Category: Athletics
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
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.
Beyond the Game: How the We Can Play Conference Empowered Student-Athletes
Alumni, Athletics, Bayview Glen News, Newsletters and Publications, The Glen, Upper School
Left to Right: Ella K. (Grade 11 Student), Rachel C. (Grade 10 Student), Nya P. (Grade 10 Student), Brandie Wilkerson,
Julia M. (Grade 10 Student), and Autumn C. (Grade 10 Student)
Written by Amanda Kwan,
Upper School Educator, Health and Physical Education
The We Can Play Conference at The York School provided an empowering experience for female student-athletes, leaving them with lessons that extend far beyond competition. Through honest conversations, personal stories, and shared experiences, students were encouraged to believe in themselves, embrace challenges, and commit to lifelong participation in sport and physical activity.
Hearing from guest speakers Carly Clarke (Head Coach of TMU Women’s Basketball and Team Canada Basketball) and Brandie Wilkerson (Olympic silver medalist in beach volleyball) allowed students to see that there is no single path to success in sport. They were inspired by the speakers’ contrasting journeys. Carly Clarke spoke about growing up immersed in sport and evolving into a coach and leader, while Brandie Wilkerson shared her experience of starting beach volleyball later than most elite athletes, yet rising to the top of her sport. For Autumn, who felt unsure of her athletic path, this message reinforced the belief that growth takes time and that hard work can still lead to success. She is now playing rep volleyball and embracing the journey.
A major takeaway from the conference was the importance of mindset. Students reflected on the idea that failure is not something to fear, but something to learn from. Rachel shared that the conference reinforced the message to “embrace failure as part of growth, keep pushing through adversity, and understand that you don’t always have to be the best player on the court.” This perspective helped her recognize that contributing to a team goes beyond individual performance and includes being supportive, resilient, and dependable.
Representation also played a powerful role in shaping student experiences. Seeing BIPOC women succeed as athletes, coaches, and leaders showed students that they belong in sport spaces. As Nya explained, the more women who are visible in sport, the more young girls will believe in themselves, take risks, and pursue opportunities without self-doubt. Carly Clarke’s discussion around confidence and applying for opportunities resonated strongly, encouraging students to step outside their comfort zones and stop limiting themselves before even trying.
Brandie Wilkerson’s openness about adversity left a lasting impression. She spoke candidly about public criticism following a widely broadcasted Olympic match and her decision to stand by her values without feeling the need to justify herself to others. Ella admired her resilience, courage, and commitment to doing what she believed was right, even in the face of backlash.
Another key message emphasized that success in sport is not limited to being the star player. Carly Clarke highlighted the importance of understanding team roles and “building the bridge” between teammates. Julia reflected on how leadership, effort, and positive team culture can be just as impactful as scoring points or highlight plays.
Overall, the We Can Play Conference left student-athletes inspired, confident, and empowered. They walked away with a renewed belief in their potential, a healthier perspective on failure, and a deeper understanding of how to contribute meaningfully to their teams. Most importantly, the experience reinforced that sport is about growth, connection, and lifelong participation.
Coaching at Bayview Glen
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At Bayview Glen, our coaches play a pivotal role in shaping student-athletes who exemplify resilience, teamwork, and leadership. In the reflections below, two long-time coaches share how Bayview Glen athletes bring our school values to life through resilience, teamwork, and leadership.
Sharing from Coach Andrew Vivian
At the heart of every school lies a set of core values that guide both the educational and social experiences of students. Compassion, courage, and curiosity form the pillars that support our mission to foster well-rounded individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also emotionally and socially conscious. One of the most powerful ways to nurture these values is through sports.
Compassion is about understanding and caring for others, and sports provide a natural environment for students to develop this quality. As athletes work together to achieve a common goal, they learn the value of supporting one another – whether through encouragement after a mistake or celebrating a teammate’s success.
Coaches have the unique opportunity to model compassion, teaching athletes how to be empathetic, patient, and understanding of each other’s struggles and triumphs. In a sports setting, athletes are often placed in situations where they must put the team’s needs ahead of their own, like a softball player being asked to play catcher when they really would prefer first base. This can be an experience that helps students understand the importance of collaboration and selflessness.
Courage is often perceived as the ability to face challenges despite fear, and sports provide endless opportunities for students to develop this virtue. Whether it’s overcoming the fear of failure, standing up after a tough loss, or pushing through physical exhaustion, students learn that courage is not the absence of fear but the determination to face it head-on. A coach’s role in cultivating courage is crucial; by creating a supportive environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities to grow, athletes are encouraged to take risks, step out of their comfort zones, and persevere through adversity. In swimming, learning the flip-turn can be very scary as the chance of hitting your head on the wall is very real. The courage to try something new instills resilience and a sense of accomplishment. Coaches, by offering guidance and positive reinforcement, help students develop the inner strength needed to overcome obstacles both physical and mental.
At first thought, curiosity doesn’t seem like a value that is obviously connected to sports. However, curiosity is more than just asking questions – it’s the desire to explore new ideas, discover unknown talents, and challenge one’s limits. Coaching sports encourages students to be curious about their abilities, strategies, and the nuances of the game or activity. In older students, sports can also spark curiosity about broader topics such as teamwork, psychology, and physiology. Students may wonder how teamwork influences performance or why certain training regimens are effective.
Coaching sports in school goes beyond teaching students how to win or improve their athletic performance. It is about shaping individuals who are curious, compassionate, and courageous. Through sports, students learn to ask questions, support one another, and face challenges with confidence and resolve.
Andrew Vivian has taught and coached at Bayview Glen for over 30 years. (Swimming, Softball, Hockey, Rugby, Cross-Country Running, Volleyball, and Soccer)
Sharing from Coach Kristin Carpenter
The athletics programme is one of the many aspects at Bayview Glen that sets us apart. I have been coaching at the school for many years and over this time I have had the privilege of working with hundreds of student athletes. Throughout this, I have come to realize that our athletes truly embody our core values. These values show up in how our athletes train, compete, and treat each other.
One thing that stands out immediately to me is resilience. I coach cross country running and track and field – sports that demand a lot. There is no quick path to success in these sports, just a lot of early mornings, tough workouts, and learning to show up, rain or shine. Whether it is muddy trails in October or a beating sun on the track in June, our athletes put their heads down and get it done. They take ownership of their goals, and they understand that real growth comes from a consistent work ethic.
Even though running and throwing and jumping are often seen as individual sports, as seen in all Gryphons sports, teamwork plays a huge role in what we do. I have seen athletes pace each other through tough workouts, cheer louder for their peers than for themselves, and put a teammate’s success ahead of their own. That kind of support, compassion, and selflessness says a lot about who they are as individuals. Integrity is another core value that comes across in every practice. Our athletes don’t cut corners. They show up, put in the work and hold each other accountable. In competition, they show respect for the sport, their competitors, and for themselves. And no matter the outcome, Bayview Glen Gryphons carry themselves with pride and humility, and are often recognized by other schools for the spirit and respect that they consistently display.
Bayview Glen is a busy place and many of our students have a lot on their plates – academics, clubs, music, leadership roles, and athletics. Our students work hard to maintain balance and manage to make it to early practices and late games. It’s not always easy but they learn to make it all work and to ask for help when they need it. Through athletics, our Gryphons learn how to manage their time, look after themselves, and stay grounded. These life skills are things they can take forward and will stick with them well beyond their years at Bayview Glen.
After all these years, what keeps me motivated and engaged with coaching is our students. They are not just athletes, they are kind, thoughtful, and driven. Watching them grow – not just as athletes but as individuals – is one of the most rewarding parts of being a coach. More than just talk, Gryphon Athletics put our values into action ever day!
Join us on Thursday, May 2, 2024 for Bayview Glen Parent Book Club and Parent Association Speaker Series with Dr. Alex Russell
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Bayview Glen Student Well-Being and the Bayview Glen Parent Association warmly invite our parent community to come together for an inspiring evening of learning and connection at our Parent Book Club and Parent Association Speaker Series on Thursday, May 2, 2024.
Register online: bayviewglen.ca/pa-events
Bayview Glen Parent Book Club
Book: “Drop The Worry Ball” by Dr. Alex Russell and Tim Falconer
Date: Thursday, May 2, 2024
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Moatfield Campus Learning Commons and Microsoft Teams
Format: In Person and Virtual (Online link will be sent via Edsby message and available for access via Edsby news river). Meeting will not be recorded.
More info: bayviewglen.ca/parent-book-club
Bayview Glen Parent Association Speaker Series
Speaker: Dr. Alex Russell
Date: Thursday, May 2, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: J.T.M. Guest Theatre, Moatfield Campus
Format: In Person (This is a complimentary, parents/alumni-only event for the Bayview Glen community). This event will not be live-streamed or recorded.
More info: bayviewglen.ca/speakerseries
Join us for the Bayview Glen Parent Book Club from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the cozy surroundings of the Moatfield Campus Learning Commons. In conversation facilitated by our Director of Student Well-Being, Antoinette Morgan, we will delve into the pages of “Drop The Worry Ball” by Dr. Alex Russell and Tim Falconer. It is not solely about the book but also about the valuable and engaging conversations and connections fostered when we come together as parents and caregivers.
Following the Parent Book Club, we are honoured to host the renowned Dr. Alex Russell for our Parent Association Speaker Series in the J.T.M. Guest Theatre. As a clinical psychologist, consultant, researcher, and trainer with a profound understanding of child development, Dr. Russell brings a fresh perspective on parenting that empowers parents to navigate the challenges with confidence. His insights into the importance of embracing failure as part of the growth process are invaluable.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with our vibrant Bayview Glen parent community.
Seating is limited. Please register online for both events if you are planning to attend. We can’t wait to see you!
If you have any questions, please contact Antoinette Morgan, Director of Student Well-Being, at amorgan@bayviewglen.ca.
The Glen May/June 2023 School Newsletter – Available Now
Alumni, Athletics, Bayview Glen News, Home page, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, Parent Association, Prep School, Preschool, Upper School
The May/June 2023 edition of The Glen school newsletter is now available!
Read it online and watch for a printed copy sent home with your child or in the mail.
Reaching New Heights: Bayview Glen Student sets sights on The Worlds
Athletics, Bayview Glen News, Home page, Parent Association, Upper School
There was plenty on the line as she navigated the winding terrain over six kilometres at the 2022 Canadian Cross Country Championships in Ottawa in late November.
Still, Muriel Lovshin, a Grade11 student at Bayview Glen took it all in stride.
“My mindset for this race was to give it my all and race every moment as hard as I could, to end my season strong,” says the 16-year-old, who was running in an older age category — u20 — against 98 competitors.
“I thought about all the training and hard work this season and trusted my training to carry me through the race,” she says reflecting on running against some of the top high school and university female distance runners from Canada and the US.
The stakes were high for all competitors, with a potential berth in the World Cross-Country Championships in Australia in 2023, awaiting.
“She ran a very smart race the whole way, and executed her race plan perfectly,” says Brian Lovshin, Muriel’s Dad, who watched it all unfold live. “She pushed the pace on the final lap and had a very strong finishing kick.”
Her plan and perseverance paid off. Lovshin finished 5th at the Nationals, earning a spot at the upcoming Worlds and making it into Bayview Glen Athletics’ record books!
“This is far and away the best result we have had in BVG history,” says Kristin Carpenter, teacher at BVG, and one of Lovshin’s cross country and track coaches at the school since Grade 9.
“We have had a few students medal at OFSAA in track in the past, but we have never had a medal in both cross country and track in running, from the same student, and definitely never had a world qualifier,” says Carpenter. “For the Canadian Championships she ran up a level (u20 rather than u18) in order to try for a spot on Team Canada. Her 5th place finish is especially impressive as a result of that, and she was the second 16-year-old to cross the line at nationals,” she says.
“I am so proud of Muriel,” adds Colleen Hennessy, Upper School Social Sciences and Physical Education teacher, who has also coached Lovshin in track at Bayview Glen over the past two years.
“This is a huge accomplishment and shows her immense dedication to her sport,” says Hennessy. “With every race this season, she has made improvements to her strategy and time. She understands what it means to work hard, set big goals, and be a supportive teammate all while being an incredibly kind and thoughtful student and friend – we are incredibly proud of Muriel’s achievements this season and are excited to see her wear the red maple leaf!”
A biology and psychology teacher at BVG, Carpenter adds, “she has learned a lot about running a smart race – she sticks with the front pack and doesn’t always need to run in first place. She has learned to be patient and waits to make her move and has worked on her finishing kick as well. Race strategy is a big part of distance running and Muriel has improved a lot in that regard in conjunction with her strength and speed,” she says.
This latest accomplishment propels Lovshin to a new level.
“I was very surprised about how I finished the race and the overall result, but I was extremely excited about my placing,” says Lovshin, who trains at the Toronto Olympic Track Club in addition to Bayview Glen.
“My week is usually split between managing my schoolwork, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities outside of school with my training,” says Lovshin, whose parents and sister are also runners. “Though my training does take a lot of time out of my week with running and strength workouts, time management is an essential part of being able to keep up with the activities that I am part of. BVG has allowed me to continue to train at a high level while supporting me to achieve highly in my academics. All my coaches have had a huge impact on my workouts and races and have helped me to believe in what I can achieve if I put in the hard work,” she says.
After a short week off following the fall season, Lovshin’s preparation for the biggest competition of her young life is well underway.
She will be a member of Team Canada at the 2023 World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, Australia in February — taking the lessons learned on and off the track at Bayview Glen with her to a global stage.
“I am very grateful for all the support from all my teachers, friends and classmates at BVG,” she
says. “It means the world to me!”
10 Questions with New Head of School, Mr. Lee
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What’s a better way to get to know our Head of School, Mr. Lee, than have him answer questions from our students?
Enjoy the rest of your summer and we look forward to seeing everyone in September!