June 10, 2022
Words of Wisdom
“In early June the world of leaf and blade and flowers explode, and every sunset is different.”
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 Update
UTS reported 1 confirmed COVID-19 case among in-person staff and students during the week of June 6-10.
These numbers are updated every Thursday and can be found in the document below.
Hello/Farewell/Congratulations
This is the time of year when we welcome new teachers who will be joining our community as of the upcoming academic year, and congratulate teachers on new appointments that will start in September. It is also the time that we say farewell to teachers who are retiring or leaving UTS for other opportunities.
Please join us in welcoming
Mita Bhattacharyya, who will be taking the lead role as Head Coach in our Speech & Debate Program. Mita will also have a 60% FTE teaching load in CWS/Careers/Civics. Mita comes to UTS from Crescent School where she worked for the past eight years and served as their Debate Coach, as well as DECA Coach. Mita’s international educational background and work experience include a Master of Philosophy in Politics and Economics from University of Cambridge, and an MBA from INSEAD in France, as well as a BA (Hons) in Political Science from McGill University and a BEd from OISE. Prior to entering the education sector, Mita held significant positions as an analyst and senior strategist in the financial and telecommunications sectors.
Cassandra Postma, who will be joining the Math Department, following Andrew Wilson’s retirement at the end of June. Cassandra comes to UTS from Crestwood Preparatory College, where she is currently the Technology and Business Department Head and Computer Science and Mathematics Teacher. Cassandra holds a MS in Data Science and Analytics from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), a Bachelor of Mathematics from Waterloo University and a BEd from Queens University.
Andrea Stoeckl, who will join UTS in September as the Director of University Counselling, taking on the university counselling duties held by Rob Kennedy, who will be retiring at the end of June. This is a new role at UTS with a distinct focus on university counselling, but one that Andrea is experienced in, having served in similar roles at Branksome Hall and Trafalgar Castle. Most recently, Andrea worked at Bishop Strachan where she was Senior Guidance Counsellor and Social Sciences and Humanities Teacher. Andrea is a Guidance and Careers Education Specialist, and holds a Phd in Biological Anthropology from University of Cambridge, a Master of Science in Physical Anthropology from U of T, and a BEd from OISE.
Congratulating and welcoming back
Jameel Baker, who is continuing as a B.U. member of the Student Services team with a role that includes 40% student success and 40% guidance. Jameel will also be teaching one section of English.
Dan Chen, who is now a permanent B.U. member of the Languages Department. Dan started teaching Mandarin at UTS through our co-curricular program. We are thrilled to have Mandarin integrated into our formal curriculum.
Charlotte Speilman, who will be returning on a permanent basis as a B.U. member, teaching English and CWS.
Stephanie Stavro-Pearce and Joelle Therriault, who in collaboration with Marleen Constantin form our ‘Social Work Dream Team’. Starting September, 2022, Steph will be on premises at 60% FTE and Joelle will be in at 40% FTE. They will be located in room 237, and Marlene will be stationed in room 340.
We are also pleased to welcome back
Jeff McLeod who will return to teach one music class and provide support as an Associate Teacher (AT) at 40%.
Emily Di Nunzoio who will return to the Science department next year, at 100% FTE, supporting lab activities and teaching one class.
Omar Nezami and Chris Walasek, who will be taking on LTO teaching positions next year.
Finally, we say farewell to
Natasha Park will be leaving UTS for a new role after teaching this past year in the Math/Computer Science department.
Matteo Ferrero-Wong who has worked the past two years at UTS as an LTO in the Music department.
Andrew Gekas who taught as an LTO in Science.
Adria Lee who joined us in April as an LTO and covered courses in Geography and CWS.
Robert Kennedy, who will retire this year after eight very successful years at UTS as Department Coordinator of Student Services.
Andrew Wilson, who will retire this year, after 27 years at UTS. A true Renaissance mind, Andrew has sparked the curiosity of many students during his many years of teaching both math and philosophy.
WE HOPE THAT YOU WILL JOIN US ON JUNE 23RD AT 4PM WHEN WE CELEBRATE ANDREW AND ROB!
Upcoming Events
June 14:
Extended lunch for Fajita Fiesta (11:40 a.m.-12:35 p.m.)
June 16:
Student attendance in Block A classes (9:00 a.m.)
Final assembly (all teachers present - 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.)
Twig distribution and students clear building (11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.)
Ministry Directives and Moderated Grading (all teachers multipurpose room - 12:30 - 1 p.m.)
Moderated grading (location organized by DC 1:00 - 3:15 p.m.)
F2 Grad in Withrow Auditorium (optional attendance - 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.)
June 17:
Moderated grading (location organized by DC - 9:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.)
Award meetings (location organized by DC 1:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. )
Parent Update
New in this update you will find dates and information on the last week of the school year, graduation ceremony details for both S6 and F2 students, a reminder for parents of F1 students attending Crawford Lake on June 13 to wrap up their Year-Long Learning Themes programming, information for students looking to submit a course change request for classes next year, a note to parents about the new UTS Disconnect From Work Policy related to staff and after-hours communication.
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’s share is all about summer!
Consider spending some time exploring the best bike trails in the city.
