December 1, 2023

Wise Words and Big Ideas

Vince Dannetta shared this insightful podcast for this week’s Wise Words and Big Ideas:

Hidden Brain 2.0: The Power of Apologies

Why is it so hard to say 'I'm sorry?' In the final episode of our Healing 2.0 series, we talk with psychologist Tyler Okimoto about the mental barriers that keep us from admitting when we've done something wrong, as well as the transformative power of apologies.

Staff Holiday Party: December 14

U of T Holiday Closure

Please note the University will be closed for the holiday break effective December 21.

The Spadina, Bloor and parking lot doors will be locked and you will need your fob to enter on December 21 and 22.

Please be sure your fob works on those doors if you will be using them for access.

Relationship Mapping Working Group

As part of the second phase of the relationship-mapping pilot for 2023-24, a working group of staff is meeting to take next steps towards addressing identified gaps in student connections.

In the coming weeks, the group is mapping out the network of potential connections for students who were identified as having no connections to adults in the building. You may be emailed by a member of the working group identifying a student on your class list with connection gaps.

Please reach out if you have questions or if you would like to join the working group.

Joelle, Marleen and Rachel

social.work.staff@utschools.ca

Reporting Day for Teachers

Reporting Day for teacher is on December 5. Teachers can work on reports from home or from school.

Only students who are pre-approved and working directly with the student support team should be in the building.

Reports are due on December 6 at 9 a.m. Here are the instructions for completing reports.

Verification of Report for Teachers and Late Start on Dec 7

DCs will be organizing the verification of reports with their departments.

All teachers must have a colleague read their reports.

Teachers should submit their verification form on December 7 by 10:30 a.m. Operations Staff do not have any specific PA work during this student late start unless notified by their Department Head.

The Fall Root is Here

If you would like a hard copy of fall issue of The Root magazine, stop into Advancement, Room 250, or pick up a copy from the third floor Staff Room.

Check out the stories on the 50th anniversary of coeducation, the 50th anniversary of SOMA and more!

Silver Lining

Thanks to Negar Shayan for providing this week’s Silver Living. If you would like to share a Silver Lining for a future Staff Update, please submit your content here.