April 14, 2023
“It always seems impossible until it’s done”
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.
Staffing Announcement
We are happy to report that our hiring process is moving forward at a good pace. This past week we filled the following positions, to start September 2023.
The Science/Chemistry position, previously held by Daniel Genesee, will be filled by Bryan Balkissoon. Bryan Balkissoon, is currently working at Crescent School. Bryan was previously introduced to UTS in 2014 as a Facilitator of the Summer Program for Integrative Thinking, in collaboration with Rotman, and Problem Based Learning Summative Evaluation).
The Drama position, currently held by Janice Keene, who is moving away, will be filled by Melissa Shaddick. Melissa is currently working at Branksome Hall, and comes to UTS with extensive teaching experience in the dramatic arts, as well as practical experience in directing numerous productions.
The 40% French sections open for Nicola Townend’s 1-year leave of absence will be covered by Anna Jalocha. Anna is currently an MT candidate at OISE.
The Academic Team will continue with its current interview schedule and we hope to be able to announce more hiring decisions in the coming weeks.
Parent-Teacher Interviews
Teachers, please remember to book your schedule in Pick-a-Time for Parent-Teacher Interviews.
Teaching Assignment Preferences
If you are a member of the OSSTF BU, please complete this form to provide your DC with guidance for your teaching assignment preferences for next year.
We hope to release the timetable and assign teacher schedules in May.
Teacher PD Requests
We are now in the final quarter of the UTS fiscal year. Teachers, please submit your personal PD Activity and PD Purchases/Memberships requests at your earliest convenience.
UTS Charity Week
UTS Charity Week takes place from April 24 to 28 in support of Interval House, a charity that supports women survivors of domestic violence and their children.
Thank you for the generous donations to the silent auction! Bidding will open here on April 17. Bidding will close on April 28 at 9 p.m.
We are also collecting gently used clothing and books for our in-school thrifting event and FUNDrive. Clothes and books not sold will be donated to a local thrift store in exchange for a cash donation directly to Interval House. Please bring in your clothes and books from April 24-28.
Thanks for your support!
Charline Wan + SOCs (Akshita, Curtis, Daniel, Fiona, Maya)
DECA
Teachers, please check your email for a list of students going to ICDC (in Orlando this year).
The students will be present for periods 1 and 2 on April 20 and may (or may not) return on April 27 (we arrive at 12:40 a.m. on April 27).
Toronto Public Health Vaccine Clinic
Toronto Public Health will be returning to UTS on May 17 to complete the second doses of school vaccinations for the Foundation students.
Techers, please do not schedule any assessments for Foundation students on May 17.
How Well Do You Know Your Colleagues?
Negar once worked for Air Canada.
Martha has appeared in a commercial for the game ‘Simon’.
Kara has a brown belt in Shorinji Kempo and an Ikebana certification.
Athletics Calendar
COVID-19 Case Counter
COVID numbers are updated every Thursday and can be found here in this document.
Silver Linings
Have a silver lining you would like to submit for next week’s Staff Update? Click here to share something that brought you joy recently.
This week’s share comes from Negar Shayan.
