The Link, Fall 2021

the CONNECTING THE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL COMMUNITY FALL/WINTER 2021-22

THE POWER OF DIVERSITY Students lead the charge on diversity and inclusion at CDS PAGE 10

IN THIS ISSUE

The Duckett Years Part 2 The Growing Mind Rugby at CDS A Return to Sports!

Graduation 2021 Duke of Ed Award Program Alumni Notes

CDS TURNS 50!

Please join us as CDS celebrates its 50th anniversary this year starting in September 2022! More information to follow in the coming months!

www.cds.on.ca/CDSturns50

Interested in volunteering on a planning committee or updating your mailing or email address so you don’t miss out? Please reach out to Tracey Scott at events@cds.on.ca at your earliest convenience. Thank you!

FALL / WINTER 2021-22

CONTENTS 14

FEATURES

THE STORY OF HOW RUGBY GOT ITS START AT CDS 31 YEARS AGO. The UK Rugby tour was the brainchild of former CDS Director of Middle School, Jim Bayler, who made a promise to his young team in 1991. In the August 1995 edition of The Link, Jim wrote: “There is no question that these 18 boys had one of the best experiences of their lives. Each one of them has personal memories which will be with them far beyond anything else they have done in school this year.

They have made new friends, learned a great deal about rugby, about people in other countries and about life. And they have represented themselves, their families, and their school in a very favourable manner.” Jim Bayler went on to become Director of Junior and Middle Schools in 1996, and served as Assistant Headmaster and Director of Junior School from 2000-2007.

DEPARTMENTS

6

The Duckett Years: Part Two The conclusion of a two-part story on our third Headmaster’s 22-year legacy.

10

The Growing Mind Acceptance, Diversity and Inclusion Why schools must be places where everyone feels welcome, safe and accepted.

14

It Started With a Promise Every sport played by our students got its start somewhere. Here is the story of how rugby started at The Country Day School 31 years ago.

17

CDS Coach Inducted into Queen’s Rugby Hall of Fame Coach Townsend is revered as one of the most qualified rugby coaches in the independent school system.

24

Live Theatre Returns with Searching for Greta in November Mark your calendars for the upcoming Senior and Junior productions!

28

Closing Day 2021 and Retirements Excerpts from Junior, Middle and Senior School ceremonies and farewell to five retirees.

35

A Lasting Legacy The Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Program has encouraged CDS students to take on new challenges for the past 30 years.

48

Congratulations to the Class of 2021 You’ve made us proud – we wish you all the best!

2 From the Editor 3 Message from the Head of School 4 School Highlights 18 Timelines 41 Connections

42 Alumni Notes

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

26 Athletics Update

36 Community News

ON THE COVER: Here are a few of our student leaders who have been working hard to amplify minority voices within the CDS community and create actionable plans so that every person feels welcome.

Pictured from left-right are Isaac Khan ’23, from the Sustainability Club, Tarini Amarasinghe ’22, from the Social Justice Club, Chelsea Mao ’22, from the Inclusivity Club, Neyla Kirby ’22 from the Diversity Club and Reese Falkenberg ’23 from the Social Justice Club. Not pictured here is Eliza Pasha ’22 from Social Justice.

ON BACK COVER: Max Griffiths ‘27.

THE LINK FALL / WINTER 2021-22

|

1

the

FROM THE EDITOR

GREAT SATISFACTION IN WATCHING THEM GROW UP Whether a parent, educator, or both

EDITOR

Kim Sillcox, Director of Communications and Marketing

CONTRIBUTORS

I

’M SURE MANY of you have heard a variation of this line: “Enjoy every moment, because you’ll turn around and they will be all grown up.” When my children were younger, there were days when I believed this statement couldn’t be further from the truth. However, now that they are 18 and 21, I find myself sharing this cautionary tale more often than not.

As employees at a school, we also get to watch our students grow up in what seems like the blink of an eye. It is difficult for me to comprehend that many of this year’s graduates were in Grade 3 my first year.

Whether a student attends CDS for two or four years of high school, for Middle and Senior School, or from JK, SK or Grade 1 all the way until Grade 12, thereby earning the title of Lifer, CDS faculty and staff experience a sense of pride watching our students mature, emerge from their comfort zones, and find their place in the world.

That is why we enjoy showcasing our students and alumni throughout this magazine, on our website, in the local media, and on our social media channels. Our students are works in progress, while our alumni represent the final product. Upon graduation, they become ambassadors for their school and fine examples of what an education with balance can produce.

This Fall/Winter 2021-22 edition of The Link celebrates some of our student leaders who are spearheading diversity and inclusion, social justice and sustainability efforts

2

|

FALL / WINTER 2021-22 THE LINK

at CDS. These young people have spoken out with courage and conviction and are advocating for change on issues they are passionate about. Read their story in the Growing Mind piece titled “Students learn better and achieve more in diverse and inclusive spaces.”

This issue also includes part two of a two-part legacy piece on Mr. Paul Duckett, who served as CDS’s third Head of School for 22 years, retiring in 2011. If you for some reason missed part one, you may find it in the Fall/Winter 2020-21 edition.

And of course, we also bring you news of last year’s very special Class of 2021 Graduation, tributes to our retiring faculty members, school highlights, exciting alumni profi les of two siblings from the Class of 1996 and 2000, and everyone’s favourite section – Alumni Notes.

May 2022 bring you continued good health, happiness and a return to CDS at some point (fingers crossed) for the start of our 50th anniversary celebrations in September!

Happy reading, Kim Sillcox

Director of Communications and Marketing

John Andersen Manny Avila Celia Bland Mark Burleigh Dave Downer Scott Garbe Christina Graves Dave Harvey Warren Lang Zach Lawton John Liggett Brianna Nichols ’25 Dean Sherman Denise Steadman Karen Sumner Stephanie Temovsky ’21 Sandy Townsend Rob Waldron Anne Wellnhofer Ann Wildberger Geneva Winterink DESIGN

Michael Cherkas PHOTOGRAPHY

Stan Behal Photography Zach Lawton Kim Sillcox Beatrice Stefanescu 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 Offi ce of Community Relations at The Country Day School for CDS families, alumni, staff, faculty and friends.

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

SOME REFLECTIONS ON MY 10-YEAR MILESTONE An experience I would be unwilling to trade for any other!

I

N VARIOUS COMMUNICATION pieces over the past 10 years, I have reflected on how time does not seem linear. I think that is especially true when considering the time span of a decade. In the summer of 2011, a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed John Liggett arrived on the CDS campus as the school’s fourth Head of School.

This past summer of 2021 marked 10 years of service for myself here at The Country Day School.

I have to admit, in this case time seems to have stretched, as in some ways it seems longer than 10 years! Perhaps that’s what a pandemic can do to one’s perception of time.

Under my watch, just under a thousand young people have graduated from CDS—including my two sons, Josh in 2015 and, this past year, Aiden in 2021. Like so many other families, I am thankful for the positive influence CDS has had on my children.

But I must say, it has been a very fulfi lling 10 years, as I am blessed to have found work that makes a difference in the lives of young people. Under my watch, just under a thousand young people have graduated from CDS – including my two sons, Josh in 2015 and, this past year, Aiden in 2021. Like so many other families, I am thankful for the positive influence CDS has had on my children.

Furthermore, I find myself thankful for the hard work and dedication of so many on the CDS team, both past and present, who have worked together to allow the School to continue to grow and mature.

If I may be so bold, these efforts have strengthened our position as a leading and well-respected CAIS/CIS school. It has been a distinct honour to have helped shepherd those efforts, much of which can only be measured in the intangible – yet distinctly warm and wonderful – feeling one gets amidst the children lucky enough to learn and grow at a school like Country Day. So, now 10 years later, upon considerable reflection, I say with conviction that it is an experience I would be unwilling to trade for any other! It has been an honour and privilege to serve this community. The Country Day School is truly a remarkable place. We have all worked hard to make it so and will continue to do our best to keep it so. As the work to make CDS an even better place continues, I wonder what heights our community might achieve 10 years from now.

I look forward to seeing the next thousand graduates set off into the future.

John Liggett

Head of School

THE LINK FALL / WINTER 2021-22

|

3

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS CDS Raises the Pride Flag for First Time In honour of Pride Month, CDS raised the Pride Flag on June 1 for the first time in its history. Michael Cherny ’08 and Inclusivity Barber Shop Club members Ms. Geneva Winterink, Simona Tiberio-Leung ’21 and Katya Harbauer ’21 were on hand to celebrate our school’s continued commitment to diversity and inclusion. Michael spoke with our Senior School students at a virtual assembly last March about his decision to live his truth.

INTRODUCING THE PARENT BOOK REVIEW CLUB During the second lockdown last winter, Community Relations launched a Parent Book Club with the help of Melissa Rutledge, the MS/SS Librarian. It has been a great success, and anyone (parents, faculty or alumni) is encouraged to partake! Reading selections have included A Gentleman in Moscow, The Midnight Library, The Rose Code and Harlem Shuffle.

Interested in joining an upcoming book review? Email events@cds.on.ca for details!

FALL / WINTER 2021-22 THE LINK

Senior School students heard from four students and Ms. Steadman about the historic significance of the January 20th inauguration of US Vice President Kamala Harris, the first woman, first Black person and first person of South Asian descent to hold this position. Thank you to Ms. Steadman, Neyla Kirby ’22, Reese Falkenberg ’23, Tarini Amarasinghe ’22

PARENT ASSOCIATION SPEAKER ADDRESSES DIVERSITY & INCLUSION 2021 PORTRAIT OF A GRAD VIDEOS This year, we approached our 2021 Portrait of a Graduate videos differently than previous years. In an effort to capture this moment in history, we asked four of our recent graduates to record their answers to a series of questions, including what advice they would offer their Grade 9 self, what education with balance means to them, and their biggest takeaway from attending their last year of high school during a global pandemic. Take a moment to hear what Stephanie Temovsky,

individual CDS journeys at www.cds. on.ca/portraitofagrad. |

STUDENTS ACKNOWLEDGE SIGNIFICANCE OF VP KAMALA HARRIS’S INAUGURATION

and Tawana Ngorima ’22 for sharing your thoughts with our community.

Alex Bobechko, Christina Chkarboul and Denny Hu had to share about their

4

NEWS FROM AROUND CDS

CDS parent, speechlanguage pathologist and children’s author Tamara Estabrooks spoke about diversity and inclusion as our Parent Association guest speaker last February. Tammy shared how she had decided to write a children’s book for her daughters, Perfectly Peach, 10 years ago in response to some of the questions they asked about their skin colour, race and acceptance. She went on to talk about our unconscious biases, shared stories from her childhood growing up in the Maritimes, and acknowledged that while progress has been made, there is still a lot of work to do before we achieve racial equality.

2021 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS PROCEED … VIRTUALLY! CDS BREAKS GROUND ON THE EXPANSION OF OUR JUNIOR SCHOOL Following graduation in June, our construction team began prepping our 1883 Eversley Schoolhouse for its eventual enclosure inside a spectacular new entrance hall and building and resurfacing a temporary new playground for our youngest learners! Learn more at www.cds.on.ca/buildingmagic

Maria Ivoditova ’22 was the 2021 World Persuasive Speaking Champion! She was a finalist in all four categories and a grand finalist in Persuasive Speaking. The 2021 World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships were hosted by South Korea last April but took place virtually.

BETTER UNDERSTANDING GENERATION Z One of the goals of our fall faculty professional development was for curriculum leaders from across all three schools (JS, MS and SS) to begin delving into the mindset and researching the learning behaviours of Gen Z, the generation of students we are currently teaching (born between 1997 and 2012).

Gen Z has access to the most information in human history (much of it gathered through Google and social media platforms), has felt and continues to feel the effects of a pandemic, and may become the most “justice-minded” of all generations.

Dave Harvey, Director of Academics for Middle and Senior Schools, likes to point out to our students that this generation is the first to never have experienced a notion of themselves that isn’t viewed by others and to possess a virtual identity.

As a school, CDS is dedicated to learning more about how to best educate Gen Z through a working committee struck

by Senior School faculty member Tony Young to gather information about Gen Z through research, including interviews with our students.

TOP THREE SPEAKERS AT JUNIOR NATIONALS! CDS hosted and experienced an amazing outcome at the National Junior High Speech and Debate Championships in May. All four of our participants—Averie Easton ’24, Ethan Wahba ’24, Sarah Croxon ’24 and Millie Steinmann ’25—did a fantastic job, and CDS captured top first, second and third speakers overall!

(clockwise from upper left): Millie Steinmann, first place; Ethan Wahba, second place; Averie Easton; and Sarah Croxon, third place.

GY UNI EVENT GOES VIRTUAL! Our first-ever virtual GY university event featured alumni from across Ontario and Quebec gathering on Zoom to share their experiences and answer questions from last year’s GY and Grade 11 students.

THE LINK FALL / WINTER 2021-22

|

5

FEATURE

AN UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO STUDENTS

PART TWO The first part of this article appeared in the previous issue of The Link.

NEVER SAY NEVER: THE DUCKETT YEARS It’s been more than thirty years since Paul Duckett began his 22-year tenure as Headmaster of The Country Day School. The story of how he led the School to national prominence is also the story of his passion for teaching, commitment to relationships, and knack for seeing the future.

BY WARREN LANG

6

|

FALL / WINTER 2021-22 THE LINK

A

S PAUL LA ID DOWN a fi nancial foun-

dation, established a strategic vision, and led the dramatic growth in programs and facilities, he was also setting the tone for the School’s student-centric culture.

“One thing that stood out with Paul was his love of teaching,” says Susan Scott, former Deputy Head who arrived at the School in 1999. “His support of students was unwavering.”

“His decisions were consistently about what was best for the kids,” adds Tony Young, who joined the School’s leadership team in 1997. “That core feel to this place hasn’t changed. It is still about relationships. It is still student centered. The culture of helping that Paul modelled for us remains.”

That deep commitment to students helped CDS emerge as an industry leader in student supports, including the opening of the Learning Resource Centre in 2006, now the Burge Family Student Services Centre.

“I remember going to Paul soon after I arrived and asking him how he wanted us to support students with learning exceptionalities,” recalls Susan. “He said we should try to help them any way we can.”

Looking back, Susan and Tony view Paul’s commitment to students as a driving force in his hiring philosophy. “He brought in so many great people who love working with students,” says Susan.

“He was an excellent judge of character,” adds Tony “He always looked for people who had a gift for building relationships and were a good fit for the School.”

As Board Chair during Paul’s final years, Stacie Stanton agrees. “All of the teachers hired by Paul had a major impact on the School culture,” she recalls. “Great leaders attract great people. They want to stay and be part of it.” (continued on page 8)

When Paul Duckett arrived in 1989, CDS was introducing its first Grade 12 class with only 15 students, having previously rolled out Grades 9, 10 and 11 over the past three years. At the time, there were 379 students in JK-Grade 12. Upon his departure in 2011, the student body stood at 686.

THE LINK FALL / WINTER 2021-22

|

7

FEATURE

(continued from page 7)

A CARING COMMUNITY

S

TACIE CONSIDERS Paul’s approach to hiring an extension of his commitment to building a close and caring community.

“He could be tough when he needed to be, but he was a deeply caring and positive person,” she says. “He was constantly connecting to people.”

That aspect of Paul’s approach is familiar to many longstanding members of the CDS community. Wilma West was Paul’s assistant until she retired in 2001, having held the same role with John Pratt and Robert Ross. She is also a past parent and past grandparent of CDS. “It was always a friendly community where everybody knew each other,” says Wilma. “Paul continued that tradition. In his own quiet way, he got to know people and built strong relationships.”

“THE SCHOOL IS THRIVING,” SAYS PAUL. “EVERY TIME I GO THERE, THE STUDENTS AND FACULTY ARE CLEARLY ENJOYING THEMSELVES. THERE ARE NEW PROGRAMS LIKE OUTDOOR EDUCATION, AND JOHN AND THE BOARD HAVE DONE A REMARKABLE JOB CONTINUING TO MOVE THE SCHOOL FORWARD.”

Wilma adds that Paul’s ability to make everyone feel welcome flowed from his belief in treating everyone as an equal. “You knew he was the boss, of course, but he never made you feel like you were less than him,” she says.

“He was just Paul.”

That egalitarian worldview fostered what became another distinctive feature of CDS. It is an elite independent school without an elitist attitude. “I never liked clubs and gated communities, things that keep people out,” says Paul. “It doesn’t seem right to me.”

“Everyone’s contribution is equally important,” he continues. “If you think about somebody who cleans the floors at midnight, that’s not trivial. It is important. It impacts the learning environment.”

His perspective guided many decisions, including naming the front field complex after Chief Custodian Bing Hawksworth.

As Paul sees it, Bing and his wife, Di, were instrumental in making the School what it is and setting the tone.

CONVICTION AND CONVERSATION

P Dr. Afzal and Mrs. Firoza Rajmohamed, and their daughters Naheeda ‘13 and Raeesa ‘15, donated a flag pole in Paul Duckett’s honour in 2010 upon hearing his retirement announcement. Originally located beside the Middle School entrance, it now stands in the Pietrobon Courtyard, beside the Performing Arts Centre, which as an ardent supporter of the arts, Mr. Duckett helped to open in 2002.

8

|

FALL / WINTER 2021-22 THE LINK

AU L’ S PH I L O S OPH Y of education and relationships gave him a deep sense of purpose. As Susan puts it, “I never felt Paul treated this like a job.”

Former Board Chair Glenn Fagan echoes that sentiment. “Paul believed in the School, and he lived for the School,” he says. “He was the first one to arrive and the last one to leave. Anything that was going on at the School, Paul was there.”

“He wasn’t one of those people who sat back on his laurels and figured he knew better than everybody else,” Glenn adds. “He was always listening. When you talked with Paul, it was a great conversation.”

Susan has similar memories of Paul’s thoughtful approach to conversations, including the long pauses that were a signature of his style. She feels it allowed space for thinking issues through in order to make good decisions.

“Paul had a strength of conviction to do

CDS held a dedication ceremony in May 2018 to announce the naming of the Performing Arts Centre (PAC) Theatre in honour of Paul C. Duckett. He was joined by his family members (l-r) Brian Jimmerskog, Ryan Dupuis, Meghan Duckett ’99, Liz Duckett ’98, Paul, Diana Dunlap, Anton Erdody, Allie (Dunlap) Erdody ’03, and Daphne Dunlap ’02.

in the Admissions Office, and Meghan ’99 remains connected to CDS through her partner Brian Jimmerskog who is Head of Facilities.

Diana’s daughters Daphne ’02 and Allie (Dunlap) Erdody ’03 are also CDS alumni.

In addition to enjoying spending time with their children and grandchildren, Diana and Paul travel extensively, spending time in Maine and Florida, while Paul continues to pursue his love of cooking and fishing. He has also returned to his early interest in becoming a graphic artist and is taking painting lessons.

FOREVER A TEACHER

S the right thing even when it was difficult or unpopular,” she says. “He was highly principled in his approach.”

“He took his time and ensured decisions were made without rush,” adds Tony. “He was a calm, unflappable leader. And he was never looking for the easy way out. He always made decisions for the right reasons.”

Reflecting on Paul’s leadership, Stacie points to his impact, including exceptional facilities and teachers, a warm and supportive culture, and a superior educational experience for students. She also points out that as the School rose to national prominence, so did Paul.

“I remember the first time I went to the national Heads and Chairs conference with him,” she recalls. “I thought we might sit together. Nope. Paul was a rock star. Everyone wanted to talk to him. He was a legend.”

What is Paul’s perspective on the state of the School at the end of his tenure?

“I felt that as a team and community, we had established CDS as one of the best independent schools in Canada,” he says.

“We were debt free. We had some endowment money in the bank. We had happy kids

and connected alumni. Excellent university outcomes. An outstanding facility. We could all be proud of what we had accomplished together.”

STAYING CONNECTED

S

INCE PAUL RETIRED in 2011, the distinc-

tive features he instilled in CDS have endured while the School has moved into a new phase of growth that makes it easy to believe it will “be here forever.”

“The School is thriving,” says Paul. “Every time I go there, the students and faculty are clearly enjoying themselves. There are new programs like outdoor education, and John and the Board have done a remarkable job continuing to move the School forward.”

Paul remains highly connected to the broader CDS community and there is no doubt he will continue to have a keen interest in all future developments of the School.

He and partner, Diana Dunlap, have strong personal connections to the School.

Paul’s eldest daughter, Elizabeth ’98, works

INCE LEAVING CDS, Paul’s central focus has remained as it always was: a passion for teaching. Over the years, he has tutored extensively and spent a semester teaching mathematics at Neuchâtel Junior College in Switzerland.

Lately, he spends time offering math support to at-risk youth at the Gifford Youth Achievement Center in Indian River Country, Florida, a ten-minute drive north of Vero Beach near Paul and Diana’s winter home.

Paul’s life and career have come full circle to those early days in East London when he first discovered teaching was what he “wanted to do.”

The Gifford Center was established in 1996 to address a staggering absence of supports and sense of belonging among the largely African American local student population, only a quarter of whom were graduating from high school at the time.

It’s interesting to imagine what the kids in Indian River think about this silver-haired, soft-spoken British fellow. It’s likely they don’t know he has travelled the world. Or about his diverse background in education.

Or that he is an icon at a school in a town near Toronto in Canada.

What they do know is that he cares deeply about their success and is unwaveringly focussed on their learning. And they no doubt sense that he has an unshakeable belief that they can—and will—succeed. ■

THE LINK FALL / WINTER 2021-22

|

9

THE GROWING MIND

BY DR. KAREN SUMNER a freelance writer and editor based in King City

ACCEPTANCE, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Schools must be places where all people feel welcome, safe and respected

I

f there was ever a debate about the educational value of diverse and inclusive learning spaces, an overwhelming body of research has put the issue to rest. The more students engage with teachers and peers who are different from themselves, the more advanced their social and cognitive skills. They are better at dialogue, teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving. They also report greater motivation to learn and higher self-confidence.

These benefits are seen for all students, no matter their background. For instance, studies have shown that unconscious bias held against any group interferes with the learning of those who hold the bias as well as those it is held against. In addition, with a decreased risk of stereotyping and discrimination, all students report feeling safer, and

10

|

FALL / WINTER 2021-22 THE LINK

students of colour in particular are better able to focus and learn.

Universities understand the extensive benefits of diverse learning environments and are working to correct historical imbalances partly created by inequitable admissions practices, unconscious bias in faculty hiring, and skewed academic patterns in high schools. As just one example, many universities would like to have a higher representation of women of all backgrounds in computer science programs, and so they are actively recruiting from high schools. But young women in high school do not always feel welcome in computer science courses and coding clubs. Cultural biases and stereotypes—such as that computer coding is a “masculine” activity—are pervasive.

Why should schools care about how many women become computer scientists—

This year’s student Diversity, Social Justice, Inclusivity and Sustainability Student Coordinators with their Faculty Advisors from l-r: Denise Steadman, Geneva Winterink, Manny Avila, Neyla Kirby ’22, Chelsea Mao ’22, Tarini Amarasinghe ’22, Reese Falkenberg ’23, Eliza Pasha ’22, Anne Wellnhofer, Dave Downer, Aimee Lee and Dave Harvey. Missing from photo is Isaac Khan ’23, Zac Fanni and Melissa Rutledge.

or enter other male-dominated fields like engineering, artificial intelligence, big data, medical research, finance, construction, manufacturing and so on? Because leaders in these fields create the technology, drug studies, investment products, built environment and so much more that shape our world.

Bringing together diverse perspectives leads to better products, processes and outcomes—such as better drug trials, which have historically enrolled mainly white male participants. This creates blind spots in understanding the effectiveness of treatments for all populations.

Those blind spots persist throughout the sciences, where all equity groups continue to be underrepresented. This is a problem, given the evidence that diverse teams outperform homogenous teams on complex tasks and can generate original research questions

and insights. In addition, it has been shown that diverse groups in the sciences publish more frequently and their articles are cited more often, with citation the accepted measure of excellence.

Recently, the top 20 law schools in the US showed a similar outcome. When the student editorial teams of the “flagship” Law Reviews (such as at Columbia, Cornell, Duke, Harvard and Yale) intentionally became more diverse, the scholarly impact of their published articles rose by about 23% (again, measured by how frequently an article is cited). These Law Review leaders demonstrated once again that a diverse and inclusive environment leads to more original and significant work.

The key is to couple diversity with inclusion. Inclusive environments are those where everyone, and especially members of

underrepresented groups, feel welcome and respected, with all perspectives and talents equally valued. This is where the boost in achievement happens, because inclusion makes it possible for students with differing viewpoints to collaborate effectively and create solutions.

Students learn better and achieve more in diverse and inclusive spaces. They are also better prepared for an increasingly diverse society and global economy. It’s one thing to create a diverse student body (e.g. through equitable admissions policies) and another to cultivate a culture of inclusion. The work of both is equally important for the success of all children.

On the following pages are some of the clubs and initiatives making a difference in the school and the community. (continued on page 12)

THE LINK FALL / WINTER 2021-22

|

11

THE GROWING MIND (continued from page 11)

INCLUSIVITY CLUB Faculty Advisors: Geneva Winterink, Melissa Rutledge Student Coordinator: Chelsea Mao ’22 THE INCLUSIVITY CLUB is a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community at CDS and also a space for non-LGBTQ+ students and teachers to learn about and understand issues surrounding the LGBTQ+ community. With student members from Grade 9 through 12, the club aims to educate the CDS community on topics that concern the LGBTQ+ community and destigmatize the LGBTQ+ community within CDS. The club is planning to share a presentation and video designed to encourage students to discuss, reflect on and understand the harm of stereotypes. A guest speaker will also talk about his experience of being closeted at an all-boys’ school and offer general advice to people in the same boat as well as to allies.

“I want to help provide a safe space for students in our LGBTQ+ community and their allies. As a member of the community myself, I hope that my participation sets a positive example for students to be their true selves.”

Geneva Winterink “I want to see long-lasting education about LGBTQ+ issues within the CDS community and long-term change as well.”

Chelsea Mao ’22 “I want to influence our school culture.

I want to be an ally and I want the school to be more inclusive.”

Joshua Simmonds ’09 and Senior School faculty member

SOCIAL JUSTICE CLUB Faculty Advisors: Dave Downer, Dave Harvey, Aimee Lee, Denise Steadman Student Coordinators: Tarini Amarasinghe ’22, Reese Falkenberg ’23, Eliza Pasha ’22

12

|

FALL / WINTER 2021-22 THE LINK

THE SOCIAL JUSTICE CLUB strives to raise awareness about issues of injustice and inequality and to effect change in the CDS community, the region and the world.

Tackling gaps in social justice can be challenging, given considerable misinformation and pushback in social media circles. The club works to offset that and promote true understanding and acceptance so that social justice becomes a norm.

The approximately 40 club members organize fundraisers to support initiatives like the Gord Downie-Chanie Wenjack Fund, the Woodland Cultural Centre and True North Aid. They also support The Small Project, which helps provide education for Kenyan students. Fundraisers and community engagement activities are accompanied by information campaigns that highlight issues through assembly presentations, morning announcements and poster campaigns. Some of those poster campaigns include QR codes that allow viewers to see part of a complete story before locating the next part through clues, almost like a scavenger hunt.

“It is invigorating working with students so full of optimism and energy. We love this community and want CDS to be a catalyst for change.”

Dave Downer “Working with my peers on issues we’re all learning more about, and educating those around us, has been one of the highlights of my high school career.”

Tarini Amarasinghe ’22

DIVERSITY CLUB Faculty Advisors: Manny Avila, Zac Fanni, Denise Steadman Student Coordinator: Neyla Kirby ’22 THE DIVERSITY CLUB arose from one of several student focus groups meetings and aims to amplify minority voices within the CDS community and create actionable plans so that every person feels welcome and included and can celebrate what makes them unique. Because diversity fosters creativity and new perspectives by encouraging intercultural interactions, the club helps the community to acknowledge prejudice and

explore what it means to be an ally and advocate. Embracing uncomfortable conversations and addressing collective shortcomings have been driving forces for change.

In addition to presenting the unconscious bias session and providing a diversity lens to school-wide events, the club has plans for initiatives around social justice, mental health, the intersection between race and sexuality, and the role class plays in shaping perspectives. The club works collaboratively to make change in the CDS community and to create a more inclusive, equitable society where everyone has an opportunity to thrive.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to work with bright, creative, caring and passionate students and colleagues who aspire to make change through education and honest dialogue.”

Denise Steadman “Fostering safe and inclusive environments for everyone is incredibly important, as we make everyone feel welcome and create a more engaging and enriching environment.”

Neyla Kirby ’22 “I joined Diversity to help change the perception of people of colour in the school and to have a lasting impact on the CDS community for the students to come.”

Riya Chopra ’22

UMBRELLA STUDENT ACTIVISM Faculty Moderator: Anne Wellnhofer Student Coordinators: Tarini Amarasinghe ’22, Isaac Khan ’23, Neyla Kirby ’22, Chelsea Mao ’22 In an effort to gather together these individual student interest groups that each have activism at the core of what they do, they have met a few times with the Sustainability Club, which works to build awareness of environmental issues and supports school-based projects that contribute to an EcoSchool certification. The umbrella group first met to get a sense of the overlapping issues of interest.

Their second meeting focused on choosing a direction to take together. Group members are currently exploring climate justice, Indigenous issues, refugee crises and poverty,

and a particular focus on mental health was selected for second term.

The group has also examined some of the research around Generation Z (roughly between 10 and 24 years old), a cohort which tends to be highly aware of and interested in social activism and making a difference for others in areas like human rights, social entrepreneurship, and environmentalism including but also beyond climate change.

“Students are not waiting until they are adults to become changemakers. They also don’t need adults to define their causes or set their direction. Student activism may be the fastest way to make the world a better place.”

Anne Wellnhofer “Student activism is important because even the smallest act can have a significant impact on someone’s life.”

Isaac Khan ’23

UNCONSCIOUS BIAS SESSION Faculty Advisors: Manny Avila, Zac Fanni, Denise Steadman Student Coordinators: Tarini Amarasinghe ’22, Neyla Kirby ’22 Societal and cultural values require time to change, especially when it comes to systemic discrimination. That’s why members of the Diversity Club selected the topic of bias to explore within advisory groups. The goals of the morning advisory session were to understand what bias is and how it manifests. The session was designed to be a catalyst for ongoing conversations throughout the school.

To develop the session, club members interviewed current and past students to collect information and stories, with some selected for the session to open conversations around bias. Members also created the facilitation materials consisting of video supports and discussion prompts, and advisors were trained on how this material could be used within the advisory sessions. At the end of the session, participants had the option to complete a survey providing feedback and some suggestions for future diversity-inspired advisor sessions.

“It’s important for teachers and students to understand that everyone has unconscious bias. Once we admit this, growth and change can occur.”

Manny Avila “The session revealed areas of improvement that the Senior School could focus on in order to maintain a safe and welcoming environment and opened conversation on topics that are difficult to initiate but are necessary in order to push for change.”

Tarini Amarasinghe ’22

DRAMA PRODUCTIONS Faculty Advisors: Gisa Bevacqua-Tirone, Scott Garbe Diversity, inclusion and empathy are at the core of drama at CDS. Theatre itself is an act of inclusion, which demands that actors and audience members place themselves within the experiences of others. In CDS productions, the entire community has come to know Chanie Wenjack as he flees his residential school; the citizens of Laramie, Wyoming as they grapple with a brutal hate crime; and a young girl named Anne Frank whose very identity was branded a crime.

Theatre makes it possible to move through the hearts and minds of strangers so they can be known, heard and felt.

When the lights go down, our empathy is engaged and we step into a new experience. Theatre is vital to the life of the CDS community, creating the space for all to be freely and fully themselves.

“Hate persists, but it is love that endures. That is both the hope and the reality the theatre provides.”

Scott Garbe, Head of Drama “When we begin to listen, learn about and connect to the people around us, we take one step closer towards erasing hate and bridging the distance between one another.”

Anne-Marie Bassi ’21, member of The Laramie Project 2019 production. ■

TAKING ACTION FOR CHANGE CDS is committed to furthering the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion and to identifying and eliminating discriminatory biases and systemic barriers.

A recent example of this is how CDS chose to honour Canada’s first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day in October.

Brent Johnston, our Executive Director of Advancement, shared his experiences as a Mohawk as a guest at both the Middle and Senior School assemblies.

“Every Indigenous person’s story is unique,” he explained.

“Our community has to listen to more stories and continue to learn and explore what more they can do.”

THE LINK FALL / WINTER 2021-22

|

13

FEATURE

Coach-in-Training Mark Burleigh, Tony “BallHawk” Welch ‘98 and Colin “Captain” MacMillan ‘95 on the windy southern shores of Wales, 1995 Inaugural CDS March Break UK Rugby Tour.

CDS RUGBY PROGRAM

IT STARTED WITH A PROMISE 14

|

FALL / WINTER 2021-22 THE LINK

Every sport played by our students got its start somewhere. Here is the story of how rugby started at The Country Day School 31 years ago.

BY MARK BURLEIGH

(top row) Country Day School pays homage to the 20th anniversary of the 2001 CDS Co-ed UK Rugby Tour with pictures from the 2000-2001 yearbook. As Coaches Sandy Townsend and Mark Burleigh recall, “This was the first high school co-ed rugby tour we had ever heard of ... and perhaps one of the best!” (bottom row) Highlights from the 2004 England and Wales trip.

I

t was an idea that had great promise. A promise led a small group of boys to walk onto the strip of grass afforded the upstart after-school rugby club at The Country Day School in 1991.

Soccer and softball already laid claim to the “proper” field space at that time. There was the promise of roughhousing, mud and grass stains. There was the promise of learning new skills, facing new challenges, and creating something exciting: rugby at CDS. As the founding rugby coach, Jim Bayler, CDS Director of Middle School and Head of Geography at the time, made a promise that after five years of hard work and commitment, these mostly Grade 9 boys would earn a two-week rugby tour to England and Wales in their graduating year – March Break 1995. The boys

would discover that they loved the game. And the prospect of that trip would loom large on the horizon.

That 1995 tour to England and Wales served as my introduction to rugby – a coach-development theme that has repeated itself over the years. My role was that of chaperone, first aid responder and sideline support for Coach Bayler. On several occasions during the planning of the trip, I reminded Jim that I was a rugby neophyte. “You’re going to LOVE it,” Jim promised. So, with my football, basketball, and track & field bias dialed to “learn,” off we went. Of course he was correct.

The very best of those three sports (and others) can be found in rugby, and we learned as much as we could about how best to introduce this sport to young athletes. (continued on page 16)

THE LINK FALL / WINTER 2021-22

|

15

(continued from page 15)

Some of the CDS Cyclones who have played for their university/college, province or country include: McKinley Hunt ’15, Jordyn Rowntree ’11, Keegan Myers ’10, Eric Selvaggi ’10, Karen So ’08, Martha Goodrow ’06, Zach Pancer ’05, Bryn Davies ’04, Kai Sorensen ’03, Hayley Cone ’02, Pamela Farquhar ’01, Colleen Higgins ’01 and Colin MacMillan ’95. Karen So went on to play for Hong Kong’s Senior Women’s Rugby Team, including the 2017 World Cup in Ireland, while in medical school there. McKinley Hunt continues to be a member of Canada’s Senior Women’s National Team and plays professionally in England for the Exeter Chiefs.

U

pon our return to Canada, I signed up to play for the Toronto Irish, a 29-yearold rookie, learning to coach by learning to play. CDS went on to play the founding role in U14 Boys’ Rugby for CISAA Ontario. The 1995 tour had established the groundwork for U14 rugby, and it also bolstered the confidence, enthusiasm and size of our Senior Boys’ team. Rugby was growing at CDS. CDS was growing as well. In the fall of 1997, Sandy Townsend joined the faculty.

In addition to being an established fixture in Aurora as coach and administrator of the Aurora Barbarians Rugby Club, Sandy is a rugby coach of national pedigree (see story on page 17). He has enjoyed stints as coach or guest coach of provincial (Quebec and Ontario) and national team programs. Under his guidance, CDS rugby gained the expertise needed to grow and help its athletes further develop their game.

The boys’ overwhelmingly positive entrée into rugby at CDS put into motion an undeniable force; the girls wanted in on the fun.

They just needed a coach.

The 1998 UK tour would address that need. Dean Sherman had arrived at CDS equipped to coach basketball, baseball, golf and hockey, to name a few. Rugby was not on that list. However, he joined the 1998 tour to support where needed and to learn the game.

That tour served to introduce Dean to the wonders of rugby, as it had done for me three years earlier.

Upon our return, the CDS Girls’ Rugby program launched. Dean partnered with Krista Koekkoek to champion the Senior Girls’ team for nine years from 2004-2013 – literally and figuratively. CDS girls would embrace the game and put together an impressive array of CISAA wins, including an 11-year consecutive-championship streak from 2005-2015.

In 2001, 18 boys, 18 girls and five coaches boarded a plane for the third CDS March Break UK Rugby Tour. Three more coaches had come on board: established rugby coach, Dave Downer, and two other veteran coaches who didn’t know rugby, Andy MacMillan and Tami MacLeod. The boys’ program had exploded in numbers and popularity, and

16

|

FALL / WINTER 2021-22 THE LINK

Coaches Burleigh, Townsend and Sherman are in the midst of compiling a comprehensive list of our post-secondary school varsity rugby alumni. Please reach out to alumni@cds.on.ca if you or someone you know took their skills to the next level. We would love to hear from you!

once again the tour acted as the supreme two-week professional development experience for coaches and created lifetime memories for the students. Andy and Dave would take the helm of the U16 Boys’ team upon our return.

T

he “rugby experience” on these tours was many different things. We were able to score some tries and win some games. We recognized that our athleticism and fitness were sometimes on par, sometimes not. We were exposed to the highest level of schoolboy rugby and humbled by the skill and knowledge. We discovered that CDS and Canada were ahead of the UK in developing girls’ rugby within the context of school systems in the early 2000s, as we were forced to play local women’s rugby club teams, since UK schoolgirl rugby had yet to be established.

The training sessions delivered by expert guest UK trainers and the games we played were invaluable learning opportunities. Joint practice sessions with our hosts created amazing cultural, social and skill-development memories. The tours of Welsh and English rugby museums and stadiums at Cardiff and Twickenham respectively lent perspective as to the societal significance of rugby in the UK. UK tours in 2004, 2007, 2010 and a Washington D.C. tour in 2008 would follow. Our teams also participated in national independent school tournaments hosted in British Columbia, Quebec, Ontario and New Brunswick. Our rugby program continued to be a vehicle for experiential learning.

Athletes also ventured off campus and into other uniforms to pursue their goals of developing their skills and playing the game.

The Aurora Barbarians Rugby Club was a summertime destination for girls and boys

who developed a passion for rugby at CDS. Players wearing our navy, forest and white were selected to represent Ontario, Canada and Hong Kong.

Some of the CDS Cyclones who have played for their university/college, province or country include: McKinley Hunt ’15, Jordyn Rowntree ’11, Keegan Myers ’10, Eric Selvaggi ’10, Karen So ’08, Martha Goodrow ’06, Zach Pancer ’05, Bryn Davies ’04, Kai Sorensen ’03, Hayley Cone ’02, Pamela Farquhar ’01, Colleen Higgins ’01 and Colin MacMillan ’95. Karen So went on to play for

Hong Kong’s Senior Women’s Rugby Team, including the 2017 World Cup in Ireland, while in medical school there. McKinley Hunt continues to be a member of Canada’s Senior Women’s National Team and plays professionally in England for the Exeter Chiefs.

In addition to the above-mentioned girls’ collection of hardware, the boys were in the CISAA Tier 2 finals in 2003, 2005 and 2007, winning the championship in 2003 and 2007.

After moving to Tier 1 in 2008, the boys played in the next three consecutive semi-finals but didn’t capture another championship until they moved to sevens in 2013. CDS Senior Boys won CISAA titles in 2015 and 2017, as well as the CAIS National Title in 2017.

Over the years, our program has been challenged to adapt and evolve with the help of additional coaches, Geoff Nugent, Chris Wappel and Andrea Leacock. The development of seven-a-side rugby as an Olympic sport coincided perfectly with changes made to the Senior Boys’ team. Our Middle School girls recently began competing in the CISAA U14 girls’ flag rugby league. Our U14 boys’ team transitioned to play “touch rugby” as tackle/contact rugby is no longer permitted at the U14 level.

As the game changes, we continue to adapt and evolve, but our commitment remains the same. And we maintain hope that the magic of the rugby tour will carry on. These co-curricular travel experiences offered by CDS, be they music/arts, community service or sports related, serve to bring the practice field, rehearsal hall and classroom abroad.

Real experiences foster real learning, and that is why the idea of starting rugby had such great promise.

Rugby at CDS. Promise made. Promise kept. ■

CDS Coach Inducted into Queen’s Rugby Hall of Fame

BY KIM SILLCOX

ast November, veteran rugby coach Sandy Townsend received some well-deserved accolades and honours from his alma mater at his induction ceremony into the Queen’s University Rugby Hall of Fame.

Coach Townsend started playing rugby his first year of high school in Oakville before his family moved to Alberta where he went to three national junior championships. A native of Kingston, he returned to attend Queen’s and played all four years for the Gaels, winning an OUA gold medal in 1979 as first XV scrum half.

A respected educator, Sandy taught and coached boys’ rugby for nine years at Lower Canada College in Montreal before arriving at CDS in 1997, where he has taught Senior School social sciences ever since.

Coach Townsend has held the Head Coach position of CDS Senior Boys’ Rugby since 1997 and is revered as one of the most qualified rugby coaches in the independent school system. Kai Sorensen ’03 played throughout high school at CDS and, toward the end of summer following graduation, phoned his coach to see if he could get some extra practice time before departing for tryouts at Queen’s. After several sessions, Sandy felt he was ready. Kai made the team that September and went on to play all four years.

Kai started a streak of CDS graduates heading to play for Sandy’s alma mater, including Bryn Davies ’04, Zach Pancer ’05 and Keegan Myers ’10. Watching CDS alumni go on to play for Queen’s and other Canadian universities reminded Coach Townsend of how much fun he had had as a student-athlete, prompting him to become involved as an alumnus.

When not teaching and coaching at CDS or volunteering with Queen’s, Sandy has always made time to be involved in the game, primarily at the youth level. His coaching experience includes provincial rugby teams in both Quebec and Ontario.

He has also held head coaching positions with Aurora Barbarian teams for the past 21 years, achieving his goal of winning the TRU Millennium Cup Championship his first year with the Senior Mens’ team and a U18 provincial crown in 2013.

Read the full story at www.cds.on.ca/news

L

THE LINK FALL / WINTER 2021-22

|

17

TIMELINES

JUNIOR SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS 1

3

2

8

9

JANUARY

MARCH

APRIL

JUNE

1. 5B discussed wellness and self-care during the time of remote learning.

6. Grade 2s learned some Irish dancing on St. Patrick’s Day with Mrs. Paddags, a former member of Riverdance!

7. In Ms. Steph Collins’ memory, the Junior School gifted $1,000 raised through a non-uniform day to the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund. When her parents heard this news they responded, “What a wonderful gift to honour Steph.

Knowing that she lives on in your hearts brings such comfort.”

8. During earth week, SK students did their part to help the honey bees in Outdoor Education and JKs did their part to help the birds by creating some window art to avoid window strikes.

9. After nearly an entire third term spent remotely, JK through Grade 5 teachers welcomed the opportunity to wish their students a happy summer in person during locker retrieval days!

10. Grade 6s celebrated the end of year with a physically distanced visit among friends and campfire in the Back 40!

11. Grades 4, 5 and 6 Mathematica Contest results include a CDS provincial champion!

The averaged results of the Grade 4 students who competed were an impressive four points above the national average, and the students also placed in the top 100 schools across Canada. The CDS champion for the Byron Germain contest was Santtu Koskinen. Mina Matsui and Charlie Davis finished second and Logan Colozza placed third.

FEBRUARY 2. JK students made ice art and snow catchers for Outdoor Education!

3. 5J baked cookies in advance of Valentine’s Day with Mrs. Johnson’s Aunt Deb. 4. JS staff, students and their families answered the challenge to share stories together on World Read Aloud Day. 5. Grade 5s met with King City Mayor Steve Pellegrini to discuss his day-to-day life in municipal politics.

18

|

FALL / WINTER 2021-22 THE LINK

10

6 7

9

4

5

12

13

14

16

17

11

15

In Grade 5, the school again placed in the top 100 across Canada. The school champion for the Fibonacci contest was Cathy Lyu. Alice Han finished second and Victoria Sari, Cindy Liu and Emmy Endras tied for third.

In Grade 6, we are proud to say that 100% of our students finished above the national average. The school champion was Dylan Matsui whose score of a perfect 50/50 also means he was not only a school champion, but a provincial champion as well. In second place was Yuling Qian and Ray Wang placed third.

20

SEPTEMBER 12. JS Spirit Leaders at this year’s Terry Fox Day!

OCTOBER 13. Orange Shirt Day in JS Every teacher proudly wore orange shirts with the words “Every Child Matters” and passed out stickers with the same message to students during homeroom to place on their uniform.

In each class, teachers read When We Were Alone, a powerful story about a young girl who starts to notice the cultural characteristics of her Indigenous grandmother. By asking questions, she learns about her grandmother’s childhood growing up in a residential school where everything was taken away from her. Junior School students were then

asked to reflect on how children should feel at school and shared their ideas on paper feathers to complete a collaborative bulletin board. Some of their responses were: safe, secure, happy, excited, hopeful, joy, welcome, respected, free, included, strong, equal, loved, grateful and calm. We hope that our students feel these emotions on a regular basis when at school.

14. In Outdoor Education, Grade 1s learned about monarch butterflies and the importance of milkweed. “We’re always looking for ways to give nature a hand, what better way than to help spread milkweed seeds for next year’s crop.”

–Mr. Bartle

15. The Grade 6 Pathways to People members packed up more than 70 boxes of food donations for the King Township Food Bank Thanksgiving Drive!

16. Members of the JS Seasonal Crafts Club were busy creating mini masterpieces this fall! JS students were encouraged to explore artistic elements such as shape and form, as well as colour theory, all while creating their ultra unique Autumn Pumpkins, Winter Gnomes and Spring Felted Flowers!

17. The JS Halloween Parade returned this year!

THE LINK FALL / WINTER 2021-22

|

19

TIMELINES 3

MIDDLE SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS 1

2

5

7

6

1. Inspired by Andy Warhol, Ms. Barbanchon’s 7S class produced some phenomenal digital portraits in the Pop Art style.

question, “Things connected to school.” Finishing in first place was Dunlap House, tied for second place were Taylor House and Eberts House, and in third place was Ross House.

FEBRUARY

MARCH

2. The Middle School Assembly this month had a unique twist – a house competition! Students wore their house colours and were separated into grades and houses, each with a teacher captain, to complete a special task. During a take on the game Scattergories, teams had 15 minutes to come up with as many unique words as possible to complete The Country Day School puzzle, answering the

3. Ms. Griffin and Mme. Marshall hosted approximately 40 students and faculty as they created delicious brownies with a twist at MS Bake Night!

4. The Middle School Council embraced the Coffee Cares initiative to thank local healthcare heroes @southlakehc throughout the month. Student leaders asked their peers to donate gift cards and personalize handwritten notes of thanks as a small token of appreciation.

The MS community donated 150 cards to Southlake by month’s end!

JANUARY

20

|

FALL / WINTER 2021-22 THE LINK

8

9

5. Grade 7 students in Navigating the Digital World class took part in a co-taught lesson from @thecobblestonecollective. These creative students learned Google Drawings to create virtual paintings inspired by Henry Vickers’ Whaler Islets.

6. Grade 7 students got their hands dirty as they used their knowledge and the fundamentals of clay to create unique ceramic bowls.

APRIL 7. Grade 8 Science students learned about buoyancy by designing tin foil boats.

They then had a competition to see whose boat could support the greatest number of marbles.

MAY 8. Congratulations to Kaitlyn Zhang ’26 and Patrick Bian ’25 for earning top honours at CDS in the @uofwaterloo’s Gauss Math Contest! Twenty-eight CDS students earned certificates of distinction.

9. It was a banner year for Debating in the Middle School! Millie Steinmann ’25 placed first at the National Junior High Speech and Debate Championships (CDS captured top first, second and third speakers overall). As one of the youngest two CDS students to compete at the Nora McRae Public Speaking competition also in May, she placed second in Junior Interpretive Reading, first in Junior Solo Acting, second in Junior Impromptu Speaking and first in the Junior Division Overall. Millie was

4

10

13

11

10

14

12

15 then invited to present her Dramatic Interpretation, and Diviya Amarnath ’25 presented her first place After Dinner Speech at the event showcase!

JUNE 10. The Songwriting Club met virtually from February until June to learn the art of songwriting with Mr. Zero. After brainstorming some possible project ideas, they decided to put together their own album. This not only required every member to contribute a song, but also to consider all the non-musical elements that come together to make an album, such as the cover, CD design and order of songs.

Shout out to Audrey Jiang ’26 for designing the cover!

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

11. 30th Annual CDS Terry Fox Run! 12. It’s a Code, Code World After a long 18 months of remote learning, it was no surprise that students in 7A’s Navigating the Digital World class were eager to be moving around and working in a hands-on manner again as they got to “breakout” in a modified escape room activity. Rather than breaking out of a locked room, students had to break IN to a box locked with multiple locks whose combinations were discoverable by solving a series of puzzles. Each of the puzzles was related to coding and programming as a way of re-introducing students to the basic principles to kick off a series of classes in Robotics. In two teams, students found creative ways to work together, collaborate and communicate in order to solve the puzzles.

13. The tradition of decorating doors for Halloween returned!

14. Fifteen Middle Schoolers took part in an engaging one-hour tutorial followed by a practice debate organized by The Canadian Student Debate Academy, founded and run by CDS alumna and World Champion debater Natalie Ganzhorn ’16. Together with her colleague, Jay McCauley, Natalie works to help students of all ages improve their public speaking and debating skills.

15. Middle School students were presented with their house ties in Homeroom.

THE LINK FALL / WINTER 2021-22

|

21

TIMELINES

SENIOR SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS 5

7

6

8

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

1. Arjun Walia ’22 and Maria Ivoditova ’22 finished third at the Regional Debate Championships and went on to finish 19th at the Provincial Debate Championships in February.

2. In honour of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Mason Davis ’22 invited a lifelong Holocaust educator and author, Max Eisen, to share his experience as a concentration camp survivor, which he has documented in his book, By Chance Alone: A Remarkable True Story of Courage and Survival at Auschwitz. Max encouraged students not to be quiet bystanders to any form of intolerance or racism they may witness.

3. The tradition continues; Grade 12 students received their GY ties in homeroom.

4. In Ms. Hudson’s Grade 12 Writer’s Craft course, students participated in a virtual discussion with Joseph Amenta, a queer filmmaker and artist based in Toronto.

Joseph’s work focuses on empowering the most marginalized in LGBTQ communities by telling their stories with empathy.

5. For the first time in nearly two decades, our Grade 10 French students weren’t able to travel to Saint Donat and instead enjoyed some signature maple candies, compliments of our friends @perspectivesedu!

MARCH 6. During the second lockdown, CDS introduced some more new virtual clubs, including Inclusivity Barbershop – an |

FALL / WINTER 2021-22 THE LINK

9

12

15

22

1

16

open book series with Ms. Winterink; Chess Club with Mr. Jugoon (which led to two inter-school chess tournaments); Film Club with Mr. Fanni (which continued into the summer) and Tabata/HIIT-style workouts with Ms. Leacock. Some of these have since transitioned to in-person!

7. The CDS Social Justice Club raised funds during a dress-down day to help Fatima Manshadi, owner of the Maple Teahouse & Bake Shop in Aurora, provide even more lunches for ER Nurses at Southlake Hospital. Members of the Social Justice Club wrote personal thank you notes, delivered by Neyla Kirby ’22 and Connor Fortin ’22, that accompanied each hand-packed lunch.

8. Grade 11 art students designed working ceramic lamps. The design process involved thinking about how the light would be cast, reflected and projected. The creation phase involved a variety of forms

from realistic to abstract. Once the structures were created, they were bisque fired and glazed to add colour.

9. Arjun Walia ’22, Reese Falkenberg ’23 and Mason Davis ’22 spent time recording the diaries of Tom, Millie and Jonty Beynon of Temperanceville, as part of the King Heritage & Cultural Centre’s Dear Diary project. Through a series of short audio clips, listeners were treated to funny situations, family drama and unrequited love in King Township during the 1870s and 1880s as recorded in the personal diaries of these three siblings. Listen to them here: https://bit.ly/3rrzILm

APRIL 10. One of the many examples of how technology was used at our Spring Coffee House was demonstrated by two Grade 9 Vocal Music students who worked with Soundtrap, a Digital Audio Workstation that

4

2

3 10

11

13

17

allowed them to create and record performances together, even while apart.

Sofya Fefelova ’24 and Derya Karakul ’24 spent hours working on their arrangement of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” … one of the highlights of the evening!

11. Our Mock Trial Club was one of only two teams to advance to the final trial at an Ontario-wide tournament hosted by the Ontario Bar Association and Ontario Justice Education Network. CDS finished second after a lengthy deliberation. Tarini Amarasinghe ’22 was named “Standout Witness” and the eight students who went to trial prepared rigorously for fi ve months, assisted by several student “law clerks” from the Mock Trial club who helped with research and rehearsal. Team members were: lawyers Christina Chkarboul ’21 (captain), Paula Litwin-Logan ’21, Nilou Doust ’22, Nicole Damianidis ’22, and

18

14

19

witnesses Ainsley Johnston ’21, Tarini Amarasinghe ’22, Vivien Zhang ’21 and Jessie Rudin ’23.

use of theatrical masks in drama, researching different types of masks and used neutral masks in performance.

MAY

SEPTEMBER

12. Grade 12 music students embarked on a musical journey in lieu of their annual ISU concert, creating individual podcasts that became labours of love. Mrs. Curran, our resident rehearsal piano accompanist, recorded the supporting piano part to accompany each student’s solo. Students then used a recording application, Soundtrap, to “lay down” their solo overtop the piano, thereby transitioning from soloist to sound engineer!

13. The annual GradX show, a collaboration of art works created by Grade 12 art class took place virtually once again and can be viewed here: www.cds.on.ca/ balance/arts/visual-arts/grad-x 14. Grade 9 drama students explored the

15. Students took part in the first trip in two years to Temagami and spent four incredible days on a canoe expedition!

16. Grade 11 Environmental Science students visited U of T’s Koffler Scientific Reserve in King for an overview of their extensive research centre and data gathering mission. Students had a chance to speak with a PhD student researching the natural selection in plants and learned how field research doesn’t always go according to plan.

OCTOBER

light on the history of residential schools in Canada. The Social Justice team sold shirts and pins all week, with proceeds going toward the Downie-Wenjack Fund and the Woodland Cultural Centre.

18. Students in Mr. Simmonds and Mr. Wappel’s Grade 11 math class applied their understanding of 3D trigonometry problems in a simulation of their own version of civilian space travel. They launched rockets and then used their iPhones to calculate the angles of elevations from different perspectives.

Finally, they used these measurements to calculate the height of the rocket launches.

19. Faculty and students were excited to celebrate Halloween in person once again this year!

17. In support of Orange Shirt Day, CDS raised the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Legacy School flag once again to shine

THE LINK FALL / WINTER 2021-22

|

23

DRAMASPOTLIGHT

The Grade 7-9 cast and crew of Searching for Greta presented this original musical as a YouTube Premier on November 20, 2021.

LIVE THEATRE RETURNS TO CDS WITH ‘SEARCHING FOR GRETA’

T

his original musical composed by Mr. Zero, Mr. Garbe and CDS alumna Julia Garbe ’17 was full of zany characters just waiting to be brought to life for the very first time by an appreciative audience. True to its word, it was a fun-loving and memorable journey that challenged our cast, crew and audience members alike to consider the positive steps they can take to help tackle the climate crisis.

24

|

FALL / WINTER 2021-22 THE LINK

PLOT OVERVIEW Greta lives in the mining town of Sunnyside and LOVES it! The grass is always brown, the sky is always grey and glowing fish float on the surface of the lake where you can always see them. All is perfectly joyous until a shattering event occurs that challenges everything Greta believes and loves about her town and the world around her. With the help of an orphaned polar bear with a deep fear of open water, a sea turtle with a

dangerous attraction to plastic bling, and a koala with an anger management problem, Greta sets out on a quest to Stockholm, Sweden to recruit another famous Greta to help save her beloved town and the planet.

Watch the show on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/YBpvT_3az4g

New Hampshire, in order to tell us the story of every town, the whole world over.

Follow the Gibbs and Webb families, residents of Grover’s Corners, through three acts and 12 years of life changes — from the mundane, to the romantic, to the devastating. This “slice of life” drama immerses the audience into small town life and highlights the importance of community and connection.

WELCOME HOME: THE JUNIOR SCHOOL RETURNS TO THE STAGE STILL TO COME! JOIN US FOR ONE OR BOTH OF OUR UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS LATER THIS YEAR! OUR TOWN Performed by our Grade 10-12 students March 3-5 Thornton Wilder’s most frequently performed play appeared on Broadway in 1938 to wide acclaim and won the Pulitzer Prize. Set in the early 1900s, Our Town tells the story of a small town, Grover’s Corners,

Performed by our Grade 4-6 students April 21-23 This year’s production of Welcome Home: The Junior School Returns to the Stage will be a mash-up of our favourite songs from previous shows performed by our school in the past. Our clever directors, Ms. Baird, Ms. Paddags and Mrs. Romanowich, will be weaving the songs together into an original story of adventure, laughter and mayhem!

THE LINK FALL / WINTER 2021-22

|

25

FALL ATHLETICS 2021

Senior Boys’ Soccer D2

THE RETURN TO PLAY!

T

his September brought a refreshing return to quasi-normal when, as of the second week of school, our students donned their practice uniforms once again and headed out to the track, fields, pitch and courts to resume practice for their sport of choice.

“After 18 months, our fields and gyms are alive again with athletes running, jumping, competing, and learning,” says CDS

Athletic Director John Andersen. “The students and coaches have been rejuvenated.

The energy that has been flowing through our school has only been matched by the excitement of upcoming games!”

Pete Milonas, CDS’s Head of Health and Physical Education and Coach of the Senior Boys’ Soccer team, agrees wholeheartedly. “It’s been a rush of emotions. On the one hand, you feel lucky to just be out

U14 Boys’ Soccer D2

U16 Boys’ Volleyball D2

there on the pitch. Then you feel like you are making up for lost time while remaining mindful to savour every moment in case it’s taken away again. I didn’t realize how much I missed it.”

As for our students – their smiles spoke volumes. The combination of a return to regular exercise, camaraderie with one’s teammates, and gorgeous autumn weather boosted everyone’s spirits.

Senior Girls’ Soccer D1

U14 Boys’ Volleyball D2

26

|

FALL / WINTER 2021-22 THE LINK

Senior Girls’ Basketball D1

Senior Boys’ Volleyball D2

Hadley McHenry ‘23 Won Silver in Golf at OFSAA in October.

Senior Golf Team at OFSAA

Co-ed Senior Cross Country team

Co-Ed Junior Cross Country team

CDS CYCLONES GO ON TO COMPETE AT UNIVERSITY

Reese Falkenberg ’23 competed at her first OFSAA Cross Country Championships at Lakefield College in early November.

Shayan Heybati ’22 achieved a PB at the OFSAA Cross Country Championships.

1

2

3

4

Cole Sheppard ’24 (#35) achieved a PB at the OFSAA Cross Country Championships.

U14 Girls’ Soccer D1

1. Carly Magarelli ’21 signed with the University of Toronto to play Women’s Basketball for the Varsity Blues and pursue Engineering; 2. Sophie Hudson ’21 signed with Queen’s University to play ice hockey for the Gaels and pursue Engineering; 3. Nevis Hunt ’21 ran Cross Country for Mount Allison University this fall where he is pursuing a BComm and Commercial Aviation degree; 4. Mari Pietersen ’22 signed with Boston Unniversity to play D1 ice hockey for the BU Terriers and pursue Health Sciences.

THE LINK FALL / WINTER 2021-22

|

27

CLOSING DAY 2021

Hats off to our Grade 6, Grade 8 and Grade 12 Graduates!

EXCERPTS FROM THE JUNIOR SCHOOL GRADUATION

GATHERING IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF OUR LIVES

“T

his moment in time feels ever so different than it’s supposed to feel. We are in the midst of this pandemic that has caused such loss for so many families around the globe.

We too have experienced many losses in our own lives because our usual routines have been altered and interrupted. This is not the ceremony we hoped it would be. What is important is that we do gather to recognize this very important day. This

28

|

FALL / WINTER 2021-22 THE LINK

Grade 6 graduates returned to campus for an in-person goodbye before summer holidays and enjoyed campfires with their friends and teachers.

“

What our remote learning has taught all of us is that we can still be together, albeit apart.”

is a time of celebration as we share the accomplishments of the Junior and Middle Schools.

“Today is a milestone for our Grade 8s as they graduate from the Middle School and our Grade 6s as they graduate from the Junior School. What our remote learning has taught all of us is that we can still be together, albeit apart. Gathering is an essential part of our lives and we are so grateful that you have gathered with us virtually today.

“Congratulations Grade 6 graduates. Your teachers and I have enjoyed walking the path through the Junior School with you. Please know you will always have a fan club in the Junior School that will be cheering you on for years to come.”■ Ann Wildberger, Director of Junior School

EXCERPTS FROM THE MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADUATION

DISTANCING DOES NOT MEAN DISCONNECTION

“Y

our teachers and I very much enjoyed our two-year journey with you and we thank you for taking the opportunities presented to you by jumping in, taking risks, and being open to expanding your understanding of the world around you.

“

you have found ways to remain open minded, flexible and positive, in order to keep that sense of belonging going.

“Graduates, you have been tested this year in so many ways.

But one thing for certain is, we know you will emerge so much stronger.”

“During this journey together, undoubtedly your resolve has been tested. Despite this, you have worked so hard to keep a sense of connectedness, all while adapting to new technologies and new ways of learning. This past year has taught us how incredibly adaptable and resilient you truly are.

You have adjusted to circumstances that were unimaginable a year ago. You didn’t know about social distancing. You had never worn a face covering. You hadn’t needed to stay away from your friends. This is an experience we are going to reflect back on in the years to come. This year, you have shown at your core you deeply value the strength you gain from your relationships with your friends. Distancing does not mean disconnection. On the contrary, over the past year

Rob Waldron Director of Middle School

EXCERPTS FROM GRADE 8 VALEDICTORIAN SPEECH

“O

ver the past two years, we have developed incredible relationships with one another that will continue on in the Senior School. These relationships, the ones we built with teachers, friends and other

Grade 8 graduates took part in a drive-by diploma ceremony with their Homeroom teachers.

students, are definitely a highlight of Middle School. I enjoyed getting to know each of you and making strong friendships where we could rely and depend on one another. That is what is needed more than anything this year. Who knows—some of these relationships could last a lifetime.

“Many teachers have helped us through the journey of Middle School to prepare us for our high school years. Although it has been a very different and difficult year, I believe that these challenges have taught us important life skills such as resilience, independence, organization and time management. We learned so much from our time in Middle School that will help us succeed in our future. Even though not many of us know what we want to do when we are older, or where our life will take us, we

Although it has been a very different and difficult year, I believe that these challenges have taught us important life skills such as resilience, independence, organization and time management.” do know that many things, like the perseverance we learned in Middle School, will stay with us and be carried forward.”

Brianna Nichols Valedictorian, Middle School

THE LINK FALL / WINTER 2021-22

|

29

CLOSING DAY 2021

EXCERPTS FROM THE SENIOR SCHOOL GRADUATION

WOE AND JOY ARE INTERTWINED

“I

n his poem ‘Auguries of Innocence,’ the English Poet William Blake examines the idea that life has its sadness and its joys and they are interwoven.

He wrote: Joy and woe are woven fine, A clothing for the soul divine; Under every grief and pine Runs a joy with silken twine.

It is right it should be so; Man was made for joy and woe; And when this we rightly know, Safely through the world we go.

“Graduates, you have had a year that has had its woes and its grief. Grief that it hasn’t been the year it should have been with hanging out together in the Grad Lounge, proudly sporting your silver ties, trips, semi-formal, final tournaments, concerts and plays, Graduation Breakfast and prom, to name but a few. In this poem, Blake reminds us that this is

30

|

FALL / WINTER 2021-22 THE LINK

“

One of our wishes for you as Graduates is that you will be young people who “live life with balance and pursue your passions,” but I also hope that you will be able to find JOY in life.”

feeling of community. A sports team could never be too big, a lunch table that seated eight always had room for 15, and school trips often brought people together like a family.

Year after year, you’ve known exactly what the future will hold, down to what you’d be wearing every day, the subjects you’d be taking, the sports and clubs you’d be a part of and the people you would be doing all of that with. Here we find comfort because CDS is what we know, so right now take a final moment to enjoy it. Your next chapter in life will have you searching in a world that feels unfamiliar and a bit uncomfortable.

All jokes aside, our graduation celebrates the time in our life when we are finally ready to

CELIA BLAND

an inextricable part of life, that woe and joy are intertwined.

We cannot have one without the other.

Celia Bland Director of Senior School

EXCERPTS FROM GRADE 12 VALEDICTORIAN SPEECH

W

e are a group (88 strong) that has had a year like no other, a group that learned firsthand how unpredictable life can be—that no matter how confident you may be in your plan, tomorrow can take you in a completely different direction.

CDS has always valued the

“

The future will present itself with challenges.

They will surprise you and they will push you, but trust that you will find your way.”

STEPH TEMOVSKY

take on this big unknown, unfamiliar world and begin figuring out who we want to be in it. If that sounds scary, well it is ... but so was being the new kid, and you managed to handle it. So was going through this school year day by day, not knowing if we’d be online tomorrow, and once again you managed to handle it. The future will present itself with challenges. They will surprise you and they will push you, but trust that you will find your way.

Every morning you walked into school, and by the time 3:15 came around, whether you knew it or not, you walked out just a bit more grown up. Today is the day we look back and reflect on all that growth, realizing it was the small things that made up each and every day that contribute most to the person you are right now.

My final piece of advice is for you to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Do not fear them. Do not make them could have or should have dones. CDS has consistently taught us that instead of wondering who we are, we should ask ourselves, Who will we be? Then, we can make that person our inspiration for the person we will become. ■ Steph Temovsky Valedictorian, Senior School

RETIREMENTS 2021 masterpiece with us and know that your contributions to this school and the field of education will live long and well after your departure. You are like no other, you have stood the test of time, and you have impacted the landscape of the Junior School forever.

Ann Wildberger from her retirement tribute

JOANNE BELCH, 21 YEARS

The Master of Her Craft

M

s. Joanne Belch has been painting a masterpiece for 28 years. On the day of her retirement, she put her CDS paint pots, smock and brushes away because her masterpiece is complete. She has signed in the bottom right-hand corner and is now standing back reflecting on her work. The painting is titled “The Teacher” and the canvas is fi lled with years of memories, experiences, and images of the individuals she has touched and those who have touched her.

Joanne Belch is a one-of-a-kind original.

She has dedicated her career to the children she has taught. After seven years with the Toronto District School Board, Joanne arrived at CDS in Y2K, and she has cared for each and every child she had before her with kindness and devotion. In her crawl space at home, she has a shoebox for each academic year, fi lled with pictures and cards and little nuggets of the students who have shared classroom space with her. She plans to document and scrapbook these treasures, and undoubtedly the result will be a very valuable archive of the history of the Junior School. These children and this school have literally been Joanne’s life for 21 years.

She is the master of her craft and has set a beautiful example for all. Whether in JK, Grade 6 and anywhere in between, whether in the hockey rink, softball pitch or art room, she has been the educator who supports the academic, social and, most importantly, the emotional growth of a child, all the while providing exciting, innovative learning experiences.

The painting before her has children in the forefront, which is symbolic of how she has taught her career through. The parent community is tucked in behind the students. Faculty and staff are arranged throughout the painting to bring unity

SUZAN LYN, 19 YEARS

Whether in JK, Grade 6 and anywhere in between, whether in the hockey rink, softball pitch or art room, Ms. Belch has been the educator who supports the academic, social and, most importantly, the emotional growth of a child.

and balance to the composition. This artist has not put herself in the painting, which is typical of the person she is. This master has always been more focused on the work before her rather than on the accolades of her own talent and skills. But like all good paintings, the onlookers do marvel at the talent, and they do see the skills and are in awe of all the work.

Joanne, thank you for sharing your

Created a Home Away From Home for Our Youngest Learners

I

t will be very hard to imagine the kindergarten corner without the energy, passion and infectious laughter of Mrs. Suzan Lyn. Suzan has been teaching our youngest students at The Country Day School for nearly two decades. In that time, she has inspired her students to think big, work hard, and of course, be kind to one another.

Making children feel comfortable so that they can showcase all that they know has always been a goal for Suzan. She recognizes that every child has their own learning style, and she works with each student at their own pace in order to ensure success in their endeavours. Her kindergarten classroom is a safe place where children can make mistakes and learn from them.

And right beside them is Suzan, offering words of encouragement, a wink, a high five, or an ever-assuring pat on the back.

It would not be unusual to walk past Suzan’s classroom well past school hours and see her quietly working away. Her dedication to her students and program has been unwavering. She works until every detail for the next day has been accounted for and every activity has been planned and organized. For the children, each day is like (continued on page 32) THE LINK FALL / WINTER 2021-22

|

31

RETIREMENTS 2021

She understands the surprises of childhood and seamlessly adapts to the students in front of her on any given day at any given moment.

a new adventure, and they enter the school with a smile and a skip in their step. You never know what she might have up her sleeve! The first snow fall, a scraped knee, a fire drill, cupcakes or a tearful drop off can send the day’s plans in a different direction.

Knowing what the students need, when and how is one of Suzan’s greatest gifts. She is indeed meticulously organized but also incredibly flexible. She understands the surprises of childhood and seamlessly adapts to the students in front of her on any given day at any given moment.

32

|

FALL / WINTER 2021-22 THE LINK

Suzan has showcased her creative abilities through many avenues here at CDS. She has led several years of the Arts and Crafts Club and the Cooking Club, directed countless kindergarten musicals, and introduced CDS to the annual Senior Kindergarten Chinese New Year Dragon dance. This has been a magical event that has become a long-standing CDS tradition.

Both students and teachers love to see it performed year after year, and it is a lasting memory for many.

We wish her all the best in her retirement and look forward to hearing about all of the amazing trips and adventures we know she will get up to. Thank you, Suzan, for sharing your talents, hard work and incredible friendship with us all. You truly created a warm, loving home-away-from-home for our youngest learners here at CDS, and for this you should be very proud.

Christina Graves from her retirement tribute

LORI PELLA, 30 YEARS

An Inspiration to Teachers for Three Decades

T

he North Star is an anchor of the Northern sky while Mme Lori Pella is an anchor of the Junior School in the northern part of King. The North Star is a landmark that helps those who follow it determine direction, as it glows brightly to guide and lead toward a purposeful destination. Lori Pella has been a landmark at CDS for 30 years and has shone brightly in her quest to guide young language learners.

The North Star remains constant while other stars circle around it. So too has Lori Pella remained constant while many young stars have circled around learning from her exemplary standard.

Lori Pella has been an inspiration to teachers for three decades, for those who teach French and for those who do not. Her work ethic has not slowed down in her 30 years of service. And that is impressive.

Lori has upheld her subject area and has taught it with conviction, even when she came across some who did not yet understand the value of second language learning. She has been at the front of the parade promoting the importance of learning French. The energy she exudes for the AIM methodology has earned her a reputation in the French teaching galaxy, far beyond the CDS orbit.

Mme Pella has offered more extra help sessions than any teacher in Junior School history, always willing to give of her time to assist a student.

In the Junior School, Lori Pella has trained, supported and inspired many partners. She has been the constant beacon in the French department, and her myriad colleagues have much to be thankful for that they trained under the expertise of Madame Pella. She does her job flawlessly.

She motivates students and is interested in them. She has offered more extra help sessions than any teacher in Junior School history, always willing to give of her time to assist a student. She has a knack for communicating with parents honestly, openly and directly.

Outside of the classroom, Lori’s favourite extra-curricular offering has been Cooking Club with Suzan Lyn. When Lori and Suzan take on that club, you know all is good, and everyone is happy. For decades, Lori has supported our CDS Auction with enthusiasm, always prepared to work until the very last guests have left.

When Lori hands in her keys, closes the French cahier and walks toward retirement, we can be comforted when we gaze into the night sky and see the North Star glimmering. Our thoughts will drift to that Junior School anchor teacher who has been our very own North Star.

Lori Pella, we thank you for 30 years of service and we wish you a glorious, happy and healthy retirement.

Ann Wildberger from her retirement tribute

A smiling man among smiling children, a learner among the learners, a creator among creatives... and this beautiful polyphony rising up and up to its necessary, joyous crescendo.

SOAVE SIA IL VENTO

A smiling man among smiling children, a learner among the learners, a creator among creatives... and this beautiful polyphony rising up and up to its necessary, joyous crescendo.

SHELDON ROSE, 21 YEARS

The Sheldon Rose Variations SPEAK FRIEND AND ENTER...

You approach his office door with trepidation. It looks abandoned, tucked away in its forgotten hallway with an old, salvaged board covering the window for good measure. Does a troll live here? You recall an old line from Lord of the Rings. You knock,

regardless. It opens with an enigmatic smile and that familiar refrain: “And how are you doing?” You cross the threshold; you are at home.

CREATIVITY IS INTELLIGENCE HAVING FUN He’s bantering with the Grade 8s again.

What about? Oh, Legally Blond, robots, art, creativity, motorcycles, movies, video games, robots, pop music, love, robots, social media, space. Did I mention robots?

Of course we will insert him into a piece of music. How could we not? But which?

Rush? Stravinsky? Kraftwerk? Cage? Naw. Let’s opt for Mozart’s “Cosi Fan Tutte” because Sheldon knows that the CDS opera he has been helping to write for the last 21 years is, in the end, a comedy of desire, not a tragedy of remorse. There’s Sheldon, departing on the ship for foreign shores and we are the beloved left behind, bidding him farewell, singing soprano with all the beauty we can muster: May the wind be gentle, may the waves be calm, and may every one of the elements respond warmly to your desire

ALL ENDINGS ARE BEGINNINGS It’s over, finally! He’s sung his final didn’ts and danced his last dids. He said his goodbyes in the Sheldon way – quietly, with equanimity and kindness. He won’t miss this final goodbye, least of all this tribute – the introverted discomfort of it all – being forced into the spotlight without even the shelter of a piano.

For now, he’s retreated to the farm. The last rays shine weakly through the stained glass. He still looks wistful. Twenty-one years, after all, is a long run. He lumbers over to the keyboard and slumps down.

The metronome ticks its tock. Humming the fragment of a melody, instinctively, he begins to tap his foot. In time, his fingers begin their expert play and when he finally looks up, those smiling eyes are singing his future.

Dave Harvey, from his retirement tribute

THE LINK FALL / WINTER 2021-22

|

33

RETIREMENTS 2021

SUSAN SCOTT, 22 YEARS

Provided Wise Counsel Through Hardest Challenges

S

usan Scott is many things to many people. There are voices throughout this school and beyond that sing her praises, and the voices are truly singing the same song.

Susan began her career with the Limestone District School Board teaching core French, English, Physical Education and Keyboarding. Wess Garrod, one of Susan’s very first principals, said, “I consider Sue to be one of the best teachers and the finest persons with whom I have ever worked.”

Early in her career, Susan found her happy place in Student Services where she has thrived for more than 20 years.

Paul Duckett, our former Head of School who hired Susan in 1999 and appointed her Assistant Head of School in 2007, reflected that, “Susan is one of the finest individuals I know, and the commitment, dedication, and the good and caring counsel she provided, while serving the students, staff, families and administration of The Country Day School, has been immeasurable and has contributed significantly to the success of the school.”

After a decade of working with her, John Liggett says of Susan, “She quietly – but so incredibly and capably – supports those in need, both proactively and reactively. A friend, a confidant, a person who will challenge your assumptions without offending, someone you can go to with tough questions and who will help you find your own answers, Susan is all these things and so much more. So much more, that one wonders, just what we will all do without her? Thankfully, she has built us up such that we will persevere, having been so positively impacted by working alongside.”

Susan has played a critical role in the CDS Leadership Team. When former 34

|

FALL / WINTER 2021-22 THE LINK

“Sue is our central nervous system – that essential, delicate cord that connects and coordinates all the necessary constituent parts of CDS and without which, it ceases to function as a whole. “

colleagues and close friends, Warren Lang and Karen Sumner, think of Susan, “What comes to mind is that more than any other person we have known or worked with, she embodies the principles of servant leadership. She focuses on the growth and wellbeing of people and communities. She helps people develop and perform as their best selves.”

Celia Bland explains that, “Sue has been an incredible support and a fountain of knowledge. She is an out-of-the-box thinker

who can be relied upon to consider the other side of the equation and provide wise counsel through the hardest challenges.”

Dave Harvey shares that “Sue is our central nervous system – that essential, delicate cord that connects and coordinates all the necessary constituent parts of CDS and without which, it ceases to function as a whole. “ Tony Young believes, “Susan has influenced The Country Day School in incredible and long-lasting ways. She is the moral compass of the school. We should feel blessed that we have been led by someone who, in the end, only wants to get it right for the right reasons.”

Susan is indeed many things to many people, but the one thing she is to all people is a gentle, gracious guide, and for that gift, we will remain eternally grateful.

Ann Wildberger from her retirement tribute

CDS FACULTY AND STAFF RECOGNIZED FOR YEARS OF SERVICE IN JUNE 2021 30 Years of Service Mark Burleigh 25 Years of Service Scott Garbe Tracey Scott Shannon Street Leesa Witten 20 Years of Service Celia Bland Aimee Lee Patricia Redshaw Melanie Sheppard Denise Steadman Judy Zrnec 15 Years of Service Gisa Bevacqua-Tirone Oren Kats Chris Wappel 10 Years of Service Andrew Bartle John Liggett Freda White Monica Yeung

A LASTING LEGACY

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Program encourages students to take on new challenges

T

HE PASSING OF Prince Philip last spring prompted us to reflect upon CDS’s history with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program, which he founded in the UK in 1956 and launched in Canada in 1963.

CDS began offering this program in 1990, four years after the opening of our Senior School. Lesley Emerson ’94 was the first student to achieve Gold medal status and many others have attained Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards since.

As one of Canada’s most recognized youth development programs, the Duke of Edinburgh Award aims to encourage young people to take on new challenges, set goals and

Prince Philip presents Danielle Black ’00 with her Gold Award.

“take control of their lives and their futures.” Since its inception, the Award has involved more than one million students across 130 countries.

Within its three levels of Bronze, Silver and Gold, there are four main sections to complete: skill development, community service, physical recreation, and the undertaking of an adventurous journey.

Students aged 14-24 may sign up online at dukeofed.org. In CDS’s case, as a designated Group within the organization, Ms. Heather Castellan serves as the faculty facilitator and helps students ensure that they are meeting the requirements. Award participants then go about setting

Prince Edward presents Hart Jackson ’02 with his Gold Award.

their own goals and pace, making every journey unique.

In the beginning, the Duke of Edinburgh would often travel to Canada to present Gold Awards to Canadian students, including Jill Daley ’98 and Danielle Black ’00.

Later, presenters included Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, or the Governor General.

Julia Garbe ’17, now in her final year as an engineering student at the University of Waterloo, received her Gold Award from Prince Harry in 2018 and had this to say. “I would encourage anyone to give the Duke of Ed Awards a try. It is a marathon, not a sprint, and opens a lot of doors and builds habits that will change your life for the better.”

Some of our CDS parents have been participants in the Award program as well, including Val Logan who vividly recalls receiving her Gold Award from The Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace in 1979!

While the Award program is not a scholarship, it is a tremendous honour and badge of achievement for some accomplishments and endeavours a student may have attempted on their own, as well as others that would have taken them outside their comfort zone.

Students interested in becoming involved in the Duke of Ed Award program at CDS should contact Ms. Castellan for more information or visit: www.cds.on.ca/balance/ extracurricular-program.

Julia Garbe ’17 receives Gold Award from Prince Harry, September 2018.

Madison Kane ’05 receives Gold Award from Governor General of Canada, Adrienne Clarkson.

Zachary Schiller ’06 receives Gold Award from Prince Edward.

THE LINK FALL / WINTER 2021-22

|

35

COMMUNITY NEWS Nooran Abbas

joined CDS in January 2021 as an Associate Teacher in the Middle and Senior Schools.

She earned both her BSc (Hons) and B.Ed. Intermediate/Senior (Social Science and General Science) at York University. Ms. Abbas has taught Grade 4 for the A’takamul International School in Kuwait and was a supply teacher with YRDSB.

Cameron Baldassarra and his wife, Jamie, welcomed daughter Baye Osler on September 12. Mr. Baldassarra joined CDS in 2020 as a Grade 6 teacher.

Ellie (Seedhouse) Cawfield and

her husband, Andrew, had a baby girl Emma Pamela on June 3. Ms. Cawfield has taught Physical Education and Outdoor Education at CDS since 2015.

University. He brings teaching experience from the Tall Pines School in Brampton as an Upper Elementary and Junior School science teacher, Grades 6 to 8.

He also has experience teaching intermediate science (Grades 6 to 8) internationally at the Colegio Americano de Guatemala, Guatemala City for five years and at the American School of Kuwait, Kuwait City for three years.

Josh Collins

and his wife, Natalie, welcomed a baby boy, Caden Michael, on April 21, a younger brother to Austin and Harper.

Mr. Collins joined CDS in 2012 as a Physical & Health Education teacher.

Nick De Sanctis

has joined the Middle/Senior Schools in the Social Science Department.

He comes to us with 11 years of experience as the Canadian and World Studies Head at De La Salle College in Toronto. Mr. De Sanctis has a BA in history from the University of Arkansas Little-Rock and a B.Ed. from Western University. Mr. De Sanctis is passionate about athletics and the role it plays in a young person’s development.

RECENT APPOINTMENTS AND STAFF NEWS

joined CDS in 2012 and taught math and science in the Middle and Senior Schools before becoming a guidance counsellor in the Student Services Centre, where he now serves as Co-Head.

Catie Ferguson

has taken on the role of Director of Middle School (Interim) from her position of Head of Learning Support in the Student Services Centre. Ms. Ferguson first joined CDS in 2009.

Toronto OISE and has completed additional qualifications courses in the Intermediate Division (Dramatic Arts), Special Education and Reading Education. Mrs. Lauria-Parnis has taught for the past eight years in both public and independent education in the primary, junior and intermediate divisions.

Pamela Hollett

is our new Assistant to the General Store Manager, a role she volunteered in for two years prior. Mrs. Hollett holds a BA in Fine Arts/Design from The Corcoran College of Art & Design at The George Washington University and brings extensive experience in retail management, merchandising and design.

Kristy Marshall and husband Peter had a baby girl, Evelyn Lucy, on August 1, a little sister for Nora. Mrs. Marshall joined the Junior School faculty in 2015 and teaches Grade 3.

Alanna Houston

has taken on the role of Co-Head of the Student Services Centre, along with David Drake.

Ms. Houston has been a member of the Senior School faculty since 2014.

Melissa Mazurkewich married Brad Devries at a celebration in Oro-Medonte on July 2. Ms. Mazurkewich joined the Junior School faculty in 2014 and currently teaches Grade 1.

Sean Chambers

has joined the Middle/Senior Schools as an Associate Teacher. Mr. Chambers has a BSc from McMaster University and a B.Ed. from Nipissing

Alexandra Lauria-Parnis

Dave Drake and his wife, Kristin,

welcomed a baby girl, Avery Jane, on September 18. Mr. Drake 36

|

FALL / WINTER 2021-22 THE LINK

joined the Junior School in January 2021 as a Grade 4 teacher. She obtained her BA (Hons) and B.Ed. from Trent University. She holds an M.Ed. from the University of

Steve Miller has taken on the role of Head Groundskeeper.

He started at CDS in summer of 2017.

District Board. Ms. Sutcliffe has also spent several years at the Camp Wenonah Summer Camp in various roles, most recently as Assistant Director and Creative Director.

RECONNECTING WITH THE ALMASRI FAMILY CDS students, faculty and alumni will remember the Almasri family, King’s first family to arrive from Syria in 2015 and be supported by the King for Refugees organization.

On April 8th of 2016, CDS hosted a “Welcome Walk” in the Cyclone Dome where attendees walked for four hours in an effort to raise money for the association before listening to a heartfelt wish for peace on behalf of the Almasri family.

An exciting re-connection with CDS was made recently when our Digital Media Specialist, Zach Lawton, registered his three-year-old son Charlie at Humberland Montessori Academy. He quickly discovered, through a branded CDS sweater, that Mrs. Houda Almasri was his son’s teacher.

Now five years later, Houda shares that her family is doing well. Her eldest daughter Eaman spent time as a camp counsellor at the Academy last summer and is in her final year pursuing a degree in Medical Physics at Ryerson University.

Celia Bland, Director of the Senior School, remains close friends with the Almasri family, having made the initial contact when King for Refugees first approached her to see if CDS could help.

Jacqueline O’Rourke has

joined the Junior School as a French teacher. She graduated from Queen’s University in 2018 with a BA (Honours) in Global Development and a minor in French Studies. In 2019, she earned her B.Ed. with a specialization in Teaching Abroad.

Ms. O’Rourke spent two years teaching at the Canadian School of Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico as a Grade 2 teacher.

Danielle Papaeliou joined the

JK team in September. Danielle

has completed a year-long LTO and an additional year of occasional teaching for the YRDSB. She holds a Master of Professional Education in the field of Teaching Students with Exceptionalities from Western University and a B.Ed. with a speciality in advanced studies in Psychology of Achievement, Inclusion and Mental Health from Western.

Allie (Tzimas) Pozzebon mar-

ried Andrew Pozzebon on May 23 in Hamilton, Ontario. Mrs. Pozzebon has taught in both

Robert Waldron

the Senior and Middle School and has helped with the Senior School drama program since 2017.

Sara Purdy has moved into the Middle School as guidance counsellor, teacher and learning strategist. Ms. Purdy joined CDS in 2013.

Fiona Suddaby

joined the Junior School in January 2021 and is teaching Grade 4 this year.

She holds a BA (Hons) from Queen’s University and Master of Teaching from Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia. Mrs. Suddaby previously taught at De La Salle College in Toronto for 13 years and has coached a wide range of extra-curriculars.

Madeline Sutcliffe has

joined our Junior School as an Associate Teacher and holds a BASc degree from the University of Guelph and a B.Ed. from the University of Ottawa. She brings teaching experience from the Ottawa Virtual Northeast Campus and the First Avenue Public School, Ottawa-Carleton

took over the role of Director of Academics Junior School (Interim) from his position as Director of Middle School.

Andrew Watts

and his partner, Danielle Brassard, welcomed a son, Flynn Patrick Zion, on January 30, 2021. Mr. Watts has taught Physical and Health Education and Grade 10 Careers in the Senior School since 2017 and is a member of the Student Services Centre.

Jayne Wyvill Abubakar has

joined CDS as an Associate Teacher with the majority of her duties in the Senior School. Jayne comes to us with nearly 10 years of experience from a breadth of independent schools in Scotland and Nigeria as well as with the HPEDSB here in Ontario. Ms. Wyvill Abubakar has a BA in Criminal Justice and Public Policy from the University of Guelph and a graduate diploma in Teaching and Learning from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand.

THE LINK FALL / WINTER 2021-22

|

37

ALUMNI SNAPSHOTS

KEVIN CASPERSZ ’96

OPEN TO POSSIBILITY Because he believes life should always be interesting

K

evin Caspersz ’96 was an all-

rounder as a student at CDS. He played on the soccer, basketball and rugby teams. He participated in public speaking competitions and drama productions. He immersed himself in his academics and was his year’s Valedictorian.

At Queen’s University, Kevin started in Life Sciences and then switched to a psychology major, graduating with a mix of physical and social science courses, and also played rugby in his fourth year.

Initially considering a career in medicine after graduation, he decided to change paths and knew on his first day at the Ave Maria School of Law in Ann Arbor, Michigan that he was in the right place.

As a lawyer, Kevin continued to explore his varied interests. Called to the New York State Bar in 2005, he initially practised as a foreign legal consultant in Ontario before being called to the Ontario Bar in 2008.

He then gained experience in commercial, civil and class action litigation before joining an exclusively family law practice in 2013. He continues to practice solely in the area of family law with Shulman and Partners, whom he joined in 2020.

If there’s one theme that can be traced throughout all of Kevin’s experiences, it’s an openness to life and to possibility. An adventurous spirit. Student? Athlete?

Artist? Expert of the earth and of the mind? Seasoned legal advocate for wronged groups and individual family members? Yes to all. Because, Kevin believes, life should always be interesting.

“I didn’t think I would settle in family

38

|

FALL / WINTER 2021-22 THE LINK

“

“THE ACTIVITIES, THE SMALL CLASS SIZES, THE PASSIONATE TEACHERS—ALL OF THAT CREATED A DRIVE IN ME THAT I DIDN’T HAVE BEFORE,”

”

law,” he says. “But it’s an area that calls on a range of knowledge and skills. It involves everything that’s needed in litigation: research, discovery, strategy, advocacy, organization, confidence. It requires a broad expertise in areas like tax law, securities, child custody and even family violence. And doing your best work also depends on establishing good relationships, connecting to people authentically, understanding different points of view and navigating very charged emotional situations. There is a lot of complexity and challenge.”

Family law is where Kevin’s intellectual curiosity, language skills, background in math, science and psychology, and varied legal background come together in the service of his clients. As he always has, Kevin leans toward the expansive rather than the narrow. But while it suits his training and temperament, family law offers additional challenges.

“There is research that shows that mental health issues disproportionately affect family lawyers compared to other practices,” Kevin explains. “Depression, anxiety and addiction can come along with being involved in very stressful personal situations and often seeing people at their worst. I had a very hard first year in this area. But I have learned how to not take the cases home, not bear the weight of my clients’ lives. That’s a skill in itself and an important boundary to maintain.”

One of Kevin’s strategies for supporting his mental health is to maintain his

physical health – personal fitness is his main hobby. Of course, he also enjoys all of the time he spends with his wife Shereese, a teacher, and their three children. He also stays connected to sister Cerise (Caspersz) Manns ’00, who lives in Florida with her husband and two children.

L

ooking back on his journey toward this point in his life, Kevin gives lots of credit to his time at CDS. “The activities, the small class sizes, the passionate teachers – all of that created a drive in me that I didn’t have before,” he says. “I wasn’t really motivated. Then I turned into this kid who really enjoyed his classes and would go from play rehearsal to basketball practice and be at the school into the evenings. I wanted to do everything. Looking back, I feel I was blessed.”

Yet as one of the very few students of colour at the school at the time, Kevin acknowledges that he stood out for his Sri Lankan background in addition to his achievements and awards.

“I was visibly different. You just couldn’t call CDS diverse. But I was never harassed or excluded. I can see that the school has changed a lot, as has the rest of society.

What’s also changed is that all the ‘geeky’ interests I had in high school, like being into science fiction and comic books, have also gone mainstream. It’s all good – greater diversity is good, wider acceptance of niche interests is good. My kids are growing up in a different world.”

Kevin hopes that current students are seeing and taking advantage of everything CDS has to offer: “School – and life – will never be like that again.”

He also advises adopting an open and receptive approach to life, developing new interests and changing course as required when it comes to finding the right path: “I thought I was going to end up in one place and landed somewhere else. But everything I learned along the way continues to inform and support me now.” ■

CERISE (CASPERSZ) MANNS ’00

FASHIONING A DIFFERENT LIFE Pursuing fashion design and team management

“I

stood out at CDS for a few reasons, one of which was that I didn’t want a traditional career,” says Cerise (Caspersz) Manns ’00. “I wanted a creative career. I didn’t know anyone else with my aspiration. But all my teachers supported me and helped me reach my dream – especially Noeline Burke, who was my art teacher.”

Cerise always knew she wanted to go into fashion design. In high school, she preferred English, fi lm, art and Spanish classes. She also loved band and choir and was the first Arts Coordinator on Student Council. And, like her brother Kevin Caspersz ’96, she pursued athletics, rounding out her education as a member of the track team. Also like Kevin, she was selected as Valedictorian by her peers. (continued on page 40) THE LINK FALL / WINTER 2021-22

|

39

ALUMNI SNAPSHOTS

(continued from page 39) “In some ways, I followed in Kevin’s footsteps,” says Cerise. “Our parents deliberately chose a school where we could explore a lot of interests. Kevin and I both used the opportunities available to develop as people and build our confidence. It was a great environment for exploring identity.”

L

ike her brother, Cerise also stood out at CDS as a student of colour. She never felt overlooked or mistreated for being different and enjoyed her large group of friends. At the same time, she had what she calls an identity crisis in high school.

“We were a Sri Lankan family living in Oak Ridges, and nobody around us looked like us,” says Cerise. “I remember complaining to my mom about my hair – it wasn’t like anyone else’s hair. I even threatened to cut it all off! There are some growing pains when you’re not exposed to diversity. CDS was a bubble that way. The community reflected its geographic area, and there just weren’t a lot of families like mine.”

When she arrived on campus at Ryerson University to study fashion design, Cerise experienced culture shock.

“It was so multicultural!” she recalls.

“Suddenly, I didn’t stand out and my hair wasn’t different from everyone else. That was a revelation. Also, I didn’t wear a uniform! What a change. As a fashion major, I could express myself through clothing, which was wonderful and also a little daunting at times.”

Cerise loved living above a little antique shop in Toronto while earning her degree.

Shortly after graduation, she landed work as a technical designer, using computer software to create sketches for garments for

40

|

FALL / WINTER 2021-22 THE LINK

“

OUR PARENTS DELIBERATELY CHOSE A SCHOOL WHERE WE COULD EXPLORE A LOT OF INTERESTS. KEVIN AND I BOTH USED THE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO DEVELOP AS PEOPLE AND BUILD OUR CONFIDENCE. IT WAS A GREAT ENVIRONMENT FOR EXPLORING IDENTITY.

she enjoys tasks like locating manufacturing partners, negotiating terms, facilitating communication with factories, and directing her team.

“It was a change for me to work at this level, but I have learned how much I like the strategic, communication and mentoring side of things,” says Cerise. “My formal education is in fashion design and then, through my work, I’ve also received an education in business. Along the way, I’ve had to be very flexible and open to opportunities, which is why I’ve moved so many times. As a creative, you have to follow the work in this volatile industry.”

N ”

their manufacture. She rose at 4:30 am to commute to Mississauga by bus, drew garments all day, then commuted home.

Cerise calls this her “paying my dues job.”

It was also invaluable for learning how technical the fashion industry is, as she had previously only drawn by hand.

In the time stretching from her humble beginnings in Mississauga until today, Cerise has held various design positions in the fashion field in Toronto, Montreal, Dallas, Los Angeles, Charlotte, North Carolina and Largo, Florida, which is near Clearwater. As she packed her bags and moved with each position, her role and responsibilities also changed. Today, Cerise is Creative Manager at Cousin Corporation, which specializes in jewellery and fashion accessories.

Working less in design and more in the management side of fashion these days, Cerise has been surprised by how much

ow settled near Tampa with husband Derek and their two daughters, Cerise’s greatest challenge in the past year has been navigating the pandemic at a distance from the rest of her family.

Her parents have come to visit, but she has not been to Canada and has not seen Kevin and his family for two years.

Cerise misses Canada but not the weather – California ranks as her favourite place to live, with sunny Florida a close second. But when Derek wraps up his PhD program at University of Central Florida, he will be on the market for an academic position. The family may end up moving again.

For now, Cerise is loving her work and family life and remains appreciative of the role CDS played in building her skills and self-confidence.

“The school was a phenomenal place for personal growth,” she says. “It was a small and secluded world, but it set me up for a larger life on a bigger stage. When your teachers support you and your friends care about you, life is full of possibility.” ■

CONNECTIONS

ALUMNI NEWS AND UPDATES

ALUMNI ON STAFF

I

n recent years, more and more CDS alumni are looking to return to join the team as faculty and staff. Now in our 50th year, we have eight alumni on staff, including five teachers.

Pictured here are Tabitha (Chan) Ma ’12, Communications Coordinator and Webmaster in the Community Relations Office; Joshua Simmonds ’09, Senior School Business and Mathematics teacher; Alanna Houston ’07, Co-Head of the Student Services Centre;

Andrew Bartle ’04, Junior School Outdoor Education Coordinator; Deirdre Tait ’83 (graduated from Grade 8 before CDS opened its Senior School in 1986), Junior School Resource teacher; Liz Duckett ’98, Admission and Post-Secondary Counselling Office; and Kerrigan Brown ’12, Junior School Physical Education teacher. Not pictured is Megan Lavis ’13, who works part-time in the Performing Arts Centre

as a Technical Assistant while completing her B.Ed. at York University.

ALUMNI COMPETE IN VIRTUAL CHESS TOURNAMENT

L

ast June 15, recent graduates participated in the first-ever CDS alumni virtual chess tournament.

It was a great way to reconnect after many months of quarantine during which many of us honed our chess skills.

The idea to launch a Middle/ Senior School Chess Club during the second lockdown last January was the brainchild of Senior School math teacher Mr. Jason Jugoon. The club was such an instant success that early on Mr. Jugoon was

approached by other schools to organize inter-school virtual tournaments. He then decided to host an alumni tournament last June.

The rapid-format tournament was divided into two rounds – a round-robin phase, followed by a knock-out phase. Each participant played three 10-minute games in the first round, with the top eight players then advancing to the quarterfinals.

Congratulations to Brahms Krever ’20 (first), Jack MacDonald ’20 (second) and Billy ’20 and George Tsiolis ’20 (tied for third) – all players from the Class of 2020!

REUNION 2022!

25th Reunion for Class of 1997 – June 9th 10th Reunion for Class of 2012 – June 10th Mr. Chris Edwards, our Alumni Faculty Liaison, will be reaching out to confirm your contact details. If you haven’t already, please update them at alumni@cds.on.ca More details to follow this spring!

THE LINK FALL / WINTER 2021-22

|

41

ALUMNI NOTES

2019 and Bronwyn’s grandparents June and Cliff Labbett directed the camp from 1949 to 1981. Bronwyn and Ted live in Toronto with their two children, Sebastian and Eliza. The kids love being “camp kids” as they have frequent opportunities to go canoeing, horseback riding and sailing!

Kayla Ross ’09 wrote: “When the pandemic hit, as with many businesses, we figured things would slow down for quite some time. I decided it was a great opportunity to take a leave of absence from Deloitte Consulting, where I am a Senior Consultant focused on Strategy and Operations, and return to student life to complete my MBA. This was something I’ve wanted to do since Grade 12, sitting in Chris White’s office at CDS and discussing my university plans. I completed the Richard Ivey MBA in a mixed delivery model (some in person, some remote on Zoom). Even though it is a much richer experience being in person with classmates and friends, I will say my learning never suffered just because it was delivered online. I was also reminded that university student life is much easier than working professional life! During my MBA, I took a wide range of classes, from Corporate Strategy to Negotiations, Responsible Governance and Corporate Financial Reporting. Now, I have returned to Deloitte and look forward to applying what I learned to the real world!”

09

at Queen’s University, so it’s exciting for him to finally be getting involved within their fleet as a professional.

Bronwyn (Wilson) Gorsline ’05 and her husband Ted Gorsline are the Directors of Camp Oconto. Founded in 1924, Camp Oconto is a traditional girls overnight camp for ages 4-16 and located on the beautiful shores of Eagle Lake north of Kingston, ON. More than 18 activities are offered on 80 acres of land and 2 km of shoreline. Bronwyn and Ted are proud to be third generation Oconto Directors after Bronwyn’s parents Lisa and Bruce Wilson directed the camp from 1981 to

05

Jeff Clarke ’97 has been living in Vancouver for more than 20 years and has been employed for the past 15 as a Captain on the CRJ900 for Jazz, which flies for Air Canada’s Express brand and holds UN contracts in parts of Africa and South East Asia. He is also a professional Yacht Captain and Engineer, which keeps him busy sailing on the waters of the Pacific Northwest, Caribbean and Atlantic when not flying.

Recently, his yachting qualifications and experience over the last 25 years caught the attention of The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. As a result, Jeff will be joining their direct-action campaigns to defend marine wildlife on the high seas. He has actually been following Sea Shepherd closely since his days at CDS and in the Environmental Science program

97

42

|

FALL / WINTER 2021-22 THE LINK

Joey (Ho) Ling ’10 and her husband Justin had a son in July 2020 named Jace Ling and are residing in Markham.

10

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

Adriana is at the far right of the front row.

ADRIANA LEON ’10 CDS’s Third Olympian and First to Win Gold!

It was the Canadian women who featured most prominently on the podium at the 2021 Summer Olympics, including CDS’s very own Adriana Leon, a key competitor on the women’s gold medal winning soccer team. After back-toback bronze medal finishes in London and Rio, the Canadian women’s soccer team defeated number-one ranked USA in the semi-finals to advance to the finals against Sweden. The final was a nail-biter and decided in penalty kicks after 30 minutes of extra time left the game tied 1-1.

A regular member of the Canadian women’s national soccer team, Adriana has represented Canada 76 times, including the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada. The West Ham United striker tallied 20 goals for Canada, including an important goal in Tokyo. The other two CDS Olympians are figure skaters, Elvis Stojko ’91 and Alexandra Paul ’09.

Justen Favaro ’11 and Sabrina Iuglio ’11 were married three years ago and had their first child, a daughter named Samara Isabel, in July 2020. Sabrina works for Halton Region as a Staff Development Coordinator and Justen has been working for Scientists in School (SiS) as a presenter teaching Grades 3 and 8 science workshops.

He hopes to continue working for SiS when hired as a HAZMAT specialty firefighter, hopefully in the coming months.

The couple bought a house in Mississauga this past summer and enjoy staying in close contact with Nicole Pinto ’11 and Jonathan LaRoseMyers ’11, as well as other CDS friends from their class.

11

Anthony Kwan ’11 has graduated from the University of Toronto with Masters of Applied Science degree in Computer Engineering and has been working as a Technical Solutions

BARCLAY GOODROW ’11 Wins Back-to-Back Stanley Cups with Tampa The Country Day School has had four alumni go on to play in the NHL, including Mike Cammalleri ’99, Victor Mete ’16 and Jake Chychrun ’16. But it wasn’t until last summer that a CDS alumnus hoisted the Stanley Cup. Barclay Goodrow became the first to do so after he helped the Tampa Bay Lightning defeat the Dallas Stars in the NHL’s Stanley Cup finals last fall.

Not a team to rest on its laurels, Barclay and his Tampa teammates marked their place in NHL history on July 5 when they beat the Montreal Canadiens in Game 5 of their best of seven series, becoming one of only nine teams to capture consecutive championships. The last team Hilary ’08, Barclay, Janice and John Goodrow to win back-to-back championships was the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017.

Less than two weeks after his second Stanley Cup win, Barclay signed a six-year contract with the New York Rangers who credited him for helping Tampa Bay over the playoff hump and to consecutive wins.

In August 2021, Barclay brought the Lord Stanley’s Cup to his hometown of Aurora to celebrate with friends and family.

Consultant for Google in Mountain View, CA for more than a year. He is still a passionate hurdler, the sport he started pursuing while at CDS.

and graduated in 2019. Emma was backpacking in South America when the pandemic began but returned home in April 2020 and has been working as a Registered Nurse in Muskoka ever since. She still plays pick-up volleyball whenever she can and is in the process of starting volunteer firefighting.

Julia Brown ’13 and Steven Locilento ’13 were married on September 18, 2021, at the Brown’s family home in King City surrounded by friends and family. They met in Middle School at CDS and have joined forces in the food and drink business. We wish them well!

13 JP Saxe ’11 had been tied for the most JUNO nominations with notable artists like Justin Bieber and Jessie Reyez, and then the Grammy Award-nominated and now JUNO Award-winning singer-songwriter took home “Breakthrough Artist of the Year” in June!

Emma French ’12 graduated from Queen’s University with a Biology degree and a minor in Art History in 2016 and then took a year off to travel. She then returned to Queen’s to pursue the AST Nursing program

12

THE LINK FALL / WINTER 2021-22

|

43

ALUMNI NOTES

McKinley Hunt playing for the Exeter Chiefs Women vs Sale Sharks Women.

Nicole Pinto ’11

Pursuing Career and Adventure out West Nicole Pinto ’11 is a Research Associate at the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy working on COVID-19 health policy research since May 2020. Nicole writes that her team was successful in securing a federal government grant and a WHO grant to fund their research. Their work has covered a variety of activities, such as working with Alberta’s largest hospital to convert a post-surgical suite to a COVID-patient ward; running virtual simulations with primary care clinics to review infection prevention protocols; and developing a tool for family doctors to help them talk with patients about getting the COVID-19 vaccines.

Nicole completed her master’s in Public Health at the University of Guelph in spring 2019 and went on to work for an NGO for older adult health in Toronto.

Her work took her to the UN Headquarters in New York before pivoting to this position at the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy to focus on the pandemic.

Outside of her exciting work that she feels so privileged to be a part of, Nicole has been adjusting to life out west and is spending lots of time exploring and adventuring in the Rockies!.

Lukas Weese ’14 is working as a freelance Associate Editor at Sportsnet and is “thrilled to be reporting alongside a talented team of writers, editors and staff at SN who produce compelling sports content every day.”

Among other exciting interviews, he recently

14

caught up with Barclay Goodrow ’11 about his back-to-back Stanley Cup wins with Tampa Bay and thoughts about his recent move to play for the New York Rangers. Lukas also writes a weekly article for the Toronto Star, covering the Ontario Hockey League.

McKinley Hunt ’15 moved to Exeter, UK in fall 2020 to play professional rugby with the Exeter Chiefs and is really enjoying the experience of playing overseas. She finished the 2020-2021 season as the team’s leading try scorer and was named to the league’s team of the year.

McKinley continues to train with the national team in preparation for the Women’s Rugby World Cup being held in October 2022 in New Zealand. Away from the pitch, she has her sights set on graduating from Queen’s University in March 2022 with a Master of Education degree with a focus on Innovative Curriculum and Classroom Assessment.

Zach Kalk ’15 graduated with a BA in Economics from Dartmouth College in 2020 where he played NCAA D1 Soccer all four years.

He has now taken to entrepreneurship and recently started a company with CDS classmate Daniel Benbassat ’15. Launching in spring 2022, Phoenix Water is an electrolyte enriched alkaline water packaged in aluminum cans, the worlds number one most sustainable beverage packaging. For every can sold, 10 cents will be put towards clean water access philanthropy in an effort to combat water insecurity, which affects 844 million people all around the world.

According to Zach, the best part is it’s Canadian based and Canadian made!

15

44

|

FALL / WINTER 2021-22 THE LINK

Joey Stipec ’15 and Tara Stipec ’14 Joey graduated from Queen’s University with a degree in Commerce in 2019. Living in Manhattan, he is working as an Account

Michel Haché ’14

Credits Success to his Father’s Inspiration

Executive for the New York Islanders as they open UBS Arena at Belmont Park this fall. His sister, Tara, recently graduated from UBC’s Bachelor of Education program and is currently working for the Vancouver School Board as a Grade 2/3 French immersion teacher.

Sabrina Tarzia ’15 graduated from McMaster University with a four-year Honours Bachelor of Arts. Upon completion of her first year, she applied and was accepted to a three-year program called Justice, Political Philosophy and Law (JPPL). She also decided to concurrently advance her French studies by minoring in French Language. In 2019, Sabrina graduated with both an Honours Bachelor Degree in Justice, Political Philosophy and Law and a Minor Degree in French Language Studies.

After some well-earned time off, last year she accepted an offer from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to begin a career as a Policy Analyst, and she currently holds the title of Junior Program Officer for the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) Project. “This career path has provided me the opportunity to use the knowledge I obtained at McMaster as well as my French language skills in translating and editing government policy documents. I look forward to continuing to use the education I received at both CDS and McMaster University in my longterm career development.”

Megan Davies ’17 graduated from St. Francis Xavier University last spring with a degree in Human Nutrition and was one of nine students to receive an Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA) grant for a summer project supervised by Dr. Marcia

Michel Haché ’14 got his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from Queen’s University in 2018 and was recently awarded a Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (VCGS) for his ongoing PhD work in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Toronto.

According to U of T’s Engineering News, a VCGS recognizes PhD candidates at Canadian universities who demonstrate excellence in academics, research impact and leadership and comes with $150,000 in funding to support research addressing a diverse range of challenges.

“Michel’s research focuses on designing new bulk nanomaterials that could be used in a wide range of structural applications, from aircraft components to buildings. While strength and performance are key targets, he will be focusing on a particular property that has proved to be the ‘Achilles Heel’ of such materials: resilience at high temperatures.

“Under the joint supervision of Professors Yu Zou and Uwe Erb (both MSE), Michel will combine established technology, such as electrodeposition, with emerging strategies, such as the high-entropy alloy design paradigm. He hopes that his work over the next few years will address this long-standing problem in materials engineering and lead to new materials for safer, better and more resilient works of engineering.

“Michel credits his success to the inspiration provided by his father, who initially proposed that he pursue engineering, and is grateful to family and friends for their support.

“The Vanier Scholarship gives me the freedom to pursue the research that interests me without the worry of any fi nancial burdens,” says Michel. “The visibility and recognition of such a prestigious award also opens opportunities to collaborate with world-leading international research centres.”

17

Megan, right, working on her lobster behaviour research project featured on the Maclean’s magazine website under the St. FX page.

English. The objective of her research was to modify the flavour profiles of Nova Scotia bean flours using lactic acid fermentation to remove the presence of off-flavours and anti-nutritional factors. “The hope with completing this research is to ultimately increase the amount of locally-sourced and sustainable food products in the marketplace,” says Megan.

Jose Torrealba ’17 is currently in his final year at Western’s Richard Ivey School of Business and enrolled in a five-year dual degree program. Last summer, he completed an internship in New York City at Goldman Sachs, working in their Corporate Treasury Department as a Software Engineer. Starting in January, he plans to spend his final semester of school studying abroad at the ESSEC Business School in France.

Last spring, Jose spoke to Ms. Shannon Street’s Grade 6 class about financial literacy via Google Meet. They learned about the importance of thinking through purchases and the different ways to buy items. Jose spoke to them about the impact of using credit cards instead of their own money to make purchases and about the value of setting financial goals and spending wisely. The students found the presentation and discussion fascinating and had a lot of questions as they thought about the impact of money in their lives.

THE LINK FALL / WINTER 2021-22

|

45

ALUMNI NOTES

Julia Garbe at Apple’s global headquarters in Cupertino, CA.

Eric Pinto ’15

Learning to Embrace the Uncertainty “I graduated from engineering just as the pandemic was coming to a head and everyone’s lives were cast into uncertainty. Queen’s University shut down all on-campus affairs two days before our iron ring ceremony, and our graduation got put on hold soon thereafter.

“At that time, I had just been accepted into the Master’s program I had been working towards for over a year, a Management degree at ESCP Business School in Paris which would have given me the opportunity to study in four different countries and learn a new language. The uncertainty of the pandemic (especially in France) caused me to reconsider, and I decided to put my enrollment on hold indefinitely.

“With no obvious direction, I pointed my wheels towards the workforce. Having had a less than ideal internship experience, I decided not to apply to any engineering fi rms despite my degree. At the time, the job market was struggling, with many businesses choosing to take a conservative stance and weather the storm. I applied to a lot of jobs without so much as a rejection email back. Eventually, I got a call from a boutique consulting fi rm in Toronto called Reveal Group that specializes in Intelligent Automation solutions for enterprises. Five rounds of interviews and a week-long course later, they asked me if I wanted to join the team. I started working with them in January 2021.

“Reveal Group occupies a niche but rapidly expanding space in the management consulting industry which helps businesses optimize their operations by leveraging automation technologies. I was brought on as a consultant, which means that I engage with clients face-to-face (er, screen-to-screen) and help them evaluate the health of their business operations. If we fi nd that something isn’t working the way it should, we probe to fi nd the root cause and determine if a technology solution could help alleviate the pain point.

“For a small company like Reveal Group, it’s imperative to cultivate a strong company culture so that everyone moves forward collaboratively and as a cohesive group. Regardless of whether my colleagues are based in Melbourne, New York, Florida, or Toronto, I can count on their experience and knowledge to help me on a project. I feel incredibly fortunate to be in the position I’m in and to be making connections with people all around the globe. All this in a year where I expected to travel less, meet fewer people, and feel more isolated than ever before.

“I have no idea what new challenges next year will bring, but I’ve learned to embrace the uncertainty.”

Julia Garbe ’17 interned at Apple for eight months as an Engineering Program Manager in hardware technology development. Her office was located in Sunnyvale, California, but due to the pandemic, she had to work from home.

When travel restrictions loosened near the end of her internship, Julia was able to fly out to spend the very last day of work in the office, meet her team, and tour Apple Park and Infinite Loop, Apple’s global headquarters in Cupertino. She also had a chance to visit the beautiful redwood forests and Pacific Coast.

Julia loved her experience working at Apple and is excited to be moving to California next summer as she has accepted a full-time offer to return to the same position following her graduation from Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo next spring!

While she was working from home, Julia found time to learn how to play bass and drums and also help CDS drama teacher Mr. Garbe (her dad!) and CDS music teacher Mr. Zero write a musical called Searching for Greta about a young girl on a quest to save her hometown and the planet from the catastrophe of climate change.

Claire Gallagher ’18 was named Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ) first team Allstar this year and helped capture a silver medal for the University of

18

There to support Claire from the sidelines were (l-r) Will Guy ’18, her brother Liam ’18, Ms. Leacock, and Brynlyn Rowntree ’19!

46

|

FALL / WINTER 2021-22 THE LINK

Russell Morden ’19 and Aly Weiss ’19

Making the Most of a Semester Off

Ottawa Gee-Gees at the National Women’s Rugby Championships held at Queen’s University in November.

Kiyan Heybati ’18 received an offer with a scholarship from the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine last February and subsequently graduated with a three-year degree in Health Sciences from McMaster University. He is currently one of four students in the first-year class of the 2+2 Minnesota/Florida MD program.

Colleen Glynn ’19 has a collection of landscape paintings, including many barns and scenes from around King, on display at the Butter Gallery at 126 Hurontario Street in Collingwood. Check out her collection here: https://buttergallery.ca As an artist, she is “inspired by what can often be overlooked and by subjects that remind people of home.” Colleen is in her third year in the Honours Arts and Business program at the University of Waterloo.

19

Teagan Grant ’19 is in her third year playing D1 hockey for the University of Wisconsin.

Last spring, she was recognized for helping to capture the NCAA Championship against top seed Northeastern University. Their 2-1 victory ties the Wisconsin Badgers’ Women’s team with the University of Minnesota for the most NCAA crowns!

Kira Gupta-Baltazar ’20 topped the podium in her NCAA National Triathlon Championships debut, defeating fellow Canadian and twotime event champion Hannah Henry.

“Kira has done the work for the last four years to go from total novice on a bike and a recreational runner to a world-class collegiate triathlete with great

Russell Morden ’19 and Aly Weiss ’19 are in their third year at Carleton University, pursuing Business and Journalism respectively. Aly submitted this story about what they’ve been up to: “In July 2021, we were offered a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to travel across Western Canada and promote a brand new micro-mobility car, called the Sarit, made by Stronach International. This trip would entail driving across Western Canada for a month to visit Canadian universities. Mr. Stronach not only wanted us to promote the car but also to announce the start of an exciting new scholarship program.

The scholarship contest would require university students to submit an essay explaining how they would improve both economic and environmental concerns if they had the opportunity to do so. There were to be two national winners as well as two additional winners in each province. The only rules were that each student entering the competition had to be enrolled in a Canadian university. The prizes included a Sarit car, cash and internship opportunities to work for Stronach International. This was an opportunity that we could not turn down, though we would have had to take off a semester from school.

“As we were gearing up to drive across Canada, COVID numbers were getting worse in Western Canada, especially Alberta. Universities grew hesitant with the reality of an in-person event, as COVID cases increased. Stronach International arranged for us to show off the Sarit at the mayor’s golf tournament in Stouffville, while they tried to figure out the COVID situation and what that would mean for us and the Western Canada tour.

Unfortunately, Stronach International decided it was too risky to send us. The company gave us tasks around the office and small jobs to try to occupy our time. In November, we decided to make the most of our semester off and travel to Italy for a month. Although this was not the semester that we thought it would be, we enjoyed our trip to Italy immensely!”

Olympic aspirations,” said Barrie Shepley, her coach at the C3 Canadian Cross Training Club in Caledon.

20

to be a mechanic on the AMG Race team, DXDT Racing.

Despite the change of countries and positions, Carly still keeps close ties with Pfaff Racing, as it is the only Canadian team competing on the IMSA Racing Series, one of the largest sports car series in the world. She is now focusing on her career as a mechanic, but her ultimate dream is still getting behind the wheel and racing cars. We wish her luck!

IN OUR MEMORIES …

Carly Panneton ’20 has been busy pursuing a career in Motorsport! She had been karting prior to advancing to the Canadian Touring Car Championship and Nissan Micra Cup, which took her all over Canada and the United States.

She raced for multiple Canadian teams in those series including Pfaff Motorsports based out of Vaughan. Since those series, Carly has switched gears and moved to Mooresville, North Carolina

Ashley Black ’01 passed away on February 17, 2021. Her siblings Kristine ’05 and Danielle ’00 also attended CDS. Linden Gray passed away on December 7, 2021. She worked at CDS as Director of Academics in the Junior School from 2001-08, before taking on the role of Head of Prep at The Halifax Grammar School for 10 years.

THE LINK FALL / WINTER 2021-22

|

47

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF

OUR CLASS OF 2021 Dylan Andersen Tegan Asprey Rachel Azrilyant Nadine Barone Anne-Marie Bassi Avery Benlolo Ella Bisset-Cavallin Alex Bobechko Vanessa Borrelli Mitchell Brat Liam Bray Michelle Cai Erica Campagna Oliver Carlton Vanessa Caruso

Emily Chang Christina Chkarboul Esha Chopra Ava Christensen Madison Cooper Ryan Corbeil Mason Dalakis Abbie Davies Zaki Dawoodally Kate Durkin Gracie Duthie Suzie Fang Chiara Fiorini Liliana Garber Michael Gesualdo

88 GRADS

Victoria Guido Zaina Haile Katya Harbauer Blake Helkie Denny Hu Sophie Hudson Nevis Hunt Maya Islam Katrina JeejeebhoySwalwell Sophia Joffe Ainsley Johnston Abi Jull Lauren Kamphuys Ayanna Kara

88%

ONTARIO SCHOLARS

POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTION DESTINATIONS Acadia University Brigham Young University Carleton University Concordia University Dalhousie University

Fanshawe College Florida Gulf Coast University Huron University College at Western McGill University

McMaster University Mount Allison University OCAD University Queen’s University Queen’s University Belfast

2021 Owen Kenney Hayden Lang Cassandra Lentini Steven Li Aiden Liggett Breanna Lin Paula Litwin-Logan Kevin Liu Sascha Loew Amanda Lowry Sophia Lupke Carly Magarelli Scott McCann Chloe McKay Liam McPhillips

16 ‘LIFERS’

Sheridan College St. Francis Xavier University Trent University University of British Columbia

Bianca Miceli Rachel Millar Cooper Mull Ashley Munro Renee Nedeltchev Arjan Nijjar Maeve O’Neill Rosie O’Neill Brianna Orzechowski Ryan Penko Maya Pietrobon Christian Polygenis Sarah Rudin Kennedy Ryan Eden Saley

Our 88 graduating students demonstrated immense grit and resilience during their final year of high school and received offers of admission to programs at diverse post-secondary institutions across Canada and around the world.

Well done, Class of 2021! We could not be prouder of you and wish you all the best!

Lily Scheinberg-Becker Kate Shepherd Kai Sillcox Seth Stollery Sarah Sutherland-Pace Connor Sykes Luke Szabo Peyton Tallman Stephanie Temovsky Simona Tiberio-Leung Damiano Trichilo Maia Wertheim Johnathan Xu Vivien Zhang

100% RESILIENCY

University of California San Diego University of Guelph University of Ottawa University of Southern California

University of Toronto University of Waterloo University of York (U.K.) Western University Wilfrid Laurier University York University

THE LINK FALL / WINTER 2021-22

|

49