As we look back on the last year, it is clear that the economic difficulties impacted most of us in one way or another and independent schools were not exempt from the hardships. A number of schools in Ontario experienced lower enrollment, less revenue from their endowment funds, while some schools had to delay their capital projects. Using a mountaineering metaphor, Bayview Glen was no different than other schools, we had to go back to base camp and take an inventory of our resources, revisit our goals and confirm the priorities before going back up the mountain. What became clear in the process is that Bayview Glen is committed to building a leading sustainable infrastructure that will allow us to meet the goals and priorities that are outlined in the current strategic plan.

As is often the case, timing is everything, but I also believe that in terms of uncertainty, status quo is not an option. We cannot sit idly by, waiting for better days. To remain competitive in this rapidly changing educational environment, we must provide our students with enhanced facilities and opportunities. We are working to build a better school and we are taking important bold steps to move Bayview Glen forward. We are committed to staying focused on the work before us.

Bayview Glen is embarking on an ambitious capital plan that will include a new Prep School, renovations to the Upper School, as well as a new Athletic Complex. Achieving these goals will permit us to reunite the Preschool with the Lower School. The launch of the capital plans is a commitment to provide our students with facilities and support for exceptional learning, with a WHOLE CHILD focus. As Bayview Glen continues to expand its educational program offering, it is important that the facilities keep pace. The journey ahead will require the involvement of the entire Bayview Glen community. It is important to remember that capital projects are not funded from tuition fees. The success of our capital plans will depend on the generous support we receive from the Bayview Glen community. We hope that parents, past parents, alumni, faculty and staff will respond to the challenge ahead.

I look forward to meeting with you in the coming months to discuss our exciting plans, and moving further up the mountain. I am confident we will reach the summit if we stay confident, focused and committed. We recognize that it is a huge undertaking for Bayview Glen, but the task ahead will be less daunting if the entire Bayview Glen community supports the project.

Rudy Massimo, Assistant Head, External Relations