February 25, 2022
Words of Wisdom
“The best way to lift one’s self is to help someone else.”
Have a quote you would like to submit for next week’s Staff Update? Click here to share the words of wisdom that inspired you most recently.
COVID-19 Case Count
UTS reported 2 confirmed COVID-19 cases among in-person staff and students during the week of February 21-25.
These numbers are updated every Thursday, and can be found in the document below.
Weekly Schedule
Please find the activities schedule for the week of February 28-March 4, 2022 below, including the on-call list for teachers.
Students Learning Online and In-Person
This spreadsheet will be updated throughout the spiral for teachers to reference and determine which students will be learning in person and online.
If a student is forced to isolate or remain home due to COVID-19 in the household, the list will also be updated.
Please reach out to Nancy if you have any questions or concerns about students learning online and/or who appear to be switching between the two.
Progress Reports
A reminder to teachers that progress reports are due at 9 a.m. on March 3.
Social Media Spotlight:
Check out this recent post from the UTS_Athletics Instagram page: This week the basketball wall mounts were getting installed in the new McIntyre Gym!
Providing Support & Responding to Traumatic Events
A message from UTS Social Work:
During an already tiring time, it is sometimes hard to know how to emotionally take in something else. The events that are occurring in Ukraine are saddening and difficult for many. These events can impact individuals on various levels, and cause many feelings. At times, it can be difficult to process, and hard to know how to address such situations in the midst of an already fatiguing and emotionally worn season.
It is challenging, and at times unrealistic, to know exactly what to say, to have the mental and emotional capacity, or to have the right presentation to give. Focusing on providing simple and genuine gestures of support will be helpful. Simple comments affirming that the events are saddening, triggering for many, and acknowledging how the violence impacts us all in various ways. Please remind your students that you are here if they need help or to talk to someone.
Please connect directly if you would like more guidance on how to support students from Steph or Joelle, and please reach out to Lily if you find yourself needing some personal support. Please let students know that they can take space in the Roborium when/if needed, and that there are staff available to speak with them. Additionally, if you observe a student that may need help, please let us know.
This Providing Support & Responding to Traumatic Events document has been shared in the past for those looking for guidance/tips on how to respond to others.
National Eating Disorder Awareness Week
Each year in February, National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) shines a spotlight on the role we all play in the prevention and intervention of eating disorders.
The aims of EDAW include building awareness of the impact of eating disorders, busting the stereotypes and myths, and pointing people to available support.
Caregivers resources offer tips for parents & guardians, conversation starters and further resources.
If you have questions, please reach out for a confidential consultation to our school social workers, Steph and Joelle.
Share an Article or Podcast
Have you read a great new article that inspired you, or found a podcast you can’t get enough of? Share your inspiration here and we may feature it on the next Staff Update.
This week’s submission comes from Vince Dannetta:
“Probably one of the best podcasts I have listened to in the past 2 years is Rich Roll. His back story is as impressive as the podcast itself (this is easily found on Youtube where he incidentally simultaneously drops his Vlog if you like viewing while you listen to the information being generated. There is a wide variety of subjects, the most recent one is on technology and the affect that it is having on students and adults alike. This latest one: “Why you can’t pay attention and how to reclaim your focus”. Here is an interest catching quote from the podcast: “Your attention didn’t collapse, it was stolen”. Warning, they are long, but that is the very reason I love this one and some of the others I listen too, they do a deep dive and go into the science and research that supports their contentions.”
Parent Update
Click below to check out this week’s Parent Update. New in this update, you will find information on the upcoming school schedule until March Break along with reminders for important move-related dates, results from the 2022-23 timetable survey, as well as a notice for parents about AP exams sign-up and withdrawal deadline.
Silver Lining
Every week, we will close the Staff Update with a little silver lining that highlights the lighter side of life. So far the theme has been pet photos, but any cheerful content is welcome!
Submit Silver Linings here or in the Staff Updates Google Doc.
This week, find out how UTS Staff Writer Kim Fehr caught canoe fever, in this new story on the Toronto Star website.
Click on the image below for the full story!
