N02 Winter 2024
OFFICIAL NEWS @BAYVIEWGLEN
Age 2 to University Entrance | Co-educational | Multicultural | Multi-Denominational | bayviewglen.ca
Table of Contents Message from the Head of School
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WHOLE CHILD
4-11
Learning Outside of the Classroom
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Learning Outside of the Classroom: Field Trips
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Loving Language in Grade 2
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Investing in Young Minds: A Classroom Economy at Bayview Glen
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Dandelions or Orchids: Raising Resilient Children
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Robotics
8-9
The Arts
10-11
WHOLE LIFE
12-25
Outdoor Learning in Lower School
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My Co-op Experience Last Summer
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Student Spotlights
14-15
Coach Profiles
16-17
Message from the Director of Alumni Relations
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A Summer Course at Oxford
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Message from the Student Executive Council
20-21
Bayview Glen Camp March Break 2024
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Chartwells Update
23
Parent Association
24-25
WHOLE WORLD
26-39
Harmonizing Perspectives: Inspiring Connection Through Land-Based Learning
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Cultural Sharing Through Beadwork
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The World is Our Classroom
28-29
Campaign of Kindness
30-32
Canadian Accredited Independent Schools
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Board of Directors
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Advancement
35
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
36-37
Remembrance Day
38-39
Front Cover Photo: Connor, Senior Kindergarten student | Back Cover Photo: Charlie, Senior Kindergarten student
Message from the Head of School We capped off the winter term prior to the December break with three amazing music concerts from the Lower, Prep and Upper School. The wonderful sounds from our choir and rhythmic beats from our instrumental bands captivated the audience and no doubt, filled the theatre with smiles and warmth, as we transitioned to the winter holidays. This year, we opened up our first Health Center on campus and welcomed our full-time registered nurse — Ms. Annie Davies-Irvine (RN). Many students and staff have benefitted from her knowledge, immediate response, expertise and care as we continue to align with our strategic commitment towards the health and well-being of our community. Our athletic teams and programmes were in full force and continued to provide students the opportunities to compete and experience our robust athletics programme that fielded 34 teams in the fall and currently 37 teams in the winter. A special congratulations goes out to our Senior Girls Basketball Team who qualified and represented Bayview Glen at their first OFSAA Provincial Championships. The new addition of our Mathematics Lab in the Upper School continues to provide tremendous benefit and value for our high school students. Whether their needs are for extra help, test preparation, project support or deeper levels of enrichment, all Upper School students can access a Math teacher any time of day within our Mathematics Lab. This will no doubt have a meaningful or transformative impact towards their long-term growth and development.
As we look ahead, I wanted to sincerely thank everyone for your participation in our strategic plan survey. We had over 1,100 surveys completed by students, parents, staff and alumni. This data will be critically reviewed, along with our industry research in education and the work of our faculty & staff Discovery Teams within the areas of Health and Well-Being, Academic Innovation and Environmental Sustainability. The collaborative research conducted by our three teams have been tremendous and a special acknowledgement goes out to the Chairs of these Discovery Teams: Health and Well-Being — Ms. Melanie Deeks Academic Innovation — Ms. Leah Kanary Environmental Sustainability — Mr. Cameron Stott The final stages will involve deep discussion levels between the School Leadership Team and Board of Directors. A collaborative process that will be facilitated by The Future Design School, with the ultimate goal of designing our strategic priorities over the next five years. The new five year strategic plan will be published for our community this fall 2024. It’s an exciting time to be at Bayview Glen, as we look ahead and continue to build on the past successes of our School and remain committed to providing an outstanding educational experience for our students and families. James Lee Head of School
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WHOLE CHILD
We nurture each student’s full potential and confidence
Learning Outside of the Classroom As we usher in a new year, we reflect on the state of the world and how we are preparing our young people to lead it. There is political unrest across the world, a burgeoning climate crisis, the automation of many industries, and a continued mental health shadow from COVID-19. However, our young people today are more tolerant than previous generations. They are socially aware and active; they can multi-task and find wildly creative solutions to complex problems. In short, the world is changing, but our young people, when given a strong educational start, are developing the necessary skills to thrive in this landscape. According to the World Economic Forum, “By 2025, some 85 million jobs may be lost to the emerging division of labour among humans, machines, and algorithms…though 97 million more jobs may emerge that are better adapted to the new dynamic”. It is evident that our society is shifting, and the skills that students need to remain competitive in the job market have changed in the last decade. While sound foundational knowledge remains essential for success and adaptability in the future, there remains, a “wide-ranging consensus that no single skill set or area of expertise is likely to be able to sustain a long-term career in the future, the core soft skills of the 21st century - including not just creativity and flexibility but also complex problem solving, critical thinking, and collaboration - will be crucial for enabling people to become better able to adapt to the changing needs of the job market” (World Economic Forum). As our world and the economy shift, our children may not be facing a future where they will stay in the same job for their entire career. However, with the right skill set, they will be able to adapt and land on strong footing regardless.
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Developing the “soft skills” is of critical importance to us at Bayview Glen. From our core values of compassion, respect, integrity, equity, balance, and responsibility to our emphasis on experiential learning opportunities, global dialogues and travel, and participation in teams and clubs — our students are introduced to these soft skills from an early age and become adept at employing them to find solutions, excel as part of a team, plan events in collaboration with others, and achieve their goals. In this section, you will read about how our students are Learning Outside of the Classroom. You can see firsthand how our students are exposed to opportunities that equip them with critical skills such as collaboration, creative problem-solving, self-awareness, and communication and interpersonal skills. Though the world is changing at a rapid pace, we are confident that our students are poised with the soft skills they need to adapt and remain lifelong learners and leaders. Fiona Fenili Head of Upper School Note: The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. It was established in 1971 as a not-for-profit foundation and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It is independent, impartial and not tied to any special interests. The Forum strives in all its efforts to demonstrate entrepreneurship in the global public interest while upholding the highest standards of governance. Moral and intellectual integrity is at the heart of everything it does.
Learning Outside of the Classroom: Field Trips At Bayview Glen, we embrace the real world beyond our walls in many ways. An important way of exposing our students to opportunities for learning outside of the classroom is field trips. We offer a wide variety of field trips that are linked to our courses so that our curriculum comes to life and students get the opportunity to develop their skills in the real world. On January 9, the students of our World Religion course in Grade 10 enjoyed a full-day field trip to three places of worship of religions they have studied during the first term of this school year. The World Religion course provides students with opportunities to explore various world religions and belief traditions and connects closely to our goal at Bayview Glen to develop empathy and respect for diversity of identity and viewpoint. This field trip was led by Brian Carwana, the Executive Director of Encounter World Religions, a registered charity that aims to help people, organizations and communities explore what it means to become religiously literate and enhance their understanding of one another. During this field trip, we visited Beth Tikvah Synagogue, the Richmond Hill Hindu Temple, and the TARIC Islamic Centre. Each of these visits provided us with an in-depth insight into the respective religions and the opportunity
to engage in a dialogue. Having these conversations in the place of worship instead of our regular classrooms enriched the learning: “Being in the atmosphere of the different places gave our class an immersive experience." In their reflection on this field trip, students showed the recognition of their own faith as well as a deeper understanding of other belief systems: “I learned a lot about the synagogue and the Hindu temple, which was very interesting. But the mosque was familiar to me because I am Muslim, and I know a lot about my religion.” Another common reflection was on the — sometimes unexpected — similarities between religions: “I realized that even though on the outside each religion looked very different, at the heart of it they all have the same fundamental principles. I found that all of these religions believe in a higher power, have a common expectation on human character and prioritize strengthening the community. Reflecting on this particular trip allowed me to understand the significance of unity and how recognizing the similarities at heart will allow for a more connected and inclusive world.” Leen-Jan van ‘t Hof Director of Teaching and Learning, Upper School
TARIC (Toronto and Region Islamic Congregation) Richmond Hill Hindu Temple
Beth Tikvah Synagogue
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Loving Language in Grade 2 In 2023, the Ontario Government made changes and updates to the Grade 1-8 Language curriculum. These changes were developed by research surrounding the Science of Reading. Through this research, it is abundantly clear that learning to read and developing related skills such as the ability to spell, requires evidence-based, explicit instruction that encompasses areas such as letter sound knowledge, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. At Bayview Glen, explicit reading instruction has long been an essential component of our Language curriculum. This year in Grade 2, we are proud to continue the work started by the Grade 1 team’s ‘Walk to Read’ initiative, with our updated ‘Reading Mastery Transformations’ programme. ‘RMT’ is a direct instruction reading programme, meaning that it provides a structured learning process; learning strategies are broken into sub-skills which students continuously review and practice, until mastery is reached. Every day, the Grade 2 students engage in small-group reading lessons with their teacher and peers. In each small group, students work to decode individual words, read and answer comprehension questions on short stories, and discuss vocabulary and language concepts, such as contractions and homographs.
In addition to our updated reading programme, the Grade 2’s have also begun a new, evidence-based spelling programme this school year — UFLI Foundations. Rather than focussing on memorizing the spelling of a list of words, which inevitably will be forgotten days later, UFLI focusses on teaching students all of the essential letter sounds and blends that make up words in the English language. This programme follows a carefully developed scope and sequence, designed to ensure that students are able to master and practice spelling and reading skills before moving on to more challenging concepts, and allows students to apply these skills with automaticity and confidence. The growth we have seen already in Grade 2 from the use of these programmes has been wonderful. Students are much more confident in both their reading and writing, and echoes of “How do you spell…?” and “What does this say?” are a rarity. We are excited to continue to see growth not only in language abilities, but in student confidence, in Grade 2! Brittany Camilleri Grade 2 Homeroom Teacher
Investing in Young Minds: A Classroom Economy at Bayview Glen In our Lower School, Grade 5 students are participating in a practical and engaging teaching programme, which is helping them gain a deeper understanding and respect for financial literacy. Alongside this, the innovative system aligns perfectly with the school's core values, reinforcing respect, responsibility, compassion, integrity, equity, and balance. So, how does it work? The classroom economy system is a miniature version of the real world. Students earn "Bayview Glen Dollars" for their assigned jobs and are rewarded for modelling consistent good practices and showing a strong work ethic. With their earnings, they pay for their desk and chair rent, electricity bills, school supplies, and the occasional treat or privilege. This hands-on approach provides students with practical experience in real-world math skills, such as budgeting and understanding the value of saving for future goals. The classroom economy also opens doors to entrepreneurship and philanthropy, allowing students to explore the concept of investment as a means of growing their BVG dollars. Alongside this, it also encourages young business minds to give back, as students explored in December when they turned their BVG Dollars into real Canadian Dollars to raise $421 for SickKids by setting up a hot chocolate business. Since its conception in September, the classroom economy has already proven that it is more than just a teaching programme. It has shown that it is a
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transformative experience that instills financial literacy in young minds, preparing students for the real world. It is not only a practical way to teach students about money management, but also promotes respect, responsibility, compassion, integrity, equity, and balance, including a healthy bank balance! Gareth Jones Grade 5 Homeroom Teacher
“The BIG Why” is a Bayview Glen podcast on Lower School and Preschool Learning Conversations. Listen to the latest episode “Dollars for Desks & The Classroom Economy”, which shares about the Classroom Economy and how it connects to the Bayview Glen math programme.
Dandelions or Orchids: Raising Resilient Children All children deserve to thrive and learn how to navigate the nuances of life so that they can reach optimum success. A child’s upbringing highly determines their outcome. Psychologist Bruce J. Ellis and paediatrician Dr. Thomas Boyce believe that most children are like dandelions — they are resilient and can cope and thrive in tough conditions because they know how to get what they need for survival. On the other hand, orchid children are described as overly nurtured, highly sensitive and wilt very easily when they are on their own. Good parenting is hard work and parents and caregivers must decide what kind of children they want to raise. Ultimately, we want to raise children with good psychological resilience, which is the ability to cope and bounce back from adversity. The acceptance of success and failures is an essential learning experience for students as it helps in their growth and development and builds resilience. Certainly, they will not win every race or get perfect on all assignments. How they navigate the unexpected turns, and life’s ups and downs will help to shape them. But it starts with understanding setbacks are normal. Ideally, we want children to be able to embrace discomfort, move forward beyond disappointments, and thrive. Therefore, teens must be exposed to the normal problems of adolescence so they can develop and hone their problem-solving (life) skills. That means parents must resist the urge to rescue their teens from their mistakes and allow them to experience the consequences from their poor choices. This will prepare them for the tough times/challenges, that they rise to the occasion and not crack under pressure. They must be equipped with the tools they need so they are able to complete multiple assignments in a short timeframe and they do not make poor decisions, such as plagiarizing an assignment when they have procrastinated.
World-renowned Resilience expert Michael Ungar, Ph.D., clinician and Director of Resiliency research at Dalhousie University, contends resilience is built when there is stress exposure and people are given the capacity to navigate their way to the resources they need. Furthermore, he insists resilience is not just about strengthening children’s internal capacity, but that their environment must provide them with the necessary resources for wellbeing. Children should be involved in the processes that allow them to overcome adversity. They need structure, consequences, parentchild connections (or a strong connection to at least one caring adult), social support, rights and responsibilities, mentorship, a nurturing environment, safety and support, a sense of control, a sense of belonging or purpose, counselling (when needed), etc. We know parenting is hard work, but our children deserve it. Bayview Glen is committed to giving students what they need to do well and work in partnership with parents for their best outcomes. Arguably, there are many parenting 'experts,' each believing their position is the right approach to parenting. Parents have to do their own research to see which approach resonates with them best. The Director of Student Wellbeing and the Parent Association have launched the Bayview Glen PA Book Club which is a space for parents and caregivers to get together, read selected books geared to parents and critique their varied approaches. Our first book club review was in Fall, 2023. The next book club book referral is below. Parents and caregivers are welcomed to join in as we explore together. Antoinette Morgan, MA, MSW, BSW, RSW Director of Student Well-being
Further reading:
The Orchid and the Dandelion: Why Some Kids Struggle and How All Can Thrive” by Dr Q. Thomas Boyce, MD All Books by Michael Ungar, Ph.D.
Book club book referral:
“Drop the Worry Ball: How to parent in the Age of Entitlement” by Alex Russell with Tim Falconer
Mental Health Supports:
Kids Help Phone: 1(800)668-6868 or online for 24/7 support for children and youth Find a therapist: Psychologytoday.com
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Robotics FLL Robotics Bayview Glen maintained its reputation as a national leader in robotics and innovation. All five FIRST Lego League teams received major awards at their Regional Qualifying Tournaments in December. Four teams will advance to the Ontario Provincial Championship, which offers international advancement opportunities to the top-performing teams.
Coach Julia Warren and Operation CREATE with their Robot Design Award
Smart Ramen at a tournament game table
Members of ConnecTech working on their Innovation Project
Coach Ben McCord and Smart Ramen at their regional tournament
Members of Smart Ramen refining their robot game All 5 BVG FLL teams after their success at Regionals
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January uary 2024
Round 1 of the Finals was upon us. Even though we knew this was an off-season competition and that it wouldn’t count for much, we were still stressed and were all on the edges of our seats when the match started. We won the first Finals match, but there was still a chance that the other alliance would gain the upper hand. At the end of the match, we were more stressed out than before.
FRC Robotics A Spark of Innovation, A Rookie Robotics Team Member’s First Competition While most students were still sleeping, enjoying one of their last days of freedom before the end of the December break, our school’s FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition) robotics team ALT-F4 was hard at work getting ready for the 2024 FRC kickoff. Each year, a new challenge is introduced. Teams have approximately two months to design, fabricate, manufacture, programme, and test a robot's capabilities to get it competition-ready. Each year the robotics team participates in two district competitions, and a Provincial competition to qualify for the World Championships in Houston, Texas. At the start of the school year, a call went out to meet in Room 109 after school to join the robotics team. After some much-needed convincing from my friends, I decided to join. In the first few weeks, I was almost overwhelmed with the number of things I was learning, from how to use a drill press, to the basics of CAD design. When our coach told the team that there would be an off-season competition with an emphasis on the team’s rookie members, I jumped at the opportunity. The STEMley Cup, an annual FRC off-season competition, allows teams to replay last year’s competition and get a chance to practice their skills before the competitive season begins. It is an excellent opportunity for new members to experience the highs and lows of a competition. The competition lasted two days, so we had to stay overnight in a nearby hotel. Each day there is a separate competition with diverse teams. We participated in both to try and replicate as closely as possible an event during the season which takes place over multiple days. On the first day of the competition, I had no idea what to expect. When we entered the host school, I saw dozens of robots and booths lined up against the wall. When they announced the qualification match schedule, I was tasked with writing them all down. Even though I knew this was a large competition, I was shocked by how many teams were attending. It was a long and harrowing competition, but we eventually made it into the playoffs as the third-seeded alliance. Following a loss to the seventh-seed alliance in Round 2 of the playoffs, we stayed in the lower bracket until the finals against the first-seed alliance. We were stressed. We checked over our code, then checked it again, then checked our battery a few times for good measure.
Once the second match started, the auditorium was bursting with different team cheers. At the end of the match, when they were about to announce the scores, the auditorium was silent. I didn’t even get the chance to look at the massive screen displaying the scores before our team erupted into cheers and yells. As I desperately tried to get a glance at the scoreboard, I heard one of my friends shouting, “We won!” That answered the question. Joining my teammates in our collective jubilation, I knew I would remember that moment forever. We went to Domino’s for pizza to celebrate. After staying overnight at a nearby hotel, we were refreshed and ready for day two. Other teams seemed intimidated by us because we had won the first competition. We didn’t let that slow us down and ended up in the first-seed alliance for the playoffs. During the playoffs, we didn’t lose any team, and ended up in the Finals against the second seed team. After losing the first round of the Finals, everyone was on edge. If the other team won this next round, the game would be over, and we would lose. Even though everyone was stressed, we persevered. Even though I knew everyone had done their jobs properly, I was terrified that something would go wrong with our robot and that we would lose. I shouldn’t have been worried. We won the game, securing us the first-place spot. I didn’t think we could be louder than we had been after yesterday’s win, but we were. While it was certainly an exhilarating win, it was tinged with melancholy. We had won, but that meant that the competition was over. The next event would be our competition at Centennial, in March of 2024. After the win, it was a blur of accepting awards, taking photos, packing up our pits, and saying goodbye. At the start of the school year, I was apprehensive about joining this team. The only people I knew were my fellow ninth graders. As I learned more and more about things like CADing, coding, and writing, I also got more and more comfortable in the robotics lab. It went from a place where I went a few times a week to a place where I could learn and make new friends. Deciding to join the robotics team was one of the best decisions I have made this year. As one of the first teams to win both days of the STEMley competitions, we intend to continue putting our best foot forward and upholding our core values; respect, responsibility, compassion, integrity, equity, and balance. Lukas Rubenyan, Grade 9 Student Isabella Io, Grade 11 Student
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The Arts At Bayview Glen, we have always placed a strong emphasis on the development of the whole child. We believe that success in educating students comes not only from academic achievements but also through consistent and rigorous involvement in the arts. This commitment to holistic education through music is evident in an array of exciting events, showcasing our students' exceptional musical abilities. For the first time in four years, we are excited to announce that students in our music programme will be returning to the stage to perform in the broader community! At the Conference of Independent Schools Music Festival on April 13 at Roy Thomson Hall, 43 of our musicians will take the stage in a showcase concert featuring students from CIS schools across the province. With 31 instrumentalists earning their positions through an audition process, Bayview Glen stands out with the highest number of students represented among the all schools that participated in the auditions. But wait, there’s more! Our Concert Band (Grades 7 and 8) and Symphonic Band (Grades 9 and 10) are preparing to compete at the Ontario Band Association Festival, while the Prep Jazz Band (Grades 7 and 8) has its sights set on the Humber College Next Generation Music Fest in February. These festivals will give our ensembles the opportunity to perform to a panel of professional music adjudicators and also observe other schools’ music ensembles. In a unique educational endeavour, our Grade 11 and 12 music students will travel to the McMaster University
Upcoming Events (Lower School) Spring Concert on March 5, 2024 Spring Festival Season from the week of February 13 and to the week of May 29
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Live Lab in Hamilton to explore the Neurology of Music programme. Here, students will experience how neurology and music are used to further the study of science, psychology, and medicine. We will play some of our music and hopefully be part of a study, tour the facility, and gain an understanding of what is happening in this inspiring and cutting-edge field. These upcoming events not only provide our students with opportunities to showcase their musical prowess but also contribute to their holistic development. We eagerly anticipate the continued success and growth of Bayview Glen's vibrant music programme. Chris Hunsburger The Arts Department Head, Prep School and Upper School
Upcoming Events (Upper School) “She Kills Monsters” on February 22 and 23, 2024 This year, the BVG Players are thrilled to present Qui Nguyen’s She Kills Monsters (Young Adventurers Edition). The storyline follows senior Agnes Evans as she embarks on a journey after the tragic loss of her younger sister, Tilly. Discovering Tilly's Dungeons & Dragons notebook, Agnes is transported into an exhilarating adventure within the fantastical realm that served as her sister's refuge. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions in this dramatic comedy, featuring homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and a nostalgic nod to 90s pop culture. Playwright Qui Nguyen skillfully puts together a heart-pounding homage to the inner geek and warrior that resides in each of us. So, save the date to watch us bring this magical experience to life on February 22 and 23 at 6 p.m. Romina Bahadorkhan, Grade 12 Student
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WHOLE LIFE
We foster values, abilities, and friendships that last a lifetime
Outdoor Learning in the Lower School In accordance with Bayview Glen’s mission: Whole Child, Whole Life, Whole World, our Outdoor Education programme aims at providing students with outdoor learning opportunities that cater to their specific interests; making learning meaningful and contributing to students’ overall understanding and appreciation for the natural environment and its resources. The five elements of the Outdoor Education programme are as follows: Outdoor Pursuits, Leadership and Teamwork, Environmental Sustainability, Healthy Living and Nutrition, and Safety. Students partake in various activities throughout the year that develop their skills, knowledge and confidence to lead lifelong healthy, active and environmentally conscious lives. Some notable activities include creek study, shelter building, snowshoeing and orienteering.
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To further develop their skills and knowledge, students in Grades 3 and 4 were provided with an experiential learning opportunity at Norval Outdoor School this past December. Students participated in various teambuilding activities, made cross-curricular connections to their units of inquiry, all while spending quality time in the great outdoors. This programme also ties nicely to our skiing and skating programmes where our Grades 3-5 students partake in full-day private ski lessons for four consecutive weeks, and our JK-2 students take the ice for seven weeks learning the fundamental skills of skating. These serve as great opportunities for our youngest students to develop their movement competencies and acquire new physical skills, with the aim of building independence, self-esteem and physical literacy. Julia Warren Lower School Teacher (Health and Physical Education)
My Co-op Experience Last Summer In early 2023, the Grade 11 students were presented with the opportunity to partake in the cooperative education experience. With a variety of options, including working for Qvella and the Toronto Zoo, I ultimately decided the best fit for me was a placement at Mount Sinai Hospital. Alongside some friends, I was placed in the NICU and Mother and Baby (MBU) departments each weekday during the month of July, from the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Our responsibilities varied from day to day, however some of our more prominent tasks included preparing Zoom meetings for parents of the NICU patients, and covering the front desk in the MBU. Regardless of which placement you choose, each position at Mount Sinai is extremely hands-on, and requires lots of communication with both patients and medical professionals in each department. Throughout my time working at Sinai, I gained strong interpersonal skills through interactions with parents and staff members, and was forced to put my organizational and time-management skills to the test when confronted with new tasks.
During the month I spent at the hospital, I was able to form connections with both the nurses working on the floor, as well as the future and current med-school students volunteering in each department. Each person had a new and exciting perspective on this particular field of work, and through hearing of their experiences both at Sinai and in post-secondary school, I took a great interest in the medical field, and recognized that I would be interested in studying science in the upcoming years. All in all, co-op is a great way to get a sense of what you want to study in university, and allows you to form strong connections with older students who can help guide and mentor you with post-secondary planning. Co-op was an incredibly rewarding experience which helped me to gain a better understanding of which profession I am interested in pursuing, and ultimately created lasting memories for both myself and my peers. Zara Liris, Grade 12 student
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Student Spotlights Muriel Lovshin Grade 12 student
On a cold and dark November day, Muriel Lovshin can often be found logging miles on a track or forest path,running hills and putting in the work that is required for an athlete that has represented Canada on world stage. Running is often described as a lonely sport; however, like any athletic pursuit, it relies on teamwork, a lot of grit, and an ability to balance training with academics and other aspects of life. While the Upper School years provide ample opportunities for students to learn inside the classroom walls, more than ever, our Bayview Glen students are taking their learning outside of the classroom and developing skills including respect, compassion and balance which then translate back into improved academic performance. Recently I sat down with Muriel Lovshin, OFSAA medalist and a member of the Canadian team at both the 2023 and 2024 world cross-country championships about what the sport has done for her. Muriel credits her Bayview Glen teachers and coaches for their unwavering support in helping her achieve her athletic pursuits. “Building an integrated support system within the school has been so crucial in balancing training and racing, with achieving academic excellence along with how I am able to take my athletics to the collegiate level”, Muriel said. While thinking about the Bayview Glen core values, Muriel mentioned “as you become an athlete, no matter at what level, you take on a responsibility to take care of yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally. Balance has been a key part in growing as an athlete and moderating the constant pressures that come from trying to perform at your best. Having a disciplined mindset towards my goals not only allows me to survive to achieve them, but also to thrive and enjoy those moments as they come”. The competitive nature of sports provides an environment where student-athletes learn the
Julia Vander Wal Grade 5 student
Julia Vander Wal is a Grade 5 student at Bayview Glen and the founder of Bead It Together. Julia and Bead It Together was a Vendor at this year’s Merry Market where she displayed and sold her hand-made bracelets, rings, and earrings. Julia’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to helping those around her are truly inspiring. Follow Bead It Together on Instagram @beadittogether or send Julia an email at beaditwithjulia@gmail.com
importance of accountability and the consequences of cutting corners. It teaches students that working as part of a team requires each member to uphold their responsibilities and to put in the work required not only to achieve their own goals, but to give back to the community around them. Respect for the competition, putting in the daily work, honesty and compassion are certainly attributes that we see in our athletes like Muriel and the benefits of these enhance all aspects of their lives including their academics. We look forward to hearing about Muriel’s future achievements both on and off the track as she pursues a degree as a varsity athlete at Yale University next year. Kristin Carpenter Upper School Teacher (Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities)
Hi, I'm Julia and I am in Grade 5. I began making bracelets when I was six as a way to raise money and give back to Sick Kids Hospital. My organization, Bead It Together, now assists many facing hardships. I donated $3,000 to support building an inclusive playground for a two-year-old in need. The $3,000 raised at Bayview Glen’s Merry Market helped a single mother fighting breast cancer, supported the treatment of children affected by SPG50, and supported Princess Margaret Cancer Care. Thank you for joining me on my mission; together, we're bringing hope to those in need. Julia Vander Wal, Grade 5 student
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Ivan Wang
Grade 6 student Ivan secured the coveted title of "Head of the School for the Day" through a successful bid at the silent auction during Bayview Glen's 60th Anniversary Celebration Event. Stepping into this honourary role on November 7, 2023, he embraced the unique opportunity to assume the responsibilities and experience the day-to-day activities of our school's leadership.
“My vision is for Bayview Glen to be a school with a safe and fun learning environment that acknowledges kindness, responsibility and knowledge.” Mr. Ivan Wang, Head of School This is the Bayview Glen Vision I wrote as Head of School for a day. I want to tell you a bit about my experience as Head of School for a day. I started the morning meeting with Mr. Lee, and then straight into meetings with the Directors of Preschool, Lower School, Prep School, and Upper School where we discussed details about the Remembrance Day ceremony. Then, we visited classrooms all around the campus and the construction site. Then, I had various meetings with other Heads of Schools to learn about other schools’ history. After this day, I learned that it is busy to be the Head of the School, he must oversee the entire school and make a lot of decisions. This is a very important job. I would like to thank Mr. Lee for letting me walk in his shoes for a day. Ivan Wang, Grade 6 student
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Coach Profiles Coach Lou Sialtsis The one and only Coach Lou joined the BVG Athletics professional coaching staff in 2014. He brings his invaluable lifetime of experience to our Gryphons and we are so grateful to have him as the leader of our Basketball programme. Lou taught high school history, geography, and was Head of Physical and Health Education for 24 years before serving as a Vice Principal for the last seven at Eastern Commerce and Birchmount Park CI. Coach Lou developed Canada’s most successful high school basketball programme through 40 years of leadership and coaching with the Eastern Commerce Saints. He led that team to win many invitational tournaments across Ontario and into the United States, Toronto and Metro titles at all three Boys Age Divisions and two Girls Divisions and eight Gold / five Silver Medals for Senior Boys and two Gold Medals for Senior Girls from 24 total trips to the Ontario (OFSAA) Championships. The programme had a 98% graduation rate to post-secondary education. 18 girls and 44 boys earned and qualified for acceptance to full athletic scholarships with the NCAA, and some went on to play and coach in the NBA. On top of coaching, Lou was an official at all levels for 27 years; the last nine as the Assignor Of Officials for TABO. Lou believes that the biggest goal of the Bayview Glen Athletics programmes provide the architectural framework to build ideal personal qualities for success. He keeps this ideal at the forefront of his daily coaching and interactions with our students and community as a whole.
Coach Kareem Devonish Coach Kareem has been one of Bayview Glen’s most beloved basketball coaches over the past eight years. He has coached every age group from Grade 3 to Grade 8 here and has led our Gryphons to many championships and top-three finishes in very competitive Division One Leagues. Kareem has 20 years of experience coaching youth aged 4-19 with gold medals in Ontario Basketball Association (OBA) and the United World Games (UWG) in Klagenfurt, Austria. He has helped players attain NCAA D1/U Sports athletic scholarships and even helped one athlete attain their dream of playing in the NBA. For the past 14 years, he has been the Director of Player Development at the Canadian Basketball Academy. Coach Kareem believes in an inclusive environment in which players are encouraged to improve and have fun above all else.
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January 2024
Coach Keith Wasylik We have had the privilege of having Coach Keith with our Gryphons for over 13 years. He has transformed our Volleyball programme into a powerhouse within the CISAA. Keith has 30+ years of coaching experience and is a fully certified NCCP Performance Level coach, and one of a group of certified NCCP volleyball coach developers and evaluators in Canada. Keith helped start and run a competitive club for 15 years in the York Region, the Stingrays Volleyball Club. Currently he is involved as the Technical Director with the Phoenix Volleyball Club in Toronto. Keith has also worked with the Ontario Volleyball Association in their summer indoor High Performance Camps and with Team Ontario. This summer he will be one of the Head/Mentor coaches working with the Ontario Regional teams as they prepare for the 2024 Ontario Summer Games. When he has time, he is involved with Volleyball Canada (VC). He has worked alongside some of Canada’s top coaches when we assisted with the Women’s Youth National Team programme and the Men’s Youth National Development programme. More recently he was a Lead Coach for the VC REP (Regional Excellence Program) centre located at the TPASC. In his playing days, Coach Keith was a member of the 3x National Champion, University of Winnipeg Wesmen, and was a member of the Canadian National Men’s team for a couple of years. Keith’s motto for our Gryphons is: “Strive for Excellence: Train with purpose! Play with passion! Have fun!”
Coach Christine Lamey Coach Christine joined the BVG volleyball coaching staff in 2018. She has over 20 years of coaching experience from club-level athletes all the way to coaching university athletes. As a player, Christine played her USPORTS career at the University of Ottawa for five years. While there, she received the UOttawa Female Athlete of the Year award three years in a row, as well as three CIS All-Canadian awards, and Player of the Year in her final year. After university, Christine played professional volleyball in Portugal. Christine has always had a passion for coaching and started with volleyball camps. After university, Christine became involved in coaching at the college level for the Conestoga Condors. Following this, Christine coached at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) for six years where they won a National Championship. Christine has coached and mentored every age group of athletes here at Bayview Glen, helping our Gryphons win multiple championships throughout the years.
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Message from the Director of Alumni Relations The start of the school year has brought much excitement to our Bayview Glen community, with 80 alumni returning to engage in various ways, from participating in events to touring the school and reconnecting with faculty and staff. Specifically, the Career Breakfast series held on October 26 and November 30 featured six alumni sharing their career insights with Prep and Upper School students, parents, faculty, and staff. The first session focussed on "Finance and Wealth Management," featuring Amin Nathoo ’99, Principal Portfolio Manager at Anson Funds Management, Adam Mamdani ’03, Proprietary Distribution, RBC Insurance (recipient of the 2023 Bayview Glen Distinguished Alumni Award), and Natalie McKerroll ’07, Senior Analyst, Global Manager Research, RBC Wealth Management. The second session spotlighted Entrepreneurship with alumnus Amar Gupta ’07, CEO and Co-Founder of Brüst Beverage Company, and Stephen Hakami ’15, along with Harrison Apitz-Grossman ’15, the CEO, Founder, and Chief Operating Officer of Wiza Inc. Throughout both events, these alumni shared their diverse paths to success in their respective fields, offering valuable advice to our students. They emphasized the connections between their time at Bayview Glen and their current lives, expressing gratitude for the people, including faculty, staff, and fellow students, they encountered during their Bayview Glen journeys. Despite the differences in their stories, the alumni's experiences and advice were inspirational to our current students, faculty, and each other. For more details about Career Breakfasts and the speakers' journeys, visit the Alumni tab on the Bayview Glen website. A sincere thank you to the alumni for their contributions to the success of these events and their ongoing support in fostering our community's growth. Stay tuned for information about our upcoming Career Breakfast on Thursday, February 29, 2024, and our May Alumni Reunion Weekend! Daniella Brown ‘10 Director of Alumni Relations
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January 2024
A Summer Course at Oxford In university, students are often told to take advantage of the hundreds, if not thousands, of opportunities and experiences available to them through their institutions. Some find this level of choice overwhelming, as I did when I started my undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto, Trinity College in 2021. However, I never could have anticipated that in the summer between my second and third years, one of those opportunities would come to me in the form of a month-long trip to Oxford University to study Jane Austen and Her Contemporaries. I am in my third year of the HBA in Ethics, Society & Law (with minors in English and Political Science). The Austen Summer Abroad course was an opportunity for travel, exploration, and additional university credits. One of my personal dreams has always been to study in England, and the knowledge that this trip was happening did not kick in until I was on the way to Pearson Airport. I was suddenly filled with excitement, anxiety, and realization, and before I knew it, I was lugging my overweight suitcase down a cobblestone path called Beaumont Street, leading me to Worcester College, Oxford, where I would live and study for the next month. My friends and I joked that the experience “didn’t feel real” — indeed, even when I reminisce about the August trip now that I am back at U of T, it feels like a dreamlike pocket of time that I was somehow lucky to be part of. Being a student in Oxford for several weeks was like nothing I could have imagined. What strikes you when you arrive in Oxford is its extraordinary architecture and the beauty of its old colleges. It is known as the “City of Spires” for good reason with its otherworldly skyline of Gothic towers and steeples. It is also the oldest university in the English-speaking world, with evidence of teaching dating back to 1096. Beyond its centuries-old history is a record of phenomenal achievements. Oxford has educated over 30 world leaders, 28 British prime
ministers and 55 Nobel Prize winners. It operates the world’s oldest university museum and the largest university press. It is currently ranked as the top university in the world in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings as well as the Forbes World University Rankings.[1] For all these reasons, Oxford was the ideal setting for the Jane Austen course. Taught by U of T’s Professor Alex Hernandez, the course covered four of the Austen novels (Northanger Abbey, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, and Persuasion) and included two major exams, a daily journal project, class discussions, and an essay. These expectations, along with the course’s regular field trips (to London, the City of Bath, and the Stourhead Estates) made for an intensive, adrenalin-dependent four weeks, but they were the best four weeks of my life. This was partly thanks to the travel opportunity itself but mostly because of the unparalleled inspiration that Oxford itself nurtures for those who study there. Oxford alumni like JRR Tolkien, Stephen Hawking, Malala Yousafzai, Adam Smith, and Oscar Wilde, are just some of the thousands who have lived in or moved on from Oxford to achieve the exceptional in the arts, sciences, political, diplomatic and entertainment fields, among others. For Bayview Glen students who are moving toward their university years, I strongly encourage you to consider a short-term study abroad course like the one I attended at Oxford or similar courses offered outside of Canada. The one month that I spent in England changed my thinking, study/work ethic and aspirations dramatically. It truly has been the highlight of my university years so far. Ellie Twohey Bayview Glen Class of 2021 now studying at the University of Toronto, Trinity College [1] University of Oxford. Wikipedia. University of Oxford - Wikipedia
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Message from the Student Executive Council Hello BVG! We are your Upper School Co-Heads of the Student Council, Vanessa and David. Over the past few months, the SEC has been hard at work, and we’re eager to share a closer look at the leadership opportunities within our school community. As Co-Heads of Council, we are responsible for the planning and implementation of various school-wide events, coordinating all the moving parts to make them a success. We oversee multiple aspects of the student experience, acting as a link between students and faculty and ensuring voices are heard. Beyond our school doors, we take pride in representing Bayview Glen at events like the Our Kids School Fair. Several skills help ensure effective leadership on the Student Council. Clear communication tops the list; setting agendas, scheduling, and keeping everyone on the same page builds the basis for solid collaboration. Working as a team across the different committees truly depends on having a collaborative mindset. Lastly, being adaptable and approachable is key to addressing the needs of the student body. Other Bayview Glen leadership experiences have been instrumental in strengthening these skills going into the position. For Vanessa, acting as Head of DECA has been an opportunity to hone her problem-solving and communication skills. For David, working at Mount Sinai for a co-op programme was a great way to refine adaptability and collaboration, working in multiple departments of the hospital. From our experience as Co-Heads of the Council, many skills will continue to be used even after graduation: adaptability for sudden changes in plans, decision-making for when we are put into a position where there is no “right” solution, and confidence in forming new connections with those we don’t know. All of which will aid us in our leadership journey. As the next generation of leaders, students must learn to lead and commit to their peers and the broader community. At Bayview Glen, you can strive towards several leadership opportunities aside from being on the Student Council, such as starting a club, tutoring younger students, or taking part in one of many athletic teams in the school. These are all ways to step outside your comfort zone, connect with students across all grades, learn how to turn passion into action, and develop lifelong skills. Vanessa Glowczewski and David Perry Co-Heads of Student Executive Council
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January 2024
Grade 12 Tie Ceremony 2023
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Bayview Glen Camp March Break 2024 Summer isn’t the only time we get to have “ALL THE FUN” over here at Bayview Glen Day Camp. That’s because we also offer the most immersive and exciting March Break Camp experience in the GTA as well! Running out of the amazing facility that is the Bayview Glen Upper School, we welcome campers ages 4-13 to participate in a wide-variety of activities and experiences that will leave your camper smiling (and usually exhausted) after a long day at BVG March Break Camp! At BVG Camp our goal is to help our campers learn a little more about themselves each day in a safe and nurturing environment. Whether they are trying new activities or working with other campers their age, every day at BVG provides ample opportunities for personal growth! March Break 2024 is available from March 11 — 22 and is facilitated by a number of our longtime Summer Camp staff members and programme providers. With a low camper-to-staff ratio we guarantee individualized support and guidance to ensure each camper thrives within the camp programme. As always, each camper registration fee will include a morning and afternoon snack as well as a hot lunch each day of March Break. The camp programme will run from 9:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m. daily with drop-offs beginning at 8:40 a.m. and pickups beginning at 3:40 p.m. Before Care will be available from 8:00 a.m. — 9:00 a.m. and After Care will be available from 4:00 p.m. — 5:30 p.m. each day of March Break. March Break 2024 will include: The Everblast Play Company Immersive Experience (LED games, Giant slingshots, archery tag and more) The Wonderbox Silly Science Programme Little Yogis Active Fun Arts n’ Crafts Sports (basketball, soccer, dodgeball and more) Outdoor Play (tobogganing — weather permitting, nature scavenger hunts, and more) LEGO/Architecture Challenges Cooking Board Games Magic Show Bouncy Castles AND SO MUCH MORE! Come join us for the best March Break experience in the GTA at Bayview Glen Day Camp! For more information and to register, please head over to www.bayviewglencamp.ca. We are always more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the March Break or Summer Camp programme by calling the camp office at 416-449-7746.
Follow us on:
Facebook: Bayview Glen Day Camp Twitter: Bayview Glen Camp Instagram: BVGCamp
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January 2024
Chartwells Update Bayview Glen's inaugural term with Chartwells as our Food Services provider has been marked with enthusiasm, education, and development. The Chartwells team has seamlessly integrated into the Bayview Glen community, infusing our kitchens and dining halls with their expertise and charm. As Bayview Glen’s Food Services provider, Chartwells is committed to delivering fresh, wholesome meals that nourish growing minds and bodies.
Five Key Highlights from our Fall 2023 Term: 1. Addressing Special Dietary Considerations: Chartwells has excelled in managing multiple allergies and dietary restrictions, ensuring the safety of all Bayview Glen students. They remain dedicated to addressing dietary considerations, through a collaborative and supportive approach. The team’s commitment to continuous improvement has led to positive enhancements in the quality of food served at Bayview Glen. Chartwells welcomes feedback from students, parents, faculty, and staff, which can be submitted on an ongoing basis using this QR code. 2. Celebrating Culinary Diversity: Students now enjoy a diverse range of flavours and international dishes, fostering cultural awareness and appreciation. Explore the Winter 2024 Menus on our website to witness the immense variety available to our students. 3. Promoting Health and Sustainability: Chartwells sets an example in sustainability and healthy food options, creating an environment of well-being. The introduction of a Recycling Programme, part of the Planet Promise initiative, encourages students to practice responsible waste management by sorting items into recycling, compost, and garbage categories. 4. Emphasizing Educational Initiatives: Chartwells actively promotes student education through culinary programmes and regular demonstrations emphasizing the benefits of healthy eating. Their 'Eat Local' events highlight the significance of supporting local farmers. These events feature special menus with locally sourced ingredients, display tables showcasing seasonal produce, and an initiative encouraging Bayview Glen students to extend messages of gratitude to Ontario farmers 5. Fostering Strategic Partnership: A close collaboration between Chartwells and the Bayview Glen leadership ensures alignment with industry trends, Ministry requirements, and local partners, keeping Bayview Glen's food services progressive. For example, Chartwell's 'Connecting Through Food' events, organized throughout the fall term, support the local food banks, promoting community engagement and aiding those in need through food donations. Want to hear more about Bayview Glen’s experience working with Chartwells? Check out this interview with our own Scott Moore, CFO, in OurKids.
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Parent Association Current Parents Link: bayviewglen.ca/parent-and-student-resources Facebook: Bayview Glen Parent Association | Instagram: @theshopsbvg
Upcoming Parent Association Events Save the date for more exciting PA events in February, April and May 2024. 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 Family Skate Social - Wednesday, February 21, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. - Bayview Arena PA Parent Social - Wednesday, April 24 PA Family Fun Fair - Saturday, May 25
Parent Association Annual General Meeting and New Year’s Breakfast The Parent Association (PA) Annual General Meeting and New Year’s Breakfast was held on January 23, 2024 in the Daunt Dining Hall. We had over 90 parents join us to hear from our Head of School, Division Heads, Admissions, and the PA Executive team. We heard about all the fantastic work being done at each division, school activities and continuous learning for our children. Our PA President and Vice President welcomed new PA Executive members and outlined exciting new roles for existing members. We also received updates on the upcoming PA social events planned from February to May. Our PA Treasurer presented the PA’s annual financials, and Advancement presented an overview of the Parent Association pledge and contributions to school. We were also thrilled to hear from Ms. Kanary on the Better Beginnings 2023 campaign results, thanks to the amazing contributions from the parents and the school community. The event recording is available for viewing via our post under Edsby news river. Thank you all for your ongoing support. PA New Year’s Breakfast
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January 2024
Parent Association Community Service Scholarship Calling all Grade 12 Students Mark your calendars for the Parent Association Community Service Scholarship. Applications will open on April 1 and close on April 30, 2024. Check the Parent Association webpage at bayviewglen.ca/pa. For any questions regarding the scholarship application, please contact: pavicepresident@bayviewglen.ca
Parent Association Coffee Socials Thank you to those parents for joining our two PA Coffee Socials on October 5 and 13, 2023. We had a great time catching up, introducing new families to our community, and spending some time together. We are grateful for the connections and look forward to seeing everyone again at our various PA events throughout the year. PA Coffee Socials
PA Shop Updates The PA Shop at Bayview Glen will be holding their Annual Consignment/Donation Sale on the following NEW Dates and Times in the J.T.M. Guest Theatre at the Moatfield Campus (85 Moatfield Drive, Toronto): Monday, February 5, 2024 - 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 6, 2024 - 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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 PA Shop Promotion in February/March and April February/March Promotion: 30% Socks and Tights *soccer socks excluded* April Promotion: 20% Summer Uniform
This is a great opportunity to shop for your uniform needs! *The PA Shop will be closed Monday, February 5 all day for set up and during the time of the sale*
Questions? Email pashop@bayviewglen.ca Follow us on Instagram: @theshopsbvg Follow us on Facebook: Bayview Glen Parent Association
Parent Association Halloween Event
Parent Association Merry Market
Thank you to the many members of the Bayview Glen community for joining our annual PA Halloween festivities on October 29, 2023. The Prep School Gymnasium was full of wonderful families dressed in their favourite Halloween costumes ready to enjoy trick or treating and lots of fun with the various games stations and bouncy castles, face painting and craft tables. It was great seeing you all joining in the celebration.
The holiday season was a big success with a fantastic attendance at our annual PA Merry Market held at the Moatfield Campus on November 23, 2023. Over 40 vendors participated and the whole Bayview Glen community enjoyed some great shopping, class baskets auctions, yummy baked goods, Santa pictures and fun activities. To all the amazing participants of our annual Bayview Glen Merry Market, a heartfelt thank you for being part of our special day. Holiday magic was in the air and the enthusiasm of all contributed greatly to the success of the event. Congrats to all of our Bayview Glen young entrepreneurs on showcasing their creations at the Merry Market and raising funds for charitable purposes. Thank you to our vendors, Parent Association team, parent and student volunteers, as well as Administration staff and Facilities/IT/Food Services teams for all their support. We could not have done it without everyone’s efforts.
PA Halloween Event
PA Merry Market
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WHOLE WORLD
We embrace the real world beyond our walls
Harmonizing Perspectives: Inspiring Connection Through Land-Based Learning At BVG, an enchanting story unfolds as the lively spirit of our BG's harmonizes with the whispers of the beloved land and valley that surround us. It tells a special tale of stewardship that goes beyond our classroom walls. Influenced by Indigenous perspectives, our preschoolers navigate a landscape where reverence for the land is fundamental. They see its teachings as priceless treasures, fostering a commitment to safeguard and nurture. As these young explorers interact with the natural world, their connection deepens, and the roots of stewardship firmly anchor. Simple acts of kindness mark milestones in their educational journey, from feeding birds to pondering why our valley is their chosen haven. Winter Solstice brings a celebration where preschoolers engage in cultural rituals and share a song about Nanabazhoo, created by Gookomis Dr. Jagcue Lavalle — shared with us from Dr. Hopi. While learning each note and learning to use Anishinaabemowin, the Ojibwe language, we respectfully used Dr. Hopi's cherished zhiishiigwan (shakers) curated from across the globe. This continued infusion of compassion and the boundless curiosity of
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preschoolers magically enriches our learning experience and connects us to something bigger. Guided by a diverse and culturally responsive curriculum, our little learners embark on a journey of discovery, seamlessly integrating cultural insights into their education. They tread lightly on the land, leaving no tracks while expressing gratitude to Mother Earth. In this expansive outdoor classroom, autonomy thrives, natural intuition ignites, and the understanding of a greater interconnectedness takes shape. In a realm where curiosity and kindness know no bounds, we recognize the importance of listening to history, appreciating the present, and safeguarding the future. As we celebrate our preschoolers' remarkable journey, a question arises: How can we empower the next generation to embrace land-based learning and Indigenous perspectives, ensuring a legacy of sustainability, understanding, and continued reconciliation for generations to come? Gillian Potts-Hemingway Preschool Director
Cultural Sharing Through Beadwork Throughout the month of November students in Grade 6 had the opportunity to connect with Cree-Métis beadwork artist Marissa Magneson. Over three sessions Marissa taught the students how to bead, creating beaded poppies throughout the process. Part of our commitment to exploring Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being more deeply includes creating opportunities for the students to connect with Indigenous peoples and learn about their culture and traditions while coming to understand their enduring presence. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission published a series of Calls to Action in 2015 that call us to, among other things, “[build] student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect.” Through her visits to the school Marissa shared not only the process and art of beadwork, but also shared some of her language and cultural practice. Among other words, we learned that the Cree for ‘thank you’ is ‘hiy hiy’ (pronounced ‘high high’). Her visits fell on National Indigenous Veterans Day and just before Louis Riel Day. While the students worked on their beadwork, Marissa spoke with them about the importance of both days and the meaning behind why each is commemorated. One student shared that she appreciated the opportunity to learn about Cree and Métis culture and traditions and enjoyed learning about Indigenous Veterans Day and Louis Riel. She felt that this provided an opportunity for the whole grade to learn many important things that they may not have known about otherwise. Marissa explained that beadwork is a traditional form of art for many groups of Indigenous peoples around the world, but specifically taught us about the Métis practice. It was also wonderful to learn about the stories and messages
that could be shared through the different sashes worn by the Métis. The students thoroughly enjoyed the process of learning to bead, even if I was challenging to learn initially. After a few sessions they found the process to be very rewarding and many noted feelings of pride and accomplishment as they saw their poppy come together. Another student noted that he found beading to be incredibly calming and relaxing. “After learning the process from Marissa, I enjoyed doing the activity at home,” he said. “It had a very calming effect on my typical day. I would come home, make tea, and get beading.” A group of staff and faculty also had the opportunity to learn from Marissa through a series of after-school workshops. Like the students, we learned the beading technique and also created our own beaded poppies. We were also able to learn from Marissa about her own cultural practices and her research into beadwork as pedagogy. We would like to say hiy hiy to Marissa for sharing her time and practice with us. She also taught us that in the Cree language people do not say ‘goodbye’, but rather say ‘see you later,’ so we are excited to see her later as we continue to foster this relationship in teaching and learning for years to come. More information about Marissa and her work can be found at https://www.marissamagneson.com/about. She can also be found on Instagram @MagnesonStudios and @MarissaMagnesonPhotography. Greg Ryerson Director of Teaching and Learning, Prep School
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The World is Our Classroom For over 60 years, Bayview Glen has been committed to providing students with a unique educational experience that prepares them to tackle the challenges of our ever-changing world. By prioritizing experiential learning and global awareness, our curriculum has inspired students to become compassionate and responsible citizens. Since September, our students and faculty travelled to Nairobi, Atlanta, Whanganui, and Reykjavík. In the new year, we’ll set out on more adventures in Iceland and Italy while also exploring locations closer to home in Quebec and Alberta. Round Square Conferences like the International Conferences in Kenya and New Zealand and the Regional Conference in Atlanta have a lasting impact on students. They instill a sense of global responsibility, encourage cross-cultural friendships, and ignite a passion for creating a better future. In addition to conferences, the interdisciplinary curriculum connections of the Round Square-inspired IDEALS programme bridges classroom learning to applications in the broader world, fostering cultural understanding, promoting peace, and contributing to sustainable global development. Michelle Yarndley Director of Global Education
Frontiers of Climate Change, Iceland
Round Square Conference, Whanganui
Frontiers of Climate Change, Iceland
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January 2024
Frontiers of Climate Change, Iceland
Round Square Zoom Postcards: Fostering Global Competency Skills The development of global competency skills is imperative for students to thrive and make a positive impact in the future. Round Square Zoom Postcards, a new experience born out of pandemic restrictions, emerged as a powerful tool to nurture these essential skills. This innovative programme combines the timeless tradition of human conversation with modern technology to create a global learning experience that transcends borders and cultures. The monthly conversations give students a platform to develop their skills while sharing their perspectives with others from around the world. Participating in these dialogues not only nurtures a sense of global connectedness but also fosters the growth of future leaders who will make an impact on the world.
Round Square Conference, Nairobi
Round Square Conference, Nairobi
Round Square Conference, Atlanta
Postcard Highlights Cultural Awareness: You can interact with peers from different countries and cultures. This exposure helps you gain a deeper understanding of global diversity, fostering empathy and tolerance. Communication Skills: Effective communication across cultures and languages is a key component of the programme. You learn to express your ideas clearly and respectfully, overcoming language barriers and enhancing your cross-cultural communication skills. Critical Thinking: Postcards often require you to discuss complex global issues. This encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to analyze situations from multiple perspectives. Adaptability: International dialogue challenges you to adapt to different time zones and cultural norms. This adaptability is a valuable life skill in our interconnected world. Leadership and Teamwork: You learn to work effectively in diverse teams that require international awareness and collaboration. Global Citizenship: The programme instills a sense of global citizenship, motivating you to take an active role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and inequality. Round Square Postcards are offered to Prep School and Upper School students throughout the year and do not require an application. Check the Round Square Groups on Edsby for upcoming Postcards that students can join. On average, these events gather 150 students from 25 schools in a dozen different countries, replicating the internationalism experienced at Round Square conferences.
Zoom
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Campaign of Kindness Life-changing moments occur when we least expect them, and oftentimes, we do not realize that one such moment has taken place until we take the time to reflect and see the magic unfold in front of us. Magic is defined as a “special quality or ability that something has, that seems too wonderful to be real”; the word is befitting of our first meeting with Halima Mubaligh, Program Manager of the Better Beginnings program, more than 20 years ago. Our connection was made through a community liaison officer from our local Police Division who mentioned that Better Beginnings was an organization their summer baseball team worked with as part of community outreach. At the time, Bayview Glen had just become a full member of Round Square International and we were looking for a local, relevant volunteer experience project that would connect our students to a neighbouring community. This sparked the meeting with Halima and Better Beginnings, and from that day onwards, our two organizations have gone on to build a beautiful relationship, cemented in the belief that of providing genuine service and assistance to those in our community experiencing difficulties and stressors is something we strive purposefully towards. It now feels as though Better Beginnings has become an institution at Bayview Glen. In fact, Lumenus, the umbrella organization for Better Beginnings, has a mission that aligns beautifully with ours. Their vision statement reads: Transforming lives and building brighter futures through caring experiences.” Through the Better Beginnings Campaign of Kindness, we as members of the Bayview Glen family, are provided the great opportunity to reach out to families in need across Toronto each year.
This year from BG2 to Grade 12, Bayview Glen delivered baskets to 70 families and filled 70 large bins for Lumenus community! Preschool and Lower School donated approximately $16,205 in gift cards and $10,125 in gifts Prep School donated approximately $6,550 in gift cards and $6,700 in gifts Upper School donated approximately $10,000 in gift cards and $10,000 in gifts That’s a combined total of $62,830!
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This year, we helped 75 families make the season brighter. At a time of year when making personal, meaningful connections is so important, our involvement as a community has created lifelong connections with the families that received a gift basket full of love and care. And while we do this selflessly, there are obvious positive returns to our community. In fact, the transformation that Lumenus speaks of is often our own. The act of giving has far-reaching effects. It encourages compassion and empathy and urges us to become more attuned to the challenges faced by others in the world. As a result, we gain increased understanding of our responsibility and impact as members of a greater community. The act of giving also instills in all parties a sense of gratitude. How many of us felt grateful for the opportunity to help others in need and for the fact that we are in a position to do so? And finally, the entire school community was united through a common goal thanks to our campaign, and this fostered a sense of belonging where everyone’s ideas and actions were valued. “Fill a box with kindness” has become our guiding mantra for Better Beginnings. When our actions and decisions are filtered through these simple words, the gift of being in the moment and giving without the expectation of receiving creates the life-changing moments we spoke of at the beginning of this article. The opportunity comes to us rarely but when it does, our school more than just steps up. We lead with our hearts. It has been our sincerest honour to be a part of such an amazing community endeavour. We thank you for creating magic year after year. Leah Kanary, Grade 3 Homeroom Teacher Dina Astrella, Head of Prep School
Over our 20+ years, we have raised upwards of $1,400,000 in support of Better Beginnings in our community, touching the lives of 1,500+ families. This year we also donated over 610 lbs of food to North York Harvest Food Bank.
The Impact of Service To us, community service, outreach initiatives, and just lending a helping hand are meaningful acts. They embody our commitment to making a positive impact beyond our school walls by extending care and support to those in need. We are extremely passionate about giving and really believe in making a difference in people’s lives. The Community Outreach Club is a platform that allows us to give back to our school and local community. For the past 20 years, Bayview Glen has partnered with Lumenus, a Toronto community services organization, to engage in an initiative called Better Beginnings. At the start of December, each Homeroom and Mentor Group in the Bayview Glen community was paired with a family in need. Students, faculty and staff brought items and gift cards to support them. Your generosity was amazing! When it was time to deliver the donations to the families, ten Grade 8s and four Upper School students went to the Lumenus organization and presented the hampers and gift cards to families, and care workers. It was a very busy morning, and the experience was truly fulfilling, heartwarming, and inspiring. We felt grateful to be able to give to people and make a difference. During our campaign, Bayview Glen also collected food for the North York Harvest Food Bank. Alongside other volunteers, the same Grade 8s spent an afternoon in
the food bank warehouse sorting food items and putting them in boxes. Our school donated 610 pounds of food and we were grateful to be a part of making sure that these donations made it to families in need. These acts of community service meant a lot to the Community Outreach Club and Bayview Glen. We do acts of kindness not because we expect something in return, but because we know we can make a difference in our community. Like Mahatma Ghandi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world”. This quote reflects what we stand for. Throughout our efforts, we strive to foster empathy and responsibility to cultivate a culture where everyone understands the power of collective participation in creating a stronger, more compassionate world.
Amelie Choy and Shravya Ravella, Co-Heads of Community Outreach, Prep School Student Council
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Message from Better Beginnings Now at Lumenus Community Services I have had the opportunity to work closely with the amazing staff, students and families of Bayview Glen Schools who have supported our annual Holiday Hampers Program for the past 20 years. Every holiday season, the team at Lumenus Community Services identifies the families we serve who are most in need, particularly those facing financial challenges. Each year, the staff, students and families of Bayview Glen generously support these vulnerable families by donating 75 holiday hampers full of clothing, toys, household and personal items as well as gift cards. That’s over 1,500 Holiday Hampers that have been donated to date. How truly incredible!
From putting a smile on a child’s face with a new toy, to keeping them warm with winter clothing, to helping families buy groceries, the hampers make the holiday season one to remember for many of our families. On behalf of everyone at Lumenus, I would like to extend a huge thank you to the Bayview Glen community for all your efforts, generosity and kindness over so many years. We are honoured to work with you and to be able to count on your support year after year! Halima Mubaligh Program Manager, Betters Beginnings Now at Lumenus Community Services
Excerpts from the Letters of Thanks from Better Beginnings Families 2023 Words are not enough to express our gratitude. You have clothed us when we needed clothing. You have gifted us with various gifts cards. You have given us that opportunity for beautiful beginnings. May God bless you all, and Happy Holidays. My family and I are sincerely grateful to Lumenus and to the generous children from Bayview Glen Independent School and to all stake holders who chose to put a big smile on our face. I went through so many emotions because of the gifts and thoughtfulness behind such giving. I was happy to have some new clothes to give my daughter. Then as I kept opening the hamper and saw one of the gift cards, I was grateful. As I opened another and another, I was shocked. I didn't know how to feel. I wanted to cry, smile, jump. I felt the stress lift from my shoulders. I felt like I could make Christmas for my little family come true. I hugged and kissed my daughter. I played music and we danced together. I can get her a real crib now. I felt more like myself after this experience. I am so very appreciative to those who gave the holiday spirit to my family this year. I wish I could put how I feel into words. I want to give you all a hug and thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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I want to express my deep gratitude for the gifts for my children. It was very surprising to see so many useful things and age-appropriate games. Thank you very much for the clothes. My daughter is a big fashionista and enjoys wearing these items. Thank you for doing this. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the students who made a sincere effort to donate Christmas gifts to my five-month-old. We are truly thankful. My husband, my little girl, and I are sending hearts, hugs and kisses to those kind-hearted kids and staff. The gifts arrived when we really needed them. I wish nothing but goodness in the coming years and will always be thankful. I am writing this small letter to you from the depths of my heart, thanking you for your generosity and kindness for the gifts received. It's my first Christmas as a mom and my child’s first Christmas in this world so you have made it very special for both of us. You have made us feel loved, grateful and protected and I just want to let you know what incredible hearts each of you have. I wish you lots of health, love and happy holidays.
Canadian Accredited Independent Schools Bayview Glen takes great pride in being a member of Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS). According to Ontario’s Ministry of Education, there are over 1,000 private schools in the province, and only 94 schools nationwide are accredited by CAIS. As a CAIS member, Bayview Glen aligns itself with a collective commitment to a reflective and collaborative school improvement process, adhering to the Twelve National Accreditation Standards set by CAIS. 1. School Purpose 2. School Leadership 3. Governance Engagement 4. Education Program Foundation 5. Learning and Teaching 6. Student Well-Being and Support 7. Essential Concepts 8. Custodial Care 9. Recruitment and Community Engagement 10. Human Resources 11. Finance 12. Facilities and Infrastructure CAIS provides invaluable support for school improvement and innovation, fostering a community of independent schools that anticipate, respond to, and improve in an ever-changing educational environment. This commitment to innovation is evident through various CAIS initiatives, including assisting schools in addressing challenges, inspiring innovation through knowledge dissemination, supporting the learning and development of independent school leaders, and engaging schools in a responsive, robust, and relevant accreditation process. Networking and collaboration are integral aspects of CAIS's mission, aiming to create a collaborative community where independent schools and leaders work together to connect, support, and learn from one another. In April, several Bayview Glen leaders will be attending the CAIS National Leaders Conference in Vancouver. This will be an opportunity for our school’s leaders to participate in the sharing of high-quality practices both nationally and internationally. The strength and permanence of CAIS as an association further contribute to the value Bayview Glen receives from its membership. This affiliation reinforces Bayview Glen's commitment to excellence and ensures a continuous pursuit of innovation and improvement in the ever-evolving landscape of education.
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The Board of Directors The Case for Philanthropy For the past 61 years, Bayview Glen has focussed on offering its students an unparalleled educational experience, both inside and outside the classroom. While tuition fees fund most of the day-to-day operating expenses of Bayview Glen, tuition fees do not cover the full cost of a Bayview Glen education. Philanthropy helps fund the extras that give our students and school unique opportunities and experiences, and allows us to accelerate our vision of graduating students who are truly global citizens. Supporting Bayview Glen through philanthropy allows you to enrich your child's experience while at Bayview Glen, and also enhances the learning experience for future students. Our fundraising priorities reflect the strategic pillars of our school. As we engage in our new strategic planning process, we will be working in consultation with key constituents of the Bayview Glen community, including school leadership, faculty, parents and alumni. 1. Turn imagination into action — Provide tools and platforms that allow students to apply their passion and aptitude for technology. 2. Make our community even more inclusive — Broadens Bayview Glen's diversity and inclusion. It includes partnerships to share robotics experience with 3. lower-income schools and scholarships/ bursaries to target promising students who could not otherwise access a Bayview Glen education. 4. Make the Duncan Mill campus a place of health, learning and community — Deliver athletics and wellness programmes and opportunities for the entire Bayview Glen community to gather and connect. 5. Inspire a global perspective — Build global awareness and competencies for Bayview Glen students. 6. Foster resilience through adaptability — Ensure that Bayview Glen can adapt effectively to unexpected challenges. Thank you in advance for your support and for helping build the Bayview Glen legacy for future generations of students. Lisa Reikman Bayview Glen Board of Directors boardchair@bayviewglen.ca
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Advancement The Bayview Glen Annual Fund Gifts to Bayview Glen’s Annual Fund are used to support elements that make it even better equipped to meet the needs and talents of each student. Tuition provides a great percentage — but not all — of the income necessary to meet the school’s expenses. Charitable contributions from parents, alumni, past parents, grandparents, and others who believe in the school’s mission help to complete the equation. “We give to the Bayview Glen Annual Fund because we recognize the importance of ensuring that the school is able to provide our family, and all families, a top-notch educational experience. Our children have had outstanding teachers and great coaches at Bayview Glen, who truly care about them and their success. Great things are happening at Bayview Glen, and we want to ensure that this positive momentum continues.” — Current Bayview Glen Family “The Bayview Glen community is made up of so many amazing people, and supporting the Annual Fund gives me the opportunity to help all of those individuals make Bayview Glen the warm, supportive, and beautiful place that it is!” — Bayview Glen Alumnus Annual Fund Supports Every Student, Every Day An independent school education provides each and every one of its students with a transformative experience, not only for the years spent on its campus but for years to come. A Bayview Glen education goes beyond reading textbooks in a classroom. The Annual Fund impacts every aspect of the school. It allows all students to grow academically and through the arts, athletics, and community service. Annual Fund Supports Teaching Excellence Charitable gifts enable the school to retain and attract outstanding faculty — our greatest resource! Professional development opportunities for our faculty and staff ensure our educators remain at the forefront of educational best practices, bring new concepts to the classroom, enriching the learning experience for your children. “I give to Bayview Glen because I believe in the value of inclusivity that Bayview Glen upholds, which enriches the lives of our students from our youngest Gryphons to our senior leaders.” — Current Faculty Member
Bayview Glen is a registered charity (#131097453RR0001) and will provide a tax receipt for your donation. Thank you for your support.
Annual Fund Fundraising Goal: $275,000 Total Raised To Date: $265,805 Your donation to the Annual Fund supports our school’s areas of greatest need including priorities such as: Lower School 2nd and 3rd Floor Furniture, Faculty and Staff Professional Development Opportunities, and Financial Assistance. Our goal is bold: 100% family participation in giving to Bayview Glen. Together, we can make this happen. Your gift, every gift, will write a new chapter in our treasured history. Thank you for leaving your mark, today. If you’d like to discuss major giving and naming opportunities, or wish to designate your gift to a specific area of campus that is meaningful to you, please contact me directly at 416.386.6626 or cruscica@bayviewglen.ca. Carol Anne Ruscica Senior Director of Advancement
Ways to Donate
Online: bayviewglen.ca/donate Phone: 416.386.6626 Email: cruscica@bayviewglen.ca
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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Since 2020 September 30 has been designated as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, though the day has been commemorated as Orange Shirt Day for a decade. The symbol of the orange shirt came about after residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad shared her story, and remembered a new orange shirt that she had been gifted for the first day of school, which was taken away from her. The orange shirt has since become ubiquitous with the commemoration of all residential school survivors and a commitment to sharing their stories as we work toward reconciliation.
and lead them through a series of reflection questions which made note of how the students felt while connecting with Mother Earth, how they experienced the changing of seasons while on the land, or how they could commit to protecting and preserving nature for future generations. Student buddies concluded the activity by sitting together and drawing pictures to encapsulate their experiences.
In the days leading up to September 30 students in the Prep and Upper School were provided with prompts to help them spark conversation with their younger buddies
Gillian Potts-Hemingway, Preschool Director Erika Gillespie, Greg Ryerson, Leen-Jan van ‘t Hof, Directors of Teaching and Learning
The Preschool ran a separate programme on the day, in conjunction with the programming across the other divisions. Together they sat in a circle, connected as a BG Last year Bayview Glen staff and faculty had the community, and shared their own specially crafted Land opportunity to learn from Dr. Hopi Martin, PhD. Ojibwe Acknowledgment. Students sang a song with their Developmental Psychology and Education Oshkaabewis teachers and concluded their moment of connection (Sacred Helper, Messenger, Fire Keeper, Lodge and reflection by tying orange wish ribbons to the fence. Caretaker). His work focuses on the importance of This was done as an act of honouring with respect, connection to the land, and the inherent value in learning kindness, and gratitude the land on which we learn and alongside members of our community from different come together, and recognizing those who came before age groups. In keeping with this teaching our whole us and the current caretakers of our land. school activities this year were centered around students connecting with one another, with older students guiding As a community, we were reminded of how fortunate we and supporting younger students. are to have access to the land surrounding the School in our location alongside the Don River Valley and Betty On the day students from JK-Grade 12 gathered with Sutherland Trail. In her book Braiding Sweetgrass: one another, two grades together, to spend time on the Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the land connecting with Mother Earth. They read aloud our Teachings of Plants Robin Wall Kimmerer shared a quote land acknowledgement and took time to learn about that reads “When we call a place by name, it is transformed each other and connect as peers. As a group the from wilderness to homeland.” As we look forward to students walked the land together, reflecting on the future learning alongside one another, we also look forward theme for this year’s National Day for Truth and to coming to know our place on the land better as it is Reconciliation — Honouring Survivors. transformed from wilderness to our homeland.
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Remembrance Day The Remembrance Day ceremony on November 9 was the third-ever Bayview Glen collaboration between all three divisions (Lower, Prep, Upper). As students, staff, and members of our community gathered, our school's core values of respect, responsibility, and compassion were prominently displayed. The ceremony featured poignant and nuanced speeches by Lieutenant Colonel Hawk (a proud Bayview Glen parent), retired Lieutenant Colonel Hirji* (a proud Bayview Glen parent), and Captain Federico. The theme centred on peacekeeping, with their words highlighting the history of peacekeeping as an idea and the reasons for international alliances between countries like Australia and Canada. Insights into the lived experiences of peacekeeping missions illuminated the complexities and importance of these efforts. This event underscored the responsibilities and sacrifices of military personnel. It also alluded to the fact that we are living in a time where peace is fleeting worldwide, and many continue to sacrifice. As students, staff, and members of the Bayview Glen community exited the ceremony, there were many reflections on how we can live in a good way and remember those who laid down their lives in the name of peace. Jesse Denison Head of Lower School and Preschool *A special thanks to retired Lieutenant Colonel Arif Hirji, who will become an alumni parent this June after over a decade of assisting with Remembrance Day ceremonies at the school.
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275 Duncan Mill Road, Toronto, Ontario M3B 3H9
www.bayviewglen.ca