Winter Solstice Lunch

In the spirit of community, University School will be holding its annual Solstice Lunch, keeping the tradition alive, while still keeping in mind what would work best at this time for our learning communities. 

Who:    All students and staff at University School

What:   Eating lunch at school (snack for students in kindergarten)

When:  Wednesday, December 20 at lunch time

Where: In our classrooms 

Why:    To share and build school community spirit, as well as taking time to celebrate the richness of the cultural diversity of Univeristy 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 favorites connected to their cultural heritage. 

We would like to encourage students to share in conversations with their family about special dishes/foods that are connected to their family’s cultural heritage and/or this seasonal Winter Solstice Time.  

Student lunches can include any nut-free foods that parents or guardians wish to send with their child. In keeping with the traditional Solstice Lunch theme, lunches could also be an item of food that is a family favorite,  is unique to a family’s cultural heritage, or simply loved at this time of year.  

We are looking forward to the camaraderie and the spirit of togetherness as we (students/staff)  eat our Winter Solstice 2023 lunches at school, together in our classrooms on Wednesday, December 20, Winter Solstice Eve Day.  

Gift Card Drive - Supporting UES Families

At this time of year, so many of us are looking for ways to contribute to the well-being of those around us. For others, it is a time where a helping hand is so greatly appreciated. As a community, by working together we can continue to support one another.

If your family is looking for a way to support, please consider donating a gift card as part of the Gift Card Drive to be able to help some University School families.  We will ensure the gift cards are shared amongst families that need a little bit of help.  Some gift card ideas are: Walmart, Safeway, Save on Foods, Canadian Tire, Tim Hortons, Subway, zoo or movie tickets, bus passes, Visa or Mastercard. Gift cards can be brought down to the office between Monday, December 4 and Monday, December 18.

In turn, if your family would benefit from support, please reach out to your child’s teacher. 

Hanukkah Sameach and Happy Bodhi Day

Hanukkah sameach to University School Families who began celebrating this past week. We wish your family peace and light this holiday season.

Wishing a happy Bodhi Day to those families who may be celebrating. May this day inspire you to live a life of mindfulness, kindness, and compassion.

School Council & Parent Association Meeting - Dec 13

The next School Council and Parent Association meeting of the year is this Wednesday,  December 13 @ 6:45 pm. The meeting will be virtual only so please use the link below to access the meeting. 

The meetings are a great way 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, just listen to what is being said, or find out how you can get involved in making University School an even more amazing place for your children.  It is with the support of University School Families and the community that we can provide such wonderful learning opportunities for students and put on fun events for everyone. 

Click here to attend the meeting (Microsoft Teams) on Wednesday, December 13 at 6:45pm 

Click here for the meeting agenda and minutes from the previous meetings. 

Fun Lunch - Jelly Modern Doughnuts

The next fun lunch is from Jelly Modern Doughnuts and they are offering both savoury and sweet options including three different types of sandwiches and five different flavours of doughnuts including a gluten free option. 

The last day to order the Jelly Modern Doughnuts fun lunch is Saturday, December 16. Please go to Healthy Hunger to place your order. 

The fun lunch will be distributed on Thursday, December 21. 

Morning Kindergarten students can wait until 11:15am to receive their fun lunch if ordered. If they attend Summit they will have their food brought to them there.  

This Week

Tuesday, December 12

• Grade 5 & 6 Student Leadership Meeting
• Ever Active School Safety Enrichment Project (School Travel Planning)

Wednesday, December 13

• School Council & Parent Association Meeting (6:45 pm)

Friday, December 15

• Staff and students are encouraged to wear their University School Shirts 
• Grade 6 vs Staff Basketball Game 
• Ever Active School Safety Enrichment Project (School Travel Planning)

 

Month Ahead

Dec 18 to 22 - Festive singing as a school in the gym

Dec 18 - Merry Monday - Wear a festive toque or hat

Dec 19 - Tinsel Toes Tuesday - Wear fun socks

Dec 20 - Winter Wonderland Wednesday - Wear blue and white

Dec 20 - Winter Solstice Eve Lunch

Dec 21 - Thermal Thursday - Wear a cozy or festive sweater/shirt

Dec 21 - Fun Snack – Jelly Modern Dougnuts

Dec 22  - Last Day of class 

Dec 22 - Festive Friday - Wear Payjamas 

Dec. 23 - Jan 7 - Winter Break 

Jan 8 - First day back from Winter Break

Jan 15 - No School - Non-instructional day

Jan 16 - Humane Society - Grade 4 presentation

Dates of Significance

Dec 7 to 15 - Hanukkah

Dec 10 - Human Rights Day

Dec 21 - Winter Solstice

Dec 21 - Yule

Dec 21 - Yaldā Night

Dec 25 - Christmas Day

Dec 26 - Kwanzaa

Jan 1 - New Years Day

Jan 4 - World Braille Day

Jan 4 - National Ribbon Skirt Day

Jan 6 - Epiphany

Jan 7 - Mahayana New Year