The Principal’s Innovation Fund, launched in Sept. 2018, provides grants to faculty and staff to undertake innovative areas of research and development with the goal to advance learning, teaching and operational effectiveness.

Five projects, from submitted and peer-reviewed proposals, were selected for funding in this academic year. They include work around mindfulness programs, virtual reality and a student-directed, blended math program.

Final reports will be shared online by project teams in June. Thanks to Jim LaPlante, Executive Director of Information and Innovation, for his work overseeing the assessment process and to the faculty and staff involved in the development and launch of this program.

Aligning with the College’s Strategic Directions and vision, mission and values, five new leadership roles have been appointed and will take effect on July 1 to replace the current divisional structure:

• Dean of Student Life and Wellbeing Scott Cowie will oversee our whole-school approach to co-curricular programs including Athletics, CAS, Horizons and Norval.
• Assistant Head, Student Affairs Fiona Marshall will oversee all aspects of student leadership at the Upper School such as the House system and Advising program, as well as behaviour expectations.
• Assistant Head, Operations Deirdre Timusk will oversee the Upper School’s daily activities including assemblies, special events and programming, and guests speakers, as well as take on new strategic projects.
• Assistant Head, Middle Division Gareth Evans will oversee and support all activity for students and faculty at the Prep School for Years 6 and 7.
• Assistant Head, Primary Division David Girard will oversee and support all activity for students and faculty at the Prep School for SK to Year 5.

Effective July 1, Tanya Sweeney will join UCC as Head of the Prep School, and former Middle Division Head Naheed Bardai will take on the role of Head of the Upper School. Learn more about these exciting developments.

Following a rigorous selection process, Fielding Nair International (FNI) has been chosen as our facilities planning partner. Our new master plan will consider UCC’s buildings, landscape, flow of people and traffic, and general infrastructure, creating a framework to guide our future enhancements and help us address our needs and challenges. FNI is an award-winning leader in education planning and architectural design, with extensive experience with Canadian and international independent schools. FNI visited the College in January to observe the school in action and engage with faculty and staff, and they were back in March for a community information session you can view here: