September 12, 2024
Curriculum Night and Strategic Plan Launch
Tuesday, September 17, 4:45 to 8:30 p.m.
Curriculum Night takes place next week on Tuesday, September 17 beginning at 4:45 p.m. with the UTSPA Coffee Reception for Parents/Guardians. At 5:30 p.m. in the Withrow Auditorium, join us for the launch of our new Strategic Plan.
Curriculum Night, where you have the opportunity to meet UTS teachers firsthand for an overview of what your child will be doing in class this year, will start at 6 p.m. and finish at 8:30 p.m. You should have received your personalized Curriculum Night schedule by email and you can also find it on myUTS.
Your children are welcome to stay in the Rosemary Evans Library and/or the Learning Stairs. However, they cannot accompany parents/guardians to the class sessions for the teacher presentations.
Parent-Teacher Interview Dates
UTS is offering Parent-Teacher Interview dates on November 1, 7 and 8. PickAtime will open for parents/guardians on Thursday, October 17 to book appointments.
If you require translation services, it needs to be arranged ahead of time. Please fill out the Translation Service Request Form.
Open Gym Time at Lunch
This is just a reminder that open gym time at lunch starts on Monday, September 16.
The schedule is as follows:
Mondays - F1/F2/M3
Tuesdays - M4/S5/S6
Wednesdays - Female/Non-binary
Thursdays - Open for all
Fridays - F1/F2/M3
Thank you and hope to see you there!
Ridley Fitness Centre
Students are now invited to use the Ridley Fitness Centre for fitness training at the following supervised dates and times:
Mondays: 7:30 a.m. before school
Wednesdays: Lunch
Thursdays: Lunch
Fridays: Lunch
*Please note this schedule is subject to change.
Social Work at UTS
This week students received information about social work support offered at UTS.
Social workers are available at UTS to help with many different things. We are here to talk about mental health, family, friends, relationships, stress management, big life events or anything else that would be helpful. Students most frequently refer themselves by emailing us or dropping by our offices. Guidance counsellors, our school nurse, teachers and/or parents may also refer students to us.
How to connect to UTS Social Workers
General email: social.work.staff@utschools.ca
Marleen Constantin: at UTS everyday
Email: marleen.constantin@utschools.ca
Marleen's Appointment Calendar
Steph Stavro-Pearce: at UTS Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Email: stephanie.stavro.pearce@utschools.ca
Joelle Therriault: at UTS Mondays and Thursdays
Email: joelle.therriault@utschools.ca
Joelle's Appointment Calendar
We remind students and families, that like physical health, we all have our mental health to care for and consider.
Rosemary Evans Library
We're excited to welcome students to the Rosemary Evans Library for the 2024-25 school year and support their academic success and well-being with the following hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Our Library is a cell-phone-free and food-free community space for learning, inquiry, discovery, leisure reading, connection and belonging!
When logged into their UTS Google account, students can access the UTS Library website here.
The UTS Library shares a catalogue with the University of Toronto Libraries. To search for materials in the UTS Library, head to https://onesearch.library.utoronto.ca/ and filter with 'U. of Toronto Schools Library.'
- Ms. Rebecca Courtney, Director of Library Services, and Ms. Monica Jucha, Library Technician
Coffee Mornings at UTS for Parents and Guardians
You are invited to join Dr. Leanne Foster, UTS Principal - and other UTS representatives - for coffee mornings at the school from 8 to 9 a.m.
Click on the links below for the event specific to your grade. We look forward to welcoming you!
M3/M4 Coffee Morning - October 8
UTSPA Parent Volunteer Group
The UTS Parents’ Association invites you to join our Parent Volunteer Group (PVG). We need your help to support our school and students in various exciting events that are scheduled to take place throughout the year.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the UTSPA PVG this year and have not already signed up, please complete this form and express your areas of interest. UTSPA looks forward to working with you!
United Bilingual Correspondents - Virtual Exchange Program
Young people aged 12 to 18 can find a pen pal from another part of Canada through the organization French for the Future.
This free program enables them to communicate regularly in French in a friendly environment, and to discover a new aspect of Canadian Francophone and Francophile culture.
UTS Family BBQ
Friday, September 20, 4:30 to 7 p.m.
You are invited to join us for the UTS Family BBQ on Friday, September 20, 4:30 to 7 p.m. to celebrate the new school year as a community. You and your family are welcome to purchase tickets to this inaugural event, which will include delicious food, delightful music, prizes and an opportunity for parents/guardians and students to meet each other.
Student Hot Lunch Orders
UTS is excited to offer hot lunches! See menu options and order forms below.
Flamme Fresh September 2024 Menu, September 2024 Vegetarian Menu, Ingredient List
Mindful Munch September 2024 Menu, Ingredient List
The Question of Class: Keeping Schools Inclusive and Accessible
Thursday, October 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Save the date for a UTS community presentation by Dr. Paul Gorski, a leading expert in educational equity and how to address classism in schools.
A welcome message from Head of Middle School Royan Lee
Dear Middle School Families,
My name is Royan Lee, and I am honoured to introduce myself as the new Head of Middle School at UTS. I am excited to embark on this journey with your children as they navigate one of the most pivotal stages of life: middle school.
I was drawn to UTS by its principled leadership and exceptional educational mission. As a child of immigrant parents who believed in the transformative power of education, I understand the profound impact a great school can have on a student's life. My goal is to ensure that your children experience the full benefit of this incredible school.
Before joining UTS, I spent decades as an educator and leader in New Zealand, the Toronto and York Region District School boards and the Ministry of Education. My passion has always been focused on adolescent learning, and I am committed to helping your children unlock their full potential during these crucial years.
A book that recently inspired me is Bold Move by Dr. Luana Marques, which explores how anxiety, rather than something to be feared, can be a powerful tool for overcoming life’s challenges. This perspective aligns with my approach to supporting students as they grow academically and personally.
Outside of work, I enjoy a variety of activities, including playing and listening to music, hiking, and staying active with skateboarding, snowboarding and climbing. I’m also passionate about exploring global cuisines and enjoying a great cup of espresso.
Watching your children form connections and build our middle school community is very joyful for me. Their energy and enthusiasm are infectious, and I am thrilled to help facilitate their progress.
I look forward to getting to know you and discussing your hopes for your child’s journey at UTS.
Sincerely,
Mr. Royan Lee
A welcome message from Head of Senior School Coretta Sampson
Dear Senior School Families,
My name is Coretta Sampson, and I am thrilled to join UTS as the new Head of Senior School. I embrace this role with passion and a deep commitment to preparing our brilliant young people for their futures. My goal is to ensure that every student feels they belong, are valued and can achieve their aspirations.
The UTS website states, "our greatest strength is a true culture of inclusion, where everyone belongs." This powerful principle aligns perfectly with my own educational philosophy, and I am excited to be part of a community that prioritizes both academic excellence and a strong sense of belonging.
My educational career spans two school boards, starting as a secondary teacher in the Toronto District School Board and progressing to Vice Principal and Principal in the York Region District School Board, followed by a three-year secondment at the Ministry of Education.
Recently, I read Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek, which reinforced the importance of the efforts underway at UTS to create a school where everyone feels a sense of belonging and safety, and reminded me to continually work to build trust and community for all.
Outside of school, I enjoy balancing the mental, emotional and physical aspects of life through activities like meditation, exercise and connecting with others. I’m passionate about music, with a love for genres ranging from soul and hip hop to jazz and reggae. Dancing and enjoying time with family and friends brings me joy.
What also brings me great joy is engaging with your children and seeing the world through their eyes. Their energy and curiosity are constant reminders of the meaningful work we do here at UTS.
Thank you for entrusting me with their education. I take this responsibility very seriously and look forward to connecting with you in the months and years ahead.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Coretta Sampson
Host families for our Danish exchange students
September 29 to October 4
We are looking for UTS families to host one or two Danish exchange students for five nights, from September 29 to October 4. They are from our partner school, Rysensteen Gymnasium in Copenhagen, Denmark, and giving these students a great Canadian experience is part of our commitment to this cultural exchange.
Your family can help provide a fun Toronto-based cultural experience for our school’s guests. The Danes are mature, independent, senior students age 17 to 19 years. It is a wonderful opportunity to forge international connections and learn about Danish culture.
Please complete this form by Monday, September 16, if you are interested in hosting a student(s).
Check out our Global Citizenship video for more details.
Please reach out to Richard Cook at racook@utschools.ca or Jennifer Pitt-Lainsbury jpittlainsbury@utschools.ca if you have any questions.
