Category: Bayview Glen News
From Nurse Annie: Wishing You a Safe and Healthy Summer
Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, Prep School, Preschool, The Glen, Upper School
Written by Annie Davies-Irvine, RN, BScN
School Nurse
As we head into summer, I would like to take a moment to thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our students healthy, safe, and thriving. Your support has been invaluable in fostering student wellbeing throughout the year.
Together, we navigated challenges, supported one another, and helped students grow, not only taller and stronger, but also more resilient and self-aware.
Over the past year, the Health Centre has supported students’ daily needs, managed chronic conditions and injuries, and provided care and reassurance when it was needed most. These experiences continue to strengthen the way we support our community.
Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome students back in September to our brand-new Health Centre, located in the Lower School expansion.
Summer Health & Safety Tips
For helpful guidance on staying healthy this summer, including sun safety, tick prevention, and healthy routines, please review this resource from Toronto Public Health:
Healthy Summer Tips for Families
Key reminders include:
- Protect your skin with SPF 30+ sunscreen and sun-safe clothing
- Stay hydrated and take precautions during hot weather
- Keep active, limit recreational screen time, and maintain healthy routines
- Be mindful of outdoor safety, including tick awareness and air quality
MagnusHealth Reminder
MagnusHealth is now in use for all JK to Grade 12 families. As a reminder, families are responsible for keeping their child’s health information accurate and up to date throughout the year. You can do this by simply logging into the MagnusHealth portal here.
Please note that Preschool families are not yet included. We will share updates when this changes.
Wishing all Bayview Glen families a restful, happy, and healthy summer. Should any health concerns arise, please feel free to reach out: adavies-irvine@bayviewglen.ca.
AI Literacy Microcredentials: Preparing our Students for a Changing World
Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, Prep School, The Glen, Upper School
Written by Erika Gillespie, Greg Ryerson, and L-J van ‘t Hof
Directors of Teaching and Learning
In September, Bayview Glen launched the first year of our new AI Literacy Microcredential programme, with students in Grades 5 through 9 engaging in a programme designed to help them navigate a rapidly evolving technological landscape with confidence, responsibility, and critical awareness. Grounded in our commitment to preparing students for a purposeful life in a changing world, the programme focusses not only on how to use generative AI tools, but on how to think about their impact, their limitations, and the choices they require of us.
The programme is intentionally designed with a multi-year progression in mind, with learning deepening as students move through the grades. In the earlier years, students build their foundational understanding of what generative AI is, how it works, and how it is already present in their everyday lives. They explore key ideas such as human responsibility, bias, and appropriate use, while beginning to develop practical skills for interacting effectively with AI systems.
As students progress, they examine how data influences AI systems and consider important issues such as privacy, fairness, and accountability. Through real-world examples, they begin to understand how decisions made by designers affect how AI is experienced, and how those decisions connect to questions of equity and responsibility.
In the latter years of the programme, students engage more deeply with ethical questions and the broader role of AI in society. They begin to consider how AI can be designed or used in ways that reflect strong values and have a positive impact. This learning encourages students to think at a systems level and to see themselves as capable contributors to a technology-driven world.
An integral part of the microcredential is reflection. Throughout the programme, students are asked to consider how they might leverage generative AI in their own learning, thinking about when it is helpful, where it requires caution, and how they can ensure they remain independent, critical thinkers.
The goal of our AI Literacy Microcredential programme is to prepare students not just to use generative AI, but to engage with it thoughtfully. In alignment with Bayview Glen’s strategic vision of bold thinking and future readiness, this programme helps students develop not only technical knowledge, but also the ethical awareness, curiosity, and sense of responsibility they will need to lead and contribute meaningfully in an increasingly complex world.
Parent Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon 2026
Bayview Glen News, Events, Home page, Lower School, Parent Association, Prep School, Preschool, Upper School
Thank you to all of our parent volunteers who joined us for the Parent Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
It was a pleasure to come together to celebrate and recognize the incredible contributions you make to the Bayview Glen community. Your generosity, enthusiasm, and dedication enrich the experiences of our students and help foster the vibrant and welcoming spirit that makes Bayview Glen so special.
On behalf of the School and the Parent Association, thank you for your time, commitment, and support throughout the year. We are truly grateful for all that you do.
Same Story, New Chapter: Alumni Connections Near and Far
Alumni, Bayview Glen News, Newsletters and Publications, The Glen, Upper School
Written by Daniella Brown ’10,
Director of Alumni Relations
London & Ottawa Alumni Visits Recap
Our recent visits to London and Ottawa were a wonderful reminder of what makes the Bayview Glen community so special. Reconnecting with alumni, hearing stories that span generations, and reflecting on the shared experiences that continue to shape our community long after graduation. What stood out most was the sense of connection in every room. While our school may have physical walls, the spirit of Bayview Glen reaches far beyond them, carried by each of you wherever life takes you.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and made these evenings so memorable. We are already looking forward to continuing our visits next year. Keep an eye out for our 2026 visit schedule, and in the meantime, we would love to hear from you. Where should we visit next?
Career Breakfast
Our February 26 Career Breakfast spotlighted the dynamic world of real estate, featuring Sherif Nathoo ’97 and Mackenzie Sharpe ’05. Sherif shared insights from building his own successful team and coaching with a global network, while Mackenzie offered perspective on navigating high-level commercial real estate. Together, they provided students with valuable advice, real-world experiences, and inspiration for future career paths.
Thank you to Sherif and Mackenzie for joining us as guest speakers, and a special thank you to all of our alumni who served as panellists for our 2025/26 Career Breakfast series. We are grateful for your time, insight, and continued connection to the community.
Stay tuned for next year’s lineup, and please contact me at dbrown@bayviewglen.ca if you are interested in presenting in the upcoming year.
Upcoming Alumni Reunion | May 22 & 23
We are so excited to welcome our alumni back to campus for Reunion 2026 on May 22 and 23. This year’s theme, Same Story, New Chapter, speaks to the shared foundation that connects us all, while celebrating the unique paths each of our alumni has taken since their time at Bayview Glen.
The weekend will kick off on Friday, May 22, in the evening (6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.) with an evening social. It is the perfect opportunity to reconnect, share stories, time to revisit familiar spaces, and settle into the spirit of the weekend. On Saturday, May 23 (10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), we look forward to welcoming you back on campus for a full day of celebration, including student-teacher-alumni soccer and basketball, to connect with fellow alumni and faculty, and honour milestone years.
Reunion is always a special time. It is where stories are revisited, friendships are rekindled, and new memories are made. No matter how much time has passed, there’s just something about coming back to a place that helped shape your journey.
We encourage you to reconnect with your classmates and make plans to attend together. The more familiar faces, the more memorable the experience.
We cannot wait to welcome you back for a truly special weekend.
If you have any questions, please reach out to me at dbrown@bayviewglen.ca.
Learning Through Stories: Inspiring Readers and Thinkers
Alumni, Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, Prep School, The Glen, Upper School
This spring, Bayview Glen welcomed authors who inspired students to read deeply, think creatively, and reflect thoughtfully. Through shared stories and meaningful conversations, students discovered the power of storytelling to entertain, connect, and inspire growth.
Lower School Readers Inspired by Kevin Sylvester and the April Read‑a‑Thon
Exploring Identity and Belonging Through Prep School Author Visits
Lower School Readers Inspired by Kevin Sylvester and the April Read‑a‑Thon
Written by Laura Jessup,
Lower School Teacher-Librarian
April was an unforgettable month at Bayview Glen, filled with reading, creativity, and inspiration!
We were thrilled to welcome acclaimed and award-winning Canadian author and illustrator Kevin Sylvester to Bayview Glen on April 14. Known for his dynamic storytelling, humour, and imaginative worlds, Kevin captivated students with insights into his popular titles, including Apartment 713, MINRS, Time Surfers, and Hockey Super Six. His stories, filled with adventure, mystery, and relatable characters, have long been favourites among our readers.
During his visit, students had the exciting opportunity to hear directly from Kevin about his writing process, creative ideas, and journey as an author and illustrator. His engaging presentation sparked curiosity, inspired budding writers, and deepened students’ appreciation for reading.
April also marked Bayview Glen’s Read-a-Thon, and the entire school community embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. Students explored new books, revisited old favourites, and discovered different genres, all while building strong reading habits and celebrating a shared love of books.
April was truly a celebration of stories, imagination, and inspiration. Well done, Bayview Glen readers!
Exploring Identity and Belonging Through Prep School Author Visits
Written by Michelle Huynh,
Prep and Upper School Librarian
The Learning Commons welcomed two authors who provided Grade 7 and 8 students with opportunities to reflect on identity, belonging, and decision-making through storytelling. Through personal experiences, readings, and discussions, students explored how stories shape the way we understand ourselves and relate to others.
Eddie Kawooya connected with students through his Ace and the Misfits series, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and what it means to feel different. He encouraged students to embrace who they are, challenge labels, and reflect on their own experiences of being misunderstood or underestimated. Drawing on both his writing and lived experiences, he emphasized courage by encouraging students to stay true to themselves, even in moments of uncertainty. His message also reinforced compassion, highlighting the importance of supporting one another, and recognizing that community is something we build together. Through his visit, students reflected on how their voices, choices, and actions can positively impact those around them.
Maria Marianayagam invited students to think more deeply about their choices and how those decisions shape themselves and others during her virtual visit. Drawing on her novel No Purchase Necessary, a Forest of Reading nominee this year, she shared how she develops ideas and crafts engaging stories, along with a reading from the book. She sparked curiosity by encouraging students to explore different perspectives and consider the complexity of characters’ decisions. Her focus on ethical dilemmas also highlighted courage, as students reflected on the importance of making thoughtful choices, even when they are difficult, while approaching situations with empathy.
A key takeaway from both author visits was that stories are not only a form of entertainment but also a powerful tool for personal growth. The visits left students with a greater appreciation for storytelling, a deeper love of reading, and a stronger understanding of themselves and others.
Language Learning Without Borders: CIS Ontario Language Teachers Network Meet & Greet
Bayview Glen News, Newsletters and Publications, The Glen
Written by
Paola Barron, Upper School Educator, French and Spanish Teacher
and Vivienne Kraus, Upper School Educator, Modern Languages Department Head
Bonjour! Hola! Ni hao!
On Friday, April 10, Bayview Glen welcomed 65 educators from 26 CIS Ontario schools for the Language Teachers Network Meet & Greet, Language Learning without Borders: AI, Interculturality, and Global Citizenship. We co-founded this annual event in 2019, to provide a time dedicated to cultivating professional community and sharing effective practices among language educators.
The day opened with a keynote address by Lincoln Smith, Technology and Innovation Coach at Upper Canada College, titled “Moving from ‘Efficient’ to ‘Effective’: How We Can Use Technology to Expand What Is Possible in Assessment, Learning, and Feedback.” His remarks set the tone for a day focused on innovation, reflection, and pedagogical growth.
Participants then engaged in two rounds of breakout sessions led by CIS educators, with topics including interdisciplinary learning, neuroscience-informed practice, leveraging AI for differentiation, an exchange programme in Spain, gamification strategies (presented by Azal Amer Moussa, Modern Languages Department Head, Prep School), and the integration of drama in the language classroom.
Lunch provided valuable time for networking and collegial exchange, as well as opportunities to connect with exhibitors representing leading publishers and educational organizations.
Feedback from participants highlighted the day as both inspiring and practical, with particular appreciation for the targeted resources shared in workshops and the meaningful professional connections fostered throughout the event.
We extend our sincere thanks to our Modern Languages colleagues across the Lower, Prep, and Upper Schools, Bayview Glen’s Administration and Maintenance teams, and Chartwells for their continued support in making this event possible.
The Bridge to Innovation: Connecting Skills to Real-World Solutions in the Prep School
Bayview Glen News, Newsletters and Publications, Prep School, The Glen
Written by Laura Gleeson,
Prep School Educator, Science and Technology Department Head
While technology is meaningfully integrated across all subject areas at the Prep School, what distinguishes our stand-alone technology and problem-based learning courses is the clear and connected continuum that has been created, one that guides students from building skills to solving real-world problems. From Grade 6 to Grade 8, students develop the tools, mindset, and confidence to innovate.
In Grade 6 Integrated Technology (IT), students lay the groundwork. They explore multimedia platforms, 3D printing, AI, and coding while learning how technology can enhance their work across subjects. They build essential skills in communication, collaboration, and research, alongside responsible digital citizenship. Using the Design Thinking Method, students create digital solutions. This course is about technology foundations, exploration, and problem solving – giving students the technical fluency they need to take the next step.
That next step happens in Grade 7, where the newly introduced Integrated Technology and Design Thinking (ITDT) course acts as the bridge from skills to application. Here, students begin to think like designers. They identify problems, consider user perspectives, and develop creative, tangible solutions. Through hands-on, collaborative projects, students brainstorm, prototype, and refine their ideas, building on the tools taught in Grade 6 IT. Students participate in design blitzes and are encouraged to physically build, iterate, modify, and “get messy” in their design work.
In Grade 8, Problem-Based Learning (PBL) brings it all together. Students take ownership of their learning as they tackle complex, real-world issues that matter to them. From social justice to community wellbeing, they research, interview, design, and build solutions that address authentic needs. Their work extends beyond the classroom, culminating in presentations to expert panels and the development of prototypes such as student-built applications and websites, and business models. Students are no longer just problem-solvers; they are change makers.
This three-year continuum ensures that each step builds intentionally on the last. By the end of Grade 8, students are not only confident in their use of technology but also equipped with the creativity, critical thinking, and resilience needed to design solutions for an ever-changing digital world. It is truly a unique piece of the Prep School experience.
That’s All for This Segment: Inside the World of Prep News
Bayview Glen News, Newsletters and Publications, Prep School, The Glen
Written by Andrew Vivian,
Prep School Educator
At the Prep School, news is a very different kind of broadcast. While real-world headlines often focus on conflict, crisis, and concern, Prep News offers something far more uplifting: a joyful kind of organized chaos. Instead of worrying updates and serious reports, the Prep community is treated to creativity, humour, and a healthy dose of the unexpected. This is all thanks to the ever-entertaining Prep News Crew, a student-led team that brings assemblies to life with recurring segments, unforgettable characters, and laugh-out-loud moments that turn everyday school experiences into something truly memorable.
So, who is behind the magic this year? The Prep News Exec 2026 is led by Heads Bennett G. and Evan F., who guide the vision and direction of the show. Supporting them is Assistant Head Mila J., helping to keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Bringing the stories to life are Hosts Julian C. and Nicholas D., whose energy and timing keep audiences engaged from start to finish. And, of course, no news team would be complete without a Roving Reporter—Andrew C.—who is always ready to jump into the action and uncover the latest happenings around the Prep. Together, this group leads a talented team of students in creating a fresh, fun, and uniquely Prep perspective on school life.
This year’s segments have continued to push the boundaries of creativity (and logic). For Halloween, Prep News revealed that the holiday was merely a cover for an alien invasion—one with a particularly terrifying goal: turning everyone into Math teachers. Professor Paranoid returned in full force to warn the school, while Ms. Keyworth appeared as a thoroughly unimpressed 911 operator, dismissing the increasingly frantic reports. Just when all hope seemed lost, Snr Vertel arrived to save the day, using powerful Spanish incantations to repel the invaders and restore order.
The holiday season brought a different kind of chaos, as the Grinch and Claus families faced off in a spirited (and highly questionable) game of Family Feud. In January, Prep News took a look at some rejected ideas for Snow Much Fun Day, including a snow-staring contest, an art lesson on how to draw a polar bear in a snowstorm (with predictably invisible results), and ice fishing in the parking lot at 85 Moatfield—where determined participants managed to reel in frozen fish sticks. Not to be outdone, Prep News also put its own spin on La Journée de la Francophonie by proposing alternative language days, featuring everything from wizard spells and Professor Paranoid-speak to Minion language and even lessons on how to talk like a pirate.
Looking ahead, the Prep News team has no shortage of ideas. Upcoming segments are set to explore the Prep School trip to Muskoka Woods, as well as a uniquely Prep take on the calm and creative world of Bob Ross. If past episodes are any indication, viewers can expect the usual mix of creativity, humour, and just the right amount of chaos.
That’s all for this segment. Prep News is signing off!
Building Knowledge: Grade 5 Connects Classroom Learning to the New Build
Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, The Glen
Written by Vanessa Civan,
Lower School Educator, Lower School Round Square Coordinator
There is a special kind of excitement in the air at our school as we watch the New Build take shape and prepare for opening. For our Grade 5 students, this isn’t just a construction project; it’s a living classroom.
As part of our current unit on Forces in Structures, the Grade 5 Teachers recently had the unique opportunity to tour the new gym and pool facilities. Walking through the space alongside the project coordinator, they were able to see firsthand how the concepts they’ve been exploring in class, such as load-bearing structures, stability, and material strength are applied in real-world design and construction.
Throughout the tour, they interviewed the project coordinator to deepen their understanding of:
How is an existing structure connected to a new addition/building?
What materials are used in the foundation, walls, and connecting portions of the building?
What materials are best for strength and durability?
How do structures remain stable over time?
These are the very questions that engineers, designers, and builders consider every day, and now, our students are thinking like them too.
To deepen this learning, the Grade 5’s excitedly welcomed a panel of experts from the Prodigy Construction team: the Project Manager, Project Coordinator, and Senior Superintendent to speak with the Grade 5 students. Students had the opportunity to hear about the design process, the challenges faced during construction, the materials used, and the decision-making behind the structure they have seen come to life from the ground up.
This experience brought learning beyond the classroom walls. It allowed students to connect theory to practice, develop critical thinking skills, and see the relevance of science and engineering in their everyday world. Most importantly, it inspired curiosity.
By engaging with real professionals and exploring a real construction site, our Grade 5 students are not just learning about structures; they are beginning to understand the impact of innovation, design, forces, and impact in shaping the spaces around us.
As our new facilities prepare to open, our students are not only witnessing growth in our school but discovering their own potential to design, build, and create meaningful change.
Student Life in the Prep: Building Community and School Spirit
Bayview Glen News, Newsletters and Publications, Prep School, The Glen
Written by Lizzie L. and Cormac C.,
Co-Heads of Student Life, Prep School Student Council
We are Lizzie and Cormac, and we are honoured to serve as the Co-Heads of Student Life for the 2025–2026 school year.
Although we both joined the school in Grade 3, our years in the Prep School have been the most meaningful and impactful. What makes the Prep so special is its close-knit and supportive community, one that has continued to grow even stronger this year through the dedication of the Student Life Committee and Student Council.
The Student Life Committee is a group of students committed to making the Prep School a more positive, engaging, and spirited place for everyone. Together, we help plan activities, organize events, and bring student ideas to life. By collaborating with teachers and classmates, committee members work to strengthen school spirit, foster connections, and create opportunities for all students to get involved.
This year, we have been proud to help lead a variety of themed spirit days and special events. Some of our favourite highlights have included the Halloween Spirit Day and assembly, as well as welcoming Canadian Paralympian Josh Cassidy, who inspired students by sharing stories from his Olympic journey.
We are also looking forward to several exciting events still to come, including the Grade 8 Graduation Dance and Pride Spirit Week. These celebrations are meaningful opportunities to showcase the individuality, creativity, and unique spirit that make the Prep Community so special.
Serving in this role has been an incredible experience, and we are grateful for the chance to help make school life memorable for our fellow students. We cannot wait to see what the rest of the year brings.