the CONNECTING THE COuNTRY DAY SCHOOl COMMuNITY
IN THIS ISSuE
Inaugural Breakout Week The Growing Mind Screenagers Review Grandparents’ Day Athletic Recap Closing Day 2017 Alumni Notes FAll 2017
dIScoverIng new heIghTS durIng BreakouT week BY TRYING NEW THINGS, WE REAlIZE WHAT MAKES uS COME AlIVE Page 8
Our
79 Graduates received
410
admissiOn Offers frOm
75
canadian, u.s. and internatiOnal universities and
$1.1M in schOlarship Offers
Congratulations Azeem Ali, York University Matthew Allen, University of Toronto Thalia Anobile, Queen’s University Dina Arrigo, Ryerson University Wren Bahen, Georgian College Kyra Bates, Guelph University Eric Becker, Brock University Beau Binnie, University of Ottawa Alia Brown, Queen’s University Sam Cantor, Queen’s University Reid Carpenter, Wilfrid Laurier University Mark Carpenter, University of Waterloo Celine Celi, Guelph University Megan Coulter, McGill University Megan Davies, St. Francis Xavier University Trinity De Simone, University of Oxford Nicholas Denniston, Queen’s University Anthony Di Giorgio, University of Waterloo Michael Di Pede, Wilfrid Laurier University Daniel Dvoskine, York University
Julia Garbe, University of Waterloo Marcus Giotta, University of British Columbia Alex Godson, Wilfrid Laurier University Aryan Hakim, Gap Year Jillian Hardy, York University Logan Hunt, Mount Allison University Ali Iwai, Queen’s University Zachary Joffe, University of Waterloo Mackenzie Johnston, University of Toronto Magellan Jull, Western University Vanessa Kapetanakos, Queen’s University Hafsa Khan, Gap Year Michelle Kim, University of Toronto Jenna Latowsky, Queen’s University Connor Lavis, Dalhousie University Caroline Leary, Queen’s University Caitlynn Leupolt, Queen’s University Andrew Littlejohn, Univerity of Alabama David Littlejohn, University of Louisville Gregor Logan, Dalhousie University
Robert Luba, Wilfrid Laurier University Daniel MacIver, UOIT Michelle Mao, OCAD University Nicole Martirossian, York University Charley McCann, Queen’s University Gwyneth McFarlane, Guelph University Lauren Michelberger, Queen’s University Beth Nella, Wilfrid Laurier University Tony Nguyen, Ryerson University Connor O’Brien, Wilfrid Laurier University Corson Panneton, University of Waterloo Luke Pasquali, Wilfrid Laurier University Nicole Petrovita, Western University Megan Poropat, Dalhousie University Iain Quayle, Gap Year Cameron Railton, Western University Olivia Railton, University of Oxford McKenna Ryan, Parsons School of Design Kendra Shields, University of Ottawa Henry Simmonds, Conestoga College
cds graduates received offers of admission to programs at some of the finest universities across canada and around the world. Well done, Grads!
The Country Day School offers JK-12 in a co-ed, non-denominational environment located on 100 beautiful acres in King. 13415 Dufferin street, King, ontario l7B 1K5 t: 905 833 1972 www.cds.on.ca
to the Country Day school’s Class of 2017 Elena Sinclair, Queen’s University Jonathan Sorbo, Gap Year Graydon Staples, Gap Year Samantha Stellnberger, York University Alex Sward, Wilfrid Laurier University Liam Sykes, University of Waterloo Sabrina Tarasca, Lakehead University Alice Tchernychova, University of Toronto Sinead Tebbutt, University of British Columbia Brian Tomkay, University of Waterloo Nili Tonkonog, Wilfrid Laurier University Jose Torrealba, Western University Kate Turner, Gap Year Willem von Schilling, Wilfrid Laurier University Kyla Webber, Dalhousie University Andrew Weiss, Guelph University Mackenzie Winch, Guelph-Humber University Alex Wyndham-West, Dalhousie University Brandon Yang, Wilfrid Laurier University
FALL 2017
On The COVeR
Yasmin Kirby ’20, Jonah de simone ’20, lucio masini ’20, Will sherman ’19 and Jack daniel ’19 (caleb clarke ’20, max Kenney ’18 and mr. harvey missing from the photo) teamed up with mr. andersen and mr. macmillan to build a lean-to on campus during Breakout Week.
this year marked the 26th annual terry fox run at cds.
DePARTMenTS
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From the editor
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Message from the head of School
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School highlights
FeATUReS
22 Timelines
4 CAiS Report Outcome CDS received numerous accolades in its CAIS Accreditation Report and recommendations reinforced 2016-2021 Long Range Plan goals. 8 Inaugural Breakout Week teaches students the value of experiential learning and trying something new. 14 The Growing Mind: Pot and the Teenage Brain Should we be worried about the effects of marijuana on developing minds? 19 Screenagers Film Review Teens may be aware of the downside of living digitally but face a steep challenge of how to pull back from the allure.
20 Grandparents’ Day 2017 This annual event continues to be one of the most beloved traditions in the Junior School. 30 Closing Day 2017 Excerpts from Junior, Middle and Senior Schools’ Closing Day Ceremonies.
28 Athletics Update 38 Theatre Lineup 39 Community news 40 Connections 41 Alumni Snapshots 43 Alumni notes
36 A Glimpse of Life in the Trenches Grade 10 students gain perspective through WWI trench warfare simulation. 37 Thank You to CDS Auction Sponsors Thank you for your support of our 44th Auction and Save the Date for June 1, 2018!
Join CDS Online Social Media www.facebook.com/TheCDS1972 www.twitter.com/TheCDS1972 www.youtube.com/TheCDS1972 www.instagram.com/TheCDS1972 Network with CDS alumni at our linkedIn page
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the
From the editor
InTroducIng The York ScholarShIp BurSarY: Increased financial aid is a win-win for everyone
eDiTor
Kim Sillcox, Director of External Communications eDiToriaL Team
Geoff Nugent leesa Witten ConTribuTors
T
he size of a school’s endowment is generally a good indicator of how much scholarship and financial aid money it has to offer. In the U.S., Ivy League schools top the charts with Harvard University in the lead with a $34 billion endowment. It’s not just universities that offer financial assistance – independent schools do too. Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire is one of the oldest boarding schools in the country and its endowment sits at $1.15 billion. Students who earn admission and come from families that make less than $75,000 attend for free, and 50% of students receive some amount of financial aid. In recent years, Canadian independent schools, in particular boarding schools, have placed a much greater emphasis on growing their endowment, with Upper Canada College and Trinity College School leading the way. UCC’s endowment is at $98 million and benefits 20% of its student body. TCS’s is at more than $53 million with 31% of students on some type of financial assistance based on need. Schools that invest in student aid, like CDS, are striving to achieve a culturally rich and diverse applicant pool, including a socio-economic mix. In the global world we now live in, it’s essential to be part of a community that embraces people from all cultural backgrounds, including a diversity of economic circumstances. At 45 years young, CDS has started the journey of building its endowment, which now sits at nearly $7 million, with 16 named funds supporting school activities but primarily focused on providing financial aid and scholarship offerings [see page 15 of the 2017 Annual Report]. One of our endowments is named after our third Headmaster, the Paul C. Duckett endowment Fund, and supports returning families who have experienced an
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unexpected financial hardship. Another is named after our co-founder, Edmond G. Eberts, who endowed the eberts entrance scholarship five years ago so that every year an incoming Grade 9/10 student, who may not have considered CDS because of the expense, may experience an ‘education with balance’ for their high school years. Financial aid doesn’t have to be endowed to be disbursed each year. Most recently, an incredibly generous anonymous donor bestowed funds to be disbursed to cover up to 65% of tuition and fees for three incoming grade 9/10 students to attend CDS for their high school career starting in September 2018. The york scholarship bursary is not only need based, but ideally suited for three students who want to embrace all that CDS has to offer. Endowments by nature have a long time horizon, but once established are designed to last in perpetuity. Perhaps the most important step is starting to grow one. This is why we launched the alumni Legacy Fund last year. We believe strongly in our future and will slowly and proudly build upon this endowment through alumni and past parent support, so that it too will one day impact future students. We are at an exciting tipping point for CDS. The more diverse our student body, the more educated and worldly our graduates will become. There is a direct correlation and the result is a win-win for everyone. Please help us to spread the word about these exciting scholarship opportunities among friends and family members! Happy Holidays! kim sillcox
Director of External Communications
azeem ali ’17 anne-Marie Bassi ’21 Celia Bland Isabella Bousada ’20 Caleb Clarke ’20 Jonah De Simone ’20 Dave Downer Fraser Fell Taryn Goldberger ’20 Heather Hudson ’19 Dima Kalander ’19 John liggett Carly Magarelli ’21 Kassandra Miranda ’23 alexandra Nichols ’19 leo Palerma ’20 Thomas Rocks ’19 Nicoletta Rotundo ’22 Karsen Roy ’20 Jessica Rudin ’23 Dean Sherman Karen Sumner Kabir Walia ’19 allyson Whitmell ’19 ann Wildberger Kerstin Wyndham-West Design
Michael Cherkas PhoTograPhy
Stan Behal Photography Stephanie Collins angela Dukát Nick Iwanyshyn Zach lawton Steve McCutcheon Kim Sillcox Jen Weening
The Link The Country Day School 13415 Dufferin Street King, ON l7B 1K5 T: 905.833.1220 F: 905.833.3655 E: communications@cds.on.ca www.cds.on.ca Correspondence is welcome The Link is published by the Office of Community Relations at The Country Day School for CDS families, alumni, staff, faculty and friends.
MessAGe FroM tHe HeAD oF sCHooL
Self RefleCTIoN leADS To DISCoVeRy AND pRogReSS while affirming our quest for “education with balance”
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BELIEVE IT WAS Socrates who espoused that endeavours were immensely self-reflective. We tested “the unexamined life is not worth living.” his quote and questioned everything we do – from our deeply references the notion that through questioning underpinned philosophies to the most routine policy and the pursuit of logic and wisdom, we can better and procedure. ourselves and, thereby, the people and the world Both the accreditation process and our own strategic around us. Of course, this pursuit is one we attempt to planning process ended up affirming our quest for instill in our students, but it is also something we model “Education with Balance.” Both processes also underfor our students as individuals as well as together as an scored the importance of bolstering our efforts under institution. the following four key banners: Last fall, as part of our membership in the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) association, – Support, Know and Inspire our Students The Country Day School underwent a rigorous accredi– Balance and Innovate our Programs tation exercise. In addition, we launched a new Long – Build and Engage our Community Range Plan, entitled “Envisioning our Future.” Both – Enhance our Financial Sustainability
We expect our students to study hard, to prepare, to ask good questions, and to continually strive for further improvement – and as a school we demand the same of ourselves.
We are now in the second year of our Long Range Plan and we have already made significant progress across the four areas mentioned above, including the provision of additional learning support, an expanded outdoor education program, expanded alumni speaker visits, and a risk management focus to name but a few. We expect our students to study hard, to prepare, to ask good questions, and to continually strive for further improvement – and as a school we demand the same of ourselves. Our self-examination will continue, and I look forward to reporting further on our discoveries and progress going forward. Our students continue to achieve great things, and we are working hard to make sure the School does too! John Liggett
Head of School
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AN oNgoINg CoMMITMeNT To eXCelleNCe
CDS received accolades in the CAIS Accreditation Report in which recommendations reinforced 2016-2021 Long Range Plan goals
I
n October 2016, a 10-member Visiting Committee comprised of some exceptional CAIS (Canadian Accredited Independent Schools) colleagues from other schools across Canada arrived on our campus for four days of an intense, yet reflective and collaborative school improvement process. The team evaluated CDS on 11 standards and procedures, from governance and academic program, to enrolment management and alumni engagement. In preparation for this re-accreditation visit, which CAIS conducts of its members every seven years, members of the school community worked tirelessly for nearly a year to compile a comprehensive 130-page self-evaluation report. Armed with this report, the Visiting Committee met with members of all constituencies, including parents, alumni, faculty and staff, the Board and students, to measure our progress firsthand and assess our standards and best practices.
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It did not take the Visiting Committee long to determine what kind of special place CDS is and some of the elements that make it special and beloved.” CAIS Accreditation Report, November 2016
One month following the visit, head of School John Liggett received overwhelmingly positive feedback in a report from the Chair of the Visiting Committee, Marc Ayotte, head of College at hillfield Strathallan. “Marc and his team’s thoughtful reflections and praise carry a great deal of clout in the independent school world, and the recommendations for continuous improvement are invaluable,” said John Liggett. According to Marc Ayotte, “CDS is a school with a great history of success and a great pathway laid out before it. Education with Balance isn’t a dusty tagline, it is CDS. The new strategic plan recognizes this and is designed to build upon it in innovative and thoughtful ways. The School is very transparent about the school priorities through the admissions process and I think that attracts the kinds of kids and parents who are here for the community and the co-curriculars as much as they are for the excellent academic program.”
ENVISIONING OUR FUTURE CDS’ long range plan for 2016-2021 was launched in September 2016 and focused on four key priorities:
Support, Know and Inspire our Students
Balance and Innovate our Programs
Build and Engage our Community
Enhance our Financial Sustainability
Since the launch, a number of goals and initiatives have been addressed under each priority. Many of these goals and initiatives align with the handful of recommendations brought forth by the CAIS Visiting Committee.
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In total, CDS received 26 commendations and 16 recommendations. “It would be difficult to frame this accreditation as anything but a resoundingly positive affirmation of both the on-going management and long-term strategic direction of the School,” said Paul Jewer, Past Chair of the Board. “Trust that the School will use the extensive insights in the report to address gaps and build upon strengths such that CDS students continue to experience the best that an independent school education has to offer.” With both Steps One (the comprehensive self-evaluation report) and Two (detailed feedback provided by CAIS Visiting Committee and confirmation of ongoing accredited membership status from CAIS) complete, CDS is now required to put in place a detailed response to the recommendations it received. Many of these insightful recommendations align with major initiatives already outlined the School’s 2016-2021 long range plan, Envisioning Our Future, which launched one month prior to the CAIS inspection in September 2016. “The timeliness of these self-reflective exercises allows the tracking and monitoring process of the new Long Range Plan to overlap nicely with some of these recommendations,” said John Liggett. “And in many cases, changes and progress made in attaining the LRP goals were already under consideration or well underway.” n
Highlights from CAIS Commendations Among the 26 Commendations the CAIS inspection team brought forth, CDS received between one and three in each of the 11 categories. Below are some examples of areas where the CAIS Visiting Committee commended CDS on initiatives that are outlined in the 2016-2021 long range plan: • Its commitment to and delivery on “Education with Balance.” • Their vast and diverse co-curricular activities, enhanced by a balanced schedule, which encourages almost all students to take part. • The Faculty and Staff of CDS for their involvement, mentoring and partnership with every student. • The Student Services team in both Junior and Middle/ Senior School on an integrated, personalized approach to serving the various learning needs of its students. • The School’s commitment to Outdoor Education as a flagship program that aligns with the mission, vision and strategic plan. • The collaborative, supportive, professional and hardworking culture of the faculty and staff. • Members of the Leadership Team for their professionalism, passion, intelligence and dedication to the School. • Exceeding their $10M “Making Connections” campaign goal. • For the honesty and integrity in the admissions process and for the exceptional devotion of time and attention to each family. • For developing a strategic financial plan that supports the vision and mission of the School and helps ensure long-term sustainability. • For the provision of a high-quality dining experience.
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The bottom line for any school is how the kids feel about coming there and kids love coming to CDS and are extraordinarily grateful for the opportunity.” CAIS Accreditation Report, November 2016
CAIS Recommendations that are also initiatives well underway as part of CDS’ Long Range Plan:
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To develop a comprehensive whole school IT Plan.
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To dedicate more time to having teachers and academic leaders gather, share, review and analyze evidence of student learning across grades and subjects that will inform decisions in the academic program.
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To continue to monitor the professional development allotment compared to the standard set by CAIS.
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To develop an alumni program that will facilitate the needs of a growing and dedicated alumni community.
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To ensure that the alumni program has appropriate infrastructure in place to support advancement, fundraising and volunteer programs.
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To follow through on the risk management development process and develop a full Enterprise Risk Management policy.
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To develop a business interruption plan.
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SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
NEWS FROM AROUND CDS
Ahead by a Century Cast Featured in CBC Short Doc
A
s Canada mourned the passing of Gord Downie in October, we cherished the launch of his brother Mike Downie’s CBC short documentary released two months earlier. The six-minute piece featured footage of last year’s CDS drama production, Ahead by a Century, which honoured Gord’s Secret Path project and hope of reconciliation. www. cbc.ca/shortdocs/shorts/the-secret-path-ahead-by-a-century
CDS Runners Raise $8,480 for Youth Mental Health Kiyan Heybati ’18 and Magnus Krever ’18, accompanied by team members Michael Jones ’18, Tommy Shen ’18, Kiyan’s younger brother Shayan ’22, and friends Nicolas Gesualdo ’18 and Kosta Tzanis ’18 worked tirelessly over
the summer months to raise funds for the third annual RBC Race for the Kids held in Toronto on September 16. They assembled an
impressive team of 38 CDS students and faculty members who answered their call to action last spring to help raise awareness and funds in support of youth mental health. The CDS Runners raised $8,480 – six times their original goal of $1,400 – in support of the Family Navigation Project at Sunnybrook Hospital. Read the full story here: www.cds.on.ca/news
26th Terry Fox Day Run The Country Day School held its 26th run for Terry Fox in which the entire school participated. In her remarks to both Junior and
The GY Grad lounge Receives Significant Facelift
O
ver the summer, the GY Lounge was beautifully refurbished thanks to a generous gift from an original CDS parent and former Board Chair, Demi Rogers, who donated funds to honour the late Susan Burns and her husband Michael Burns, also a former Board Chair, founding parent and current grandparent.
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CDS has once again been certified as a Gold Ontario EcoSchool as a result of our strong commitment to the environment!
CDS Gardens Yield Bounty of Fresh Vegetables
Middle/Senior School students, Nikkita Holder, a Canadian Olympic Hurdler and volunteer for the Terry Fox Foundation, thanked CDS for raising $505,168 for the Terry Fox Foundation over the past 25 years (this year excluded).
Congratulations to our IISPSC Debaters For the 5th year in a row, the CDS Debating team finished first overall at the International Independent Schools’ Public Speaking Competition in Winnipeg! Anaïs Leiva von Bovet ’19 (centre) finished first overall – qualifying her for Worlds next spring (IISPSC champion), Maeve Tebbutt ’19 (left) won Impromptu Speaking (6th overall),
This summer, the Nobleton & King City Horticultural Society (NKCHS) partnered with CDS to cultivate our vegetable gardens while students were away. As part of the Grade 9 Green Industry Outdoor Education course, Grade 9 students designed and built raised plant beds a year ago, planted seeds over the winter, then in May, replanted the seedlings in the raised garden planter beds. In August, CDS donated its harvest to the King Foodbank and upon the students’ return in September, delicious meals were served in the Dining Hall using spaghetti squash, tomatoes and peppers from the gardens!
and Anna Croxon ’20 (right) was 2nd in Dramatic & 3rd U16 Speaker (4th overall). Congratulations to our team and Coach Kerstin Wyndham-West! With three students in the Top 6, this meant that CDS also captured the trophies for the Top Overall Team and Top Canadian Team.
First CDS Athlete to Win Two Gold Medals at OFSAA Wilson O’Neill ’19 headed to OFSAA in June as a double bronze medalist with his sights set on improving upon last year’s performance. After four incredible runs, Wilson finished his perfect season as the OFSAA Champion in the 100m and 300m hurdles. He set two new personal bests and went on to set two new school records.
CDS Alumni are Back in the Classroom! Never before have we had so many CDS Alumni on staff! This year we have a grand total of seven, including: Deirdre Tait, Original; Liz Duckett ’98, Andrew Bartle ’04, Alanna Houston ’07, Caitlin (Barnes) Tamane ’09, Joshua Simmonds ’09 and Megan Lavis ’13 (not pictured here). We
Have you Received your Meridian? The 2016-2017 Meridian CDS Yearbook is sporting a new look! Well done Mme. Davidson and Ms. Stefanescu.
are so happy to have them back!
New Release: 2017 Portrait of a Grad videos Be sure to watch our latest Portrait of a Graduate Videos featuring: Azeem Ali ’17, Beau Binnie ’17, Julia Garbe ’17, Ali Iwai ’17, Corson Panneton ’17 and Olivia Railton ’17 at www.cds.on.ca/portraitofagrad
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Cover story
CDS Inaugural Breakout Week Teaches Students the Value of Experiential Learning and Trying Something New
dIScoverIng new by kim sillcox
J
UST BEFORE Thanksgiving, on arguably the most beautiful week of autumn, our faculty’s dream of hosting the first Breakout Week became reality as students in Grades 7-12 checked out of their classrooms and headed near and far to discover new ways of learning by doing in unfamiliar settings. Some students embarked on their adventure with gusto, while others experienced a bit of trepidation about leaving all things familiar and forging new friendships. What happened over the course of the next four days spent together was nothing short of magical. Whether it was on a physical or emotional level, and in most cases both, CDS students were drawn out of their comfort zones and encouraged to try new things. Whether portaging a heavy canoe in pouring rain in Algonquin Park; cycling through the busy streets of Quebec on a quest for the next delicious meal (requested en Français); passing out lovingly hand-prepared meals to the homeless in Toronto; pondering their future by exploring university campuses east and west; or trusting new friends in teambuilding exercises at the Grade 7 or 9 Camp experiences, everyone learned something new about themselves and one another on these shared adventures. On the following pages are a series of student recaps and accompanying snapshots from each trip.
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heIghTS
“
do noT aSk whaT The world needS, aSk whaT makeS You come alIve and go do IT. BecauSe whaT The world needS IS people who wIll come alIve.” alIve ouTdoorS
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Green build experienCe Students built a landmark log shelter in the back campus for all to enjoy.
“FOR MOST OF the students involved, it is likely that building a
Grade 9 Trip To Camp Timberlane in HaliburTon
wooden lean-to will have been a once in a lifetime experience; however, the skills that were required will prove to be extremely useful to us in our everyday lives. These include job site safety, proper lifting technique, hammering a nail, drilling in an 11” barn screw properly without damaging the wood, using a drawknife to peel the bark off a log so it doesn’t rot, and not to mention the value of an honest hard day’s work.” Jonah De simone ’20
“WE MADE SO many memories with new and old
friends that I will never forget. A lot of these happened late at night in our cabins during ukulele sessions, fighting off spiders or just laughing until we were in tears in our bunkbeds about inside jokes that were made. Others were created early in the morning while diving into the freezing lake water with our new friends to say we completed the legendary Polar Ice Dip. I believe that when you are away from the busy world and technology, you are able to make these memories because you ‘unplug’ and become connected with both yourself and the people around you. We all became closer to classmates we either knew or did not know previously. We escaped our comfort zones and just got out there. Every Grade 9 left camp doing something they had never done before.”
“It took us four days to complete the cabin. We couldn’t think of a better way to spend our Breakout Week than working alongside Mr. MacMillan and Mr. Andersen creating a lasting legacy on our campus.” Caleb Clarke ’20
anne-marie bassi ’21
Grade 10 & 11 Trip To alGonquin park Four days and three nights of portaging starting and ending at Camp arowhon
“THE BEST PART about Algonquin was being out in nature and getting a
refreshing break from all of the technology and rushed lifestyle back home. It was nice being able to just move through nature and observe your surroundings without being distracted by anything like a TV, phone or other device. It was also nice to get away from the pace of school life and experience no assignments or due dates. We could just live our life the way we wanted to out there.” Leo Palerma ’20
“During our stay on Tom Thomson Lake, we experienced choosing tent spots, preparing a meal over a campfire, portaging and righting a canoe. We all used useful and lifelong skills while taking in the natural beauty of Ontario’s oldest provincial park.” Thomas rocks ’19 10
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Cover story
STEM Trip Students explored the science behind flight in and around Toronto
“Students learned all there is to know about aerodynamics and so
much more. At Ripley’s Aquarium, we learned about how marine organisms can move so effortlessly through the water. At the Toronto Zoo, we observed how some animals are able to defy gravity. At iFly, we learned about the different forces that allow you to fly: lift, weight, drag and thrust. We then spent one minute in the wind tunnel taking flight – perhaps the highlight of the week! (Watch the video here: bit.ly/2hp1J0Q) On the last day, we assembled and launched rockets and built our own drones. Although Breakout Week may be over, the learning does not stop here!” Kabir Walia ’19
Volleyball Trip When Hurricane Maria grounded their original plans to travel to Cuba,
Coaches Moorlag and Collins made lemonade from lemons and planned an amazing week in the GTA for the Girls’ Volleyball team! “From training with the York University team and members of the National Beach Volleyball team, to working on the mental side of sport with Vince Luciani from Legacy Coaching and playing beach volleyball at Beach Blast and Ashbridges Bay in Toronto, the activities our coaches planned for us were unbelievable. Not only did our volleyball skills improve, but we became closer as a team, and had a great time while doing it!” Heather Hudson ’19 and Alexandra Nichols ’19
Grade 8 Trip to Sainte Marie among the Hurons and Seneca College “Throughout Breakout Week,
everyone had opportunities to become a leader and make new memories with our classmates. Whether it was leaping into Canada’s history on our first day at Sainte Marie among the Hurons where we experienced what life was like for Canada’s early settlers by exploring the 17th Century French Jesuit settlement or climbing the vertical A-maze, mountain biking or paddling a canoe at Seneca College’s Outdoor Education Centre, everyone had an amazing time. This week was all about taking risks and making connections with new and old friends.” Nicoletta Rotundo ’22 The Link Fall 2017
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Cover story
Washington, D.C. Trip
Grade 7 Trip to Haliburton Hockey Haven Camp “The second I got to the camp, I knew I’d have a great time.
We started our first day by going on a nature walk, learning about the wildlife and survival tips along the way. After a little cabin break, we went right into some sports, and for the end of an amazing day, we all went skating. It was my first time skating and all my friends helped me. I personally think I did pretty well! Over the next few days we did all sorts of things including activities to help us develop leadership and teamwork skills. One assignment had us working in teams of four or five to build a shelter in Haliburton Forest that we could survive in for a few days using only resources we found in nature. We loved getting closer to nature, but didn’t actually have to sleep in these shelters! Our two classes also played baseball against each other, which was really fun. The whole trip was an amazing team-building exercise and we felt closer to our classmates, both old and new, at the end of it. We hope we get to go again next year in Grade 8!”
Students visited numerous historical and cultural sights, including Mount Vernon, Arlington Cemetery, landmark memorials, the White House and U.S. Capitol Building, the Smithsonian and Holocaust Memorial museums, and saw two plays: America’s favourite comedy, Shear Madness, and Stones in His Pockets. “It was an amazing opportunity to delve deep into the roots and history of a country other than Canada. In Washington there is an endless amount of historical sites. We were constantly absorbing information that you can’t get within the walls of a classroom. This hands on, close up learning allowed us all to feel very connected to American history.” Allyson Whitmell ’19
Kassandra Miranda ’23 and Jessica Rudin ’23
Quebec Culinary Tour A tour of Montreal for those who enjoy tasting food en Français!
Participants experienced a cornucopia of quintessential Montreal cuisine, from
making their own maple apple butter en route at Verger Lacroix & Cidrerie and visiting a sugar shack at the peek of maple syrup season, to walking the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal and cycling through the city while stopping for Montreal bagels, poutine, and make your own pizzas. Joie de vivre! “Going into the first ever Breakout Week, I was not sure what to expect. But looking back on the trip, it was not only a fun experience and a great excuse to eat lots of good food, but a perfect chance to practice our French and make new friends!” Dima Kalander ’19 12
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Gy uniVerSiTy TripS eaST & WeST WHILE MOST OF the Middle and Senior School students were
out enjoying their various excursions, the GYs were out thinking about their futures and got to explore universities east and west, near and far. In addition to touring six or seven campuses in each direction (including University of Toronto and Ryerson University this year), they heard valuable information from CDS Alumni whom they bumped into along the way. For some GYs, decisions on where to apply for next year really started to solidify.
CdS CareS Students volunteered at local charities, including aurora Food Pantry, Rose of Sharon, Variety Village & CHaTS
THE CDS CARES Team delivered donations through the School’s
Food Drive the previous week to both the Aurora Food Pantry and Rose of Sharon. They helped sort the different items at each stop and placed food on the shelves for people to use. “This opportunity to give back to the community was a great experience and reminded all of us to be thankful for things that we take for granted, like access to good food.” Taryn goldberger ’20
The CDS Cares Team also assembled homemade lunches and passed them out to the less fortunate in Toronto. “This experience taught us about the importance of compassion, being grateful for what you have, and finally, that even small actions can have tremendous impact on someone else’s life.” karsen roy ’20 and isabella bousada ’20
“
alThough BreakouT week maY Be over, The learnIng doeS noT STop here!”
kaBIr walIa ’19
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ELIA BLAND, Director of Senior School, encapsulated the week beautifully at an assembly a few weeks later. She shared with the students something she learned from her favourite high school teacher: that “learning never stops, it’s life long.” Ms. Bland went on to praise everyone for trying something they had perhaps never thought they could or would do before. Hopefully this shared willingness to try something new has sparked something inside each of our students that will stay with them always. After one or two students presented a recap of each experience, the Grades 7-12s and their teachers took a moment to realize the collective impact of this inaugural week, such as the difference the Green Build will have on the Outdoor Ed program, the CDS Cares Team’s influence on the charities they supported, the resilience shown by the Girls’ Volleyball team during their amazing week in Toronto, or the friendships old and new that were forged on all of these trips. Ms. Bland ended by asking the students, “What will you do next? What was it about that week that made you come alive? Where will you go to university? What resilience will you show? Whatever it is, we hope you will keep on learning and challenging yourself by doing what makes you truly come alive.” n
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The GrowinG Mind BY DR. KAREN SUMNER a freelance writer and editor based in King City
poT and The Teenage BraIn Should we be worried about the effects of marijuana on developing minds? In a word, yes.
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ow many cigarettes do you need to smoke before it becomes likely you will contract some form of cancer? No researcher can answer this question, as it can’t be quantified. But we don’t really need an exact answer. We know that smoking is the leading cause of death by cancer. We know that if we choose to smoke, we take some serious health risks. So how about this question: how much marijuana do you need to smoke before experiencing adverse physical or mental effects? This is also a
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question no researcher can precisely answer. But it is one worth asking, especially when the “you” in question is a teenager rather than an adult. We are headed toward a world where those of us at age 19 and older can purchase cannabis from government-run retail outlets. This change may be individually celebrated or censured. But it is worth asking whether it will become easier for underage teens to access marijuana, akin to the ease with which many can acquire alcohol. Should we be worried about the prospect of increased underage consumption of cannabis? (continued on page 16)
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The GrowinG Mind
(continued from page 15) The short answer is yes – and so is the long answer. The teen brain does not mix well with alcohol or drugs. It’s not the same as an adult brain. The effects of intoxication are more severe and can have serious long-lasting neurological consequences for younger users. And here’s another part of the story that makes all of this more complicated: the teen brain doesn’t become an adult brain until about 25 years of age.
noT Your Teen?
Canadian teens have the highest rate of cannabis use in the developed world. according to a United Nations study, 28% of Canadian children aged 11-15 admitted to using cannabis at least once in the past year. according to the Canadian Centre on Substance abuse, as many as 5% of Canadian adolescents and 10% of Grade 12 students smoke pot every day.
THE TEEN BRAIN
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t’s a bit inaccurate to talk about “the teen brain” when what we really mean is “the developing brain.” Recent findings indicate that the human brain is not mature until about the mid-20s. So essentially, the teen brain is in place (and in charge) from early adolescence until after completing a post-secondary program. This is a time of tremendous growth and change in the brain as well as great sensitivity to experience and input. What is the brain up to? The areas associated with thinking and emotional regulation are under construction. Specifically, the pre-frontal cortex is still developing. This is an area behind the forehead associated with
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planning, prioritizing, problem-solving, self-evaluation, emotional control, maintaining attention and risk assessment. If your teen struggles to plan their time well or keep their emotional cool in the face of fairly mild stresses, their not-fully-formed pre-frontal cortex is partly to blame. Immaturity in this region of the brain explains why teens can make impulsive decisions or engage in unsafe activities without much thought. They are not great at assessing risk, in part because they have difficulty seeing ahead to possible consequences of their decisions. Plus, of course, their social group is of great importance to them. Social
eSSenTIallY, The Teen BraIn IS In place (and In charge) from earlY adoleScence unTIl afTer compleTIng a poST-SecondarY program. ThIS IS a TIme of TremendouS growTh and change In The BraIn aS well aS greaT SenSITIvITY To experIence and InpuT.”
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belonging plays a role in decision making more at this age than it may ever again. And to reiterate – “at this age” means the ten-year stretch from early adolescence until the mid-20s.
THE INFluENCE OF MARIjuANA
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here are lots of ways to help shape a teen brain so that it becomes the healthiest possible adult version of itself: a nourishing diet, an enriched environment full of interesting challenges and activities, regular exercise, plenty of sleep, positive mentors and relationships, and strategies to reduce stress, to name a few. The absence of any of these health enhancers has an adverse effect on brain development – as do the presence of outright damaging influences. Drinking or taking drugs to the point of intoxication are some of those damaging influences. To put it simply: the longer a teen delays the use of alcohol or marijuana, the better. A 2017 Université de Montréal study concluded that kids who started using marijuana at 14 years of age (Grade 9) experienced more learning and problem-solving deficits than those who started at 17 years old (Grade
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poT poTencY
at the time of the famous Woodstock Festival in 1969, it is estimated that pot contained 1% of its psychoactive ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Health Canada reports that today’s marijuana typically tests for 10% THC and may contain as much as 30%.
11). Not that starting at age 17 or older is without risk, just that the younger a person starts, the more serious the deficits. A 2017 study released by Concordia University looked at the effects of regular marijuana use on physical and mental health, focusing on the age of first use. Here is a summary: “In terms of overall effects, the study confirmed that marijuana does affect people’s physical and mental health, that it will cause cognitive impairment, memory loss, diminished IQ, limited educational success and likelihood for developing mental illness. Physically, early users also suffer higher rates of respiratory diseases and certain cancers.” The study confirmed that a younger start leads to worse outcomes. To be clear, research on the effects of marijuana on the brain is in its early stages compared to other long-term research areas, such as the effects of smoking or alcohol abuse. At this point, it is difficult to establish cause-effect outcomes and easier to point to correlations. However, there are some peer-reviewed studies with conclusions worth considering. A few are summarized below. • Adolescent marijuana users aged 16-18 showed slower mental processing and
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poorer verbal learning and memory than non-users. Users aged 15-19 who then became abstinent improved in learning and memory but maintained lower attention abilities. Users aged 20-24 experienced memory deficits with improvements in memory only after eight years of abstinence. Users aged 13-24 performed worse on measures of immediate and delayed verbal memory compared to community controls. Users aged 16-20 performed worse on learning and recall than control groups, with poorer performance related to severity, frequency and age of first use. Users who started prior to age 15 demonstrated poorer cognitive performance on tasks of sustained attention, impulse control and executive functioning compared to older users.
As summed up by two University of California researchers reviewing the findings: “Overall, the majority of data support poorer cognitive performance on measures of attention and learning, and memory in adolescent users of cannabis; however, frequency and severity of use is likely to play a role, particularly in those reporting younger age of initiation.”
Excerpts from the revised 2017-2018 CDS Code of Conduct
drugS, alcohol, vapIng and ToBacco The Country Day School is deeply committed to ensuring that all school events and the School itself are free from the influence of harmful substances such as alcohol, tobacco, vaping and illicit drugs. It is the School’s belief that the presence of these products undermines the fabric of the School and promotes an atmosphere of harm and conflict. The use of these substances can seriously inhibit learning. Brain science has firmly established that the young brain can suffer irreparable damage when exposed to intoxicants during adolescence. In any case that a student is under the influence or in possession of intoxicants, alcohol, vaping materials or tobacco while at school or a school event, a Director will investigate and address the situation with the student. For alcohol, vaping and tobacco related offences, students typically face a suspension from school, but may be expelled. For drug-related offences (including marijuana in any amount), students will automatically face a disciplinary hearing, and if it is determined that they were involved in a drug-related offence, may be expelled from school. Behaviour at The Country Day School is bound by the four corners of the enrolment contract which explicitly cites that students will be bound to our Code of Conduct or risk continuance at the School. We will endeavour to make the information in this article, as well as the continued prohibition of marijuana, clear to our students in the coming months. John Liggett, Head of School
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The GrowinG Mind
WHAT ABOuT MENTAl HEAlTH?
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s mentioned above, it’s early days for many aspects of marijuana research. This means that some study results have not yet been reliably replicated (proven a second time). However, there are enough studies that link marijuana use to psychiatric disorders, depression and anxiety – as well as to substance abuse, such as alcoholism or addiction to other drugs – to raise concerns. The Royal College of Psychiatrists in the United Kingdom and the US National Institute on Drug Abuse have determined that there is sufficient evidence linking early cannabis use and later mental health problems in those with a genetic vulnerability. The link is particularly notable when marijuana is first used in adolescence. In one study, adolescents who used cannabis regularly (in some cases, daily) were five times more likely to develop depression and anxiety later in life. Younger users also have a higher than average risk
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of developing schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. The more cannabis used, and the younger the exposure, the greater the risk. The Royal College notes that, because the teenage brain is streamlining its systems so it can become more efficient and reliable, any substance that interferes with this process has the potential to produce long-term psychological effects. One last note about mental health: yes, cannabis is an addictive substance. A person develops a tolerance with consumption, requiring more and more of the drug to produce the same effect. Cannabis cessation after regular use also has withdrawal symptoms, such as decreased appetite, sleep difficulties, irritability and restlessness. These symptoms are similar in discomfort to withdrawing from tobacco. The American Psychological Association (APA) has found that 9% of adults who use cannabis become addicted, whereas 17% of those who start smoking in their teens become addicted. Again, the research shows that teens are more vulnerable than adults to the harmful effects of marijuana.
The roYal college noTeS ThaT, BecauSe The Teenage BraIn IS STreamlInIng ITS SYSTemS So IT can Become more effIcIenT and relIaBle, anY SuBSTance ThaT InTerfereS wITh ThIS proceSS haS The poTenTIal To produce long-Term pSYchologIcal effecTS.”
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PERCEPTION OF RISK
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he APA notes that when perceptions of marijuana’s risks drop, its use rises almost immediately. In 2014, less than 40% of high school seniors in the US believed that regular marijuana use was risky. And yet many of the risks can be found in the research, even with the caveat that more studies are needed to deepen our understanding. Staci Gruber, director of the Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery (MIND) program at Harvard Medical School, says that social change in drug policy and attitudes is outpacing scientific research. She also says that there is good reason to think that adolescents are uniquely susceptible to lasting damage from marijuana use. There is general consensus that teen use of cannabis carries a real risk of physical and neurological disorders as well as later life addiction. Teens are smart. If they have access to good information, they are more likely to make healthy decisions. For example, smoking rates have dropped more among Canadian teens over the past decade than among adults. But adolescents likely know less about the unique features of “the teen brain” and its vulnerability to both alcohol and cannabis. They certainly know that being intoxicated creates all kinds of shortterm difficulties (making good decisions, driving impaired, alcohol poisoning, and so on). But they may not understand that an intoxicated teenage brain undergoes changes that last beyond the moment and well into the future. Parents and schools have some work to do to educate young people and protect their developing minds. Having conversations, sharing research and staying connected to our teens are good places to start. n
FIlm RevIew
growIng up In The dIgITal age: ScreenagerS
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n September 13, 2017, CDS hosted a screening of the documentary film Screenagers which explores the immersion of today’s teens in the digital world. The film offers a glimpse into the life of filmmaker Delaney Ruston, a Stanford-trained physician and mother of two, as well as other families struggling with the 6.5 hours per day on average that teens spend on screens – not including classroom time or homework. The film also provides insights from psychologists and brain scientists on the impact of screen time on growing minds. The opportunity to listen to teens talk about technology – whether in arguments with their parents or amongst themselves – is one of the greatest strengths of the film. young people readily acknowledge the difficulties that arrive with heavy screen use: time away from homework, loss of other interests, anxiety about social position, hyper-sensitivity to appearance, potential for bullying, avoidance of real-world issues, a sense of disconnection and alienation from others (despite all that “connecting”)… and the list goes on. While aware of the downside of living digitally, and agreeing in principle that limiting access is a good thing, the challenge for teens lies in how and when to pull back from the allure of screen life. The film suggests some answers: parents and teens regularly talking about technology, learning about its dangers, sharing its pleasures, and working together to come up with a balanced life plan. One of the central conclusions of the film is that both permissive parenting (not getting involved) and authoritarian
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while aware of the downside of living digitally, and agreeing in principle that limiting access is a good thing, the challenge for teens lies in how and when to pull back from the allure of screen life.
parenting (unilaterally laying down the law) shut down channels of communication and put distance between teens and parents. The best route to collaboration and closeness lies in an authoritative parenting style, which mixes warmth, genuine understanding, and clear limits with good reasons. Teens admit that they respect the adults in their lives who take this approach, even when they resist putting their devices away. The idea is to empower kids to reflect and make good decisions by introducing balance and limits in a caring but firm manner. For parents looking for guidance on how to establish boundaries based on good reasons, the film provides plenty of support. It offers ideas for basic rules (such as no devices in the car, bedroom or during family meals), expert insights and studies on the effects of screen time (such as learning and memory losses), and ways to connect regularly with kids about the digital world (such as Tech Talk Tuesdays). If you missed the screening and want to know more about the film – or if you attended but would like a refresher – visit www.screenagersmovie.com. you’ll find resources like Delaney Ruston’s Tech Talk Tuesdays blog, sample screentime contracts, and research on the psychological and neurological impact of screen time. In alignment with the key message of Screenagers, CDS offers “technology with balance.” Visit our website to learn more about our approach – or contact our Director of academics: Middle and Senior Schools, Dave Harvey, at dave. harvey@cds.on.ca with any questions. — karen sumner
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Antonio Di Giorgio with his grandmother.
We hosted 300 grandparents for lunch!
Grandparents’ Day 2017 Benson Muzychka reads to his grandmother. Denis Cher and his grandfather.
This is what I know about Grandparents’ Day. I see the eyes of our students light up when they see their loved ones. I see the eyes of our grandparents and grand friends light up when they see our precious young people. On this day at The Country Day School, the world feels
Cullen Kenney and Montana Bratty are all smiles.
a little softer a little kinder a little warmer What a magnificent day for our community, young, old and everyone in between. Ann Wildberger, Director of Junior School
Addison Palmer with her grandparents.
Ada and Bridget Emanoilidis pose with their grandmother.
lucas Xin smiles with his grandparents.
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Eliza Shulman loved having her grandparents visit!
The Burleigh Family is all smiles with faculty member Mark, daughter Kate and Kate’s grandparents
Thumbs up for Steven Carless and his family.
Vanessa Bobechko shows off the jS greenhouse to her grandparents.
Olivia leBlanc poses with her grandparents.
Sebastian Dell’Elce and his grandparents
Zara Basso shows her grandparents her times tables.
Ryan Shokri and his grandmother.
Salma Zarabi with her grandparents.
Elliot Mulcahy reads intently.
jake McNair is happy to have his grandparents visit.
Charlize Bianchi shows her work to both sets of grandparents!
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timelines
The Junior School Spring Music Concert was enjoyed by all.
Miss K from Milk Bags Unlimited helped Grade 5 students weave recycled milk bags into mats using a loom. last year, Julia Garbe ’17 started encouraging students and staff to bring in their recycled milk bags for the purpose of creating sleep mats for people in the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Honduras. CDS is planning on building its own loom so it can continue to make a difference in the lives of others by weaving more mats. We’re still collecting, so drop your milk bags off at the Senior School Office!
Sisters of two members of the 4x100 Midget Boys’ Relay team (and their teachers Mr. Waldron & Mr. Burleigh) took time out from their busy Grade 6 trip to Queen’s University to watch their brothers win heat #2 and qualify for the finals. Hannah Clarke and Lauren De Simone couldn’t have been prouder of their Grade 9 brothers Caleb and Jonah!
Grade 6 students hosted another amazing annual Travel Canada Fair.
Congratulations to the Junior School’s Pathways to People who raised $1,847 from dress-down days this year for Free the Children!
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St. John’s ambulance Service Dogs visited the Junior School library and enjoyed being read to by our enthusiastic readers!
Grade 2 students with their books for the young author’s Fair.
Ms. Mazurkewich’s Grade 1 class did an incredible job creating a miniature model of CDS in their classroom. Can you spot the Cyclone Dome, soccer fields and a very familiar, white picket fence?
Grade 4 students camped out for a night in the back campus as part of the Outdoor Ed program.
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anthony Mclean, rapper, youTuber and motivational speaker, spoke to our Junior School students about respecting one another.
Grade 6 Pathways to People members organized another successful food drive for the King City Food Bank with a new record this year of 99.8% useable items! Not only did we meet their wish list, but collected and delivered 68 boxes and 11 car loads of food to benefit local families.
Grade 5s travelled to Glen Bernard Camp where they spent three days hiking and paddling canoes and kayaks, while learning about energy conservation and sustainability.
sePTember
It was another fun-filled Terry Fox Day in which Junior School students and their teachers ran/walked for 30 minutes through the extensive trail system in the back property. The CDS mascot, Storm the Cyclone, cheered students on every step of the way.
Grade 6 classes took part in the annual two-day Bark lake leadership Convention where they were asked to challenge themselves and each other through a variety of leadership tasks and initiative games.
Kevin Sands, author of the award-winning Blackthorn Key series, spoke to Grade 5 and 6 students about the release of his third book in the triology, The Assassin’s Curse.
oCTober
The Junior School participated in a Canada-wide initiative started in 2011, Take Me Outside Day. all classes were encouraged to spend at least one hour learning outside to help bring awareness to our connection with nature.
Mr. Rafferty’s Grade 6 class began a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) unit recently and is utilizing our lEGO Mindstorms EV3 robotics kits.
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timelines
Grade 7 students celebrated the end of the school year at Canada’s Wonderland. Middle School students discovered a new vibe and face to Middle Earth this year. Greeted with the words “Welcome to the MID School,” students were gently reminded through other banners to care for their environment, understand the influence of their words, respectfully listen to others, be motivated to work hard, and be punctual and prepared for class.
The Middle School Band and Choir entertained guests at the Middle/Senior Spring Music Concert.
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Students enjoyed a fun evening at the Grade 8 Graduation Formal held in the Performing arts Centre.
The Grade 7s took part in a “book tasting” with librarian Mrs. Rutledge, which involved sampling numerous young adult novels from a variety of genres to help them to find the perfect one to read.
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Neyla Kirby ’22 and Georgia Benjamin ’23 are quite proud of their roles as members of the CDS Dining Hall Committee. The Committee consists of Mr. liggett and Chef Marcello, a Junior, Middle and Senior School representative, and two CDS Parent co-chairs. They meet once a term to discuss what can be improved upon, general feedback about the menu items, and students are even encouraged to put forth menu suggestions.
Middle and Senior School students celebrated Terry Fox Day with assorted house spirit activities, a pep rally with a guest speaker, and of course, the Terry Fox run through the back campus.
Introducing members of this year’s Middle School Student Council.
oCTober
annual Grade 7 trip to Kettleby Valley Outdoor Centre.
november
Our Grade 7 and 8 drama students dazzled all in attendance at both nearly sold out performances of The Outsiders in November. The decision to take on S.E. Hinton’s coming of age classic coincided with the 50th anniversary of this timeless story about two rival gangs in the 1960s Midwest, widely read by our Grade 7s each year.
Grade 8 students Tomas Chacin, Arjun Walia, Toby Steinmann and Danyal Hakeem (not pictured) bravely joined forces with CDS veteran debaters, Victoria McIntyre ’18 and Anna Croxon ’20, to debate against students in Grades 11 and 12 at the 40th annual Impromptu Debating Tournament at St. Clement’s School. They represented CDS well by taking a chance in order to learn more about the activity and gain valuable experience.
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timelines
Middle/Senior School Spring Concert delights!
Graduating art students presented their Grade 12 work at the annual Grad X art exhibition in Rogers Hall.
Gys gathered in front of the School following the annual Grad Breakfast
as part of language Week, Mme Colucci organized a fencing demonstration through the Vango Toronto Fencing Club at the end of the Middle/ Senior School assembly. Grades 10-12 French students and Grades 10-12 Spanish students then got to try their hands at fencing during class in the gym. Sean Li ’22 got to score/referee the “match” on stage as he is a proud student at the Vango Toronto Fencing Club.
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Gy students celebrated another great CDS tradition by signing each other’s uniforms on the last day of school.
Congratulations to Vanessa Kapetanakos ‘17 and Charley McCann ‘17 for winning the Park Engineer award in Canada’s Wonderland’s roller coaster competition on May 5th. That’s two years in a row now for CDS after Brooke Harris ‘16 took home the same award last year.
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Grade 11 and 12 Physics students participated in the University of Waterloo’s Sir Isaac Newton (SIN) Physics contest. Congratulations to Wenlu yu ’18 for ranking 95th in the world out of 1957 participants and Mark Carpenter ’17 for ranking 137th.
Victoria McIntyre ’18 was at NyC’s Carnegie Hall in June accepting a Scholastic art & Writing National Gold Medal for her journalism submission, “Combatting the Crisis: Poisonous Water on Native Reserves.” The Empire State Building was lit up in gold for the medalists and Parsons School of Design featured a design with their work as well.
Grade 12 students receive their Gy ties at a Senior School assembly.
sePTember
In collaboration with the Oak Ridges Moraine land Trust and arts Society King (aSK), CDS hosted a screening of leonardo DiCaprio’s production Before the Flood for local community members. Ontario’s new Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, the Hon. Chris Ballard, led a conversation about climate change before the film and answered direct and thoughtful questions asked by CDS students, including Mackayla Dabit ’20, Heather Hudson ’19, Claire Luba ’19, and Vanessa Elefteriadis ’19. Nevis Hunt ’21 is missing from the photo.
oCTober
november The Senior School spirit day in November celebrated the theme Canadian Winter Chill. afternoon activities included a mini-dodgeball tournament in the Dome, a staff vs. student basketball game, and multiple activities including board games, art corner, study hall and a movie.
Senior School Music students travelled to Glen Bernard Camp for the annual CDS Music Camp.
Victoria McIntyre ’18 and Anna Croxon ’20 competed in the 40th annual Impromptu Debating Tournament at St. Clement’s School against teams from appleby College and Royal St. George’s College. The girls debated thoughtfully and enthusiastically and finished 9th out of 32 teams.
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athletiCs update
2017 Spring Athletic Assembly
defininG THe qualiTieS of a Good TeammaTe Excerpts from Nicole Petrovita’s Remarks thletics at CDS made my high school experience one to remember, and I surely have my teammates to thank for that. Practicing with a team that is always positive and motivated makes a season unforgettable. Each season there has always been someone to make the team feel like a family and take others under their wing. Some of the best teammates I had were from older grades. They drew from their experience to guide the team and show us the ropes. Developing relationships with your teammates on and off the court and displaying a positive attitude toward practices and games is part of what makes a good teammate. Supporting your team at any time during the game is also important as it can set the tone for the whole match. A good teammate knows how to deliver praise and criticism, to encourage good behaviour, but also to point out areas of improvement. At the same time, knowing how to accept feedback to then incorporate that into bettering oneself is part of growing a team stronger. There will be moments when the score is not in your favour. It’s these times when the above qualities will have to power the team through to success. Nicole Petrovita ’17 is studying Medical Science at Western University
a
Wilson O’Neill ‘19 won 2 Golds in 100m & 300m hurdles, and Midget Boys’ 4x100 Relay won Bronze at OFSAA
u12 Boys’ Softball (CISAA Silver)
junior School Track (3 CISAA Gold, 3 CISAA Silver, 3 CISAA Bronze)
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Senior Boys’ D2 Rugby (CISAA Gold)
Senior Girls’ D2 Softball (CISAA Bronze)
Senior School Track had a record 9 members qualify for OFSAA this year (9 CISAA Gold, 5 CISAA Silver, 8 CISAA Bronze) (4 METRO Gold, 2 METRO Silver, 2 METRO Bronze)
u16 Girls’ D2 Basketball (CISAA Gold)
Senior Boys’ D2 Soccer (CISAA Gold)
u11 Boys’ D2 Soccer (CISAA Silver)
u13 Boys D2 Soccer (CISAA Silver)
Kira Gupta-Baltazar ’20 placed 15th at OFSAA in the junior Girls’ X-C
u10 Boys’ D2 Soccer (CISAA Bronze Co-Champs)
u16 Boys’ D2 Volleyball u10 Girls’ D3 Soccer (CISAA Silver)
u14 Girls’ D1 Basketball (CISAA Gold)
u12 Boys’ D3 Soccer (CISAA Silver)
u12 Girls’ D3 Basketball (CISAA Gold)
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Closing Day 2017 A day to celebrate each student’s individual journey, as well as their arrival at the next stage.
mous with guardian, defender, protector, overseer, keeper and caretaker. Being a caretaker simply means taking care. Taking care of your world, your family, your school, and every person small and tall. Mr. Lytle did just that.
Grade 6 graduates
Excerpts from the Junior School Graduation
For the little people in the Junior School:
The Lytle Lesson
He was the big man with the hat. He was the important man with all the keys. He was the superhero who always got all the balls off the roof. He was the friendly man who always said, “Hi. ” He was the lucky man who drove the gator. He was the smart man who could fix anything.
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ometimes an important life lesson can come to us on a quiet day when we least expect it. On April 10, our flags were lowered to half-staff, and you probably remember that week because your teachers had tears in their eyes. On April 10, our school lost a dear, dear friend. Mr. Gord Lytle knew every nook and cranny of this school. He worked at CDS just shy of 30 years. He was a special person who had a connection with so many.
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Mr. Lytle arrived at school in the early morning and worked throughout the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools and all over our 100-acre property, and so it is understandable that as students, you may not have realized all that he did and all that he was. His job title was custodian, which is synony-
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May you too always be kind, always be gentle, and more than anything else, always take care of your world, your family, your school, and every person small and tall. ” Ann Wildberger Director of Junior School
When we take care of our world and our community, we clean up behind ourselves, put things back where they belong and don’t leave a mess for others to tidy. We look after the nature that surrounds us protecting the water we drink and the air we breathe. When we are taking care of our families, it means we love our parents and siblings unconditionally. It means we value cooperation, empathy, unselfishness, and patience. Caring for our family means we put the needs of others in front of needs and wants of our own. Taking care of our family means forgiveness and saying sorry. Taking care of each other at school sounds so easy, but is often difficult for students as they
take their journey. Competition, insecurity, gossip and jealousy often get in the way. Taking care means: • you won’t stand by and let someone be put down. • you won’t be part of a conversation online that is mean and hurtful. • you value the well-being of those around you. • you watch the words that come out of your mouth. • you don’t judge and you are thoughtful of what others may be carrying in their backpacks. Being a true caretaker is one of the most important jobs in this world. I hope you take a little of Mr. Lytle with you wherever you land tomorrow, next week and in the years to come. For as long as I know, at the end of Mr. Lytle’s shift, he always made a little stop in the Junior School office before heading out to his car, always kind, always gentle and more than anything else … always taking care. Today, your shift is over in the Junior School and you have many new adventures ahead. May you too always be kind, always be gentle, and more than anything else, always take care of your world, your family, your school, and every person small and tall. That is the Lytle lesson. n Ann Wildberger Director of Junior School
EXCERPTS FROM THE MIDDlE SCHOOl GRADuATION
boredom in this class. Congratulations Mr. Garbe, you made English fun, which is not a very easy feat. Another highlight was when the Chicago Blackhawks were knocked out of the playoffs and Mr. Drake brought a broom to school to act out the clean sweep. Mr. Drake, we know you are a hockey fanatic, but acting out this phenomenon is a bit too far. We know you love the Leafs, so try to put some
Be Wary of Opinions Disguised as Facts
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he ability to discern between facts and opinions is an emerging skill for Middle Schoolers. Emerging means not really good at it yet. We can have very narrow definitions of smart and stupid in school. It’s easy to measure ourselves by the statements of others. Grade 8s, be wary of opinions disguised as facts, especially when it comes to statements about you, your appearance, your intelligence or your potential. And be clear that these pronouncements being made repeatedly, or loudly, doesn’t make them true. You will have long journeys in front of you, full of learning about the world, and more importantly about yourself and your place in that world. People will tell you all sorts of things about that world and about you. My advice: be skeptical, keep searching for the truth and recognize that most of the time (in my opinion) you are hearing opinions. The facts are for you to uncover. n Dean Sherman Director of Middle School
EXCERPTS FROM CARlY MAGAREllI’S MIDDlE SCHOOl VAlEDICTORIAN SPEECH I thought about giving a very inspirational speech, a metaphorical one or a really witty and funny speech. I then realized it would be a challenge to do any of those on my own, so I decided to seek the help of my classmates. Here are some of the highlights of our year: Mr. Sherman, our incredible MS Director, taught us to keep our sticks on the ice and always caught the attention of our sporty group with his hockey analogies. Mr. Sherman, you may know a lot about math, but we can teach you a thing or two in English. Thanks to Mr. Garbe, he drilled into our minds that this phrase is not vivid, it is a cliché, which is a phrase that has lost its meaning due to overuse. English was a class to remember. Between Mr. Garbe singing his songs or blowing the conch for the whole Middle School to hear, there was no
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for those of you who are leaving, good luck to you wherever you end up, we will miss you. for those of you who are staying, may high school at cdS bring you many lifelong memories.” carlY magarellI grade 8 valedictorian
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more energy into them pulling off a few wins, because they could use the extra support. We also had the privilege of learning the art of dabbing from the master, Mme Davidson. Madame taught us some very valuable lessons, the first of which is that teaching a language to a group of crazy Grade 8s can be a huge stressor. Thank you for always being there for us. Life in the Middle School was always a blast with Mr. Milonas by our side. Whether it was friendly banter in the halls or just talking in gym class, there was never a dull moment with him. Mr. Milonas, you are the definition of fun. We are so happy you are back. Mrs. Ferguson, thank you for putting up with our constant nonsense. Thanks for all the emergency guidance appointments and thanks for being a shoulder to cry on. You have kept us organized throughout the year, and we really appreciate it. A big thanks goes out to all the teachers, staff and parents for your support and guidance throughout the year. We could not have done it without you. Unfortunately, we are one crazy, hilarious group of kids. I can say with certainty that we will be a year that will never be forgotten. As we look back upon the year, there have been so many wonderful times to remember. Portage Day in our very own CDS backyard, our epic trip to Ottawa, and our super fun food-filled Advisor mornings. We’ve had so much fun in the
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Middle School, but now it is time to move forward. This is our last day as Middle School students. For those of you who are leaving, good luck to you wherever you end up, we will miss you. For those of you who are staying, may high school at CDS bring you many lifelong memories. As the doors to the MS close and the doors to the SS open, let’s look forward to all the opportunities to come. n
EXCERPTS FROM THE SENIOR SCHOOl GRADuATION
Just Get to Your Dot
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raduates, we have talked this year about being resilient. We all make mistakes and life will throw all of us a curveball from time to time. We have to know how to dig deep, pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and carry on. Remember the story Mr. Jugoon shared with us about literally getting down on his knees in the snow and picking up 541 pieces of scattered Lego robot! I also shared with you Eric Greitens’ story from when he was training for the US Navy’s Special Operations Force. He explained that at the beginning of their hardest night together, they began standing on the
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It is when life is the most challenging that our true character and strength is tested, not when the living is easy. ” celIa Bland director of Senior School
seashore as the sun set gloriously in the west. He described how several participants became so afraid of what was to come, that they rang the proverbial bell that would bring their opportunity to an end. Yet, all they had to do at that moment in time was to stand on their assigned dot by the ocean. They gave up before it began. His advice to us is just to get to our first dot on our most
challenging days rather than ring the bell that brings our dreams to a close. You have all had to recover from mistakes during your years in high school, and you have friends sitting close to you who know the meaning of being resilient, young people who have overcome incredible adversity to graduate. It is when life is the most challenging that our true character and strength is tested, not when the living is easy. As you head out of our doors today as CDS graduates, I hope that you will take this last lesson with you. That you will pay attention to detail and that when the going gets tough, you will refuse to ring the bell, and instead you will remember that all you need to do at that moment in time is step up and stand on your dot. Whether that is apologizing and finding a way to rectify a mistake, whether it is simply eating breakfast before an exam, or facing the greater challenges that life will undoubtedly throw your way: Just get to your dot. n Celia Bland Director of Senior School
EXCERPTS FROM AZEEM AlI’S VAlEDICTORIAN SPEECH Today can be viewed as our last day with our training wheels on – the day where we step out of the world of the known, and enter the world of the unknown. We have reached the end of our path together, and though I am proud and forever grateful to have accompanied you on this journey, the bittersweet realization that each of us must now go out on our own is upon us. It is still surreal to think that not a long time ago, we were 13 and 14-year-old Grade 9 kids, flooding the hallways with our sweaty-pubescent bodies and drowning it out with our obnoxious voices. By some miracle, we were all able to make it out in one piece, successfully completing our transformation from kids without a purpose to young, aspiring adults with hopes and dreams. It is my strong belief that this transformation could not have happened at a better place than CDS. The importance of
patience, acceptance and love were taught to us from our first day of high school. These lessons have helped us all become better human beings and have helped me find myself in ways I never imagined. To my fellow peers, we finally made it. We survived four years of finding ‘Education with Balance,’ or 720 days of trying to avoid getting your phone taken away, or 4,320 hours of sharing jokes and debating opinions, or 259,200 minutes of building new relationships, or 15,552,000 seconds of trying to find your passion. Did I get those numbers right, Mr. McCutcheon? Though some people may try to quantify our time here at CDS in terms of hours, days and minutes, our numerous invaluable experiences are what made it truly priceless. Over the last four years, we have been taught the value of friendship, experienced the effects of fostering healthy relationships, and now understand the strength of community. Though it may seem that you are venturing off on your own, find comfort in knowing that you are now part of a larger network of CDS Alumni, and that we are always there to support and celebrate your growth, no matter where life takes you. On behalf of the entire graduating class, I would like to extend our gratitude to our teachers for advocating for freedom of thought and self expression by creating an inspirational learning environment. Whether
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The importance of patience, acceptance and love were taught to us from our first day of high school. These lessons have helped us all become better human beings, and have helped me find myself in ways I never imagined.” azeem alI grade 12 valedictorian
it be the late night extra help sessions, the deep talks, or the hallway laughs, we as students have been blessed with a group of individuals who go above and beyond to empower the minds of others. Wisdom is defined as knowledge with experience, and your experiences will undoubtedly give light to the rough waters that may lie ahead in our future. We are forever thankful for being able to share these experiences with you. To our parents, thank you for being the great role models we desperately need. Your constant encouragement and infectious optimism may not be fully appreciated yet, but you will soon begin to see the fruits of your labour when you see us growing up to be contributing and positive members of society. Finally, thank you to my fellow graduating classmates for truly accepting me into this community and being a constant source of inspiration and support. Whether you know it or not, you have all inspired me to achieve something more of myself in ways you can never imagine. No matter where life takes you, just know that this group of people sitting beside you will always remind you of the importance of having a sense of belonging, and I can only hope I have touched your lives the way you have touched mine. n
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CDS Faculty and Staff Recognized for Years of Service in june 2017 30 YEARS OF SERVICE
sheila mcCutcheon GRaDE 6 TEaCHER
20 YEARS OF SERVICE Larry Degeer CUSTODIaN
Dean sherman MaTHEMaTICS, DIRECTOR OF MIDDlE SCHOOl
sandy Townsend SOCIal SCIENCES, SENIOR SCHOOl
15 YEARS OF SERVICE kelly Johnson GRaDE 5 TEaCHER
Christina katsiapis-graves JUNIOR KINDERGaRTEN
suzan Lyn SENIOR KINDERGaRTEN
kim marchessault TECHNICal DIRECTOR, PERFORMING aRTS CENTRE
10 YEARS OF SERVICE kerri begley CUSTODIaN
andrea Davidson HEaD OF MODERN laNGUaGES
brian hendry SCIENCE, SENIOR SCHOOl
gillian orrbrooke JUNIOR KINDERGaRTEN
sheida sadrolashrafi CUSTODIaN
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retirements >>> Keith D’Lugos
Embarking on a New Adventure in Newfoundland
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o matter what Mother Nature brings, Keith is outdoors performing all of the duties required to maintain our 100acre campus. In the summer, he is here early in the morning to beat the heat, and in the winter, Keith is here in the middle of the night plowing snow. Whatever and whenever you ask, you can count on Keith to get the job done. It is hard to comprehend how many kilometers around the property he has walked over his 15-year career at CDS. Trimming the endless fence lines and around all of the trees and lining our five playing fields. If we only had pedometers back in the day to track all the steps you’ve taken at CDS. They will be long strides to follow and big shoes to fill. Keith has also driven thousands of kilometers around the property cutting grass, grooming the turf fields, and doing repairs. One of his favourite things on the job is to ride the big mower and cut the fields and trails. On a sunny day, he could be out there for half the day – all alone, no one to bother him, in peace. And while Keith does spend a lot of time working independently, he is also a wonderful team member. Keith and Brian
have maintained the grounds together for 15 years and are like an old married couple. They are either bickering or
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while we are asleep, keith is watching the weather and making the decision when to come into the school to start snow plowing.”
laughing, but ultimately they know they have each other’s backs. Keith has a need to keep busy and so he is always ready to work and do his part, from setting up for events to maintaining all the vehicles and equipment and everything in between. And while Keith really likes to have his routine, being flexible and being on-call are part of the job and he is so easygoing, friendly and extremely dependable. Keith strives to make the property safe for us all. We take for granted that we will come in to school after a storm and the parking lots and walkways will be clear. While we are asleep, Keith is watching the weather and making the decision when to come into the school to start snow plowing. It’s so easy to stay in bed on a cold winter’s night. But if you wait too long you risk getting behind and not catching up before all the cars descend upon CDS. Snow plowing is a thankless job that goes unnoticed when it is all done, but when it’s NOT done everyone notices. In August, Keith will be venturing off to his house in Newfoundland which has been waiting for him. His grandkids are also waiting for their Papa Keith. We will miss you and wish you all the best in your retirement. n
retirements >>> sArAh FrenCh
29 Year Career Spent Celebrating Each Student’s Potential
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t’s hard to imagine what the Junior School will feel like without Mrs. Sarah French. She has come to the end of an incredible career in education, and after 29 years, she has decided to retire. Today, we celebrate her legacy and the contributions she has made to the Junior School. A legacy is a story of one’s life and the things they did. A legacy is something that a person leaves behind to be remembered. Legacies are also important paths for people in the future to follow. Mrs. French will be remembered for her unconditional dedication to this school. She has pioneered the close community we continue to celebrate at The Country Day School. She welcomes everyone and cares for everyone. She is someone who always looks to lighten the load of others. Her humble personality, coupled with her historic perspective, often holds her colleagues in awe. She works incredibly hard and never lets anyone down. If Mrs. French says she is going to do something, she does it. Mrs. French is comfortable in any grade and can connect with students of all ages. Mrs. French started her career at
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parents who have navigated the waters of a child with a learning exceptionality know that mrs. french is steadfast with her commitment to help on the school and home fronts.”
CDS as a Grade 3 homeroom teacher and for the past 18 years, she has coordinated the Junior School Resource Department. She is the teacher who works vigorously with our students to prepare for the math contests. She is the teacher who helps students understand how they learn and advocate for themselves. Mrs. French celebrates the differences in all children and sees the strengths in every Junior School student. Students who are struggling a little feel safe and sound with Mrs. French. She knows how to give support without making a student dependent. Working toward independence is always a goal for Mrs. French. It was Mrs. French who founded our much-loved annual Grandparents’ Day and the first Junior School Green Club. Every teacher and student who has passed through the Junior School knows the hours of commitment that she has put into Pathways for People. Whether it is a Grub Day, Food Drive, or the Treat and Book sale, Mrs. French is in the middle of it. She has served diligently as an exceptional coach in Track and Field, Cross Country and Volleyball. Students loved her as a coach and she not only taught the rules of the sport, but she always role modeled
and insisted that our athletes prioritize their character skills. She has contributed to all aspects of life in the Junior School and she has done so with positivity. Parents who have navigated the waters of a child with a learning exceptionality know that Mrs. French is steadfast with her commitment to help on the school front and the home front. She never gives up on anyone or anything. Yes, the students will miss Mrs. French. Yes, the parents will miss Mrs. French. But more than anything else, Sarah’s colleagues will miss her because they can’t imagine this place without her. She is at the core of this school and has dedicated her life to it. We will remember you fondly with love and admiration as the teacher who did it all! n
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A Glimpse of Life in the Trenches Students gain historical insight through WWI trench warfare simulation
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he Grade 10 History classes undertook a new challenge this year, a two-day field experience to enhance their understanding of the efforts of soldiers in World War One. The activity took place in the far eastern portion of the CDS property, a former corn field on the other side of the railroad tracks. Day One was a class of preparation for trench warfare comprising three activities. At station one, the students experienced digging, constructing a 20-metre-long zig-zag trench that eventually ended up being about a metre deep. With the dirt piled up on the front side, it created a trench almost two metres deep. At station two, the students problem-solved issues of communication and supply. How could you communicate over long distances? What were the pros and cons? They also had to determine how to move adequate supplies to the front trench as safely as possible. At
Mr. Dave Downer brings history to life for his Grade 10 students in a WWI simulation on the property behind the School.
station three, the students had to survey “noman’s land” and determine how they could successfully attack the enemy trench that was nearly 100 metres away. On Day Two, the students had the opportunity to “go over the top” and advance across no-man’s land to try and take their objective. With Mr. MacMillan, Mr. Watts or student volunteers manning the fake machine guns and with the fake barbed wire obstacles, few of the student soldiers made it to the trench. We reviewed the plans of attack from Day One and it did not turn out well for any of the groups. For example, most groups’ estimations of distance for artillery fire had them overshooting the trench by 50 to 150 metres, which would have not had any effect whatsoever. There was also a chance for students to consider the realities of defending the trench, including many critical practices, such as sheltering from snipers, and practical problems, such
Students had to first dig a three-foot trench in preparation for the warfare simulation, gaining invaluable perspective on some of the many challenges soldiers faced.
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as how one would go to the bathroom. One of the most vivid illustrations was when two volunteers attempted to swing a bucket filled with water over the top of the trench into no-man’s land; four out of four classes failed, with much of the water splashing back into the trench. While no simulation can ever duplicate the experience of war, the goal was to increase understanding and empathy for the soldiers who took part in the Great War. Students commented that they had no idea how hard it was to dig for 20 minutes, let alone months or years. They gained a greater appreciation of what it must have been like to have been exposed to the elements and to deal with all the discomforts of living and fighting for extended periods of time. They even got to bake their own hard tack (bread) and eat it in the field. All agreed that this diet would wear thin pretty quickly. The students journaled each experience in the field and then brought those reflections back to class to write up their feelings. The connections they made to the class material and to their book, Generals Die In Bed, were profound. Mr. Downer and Mr. Young’s plan was to create a deeper link to the Canadian experience of World War One, especially right before the week of Remembrance. The plan was also to build a memorable activity for the students. Both goals were accomplished. Watch a video recap here: www.cds.on.ca/mediagallery Dave Downer Senior School Social Sciences
Members of the Executive Auction Committee with Head of School john liggett (l-r) judy Totten, Kim Nichols, Annette Ghezzi, Randee Sorbo, Paola Fullerton, lesley Stollery, Sarah Powell
Thank You
2017 Auction Co-Chairs, Kim Nichols and judy Totten
Guests are always guaranteed a great night!
for Your Support and Save the date for June 1, 2018!
FOR THE PAST 44 years, The Country Day School has hosted one of the largest, and reportedly best, annual events in King – the CDS Annual Auction. True to our roots, the first 25 auctions were held in a riding ring or barn owned by the Day and Burns families on King-Vaughan town line. Silent and live auctions have always been an important component of the evening, and tremendous community spirit and volunteerism is what continues to contribute to its phenomenal success, even today. As the School’s largest fundraising event, this past June’s South Beach Sizzle themed 44th annual did not disappoint! Our generous community contributed $260,000 toward installing seats and scoreboards along the sidelines of both Hawksworth and Centre Fields. As of this spring, there will be more substantial bleacher seating and proper scoreboards to improve upon the spectator experience for our parent, student, faculty and alumni fans. Many thanks to our generous sponsors, advertisers, donors and volunteers who made this special night possible. n
Faculty and Alumni join in the fun!
PlATINuM SPONSORS OF THE 2017 AuCTION
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Meet the cast and crew of The Outsiders who put forth a fabulous performance on November 16 & 17!
Into the Breach Theatre program Sets the Bar high Here’s a preview of what’s on at CDS this year
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N HONOUR OF the 50th anniversary of S.E. Hinton’s classic coming of age novel, The Outsiders, CDS Grade 7 and 8 students put forth a tremendous performance complete with fight scenes juxtaposed against poignant moments of empathy and compassion. In a pivotal scene, Ponyboy recites the words from Robert Frost’s poem, “Nothing Gold Can Stay.” The poem resonates with the young protagonist, as it encapsulates the fragility that dwells not just within him and his companions, but within his ‘privileged’ adversaries as well. Our students worked tirelessly in the months leading up to this production. And those fortunate enough to witness one of the two performances, witnessed something truly special.
Nothing Gold Can Stay Nature’s first green is gold, Her hardest hue to hold. Her early leaf’s a flower; But only so an hour. Then leaf subsides to leaf. So Eden sank to grief, So dawn goes down to day. Nothing gold can stay. By Robert Frost
STIll To come Tickets go on sale three weeks in advance of each production at www.cds.on.ca/tickets
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INTO THE HEIGHTS
THE GRuNCH
March 1 & 2 at 7:00 pm, March 3 at 1:30 pm
April 19 & 20 at 7:00 pm, April 21 at 1:00 pm
From lin Manuel Miranda, writer and creator of Hamilton – An American Musical, comes In the Heights, the universal story of a vibrant immigrant community in New york’s Washington Heights neighbourhood. It’s a place where the coffee from the corner bodega (convenience store) is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you and which you leave behind.
Inspired by The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, The Grunch tells the story of Rudy Grunch, a grumpy 6th grader who always feels like an outsider. When the entire school gets excited about the annual school musical, he comes up with a perfect plan to ruin it for everyone; he’ll steal the sets, costumes and lights the night before it opens. But will the spirit of theatre prevail?
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community News
Recent appointments & Staff News
Jaekwan Chong mar-
ried Hye Leen Jeong on June 30, 2017. Mr. Chong joined the CDS Music Department in 2015 and lives with his wife in Newmarket. Leslie Colucci took
on a new role this September as Student Services Support teacher for the Middle and Senior Schools and continues to play an integral part in Costume Design for all drama productions. Prior to this year, Mme Colucci taught French to Grade 7 – 12 students at CDS since 1998. Annie Dearden has taken on the
role of Before and After School Care Coordinator. Fraser Fell
married Sarah Watson on June 23, 2017. The small world story here is that Sarah’s sister is a former student of our Director of Junior School, Ann Wildberger, from 30 years ago! In the second
photo, Sarah is sitting on Ann’s lap with her sister Jennifer on the left. Mr. Fell joined the CDS faculty in 2013 and teaches English and Drama in the Senior School.
Shannon Mahan has
moved into a new role in Junior School Admissions. She previously taught Grade 4 at CDS for more than 15 years.
Rob Waldron
Catie Ferguson
took on the position of Head of Learning Support in September in the Burge Family Student Services Centre. Ms. Ferguson has been with CDS since 2009.
Grant Turner
returned this year as Athletic Development and Physical Wellness Coach in the von Schilling Family Fitness Centre.
Steve and Sheila McCutcheon enjoyed catching up with CDS’ second Headmaster, Robert Ross and his wife Deanna in Victoria last summer!
is in a new role of Vice Principal K-7 helping to oversee things in the Junior and Middle Schools. He joined CDS in 2009 and has taught Grade 6 for the past eight years (20 years altogether). Jen Weening
Brian Jimmerskog
is the new Head of Facilities at CDS. Brian has been on the Operations team for the past 17 years. In this new role, he is responsible for operations both inside and outside the School. Megan Lavis ’13
has taken on a part-time role in the Performing Arts Centre as a Theatre Production Associate.
Melissa Rutledge joined the
faculty ranks and is serving as Senior School Librarian this year while Jen Weening is on maternity leave. She joined CDS in 2012 in the position of Library and Information Technician. Joshua Simmonds ’09 returned
to CDS in September as an Associate Teacher teaching Math and Science in the Middle and Senior Schools.
and her husband Shawn Levesque welcomed a baby girl, Maëlle Grace Tammy Levesque, on August 12, 2017. Ms. Weening will take on the new role of Middle-Senior Technology Integration Specialist upon her return from maternity leave.
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ConneCtions
ALumni news AnD upDAtes
RAIN DIDN’T DAMPEN SPIRTS AT THE 3RD ANNUAL ALUMNI PALOOZA
Hope to see you at the 4th Annual – Saturday, June 16, 2018!
UPCOMING EVENTS
AluMNI HOlIDAY CElEBRATION! Tuesday, December 19, 2017 7:30 – 9:30 pm Please join us for cocktails & hors d’oeuvres in the Mantella Family atrium, Senior School Spouses and significant others are welcome
SAVE THE DATE! Outdoor fun before the deluge.
Class of 1992 Reunion with (l-r) Andrew MacMillan, lisa (Palmateer) laidlaw (in back), Karen (Glave) Elsligar, jason Bedford (in back), Paul Needler, Mark Burleigh (in back), Ali (Betts) Piper and Shawn Beatty.
SATURDAY
JUNE 16, 2018 ClASS OF 1993 25TH ANNIVERSARY REuNION DINNER
Kelsey Houston ’12 and Tessa latowsky ’14 with friend.
lindsay Ward ’07 and jackie Carr ’07.
Nina Falzone ’12, joanna Falzone ’16 and Brooke Harris ’16.
saturday, June 16, 2018 Please join us for cocktails and dinner at CDS
julien ’97 & justin ’97 Di Ciano (with his son julien), Brandon Sobel ’97, Roberta (Marocco) Ajmera ’96, Sheila McCutcheon, john Sweeney (past faculty), Durward Smith ’93, Andrea Saccoccia ’96 and Mark Burleigh
ATTENTION ClASS OF 1993! Please help us find your lost classmates! www.cds.on.ca/alumni
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Alumni SnApShotS
jP is executive chef and owner of Hockley Valley Resort and Adamo Estate Winery
Jp adamo ’99
a paSSIon for food, wIne and lIfe
Carrying on the family tradition fuels his soul
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raduate of the Culinary Institute of America, internationally experienced executive chef and owner of the Hockley Valley Resort and the Adamo Estate Winery, JohnPaul (JP) adamo ’99 has spent most of his life in the food and hospitality business. When did he know it was the right direction for him? “I think it was Grade 2,” he laughs. “I was in Mrs. Sutherland’s after-school cooking club. My parents were in catering and had recently purchased a run-down resort property with the dream of offering a luxury experience. They knew how much passion and hard work were required to succeed in that industry, so they tried to persuade me to choose another life. But Mrs. Sutherland set me on my path!” JP and his sister Julie adamo-Cass ’94 are carrying on the family tradition, while
two other siblings have established careers in other areas. “You have to really want to do this,” explains JP. “Restaurant kitchens are tough places to work. Running a resort is not a nine-to-five job. And opening a winery in a new region was a huge risk. My dad Mario is the visionary behind the vineyard. He was determined to produce quality wines using organic and biodynamic processes. He had a strong sense that the soil was right, but there was a question about the climate. After some test vines survived the winter, we forged ahead.” JP and Julie pushed to extend the scope of the winery beyond what Mario and his mom Nancy, a nationally recognized and awarded entrepreneur, had first imagined. “We heard from others in the business that we were going to fail,” he continues. “It looked too ambitious to some people.
But we believed in the risk. We went with our gut. We now have over 20,000 vines on 25 acres. And our growth as a wine business is unprecedented: we produced 350 cases in our first year and now, three years later, we’re at 8,000 cases. That’s our sweet spot as a boutique winery.” Though Adamo Estates produces award-winning wines, JP emphasizes that wine should be fun, not stuffy or intimidating. He encourages everyone he meets to drop by for a tour and tasting. “You don’t have to know anything about wine to enjoy it,” he says. “I believe in an open and light-hearted approach. Explore different varieties. Go with what you like. How can anyone be wrong about what tastes wonderful to them? My great pleasure is in connecting to people and offering good experiences. That’s what this life is all about.” Much has changed since Mrs. Sutherland’s cooking club, but CDS remains a special place for JP. “It’s an incredibly well-rounded school and also a really warm place with great teachers. It played a big part in who and where I am today. If I didn’t live in the city, I would send my kids there. CDS felt like a home to me, and I want that experience for them.” Married in 2008 in Italy and now living in the Roncesvalles area of Toronto, JP has two young children with his wife Christina: three-year-old Sebastian and newborn Siena. What is one experience he can share with his kids, no matter where they attend school? “My passion,” he states. “When I get up in the morning, I look forward to the day ahead. It’s not easy work and there are long hours. But it feeds my soul. I want my kids to find and pursue their passion. That’s what makes life so interesting, so surprising and so rewarding.” n The Link Fall 2017
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Alumni SnApShotS
jenna has worked in finance in Milan and london, only recently returning to Toronto
Jenna gIllIeS ’03
InveSTIng In Your fuTure
Her dream of working abroad and passion for travel started at CDS
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ast year, Jenna gillies ’03 returned to CDS as a guest speaker for the Grade 10 Careers class. As a partner at Ewing Morris & Co., a private equity firm in Toronto with over $250 million in assets, Jenna was able to share many insights from her career. She also shared some stories about how she discovered her path. “I remember being in Grade 11 and talking to Leanne sharpe ’03 after her Accounting class took a trip to the Toronto Stock Exchange,” recalls Jenna. “One of the presenters said that the reason she got her job was that she had attended the Richard Ivey School of Business at Western. That’s when I knew what I wanted to do.” 42
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Looking back, Jenna sees a strong link between her time at CDS and her success. “The culture was incredible,” she says. “I loved the educational rigour. Learning how to learn was a potent skill I took with me to university and into my career. Also, the environment really taught us to prevail. We knew that if we worked hard, we would be successful in the end. The teachers were so committed to us.” Jenna remembers that her passion for travel and decision to pursue international work experiences first emerged on a March Break trip to Italy in Grade 11. “We travelled to 10 different cities over the two weeks,” she recalls. “It was incredible. I said to myself, ‘I want to live here
someday.’ So, when I got to fourth year and was reviewing locations for my internship, I chose Italy.” Jenna’s experience working in Europe was so positive that she turned down job offers here at home and became an analyst in Milan with what was then Thompson Financial. After that, she moved to London where she pursued a range of opportunities, such as working for J.P. Morgan as an advisor to companies from emerging markets that were going public. She also worked for the Blackstone Group, helping companies raise capital for major real estate purchases. After six years in London, Jenna decided to come home. She worked for a year as an Associate with Brookfield Asset Management and then moved to her current role at Ewing Morris where she oversees investor relations. “I love meeting investors and communicating with them about our strategies,” she says. “Understanding why companies succeed or fail is really interesting to me, and I enjoy helping people learn about the investment business and the companies that they own shares in.” When she isn’t working, Jenna still plays soccer, loves to run, travels as much as she can, and is a member of the AGO Corporate Working Committee. While she was in London, she hung out with friends from the Class of 2003 allie Dunlap, hilary millar and Janet shulist who also lived there at the time. She also keeps in touch with other alumni, including shawna Quinn ’03, alana De gasperis ’03, bronwyn smith ’03, Paul Fogolin ’01, katie mcnair ’03, alex busch ’02, stephanie Cross ’03, Cole Tone ’03 and Chase Cooper ’03.
Based on the ways that her CDS experiences influenced her, Jenna’s message to the Careers’ students whom she spoke with last spring was clear: even though you are only in Grade 10, the passions, interests and relationships you are forming now will guide you throughout your life. n
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ALumni notes of-Home division for six years. Liz and her husband, Ryan, have a one-year-old son, Jack, and are living in Mt. Albert.
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michael grant ’00 moved to Newport Beach, CA in 2007 to attend the University of California, Irvine for his MBA. He met his wife, Amy, there and now works as Director of U.S. Sales for King Cole Ducks. He and Amy have a 2 ½ year old son, Owen, and a baby daughter, Elin, born on August 4, 2017.
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krista De kuyper ’91 is Owner of My Travel Insurance Company (MyTI), which has been helping people get travel insurance, visitor to Canada insurance, and student insurance protection since 2001. Krista was back on campus last June for Closing Day ceremonies and presented her family’s award – the De Kuyper Award – to two Grade 11 students who achieved the highest academic standing: ethan Dhanraj and kiyan heybati. She lives in Aurora and spends most weekends with family and friends at their farm.
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Durward smith ’93 and
his wife, Katherine, welcomed their daughter, Vivienne, to the world on April 21, 2017. The family is living in King Township.
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Liz Duckett ’98 is back on campus as the newest addition to the Admission and University Placement Office. She previously worked in Toronto for Bell Media in the Astral Out-
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Jason richards ’00 recently took a trip to Hawaii with four fellow CDS graduates. All five are CDS Lifers having attended from JK-OAC for a total of 15 years spent together! Present from the Class of 2000 are (left to right) morgan Fine, steven guglietti, Paul Campione, mike grant and Jason richards. Jeremy black-beatty was also meant to attend, but recently welcomed the arrival of a son so the timing didn’t work out. Morgan and Mike now live in California with their families, Steven and Paul live and (continued on page 44) The Link Fall 2017
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KrISTy SHuLIST ’06
MAKING MAJOR LIFE DECISIONS AT 18 WORKED OUT FOR ThE BEST
Upon graduating from CDS, I was fairly certain I wanted to major in Biology at McMaster University. Looking back, I’m stunned that this decision worked out so well for me. Over the course of my undergraduate degree, I tried to open myself up to opportunities for work experience in the field of biology. After my first year, I applied to the Genetics Co-op program offered through my department. Additionally, every year I also applied for an NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council) undergraduate research award, which would allow me to work in a lab over the summer. Both these efforts provided me with nearly two years of biology work experience (or “lab experience,” as biologists call it) by the time I graduated. I had worked beside post-docs and PhD students in labs studying plants, fungi and bacteria and even authored a paper on my research. I had a taste of what graduate school was like, and I loved it. After finishing my undergrad, I decided to pursue a PhD in Biology at McGill University. I chose a lab that was using budding yeast as a model organism for studying cell cycle control. This was mainly because I had already worked with yeast during one of my co-op terms and thoroughly enjoyed it. Generally, in biology people start graduate school in a Master’s program and then transfer to their PhD within a year, without actually completing a Master’s degree. This is the track I chose since I already had lab experience and I knew I really enjoyed research. Six years later, I am nearly finished my PhD, and though it was the hardest thing by far I have ever done in my life, I am so proud of what I’ve accomplished. I published my research at the end of this summer in Scientific Reports, a publication under the journal Nature, which was rewarding and exciting. The paper has to do with an essential protein called γ-tubulin (pronounced “gamma-tubeulin”) that is evolutionarily conserved from yeast all the way up to humans. Nowadays, I’m finishing off the writing of my thesis and looking forward to my next step: a “real” job! My husband, Keith Oxby, and I just bought a house in Brampton, and I am pursuing research opportunities in a pharmaceutical or industry setting.
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work in Toronto, and Jason is married to Ali and living in Sydney, Australia with their 10-month-old son, Finn, and working as a Project Manager for AECOM.
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geoff kitching ’01 has been an elementary teacher in the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) since 2011. He currently teaches Grade 8 and Phys-Ed at William Berczy Public School in Markham. In 2014, the University of Toronto partnered with the YRDSB to offer a unique cohort to their staff and Geoff signed up. Evening classes were offered over three years with the professors utilizing learning space provided by YRDSB. The program focused on Leadership for Inclusive Education, and Geoff now holds an M.Ed. from U of T’s OISE, Class of 2017. In his spare time he is a coach developer for Alpine Canada and certifies Entry Level and Development Level ski coaches.
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rachael andrew ’09 graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School this past spring and completed the Litigation, Dispute Resolution, and Administration of Justice program. After the bar exam, she went on a roadtrip from Toronto to Los Angeles. Rachael is currently articling in the Toronto office of Dentons Canada LLP, the world’s largest law firm. She also recently had an article published on Dentons’ website regarding Transport Canada’s new proposed regulations for drones, titled, “Transport Canada proposes UAV regulatory amendments – key amendments and expected impact: are you ready?” Caitlin (barnes) Tamane ’09 married
Justin Tamane on July 8th, 2017, in Toronto and Jennifer shotbolt ’09 was her Maid of Honour. Caitlin is now teaching Senior Kindergarten at CDS and is happy to be back at the School!
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Claire sorley ’11 graduated from
Queen’s University in 2016 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and is now an EIT (Engineer in Training) for Geo. A. Kelson Company Ltd., a mechanical contracting and engineering services business. In her role as Estimator, she prepares accurate and detailed estimates for the mechanical scope of a tender, reviews and enters sub trade and supplier pricing for tender submissions, and attends tender site meetings. Claire’s role in a more recent project involved her assisting the mechanical design manager for the Barrie Simcoe Emergency Services Campus. BSESC is a unique project which utilizes an Integrated Project Delivery Model (IPD) process. The cost of the campus will be $132 Million. Claire is currently living in Newmarket.
ARRIGO STARS IN VOlTA
joey Arrigo ’10 is the main character in Cirque du Soleil’s latest show, Volta, playing in Toronto this fall. This production is a dramatic departure from past more circus-like offerings that the Montreal based company is famous for. Volta incorporates more of the extreme sports found on YouTube, including Parkour free runners and freestyle BMX riding in a fantastical take on modern day life as a young man comes of age. “It’s all about becoming that person that you’re supposed to be from when you were a child and, deep down, the person you know you were supposed to be and that you maybe strayed away from because of outside influences,” Arrigo said in a Toronto Star interview.
MArK MAHONy ’11
INTERNShIP LEADS TO MICROSOFT
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bianca Chambul ’12 recently
performed with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and was a finalist in the Windsor Symphony principal bassoon audition. Upon completing her undergraduate degree in music performance at the University of Toronto in 2016, Bianca received the William and Phyllis Waters Graduating Award and was on faculty as a sessional bassoon instructor at the University of Toronto for the 2017 winter term. She is a freelance orchestral musician in Ontario and is currently taking professional auditions, the next of which will be for the Canadian Opera Company second bassoon and contrabassoon position held in November. Bianca will be applying to audition for her Master’s degree at Juilliard and Rice University in 2018.
I chose to go to into Queen’s University’s Engineering Program. After the general first year, I declared my major as Mathematics and Engineering, specializing in Systems and Robotics (think of a cross between pure math and electrical/Robotics Engineering with an emphasis on the mathematical theory). This is arguably regarded as the hardest undergrad program at Queen’s, but I may be biased and don’t know how to quantify that. During my third year, I talked to some Microsoft recruiters at a career fair about a summer internship or, at the very least, some interview experience. With only Mr. Moorlag’s Computer Science courses and one university course on data structures, I passed the rounds of interviews on the Queen’s and Microsoft campuses and landed an internship working on OneDrive as a Software Engineer in Test Intern. I found these interviews to be much more based on problem solving than knowledge, as the hiring manager told me that they would teach me to code. I really enjoyed my time on the team and was given an offer for a full-time role at the end of that summer. I accepted, and in September of 2015, after finishing my undergrad, I started full time at Microsoft in Seattle as a Software Engineer on the desktop sync client’s user interface and experience team. As a developer, I design and write code that runs on hundreds of millions of desktops worldwide. My job is to add new features to our application and ensure they run with high quality. I definitely enjoy what I do, especially the hard problem-solving aspect.
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ALumni notes
TJ WHITELAW ’11
TALENTED T.O. MUSICIAN MAKES LIvING AS SOUGhT-AFTER SIDE GUy
TJ Whitelaw opted for a gap year after graduating from CDS and hasn’t looked back since. For the next three years, he played all the time with classmate and best friend JP Saxe on JP’s debut album. JP is now recording in LA, and TJ has been playing with seasoned players in Toronto doing a lot of club gigs and corporate/wedding events. “It’s nice because it gives me time to be creative by day without having to hold down a full-time job,” explains TJ. “It’s a pretty crazy life in terms of all the gigs you pack into a year. If I had to put a list of things that I have recorded – I couldn’t remember even one because there is so much.” Recently, he’s been writing with hip hop producer and local rapper, Junia-T, who is currently on tour with Jessie Reyez. TJ has also been playing gospel music in and around Toronto and Brampton. he is constantly rotating between bands: “there are far more bands than players.” At last count, it was seven wedding bands, including Shugga, Toronto’s hottest cover band. versatility is essential in this business. Last summer, TJ was asked to perform at both the Toronto ACC and Montreal’s Bell Centre with Toronto pop artist Alx veliz, whose recent hit is Dancing Kizomba. Supported by virgin Radio, TJ and Alx previously toured the west coast together two years ago with the band “Magic!” “It’s harder to solidify an actual goal for side guys, because we’re constantly moving from artist to artist and gig to gig. For me, it’s to continue growing my body of work and move up the ladder in terms of great things and great venues. The next thing for me is deciding whether to stay in Toronto or move to LA or Nashville. I’ve played on a few records from Nashville and been on a few gospel records too. Those are really fun because there’s no limit to how much you can do. I’m always open to improvisation.” TJ still plays with JP and toured with him in vegas and LA for three shows in 2013. Most recently, they reunited to play at the Canadian Music Café during TIFF. Whenever they do see each other, they pick up where they left off. TJ believes this to be true of most of his CDS connections. The breadth of musical talent he has performed with over the years also includes three of the Nozuka brothers, who attended CDS in the late 90s: Philip, George and Henry Nozuka. There’s no telling where this talented musician will land next. If you’re interested in hearing his latest music or watching him perform live, check him out on Instagram @TJWhitelaw.
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emma French ’12 graduated from Queen’s
University in 2016 with a Biology degree and an Art History minor. Two summers ago, she travelled to Europe for two and a half months and upon graduation travelled through Southeast Asia for four months, followed by a road trip out east for a few weeks. Emma is now back at Queen’s pursuing a two-year AST Nursing program. kate martini ’12 graduated from Yale Uni-
versity in spring 2016 with a BA in History of Science, Medicine and Public Health. She played on Yale’s Varsity Women’s Hockey team all four years and was one of five graduating seniors to be honored on the Bulldogs’ 2015-2016 All-Academic Team. Following graduation, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked as a paralegal for Healthcare Legal Solutions, a firm that specializes in recovering problematic third party medical claims for hospitals and health systems. Kate is back in Canada and started law school in September at Queen’s University.
Leah Ferrie ’12 graduated from Queen’s University last spring with a degree in Chemical Engineering and is now pursuing a Master’s of Biomedical Engineering at the
HANNAH CArLTON ’14
STORIES FROM BARCELONA University of Calgary. Her research will focus on tissue engineering for musculoskeletal tissues. Outside of school, Leah spends a lot of time rock climbing and hiking. Over the summer, she travelled to Peru with her boyfriend to do some backcountry hiking, including Machu Picchu. While in Peru, Leah got to practice some of her Spanish that she learned in Sr. Guerra’s Spanish class at CDS!
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mitchell gleason ’13 rediscov-
ered his love for the Classics at Queen’s last fall thanks to some great professors, and he has since committed to getting a BA (Hons.) in Classics. Before entering the Master’s program in Classics at Queen’s for next year, he must first take two years of both Latin and Greek languages. Additionally, Mitchell has also undertaken an undergraduate research project with one of his professors in photogrammetry, which involves looking at new ways of masking photos automatically and generating 3D models of cultural heritage objects, specifically an ancient Egyptian coffin, now called the “White Coffin” at Queen’s University Art Conservation.
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My time studying in Barcelona was fantastic! I was there from the beginning of January until the end of April and traveled to many different countries on my days off from architecture classes. I took on a full course load there as well and came out of it with a 4.0 GPA again. My classes in Barcelona involved an architecture design studio, Barcelona’s Architecture history, Europe’s Structural Design types, and a Field Studies course that involved both in- and out-of-class studies where we learned about other countries’ architecture by traveling to Barcelona, Madrid, Toledo, and the Netherlands as a class. Clemson University is ranked among the best in academia, architectural studies and school spirit (National Champions in College Football!). Through my experience here, I was hired by an interior designer in Las vegas, Nevada, during the summer of 2016. I am currently still an employee there, working during my off time from classes while at school and full time the past two summers. I have also committed to working next summer, following my graduation with a BA in Architecture and a Minor in Travel and Tourism in May 2018. Not only has my educational experience here been amazing, but the social aspect has been better than I could have ever imagined. I chose to go to a school and state far away from home where I knew no one, and I was welcomed into the Clemson family with open arms. I am proud to be a Clemson Tiger!
Lukas to represent the students of Trinity by developing initiatives that raise awareness about issues affecting the student community.
Lukas Weese ’14 is now in his
fourth and final year at Trinity College at the University of Toronto. He will be graduating with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Global Health and International Relations. This past summer, Lukas completed a threemonth internship at the Embassy of Canada in Washington, D.C. He was working in the Health and Science division of the Embassy, gaining valuable insight into the complex debate surrounding healthcare in the United States, while developing concrete recommendations for the Government of Canada to collaborate more effectively with American science agencies, like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the National Science Foundation (NSF). This upcoming school year, Lukas was elected by his peers to serve as Male Head of Arts within the Trinity College student government. He is the second student from CDS in the last three years (along with reid Dobell ’12) to be elected as one of the six student heads of Trinity College. Being Head of Arts is a prestigious position that allows
for the cultural aspect of the one-month course where we visited Sevilla, Córdoba, and Granada. Overall, the course allowed me to really dive into the Spanish language and learn about the complexities of the Spanish culture!
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Julia garbe ’17 received her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Medal Award from His Royal Highness Prince Harry in September in Toronto. According to Julia, Prince Harry encouraged the award recipients to challenge themselves and use their skill set to become leaders in their country and communities.
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skye nip ’16 writes: I am currently doing a double major in Global Studies and Spanish at Wilfrid Laurier University. Last spring, I had the opportunity to travel to Spain with Laurier for a month. I lived with a host family in Salamanca for three weeks while studying Spanish at the Colegio de España. On the weekends, we visited other cities around Spain, including León, Santiago de Compostela, Madrid and a few others! On our final week, we traveled to the south of Spain The Link Fall 2017
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ALumni notes
CDS Alumni Sightings at Queen’s university last june Mr. Mark Burleigh reported that last May’s Grade 6 trip to the Queen’s campus and Kingston featured a few CDS Alumni encounters.
The CDS contingent had a chance to visit with the Killops family who were on campus for the graduation of Liam Killops ’13 from Queen’s Commerce. Liam’s sister, Emily ’16, is also studying at Queen’s. Pictured above: Shannon Street, Liam ’13, Joanne Belch, Sarah French, Sheila McCutcheon, Emily ’16, Mark Burleigh and Rob Waldron.
CDS Faculty and students also visited with Allison Dickson ’15, another Queen’s student, who works as a counsellor for the program the Grade 6s attended.
Alumni Sightings on GY East Trip
Alumni Sightings on GY West Trip
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KINGSTON AluMNI PuB NIGHT GATHERING AT QuEEN’S uNIVERSITY 1 Melissa ’15 and Michael Ramnauth ’15, Eric Pinto ’15, Jack Mull ’15, Joey Stipec ’15 and Mitch Romanin ’15; 2 Caitlynn Leupolt ’17, Alia Brown ’17, Brooke Harris ’16 and Hannah Michaelis ’16; 3 Cassandra (Udashkin) Hall ’03 with her husband, McKinley Hunt ’15 and Kate Martini ’12.
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WATERlOO AluMNI PuB NIGHT GATHERING Front row (l-r): Luke Pasquali ’17, Corson Panneton ’17, Mr. Huckvale, Reid Carpenter ’17, Julia Garbe ’17, Mr. Joshua Simmonds ’09 and Jack Simmonds ’16; Back row (l-r): Mr. Nugent, David Di Paola ’16, Liam Sykes ’17, Arman Naziri ’16, Michael Rokas ’16, Mark Carpenter ’17, Lexi Blumenfeld ’16 and Ms. Hudson.
(above) Ms. Kroen, Vanessa Kapetanakos ’17, Elena Sinclair ’17, Caroline Leary ’17, Ali Iwai ’17, Mr. Edwards, Thalia Anobile ’17, Charley McCann ’17 and Ms. Promane at Queen’s University.
(left) Greg Kustka-Tsimbidis ’14 got to visit with both Ms. Promane and his brother, Jonathan ’18, at McGill University. 48
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Sabrina Tarzia ’15, Ms. Hudson and Angela Joo ’16 at McMaster University.
Mario Mara ’16, Ms. Hudson, Sophia Di Giorgio ’16 and Ellie Reel ’15 at the University of Guelph.
SAVE THE DATE! SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018 CDS CAMPUS 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
CDS SIX WEEKS OF PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AGES 6-14 JUNE 18 - JULY 27, 2018
HIGH-LEVEL SPORTS PROGRAMS:
Multi-Sport (ages 6-14), Basketball, Soccer, Tennis (ages 8-14), Volleyball (completed Grades 6, 7, 8 or 9)
SPECIALTY PROGRAMS:
Drama, Robotics, Mindbusters (ages 9-14), LIT (completed Grade 9 to age 17)
Daily lunch provided Weekly swim included Before and after-care available
Registration Opens in January! www.cds.on.ca/summercamp T 905.833.1220 x652 E summercamp@cds.on.ca 13415 Dufferin Street in King
CALENDAR
OPEN HOuSE DATES For event details visit www.cds.on.ca
DECEMBER 2017
APRIL 2018
JUNE 2018
December 19 annual alumni Holiday Party
April 8 Midterm Break April 19 – 21 Junior School Drama Production The Grunch April 23 Gy Transition to University Parent Evening
June 1 45th annual CDS auction June 14 Closing Day Ceremonies June 16 alumni Palooza and Class of 1993 25th anniversary Dinner
JANUARY 2018
January 8 Classes Resume FEBRUARY 2018
February 16 Midterm Break February 19 Family Day MARCH 2018
March 1, 2 and 3 Senior School Drama Production In the Heights March 9 – 25 March Break March 30 – April 2 Easter Break
MAY 2018
May 10 Grandparents’ Day and Junior School Spring Concert May 17 Middle/Senior Schools’ Music Night May 21 Victoria Day May 24 Grad X Grade 12 art Exhibit May 30 Gy Graduation Breakfast
January 27 10 am – 1 pm February 8 7 pm – 9 pm april 5 9 am – 11 am