The Glen, Fall 2024

N01 Fall 2024

OFFICIAL NEWS @BAYVIEWGLEN

Table of Contents Message from the Head of School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 A Season of Growth: A Welcome from the Chair of the Board. . . . . . . . . . . . 4 View Our New Strategic Plan: Be Bold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Fall 2024 Athletics at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Whole Child . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Bayview Glen Summer Camp 2024: Another Amazing Summer!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Adventures in Learning: Embracing Curiosity with Young Minds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Student Life is Lively at the Prep School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Finding Purpose Through Choice: Grade 10 Interdisciplinary Science Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Supporting Student Wellbeing: Cellphone Bans & Growth from Mistakes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Purposeful Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 The Prep School and TRCA: Growing Urban Forests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Co-operative Education Programme: Bridging Classroom Learning and Real-World Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Embracing Change. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Robotics Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Parent Association. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Alumni Relations Updates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

24 Better World. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Bayview Glen Global Education: Whole Child, Purposeful Life, Better World . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 From Dawn ’til Dusk: Celebrating Roger’s 45 Years at Bayview Glen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: The Land We Love. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

32 Introducing Ryan Rodrigues: Executive Director, Advancement and External Relations. . . . . 34 Meet Our New Team Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Front cover photo: Elvin and Elva Back cover photo: Evan and Rikin 2 • Fall 2024

Message from the Head of School Dear Parents and Guardians, We have had a wonderful start to the school year, and it is such a great time to be here at Bayview Glen. We enter the 2024-2025 school year with our highest historical enrolment level of 1,145 students, and the majority of our classes are now full.

Schools across the province are now making concerted efforts to manage their new cellphone ban policy.

At Bayview Glen, we were very fortunate to have the opportunity to welcome Jake Ernst (MSW, RSW) – Clinical Director of Straight Up Health, Registered Social Worker, and Psychotherapist – to our school community in October. He provided very informative workshops to our students and parents with regards to the impact of cellphones and social media through his practice and significant amounts of data. The information sessions were filled with meaningful research and impact on Time & Task Management, Belonging & Relationships, and Stress Management on our students. The sessions were well attended and also provided great insight, support, and strategies for both students and parents on how to manage, navigate, and self-regulate cellphone use.

The students were very open, engaged, and asked great questions after the sessions.

This year, we’ve introduced some new positions that will no doubt enhance your child’s educational experience at this school. For each Division, we have added a Dean of Student Life, who will both lead and oversee the following areas: Student Leadership, Social Emotional Development, Discipline and Deportment. In addition, we have also expanded our University Counselling Team.

Going forward, our approach to University Counselling

will involve a four-year process beginning in Grade 9 and will focus on relationship building and education with all of our Upper School families in order to ensure a more robust and informed approach to University Counselling.

Last fall, we launched a comprehensive school wide survey involving a large sector of our extended community of students, current parents, past parents, faculty, staff, board members, and alumni. The response data was vital, along with industry research, as it provided a solid foundation and design of our new five-year strategic plan which has been launched this fall. When identifying key themes of what attracted our families to Bayview Glen, and most importantly, why they chose to stay at the school, it came down to two common responses. The first theme centred around an exceptional education. An experience that provided enriched opportunities in both academics and co-curricular programmes that would allow each child to explore and discover their passions and interests. A wealth of opportunities surrounded by a talented and caring group of teachers was paramount. What came out as a secondary theme was the school’s diversity. Being co-ed, multi-denominational with a community and student body reflective of Toronto and the rest of the world were also important elements of the Bayview Glen educational experience. These two themes are reflected and align with our new school mission that will propel our school forward: Whole Child, Purposeful Life, Better World.

We are truly excited and looking forward to what lies ahead for our school with the launch of our new five-year strategic plan this fall.

James Lee Head of School

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A Season of Growth:

A Welcome from the Chair of the Board As we begin a new school year with the start of fall, I am pleased to introduce myself as your new Chair of the Board. It is a privilege to follow in the footsteps of Nick Caduc, whose leadership and commitment have guided Bayview Glen with vision and strength. I am grateful for the trust placed in me and look forward to working alongside all of you as we continue our shared journey.

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, we are reminded of the opportunities for growth, renewal, and reflection that this season brings. It’s a perfect time to welcome our new families to our school community. We are thrilled to have you with us and look forward to the perspectives, energy, and enthusiasm you bring. To our returning families, welcome back! Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to creating a school environment where every student can thrive.

This year also marks an important milestone as we launch our new Strategic Plan. This plan is a clear roadmap for the future—a vision that reflects our shared commitment to preparing well-rounded, future-ready students

equipped with curiosity, compassion, and courage. While the plan outlines goals for our school’s growth, it remains grounded in the values and community spirit that have long defined Bayview Glen.

Looking forward, I am inspired by the journey we are all on together. Our school’s mission is to prepare each student for a purposeful life and a better world. With the Strategic Plan as our compass, we are committed to fostering an environment where students are encouraged to think critically, embrace challenges, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them. This fall, as we reconnect and welcome new faces, we will continue to strengthen the bonds that make our community so unique.

Thank you for your support, involvement, and commitment to making our school a place of excellence and opportunity. Together, we will create another year filled with learning, connection, and achievement. I look forward to engaging with each of you and working together to support our students’ success and Bayview Glen’s continued growth.

Tracey Wong Chair of the Board

View Our New Strategic Plan: Be Bold STRATEGIC PLAN 2024-2029

Scan here to learn more about our Strategic Plan.

Strategic Plan 2024-2029

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Fall 2024 Athletics at a Glance

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WHOLE CHILD

Bayview Glen Summer Camp 2024:

Another Amazing Summer!

We can’t believe how fast the summer of 2024 went by.

Memories were made throughout the camp programme: from the Turf Field to the coding & robotics rooms all the way to the Theatre and gyms. Our campers shined throughout the seven-week programme with cheers and smiles. Friendships and memories were made that will last through the school year.

We welcomed many new and returning Bayview Glen students this summer. Many Lower School students joined us for their very first summer camp experience on the Wildlings programme, while Upper School students joined our Trailblazers Maverick programmes and had an amazing experience trying out (and specializing in) our diverse specialty camps. We are so proud of how our camp is able to provide summer experiences for all Bayview Glen students, truly exemplifying the whole child approach of our school. We look forward to continuing to provide these experiences through our after-school programming this school year.

This summer, we continued our partnership with the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). It was great to have the SickKids staff team onsite with us, and we assisted Archie’s Cochlear Implant Laboratory by providing youth in their programme with a day camp experience. This partnership brought new individuals into our camp community, showcasing the inclusive nature of our programme. We hope to grow this partnership in the future.

We also continued to offer new and exciting programming options. We began a new partnership with Real Programming 4 Kids, an amazing coding programme that taught our campers how to code. Our offsite camp options, Lake Days and Sailing Camp, are two rare day camp opportunities that provided our campers the

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opportunities to enjoy one of the largest water-inflatable parks in the GTA and learn how to sail on Lake Ontario.

Campers always returned from lake days with huge smiles and great stories to share.

Our inclusion programme continued its amazing growth as we were able to expand the number of inclusion campers. The inclusion campers were supported by their 1:1 facilitators to help them integrate into the camp programme with their same age peers. We saw our inclusion campers take risks and challenge themselves to try new activities. We are so proud of how much our inclusion campers accomplished and we can’t wait to see what great new things they will accomplish in 2025. As always, we hope to welcome more inclusion campers.

We were very lucky to have such an amazing staff team.

They worked tirelessly to ensure that all our Bayview Glen campers had a memorable experience. We are grateful for their hard work and diligence throughout the seven-week camp programme. Our camp is only as strong as the amazing staff that join us each summer!

As summer 2024 ends, we are excited to continue to offer Bayview Glen Camp after-school programming. The camp spirit continues after summer — please stay tuned for more information about these exciting after-school programmes.

Bayview Glen Camp • bayviewglencamp.ca

Adventures in Learning:

Embracing Curiosity with Young Minds Imagine stepping into the world of a preschooler, where every moment is a brand-new adventure. They don’t just see the world; they dive into it with all their senses. It’s through this pure and unfiltered perspective that some of the most powerful and lasting learning takes shape.

When was the last time you lay on the ground just to look at the underside of a tree? Unless of course you are an arborist, this may not be something that crosses your mind. You might be wondering where such curiosity leads, but perhaps the better question is: where can’t it lead? Recently, a child invited me to lie on the ground and look up at a tree. As we lay there, I realized that their perspective made perfect sense — it’s easier to gaze upward for a long time when lying down. Through listening and engaging in conversation, it was clear just what I was meant to discover; branches that resembled roadways, creating a system to get from point A to point B. For the car-enthusiast 3-year-old who encouraged me to take a look from a different direction, it was clear to see. From there, the morning transformed into an adventure, imagining where these “branch pathways” could lead, and even making quick connections to the veins in the human body. The possibilities felt endless, mirroring the learning potential within each child.

What makes the connections in the early years so powerful is that preschoolers are inherently bold in their learning. They aren’t afraid to ask questions, to try, fail, and try again. They embrace challenges, and in doing so, they build resilience. These moments — whether solving a problem or bouncing back from setbacks — become the foundation for skills that will serve them well beyond their preschool years.

Looking up toward the branch pathways in the sky was an experience that reminded me of the immense capacity children have for knowledge, often sparked by their natural interests. As educators, our role is not to direct or confine this learning, but to support it — to learn alongside them, share our insights, and gently guide their discoveries forward with engaging programming and resources.

So, the next time a child invites you to change your perspective and look at the world through their eyes, seize that opportunity. Embrace their curiosity and encourage them to engage deeply with the world around them. Remember, these early experiences create the foundation for a future where today’s young learners will not just adapt to the world — they’ll shape it. Our brilliantly bold and brave Bayview Glen students will be the ones to help heal it, creating a more compassionate, thoughtful, and purposeful world. I, for one, am grateful to share these moments with tomorrow’s change-makers.

Gillian Potts-Hemingway Director of Preschool

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Student Life is Lively at the Prep School A Dynamic Start to the Year The start of a new academic year always brings with it a sense of renewal and promise, and this year has been especially lively and filled with possibilities of a fresh start and bright future. Students quickly moved into good routines and embraced new academic and socialemotional learning opportunities with openness and determination.

Gryphon Athletics is in full swing, and our students are representing us with great pride in gyms and on fields in our school and around the city. Interest in the Arts has been at an all-time high, with more than 90 participants in the Concert Band, 32 Jazz Band members, Open Studio artists creating beautiful work, and the revival of the Prep Players (our Prep School drama troupe). School pride was evident as our student ambassadors welcomed prospective families into the school at our first Open House. Every guest commented on the enthusiasm, clarity, and love for Bayview Glen apparent in the ways our student ambassadors described the school, their experiences, the Faculty, and our community.

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There is synergy within the Student Council that has already made an impact, with an eventful Terry Fox Run and Spirit Day (complete with a fundraiser and week-long events), the launch of the first editions of Prep News, and early designs for the Grad sweatshirt. It is clear to us that this team of student leaders respect individuality, value connection and a sense of belonging, and advocate for student voice – impressive qualities in a student political team. Their intention is to inspire leadership and foster positive relationships, and their fellow Prepsters are ready to get involved.

Please read the following pages to hear more from these impressive student leaders, specifically from the Executive Team and the Co-Heads of Community Outreach. We look forward to all they have in store for the rest of this year.

Dina Astrella Head of Prep School

Nicole Blair Dean of Student Life

An Introduction from the Core Four Dear Bayview Glen Community, We are the Executive Team from the Prep School Student Council. It is our goal to create a vibrant, inclusive, and fun space where student voice can be heard, spirit is encouraged, and purpose is a priority. As individuals, we each have our own perspectives and goals in terms of leadership.

Hi, I’m Liliana, and this year I’m excited to be one of your new Heads of the Student Council. Since joining Bayview Glen in Grade 5, I have been involved in many sports and robotics teams. Last year, I represented the seventh graders in the school’s speech competition, which helped me realize how important it is for everyone to have their voice heard. The four of us have different goals for what we want to achieve as Co-Heads, and mine is to ensure that every student feels included and has the opportunity to express themselves within the school community. I’m excited about the journey ahead and can’t wait to make this a memorable year for everyone!

Hi! I’m Liam! I hope to make the Prep more open and fun. Since Grade 1, I have really enjoyed the opportunities at Bayview Glen. Among other things, I was able to perform a stand-up show during our public speaking competition as well as play the trumpet in Roy Thomson Hall. As a Co-Head of Student Council, I want to make the Prep an exciting environment where everyone can make their ideas realities, and really connect and be open with each other. Whether it’s wearing unique pins at assembly or choosing what music we play, I want people to feel free to have fun!

Hey! My name is Saira and since Junior Kindergarten I have grown up here at Bayview Glen. I have had so many amazing experiences throughout the years. I am actively involved in our school community as a part of many athletics teams, and I also had the honour to be able to perform at Roy Thomson Hall playing the French horn as a part of the CISMF orchestra. As a member of your Core Four for the Student Council, my hope for this year is to get everyone excited about participating and exploring all the opportunities that Bayview Glen has to offer. I want each one of you to be involved, enthusiastic, and bringing our school spirit. GO GRYPHONS!

Hello! My name is Raymond, and I have had the privilege of being part of Bayview Glen for the past four years. Throughout this time, I have been committed to contributing to our community.

Since Grade 5, I’ve been a member of a school FLL Robotics team, representing Bayview Glen, and even Canada, at the World Championships in Houston last year. In addition, I am actively involved in our school’s athletics programme. This year, as a Co-Head of the Student Council, my goal is to gift all students with a sense of purpose, giving them the opportunity to understand their role in society, and helping Bayview Glen make an even greater impact on our community. I’m excited for a purposeful year ahead!

We have a great team backing us up in all areas of student life, from Arts to Athletics to community engagement, and are thankful for their support and leadership of their own teams.

We are confident that this year is going to be one to remember.

Sincerely, Liliana, Liam, Saira, and Raymond Co-Heads of Council, PSC

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Student Life is Lively at the Prep School

Compassion Leads to Action Dear Bayview Glen Community, We are Ajouni and Daria, this year’s Co-Heads of Community Outreach on the Prep School Student Council. Along with our faculty advisor, Ms. Lanci, our Assistant Heads, Cara Dodaro and Paolo Edwards (pictured below), we look forward to a great year of awareness building, volunteering, and fundraising.

Volunteering and giving back are a large part of our lives.

Our parents have always taught us the values of being grateful for what we have, and the importance of sharing and helping others in need. They have always set good examples for us and so have our teachers who have supported great causes and organizations like Movember, the Daily Harvest Food Bank, and Sick Children’s Hospital to name just a few.

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Service is so important in keeping a healthy and happy life, community, and world. It strengthens our values and cultivates empathy and compassion in all of us.

It provides opportunities for personal growth and strengthens a community as a result of a shared purpose.

Service is simple and always has a great impact. Even if it is a small act of kindness, like giving money to a fundraiser or a person in need, anything you do can go a long way.

We encourage you to think about other ways to serve. You could donate your time as a peer tutor or in a food bank, and give of yourself in everyday actions, such as holding open a door and helping a friend when the contents of a pencil case crash to the floor. They say that service to others boosts mental health and brings about happiness in both the giver and the receiver. Service promotes kindness and makes us better people and leaders.

Service is, most likely, an important aspect in your lives as well, and we are glad to see that there are many Prepsters interested in joining our team. We recently organized the Chips for Change Terry Fox Fundraiser and are happy to say that we raised more than $800, which goes to show how much of a caring community the Prep School truly is.

As the Dalai Lama once said, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” We are looking forward to a year filled with service and kindness in our upcoming events, such as our Better Beginnings Campaign, food and clothing drives, information sharing about great causes, and so much more.

With gratitude, Ajouni and Daria Co-Heads of Community Outreach, PSC

Finding Purpose Through Choice:

Grade 10 Interdisciplinary Science Project At Bayview Glen, we embrace the real world beyond our walls. In the real world, the problems that need to be solved rarely present themselves within the confines of a single subject. Thus, we empower students to inquire into and propose thoughtful, innovative, and ethical solutions for real-world problems with a broader scope.

Interdisciplinary projects are an important part of supporting our students in developing the skill set needed for this kind of inquiry. In this article, we will highlight the interdisciplinary project we offer our students at the end of Grade 10. This project presents students with an opportunity to combine science with any other course they are taking to research the essential question of how to communicate scientific research.

At the start of our exam week in June, students presented their interdisciplinary projects at a Science Fair in our Theatre and their research, critical thinking, and communication skills were assessed by their teachers, Ms. Landau and Mr. Conrad. Students opted for a wide range of communication forms, from videos to books, from artworks to posters. Our students showed that giving them the possibility to think outside the boundaries of their subjects and classrooms unleashes creativity and gives them insights into pathways they would like to pursue in their academic careers that they never considered before this project.

Leen-Jan van ‘t Hof Director of Teaching and Learning, Upper School

Giving students a voice and a choice allows them to find and pursue their interests and passions. And they do!

Students chose a wide variety of combinations, including Science and Physical Education focussing on muscle development, Science and Religion, addressing climate change action through a religious lens, and Science and Mathematics, highlighting the use of statistics in false positives in cancer testing.

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Supporting Student Wellbeing:

Cellphone Bans & Growth from Mistakes

FOMO and Nomophobia and the Banning of Cellphones in Schools The banning of cellphones in Ontario schools is a hot topic among students. While some children easily adjust to the changes, others view it as unfair and some are even having anxiety over the decision because they are suffering from FOMO (fear of missing out) since they do not have direct phone contact with their friends, and are unable to endlessly peruse social media for updates, news, or research. They are experiencing a sense of loss, especially since cellphones have become a ubiquitous part of our daily lives, and for most of these children, this is the first time they are without their phones. This has led to an increase in stress, separation anxiety, and angst. But it is not just children who are feeling the impact. Some parents are anxious because their children are not easily accessible to them via cellphone while at school.

Both children and adults can experience nomophobia (no-mobile phone-phobia), a term coined in the United Kingdom in 2008. Nomophobia is when a person has deep fears that being without a cellphone, or being unable to use it, will affect their daily life. They experience feelings of disconnection or unease when they cannot get to use their cellphones. Then they become consumed with worry that something bad will happen when they do not have their phones resulting in stress, anxiety, and panic. Think about your own response the last time you left your phone at home, or the feeling you get when the battery is dying and you do not have a charger, or when you misplace your dead/silent phone. We have all become very attached to our phones.

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Many children use the phone as a coping mechanism for stress and to address boredom. Remind children there are things they can do when they do not have their cellphones. For example, they can focus on personal interaction. The popularity of cell phones led to the decline in social activities and increased avoidance as many people use them as a distraction and to avoid face to face contact. Without cellphones at school, children get to make more time for social interaction. But understand, this could result in increased anxiety for those who are used to being online and now will need time to relearn how to socialize IRL (in real life).

As children come to terms with the changes, show them compassion as they express their emotions in response to the ban. Be sure to listen to them and watch how they respond to this new reality. They do have the right to feel anxious. Keep open communication with your child so you can provide the necessary guidance and support.

If you notice your child is experiencing big emotions and obsessively talking about not having access to their phone, you may need to speak to a mental health professional to address those irrational thought patterns that can contribute to maladaptive behaviours. The Director of Student Wellbeing is here to provide support and appropriate referrals.

Antoinette Morgan, MA, MSW, BSW, RSW Director of Student Wellbeing

Moving Forward from Mistakes or Missteps Everyone makes mistakes and when we help children recover from theirs, we are helping to build their character and strengthen them. But that means adults must fight through any disappointment and be supportive, patient, and understanding. Here are some tips to help children move forward and recover after a mistake: Acknowledge and accept mistakes. Encourage children to take ownership and responsibility for their actions. They must be ready to accept the consequences (and parents should be willing to support the school and the consequences that are meted out).

Problem solving. Help them problem solve, make amends, and take steps towards corrective action so next time they can steer clear of making similar mistakes.

Apologize. Giving a sincere apology to those impacted by the mistake is important to restore relationships.

Self-reflection. Help them engage in self-reflection to learn what went wrong and why it happened. (An understanding of the difference between accountability and responsibility can help with self-reflection).

Parent Book Club Book: “Hold on To Your Kids”

by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Maté Please join us Tuesday, November 26 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for a spirited discussion about the book with our school’s Director of Student Wellbeing, Antoinette Morgan, and psychiatrist and Bayview Glen parent, Dr. Andrew Howlett. You can join us even if you have not read the entire book! Light refreshments will be served.

Self-compassion and forgiveness. Urge them to practice self-compassion, to be kind and to forgive themselves. The adults in their lives must work on forgiving them too.

Foster a growth mindset. Help children grow from their mistake and see it is an opportunity for learning. This will make them stronger and build resilience.

Don’t forget children learn from what they see, so parents should model resilience and a growth mindset in their own behaviour.

Rebuilding trust. Help children understand the importance of working hard to regain trust and rebuild their reputation.

Use positive self-talk/reinforcement. Encourage children to use positive self-talk; acknowledging missteps does not mean putting themselves down.

Likewise, adults can practice positive reinforcement when they see children making efforts to learn from their mistakes.

Give them time. Be patient and never stop encouraging them to work towards positive change.

Support. Remind children it is okay to ask for help. Encourage them to reach out to family, trusted adults, teachers, friends or mental health providers for support. The Kids Help Phone has counsellors available to children and youth 24 hours a day. The Director of Student Wellbeing is available to provide support and appropriate referrals.

Mental Health Supports Kids Help Phone 1(800)668-6868 for 24/7 support for children and youth: kidshelpphone.ca Find a therapist: Psychologytoday.com

Antoinette Morgan, MA, MSW, BSW, RSW Director of Student Wellbeing

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Purposeful Life

The Prep School and TRCA:

Growing Urban Forests In the Spring of 2023 Bayview Glen’s Prep School began a strategic partnership with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). Our partnership includes two annual activities through which the students have the opportunity to work directly with the TRCA and learn alongside their educators.

In the spring, students in Grade 7 work with the TRCA on our school campus. TRCA educators teach about the importance of urban forests and their impact on both biodiversity and the natural environment. Students then plant shrubs and trees on our campus as a direct action to support this learning. In an effort to increase the presence of Indigenous plant life, we have planted a number of alternate-leaved dogwood, snowberry, and fragrant sumac shrubs in front of the Moatfield Campus along with a sugar maple tree. These species of shrubs were selected by the TRCA as they all are host plants for butterflies and caterpillars and provide a good food source for birds in the winter.

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The TRCA has a goal of increasing canopy cover in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) through an increase of urban forest space. In doing so, they aim to improve the health and sustainability of local ecosystems by promoting tree planting and forest management. This work will lead to additional benefits for the environment as well, including mitigating climate change by capturing carbon dioxide, improving air quality, and providing cooling effects in urban areas by reducing the heat island effect. By planting shrubs and trees on our campus, the students are contributing directly to this important work.

While introducing the project, the TRCA educators also spoke about the Dish With One Spoon Wampum and its enduring relevance to how we care for the land. The Dish With One Spoon Wampum is a symbolic agreement rooted in Indigenous law and culture, particularly among the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabeg Peoples, both of whom are the ancestral inhabitants of what we now call Toronto.

The Dish With One Spoon Wampum is a commitment to share the land and its resources responsibly. The dish represents the land (or the environment) that sustains everyone, while the one spoon implies that everyone who shares this land must do so cooperatively, ensuring no one takes more than their fair share, thus preserving resources for future generations. It emphasizes respect, mutual responsibility, and peaceful co-existence.

In the summer, students in Grade 8 meet again with members from the TRCA at Tommy Thompson Park. We visit in order to learn about the process that went into designing and implementing Tommy Thompson Park on the land on the Leslie Spit, which ties in with the students’ PBL course, and also to plant shrubs on that site. Students have the opportunity to meet with the TRCA educators again, continuing their relationship with them, while also actively participating a second time in increasing Toronto’s canopy cover.

We look forward to this ongoing relationship with the TRCA as we continue to work closely with them into the future.

Greg Ryerson Director of Teaching and Learning, Prep School

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Co-operative Education Programme:

Bridging Classroom Learning and Real-World Experience Bayview Glen’s Co-operative Education Programme continues to be a vital component of student post-secondary and career pathway planning. This credit course effectively blends classroom learning with real-world workplace experience. The programme focusses on preparing students for their future careers through a structured framework that encompasses classroom instruction, practical placements, and reflective integration activities. Cooperative education fosters a partnership between education and community organizations across various industries, involving students, teachers, employers, placement supervisors, and parents.

This collaboration enriches the learning experience, ensuring that students gain relevant skills and insights.

This past July, students embarked on diverse placements across a range of industries. Cooperative Education 2024 group excelled, with placements at Mount Sinai Hospital across nine departments, including Cardiology, Oncology, the Neonatal ICU, and Biomedical Engineering. Students also gained insights into the legal field at boutique and intellectual property law firms, while others explored careers in engineering and finance with placements at an Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Company and Assante Wealth Management.

The Cooperative Education programme not only enhances students’ theoretical knowledge but also fosters their professional maturity. Employers have consistently praised the impressive preparation and maturity exhibited by Bayview Glen students. Their ability to apply classroom concepts in real-world settings has garnered positive feedback, highlighting the effectiveness of the programme in nurturing well-rounded, capable individuals ready for the challenges of the workplace.

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As the programme continues into September and October with integration activities, students reflect on their experiences and connect their learning to future aspirations. The Cooperative Education Programme is more than just a course; it’s a pathway to personal and professional growth, equipping students with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in their chosen future career pathways.

Timeline for the Competitive Application Process: • End of January: Applications released to Grade 11 students (email) • Mid-February: Application submissions due • End of February - Start of March: Interviews conducted • Last week of March: Acceptances shared • Start of April: Classes begin (once a week for two hours, usually Friday afternoons) • Month of July: Placement period If you or your company might be interested in becoming a cooperative education host or employer, we would love to hear from you! Partnering with our programme offers a unique opportunity to mentor the next generation of professionals while benefitting from their fresh perspectives and enthusiasm. Please reach out adybala@bayviewglen.ca for more information on how you can get involved.

Adriana Dybala Academic and Career Counsellor

Embracing Change How the Upper School has embraced a new device-free policy, and what we’re doing to support students Change is scary. Especially when you get a letter from your Division Head at the end of June stating that when you get back to school in the fall, there will be no devices permitted on campus. That means no smartphones, no AirPods and no smartwatches. That is exactly what Upper School students had to deal with when they returned to school in September.

In our first assembly, I spoke about why we made this decision. No, it wasn’t to punish or torture. We now have undeniable data that links device use to poorer mental, social, and academic outcomes. I spoke about how in the 1970s, cigarette companies were granted access to high schools and handed out sample packs of cigarettes.

The thinking was that if brands could get young people addicted early, they would have customers for life. The students reacted with gasps of shock that an educational institution would allow something like this to happen. But cigarettes cause cancer! They must have known how bad it was for people.

This, I shared with the Upper School students, is what we now know about young people having unrestricted access to social media. This is today’s cigarette battle.

That said, we also know that it isn’t an easy transition to not having devices, so the school brought in Jake Ernst, the Clinical Director at Straight Up Health! in Toronto to speak with students and their families about this important change. Jake specializes in youth mental health and supports families with all of the struggles they may confront during the years of adolescence.

people today don’t know what’s real or fake. The fallout of the inability to rectify fiction from reality is wreaking havoc on youth mental health. These are issues young people need to think about and discuss.

It’s not all grim though. Students walked away from these sessions having a better understanding of why they feel certain things when they get trapped in an algorithm for too long and were empowered with strategies to disconnect and take charge of their technology usage.

They now know that they can own their attention spans, and this will likely be the key to a healthier and happier life.

We see the positive impacts in the hallways now that we are over a month into this new device free policy.

Students are reporting greater focus, that they are getting more work done, and that the energy is calmer. In short, it’s working.

If you weren’t able to see Ernst on his parent evening in September, please join us on Thursday, November 14 at 7:00 p.m. in the J.T.M. Guest Theatre to hear more about this important topic.

Fiona Fenili Head of Upper School

Ernst presented to our Grades 10-12 students and 7-9 students – focussing his talk on the acronym MESH – Mental, Emotional, and Social Health. Ernst shared important information about the different pro-social ways we can use technology to connect (that’s the good stuff), and the more anti-social and isolated ways that technology is used (which can often lead to poor mental and social health outcomes). Students shared what they wished the adults in their lives knew about them, and participated in a dialogue about the role technology plays in their lives.

Tech is not bad. However, the dangers are real if we don’t discuss and understand how/when/why we are using technology. We want to build healthy, balanced brains, and giving our young people the information they need to make informed choices about their technology is a big part of that. Ernst spoke of the number one issue he sees at his practice working with youth. What is it? Young

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Robotics Updates FRC Robotics: ALT-F4 Wins International All Girls Competition Bayview Glen’s Upper School FIRST Robotics Competition team, ALT-F4, recently participated in an all-girls offseason competition in Michigan. The event, known as the Goonettes Invitational, is a two-day competition hosted by an American team. ALT-F4 was the first international team to participate in both days of the competition.

After driving for over six hours and crossing the border, ALT-F4 finally arrived in Michigan. Feeling tired and needing rest, they headed straight to their hotel, preparing for the weekend ahead.

With a good night of sleep in the tank, they woke up ready to tackle the competition. After breakfast at the hotel, they headed to the venue to set up the pit area and perform a systems check on the robot. The team won their first qualification match of the day by 14 points, and continued their winning streak by winning five of the six matches they played in. Despite growing issues with the robot’s turret, they were the second-seeded team at the start of the playoffs.

Round 1 of playoffs was a victory for the team, and they had started making a name for themselves in the competition. Round 2 of the playoffs was a different story. While they stayed on top for most of the match, it ended at 71-69, with ALT-F4 trailing behind by two points. Everyone in the stands sat with bated breath, watching the screen and waiting for the final scores to be announced.

After the final scores for the match were tallied up, ALT-F4 won by a single point. Even through the livestream, I could hear the shouts of joy from the stands and from our team. Even though I wasn’t at the competition, I was exhilarated and filled with pride for my team.

Unfortunately, our luck didn’t last for very long, with the team losing the next two matches due to a broken turret, later being eliminated during the semifinals. Still, the team’s performance was exemplary, and the practice from the day helped set them up for success during the second day of the competition.

After a rollercoaster of a first day, the team went to Olive Garden, which most people described as one of the highlights of the competition. As they sat down at the large table and began ordering their food, they truly felt like a team. With shared laughter and shared desserts, our team was strengthened and ready for Day 2.

18 • Fall 2024

Their hard work and time spent fixing up the bot didn’t go to waste. The team ended up winning five of their six qualification matches and was the first-seeded team during the playoffs.

While the playoffs began with a rough start, with the team losing by three points in the first round, ALT-F4 didn’t give up. Fueled by the previous night’s unlimited pasta and breadsticks, the team won every single game in the playoffs, securing a place in the finals.

The first round of the finals was a race for points, with ALT-F4 eventually beating the other alliance by six points. After winning the first round, the team only had to win one more round of finals before securing the win and becoming the first international team to win the competition.

The second round of finals started off roughly, with our robot stalling out during the autonomous period of the competition. We ended the match at a tie of 63/63 points. The judges and referees still had to go over the match and decide who won. One of the robots on our alliance was given a yellow card. Everyone waited anxiously for the judges to announce the victors, until the deciding message flashed on the screen. “RED WINS”Unfortunately, our robot was on the blue team. Now, the competition was neck and neck.

The autonomous period for the third round ended with a 29/29 tie, and the drivers eagerly took control of the robots. Slowly but surely, we widened the gap between ourselves and the opposing team. Our team ended the match with an all-but-confirmed win, at 103 points to our opponents’ 53. The judges took a few minutes to look over the match and calculate additional penalties and points. Everyone on the team, from people at the competition in the middle of the action to people watching the livestream in their living rooms back in Toronto, waited for the result.

“BLUE WINS!” We all erupted in cheers as the team was presented with their banner (an award given at FRC competitions in place of a trophy).

Once the team returned to Toronto, we put up the new banner in the robotics lab. A great start to the season!

Lukas Media & Marketing Lead Grade 10 Student

Mikaila Editor Grade 10 Student

FLL Robotics: Lego League Bayview Glen’s FIRST Lego League teams are off to a strong start this Fall. On September 29, Bayview Glen hosted the annual Ontario FLL Kickoff event for the 12th consecutive season.

Teams from all over the province benefitted from our children’s leadership and technical skills in our student-led workshops. Bayview Glen is proud to maintain its position as a national leader in Robotics and Innovation.

The SUBMERGED season’s Innovation Project will challenge the teams with researching and developing innovative solutions related to ocean exploration, and the Robot Game is a complex undertaking that requires complex engineering, building, and programming skills. In all things that the teams do, they are guided by the FIRST Core Values of Discovery, Innovation, Impact, Inclusion, Teamwork, and Fun.

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Parent Association PA Welcome and Kick-Off Breakfast 2024 Connect Current Parents Link: bayviewglen.ca/parentand-student-resources Bayview Glen Parent Association @theshopsbvg

20 • Fall 2024

Thank you to all the parents who attended the Parent Association Welcome and Kick-off Breakfast on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. It was a big success and a great way to kick-off another successful year at Bayview Glen. We had over 150 parents join us to hear from our Heads of School, Bayview Glen staff and PA Executive team. We learned about all the fantastic work being done at our school, including newly created school positions, building updates, and innovative learning for our children. Our PA Executive team was introduced and provided details on our upcoming exciting social events.

If you could not join us or would like to recap the presentations, the event recording is available for viewing via our post on Edsby news river. We look forward to seeing you at our events and continue building our connections.

Parent Association Parent Socials 2024 Thank you to all parents who joined us at our two Parent Association Parent Socials on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 and Thursday, October 3, 2024. We had a great time catching up with you all at our evening and morning socials.

It was a full-house success, and we were delighted to see such an amazing turnout. We hope you enjoyed connecting with fellow parents, and we sincerely appreciate your continued support of the school community.

To view more photos, please visit: bayviewglen.ca/news-publications/photo-gallery

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Parent Association

Parent Association Halloween Fun 2024 Thank you to the many members of the Bayview Glen community for joining our annual Parent Association Halloween festivities on Sunday, October 27, 2024.

The Prep School Gymnasium and J.T.M. Guest Theatre were full of wonderful families dressed in their favourite Halloween costumes, enjoying trick or treating, the dance party, yummy treats at the BeaverTails food truck, and lots of fun at the various games, craft stations, face painting, and the highly appreciated bouncy castles. It was great seeing you all joining in the celebration! A big thank you to all of student and parent volunteers, as well as the Bayview Glen staff for their support on this exciting day!

The PA team is always looking for volunteers to help at our Parent Association events. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the online signup form or contact pavolunteer@bavyiewglen.ca for any questions.

To view more photos, please visit: bayviewglen.ca/news-publications/photo-gallery

22 • Fall 2024

Upcoming Parent Association Event Save the date for our annual Parent Association Merry Market on Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the J.T.M Guest Theatre at the Bayview Glen Moatfield Campus.

Come join us in celebrating the holiday season with a great shopping selection featuring local and Bayview Glen community members as well as our talented student entrepreneurs. A great opportunity to bid on our famous class basket auction and indulge in our delicious bake sale.

There will be lots of fun for everyone with music, crafts, treats, hot chocolate station, and free photos with Santa.

More details will be provided via email and Edsby news river. Please also visit our Parent Association Events webpage for more details on each event: bayviewglen.ca/pa-events

PA Shop Update The PA Shop is open every morning from 8:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. For more information or to order online, please visit: bayviewglen.ca/pa-shop Please note: The PA Shop and website will be closed from November 2 to 10, 2024 for inventory.

Questions? Email pashop@bayviewglen.ca Bayview Glen Parent Association

@theshopsbvg

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Alumni Relations Updates A Message from the Director of Alumni Relations On Thursday, October 24, we welcomed Prep and Upper School students, parents, faculty and staff to our first Career Breakfast of this academic year. The theme, spotlighting careers in Environmental Science and Sustainability, featured two of our Bayview Glen alumni.

Dayna Stein ’09, the recipient of the 2023 inaugural Bayview Glen Trailblazer Alumni Award, is a Sustainable Food Systems consultant and the Founder of bare market Toronto’s premier package-free goods store, Aaron Judah ’18, a Marine Biologist and Deep Sea Explorer is currently a PhD student in Hawai’i. The two alumni shared invaluable insights on navigating career paths, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, following one’s passion, and building resilience. They encouraged students to embrace challenges, value lifelong learning, and highlighted how diverse experiences and skills —from arts to sciences — can enrich any profession. Their stories inspired students to approach their futures with curiosity and confidence. Their stories were inspirational to our current students, faculty, and each other. Thank you to our two Bayview Glen alumni for participating and to everyone who attended! Keep an eye out for our upcoming Career Breakfast on Thursday, November 28, 2024!

24 • Fall 2024

A Message from the Bayview Glen Alumni Association President The Bayview Glen Alumni Association is thrilled to welcome faculty, students, and parents to the 2024-2025 academic year!

Our community remains as strong as ever, and this year we’re excited to launch many new initiatives and continue finding more ways to engage our alumni meaningfully.

As we continue to grow and strengthen our community with the new Strategic Plan, we remain committed to following and supporting our alumni as they make bold, courageous decisions and meaningful contributions to the world. Through alumni-led events, mentorship, and support, we aim to empower the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and encouragement to build the lives they envision. And in what will feel like the blink of an eye, we’ll be welcoming the Class of 2025 to the Alumni Association, celebrating their journeys and achievements.

Wishing all students, parents, and faculty a wonderful, fulfilling year ahead!

With warmest regards, Christian Medeiros ’12 President, Bayview Glen Alumni Association

CONGRATULATIONS

CLASS OF 2024

The Bayview Glen philosophy Whole Child, Purposeful Life, Better World is at the centre of a Bayview Glen education. It focusses on the educational continuum from Preschool through Grade 12, fostering values, abilities and friendships that last a lifetime. This philosophy embraces the real world beyond our walls in that we are co-educational, multicultural and multi-denominational; and it focusses on the whole child, nurturing each child’s full potential and confidence to succeed. We proudly celebrate the achievements of the Graduating Class of 2024 in this context.

Whole Child.

Bayview Glen promotes individual choice of post-secondary schools and programmes. Students from the Class of 2024 were admitted to a wide range of programmes including Architecture, Global Business, Kinesiology, Earth Sciences, Mechatronics, Media and Communications, Cognitive Sciences, Computer Science, Mathematics and Statistics, Business Administration, Medical Sciences, and Teacher Education.

Purposeful Life.

Of the 88 graduates, just over 52% were ‘lifers’, having progressed through all three school divisions at Bayview Glen. The entire Class of 2024 was warmly welcomed into the Bayview Glen Alumni Association, and we anticipate the wonderful things they will achieve. Their knowledge, creativity and self-discipline will allow them to fulfill the rigorous expectations of university; their global competencies, entrepreneurial mindset and compassion make them active and positive members of their communities wherever they go.

Better World.

Students from the Class of 2024 will attend 23 universities spanning three provinces and three countries.

The top destinations in Ontario are Western University, University of Toronto, Queen’s University, University of Ottawa, and McMaster University. International choices include John Hopkins University, New York University, Yale University, Columbia University, Eastern Michigan University, University of Charleston and University of Southampton.

Bayview Glen Independent School 275 Duncan Mill Road Toronto, Ontario M3B 3H9 416.443.1030 | bayviewglen.ca

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Better World

Bayview Glen Global Education:

Whole Child, Purposeful Life, Better World At Bayview Glen, Global Education is not just a concept — it’s a mission. It’s a mission to bring people together, to nurture understanding, and to inspire students to take meaningful action toward a more just and equitable world.

We envision Global Education as a powerful vessel that unites communities from all corners of the globe. At the heart of our Global Education framework is the idea of “identity.” Every aspect of learning is viewed through this lens, as we create spaces where individuals feel safe, cared for, valued, and heard.

Our approach emphasizes critical inquiry, empowering students to enhance their intercultural skills. These skills are essential as they learn to collaborate with others in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

26 • Fall 2024

Through carefully designed programming, we offer students opportunities to build the intercultural competencies they need to become compassionate, knowledgeable global citizens and bold leaders. We believe that by working together, our students can help make the world a better place — by caring for the planet, standing up for others, and respecting the unique differences that define each of us.

Our Global Education programme is committed to addressing global challenges with humility, compassion, and empathy, ensuring that our students are equipped to create a brighter, more hopeful future for generations to come.

Round Square: As a proud member of Round Square, Bayview Glen is part of an international network of over 250 schools that collaborate and gather annually, both virtually and in person, to share, learn, and explore together. Bayview Glen’s involvement in Round Square has provided our students with learning experiences in Kenya, New Zealand, Iceland, the U.S., and many other countries around the world.

Most recently, four Grade 12 students and two teachers travelled to Bogotá, Colombia, to attend the Round Square International Conference themed “Blooming from the Past.” During their time there, students participated in homestays, connected with peers from around the world in Baraza groups, listened to inspiring stories of resilience from three keynote speakers, supported local farmers through service projects, and explored the stunning geography of Colombia. Here are some of their stories: “I became interested in attending RSIC Colombia 2024 after hearing friends gush about how much they had enjoyed last year’s conference in Kenya in October last year. I heard about incredible experiences they had there, such as them camping overnight in a national park. Even though I knew I wouldn’t do those same activities in Colombia, what convinced me to apply were the aspects of the conference I knew would be the same — the opportunity to meet hundreds of people my age from all over the world, form connections and have interesting conversations, and experience and learn about a new country. Finding out in March that the conference was happening in Colombia made me want to attend the conference even more because I had never been to South America before. I was excited to be in a new landscape, in the Andes, and get to know this group of people and their culture. The location of Colombia also gave me new motivation to learn Spanish, which is a goal I’ve had for years, but never really committed to. This trip gave me a deadline to get a strong level in the language, because it was important for me to know it so I could better connect with locals and my host family.

heard interesting keynote speakers and then rejoined our Baraza groups to discuss how the topics impact our own countries. The last evening we spent in Paipa we enjoyed a cultural evening, where schools could perform songs and dances highlighting their countries’ distinct cultures (Bayview Glen did not participate). The first and last days were spent in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, which far exceeded my expectations. It’s a beautiful, vibrant, tree-filled, huge city, and I was allowed to explore it more thanks to the opportunity to do a homestay with a local family from one of the host schools. We went out to a restaurant and met some of their friends the first night, and on the last night met up with the same people.

Meeting so many new people from all over the world allowed me to learn a lot about what life is like in other countries, through the discussions I had with them.

Several of the keynote speakers spoke about helping their country and community — one of them was a human rights lawyer who worked on the peace treaty in 2016 between the Colombian government and FARC, and another started a sex education after-school programme in a community with high rates of teen pregnancy. This programme has now spread all over the country. Another speaker worked with a charity to get hundreds of bikes to a remote, desert community to stop children from walking four hours each day to and from school. Hearing these talks made me realise how important trying to solve social issues and helping people is to me. I’ve always been kind of set on doing art in the future, but now I’m thinking a lot more seriously about how I can incorporate helping others.” – Olivia “Colombia really was a trip of a lifetime. From building chicken coops out of mud, to exploring picturesque towns, the most memorable part of the trip, however, was meeting the people we shared this experience with.

The hospitality and generosity of the Colombian people, as well as the openness and friendliness of students from across the world, will make this a trip I will never forget.”

– Leila

I participated in a wide array of activities in our three days in Paipa, Boyacá with my Baraza group, which was a group of 14 delegates led by two host school students. I had the opportunity to really bond with these people, because we spent so much time together. My favourite activities were the dance workshop we did, wherein we learned a traditional dance from the Boyacá region, a beautiful hike in the mountains, and building a chicken coop to help a lovely farmer, who we got to meet. In the evenings we

27

Bayview Glen Global Education (Continued)

Round Square Experience to Columbia

28 • Fall 2024

Global Education Learning Experiences, 2024-2025 This school year, students in Grades 9-12 will have an opportunity to develop their intercultural skills and competencies through four experiential learning experiences. These experiences were artfully curated for students to explore themes of wellness and wellbeing, dual narratives, and sustainability: 1. Defining Wellness: Athens, Rafina, Nafplio, Greece December 13-20, 2024 2. Crossroads of Culture: Andalusia, Spain January 24-February 1, 2025 3. Cultural Resilience: Paris, Avignon, Provance, France March 1-8, 2025 4. History, Narrative and Culture: Northern Ireland & Ireland March 22-30, 2025

Exciting Additions to Our Global Education Programme As we expand our Global Education programming, I am thrilled to announce the launch of two exciting new initiatives: the Head of Global Education role on our Upper School SEC and the Global Education Learning Series.

The creation of the Head of Global Education position is a pivotal step in amplifying student voice within our global education initiatives, experiential learning, and future programming at Bayview Glen. For the 2024-2025 school year, Sofia will take on this important leadership role. Recognizing that global issues can often be complex and challenging, Sofia will work closely with two Co-Heads, Krrisha and Faith, along with a dedicated Global Education Committee. This group of passionate students will help shape how student perspectives become integral to global education at Bayview Glen, ensuring we create spaces where everyone feels safe, cared for, valued, and heard— while having fun along the way!

In addition, we are excited to introduce the Global Education Learning Series, modelled after the university lecture series concept. This initiative serves as a platform to highlight community celebrations, explore diverse perspectives, and address global challenges, all through the lens of student voices. Though still in its early stages, the series is currently being shared through assemblies, with plans to expand to other formats such as lunch-and-learn sessions or after-school events.

These initiatives represent a powerful step forward in our commitment to fostering globally minded, empathetic, and engaged students. I look forward to seeing the incredible impact these programmes will have on our community.

Dr. Angela Mantie Director of Global Education and Strategic Partnerships

Bayview Glen Global Studies Certificate Our Global Studies Certificate is a signature programme that empowers students to explore the world through four interconnected themes: Learn, Experience, Engage, and Act. Learn: Students broaden their understanding of global issues by completing four full-credit courses from an internationally-focussed Bayview Glen curriculum list.

Experience: This theme provides students with rich global experiential learning opportunities, including participation in events such as Round Square conferences (both in-person and virtual), Model UN conferences, and international robotics competitions, among others.

Engage: Students immerse themselves in global citizenship by actively participating in an Upper School club or community organization for at least two years, fostering a deeper connection to their communities.

Act: Through the Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) framework, students tackle global challenges they are passionate about, developing innovative solutions aimed at making a meaningful and measurable impact on those most affected. Each project will be mentored by Dr. Mantie, providing guidance and expertise along the way.

This programme equips students with the skills, experiences, and mindset to navigate and contribute positively to our interconnected world.

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From Dawn ’til Dusk:

Celebrating Roger’s 45 Years at Bayview Glen Most days, Roger Curtis is at Bayview Glen by the time the sun comes up. He gets here early, before most of us.

Historically, too, Roger was at Bayview Glen before most of us. 45 years ago, he started in the valley, driving the school bus before joining the maintenance team. He also fed the horse, Moonlight. In the building and the growing of our school, Roger has been so important. Even if we didn’t know about the valley or the horse, we’ve always known that.

Roger is still here before most of us, making his rounds well before the first soccer practice, the first early meeting, the first parent bench drop-off. Spring, summer, autumn, and winter, we can see Roger checking doors and pathways, moving through the valley, making sure all is as it should be, proprietary in the best sense, the consummate custodian. When we arrive, he may be the first person we see.

And Roger may be the first person a child sees when they arrive, perhaps for the first time. We all know his kind greeting, his wry and knowing smile, the twinkle in his eye. How reassuring, how promising it must be for a child - even a nervous child, an anxious child, a child who can’t quite leave a parent behind - to meet Roger at parent bench, to have him wish them good morning, take them by the hand, and lead them to the day’s adventures. How wonderful a day could be when it begins like that.

And in the same way that Roger welcomes children in the morning and sends them safely on their way in the afternoon, he welcomes teachers back to school every September and sends them on their way at the end of

30 • Fall 2024

the year by co-ordinating and dedicating his effort and attention to the setting up and dismantling of the Lower School classrooms. So many Lower School teachers tell stories of searching for furniture, tracking down supplies, painting and moving and arranging, with Roger as their good-natured champion. These transition periods are a huge undertaking of schedules and moving trucks and endless blue boxes, but like all of our maintenance staff, Roger is willing and unfailing; he works hard to make things easy for the rest of us.

45 years is a remarkable career. That Roger has spent it with us in valuable work and problem-solving, in storytelling and friendly conversations, in caring for scores of teachers and other co-workers and students by the thousands, singing and whistling his way through the halls and the days, is our good fortune.

Roger, thank you so much for everything you’ve done for us and everything you’ve given us. We are endlessly grateful to you. Your warmth and welcoming, your compassion and commitment, represent the best of everything Bayview Glen aspires to be. We will miss you when you leave us, but it will be a rest well-deserved. We will look forward to seeing you again soon and hearing your stories of family and friends back home but, until then, every day when we wake up early and come to school, we will watch the sun rise and think of you.

Ron Sylvester Faculty: English, Social Sciences and Humanities

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

“There’s a power in these lands, one that’s been here many years, strong enough to make you stand and forget all your fears.”

- Wab Kinew from Go Show the World

On Monday, September 30, the Lower School field was an abundance of orange as the Lower, Prep and Upper Schools came together for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Since the designation of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in 2020, Bayview Glen has commemorated this day and all those affected by the residential school system with a commitment to sharing their stories and continued work towards reconciliation among the community. Although this work is not limited to September 30 and is embedded both in and outside our classroom curricula, a tradition has begun at Bayview Glen where we join together on the morning of September 30 and walk the land on which the school resides. On this day, students from JK to Grade 12 gather with one another, two grades together. They read aloud our land acknowledgement and take time to learn about each other, the land, and connect as peers. This year, as a group, the students walked the land, reflecting on the year’s theme “Taking Truth to Action” and said thank you to all those who came before us. Following the walk, students were provided the opportunity to engage with stories, quotes and artwork to further their understanding.

Stories included “Go Show the World” by Wab Kinew and “Be a Good Ancestor” by Leona Prince and Gabrielle Prince. Students also completed art pieces inspired by Métis dot art painter Christi Belcourt, where they were prompted with a guiding question such as “How do you respect the land we are on?”

Preschool students also participated in the day by making a commitment to take care of the land. Students reflected on kindness and engaged in stories by Indigenous authors. Our youngest learners shared their hopes and wishes when attaching orange ribbons to the playground fence for all to see as our community stands together on our journey towards reconciliation.

Erika Gillespie, Greg Ryerson, and Leen-Jan van’t Hof Directors of Teaching and Learning

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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:

The Land We Love

written and illustrated by SK1

We embarked on a journey of gratitude and thanks for the land we live, learn, and play on. A natural inclination to tell stories drove our inquiry to create a tale. This story is about the values of respect and care for nature while honouring the ongoing relationship between the Indigenous People and the land.

Through this story, we wanted to invite the students to dream of a better tomorrow, to take the path to a perfect paradise, where we work together to protect Mother Earth and build a sustainable future where all living things live in harmony.

All living things felt safe and happy because they had homes, rainbows, water and food from the land, fresh air from trees, and kind and responsible people.

Oceans said thank you with their waves.

Mother Earth said thank you by giving the people gems.

The bees buzzed and said thank you by making honey.

32 • Fall 2024

Once upon a time, long before our school and homes were built, there were people who lived here and took care of the land.

The Indigenous People loved the land like a friend.

Flowers said thank you by blooming.

Animals said thank you by making noise.

So today, before we play, learn and explore, we say a special thank you. We promise to help each other, make everyday sunny and bright.

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Introducing Ryan Rodrigues:

Executive Director, Advancement and External Relations Our new Executive Director, Advancement and External Relations sat down to discuss his vision for fostering connections and driving growth within the Bayview Glen community. With a rich background in education, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement, our new Executive Director brings a fresh perspective to supporting our school’s mission of “Whole Child, Purposeful Life, Better World.” From Ryan’s first impressions of Bayview Glen’s vibrant and inclusive culture to the strategic priorities for the year ahead, this interview explores how he plans to strengthen our ties, inspire philanthropy, and help our community flourish.

1. What has been your first impression of our school’s community, and how do you see the Advancement and External Relations team playing a role in supporting its growth?

My first impression of the Bayview Glen community is one of warmth and inclusivity, with a strong commitment to fostering a diverse environment where bold thinking thrives. The Advancement and External Relations team — including Admissions and Recruitment, the School Store/Parent Association Shop, Communications and Marketing, Alumni Relations, Fundraising, and Community Relations — plays a pivotal role in amplifying this spirit. By stewarding targeted outreach strategies that showcase our unique offerings, we engage prospective families and deepen connections within our community. Through authentic relationships and promoting our values of compassion, curiosity, and courage, we ensure that our growth reflects the diverse voices and strengths of Bayview Glen.

2. Can you share a bit about your professional background and how your previous experiences will shape your approach to advancing our school’s new mission of Whole Child, Purposeful Life, Better World?

Over the past 25 years, I’ve held various leadership roles in education and nonprofit management, specializing in leadership development, strategy, communications, admissions, recruitment, and fundraising. I’ve led teams at Western University, the University of Toronto, Queen’s University, and two independent schools, gaining extensive experience in aligning our efforts to support our new mission, and the complete student-alumni life cycle. My goal is to create a cohesive strategy that not only attracts mission-aligned families but also fosters a strong sense of belonging and purpose across our school community.

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3. Philanthropy and community engagement are central to your role. What inspires your passion for these areas, and how do you plan to cultivate that within the Bayview Glen community?

My passion for philanthropy and community engagement comes from my experiences as a Canadian independent school student, donor, volunteer, and active alumnus. I deeply understand the transformative power of education and the impact of a supportive community on student success. At Bayview Glen, I intend to nurture this spirit by building meaningful engagement opportunities for students, alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, and local stakeholders. Initiatives like alumni career mentorship and volunteerism programmes will foster connections, support learning, and emphasize the importance of giving back, closely aligning with our mission as outlined in the new strategic plan – Be Bold.

4. What are your key priorities in your first year as Executive Director, Advancement and External Relations, and how do you plan to engage our alumni, parents, and donors?

In my first year, my key priorities include building strong relationships with my team and gaining insights into what makes Bayview Glen such a unique community for staff, faculty, volunteers, parents, alumni, donors, and prospective families. I will also develop a comprehensive communications strategy and launch a stewardship programme to keep our community informed and engaged in fundraising initiatives, allowing them to see firsthand the positive impact of their contributions.

5. With the landscape of education and fundraising evolving, what do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges in connecting with our community and securing support for the school’s future?

The evolving landscape of education and philanthropy presents both opportunities and challenges. A key opportunity lies in leveraging digital platforms to expand engagement and create new avenues for collaboration.

At the same time, we face increasing competition for philanthropic support. To navigate this, we need to communicate our mission clearly and showcase the tangible impacts of our programmes. Building authentic relationships will be crucial in demonstrating our value and securing the support needed for Bayview Glen’s continued success.

Meet Our New Team Members Bayview Glen is thrilled to welcome a talented group of new employees to our school community!

Each of them brings unique skills, experiences, and fresh perspectives that will help Bayview Glen continue to grow and enrich the student experience.

Preschool:

Advancement:

• Vanessa Calderon, Faculty

• Johanna Gibson, Digital Content Designer

• Adrienne Dunn, Faculty

• Taylor Jennings, Senior Advancement Officer

• Mazhgan Najim, Faculty

• Ryan Rodrigues, Executive Director, Advancement and External Relations

Lower School: • Samar Alibhai, Faculty

Bayview Glen Camp:

• Jonathan Baum, Faculty

• Kayley Core, Interim Camp Director

• Jennifer Clarke, Faculty

• James Tory, Camp Office Administrator

• Shamira Langevine, Faculty • Phoenix Mackenzie, Library Technician

Student Services:

• Rebecca Philp-Tsujiuchi, Faculty

• Jessie Singer, Student Services Advisors

• Alison Roy, Faculty

• David Zutautas, Director of University Counselling and Student Services Head

• Anna Shalaykevych, Faculty

Prep School: • Nicole Blair, Dean of Student Life, Prep School • Victoria Addorisio, Faculty • Azal Amer Moussa, Faculty • Aden Eichenberg, Faculty

Upper School: • Lorne Budman, Faculty • Andriana Gialiris, Librarian • Sven Gibaud, Faculty

Facilities: • John Ryan Gumabay, Facilities Maintenance • Anderson Leiton, Facilities Maintenance

Administration: • Kristi Edwards, Attendance Administrator / Receptionist - Moatfield Campus • Neela Bahram, After School Receptionist - Duncan Mill Campus • Wendy Merowitz, After School Receptionist - Moatfield Campus

• Viron Hattingh, Faculty • Keith Kennedy, Faculty

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275 Duncan Mill Road, Toronto, Ontario M3B 3H9 • www.bayviewglen.ca