Hello University School families, 

As we move into the final weeks before Spring Break, there are many opportunities for learning, reflection, and celebration happening within our school community. 

There are several important cultural celebrations, seasonal changes, and awareness days taking place that offer meaningful opportunities for learning and reflection within our classrooms. Teachers may take time to acknowledge and explore some of these moments with students as part of our ongoing commitment to building understanding, respect, and belonging in our school community. 

Spring Equinox – March 20 
March 20 marks the Spring Equinox, the moment when day and night are nearly equal in length and the official start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. The arrival of spring has been recognized and celebrated by many cultures throughout history as a time of renewal, growth, and new beginnings. In classrooms, teachers may take time to explore seasonal changes, the natural world, and the significance of spring across different cultures. 

Recognizing Nowruz – March 20 
March 20 also marks Nowruz, the Persian New Year, which is celebrated by many communities around the world and is closely connected to the arrival of spring. Nowruz is a time that symbolizes renewal, reflection, and hope for the year ahead. Teachers may acknowledge Nowruz through conversations about its meaning and traditions, such as gathering with family, sharing special foods, and welcoming the new season. 

Recognizing Eid al-Fitr – March 20 
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, a time when many Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and focus on prayer, reflection, and acts of generosity. Eid is an important celebration for many Muslim families and is a time of prayer, gratitude, generosity, and gathering with family and community. Teachers may acknowledge Eid in classrooms through conversations about the significance of the celebration and the values of kindness, charity, and community that are central to it. 

World Down Syndrome Day – March 21 
March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day, a day that celebrates people with Down syndrome and raises awareness about inclusion and belonging. The date (3/21) represents the uniqueness of the third copy of the 21st chromosome. In schools, this day is often recognized by celebrating inclusion, kindness, and the importance of ensuring everyone feels valued and respected. Many students and staff choose to wear bright or mismatched socks as a fun way to start conversations about acceptance and belonging. 

Learning about important cultural and awareness days helps students build understanding, respect, and appreciation for the many experiences and identities represented within our school community. 

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for all. It’s going to be a great week of learning together. 

Jennifer McTighe and Lori Bonanno 

Parent-Teacher Conferences - Student Led

March 19 
No School for Kindergarten 

Student Let Conferences
Kindergarten – 8:00 am – 2:00 pm 
Kindergarten – Grade 6 – 3:30 pm – 7:00 pm 

March 20 
Student Led Conferences (Kindergarten to Grade 6) – 8:00 am – 12:00 pm 

See our Parent-Teacher Conference page for links and instructions

CBE Survey 

University School will be participating in an online school perception survey for students called the CBE Student Survey. Please find the details of the survey implementation below. 

Who: Students in Grades 5 and 6 
When: March 12–19 
Where: In classrooms 

About the CBE Student Survey 

  • Allows students to voice their feedback on their experiences at school, the school environment, and school improvement programs. 
  • Based on their feedback, students have the opportunity to be involved in action plans fostering increased student engagement.
  • The survey should take about 60 to 80 minutes to complete. 

The CBE Student Survey is an opportunity for students to: 

  • report on themselves, their own abilities, and their accomplishments 
  • take pride in what they have achieved 

In alignment with CBE’s Education Plan, the results are used in school and district reports to demonstrate that students are: 

  • at the centre of all CBE decisions 
  • able to integrate and apply the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and competencies they are acquiring across all academic disciplines
  • demonstrating citizenship, personal development, and character in and through learning 

If you have questions or would like to request more information about the upcoming implementation of the CBE Student Survey, please contact the school.