Year 9s take part in “School of Life”

The School of Life program includes history-based day trips, solving design problems, activities such as quilting, and learning from speakers about a variety of career journeys. 

Says Rielly, “What I love is that I reached out to parents, faculty and staff and people stepped forward and were generous with their time.”

Stephanie Rose from the University Counselling Office is teaching School of Life participants to make quilts that they can donate to shelters. Students will have a day to make their quilt, working in groups of five to measure and cut fabric, then sew the pieces into a quilt-as-you-go pattern.

The design department has also created a hands-on opportunity, giving students open-ended tasks that allow them to work in teams and use their knowledge of inquiry and problem solving. They will produce LEGO stop-motion animation together.

To keep participants moving, Jordan Guilford, UCC’s strength and conditioning coach, will be working with the boys to develop fitness plans for the summer and assisting them with using equipment in the Strength, Agility & Speed Fitness Centre.

History teacher Gregory McDonald has put together two history-focused day trips for the students and they have the option of choosing one of them. One trip highlights military history, taking students to Casa Loma for its exhibit about the Queen’s Own Rifles, a regiment whose history is entwined with UCC’s. The former UCC Cadet Corps paraded with the Queen’s Own for 127 years and six UCC Old Boys served as commanding officers of the regiment. The second trip explores the architecture of various places of worship in Toronto. 

The students will enjoy keynote addresses by four UCC parents, each talking about topics related to careers and life skills. Dermatologist Samir Gupta, journalist Mary Nersessian, lawyer Ira Nishisato and lifelong learner Stephanie Tjon will all offer the students glimpses into different pathways they might wish to follow.

“This week provides the students with a bit of fun after exams,” Rielly says. “Experiential learning programs are growing and this gives them a chance to get out into the community and think about how they can make positive change.”