NEWS AND UPDATES

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Principal’s Innovation Fund green lights innovative proposals

Posted November 29th

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.

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Dr. Geoff Sorge has been appointed UCC’s full-time psychologist, effective Oct. 22

Posted October 26th

Dr. Sorge works alongside the Preparatory and Upper School Health Centre teams to support the social and emotional needs of our students and facilitates professional learning opportunities for the UCC community.

He holds master’s and doctoral degrees from the Clinical Developmental Program in the Department of Psychology at York University. Dr. Sorge has extensive experience working with children and adolescents in outpatient clinics and private practice. Most recently he was Mental Health Lead with the York District Catholic School Board.

Innovative Design Lab Opens in Upper School

Posted October 18th

The Atkins Family Design Lab opened on September 27 on the third floor of the Upper School Student Centre. This new learning space supports the College’s new Design Thinking and Digital Innovation Program and will be used by boys in Years 8 and 9.

The space is also open to faculty and students after school so boys in the robotics or sustainability clubs, or anyone interested, can build robots, collaborate on design ideas and use workshop tools, 3D printers, soldering tools, laser cutters and more. In addition, UCC’s Horizons program will also use the space for a a coding and design program.

The support of our community is essential in making such spaces possible . The Design Lab was generously supported by lead donors Lucas ’98 and Hayley Atkins along with generous donors Shaoyun Han and Ying Sun, the Tamblyn Family, Chi-Ming Chow and Ellen Ho, Yu Tian and Jing Ning, the Ali Family, Robert Falus and Yulia Rosenberg-Falus, Davis Wang and Rebecca Sun, and the College’s Parents’ Organization.

Read more news about the Design Lab here.

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Leaving Class Valedictorian Vladimir Chindea Inspires with Speech

Posted May 29th

Vladimir Chindea’s valedictory address at May 22’s leaving class ceremony was eloquent and relevant, and its inclusive message was incredibly well-received by students, faculty and community members alike. In his remarks, Chindea called upon his fellow students to challenge inequality, enter the next stage of their lives bravely and with purpose, and to cherish the bonds they’ve forged throughout their time at UCC. Speaking specifically about the importance of pluralism — a key value reflected in our Strategic Directions — Chindea said, “It is remarkable to realize how much we all grow and how far we all go when listening to people’s different voices. Let’s not be afraid to…build these beautiful bonds with individuals who are outside our community, especially when tackling the greatest challenges of our time.”

Bold Future

Five appointments announced to support UCC’s renewed organizational structure

Posted May 17th

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.

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UCC faculty and staff tour innovative Asian schools

Posted April 18th

In March, seven faculty and staff members travelled to seven leading-edge Asian schools that are raising the bar in the areas of Design and Design Thinking. Using these world-class examples as a springboard for inspiration and insight, the College is forming Design working groups as we continue to develop our Signature Design Program. The working groups will explore the five pillars anchoring the program: Partnerships; Purpose-Built Space; Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship; Incubator; and Technology. Learn more.

Bold Future

New heads of Prep and Upper Schools announced

Posted April 17th

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.

Bold Future

Renowned firm retained to renew master plan for Deer Park and Norval campuses

Posted April 16th

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: