September 30, 2022
Words of Wisdom
“Reconciliation includes anyone with an open mind and an open heart who is willing to look into the future with a new way.”
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.
Offer of Class Speaker, Rwanda Genocide Survivor
Dimitrie Sissie, Rwanda Genocide survivor, and author of the book “Do Not Accept to Die” will be in Toronto on October 26 and 27 and would be pleased to visit UTS to speak to students about her first-hand experience and knowledge of Rwanda and its history.
This offer has come through Martha Drake from UTS parent of an alumna, David Earthy, who, during a trip to Rwanda in May 2022, was introduced to and has since become close friends with Dimitrie Sissi.
Dimitrie has two daughters who reside in Canada, one in Toronto and one in Halifax. Because of her daughters, Dimitrie will be visiting Canada in late October, Toronto specifically on October 26 and 27th.
David has asked if UTS would welcome Dimitrie to share her first hand experience and knowledge of Rwanda and its history with a group of relevant students. If interested, please contact David Earthy at david.earthy@gmail.com.
Social Workers
Social workers are here at UTS to help with many different things. We are here to talk about mental health, family, friends, relationships, stress management, big life events, or anything else that would be helpful. The information below was shared last week with students & parents about how to connect with our social workers.
General email: social.work.staff@utschools.ca
Steph: Steph is here Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays - stephanie.stavro.pearce@utschools.ca - Steph's Appointment Calendar
Joelle: Joelle is here Mondays and Thursdays - joelle.therriault@utschools.ca - Joelle's Appointment Calendar
Marleen: Marleen is here Monday to Friday - marleen.constantin@utschools.ca - Marleen's Appointment Calendar
Extra Twigs
Would you like a copy of last year's Twig?
There are some available for staff in Room 256.
Astroindigenous
Astrodigenous is a new portal and resource guide for educators teaching Indigenous astronomy.
For more information, visit DiscoverTheUniverse.ca.
CAIS Fall Leadership Institute (LI)
Registration is now open for the CAIS Fall Leadership Institute (LI)! We are excited to offer three Diploma Program modules to be presented online via Zoom:
Governance - Facilitator: Susan Wright, President, Wright Management Consulting
Leading in Environmental Sustainability - Facilitator: Michèle Andrews, Co-Founder & Executive Director of DoorNumberOne.org, & Director of the Climate Action Accelerator Program
Mental Health First Aid: Supporting Youth - Facilitator: Christina Yurchuk, Learning Facilitator in the Coaching and Counselling Office at The Michener Institute of Education at University Health Network
Full module descriptions and facilitator bios can be found here.
Parent Updates
New in this update you will find information on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events, Community Service at UTS, the UTS partnership with the SickKids CALIPER Project and more.
COVID-19 Case Counter
UTS reported 4 confirmed COVID-19 cases among in-person staff and students during the week of September 26-30.
These numbers are updated every Thursday and can be found here in this document.
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! This week’s share comes from Negar Shayan.
Thanks to Negar for this week’s Silver Lining. Submit Silver Linings here or in the Staff Updates Google Doc.
