December 7, 2023
Wise Words and Big Ideas
The Wisdom of Crowds
In this fascinating book, New Yorker business columnist James Surowiecki explores a deceptively simple idea: Large groups of people are smarter than an elite few, no matter how brilliant -- better at solving problems, fostering innovation, coming to wise decisions, even predicting the future.
With boundless erudition and in delightfully clear prose, Surowiecki ranges across fields as diverse as popular culture, psychology, ant biology, behavioral economics, artificial intelligence, military history and politics to show how this simple idea offers important lessons for how we live our lives, select our leaders, run our companies, and think about our world.
The Forgetting Curve
The Ebbinghaus forgetting curve is a graphical representation of the forgetting process. The curve demonstrates the declining rate at which information is lost if no particular effort is made to remember it. The forgetting curve was defined in 1885 by German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus (1850-1909) in his book Memory.
https://practicalpie.com/ebbinghaus-forgetting-curve/
Coffee Klatch on December 12
On December 12, we will have our fourth Coffee Klatch for all Staff starting at 8:30 a.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room. Please join your colleagues for a chat, coffee, tea, cinnamon coffee cake and fresh fruit.
Student Late Start December 12 and Teacher PGDM
During the Student Late Start on December 12, no students should be in the building and teachers will have time to work on their Professional Growth and Development Project.
Operations Staff do not have any specific PD during this student late start unless notified by their Department Head.
Wellness Wednesday Next Week
It’s been a while since we’ve had a Wellness Wednesday!
That means that we have all been busy!
If you missed the Staff Holiday Card Making Party on November 30 (staff social), then this is your chance to come see what you missed. If you were there, feel free to come back to continue making your holiday cards and gift tags!
It’s all happening in the Innovation Lab, next Wednesday during Period 4. Drop by, make a card, have fun!
Be well!
❤️
Grades for S6 Students and Postsecondary Applications
Counsellors will be reaching out to the teachers of students (a limited number) applying to the U.K. within the coming week to request a % grade for their application.
For all S6 students, % grades will be due by January 24, 2024.
These grades will be shared with Canadian and American schools.
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.
Fulford Debate Judges
UTS is hosting the Fulford Debate on January 13, 2024.
As part of this experience, UTS is looking for 54 volunteers to help judge the debates and provide feedback to the participants. A delicious hot lunch is provided!
Stepping Forward Tool
The Stepping Forward tool has been designed to empower students to confidentially share instances of discrimination and harm for intervention and support. To ensure students are informed, teachers are encouraged to post/pin the support tool on their Google Classroom as another site for access.
Class of 2023 Reunion
Join the Class of 2023 on Thursday, December 21 during their reunion lunch in the Jackman Theatre from 12 to 1 p.m.
If you wish to join in the lunch offerings, please RSVP by Monday, December 11.
RSVP here.
Giving Tuesday
Thank you for your donations to UTS on Giving Tuesday.
With support for the UTS Bursary and Area of Greatest Need, your gifts directly help UTS students.
Not all families whose children are admitted into UTS can afford tuition, and we are so grateful to the many community members - including staff - who donated to scale up access for a UTS education. Thank you for your support!
If you have yet to make your 2023 donation and wish to receive a receipt for the current tax year, you can donate online or call David Haisell in Advancement at 416-978-3919.
Also, if you would like to make your one-time or monthly donations through payroll deduction, you can use this form.
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.
