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The Stewards and Blue Army Generals led students in the annual A-Day pep rally on Friday, which included an impactful speech by a faculty member and coach on the significance of the Canadian Women’s Rugby team’s accomplishments this year and lessons from the pitch. Students heard from alumni such as past Head Stewards about the importance of UCC spirit and A-Day, watched a sports highlights video, and all of the Year 12s joined one another onstage for Never Walk Alone.

Monday’s Principal’s Assembly honoured National Truth and Reconciliation Day, and included a number of powerful student voices and sharing of UCC commitments and initiatives, such as personal takeaways from studying Indigenous authors and storytellers and the College’s Orange Shirt, which shows our beautiful mural from local Indigenous artist, Philip Coté.

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 12 | Schedule for Oct. 14–17

Year 12 students will attend school on campus from Oct. 14–17.  We have developed a range of programming designed to enhance the Leaving Class’s ability to succeed this year and beyond. 

Overall schedule:

Students will start their day by reporting to Laidlaw Hall at 8:30 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m. Attendance will be taken in the morning and afternoon. School ends at 3:40 p.m. Lunch will proceed in the usual fashion. Students can purchase from the Upper or Lower dining halls or bring their own. 

Tuesday, Oct. 14: University Counselling workshops and support

The University Counselling Office will be getting students prepared and started on their university applications. Specialized skill sessions such as writing supplemental essays and doing online interviews will be offered. There will also be an optional field trip to the University of Toronto to learn more about the university experience. 

Wednesday, Oct. 15: Extended Essay support

Students will have time to polish their essays before submission under the guidance of subject specific teachers available on site. The Extended Essay is officially due Sunday, Oct. 19.

Thursday, Oct. 16: Interdisciplinary science project

All IB Diploma students must complete an interdisciplinary science project in order to earn their diplomas. This project will be conducted throughout the day. 

Friday, Oct. 17: Extended Essay and U of T trip

This morning will be required for students who have not yet submitted their Extended Essay. Students will have the morning to complete their EE. In the afternoon, students will have an opportunity to travel to The University of Toronto, guided by the UCC University Counselling Office. A permission slip will follow from the UCO office.

Parents will be informed of unexcused absences via email. This is our mandatory programming for the week, so attendance is expected. Thank you in advance for communicating with the attendance desk about any lateness or absences expected of your child. 

Please do not hesitate to contact Damion Walker, Assistant Head of Upper School or Neil Anderson, Year 12 Coordinator if you have questions. 

Donate | Last call for Eta College School Supplies Drive

My name is Quinn Tyers, and I am a Year 10 student here at UCC. 

I am partnering with Eta Colleges International (a Canadian non-profit) to host an educational resources drive, with items collected being sent to Eta College Kumba, and Eta International Primary and Nursery School in Cameroon, Africa. The schools' focus is on giving children of Cameroon a strong education which is geared towards developing young leaders in Africa. This project targets the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education for All by providing access to leadership education and the necessary resources to provide it.

This is a last call reminder to donate in the Bernick Family Foyer until Monday next week. I'll be collecting the items listed below in the chart in the Bernick Family Foyer.

Monetary donations are welcome here and will be used towards purchasing items that the schools have requested. All monetary donations will receive a Canadian tax receipt. 

Thank you for your consideration and help with my project to aid students in Cameroon.

Quinn Tyers
Class of 2028, McHugh's

March Break 2026 | Global Learning Adventure programs 

UCC will be offering two "Global Learning Adventure" program options to Upper School students from March 7 - 17, 2026.  

An initial virtual family information evening session on Wednesday, Oct. 8 from 7–8 p.m.    

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 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 is not 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

The all-inclusive price is CAD $4,500 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.

Cultural experience program in Mexico City and Oaxaca: History, culture, agriculture and food

25 students max

Plan an unforgettable educational adventure to Mexico City and Oaxaca with Evolve Tours! This trip offers students from Upper Canada College a rich blend of cultural immersion and hands-on learning.

The itinerary includes:

• Mexico City: Explore the vibrant Roma Norte neighbourhood, delve into ancient history at the National Museum of Anthropology, and learn about Mexican food culture at the Cencalli Maize Museum. Enhance your language skills with Spanish classes.

• Oaxaca: Experience the city's rich artisanal traditions with a traditional cooking class led by Chef Pilar Cabrera, and workshops on natural dyeing, weaving, and pottery. Explore the Dainzu archaeological ruins and the bustling Tlacolula Market.

• Sierra Norte mountains: Participate in a unique, hands-on workshop in the stunning mountains.

The all-inclusive price is CAD $5,472 per student (based on 15 - 20 students) and includes return airfare, local transportation, hotel accommodations, all meals, a dedicated Evolve Tours Trip Local Leader, and mandatory travel insurance. Don't miss this opportunity for a truly transformative educational experience.

If you have questions about your child’s travel/visa requirements, this is an excellent resource.

March Break 2026 | Year 10–12 UCC Rugby tour

The Varsity Rugby team will be travelling to Portugal, Spain and Gibraltar to take part in a rugby tour. This is a fantastic opportunity for the players to meet and compete against teams from two of Europe's great emerging rugby nations, while also experiencing new culture and making memories that will last a lifetime.

The cost of the trip will fluctuate based on the number of participants, but should be between $5,000 and $5,400. The all-in tour cost will cover flights, highway coach, hotel accommodation, cultural excursions, insurance, meals at select hotels and official team activities. Other costs may fluctuate depending on the choices that players make for food or other incidentals. 

If you are interested, please fill out this Google Form by Wednesday, Oct. 8 or contact the coaches directly. We are limited to a roster of 30 players and will be offering priority first to Year 12s. A non-refundable deposit of $200 per participant will be billed to your account.

A full information session will be held in October — details to follow. Please feel free to reach out, if you have any questions or concerns.

** Please note that the UCC Drug and Alcohol Policy will be strictly enforced and failure to adhere to this policy may result in the student in question being asked to find his own transportation back to Toronto. **

Dates: Thursday, March 12 to Sunday, March 22, 2026

Destination: Portugal, Spain and Gibraltar

Departure time/place: March 12, 2026 at 16:30 hrs, Toronto Pearson International Airport 

Financial cost:  Approx. $5,000-$5,500 (depending on numbers and individual spending money)

Method of transportation: Air flights and coach bus

Teachers supervising: Andrew McCubbin and Luke Griese 

Preliminary itinerary provided by the tour operator can be found here (subject to change — all changes will be communicated to students and parents well in advance).

For more information about rugby in the regions of Portugal, Spain and Gibraltar, please refer to this document.

Risk assessment provided by the tour operator linked here.

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. 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

Year 12 | Grad photos 

Grad photos will be taken on October 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).

Reminder | Year 12 Parent Fall Social on Oct. 6  

Come mix and mingle in your favourite blue and white spirit wear and come ready to compete for your son's house in the inaugural Parent House Cup!  

Date: Monday, October 6. 

Time:  6:30–8:30 p.m.

Location: UCC, Upper School Student Centre 

Dress: Casual (blue and white encouraged)

Also if you have ordered parent merch and did not have it shipped to your home please plan to pick it up at the event.

RSVP here for the Year 12 Parent Social

RSVP | Year 9 Welcome Back Parent Coffee Morning

Please join us in the second-floor lounge of UCC’s 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.

Year 9, Tuesday, October 7 – RSVP here  

We look forward to seeing you there! 

Save the date | Light up the Avenue

Join us on Monday, October 20, as we celebrate the official launch of this year’s Festive Marketplace with our annual Light up the Avenue event.

Thanks to the partnership of the PO, PPO and UCC, the campus will once again sparkle with strands of glowing white lights from the Clocktower, down the Avenue to the Prep.  These lights will shine brightly through the winter months until March Break - bringing warmth, joy and a festive spirit that reflects many traditions celebrated in our community, including Diwali, Hanukkah and Christmas.

Gather with us after school for hot chocolate, festive music and a special visit from our mascot, Ice.  

• Prep: 3 - 4 p.m.

• Upper School: 3:40 - 4:10 p.m. (on the front steps and at the back loop).

It’s a wonderful way to connect as a community and start the festive season. We look forward to seeing you there.