Boarding August 27, 2026
Boarding August 27, 2026
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This week we profile the boarding leadership team who provide pastoral care, supervision and support to boarding students. They strive to create a family atmosphere based on mutual respect, support and care.
The Senior House Advisers (SHAs), Mr. McCubbin in Seaton’s and Ms. Blagona in Wedd’s, oversee the wellbeing of each boarding student and supervise the smooth and orderly operation of the residence and its services. They encourage students to broaden and deepen their talents and interests and to participate fully in the College community’s life. SHAs communicate with parents on socio-emotional issues that may require collaboration with the Health Centre and the Wernham West Centre for Learning.
The Assistant Senior House Advisers (ASHAs), Mr. Jugoon in Seaton’s and Mr. Heffernan in Wedd’s, liaise with year-level coordinators and fellow boarding staff team members to set and communicate advising curriculum agendas and oversee the delivery of the advising curriculum. They collaborate closely with the senior house adviser in their boarding house to support students’ social-emotional development.
Other roles that support the boarding program include the boarding nurse, Nurse Leah, to provide regular access to health centre services and the boarding program coordinator, Ms. Jinha who plans excursions, weekend and social activities for the boarding community.
Ms. Jinha
Left to right: Mr. Jugoon, Mr. Heffernan, Ms. Blagona and Mr. McCubbin
Nurse Leah Orvis
The boarding staff includes four amazing residential advisers (RAs) who live in Seaton’s and Wedd’s and provide social-emotional support to boarding students. They work closely with the senior house advisers to provide a strong advising team and play an important supervisory role during the school day, weekday evenings and weekends. RAs serve as family group leaders and are an integral part of the boarding leadership team.
Wedd’s House
Ms. Selvaratnam
Ms. S, as she is fondly known to students, has been at UCC since 2024 and teaches Year 8 and 10 English. She enjoys a wide range of literature and music and can always be found with a book or at a concert!
Mr. Duncan
Mr. Duncan is the newest member of our advising team and will be joining us in September 2026. He will be coaching lacrosse and teaching Year 8 English. When he’s not on the field or in the classroom, he enjoys listening to music and going to the gym.
Seaton’s House
Ms. Borsoi
Ms. Borsoi, also known as Coach K, has been a member of the College since 2024. Originally from Montreal, she coaches the U15 AAA hockey team and U14 slow-pitch, while also teaching Careers. When she's not on the ice, field, or in the classroom, she enjoys travelling and spending time with friends and family.
Mr. Parry-Lai
Mr Parry-Lai has been at UCC since 2023. He teaches IBDP Core and MYP Drama, coaches volleyball and skiing, and advises the Asian Heritage Club. He loves cooking good food, seeing live music and reading historical fiction.
Dear New Boarding Families and Students,
It's hard to believe that in just a few weeks our boarding house will be filled with new and returning students!
Move-in for all new boarders will be on Sunday, Sept. 6 at 9 a.m. You can arrive anytime between 9 and 11 a.m. at our north lot from our 77 Kilbarry Road entrance, where you will be greeted by our staff and returning boarding students. Please note: Parents should be ready to stay for the entire day, as we have programming planned for students and their families. All families and guardians are invited to stay for dinner before saying goodbye. An overview of the day is linked here.
To support meal planning for the day (including the number of guests and dietary restrictions), please support our team by filling out this form by Friday, Aug. 28.
New to Blue Student Orientation runs from Sunday, Sept. 6, to Tuesday, September 8. This orientation is designed to warmly welcome you and support a smooth transition into life at UCC and Boarding.
Our returning students play an important role during this week, and we’re grateful for their leadership and support in helping new students feel at home.
Additional resources:
Boarding Family Handbook: From student expectations to weekend schedules, this is a reference for all things boarding.
Student packing list: This packing list is by the students and for the students! Click the link to see what they recommend.
Norval packing list: On Monday, Sept. 7, all boarding students will head to Norval for a day of team building, bonding and fun activities. Please consider this packing list and have your son come prepared.
Meet the 2026-27 Boarding Staff Team: We’re pleased to introduce our updated staff team, including some new faces joining our community.
2026–27 Major Dates Calendar: To assist your planning for the year, click on the link for major dates and holidays.
We look forward to seeing you soon, and please reach out if you have any questions.
The Boarding and Admission Teams
Dear Returning Boarding Families and Students,
We hope you are enjoying a restful and relaxing summer! As we prepare for the start of the 2026–27 school year, we’re excited to share important details about move-in, orientation and community updates.
Arrival for returning boarders — Fall 2026 move-in dates
Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026: 1–6 p.m.
Arrival for Student Leadership Team, preparation for Leadership Training Day on Friday, Sept. 4.
Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026: 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Arrival for all returning boarders in Year 9–12.
New to Blue Orientation runs through Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. Returning students play an important leadership role throughout the week, supporting new students’ smooth transition into UCC Boarding.
Community updates and opportunities
Volunteers needed: help welcome new boarders
We are seeking returning boarders to help make the first day of New to Blue a memorable and welcoming experience for new students and families. Volunteer roles include:
Check-in and registration (3–4 students per house)
Support for our Media Managers (2–3 photographers throughout the day)
Blues Shop support (2–3 students assisting Ms. Cawker Chiang)
Campus tours (4–8 guides for families and students)
If you are interested in volunteering, please email Ms. Powell.
Meet the 2026-27 Boarding Staff Team
We are pleased to share the updated staff list for this school year, including a few new faces.
2026–27 Major Dates Calendar
To support your planning, click on the calendar of major dates.
2026–27 Boarding Family Handbook
The updated handbook is now available with key policies, routines, and expectations for boarding life this year.
We look forward to welcoming you back to campus soon. Please reach out if you have any questions or need support.
Warm regards,
Liz Kennedy
Interim Director of Boarding