Author: bvg
Highlights from Robotics: Competing, Creating, and Pushing Limits
Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, Prep School, The Glen, Upper School
Digging in to REBUILT
Written by James K., and Alina D., Grade 10 Students
A Legacy of Excellence: Bayview Glen’s FIRST LEGO League Teams Shine on the Provincial Stage
Written by Benjamin McCord, FLL Robotics Co-ordinator
Digging in to REBUILT
Written by James K., and Alina D.,
Grade 10 Students
The start of this year’s FRC robotics season was marked by an exciting kickoff in the BVG learning commons where over forty students on ALT-F4 gathered to watch the REBUILT season launch. This year’s REBUILT theme is based upon archaeology, with a unique twist: much of the game included elements from previous years of FRC. The main premise of the game involves collecting FUEL – a nod to 2017’s Steamworks – in the center of the field and shooting it into your alliance’s HUB, which acts as a large basketball net. Robots may also complete a hang on a ladder structure.
Immediately after kickoff, team members split into groups to start creating 3D computer aided designs (CAD) for our robot. We strategized and determined the most optimal way to approach the game. Everyone worked diligently throughout the week, and to show for our efforts, we ended the following Sunday with nearly a complete CAD of the robot! Over the coming weeks, we will be refining our designs and building to prepare for programming.
Since kickoff, the lab has been bursting with energy and adrenaline. This season has been filled with many late nights, many of which would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our coaches and team members. The commitment of our team was truly tested when BVG called a snow day, yet many members still showed up to the lab. So far, it’s shaping up to be an outstanding and highly promising season for ALT-F4!
All FUEL’d up for this year’s season,
James – Writer, Media
Alina – Editor, Mechanical and Media
A Legacy of Excellence: Bayview Glen's FIRST LEGO League Teams Shine on the Provincial Stage
Written by Benjamin McCord,
FLL Robotics Co-ordinator
For more than 15 years, Bayview Glen’s FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Innovation and Robotics Programme has set the standard for student-driven STEM learning. This year’s results uphold that legacy and extend it in historic ways.
Bayview Glen’s most accomplished FLL team, Ctrl-Z, established the programme’s world-class reputation by winning the FIRST LEGO League World Championship in 2017. Coached by Eric Borromeo, Ctrl-Z remained a cornerstone of the programme until its retirement in 2024. Eric now coaches two all-Grade 5 teams, ensuring that excellence continues.
Regional Success and Provincial Breakthroughs
This season, four Bayview Glen FLL teams competed at the Ontario Provincial Championships (January 31 and February 1) hosted at Durham College, facing 83 teams from across the region. All four earned awards and will advance to postseason tournaments.
Highlights:
- Operation CREAT3 — 1st Place Core Values Award
- Eat. Sleep. Archaeology. Repeat. — 1st Place Innovation Project Award (all-Grade 5 team)
- Smart Ramen — 2nd Place Champions Award
- ConnecTech — 1st Place Champions Award
This marked three programme firsts: two teams earning 1st and 2nd Champions Awards, all teams advancing to postseason events, and an all-Grade 5 team advancing to a postseason tournament.
Onward to the World Stage
ConnecTech will compete at the FLL World Championships in Houston, Texas (April 29–May 2) for the second consecutive year. Smart Ramen advances to postseason play for the third consecutive year. Operation CREAT3, coached by Lower School Associate Teachers Jonathan Baum and Eryka Vella, demonstrated outstanding teamwork in their debut season.
With continued regional, provincial, and international achievements, Bayview Glen remains Canada’s highest-achieving school-based FLL programme, rooted in creativity, resilience, and student-led innovation.
The success of Bayview Glen’s FLL programme would not be possible without the extraordinary commitment of our parent volunteers, whose time, expertise, and encouragement play a vital role in supporting students throughout the season. Their partnership is essential to the growth and sustainability of this programme, and we sincerely thank them for their dedication.
For FLL inquiries, please get in touch with Benjamin McCord.
Alumni Connections in Action: Inspiring Students and Engaging Graduates
Alumni, Bayview Glen News, Newsletters and Publications, The Glen, Upper School
Written by Daniella Brown (’10),
Director of Alumni Relations
This year, Bayview Glen hosted two Career Breakfasts that really highlighted the power of connecting Upper School students with alumni who are generous with their time, experiences, and career insights. Our most recent breakfast featured sisters Jordyn Listro (’13), a professional soccer player with Tampa Bay Sun FC, and Julia Listro (’17), Social Content Coordinator at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment.
Jordyn joined us virtually from Florida, while Julia was here in person, which made for a dynamic conversation full of different perspectives. I had the pleasure of moderating the discussion, which dove into the realities of early professional life—both the wins and the challenges. Jordyn and Julia spoke openly about resilience, the value of hard work, and staying adaptable as goals shift. They reminded students that career paths are rarely straight lines and that being willing to pivot can really make a difference in long-term success. Their insights sparked thoughtful questions and meaningful dialogue with our students.
Our work connecting alumni and students doesn’t stop at school. Last month, the Alumni Relations team visited McMaster University in Hamilton and reconnected with our Bayview Glen alumni from the classes of 2013-2025 currently studying and working there. These visits are such a great way to hear about alumni experiences, celebrate their achievements, and strengthen their ongoing connection to Bayview Glen.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue our university outreach this spring, with visits planned to:
Western University – March 26
Carleton University – April 13
In addition, members of our team will be in Seattle from February 23 to 28. Make sure to reach out to me at dbrown@bayviewglen.ca if you’re interested in connecting!
We’re also gearing up for our May Alumni Reunion, so keep an eye out for more information in the coming months! I can’t wait to reconnect with more alumni, support their journeys, and celebrate the many pathways made possible through a Bayview Glen education.
Small Lessons, Big Skills: Financial Literacy Week in the Lower School
Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, The Glen
Written by Erika Gillespie,
Director of Teaching and Learning, Lower School and Preschool
The Lower School celebrated our annual Financial Literacy Week with a series of learning experiences designed to build students’ understanding of money, decision-making, and responsible financial habits. The week began on January 16 with our Financial Literacy Week Assembly, where we welcomed guest speaker Justin Chung, host of the MoneyDad Podcast, who shared insights about the skill of giving and the four jobs of money (save, invest, spend, and give).
Classroom activities at each grade level took place throughout the week of January 19 to 23, with students exploring a variety of financial concepts.
In Junior Kindergarten, students explored big ideas such as how money is used to get things, the importance of making choices when spending, and keeping money safe. Through read-alouds, dramatic play in the classroom store, coin-counting activities, needs-versus-wants discussions, and the creation of personal wallets, students developed early financial awareness in meaningful and developmentally appropriate ways.
Senior Kindergarten students deepened their understanding of the value of coins and bills and practised using money in everyday situations through play. They also collaborated with Grade 5 students to support the promotion of a school charity initiative, connecting their financial learning to real-world community impact. A creative piggy bank design project further reinforced the concept of saving.
In Grade 1, students participated in All About Money, a virtual presentation from the Bank of Canada Museum. This interactive session explored what money was, why it was used, how it had changed over time, and the value and symbols of Canadian coins and bank notes.
Grade 2 students worked alongside the wonderful Deborah McMillan and her Knowledge Makes Cents company to complete the Making Cent™ – LITE program. Students discussed earned income, deposits, withdraws, and interest through play-based scenarios.
Our Grade 3 students also engaged in a workshop with Knowledge Makes Cents and discussed the concept of ‘Pay My-Future Self First’. Students explored good saving habits, how to budget, and the importance of giving back.
Grade 4 students took part in The Awesome Stuff Classroom Experience, an engaging, discussion-based activity that encouraged critical thinking about needs versus wants, saving for goals, charitable giving, and making thoughtful choices about money.
Finally, Grade 5 students engaged in a “Giving Back” unit, applying the skills they have gathered through their yearlong Classroom Economy signature programme as they planned a student-led hot chocolate stand fundraiser in support of North York Harvest Food Bank. After meeting with a representative from the organization, students applied budgeting, cost analysis, and marketing skills for their fundraiser. The culminating fundraiser will take place on Thursday, February 12, during our Valentine’s Day Civvies Day, with all proceeds being donated to the organization.
Financial Literacy Week is always a special week of learning in the Lower School that provides meaningful opportunities for students to be curious and develop essential life skills while connecting learning to real-world contexts and community involvement.
We, as Bayview Glen students, enjoy learning about Financial Literacy skills. Starting in Grade 4, we received our own Bank of Bayview Glen bank accounts and are challenged to spend and save our money wisely. We have learned that saving money for ourselves is important, but giving to others in need is also an important money skill to develop in life as well. To recognize giving, us Grade 5 students created a Hot Chocolate Stand business to raise money for our partners at North York Harvest Food Bank. The Hot Chocolate Stand will be operating on Thursday, February 12. We really value and enjoy the learning we do around financial literacy at Bayview Glen and know it will help our future selves.
Ellise and Sianna, Grade 5 Students
Leading the Charge: Prep Athletics in Action
Athletics, Bayview Glen News, Newsletters and Publications, Prep School, The Glen
Written by Sofia F. and Ethan F.,
Heads of Athletics, Prep School Student Council
This year has been one of the most exciting for Athletics at the Prep, and as Heads of the Athletics Committee, we have been proud to help shape it. Sports have always meant a lot to both of us. They’ve taught us teamwork, perseverance, leadership, and how to bring energy to the people around us. Becoming Heads felt like the perfect opportunity to give that same experience back to the Prep community.
This year, our biggest focus has been strengthening the House programme and making sure it plays a meaningful, year-long role in the Prep. We’ve introduced monthly House competitions, giving every student the chance to try new things. From classic sports to new activities students haven’t tried before, our goal is to make participation fun, inclusive, and something the whole school looks forward to.
We have also increased the number of spirit-focussed events, encouraging students not just to compete, but to cheer each other on. Houses are earning points consistently throughout the year, and the race to the House Cup is more alive than it has been in a long time.
Another important part of our work has been improving communication around Athletics. With help from our committee members, we are making sure that every Gryphon is updated on scores, upcoming events, and more. Our newest addition, Gryphons of the Week, celebrates athletes from all three grades who demonstrate sportsmanship, dedication, and spirit, both on and off the field.
Overall, we hope the work we’re doing inspires more students to play, support each other, and take pride in being Gryphons. Whether you’re competing, coaching, managing, or cheering, you are part of what makes the Prep community so strong.
Planning Ahead: Supporting Upper School Course Selection
Bayview Glen News, Newsletters and Publications, The Glen, Upper School
Written by Leen-Jan van ‘t Hof,
Director of Teaching and Learning, Upper School
While it feels as though the next school year is still far in the distance, students in the Upper School are already thinking ahead about the choices they are planning to make for their next academic year. We started 2026 with Course Selection Evenings that support our students and their families in making these important choices.
We believe that providing clear and practical information is crucial for making informed decisions, so during these evenings, Faculty provided information and answered questions. Students were available to share their experiences in the wide variety of courses that Bayview Glen offers in the Upper School.
At Bayview Glen, we offer the Ontario curriculum, and students in Grades 11 and 12 have the option of choosing one or more AP courses that prepare them to take the Collegeboard AP exams. We are proud that our AP student results at Bayview Glen exceed the Ontario and global averages across all core subjects.
Building a strong partnership ensures our students are set up for success in pursuing their post-secondary pathways. That is why students in the Upper School are assigned a University Guidance Counsellor at the start of Grade 9 who will stay with them all the way through the Upper School. Our University Guidance Counsellors have access to all current information needed to maximize success for university acceptance. They guide students in making choices in the Upper School that will advance acceptance into the post-secondary programmes of their choice.
Please reach out to Mr. David Zutautas, Director of University Counselling (dzutautas@bayviewglen.ca), or Mr. Leen-Jan van ‘t Hof, Director of Teaching and Learning, Upper School (ljvanthof@bayviewglen.ca) if you have questions about post-secondary planning or our curriculum in the Upper School.
Athletic Updates: CISAA & OFSAA Fall Championships
Athletics, Bayview Glen News, Newsletters and Publications, The Glen, Upper School
Written by Kevin Neville,
Director of Athletics, Upper School
What an amazing fall term for our Gryphon athletes!
Congratulations to all the teams and individuals who won medals, and thank you to the coaches for making these experiences possible.
CISAA Sr Boys DII Soccer
GOLD
CISAA Jr Boys DII Soccer
GOLD
CISAA Jr Boys DII Volleyball
GOLD
CISAA Sr Girls XC 5K – Brianna L.
GOLD
CISAA Novice Boys XC 3K – Kyle L.
SILVER
OFSAA Sr Tennis Open Mixed Doubles – Isabella W. & Luke B.
SILVER
Upper School BVG Players Present Shakespeare’s Classic on Feb 19 & 20
Bayview Glen News, Events, Newsletters and Publications, The Glen, Upper School
Written by Amelie C.,
Grade 10 students, BVG Players Publicity Team
The BVG Upper School Players invite the Bayview Glen community into the enchanting, unpredictable world of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, where love is rarely simple, magic is always meddling, and nothing stays quite as it seems. This Shakespeare classic, in a new, modern verse translation by Jeff Whitty, weaves together the lives of four young lovers, a mischievous group of amateur performers, and a band of fairies.
This production highlights the play’s playful humour and emotional depth, balancing witty dialogue with moments of tenderness and chaos. The story explores how love can be irrational, powerful, and delightfully absurd.
Behind the scenes, students have been working since September to bring this world to life. Cast and crew have dedicated months to rehearsals – perfecting their characters, developing technical designs, and collaborating with the entire company to shape every detail. Their commitment and creativity shine through in a production that reflects both the timelessness of Shakespeare’s work and the energy of young performers bringing it to the stage.
Our production of Dream 2026 will be performed at 6 p.m. on February 19 and 20 in the J.T.M Guest Theatre, offering audiences an evening filled with imagination, laughter, and theatrical magic.
While tickets are complimentary, we encourage attendees to donate in support of Ontario’s Bill 7 Award, a registered charity that provides post-secondary education scholarships for 2SLGBTQIA+ students.
Please reserve spaces and note accessibility needs here.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Introducing the Reflection Room: A New Space for Quiet, Wellbeing, and Belonging at Bayview Glen
Bayview Glen News, Newsletters and Publications, The Glen
Written by Ryan Rodrigues,
Executive Director, Advancement and External Relations
Bayview Glen is pleased to announce the opening of the Reflection Room, a calm and welcoming space designed to support moments of reflection, prayer, meditation, or simply a quiet pause during the school day. Located on the 3rd floor of the Upper School, directly across from the bridge, this thoughtfully created environment will be open to all staff and faculty, as well as to Prep and Upper School students.
Available beginning February 9, the Reflection Room was shaped through meaningful conversations with our Grade 12 students and reflects our broader commitment to elevating student voice and supporting wellbeing. During consultations this Fall and ongoing dialogue with the graduating class, students emphasized the importance of having accessible spaces that support belonging. Their feedback, combined with our Strategic Plan commitment to Nurturing Belonging and Wellbeing, shaped the vision for this space.
This step represents progress within the broader wellbeing journey we have been building together. It is not the final destination, but rather an important and tangible expression of our commitment—and a foundation upon which future phases will continue to grow. As we continue working with our architects on purposebuilt belonging and wellbeing spaces across the school, the Reflection Room offers an immediate and meaningful resource for our community.
We look forward to seeing this space become a valued part of daily life at Bayview Glen, supporting moments of calm, connection, and care for all who use it.
We look forward to sharing more as this space opens and as our learning continues. If you would like to learn more or be part of this evolving work, please contact advancement@bayviewglen.ca.
Learning to Serve, Serving to Learn: Rethinking Service in Global Education
Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, The Glen, Upper School
Written by Dr. Angela Mantie,
Director of Global Education and Strategic Partnerships
Learning Service at Bayview Glen
Guided by compassion, curiosity, and courage, Global Education at Bayview Glen prepares students to engage the world with empathy, purpose, and meaningful action. Learning is rooted in real-world experiences that emphasize pluralism, global citizenship, and long-term sustainability—encouraging students to make choices that matter not just today, but for future generations.
Service learning has long been a cornerstone of Bayview Glen. Over time, we’ve reflected more deeply on its meaning and impact. That reflection has led to a shift toward what we now call learning service.
Learning service prioritizes relationships, reciprocity, and community-defined priorities. Unlike traditional service models that often center student outcomes, this approach asks deeper questions: Who defines the need? Who benefits? What are the unintended consequences?
This shift flips the lens. Students engage with communities as co-educators, working with them rather than for them. Community voice is central, and learning is mutual. The focus is on shared responsibility, long-term collaboration, and sustainable impact.
Critical self-reflection is essential. Students examine assumptions, explore cultural dynamics, and consider their positionality within systems of privilege and power. Through this process, service becomes a practice rooted in humility, accountability, and insight.
In practice, global education partnerships are codesigned with local and global communities. Students listen ethically and act with intention. Impact is measured not only by student growth, but by community benefit, relationship longevity, and progress toward a world where service is no longer needed.
By embracing learning service, Bayview Glen prepares students not just to act—but to act thoughtfully, recognizing the deep interdependence of people and places across our shared global landscape.
Upper School Joins Round Square Virtual Postcards
A small cohort of Bayview Glen Upper School students joined 158 Round Square students from around the world for the virtual Postcard “AI: Friend or Foe?”, hosted by Inventure Academy in India.
Through guided discussion, students explored AI’s role in friendship and mental health, weighed its pros and cons, and considered how to create healthy balance. In breakout rooms, a shared message emerged: AI should never replace human-to-human connection and guidance.
During our post-session debrief, students shared that they hadn’t realized everyone on the call would have access to AI tools—an insight that broadened their worldview and reinforced that, regardless of geography, young people their age are navigating many of the same challenges.
Lower School Joins Round Square “Show and Tell”
Our Lower School Grade 5 Robotics team, alongside some other grade 5 cohorts, also participated in a Round Square virtual “Show and Tell,” sharing their work as part of “Genius Inventions from Our Regions.”
Winter Reflections and Transformational Growth at Bayview Glen
Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, Prep School, The Glen, Upper School
Written by James Lee,
Head of School
The winter season brings a unique blend of joy and challenge. Our students continue to embrace learning, outdoor activities, athletics, play, and signature programmes such as music, drama, and robotics. At the same time, winter weather can create difficult driving conditions and occasional snow days. We are grateful for the cooperation of our families, faculty, staff, and broader community as we navigate this time of year together safely.
This week, we also celebrate an important moment in our School’s history. On February 4, we honour Founder’s Day. Sixty four years ago, L. Doreen Hopkins opened a small school in the Don River Valley with a vision to nurture children not only as learners but as compassionate, capable individuals. Her legacy continues to shape the vibrant community we value today.
As we reflect on our beginnings, we are equally excited about what lies ahead. Our New Build continues to progress exceptionally well, and we remain on track to open the new athletic complex in June. A new video created by our architectural partners showcases a transformational space that will elevate athletics, wellness and community connection for all students.
Our academic and co-curricular teams are now designing programming for this space, including our first ever swim programme and expanded co-curricular opportunities. The addition, already visible from the street, reflects our commitment to one of the key pillars of our BE BOLD strategic plan, Nurturing Belonging and Wellbeing.
Our mission, Whole Child. Purposeful Life. Better World. continues to guide how we design pathways and experiences for our students.
Looking forward, Propelling Academic Excellence and Innovation remains a priority. In response to the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence in education, our Directors of Teaching and Learning have developed the Bayview Glen A.I. Framework, focusing on Ethics of A.I., Human Centered Mindset and A.I. Techniques and Applications. Students will earn badges and micro-credentials throughout their journey. For more information, please connect with:
Finally, I would like to highlight the importance of our Preschool programme. Beginning at Bayview Glen as young as age two provides children with a warm, nurturing environment where foundational social, emotional and cognitive skills take root. Our Preschool remains a joyful and meaningful entry point into our School. Families interested in learning more are welcome to connect with our Admissions team at admissions@bayviewglen.ca.
As we look ahead to the coming months, we remain committed to offering experiences that align with our mission and prepare our students to lead purposeful lives and contribute to a better world.