Alumni Q&A
There are more than 1,500 Bayview Glen alumni living and working in countries around the world. Meet some of our past graduates and learn about the impact of their BVG journey on their lives while they were students, and since.
Class of 1998
Adil Dharssi ‘98
Sales Representative
iPro Realty Ltd, Brokerage
Started at BVG in SK
1. What was the most valuable thing you learned at Bayview Glen, inside or outside the classroom?
Discipline. More than anything, BVG taught me about discipline. Homework, studying, sporting commitments… to juggle it all, it took discipline.
2. In what ways did Bayview Glen prepare you well for the future?
I think BVG taught me the importance of respecting those who forged paths before you. Not only teachers, but older alumni who I had seen graduate and then go on to accomplish some pretty amazing things with their lives.
3. What do you recall most fondly about your time at Bayview Glen, even now?
The friends we made. We were a very tight-knit group of classmates who I still consider very close friends today. 4. What was your most memorable class/teacher at Bayview Glen, and why? Without a doubt, it was Mr. Pintilie. He pushed me and refused to accept mediocrity. If he saw potential in you, he would push you to be the best.
5. What values did Bayview Glen instill in you that continue to endure?
Respect, professionalism, and always striving to be your best.
6. Why should anyone consider sending a child to Bayview Glen?
The community of teachers and support staff who actually care. Plus, the education and discipline give students a huge advantage in the real world.
7. What do you know now that you would advise your younger self (while you were a student at Bayview Glen)? Perhaps to not be so hard on the teachers! It’s not an easy job and I never really appreciated the sacrifices teachers make for students.
Class of 2003
Yafa Sakkejha ‘03
Started at BVG in JK
1. What was the most valuable thing you learned at Bayview Glen, inside or outside the classroom?
How to treat others with kindness, respect, and etiquette.
2. In what ways did Bayview Glen prepare you well for the future?
It gave me a polish and rigour that set me apart in the workforce. I was truly surprised that basic things we learned at BVG were not “basic” for others!
3. What do you recall most fondly about your time at Bayview Glen, even now?
So many things. Mrs. Daunt, my grade 1 teacher, stood out as an exceptional educator. The large campus, nature, and opportunities. The small school feel. The good faith trust between parents and teachers.
4. What was your most memorable class/teacher at Bayview Glen, and why?
So many stand out. Ms. Astrella has the special ‘Oprah’ quality that made us open up and feel valued. Mr. Smallbridge for being effective at making science fun. Mr. Heleno for being kind, compassionate but professional all at once.
Mr. Renglich for his passion. Mr. Grammaccione for being an eternal optimist and giving his soul to his craft. Roger for being part of the community of elders who watched over us. Mr. George for giving me the opportunity to become a public speaker (and putting up with a lot from teenagers). Troy Hammond for elevating us to another level.
5. What values did Bayview Glen instill in you that continue to endure?
Service, respect, kindness.
6. Why should anyone consider sending a child to Bayview Glen?
Diversity – innovation – campus – co-ed – kindness.
7. What do you know now that you would advise your younger self (while you were a student at Bayview Glen)?
The most important thing to learn is to be kind. Treat others with compassion. You never know what they’re going through.
Class of 2008
Rylee Jaikissoon ’08
Upper School Mentor Mr. Hitchcock
Started at BVG in Grade 5
1. What was the most valuable thing you learned at Bayview Glen, inside or outside the classroom?
How to work well with others.
2. In what ways did Bayview Glen prepare you well for the future?
Lots of diverse courses and activities/clubs.
3. What do you recall most fondly about your time at Bayview Glen, even now?
Final year.
4. What was your most memorable class/teacher at Bayview Glen, and why?
French class, fun and learned a lot.
5. What values did Bayview Glen instill in you that continue to endure?
Helping others.
6. Why should anyone consider sending a child to Bayview Glen?
It’s a good school.
7. What do you know now that you would advise your younger self (while you were a student at Bayview Glen)?
Stop stressing.
Jason Meingarten ’08
Upper School Mentor Daryl Sproule
Started at BVG in Grade 4
1. What was the most valuable thing you learned at Bayview Glen, inside or outside the classroom?
The importance of being well-rounded. Being involved in not just the academic program, but athletics, Student Council, and clubs pushed me outside my comfort zone.
2. In what ways did Bayview Glen prepare you well for the future?
Entering post-secondary education, understanding the importance of communicating effectively with professors and creating a network was invaluable.
3. What do you recall most fondly about your time at Bayview Glen, even now?
Competing in the athletic programme. The camaraderie, competition, successes and failures were foundational to my development as a person.
4. What was your most memorable class/teacher at Bayview Glen, and why?
Melanie Deeks, Physical Education. She was always (and still is) kind and compassionate. As a Physical Education teacher, she sets a great example of what healthy, active living is for her students.
5. What values did Bayview Glen instill in you that continue to endure?
Integrity and empathy. Trying to do the right thing and doing my best to understand the perspective of others are values that were fostered in me at Bayview Glen and a large part of what led to me becoming a teacher.
6. Why should anyone consider sending a child to Bayview Glen?
The teachers and staff are truly dedicated to developing the “whole child”. The time and care provided to the students is evident in every division of the school.
7. What do you know now that you would advise your younger self (while you were a student at Bayview Glen)?
Get involved in even more clubs and activities. Build a more diversified student resume before entering post-secondary education.
Alanna Sarju ‘08
Lawyer
Co-founder & Partner, Sarju Eliyas Law Corporation
Started at BVG in Grade 11
1. What was the most valuable thing you learned at Bayview Glen, inside or outside the classroom?
In light of my personal experience at Bayview Glen, I think the answer to this question is simply to give people an opportunity – when you provide support or opportunities, they may surprise you in the best way.
2. In what ways did Bayview Glen prepare you well for the future?
Bayview Glen provided numerous opportunities to learn in an engaging and interactive way, such as via group work, presentations, and independent work – all of which I found to be directly transferable to higher education and the professional space.
3. What do you recall most fondly about your time at Bayview Glen, even now? Connecting with students in and out of the classroom – being social, bonding, and going through the teenage experience with one another.
4. What was your most memorable class/teacher at Bayview Glen, and why?
AP World Religions
5. What values did Bayview Glen instill in you that continue to endure?
Time management skills 6.
6. Why should anyone consider sending a child to Bayview Glen?
BVG provides a warm and supportive environment for children
7. What do you know now that you would advise your younger self (while you were a student at Bayview Glen)?
Get active and involved in school.
Jordyn Taylor ‘08
Executive Digital Editor, Men’s Health Magazine
Started at BVG in SK
1. What was the most valuable thing you learned at Bayview Glen, inside or outside the classroom?
It’s hard to choose, but one of my most valuable lessons was from my Writer’s Craft teacher, Norm Reynolds. He taught us to constantly observe our surroundings, searching for striking details to use in our work. I still use his wisdom every day in my career as a writer.
2. In what ways did Bayview Glen prepare you well for the future?
The love and support I felt from my teachers at Bayview Glen gave me the confidence to push myself academically and professionally in the future.
3. What do you recall most fondly about your time at Bayview Glen, even now?
It’s a tie between performing in the school plays and playing on the softball team.
4. What was your most memorable class/teacher at Bayview Glen, and why?
My AP European History class with Mr. Baker. When I was randomly assigned a research project on the French Resistance in WW2, I became fascinated by the topic. A little over a decade later, I published my first book: a young adult historical fiction novel about…the French Resistance in WW2.
5. What values did Bayview Glen instill in you that continue to endure?
The importance of strong friendships and working as a team.
6. What do you know now that you would advise your younger self (while you were a student at Bayview Glen)?
This isn’t advice, but I think my younger self would be happy to know how many of my close friends at Bayview Glen are still my close friends today.
Class of 2018
Katherine Tom ‘18
Upper School Mentor Mr. Moore
Started at BVG in BG3
1. What was the most valuable thing you learned at Bayview Glen, inside or outside the classroom?
The most valuable thing I learned at Bayview Glen is how I can create change to positively impact my community.
2. In what ways did Bayview Glen prepare you well for the future?
Bayview Glen provided me with the skills and knowledge to confidently navigate situations of uncertainty.
3. What do you recall most fondly about your time at Bayview Glen, even now?
I will always appreciate the strong sense of community within the teachers, students, and staff at Bayview Glen. From shared laughs in the common area to hallway conversations, a friend was never far away.
4. What was your most memorable class/teacher at Bayview Glen, and why?
My most memorable classes were my Grade 12 AP classes, the teachers were supportive of students challenging themselves to learn advanced material all while making lessons fun and enjoyable.
5. What values did Bayview Glen instill in you that continue to endure?
Bayview Glen’s core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, balance, and compassion are instilled within me, and I strive to exemplify these qualities each day.
6. Why should anyone consider sending a child to Bayview Glen?
In addition to a high-quality education, Bayview Glen nurtures each child’s growth with opportunities to engage in the arts, athletics, current events, and community service.
7. What do you know now that you would advise your younger self (while you were a student at Bayview Glen)?
I would advise my younger self to have the courage to try new things, and to try them again until you succeed.