August 17, 2023

Written By UTS

Fostering Brilliance

Being new is exciting – at least, it is for me. When I enter a new place, I’m filled with wonder, curiosity and sometimes a wee bit of nerves. Being new provides an opportunity to look around with fresh eyes and most importantly, it provides an opportunity to learn. The first few weeks or months in new settings are key because our brain works to make sense of our new surroundings, unconsciously filing observations and experiences into buckets labelled, “this is the same as … ” and “this is different than ….” Newness is a true gift because it offers the chance for deep learning.

Being in a leadership position adds an element of complexity to the role of a “newbie” because leaders are often scrutinized as the community they are coming into works to decipher who they are, what they stand for, and what the heck are they planning to do and when. (All fair questions, I might add.) It’s an exhilarating time that can feel both energizing and stressful and one that good leaders regard as pivotal to a successful transition. 

In his book How the Mighty Fall: And Why Some Companies Never Give In, author Jim Collins talks about the importance of leaders asking questions. Collins writes that when it comes to asking questions versus making statements, research finds that successful leaders skew heavily on the question side. These aren’t questions designed to put people on the defensive – “Why didn’t you meet your sales target last quarter?” – but questions that convey a leader’s authentic interest and willingness to learn – “Tell me about the opportunities and challenges your department faced last quarter?” Good leaders use questions to build trust, foster mutual understanding and gather information (i.e., data) that will be used in the service of future growth. 

Schools are unique organizational structures because they are filled with both adults and children. School leaders draw on the expertise and experience of the adults in the building, but they also have a unique opportunity – obligation, in fact –  to ask meaningful questions of students who see things from a different and important perspective. In my experience, asking questions and listening deeply to our students is fundamental to good school leadership. [Note to students: When I listen carefully, it does not always mean I will agree.] 

Steve Jobs once said, “If you’re willing to work hard and ask lots of questions, you can learn business pretty fast.” I suspect not all of us can learn as quickly as Jobs, but I do agree with him about hard work and questions. So, as we prepare to welcome our students and teachers back from summer break, know that I am here with my sleeves rolled up, ready to get to work and listen deeply to the wisdom, experience and aspirations of the incredible UTS community.  

Leanne Foster, PhD
Principal

UTS A-Z

Please review the UTS A-Z.

Everything you need to know about the start of school should be in this short guide. 

Ordering Books for the 2023-2024 School Year

Find UTS Textbooks & Course Materials at the U of T Bookstore

The U of T Bookstore is proud to partner with University of Toronto Schools to source textbooks and course materials for Grades 7 through 12. Here’s how to find UTS student materials in-store or online:

Shopping In-Store

UTS course materials are available for purchase at the U of T Bookstore’s St. George campus store, located a short distance from UTS at 214 College Street. UTS materials can be found in the Great Hall on the second floor of the store. Please visit the link here to check operating hours before you visit.

Shopping Online

UTS course materials can be easily found and purchased online using the U of T Bookstore’s Course Material Look-up Tool. A guide to using the tool is available here, and the tool itself can be accessed here. Materials purchased through the Bookstore website can be shipped directly to your home or picked up in-store at the time of your choosing.

Many course materials are already available for purchase, and more will be arriving over the coming weeks. The U of T Bookstore also carries a variety of Stationery and Technology Supplies that can be found in-store and online.

 

Have questions about course materials, merchandise, or placing an order? Please contact Don Thompson at dthompson@uoftbookstore.com.

Contact Verification

Please watch your email for a message from UTS IT to verify your student’s contact data, as well as health and other important information. 

UTS Calendar

All members of the UTS community can see the UTS Events Calendar. This calendar includes major UTS events such as Parent-Teacher Interviews (PTI), House Events, late starts, special schedules, school breaks, etc. Often the calendar events will include more information by clicking on the event itself. Bookmarking this calendar or importing it to your own calendaring system is recommended to keep track of the busy school year!

September Lunch Menu

For hot lunches this September, please see the menu and list of ingredients.

Lunches can be picked up in the Multi-purpose room. We will also offer a zero-waste option on Thursdays. The menu will be shared prior to the start of school for this option.

Invitation for M4 and S5 Students to Sign Up for the PSAT

The PSAT/NMSQT will be offered at UTS on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 from 4:15 - 6:45 p.m.  Students must register using their UTS email through this registration form. Parents should not sign up for their children.

The deadline for ordering at PSAT exam is Thursday, September 7, 2023.  

More information is available on the registration form regarding additional costs, rationale for taking the exam and the content of the PSAT.

Back to School at the UTS Shop

Start your school year with a visit to the UTS Shop! Whether it’s a UTS pencil case, backpack, or hoodie, we have what you need to show your school pride. 

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