Festive Week
This upcoming week is full of fun events that all University School students and staff can participate in. This includes winter sing alongs in the gym, the Winter Solstice Lunch, Staff vs Grade 6 Basketball Game, and dress up days for each day of the week organized by the Grade 1/2 leadership students. Make sure to look at the “This Week” section to find out when everything is happening.
UES Gift Card Drive - Supporting UES Families
Thank you to everyone who has already donated to the UES Gift Card Drive supporting UES families.
Monday, December 16 will be the last day to bring in your donations as we will be organizing and distributing gift card later in the week. Some gift card ideas are: Walmart, Safeway, Save on Foods, Canadian Tire, Tim Hortons, Subway, zoo or movie tickets, bus passes, Visa or Mastercard.
In turn, if your family would benefit from support, please reach out to your child’s teacher or reply to this email.
Winter Solstice Lunch
On Wednesday, December 18 University School will be holding its annual Solstice Lunch, keeping the tradition alive.
Who: All students and staff at University School
What: Eating lunch at school (snack for students in kindergarten)
When: Wednesday, December 18 at lunchtime
Where: In our classrooms
Why: To share and build school community spirit, as well as take time to celebrate the richness of the cultural diversity of University School.
How: Students and staff bring their own lunches to eat in class.
Reminder: Students will be eating their OWN lunch, they will NOT be sharing with others.
More than two decades ago, our University School Solstice Lunch tradition began as families joined together to share foods that were family favourites connected to their cultural heritage.
We would like to encourage students to share in conversations with their families about special dishes/foods that are connected to their family’s cultural heritage and/or this seasonal Winter Solstice Time. In keeping with the traditional Solstice Lunch theme, lunches could also be an item of food that is a family favourite, is unique to a family’s cultural heritage, or loved at this time of year.
School Council & Parent Association Meeting
We would love to see all University School families represented at the upcoming School Council and Parent Association meeting. The meeting is on Wednesday, December 18 @ 6:30pm. The meetings will again be held virtually as it allows for more of you to join and participate.
The meetings are a great opportunity to find out more about University School, ask questions, and be a part of something bigger. You can be an active participant in the meeting or just listen to what is being said, all from the comfort of your own home! It is with the support of University School Families and the community that we can provide such wonderful learning opportunities for all students.
Click here to attend the meeting (Microsoft Teams) on Wednesday, December 18 at 6:30pm
Click here for the meeting agenda and minutes from the previous meetings.
Fun Snack - Kernels Popcorn
The first fun snack of the 2025 school year is Kernels Popcorn and it will be on Thursday, January 9. Orders must be placed at least 5 days before the delivery date so for this fun snack that is Saturday, January 4.
With this fun snack, there is the opportunity for families to donate/buy snacks for friends so that the school can purchase items for those students who are unable to do so themselves. Seeing the University School community coming together to help each other out is wonderful.
Please go to Healthy Hunger to order your fun snacks and fun lunches. Most items have been added for the year so you can order ahead. For more information about how to do this check out last week's update.
This Week
Monday, December 16
- Last day for gift card donations
- Merry Monday - Wear a festive toque or hat
- Field Trip - Grade 4
Tuesday, December 17
- Tinsel Toes Tuesday - Wear fun or festive socks
- School Wide Winter Sing Along in the morning
Wednesday, December 18
- Winter Wonderland Wednesday - Wear blue and white
- Winter Solstice Lunch
- School Wide Winter Sing Along in the afternoon
- School Council and Parent Association Meeting - 6:30pm
Thursday, December 19
- Thermal Thursday - Wear a cozy or festive sweater/shirt
- School Wide Winter Sing Along in the morning
Friday, December 20
- PM Kdg attends - No AM Kdg
- Festive Friday - Wear pyjamas
- Staff vs Grade 6 Basketball Game
- Last day of classes before Winter Break
Month Ahead
Dec 21 - Jan 5 - Winter Break
Jan 6 - Classes Resume - Welcome back!
Jan 9 - Fun Snack - Kernels Popcorn
Jan 10 - Flex Friday - Buddies
Jan 16 - Guest Teacher from Australia
Jan 17 - Flex Friday - Mixed Group
Jan 24 - 2025 ISU World Cup Speed Skating at Olympic Oval
Jan 24 - Individual Progam Plans (IPPs) go home
Jan 27 - Report Cards Visible Online
Dates of Significance
Dec - Universal Human Rights Month (UN)
Dec 20 - International Human Solidarity Day (UN)
Dec 21 - Winter Solstice
Dec 21 - Yule
Dec 25 - Christmas
Dec 25 - Jan 2 - Hanukkah
Dec 26 - Kwanzaa
Jan 1 - New Year’s Day
January - Tamil Heritage Month
Jan 4 - National Ribbon Skirt Day
Jan 4 - World Braille Day
Jan 6 - Epiphany
Jan 7 - Orthodox Christmas
Jan 13 - Lohri-Maghi
Jan 14 - Mahayana New Year
Jan 14 - Orthodox New Year