Category: Bayview Glen News
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 Season of Growth and Gratitude
Bayview Glen News, Newsletters and Publications, The Glen
Written by James Lee,
Head of School
It feels like just yesterday we were welcoming new and returning students and staff to Bayview Glen, and already the halls and fields are filled with the rhythm of another busy and exciting school year.
From spirited sports games and cross-country meets to play rehearsals, picture days, grade breakfasts, celebrations, and important days of recognition and reflection, there’s an unmistakable energy in the air. I want to thank all of you — our students, staff, faculty, and families — for the time, enthusiasm, and heart you bring to Bayview Glen every day. You are the fabric of this community, and I couldn’t be prouder of the way you lift one another up and make this such a special place to learn and grow.
Our enrolment is strong this year at 1,150 students, and with that growth comes exciting progress. Over the summer and into the fall, tremendous strides have been made on our New Build. The defining features of the gymnasium and indoor aquatics centre are now taking shape, with exterior work continuing through December. As we move into 2026, we’ll see the finishing touches — painting, flooring, and pool tiling — bringing this extraordinary project to life.
This project is about more than a new building. It represents expanded opportunities for our students in athletics, wellness, health, and community connection. It’s a tangible expression of our mission: Whole Child. Purposeful Life. Better World. and reflects our ongoing commitment to creating spaces where every student can thrive physically, emotionally, and intellectually.
Equally important to our growth as a school is our continued focus on wellbeing. In October, our staff and faculty participated in professional development centred on mental health first aid, aligning with our third strategic pillar: Nurturing Belonging and Wellbeing. This shared learning reminds us that our strength as a community lies not only in what we achieve but also in how we care for one another.
As we approach the mid-term break, I hope that everyone finds a chance to rest, recharge, and spend time with family and friends. Thank you once again for your partnership, your passion, and your belief in what we are building together.
Wishing you all a restorative and joy-filled break.
Respectfully,
James Lee
Head of School
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.
Student Leadership in Upper School: Building Confidence and Community
Bayview Glen News, Newsletters and Publications, The Glen, Upper School
Courage in Action – The Outdoor Leadership Journey at Bayview Glen
By Charlotte M., Grade 12 Co-Head of Student Executive Council
Leading with Heart – Student Leadership at the Upper School
By Greg Winson, Faculty Advisor to the Student Executive Council
Courage in Action – The Outdoor Leadership Journey at Bayview Glen
Written by Charlotte M.,
Grade 12 Co-Head of Student Executive Council
I have been fortunate to be a part of the Bayview Glen community, where I have had a number of valuable experiences and opportunities to grow and develop. Some of the most memorable experiences have been our Upper School outdoor education trips.
Reflecting on my time at camp, I was challenged beyond my comfort zone. Whether it was canoeing, rock climbing, or building fires in the middle of winter, it instilled a sense of confidence not just in me, but in everyone around me.
Each outdoor success, even the small ones, proved that we could handle more than we thought possible. Every activity strengthened our teamwork and collaboration while also developing the leader in each of us, as we all found opportunities to lead in our own way.
Those moments of challenge and teamwork encouraged me to take on new responsibilities back at school, ultimately giving me the confidence to run for the position of House Head in Grade 11 and then Co-Head of Council in Grade 12.
Most importantly, these experiences deepened my sense of belonging within the Bayview Glen community. Working together toward common goals and supporting one another through challenges, reminds me that true belonging comes from shared effort, trust, and knowing that every voice matters.
Coming back to school after outdoor education, we felt like we were part of something bigger than ourselves; our grade had grown closer together through special moments that went far beyond the regular classroom.
Those lessons continue to shape my views, valuing collaboration over competition, empathy over judgement, and striving to help others feel that same sense of community and belonging that the outdoor education trips have given me.
Leading with Heart – Student Leadership at the Upper School
Written by Greg Winson,
Faculty Advisor to the Student Executive Council
The Student Executive Council (SEC) is the driving force behind school spirit and community at our school. Made up of passionate student leaders, the SEC works to bring fresh ideas to life — whether it’s planning exciting events, promoting collaboration, or creating opportunities for everyone to get involved. Through our weekly meetings, student representatives brainstorm, organize, and lead initiatives that make our school a more vibrant and connected place.
With the guidance and support of our dedicated faculty advisors, the SEC has successfully hosted a wide range of activities including movie nights, school dances, spirit weeks, house leagues, and coffee houses. Each event is designed to celebrate our school community, encourage participation, and give students a chance to make lasting memories.
As we continue to grow, the SEC remains committed to listening to student voices and building on our tradition of fun, inclusive, and creative events — making every year better than the last.
