Category: Lower School
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.
Lower School Signature Programmes: Learning Beyond the Classroom
Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, The Glen
Adventure and Teamwork: Grade 3’s First Day with Outward Bound
By Amelia H., Grade 3 Student
Junior Kindergarten’s Week Without Walls: Learning Beyond the Classroom
By Melissa Tosevski, JK2 Teacher
Adventure and Teamwork: Grade 3’s First Day with Outward Bound
Written by Amilia H.,
Grade 3 Student
Our Outward Bound day was very fun, and we learned and did a lot of things. We played some games, such as the Blanket Toss. During the Blanket Toss, we rolled, caught, and tossed a tennis ball using a blanket with everyone holding an edge. We also learned some skills that perhaps we might need later on in life, such as making bread called Bannock, which came from the Scottish settlers. Most of the activities we did that day focused mainly on collaboration. Many of the activities we did also focused on learning about the First Nations and the Scottish settlers.
I am sure that everyone had a wonderful time and is looking forward to our next Outward Bound adventure with anticipation. Our leaders, Jianna and Ryan, were fantastic! Thank you Outward Bound!
Junior Kindergarten’s Week Without Walls: Learning Beyond the Classroom
Written by Melissa Tosevski,
JK2 Teacher
Our Junior Kindergarten Signature Programme, A Week Without Walls, was a beautiful reminder of how powerful learning becomes when children step outside the classroom and into the natural world. With the weather on our side, each morning offered new opportunities for our young learners to explore, create, and collaborate in meaningful ways.
Throughout the week, students were immersed in experiences that encouraged curiosity, teamwork, creativity, and perseverance. Whether mixing and moulding imaginative creations in the sandpit, working together during parachute games, or building cozy chipmunk homes during our trip to Evergreen Brickworks, the children demonstrated joyful engagement and a growing sense of independence. They problem-solved, shared ideas, and supported one another, skills that extend far beyond the walls of the classroom.
There were many moments of wonder and delight. As one student, Nila, shared, “My favourite was balancing on the log because gymnastics is my favourite!” Liam was all smiles as he said, “My favourite was parachute because I like to go under.” For Amelia, the highlight was discovering and creating in nature: “I love finding the eggs and building the house for the chipmunk.” And Teodor’s enthusiasm shone through when he explained, “I like to build shakers because I want to shake and build.” Their words capture the heart of what this week represents — authentic learning inspired by curiosity and connection.
This experience beautifully reflects Bayview Glen’s mission of nurturing the Whole Child, inspiring a Purposeful Life, and contributing to a Better World. Each day, our students were given space to take risks, explore their surroundings, and learn through hands-on experiences that foster both confidence and compassion.
A Week Without Walls was a true community effort, made possible through the collaboration of our incredible team of educators, administrators, maintenance staff, kitchen staff, and dedicated parent volunteers. Together, we created an environment where our youngest learners could thrive, explore, and celebrate the joy of discovery.
As the week came to a close, we were reminded that learning is not confined by walls, it grows in every shared laugh, every muddy handprint, and every moment of wonder found in the great outdoors.
A Morning to Remember: Lower School Grade Breakfast Highlights
Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, The Glen
Written by Simon M.,
Grade 5 Student
Every year, JK to Grade 5 students have a Grade Breakfast. The Grade Breakfast is one of my favourite events of the year. Starting in the fall, each grade will have a day when everybody in the grade goes over to the Daunt Dining Hall and has breakfast together. It is always very special to get to have a breakfast with your friends and family. A cool thing about the breakfast is that near the end, all the teachers introduce themselves and say a little something about themselves, and Mr. Lee, the Head of School, talks about some of the school’s updates. We also do our house cheers! The four houses at Bayview Glen are the Blue Lynx, the Green Falcons, the Red Bears, and the Purple Wolves. And, if you have a sibling, they can go too! The Grade Breakfast is always one of the highlights of the year and is a great chance to meet teachers and families.
House Spirit in Action: Lower School Turkey Trot
Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, The Glen
Written by Dennis G. and Kyriakos K.,
Grade 4 Students
Each year, the day before Thanksgiving long weekend, Bayview Glen hosts our traditional Turkey Trot. On October 9th, Lower School students anticipated the arrival of the Bayview Glen turkey and cheered loud and proud for their house teams. Students from JK to Grade 5 ran the Turkey Trot, of course, with different distances and routes. This year, there was a lot of excitement as parents of the Lower School participated in the parent race! The competition was fierce! We run the Turkey Trot every year for Terry Fox because he is a Canadian Hero. Terry Fox ran to spread awareness for cancer research, and to remember him. We had lots of fun cheering for our friends and our parents!
Join Us for Parent Association Merry Market 2025
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Date: Friday, November 21, 2025
Time: 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Bayview Glen Moatfield Campus
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The Bayview Glen Parent Association is delighted to invite you to our annual Merry Market!
Join us as we celebrate the holiday season with a fantastic shopping experience featuring local vendors and Bayview Glen community members, as well as our talented student entrepreneurs with creative products.
Don’t forget to bid on our famous class basket auction, filled with thoughtfully curated items from our families.
There will be lots of fun for everyone, with festive music, cozy hot chocolate station, and our delicious bake sale (cash preferred).
We are also bringing magic back again this year with the opportunity for families to take free holiday photo with winter festive theme and Santa, available from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.
All Bayview Glen community members are welcome. Please register online if you and your family are planning to attend.
Be sure to bring some cash and reusable bags, as some vendors may not accept credit or debit card payments.
For more information on the PA Merry Market vendors, please check out the list available on the PA Events webpage.
We look forward to celebrating the holiday season together.
Calling for Parent Volunteers
We are looking for parent volunteers to help make this annual event a success. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the online signup form (click here), or contact pavolunteer@bayviewglen.ca for any questions.
Parent Association Halloween Fun Bash 2025
Bayview Glen News, Events, Home page, Lower School, Parent Association, Prep School, Preschool, Upper School
Thank you all for attending our annual Halloween Fun Bash on Sunday, October 26! We all had a wicked good time celebrating with our Bayview Glen community and dressing up for a Spooktacular Halloween Celebration!
The kids enjoyed trick or treating, many games, arts and crafts, and the well-attended inflatables castles and famous BeaverTails food truck with their families and friends! New this year, was our first ever Glow in the Dark dance party with a Live DJ – a big success appreciated by many!
We look forward to seeing many families again at our next Parent Association Merry Market on Friday, November 21, 2025 from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at our Moatfield Campus. Please check out the PA Events webpage for more details and online registrations.
Join Us for Parent Association Halloween Fun Bash 2025
Home page, Lower School, Parent Association, Prep School, Preschool, Upper School
Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Bayview Glen Moatfield Campus
Register online today: bayviewglen.ca/pa-events
Let’s get ready for a wicked good time with your Bayview Glen community for a Spooktacular Halloween Celebration!
Get dressed in your Halloween costume, bring a treat bag, and come trick or treating with your family!
Come enjoy an afternoon of fun for everyone:
- NEW & EXCITING First Ever Glow in the Dark Dance Party with a Live DJ in the J.T.M. Guest Theatre (geared to Grade 5 and Prep School students)
- Inflatables, games, treats, and more in the Prep School Gymnasium (for all ages)
Sweets and savoury food options will be available for purchase (cash or credit), with the famous BeaverTails Food Truck again this year.
Admission cost is $5 per child. Pre-registration is required. Please register online if you and your family are planning to attend.
All members of the Bayview Glen community are warmly invited. We look forward to celebrating together.
Calling for Parent Volunteers!
We are looking for parent volunteers to help make the event a success. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up online or contact pavolunteer@bayviewglen.ca.
If you have any questions, please contact pasocial@bayviewglen.ca.
Parent Association Morning Coffee Social 2025
Bayview Glen News, Events, Home page, Lower School, Parent Association, Prep School, Preschool, Upper School
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Friday, October 3, 2025 for the Parent Association Morning Coffee Social on the beautiful back deck of our Moatfield Campus. The morning provided a relaxed opportunity to catch up, enjoy conversation, and strengthen our school community.
We look forward to seeing many families at our next Parent Association Halloween Fun on Sunday, October 26 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at our Moatfield Campus. Please stay tuned for more details.
Parent Association Nominations 2026
Home page, Lower School, Parent Association, Prep School, Preschool, Upper School
The Bayview Glen Parent Association will be accepting nominations for the following executive and director positions for the term beginning January 2026:
- Parent Volunteer Director
- Student Volunteer Director
- Secretary
- Civvies Day Co-ordinator
- NISPA representative
The nomination period starts October 1, 2025 and all nominations must be submitted no later than October 31, 2025.
The term for all available positions is two years. Please download the nomination form here (PDF).
To submit completed forms or for further information, please contact the Nominating Committee at pavicepresident@bayviewglen.ca.
Parent Association Evening Parent Social 2025
Bayview Glen News, Events, Home page, Lower School, Parent Association, Prep School, Preschool, Upper School
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first Parent Association Evening Parent Social on Thursday, September 25 on the scenic rooftop patio of our Moatfield Campus. It was wonderful to connect with so many parents in a relaxed, social setting – celebrating the start of a new school year, fostering new friendships, and strengthening our vibrant school community.
For those who were unable to attend, we look forward to seeing you at our next Parent Association Morning Coffee Social on Friday, October 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the beautiful back deck of our Moatfield Campus. Please be sure to register online if you are planning to attend.
