November 6, 2025
Reminder - Mid-Term Break
Just a quick reminder that the school is closed for Mid-Term Break from November 7 to 10, inclusive. Enjoy a well deserved break!
Next Staff Meeting: November 12
Increasing Concerns related to Academic Dishonesty
Since last year, we have noted a rise in concerns related to academic dishonesty on summative assessments — particularly tests, quizzes and essays. Students, especially in S6, have reported witnessing peers cheating during tests. We are also hearing reports of students hiding cell phones in calculator sleeves, using them to take photos of test questions, uploading these to ChatGPT for answers, and then transcribing the responses onto their tests. In addition, some students have reportedly been using ChatGPT to write essays and even boasting about it to their peers. These incidents are said to occur in classrooms during class time.
We are currently meeting with individual students and teachers to address specific cases. However, experience tells us that when a few cases come to light, there are likely others we have not yet detected. As a community, we are respectfully asking that we work together to address these concerns proactively and consistently.
For now, we ask that teachers:
Review the Academic Integrity Policy with all classes to ensure students fully understand expectations.
Increase vigilance during tests and quizzes by circulating frequently.
Adjust classroom seating as needed to maintain clear sightlines and better observe student conduct during assessments.
Do not allow jackets or backpacks at desks where students are writing. Also check hoodie pockets before exams/tests/quizzes begin.
Include an academic honesty declaration on assessments for students to review and sign before beginning. (Thank you to our Math and Science teams for this excellent idea!)
Document and share any cases of academic dishonesty with the Heads of School for follow-up.
Once Jill and Royan return, we will meet to discuss additional strategies, including approaches to grade conversations and possible awareness opportunities for parents and guardians.
If you have other suggestions or strategies that have worked well in the past, please share them with Royan, Jill or Deputy Principal Kim Tavares.
Given the urgency of the concern I am sharing by email now but I will also include a copy of this message in staff updates next week,
Thank you all for your continued support and vigilance in helping maintain the integrity of our academic environment.
Introducing: The AI Beat
by Adnan Zuberi, Director of AI Integration
Program Review Update
The UTS program review is in its early stages as Dean of Students Nancy Dawe, Vice Principal of Student Life Garry Kollins and Head of Senior School Jill Strimas (lead for Academics), along with Royan Lee, Nasreen Khan, Jenny Pitt-Lainsbury, Kim MacKinnon and Christine Balt, begin collecting information from multiple sources to help us answer questions like: Where are we now? Where might we need to be in five years? What's the best way to get there? Deputy Principal Kim Tavares. will guide the team through the various stages of the review that will take place over the next two years and will then continue in an iterative way as we adapt and adjust to the changes we may encounter in schools and in society. We look forward to having time during January PD for important conversations with teachers and staff as we consider how we define the Profile of a UTS Graduate to meet the challenges of our changing times.
Help Wanted: Admissions Marking
We are looking for 16 teachers to help with admissions entrance test marking: 8 for English, 8 for Math.
The teachers’ responsibilities will include group marking of the tests in-person on Saturday December 13th from 8:45 am to 4:30 pm.
Compensation: $500 stipend
All UTS Teachers are welcome to apply. Applicants must have teaching qualifications in Math or English, or have taught Math or English at UTS.
Interested teachers please email Charline Wan (charline.wan@utschools.ca) by November 14, 2025.
Interested in participating in a virtual Global Ed forum on AI?
UTS is a long-standing member of the United Global Education Network (UGEN) virtual educators forum. Their next session is taking place Friday December 12th (12:00-14:00 CET OR 6-8am Toronto time).
The theme for the conference is: How do we - as teaching practitioners - realize the potential and tame challenges of Artificial Intelligence in our everyday teaching? The general goal is to learn from each other`s experiences with AI. The sessions usually draw educators from at least 10 different countries.
Seeking assistance
The MUN Society is hoping to send up to 20, F1-M3 aspiring diplomats to a fun novice conference taking place December 6&7 at the Bishop Strachan School (298 Lonsdale Road, Toronto).
We require 2 staff supervisors on site both days (8:30 - 4:45, Sat and 10:00 - 4:45, Sun). Staff will be fed lunch and have coffee available in a well appointed and wifi enabled teacher lounge.
House Clothing now Available Online!
House clothing is being sold once again through the online store. Choose from a selection of hoodies, ¼-zip pullovers, crewnecks, and flannel pants. Place your order soon — the online store will close on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
UTS Secret Santa 2025
Well, halloween was fun and it’s now November which means it’s time to start thinking about the next holiday!
There’s nothing better to end the calendar year than our yearly Secret Santa
UTS Secret Santa 2025
Secret Santa is here! Please click the link below if you are interested in participating!
Names will be drawn on November 30, 2024
The last week of work before the holidays will be our exchange week! (December 15 - 19)
Feel free to spread the love out over the week (ie: multiple mini treats) or leave it all to the end of the week (one treat at the end).
Please stay within the allowed budget ($30) and feel free to be creative!
Most importantly, have fun!
Additionally, it should be mentioned that Iorek the Elf is happy to help everyone out in order to deliver treats as needed throughout the week!
We will remind you about this weekly in November!
Happy Secret Santa!
From Your Social Committee
Weekly Wellness Tip 05
Welcome to your weekly wellness tip! Stay tuned for a different tip each week! (Brought to you by your self-appointed, staff-member powered wellness committee.)
Quick Breathing Reset When things feel overwhelming, try this: inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 6. Do it three times. This simple breathing exercise signals your body to calm down… and no one will even notice you’re doing it.
Mark Your Calendars for the Staff Holiday Party!
Who: You plus one!
When: Tuesday, December 9 at 4:00 p.m.
Where: Proof Bar at Sonesta Hotel, 220 Bloor Street West (Yes, again!)
What: Delicious food featuring the LEGENDARY Baked Brie (by popular demand!)
What Else: Drinks (plural) & Taxi Chits, if desired
Attire: Wear something red or "festive" to earn an extra entry to the amazing and sometimes bewildering raffle prize draw
Changes to Room 235
This Friday, a movable dividing wall, similar to the wall in the MPR will be installed in Room 235. This will allow for the robotics area to be separated from the other side of the room when it is being used by a class or a club. Facilities will provide more information about operating the wall once the installation is complete.
AI Lunch Workshop for Teachers
November 13 in Room L135
On Thursday, November 13th in L135, come on out to hear and chat with colleagues on their latest adventures with AI in the classroom. There will be short hands-on presentations by Shawn Brooks, Joshua Curk and Adnan Zuberi. Bring a laptop! Pizza will be provided – please RSVP here.
Student Group Meeting Reminder
For those who have booked rooms to meet with students, please remember to
a) click ‘Yes’ on the Google invite to confirm you are aware of the meeting
b) use the Google form linked in the invite to complete attendance of present students.
OSSTF and USW Announcement Boards
There are now announcement boards for OSSTF and USW in the West Wing staff room. Please feel free to post on them!
F1 Communication Tool Coming
F1 students are not on the All Students DL and cannot send or receive through it. This is intentional to help them adjust to UTS routines before joining a higher-volume communication space.
We recognize that this could have been communicated more clearly earlier, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we clarify.
This year, we are piloting a Google Classroom for F1 updates and announcements as a proof of concept for a more focused and sustainable communication model. The Policy Representatives are leading much of this work under my guidance and will be learning how to review and prioritize emails for relevance before sharing them with the grade.
If you’d like something posted there, please email Royan Lee.
Changes to January Staff Meeting Time
January can be a cold and dreary month with days that darken early. To help fight the winter blues, we are moving the January 14th after school staff meeting to the January 21st late start morning. We will update the calendar shortly, and more information will follow closer to the date.
