September 27, 2024
Coming Up
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Assembly Schedule
Dr. Niigaan Sinclair will be speaking at the UTS National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Assembly.
To accommodate Dr. Sinclair’s busy schedule that day, we will follow a modified assembly day schedule on Monday, September 30 with 60 minute classes. Your Google Calendars should reflect the following schedule with blocks A,B,C in the morning before lunch and then immediately after lunch a long period 4 block D starting at 12:45 p.m.
The assembly will take place during the time allotted to period 4.
Period 4 Teachers should take attendance at 12:45 p.m. and at 12:50 p.m. There will be announcements with a staggered entry to the Withrow Auditorium. Teachers should walk with their classes to the assembly and sit with their classes. The assembly will take place from 12:55 - 1:45 p.m., and students will return to Period 4 after the assembly for the 1:50 - 2:40 p.m. Block D class. This class is followed by period 5, block E from 2:45 - 3:45 p.m.
All students and staff are asked to complete the Reconciliation Reflection Form (which will be sent to everyone's email inbox) from 1:50 - 2 p.m. at the start of period 4.
Attendance Form for Co-Curricular/Non-Timetabled Meetings
Please remember to take attendance using this form for all co-curricular meetings, extra help sessions, or similar gatherings where a teacher(s) is supervising students.
Middle School Homework
We have received feedback from some parents that the current volume of homework and tight timelines for completion, particularly on back-to-back course days, are affecting students’ schedules and well-being.
Students are struggling to balance homework with extracurricular activities, such as sports and clubs, which is leading to increased stress.
Please be mindful of this as you assign homework and assessments, and consider how we can best support our students’ overall balance and success.
F1 Schools Vaccination Clinic
Toronto Public Health will be coming on Thursday, October 17 to vaccinate the F1 students for their mandatory school vaccinations.
Please do not schedule any assessments/trips for F1 students that day.
Adi will be coming to the F1 classes to take the students for their vaccinations throughout the day.
There will be a handful of F2 students also impacted - Adi will reach out to their particular F2 teachers to arrange a time.
OSSTF Seniority List
BU teachers can check the Staff Portal under the OSSTF section to see the updated OSSTF seniority list as of September 2024.
OISE Teacher Candidates (UTS Cohort)
Year 1 UTS Option teacher candidates will be on site on Thursdays.
They will be wearing lanyards to identify themselves (also see - photo deck).
Please let us know if it’s not a good day for a class visit using our observation sign up form.
Do feel free to get them involved and help with anything you might need extra hands for! Future dates: Oct. 3, 10, 24, 31 | Jan. 9, 16, 21, 30 | Feb. 6.
UTS Pathways of Support Resource
Today you will have received a printed UTS Pathways of Support poster in your staff mailbox.
We encourage you to place it in a visible location in your classroom, and introduce it to your students.
The resource highlights that supports are available to navigate learning, life and mental health at UTS.
We appreciate your collaboration in bringing awareness to students about the importance of reaching out when needed.
A reminder that the best point of contact for all social work needs is contacting the general team email: social.work.staff@utschools.ca With our varying schedules, practicing use of our full team email allows us to respond as efficiently as possible.
Copenhagen Students
From September 30 - October 4, please help welcome students from the Rysensteen Gymnasium, our global citizenship school partner school in Copenhagen!
We have the pleasure of hosting 21 grade 12 students and two teachers from September 30 - October 4.
Our Danish guests will be participating in a number of activities at UTS during their stay, including the NDTR assembly, drama workshops, an excursion with the Senior Drama Class to a performance of 1939 at the Canadian Stage, and visits to CWS classrooms.
Several UTS families are hosting Danish students for the homestay portion of the exchange.
Staff Yoga
Staff yoga has returned to the Jackman Theatre. Please join us every Thursday at lunch time from 12:30 to 1:10 p.m. for restorative yoga with Fiona.
Mats are available but feel free to bring your own.
See you there!
The Question of Class: Keeping Schools Inclusive and Accessible
A presentation by Dr. Gorski
October 10, 2024
Are you passionate about creating truly equitable schools?
Join us for an inspiring event on October 10, 2024, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., featuring Dr. Paul Gorski, a renowned expert on equity in education.
Topic: The Question of Class: Keeping Schools Inclusive and Accessible
This is a unique opportunity to gain insights on how to eliminate classism and create more inclusive learning environments. Don’t miss out!
Reserve your spot for this FREE event at utschools.ca/paul_gorski
