Over the course of the year we'll celebrate the diversity of our student and employee community and the different significant events that occur, including religious and cultural observances. Assemblies are a long-standing and beloved tradition at UCC — a time for students and colleagues to come together for learning, celebration and community-building. 

During September at the Prep and Upper School assemblies, we honoured the multitude of celebrations that occur in autumn, including Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Thanksgiving and the Mid-Autumn festival. Students reflected on new beginnings, forgiveness, gratitude and highlighted shared themes of connection and community that we will carry across our school year. 

Warmest wishes as families come together to mark these significant occasions.

At UCC, everyone belongs. Celebrating Pride Week signals that our school is a safe space that is affirming of all students and their families. Pride Week allows us to celebrate and recognize the diverse families who are a part of our school community, commit to being an ally and ensure that all community members who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ feel welcome.

We will mark Pride Week at UCC during assemblies at the Prep and Upper School. Students will also participate in various activities across both schools. On Friday, Oct. 24, all students are invited to participate in a Colours/Express Yourself Casual Dress Day.

Join us on Monday, Oct. 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 clock tower, down the Avenue to the Prep. These lights will shine brightly through the winter months until March Break, bringing warmth, joy and 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.

DGN-Kilters will be conveniently stationed on campus with their mobile sales van, located just outside the William P. Wilder ’40 Arena & Sports Complex from 12–5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 27 for Prep families, and Wednesday, Oct. 29 for Upper School families.

This will give students an opportunity to purchase winter dress uniforms and facilitate exchanges or returns. Note that winter dress starts Tuesday, Nov. 11.

Financial assistance applications for the 2026–27 academic year will once again be processed by Financial Aid for Canadian Students (FACS). This third-party service provides an independent assessment of the application and makes confidential recommendations directly to the College’s financial assistance review committee. Awards are made to eligible families on the basis of assessed need and may vary from year to year. You can complete the application online. The application fee is $137.50.

Current families must apply or reapply by the Nov. 14 deadline so the College can ensure that all returning student applications are assessed and decisions made prior to a re-registration decision is required early in 2026.

The College’s finance office has included current data in an at-a-glance table to help day families determine whether or not they may qualify for financial assistance. This table, along with the “Frequently Asked Questions” section around the application process, are available on the Financial Assistance page of the UCC website. There’s some very helpful guidance material on the FACS site as well.

Sincerely,
Colleen Papulkas
Manager, Finance Office