Category: Lower School
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.
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.
Join Us for the Parent Association Parent Cocktail Social
Bayview Glen News, Events, Home page, Lower School, Parent Association, Prep School, Preschool, Upper School
Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Sibel Restaurant (1997 Avenue Rd, Toronto)
Calling all parents! Join the Bayview Glen Parent Association for a special evening of connection and fun at our school’s exclusive cocktail-style reception at Sibel restaurant.
Enjoy a selection of delicious food and wine as you mingle with fellow parents. This is a fantastic opportunity to relax, meet new friends, and strengthen our school community.
Please complete the online registration form on the PA Events webpage to get your tickets today before they sell out! Limited spots available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Ticket Price: $95 per person
What’s Included:
- A selection of delicious food stations
- A lively atmosphere to mingle and meet new people
- Red, white, and sparkling wine and soft drinks included in ticket price
- A fantastic opportunity to network, mingle, and enjoy quality conversation with fellow parents
If you have any questions, please contact pasocial@bayviewglen.ca. We can’t wait to see you there!
Parent Association Annual General Meeting and Breakfast 2026
Bayview Glen News, Events, Home page, Lower School, Parent Association, Prep School, Preschool, Upper School
The Parent Association (PA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on January 21, 2026 in the Daunt Dining Hall at our Moatfield Campus. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who braved the cold to attend this event. It was wonderful to see many of you there, and hear great updates from all divisions, highlighting the exciting initiatives being put in place at our school this year.
The PA Executive team proudly introduced their new members: Khati Nathoo, our new Vice President; Maria Tsopelas, our new Parent Volunteer Co-Director; and Ruby Cha, our new Civvies Day Co-ordinator. We are thrilled to have them on board and look forward to their contributions.
We also shared details about the upcoming PA events you can look forward to, such as our Parent Cocktail Social in February and the Family Bowling Day in April. These gatherings promise to be fun and engaging opportunities to connect with other parents and strengthen our community.
Our PA Treasurer presented the annual financials, along with an overview of the Parent Association’s $1 million pledge and previous contributions to the school. It was inspiring to see how our collective efforts have made a significant impact at the school.
Mr. Rodrigues from the Advancement and External Relations team provided an insightful overview of the Advancement and Community Engagement initiatives. He also shared the results of the Better Beginnings campaign, which has been instrumental in supporting our school’s growth and development.
We look forward to seeing everyone at our upcoming PA events and continuing to work together to make this year a memorable one for our school community.
If you couldn’t join us or would like to recap the presentations, the event recording is available for viewing via our post on Edsby news river.
To keep up-to-date with PA events, please visit the PA Events webpage, and check your email and Edsby news river for more details on each event.
Join Us for the Parent Association Annual General Meeting and Breakfast 2026
Home page, Lower School, Parent Association, Prep School, Preschool, Upper SchoolDate: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Location: Bayview Glen Moatfield Campus
The Bayview Glen Parent Association is wishing you a very happy New Year!
We are ready to kick-off 2026 and look forward to seeing everyone at our next Parent Association Annual General Meeting and Breakfast on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., in the Daunt Dining Hall at the Bayview Glen Moatfield Campus.
Come hear updates from our School Leadership Team and the PA Executive Team, including financial and social updates, as well as the introduction of our new PA Executive members.
Please complete the online registration form for each participant if you are planning to attend.
If you have any questions, please contact papresident@bayviewglen.ca.
Parent Association Merry Market 2025
Bayview Glen News, Events, Home page, Lower School, Parent Association, Prep School, Preschool, Upper School
The Bayview Glen community came together on November 21, 2025, for a joyful afternoon at the annual Parent Association Merry Market! From 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the Moatfield Campus was alive with holiday spirit, laughter, and creativity.
Families and friends enjoyed a fantastic shopping experience with local vendors, Bayview Glen community members, and our talented student entrepreneurs. Highlights included the class basket auction, a bake sale, cozy hot chocolate, festive live music, and the return of holiday photos with Santa, spreading smiles all afternoon.
A heartfelt thank you to the Parent Association team, the Merry Market committees, and the many parent and student volunteers whose hard work and dedication made the day possible. Your support helped create a truly magical start to the holiday season!
Thank you all for joining us this year. We look forward to seeing everyone again at upcoming events.
A Space for Belonging and Wellbeing: Shaping our Inclusive Community
Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, Prep School, The Glen, Upper School
Written by Ryan Rodrigues,
Executive Director, Advancement and External Relations
Bayview Glen recently hosted a consultative session to explore the creation of a dedicated space for belonging and wellbeing. This initiative reflects our commitment to nurturing inclusive environments where students feel seen, heard, and supported.
The session invited families, students, alumni, and staff to share ideas for a space that encourages quiet reflection, spiritual pluralism, and shared wellbeing. Together, we imagined a place where empathy, curiosity, and respectful dialogue are part of everyday life.
This work is part of a broader effort to strengthen our culture of belonging. If you’d like to support this initiative or offer further feedback, we welcome your voice – and your generosity.
To learn more or contribute, please contact the Advancement & External Relations team at advancement@bayviewglen.ca.
Day 9 Recap: Creativity, Community, and Reconciliation
Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, Prep School, The Glen
Day 9 Through the Eyes of Grade 2 Students
Written by Rosamund W. and Nora P., Grade 2 Students
ReconciliACTION in Action: How Prep Students Are Leading Change
Written by Nicole Blair, Dean of Student Life, Prep School
Upper School’s Day 9 Experience: A Focus on Belonging and Wellbeing
Written by Troy Hammond, Dean of Student Life, Upper School
Day 9 Through the Eyes of Grade 2 Students
Rosamund W., Grade 2 Student
I felt great about Day 9. First, we went to the library to get an introduction. Next, we made adventure journals. We put magazines, stamps, and flower stamps in our books. Then we had cheese pizza and veggies for lunch.
Then we went outside to play games. First, we played a game called “Find My Tree.” Next, we played a challenge. It was called the Flagpole Challenge. Then we ate snack. Our snack was granola and fruit. Then we had a marble challenge. Last, we played a game called Rock, Paper, Scissors Army Game.
This was my Day 9. I hope you enjoyed it! I can’t wait for another Day 9. My favourite activity was the adventure journals.
Nora P., Grade 2 Student
I felt really great about Day 9 because I was so happy. First, we went to the library to see what we were doing on Day 9. Then we went back to the classroom to do the activity. We made adventure journals. We cut out pictures from magazines and nature books. My favorite part was making the adventure journals. I already made another one at home.
Then we ate pizza and veggies for lunch. Then we went outside to play a couple of games. First, we heard a story. Then we played a game called “Find My Tree.” We had to be blindfolded and our partner had to lead us to a tree. It was exciting and fun to try this. I really liked hanging out with my friend and having fun, especially playing Rock, Paper, Scissors Army Game where the people who lost had to go behind the winner and cheer them on for their next games. I had a really fun day!
ReconciliACTION in Action: How Prep Students Are Leading Change
Nicole Blair, Dean of Student Life, Prep School
Friday, October 17, marked the Prep School’s first Day 9 (Flex Day). A dedicated day designed to deepen learning beyond the classroom, strengthen community, and promote holistic growth. With a full day of meaningful programming, students and staff came together to explore history, culture, and the power of taking action.
The morning began with the entire Prep School visiting Young People’s Theatre to see The Mush Hole, a powerful production exploring hope, resilience, and the enduring impact of residential schools. Students were moved by the performance, which used expressive movement and emotion to convey the physical and emotional pain endured by Indigenous children and their families.
Keegan R. (Grade 8 student) reflected, “I was able to see and better understand how traumatic residential schools were”. Others reflected on the show’s broader message, seeing it as a reminder to prevent Canada from repeating this tragic history. Across grades, students left the theatre with a lasting sense of empathy and awareness, ready to engage meaningfully in reconciliation. In the afternoon, the learning continued with ReconciliACTION activities, allowing students to extend their learning and take meaningful action towards reconciliation through dance, art, drama, poetry, outdoor learning, and more.
William R. (Grade 8 student) shared insights from a field trip to Biidaasige Park (“bee-daw-sihgeh,” meaning sunlight shining toward us), “We took action towards ReconciliACTION by acknowledging that the land we were on was designed by Indigenous people. We also saw several wooden animal sculptures created by First Nations (an owl, a beaver, etc.). Reconciliation is about co-operating with Indigenous people, therefore, by sharing and respecting this park they created, we are doing so”.
Grade 6 student, Cara H., participated in a Planting Native Species workshop, reflecting, “This is important because it helps restore ecosystems damaged by colonialism, rebuild relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, and uphold the cultural and spiritual significance of the land for Indigenous communities”.
Day 9 also strengthened connection and community across the Prep School. Brooklyn T. (Grade 7 student) eloquently summarized the day, “Day 9 built community in the Prep School because it helped us better understand the importance of reconciliation and the role we can each play in it. This day encouraged empathy, awareness, and respect within our school. Engaging in our Day 9 also gave us a shared experience that brought our school closer”.
Through learning, reflection, and meaningful action, the Prep School Community took an important step in understanding Canada’s history and embracing its role in reconciliation, appreciating the time and space Day 9 provided to do so.
Upper School's Day 9 Experience: A Focus on Belonging and Wellbeing
Troy Hammond, Dean of Student Life, Upper School
On Friday, October 17, students and faculty in the Upper School participated in the inaugural Day 9 Flex Day. The development of programming for this day began with consideration of those things that align with our School’s strategic priorities and meet the needs of our students. Input was sought from students based around the prompt, “If I had more time in the day, I would…,” and the responses were definitive.
What became very clear is that high school students feel that they do not get enough sleep, want more time for connection with friends (and/ or to make new friends), and that they are pulled in many directions, which impacts their ability to get schoolwork finished. The decision to then focus our Day 9 around belonging and wellbeing was born.
The goal for the day was to ensure that our students felt a genuine sense of belonging and purpose, were afforded meaningful opportunities to connect with each other and trusted adults, and left feeling refreshed as we moved into the middle part of the term. The schedule consisted of a late start and extended Mentor activities that included the opportunity for each group to think about the ways in which they can contribute meaningfully to their community – whether that be on a smaller scale within their Mentor group, the school, or the world outside of our walls. A highly engaging speaker, Dr. Barry Craig, who is the President of Huron University at Western, then addressed the students and invited them to pause and reflect on “Finding Happiness.” In the afternoon, a choice of wellness activities – ranging from chess, a creative station, dog therapy, use of the fitness room, meditation and mindfulness, a study hall and reading room, Zumba, and specialized post- secondary workshops for Grade 12s – provided the opportunity for replenishing the body, mind, and soul.
At the end of the day, students were invited to share reflective thoughts about Day 9 and post them on the Gratitude Wall outside of Alumni Hall. It was evident that our entire Upper School community appreciated the time to pause instruction so that we could take care of ourselves.
Robotics in Action: Celebrating Innovation and Competition
Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, Prep School, The Glen, Upper School
Inaugural Innovation & Robotics Celebration Inspires and Honors Excellence
By Taylor Jennings, Senior Advancement Officer
Robots, Resilience, and a Fire Alarm: ALT-F4’s Wild Ride to Victory
By Alina D., Grade 10 Student
Sparking Innovation: Bayview Glen’s 2025–2026 FIRST LEGO League Season Kicks Off
By Benjamin McCord, FLL Supervisor
Inaugural Innovation & Robotics Celebration Inspires and Honors Excellence
Written by Taylor Jennings,
Senior Advancement Officer
On October 8, Bayview Glen held our first-ever Innovation & Robotics Celebration, an evening that brought together alumni, students, mentors and families, and showcased the creativity and accomplishments of our FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Robotics Competition teams. A special thank-you to student MCs Stefano E. (Grade 11), Grace K. (Grade 6), and Salima H. (Grade 6), whose enthusiasm and poise reflected the confidence and leadership that define robotics at Bayview Glen. The evening featured remarks from coaches Ben McCord, Eric Borromeo, Nosh Pestonji, and Noeen Kashif, as well as alumni speaker Savannah Dunbury ’20, who reflected on how robotics shaped her confidence and problem-solving skills beyond the lab.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural Gryphon Robotics Award to Volunteer Coach Eric Borromeo, recognizing his extraordinary mentorship and 17 years of service to FIRST LEGO League. A pivotal coach of the renowned Ctrl-Z team, Eric’s leadership has inspired hundreds of students to pursue innovation with humility, perseverance, and heart.
Robots, Resilience, and a Fire Alarm: ALT-F4’s Wild Ride to Victory
Written by Alina D.,
Grade 10 Student
For a two-day off-season competition in the middle of September, Robots@Mary Ward, was quite the tsunami of events. Before students at school wrote their first tests of the year, we were already testing our robot – and our wits.
We started off strong on the first day, winning our first four matches. However, things quickly took a turn when we faced Team DAVE, one of the highest-ranked teams in the world, securing two ranking-points.
Our next match was indescribable. We were on the same “alliance” as Team DAVE as well as Inverse Paradox, whom we nearly won Provincials with. However, during that match our arm broke. Our alliance still won, but looks like the pits were about to get interesting. Suddenly we heard the fire alarm blaring! At least now the pit crew and technicians had a chance to troubleshoot.
Thankfully, it was a false alarm, and we returned within ten minutes. We discovered a stripped gearbox which we tried to mend but ran out of time. We were forced to play our next match with the arm zip-tied and taped up. Though we successfully fixed our robot afterwards, we lost our number one ranking but finished as finalists. The second day looked promising! Our robot was mechanically sound, and our auto was up and running. The day went by smoothly, with us as the first alliance captain and picking Inverse Paradox again.
After a hard-fought battle with the second alliance, we finally emerged victorious, being crowned the champions of Robots@Mary Ward Day 2!
Though we encountered our fair share of challenges, it was fun to be back competing after our summer break. Now we are excited for the 2026 season to begin!
Sparking Innovation: Bayview Glen’s 2025–2026 FIRST LEGO League Season Kicks Off
Written by Benjamin McCord,
FLL Supervisor
Our 2025–2026 FIRST LEGO League teams are off to an exciting start! In September, Bayview Glen once again hosted the Ontario FLL Challenge Kickoff Celebration and Conference, welcoming more than 300 team members from across the province.
Our competitive FLL teams are now hard at work developing their Innovation Projects and finetuning their Robot Games in preparation for regional tournaments. We’re also thrilled to welcome Eryka Vella and Jonathan Baum as the new coaches of Operation CREAT3.
A big thank-you to all of our team members, coaches, and volunteers who continue to make robotics at Bayview Glen such an inspiring part of school life!
The Cost of Overprogramming: Why Sleep Matters
Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, Prep School, The Glen, Upper School
Written by Antoinette Morgan, MA, MSW, BSW, RSW,
Director of Student Wellbeing
Between school, sports, lessons, and social activities, many students today move from one commitment to the next with barely a moment to pause. While these experiences can be enriching and help them build skills and confidence, busy schedules often come at the cost of one essential need — sleep. Over time, that lack of rest can lead to burnout, stress, and a decline in both mental and physical health.
Research shows that many children and teens aren’t getting the sleep their developing bodies and brains need. Experts recommend 8–10 hours per night, yet most teens average less than seven. In a recent random sampling of Grades 6–12 students that I conducted as Director of Student Wellbeing, many reported getting fewer than six hours of sleep on a regular basis. Older teens tended to sleep even less during exams or project weeks, and surprisingly, many tweens also reported poor sleep habits.
The effects of chronic sleep loss reach far beyond tired mornings. Insufficient rest impacts memory, focus, and mood, and over time can create barriers to learning and social connection — both in and out of school.
Many students feel pressure to keep their grades high while also excelling in multiple extracurricular activities. Early morning practices, late-night games, and specialized training sessions fill their calendars. While these opportunities can be valuable, this constant pace is taking a toll. Overprogramming has become a widespread issue, often driven by academic and social pressures that don’t always align with what children and adolescents developmentally need.
Overscheduling disrupts the body’s natural sleep-wake rhythm, known as the circadian cycle. When students don’t get enough restorative sleep, their physical and mental health suffer. Research links sleep deprivation to increased anxiety and depression. Long, stressful days raise cortisol (the stress hormone), making it harder to relax and fall asleep. When that happens, many turn to their phones to unwind — but screen time before bed makes things worse. The blue light from devices suppresses melatonin, the hormone that helps the body prepare for sleep, creating a frustrating cycle of wakefulness and fatigue.
Tips for Healthy Sleep
According to the City of Toronto’s Healthy Start to School:
- Children ages 5–13 need about 9–11 hours of sleep each night.
- Keep bedtime roughly the same during the week and on weekends.
- Limit screen time before bed and keep devices out of the bedroom.
- Encourage daily physical activity.
- Avoid caffeinated drinks (cola, chocolate, tea, coffee) in the evening.
If You Need Support
- Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 – Mental Health Support for young people
- Lumenus Community Services – Mental health and developmental support
- Psychologytoday.ca – To find a therapist
To continue this important conversation and explore practical ways to bring more balance into students’ lives, please join the next Parent Book Club on November 27, 2025, from 5:00–6:00 p.m. We’ll be discussing Never Enough by Jennifer Breheny Wallace, award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author.
