Heads Up - Upper School

The school year is in full swing as we entered the first full week, and the energy in classrooms and community spaces is high. Students new or seasoned to the Upper School are settling into their routines, identifying personal goals, and building the relationships that will see them through the good and challenging times to come.

Students experienced the first student assembly of the academic year, led by our head steward and featuring an introduction to student leaders, friendly games including a student-versus-steward math competition and the singing of Never Walk Alone.

Monday’s Principal’s Assembly then focused on wellbeing and highlighted messages from our director of wellbeing and pluralism, who spoke to the importance of small but meaningful wellbeing experiences, and our wellbeing steward, who reflected on the idea of balance and the continued focus this year of bolstering our nutrition program at the school. Finally, the wellbeing coordinators spotlighted the key practices of “presence and attitude”, and personal learning about dealing with setbacks and the role of perseverance.

Three important events will close off this week: our Clubs Fair, Curriculum Night and Terry Fox Run – opportunities to strengthen our community and set the stage for a successful academic year.

Reminder | MYP and Graduation Pathways Parent Information Evenings

We invite all MYP (Years 8–10) parents and all Graduation Pathways (Years 11 and 12) parents to join us virtually for information evenings on Tuesday, Sept 22 (MYP) and Wednesday, Sept. 23 (Graduation Pathways). Families will hear from UCC's leadership and academic teams and learn more about programming at each year level.

Please mark your calendars for:

Virtual MYP (Year 8-10) Parent/Guardian Information Evening on Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 7–8:30 p.m.
Virtual DP (Year 11) Parent/Guardian Information Evening on Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 7–8:30 p.m.
Virtual DP (Year 12) Parent/Guardian Information Evening on Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 7:30–9 p.m.

Recordings will be provided in Heads Up for those unable to attend.

Save the date | Prize Day on Monday, Oct. 5 at 6:30 p.m.

Prize Day recognizes Year 9–12 students for their academic achievements during the 2025–26 school year.

Invitations: If your student is an award recipient, an invitation was sent to Families/Students via email last week.
Award announcements: Specific awards will be revealed during the ceremony, not in advance.
Award categories: In addition to subject prizes, students may earn an academic tie (top 5% of their class), the principal’s list (top 10%), or general proficiency.
General Proficiency Criteria:
- Diploma Programme: All 6s or 7s, plus an A in CORE.
- Middle Years Programme: All 6s or 7s.
Dress Code: First Dress

Final week to apply for Global Experiences!

There’s still time for your son to be part of an unforgettable adventure in France, Spain, Argentina or Montreal! Our Global Experiences programs offer students the chance to explore new cultures, build leadership skills and create friendships that last a lifetime. Learn more here.

The Global Experiences application closes Wednesday, Sept. 23.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Peter Labancz
Global Experience Coordinator

Terry Fox School Fun Run

Our Terry Fox School Fun Run will take place on the morning of Friday, Sept. 18.

There will be a 5km house competition race along with our fun run at 10:40 a.m. After the run, students will enjoy a community BBQ lunch!

Wear house colours athletic gear and running shoes. Don't forget to bring your water bottle!

Donations for Cancer Research can be made directly on the T. Fox Foundation web page (UCC TERRY FOX donation link) and through House Meeting on the day of the race. Recommended donation $10 by each student.

Note: This year’s Forest Hill / UCC Terry Fox Community Run will be taking place on Sunday, Sept. 20 from 8 a.m. to noon. See the Whole School section for

There is a lot of fun planned for a great morning with family and friends, and we’d love for you to be a part of it.

For more event details, including info on how to register or donate, please visit this link

Co-Curricular Theatre

The winter play (musical)

The Tony Award-winning musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street will run from Feb. 24 to Feb. 28 and will showcase the talents of musicians and actors from both UCC and BSS. Stephen Sondheim's and Hugh Wheeler's treatment of a vengeful Victorian barber is a chilling tragedy aching with deep emotion and dark humour.

We are looking for musicians for the pit band, nine acting and singing roles and members for an ensemble.

Auditions will take place on Sept. 21 and 22 in the David Chu Theatre from 4 to 5 p.m.

How to get involved? Fill out THIS FORM. Prepare and practice a song that is included in the audition form.

If you have specific questions about the pit band, please contact Director Ms. Anna Blagona or Musical Director Mr. Tony Gomes.

Zero to One: Building Real Businesses at UCC

A new student club called Zero to One will give UCC students the tools to go from business idea to real business. Meeting weekly on Fridays from 1:30-2:15 pm, members will develop their ideas, find co-founders, test their ideas with real customers, and prepare for Start Tank in February. No experience needed.

Parents with startup or business experience who'd like to speak or mentor are warmly invited to sign up here: https://forms.gle/1GhAEJdaJqv1NeHT8.

For more information reach out to the Club Head, Alexander Zhang, or the club advisor, Ms. Yearwood.

Blues Booster Club | A-Day is almost here!

The Blues Booster Club (BBC) is gearing up for one of UCC’s biggest days of school spirit! Stop by the BBC tent on A-Day to check out our NEW Blue Army merchandise and spirit wear—perfect for showing your Blues spirit and being part of the community.

Want to get involved this season? We’re looking for team parents to help bring families together and to support our athletes throughout the year. Let us know if you are interested in becoming a team parent or learning more about the role. Please fill out this form.

Support our athletes. Celebrate our community. Be part of the Blue Army. Roll Blues!

Sign up | Volunteer with the UCC PO

The UCC Parents’ Organization (PO) is the volunteer parent organization of the UCC Upper School! Whether you are new to UCC or have been part of the community for many years, there are many ways to participate - we would be delighted to have you join us! Occasional volunteer role descriptions can be found here. If you’re interested in volunteering, complete this form, choose your area(s) of interest, and we’ll be in touch!

If you have any questions or would like more information about volunteering or about the PO generally, please feel free to contact us at pres.ucc.po@gmail.com and vp.ucc.po@gmail.com.

Last call | Order Your UCC Puffer Jackets!

Get ready for the fall season with the UCC crested puffer jacket! Featuring the UCC crest on the left chest, these jackets are made of 100% polyester for durability and water resistance — perfect for layering on chilly days.

Available in youth, women’s and men’s sizes, each jacket includes a removable snap hood and elastic cuffs for a snug, comfortable feel. The cost is $115.

We’re aiming for a mid-October delivery, so you’ll have it ready to wear when the weather turns — hopefully even a little earlier!

Order yours now! The deadline for ordering is tomorrow at 11 p.m.

Click here for more details and to order.

RSVP | Welcome Back Parent Coffee Mornings

The UCC Parents’ Organization is once again hosting year-level welcome back parent coffee mornings.

Please join us in the Foster Hewitt Foundation Lounge, located on the second floor in UCC’s William P. Wilder ’40 Arena & Sports Complex, 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.

The dates for the year-level coffee mornings are as follows:

Year 8: Thursday, Sept. 24 — RSVP here

Year 9: Friday, Sept. 18 — RSVP here

Year 10: Tuesday, Sept. 29 — RSVP here

Year 11: Thursday, Oct. 1 — RSVP here

We look forward to seeing you there!

Year 12 | Grad ring sizing

Graduating students will have two opportunities at school to be fitted for grad rings.

Parent representatives will be in the Bernick Family Foyer on Thursday, Sept. 24 and Monday, Sept. 28 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to assist with sizing.

Year 12 | Order grad wear until September 30

The Class of 2027 grad wear shop has reopened, offering customized items including hoodies, joggers, baseball caps and duffel bags. Final orders will be taken only until September 30, with delivery expected at the end of October. All orders will be shipped to home addresses. Order here.

The Used Blues Shop (TUBS)

TUBS is your go-to spot to purchase gently used uniform items and is also the location of the Upper School Lost & Found. We are located beside the Lower Dining Hall in the Upper School and our regular operating hours are as follows:

Morning: 8 – 9 a.m. (closed Wednesday mornings)
Midday: 12 – 1:15 p.m.
Afternoon: 3 – 4 p.m. (closed Friday afternoons)

Lost and Found: Help us help you! Please ensure all your student’s belongings are clearly labelled with their name. Clear labels make it incredibly fast and easy for our team to reunite lost items with their rightful owners.

Donations of uniform items and athletic shorts: We welcome uniform donations at any time. Starting this year, we are also accepting donations of non-UCC branded navy, black or grey athletic shorts in Youth L and XL and all adult sizes. You can drop off donations at the Upper School reception desk anytime or at TUBS during open hours.

If you have any questions, please email the TUBS team.

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