October 27, 2023
Wise Words and Big Ideas
Vince Dannetta shared this insightful podcast for this week’s Wise Words and Big Ideas:
The Three Big Myths of Mentoring
WorkLife with Adam Grant
Mentoring plays an important role in growth and success for both mentors and mentees. But finding the right mentor — and being an effective one — is easier said than done. Adam digs into the science of what makes a good mentor, learns what it takes to build a strong bond from an extraordinary mentor-mentee pair, and busts lasting myths that prevent us from unlocking our potential.
Staff Meeting on November 2
The focus of this meeting is on assessment and evaluation in preparation for PTIs and Reporting for teachers.
Interested Operations staff are welcome to attend but are not required to be there.
PD on November 3
Here is the draft schedule for the November 3 PD.
Staffing Announcement
We are pleased to announce that effective November 1, Freyja Phillips will be taking on a new permanent position at UTS as Anti-Racism, Equity, Inclusion & Outreach Lead Coordinator. In this new role, Freyja will be supporting our growing commitment to AEDI and outreach. Her primary responsibilities will include project management in the following areas:
Coordination and management of on-going AEDI community-wide surveys and development of reports related to data output.
Implementation of the Glaze Report recommendations and support of departmental and school-wide equity goals emerging from the Glaze recommendations through data collection and analysis and close coordination with project leads to ensure ongoing progress.
Relationship building with community organizations and various groups collaborating with UTS’ outreach initiatives.
We look forward to having Hijab Ahmed back from her leave on November 20. In her role as Equity and Innovations Projects Officer, HIjab will work closely with Freyja and will continue to support areas related to AEDI and outreach, while also providing backup support for some of the annual school events.
Pronoun Pins
We have a selection of pronoun pins for staff who would like to wear them. They are available in the Main Office (just ask D or Bolu).
If we need additional pins, we will gladly purchase more!
Overflow Bookings for PTIs
PTI bookings close for parents on November 3 and teachers will be able to print their schedules November 6.
Teachers who have more than 100 students, who have run out of bookings and are getting more than three requests to book outside of PTI times should contact academics@utschools.ca.
We will help facilitate the organization of overflow appointments on November 23 (late start).
Wellness Wednesdays
Wednesday, November 1 will mark our first Wellness Wednesday!
In this adult-in-the-building only workshop, you will have the opportunity to make a leather bracelet!
During period 3, come hang out in the Lang Innovation Lab while you learn to stamp and dye vegetable tanned leather.
During period 4, we will go for a walk in the neighbourhood! Walkers, we will depart from the top of the learning stairs at 2:25 p.m.
Come to all of it or some of it, whatever works best for you!
Be well!
❤️
Nat and Bert
CAIS National Conversation: AI
CAIS is hosting a two-part discussion for School Operations and Education Program Leaders, exploring the impact of artificial intelligence. Register today to join more than 100 of your CAIS colleagues for this important conversation!
Registration Links:
Webinar: Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Among Teens
Technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) refers to acts of harm based on one’s gender, gender identity, gender expression or perceived gender that are carried out using technology (e.g., text message, social media, GPS tracking).
Young Canadians are experiencing severe impacts and challenges related to TFGBV, yet it is not always clear what the best practices are for responding to these harms, and it is often difficult to determine what resources are readily available to support young people in various regions.
This webinar explores what we (don’t) know about TFGBV and discuss some of the emerging best practices for supporting young people in Canada. Discussion topics include: existing gaps in the research on TFGBV in Canada, and how experts in the areas of digital media, education, law and criminology are working to fill these gaps.
This free webinar happens on November 14, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Jack Chapter Mini-Doc
Jack Chapter is working on a short five-minute documentary for Movember and wanted to highlight the experiences of our student body.
Please fill out this form by October 30 if you're interested in being in the documentary.
These are some examples of the questions that we might ask you in our documentary:
What does Movember mean to you?
How can the school better promote awareness about mental health among students and staff?
In your opinion, what are some of the most common mental health challenges that students face?
What is one activity or routine you perform that contributes to positive mental health?
Silver Lining
Thanks to Negar Shayan for providing this week’s Silver Lining
If any staff have Hallowe'en costume photos of your pets, please submit for a Pet Photo Gallery next week!
