side of the car to expedite drop-off. 

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

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

Dismissal / Pick up

A few notes on afternoon dismissal to help the beginning of the year run smoothly. Please note the following procedures:

• Students are dismissed on a staggered schedule to ease congestion.

  • 3:10 p.m. (JK to Year 2)

  • 3:25 p.m. (Years 3 and 4)

  • 3:40 p.m. (Year 5)

  • 3:50 p.m. (Years 6 and 7)

Teachers will accompany students in Years 1 to 4 to the Peacock Arch in front of the Prep.

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

• Year 1 to Year 4 Form Advisers will do their best to help each family by saying hello and wishing your child a wonderful evening. 

Teachers will accompany students in JK and SK to the pick-up/drop-off loop on the west side of the Prep just north of the Lonsdale Road and Forest Hill Road intersection

• When entering the pick-up/drop-off loop, please follow the one-way directional signs by using the north entrance to the pick-up/drop-off loop. We respectfully ask that families approach the pick-up/drop off loop by driving south on Forest Hill Road.

• When entering the pick-up/drop-off loop, an employee will assist your child with getting to your car. 

• We kindly request that families not park and get out of their car or stop for extended periods of time during afternoon pick up.    

• It is important that parents/guardians do not park in the pick-up/drop-off lanes before the appropriate dismissal time, as that creates significant congestion. 

• To ensure this process runs as efficiently as possible, please do not arrive early and wait in line. This causes a vehicle backup and delays everyone.

• We value the opportunity for families to have a connection moment with their child’s teacher each day.  However, please remember to avoid lengthy conversations with teachers, especially if you are in a car, as they are supervising dismissal.

Special note: If families would like to walk to the drop-off/pick-up loop on the west side of the Prep to pick up their child, please park at the east end of the William P. Wilder ’40 Arena & Sports Complex parking lot. There is ample parking in this location.  

Students in Years 5 to 7 exit the Prep independently at dismissal. Please arrange with your child how they will be picked up or travel home. 

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

This year, we have 151 new students joining us in the Prep School! 

Creating a welcoming culture is important to us, and we intentionally design a thoughtful transition for new students joining our community. As a part of that plan, new students (excluding the JK & SKs) will participate in New Student Orientation Day on Tuesday, Sept. 8. 

This is a partial day, which allows students a soft entry to their new school and their new school year. They will meet their Form Adviser and fellow new students, see their classroom, tour the school, and participate in a variety of team-building activities. 

In addition, students in Years 6 and 7 will meet student leaders eager to share their insights and experiences at UCC. These student leaders will also continue their mentorship of their new classmates throughout the upcoming weeks as they learn to navigate the Prep and establish new friendships. 

In Primary classrooms, form advisers are thoughtful and intentional about ensuring the new students have mentors and guides throughout their first few days and weeks. 

We are confident that our orientation will support students with their transition to our school community.  

Year 1 to Year 4 students should wear regular dress uniform. Year 5 to Year 7 students should wear warm weather dress. Please see the Family Handbook for the uniform description.

Arrival for New Student Orientation Day is between 8:30 and 9 a.m. Please enter the Prep at the entrance to the Eaton building by the main office.

Dismissal from Orientation Day is 11:30 a.m. for new Year 1–6 students. 

Dismissal from Orientation Day is 11:45 a.m. for new Year 7 students.

Your partners in learning,

Gareth Evans, David Girard and Michael Bushey
The Prep Leadership Team

The Year 6 and 7 Welcome Back Information Evening for Parents will take place on Monday, Sept. 14, from 7 to approximately 8:30 p.m. These information evenings provide families with an overview of the Prep’s academic program, general expectations, and the range of supports available to students.

The evening will begin in Weston Hall, after which parents and guardians will move to their child’s classroom to hear from the child’s form adviser. Families will then be invited to join our specialist faculty in the Dining Hall, where they will have an opportunity to learn more about our programming while enjoying light refreshments.

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

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,

Michael Bushey

Assistant Head, Middle Division

All students in Years 6 to 12 at Upper Canada College 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 see our Code of Conduct here.

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

One of the most exciting days of the year is almost here! On Friday, Sept. 18, 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

The fall co-curricular program at Upper Canada College includes team sports, intramural sports, dramatic productions, bands and clubs. Team sports begin in Year 4, and every student from Year 4 to 7 is required to participate in the co-curricular program. 

UCC’s athletic teams are created through tryouts; however, there is one team per season that is “no cut”. Dramatic performances and some bands and clubs also have tryouts. 

Sign-up for athletic teams and dramatic performances will take place in homeroom classes in the first few days of school. Clubs and bands will be advertised to students during our first few assemblies.

The following is a list of the co-curricular options by year in the fall term:

Year 4 

• Soccer (no cut), and all students are placed on a team

• Fall play

Year 5 

• Intramurals

• Cross country (no cut)

• Soccer (two teams)

• Fall play

Year 6

• Intramural soccer league

• Cross country (no cut)

• Soccer (two teams)

• Volleyball

• Fall play

• Choir

Year 7

• Intramurals

• Cross country (no cut)

• Soccer (A and B teams — the “A” team travels to the CAIS National Tournament in Vancouver)

• Volleyball

• Field hockey

• Flag football

• Fall play

• Choir

• Concert band

• Jazz band

• Fall clubs

• Garden club

• Allyship club

• Community Service Council

• Prep ambassadors

• Eco-warriors

• Yearbook club

Commitment letters and team information for athletic and dramatic production teams will be emailed in the second week of school.

Max Perren
Athletic Director

For families joining our UCC community, welcome! My name is Lakshiga Kesavan, and I am thrilled to join the team as the Grade 3 Teaching Intern and the new After School Program Coordinator this year. I look forward to working closely with your children both in the classroom and after hours.

The After School Program (ASP) runs from Kindergarten dismissal (3:10 p.m.) to 6:00 p.m. daily. Pre-registration for general extended care is not required. Please see the Family Handbook for more information. 

Our team is busy planning a mix of exciting new clubs alongside returning past favorites. Fall term clubs run for 10 weeks (excluding holidays), from Monday, Sept. 21 to Friday, Nov. 27. Spots are still available, and it is not too late to sign up! Please find information about our clubs here.

Lesson information:

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

• Cost is $44 per 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

Private Music Lesson Coordinator

We are excited to welcome Primary families back to the Innovation Lab for another year of Tinkering Tuesdays!

Tinkering Tuesdays are after school opportunities for students and their families to design, build, create, and problem solve together. This year’s sessions will include a mix of new hands-on design challenges and relaxed Crafternoons, with something new to explore each month.

These sessions are designed as a family experience, so all students must attend with a parent or caregiver who will participate alongside them.

Throughout the year, we will offer a combination of year specific sessions and events open to all K-5 families.

Details:
📍 Innovation Lab
🕒 3:45–4:45 p.m.

Registration:
Each month, the upcoming Tinkering Tuesday schedule and registration links will be shared in Heads Up. Spaces are limited and advance registration is required. If a registration form is closed, the session has reached capacity.

If your plans change after registering, please email Joanna Martin so that your space can be made available to another family.

We can’t wait to welcome families back into the lab for another year of tinkering, making, experimenting and creating together!

The Prep Learning Garden is lush and overflowing with beautiful vegetables, flowers and greens! Fall harvest season is the perfect time to enjoy this relaxing, rejuvenating outdoor space while connecting with nature and like-minded peers.

This fall, two garden clubs will be led by Ms. Kastelic and Ms. O’Brien in partnership with Master Gardener Arlene Hazzan-Green from BUFCO. Students will spend time outdoors harvesting produce to bring home, caring for the Learning Garden, creating art with natural materials and taking part in regenerative planting and stewardship projects across campus.

Prep gardeners will also have the opportunity to visit the new Upper School Garden and see how UCC’s broader commitment to sustainability and regeneration is taking shape across campus. Through these experiences, students will help care for the land, support biodiversity and contribute to a healthier campus ecosystem.

Activities are hands-on and inquiry-based, with plenty of opportunities to explore, notice, create, collaborate and learn from the natural world.

Garden clubs are often in high demand and spaces can fill quickly. Interested families are encouraged to complete the application and commitment form by Thursday, Sept. 10.

• Year 4 Garden club permission form
  Tuesdays after school from Sept. 15 to Oct. 27. Dismissal at 4:30 p.m. 

• Year 5 Garden club permission form
  Thursdays after school from Sept. 18 to Oct. 30. Dismissal at 4:30 p.m. 

Participation will be confirmed through a welcome email on Friday, Sept. 11. 

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

Sincerely, 

Monika Kastelic

Prep Primary Visual Arts teacher

Prep Sustainable Strategy Coordinator

For your planning purposes, please note that our Year 7 graduation ceremony will take place on Tuesday, June 22 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.

Mark your calendars — the first PPO Used Uniform Sale of the year takes place Wednesday, Sept. 16 from 2:30–4 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 17 from 8–9:15 a.m. at the William P. Wilder ’40 Arena & Sports Complex.

Volunteers needed!
This is a great opportunity to volunteer and meet other parents. Sign up here.

Donate
Shop sustainably, give sustainably. Has your son outgrown last year's uniform? As you clean out your closets, please set aside gently used uniform items for the sale. Donations are always welcome, but please do not drop off stained, ripped or non-UCC clothing.

NEW — Curbside collection!
To make things easier, we will be collecting donations right at morning drop off on Monday, Sept. 14 from 8–8:30 a.m. Donations can also be dropped off anytime in the blue bin in the basement of the Prep.