Category: Bayview Glen News
Planning Ahead: Supporting Upper School Course Selection
Bayview Glen News, Newsletters and Publications, The Glen, Upper School
Written by Leen-Jan van ‘t Hof,
Director of Teaching and Learning, Upper School
While it feels as though the next school year is still far in the distance, students in the Upper School are already thinking ahead about the choices they are planning to make for their next academic year. We started 2026 with Course Selection Evenings that support our students and their families in making these important choices.
We believe that providing clear and practical information is crucial for making informed decisions, so during these evenings, Faculty provided information and answered questions. Students were available to share their experiences in the wide variety of courses that Bayview Glen offers in the Upper School.
At Bayview Glen, we offer the Ontario curriculum, and students in Grades 11 and 12 have the option of choosing one or more AP courses that prepare them to take the Collegeboard AP exams. We are proud that our AP student results at Bayview Glen exceed the Ontario and global averages across all core subjects.
Building a strong partnership ensures our students are set up for success in pursuing their post-secondary pathways. That is why students in the Upper School are assigned a University Guidance Counsellor at the start of Grade 9 who will stay with them all the way through the Upper School. Our University Guidance Counsellors have access to all current information needed to maximize success for university acceptance. They guide students in making choices in the Upper School that will advance acceptance into the post-secondary programmes of their choice.
Please reach out to Mr. David Zutautas, Director of University Counselling (dzutautas@bayviewglen.ca), or Mr. Leen-Jan van ‘t Hof, Director of Teaching and Learning, Upper School (ljvanthof@bayviewglen.ca) if you have questions about post-secondary planning or our curriculum in the Upper School.
Athletic Updates: CISAA & OFSAA Fall Championships
Athletics, Bayview Glen News, Newsletters and Publications, The Glen, Upper School
Written by Kevin Neville,
Director of Athletics, Upper School
What an amazing fall term for our Gryphon athletes!
Congratulations to all the teams and individuals who won medals, and thank you to the coaches for making these experiences possible.
CISAA Sr Boys DII Soccer
GOLD
CISAA Jr Boys DII Soccer
GOLD
CISAA Jr Boys DII Volleyball
GOLD
CISAA Sr Girls XC 5K – Brianna L.
GOLD
CISAA Novice Boys XC 3K – Kyle L.
SILVER
OFSAA Sr Tennis Open Mixed Doubles – Isabella W. & Luke B.
SILVER
Growing Compassion in the Prep School
Bayview Glen News, Newsletters and Publications, Prep School, The Glen
The Impact of Philanthropy for Prepsters
Written by Emilie I., and Bianca M., Co-Heads of Community Outreach, Prep School Student Council
Making a Difference Has Made All the Difference
Written by Lizzie L., Tamira M., Claire M., and Bianca P., Members of the Campaign of Compassion Delivery Team
The Impact of Philanthropy for Prepsters
Written by Emilie I., and Bianca M.,
Co-Heads of Community Outreach, Prep School Student Council
Why is philanthropy important? It can help provide a sense of reality for many people, especially children and people around our age. Giving and seeing the impact you make on people’s lives can completely change your world view. It is a meaningful, and necessary part of life. Doing so without a thank you is much better than receiving acknowledgement. If you don’t receive a thank you, it allows you to truly give without doing it for a reward.
Why is this important for young people? In learning the importance of service, the next generation will become a more inclusive, respectful, and compassionate group who truly have the opportunity to make a difference. Service during youth builds confidence and character and can lead to stronger communities in the future. It can also create many life skills that will help people significantly in the future, including teamwork, leadership, collaboration, and empathy.
In our recent experience at the Lumenus Community Centre and the North York Harvest Food Bank, we found the joy of giving without acknowledgment or thanks. We also learned truly just how lucky we are, and how meaningful true giving really is. Service is something that everyone should take part in. Giving back to your community can bring you one of the best kinds of feelings. It inspires you to make a difference in people’s lives and requires so little. Whether you are donating your time, your food, your money or anything else, it all makes a huge difference, in so many people’s lives.
Even if your donations seem small, the impact they make on people’s lives is greater than you can possibly imagine. As the school year continues, please keep donating and engaging in service, as every donation and act of kindness, no matter how small, can change a life.
Making a Difference Has Made All the Difference
Written by Lizzie L., Tamira M., Claire M., and Bianca P.,
Members of the Campaign of Compassion Delivery Team
Hello everyone! We are the team that took part in the Better Beginnings donation drop off. On this trip, our mission was to help other people, give back to the community, and bring some warmth to their holiday season.
On December 15, we took a trip to the Lumenus Community Centre and the North York Harvest Food Bank to donate all your thoughtful items to the families each class was assigned. We got to see behind the scenes of how the donations are delivered. We will share our experiences with you and how we connected with the community.
We started the day by loading vans and buses with donation boxes from the Lower, Prep, and Upper Schools. Then, we took a bus to the Lumenus Community Centre to begin handing off the boxes to individuals and their families. We got to see the genuine and very heart-warming reactions of each person. Before we left, we got an in-depth tour of the community centre. We got to see their early-on program, the autism learning centres, and we learned about the residential program. We then took another bus to the North York Harvest Food Bank, where we met with staff who showed us how the sorting works. We learned some fascinating statistics helped by unloading all the Bayview Glen food donations, which was a lot! Great job everyone!
Here are some first-hand experiences that were reflected on after the trip:
“We met some of the families and staff there, and it was amazing to see the difference that community support makes in people’s lives.”
“Being there helped us understand that donating isn’t only about giving food. it’s about giving people comfort, stability, and hope.”
“When we visited North Harvest Food Bank, seeing the shelves filled with food donated by our school was such a proud moment. We learned how the donations are sorted and distributed, and just how many families rely on that food every day. It really opened our eyes to how important these drives are.”
We are so grateful to everyone who helped make this happen. Your generosity shows how powerful it is when our school comes together to care for others. Thank you for making a difference.
Spotlight on Performance: From Improv to Concert Stage
Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, The Glen, Upper School
The Art of Improv at Upper School
Written by Liam E., Grade 9 Rep
Lower School Winter Concert Recap
Written by Ea-Ling Seun, Lower School Music Teacher
The Art of Improv at Upper School
Written by Liam E.,
Grade 9 Rep
Hi! I’m Liam, the founder of the Upper School’s Improv Club! My interest in improv started when I went downtown to watch a show at Second City. Fascinated by the complex back and forth and precise timing that the actors had mastered, I knew this mix of laughs and acting was the thing for me. Soon after, I signed up for a weeklong course at Second City. There, I learned the skills and techniques that lay underneath the craziness on the surface.
For improv to be successful, you need to be spontaneous and not afraid to go for it. Many can be reluctant to step in and really get involved, but in my experience, those who give more to improv get more out of it. There is a powerful joy that comes from going off script and sharing a laugh with your friends. This is why I started Improv Club, to let others enjoy this art as I do.
After talking to Mr. Clark, my mentor, during the Grade 9 trip to Camp Onondaga, I realized I could start an improv club. I started it early in the year, unsure whether anyone would sign up, and was delighted to see the eager faces that came into the room for our first meeting. During our meetings, we play improv games and experiment with different scenes. Improv Club now meets every week, and together we explore all that improv has to offer.
Lower School Winter Concert Recap
Created by Ea-Ling Seun,
Lower School Music Teacher
Collaborating for Student Wellbeing: The Importance of Open Communication about Diagnoses
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
Families play an important role in helping schools understand students’ unique learning and health needs. When diagnostic information is shared with the school, it allows educators to create consistent, well-coordinated support across home and school settings. This collaboration helps staff anticipate challenges, build on strengths, and ensure that, from the onset, students receive the right strategies and accommodations. Open, respectful communication strengthens the partnership between families and the school, ultimately helping every child feel understood and supported.
An important aspect of home-school partnership is the sharing of pertinent information related to a child’s learning, medical, and mental health diagnosis. Though some parents may be reluctant to share this sensitive information, doing so will greatly enhance their children’s experience at school. To support the whole child, there must be an understanding of any diagnosis to allow staff to see the full picture of their strengths, needs, and learning profile. This awareness creates a more positive outcome for children, enabling staff to respond with empathy and flexibility.
When families inform the school of their children’s diagnosis, they are better positioned to receive appropriate accommodation, learning strategies, and wellness supports. This purposeful support helps to build children’s confidence and foster resilience, equipping them for a meaningful and engaging life beyond the classroom.
A strong home-school connection creates a cohesive support system for student success. Children will thrive academically and socially when home and school function as a team. Open communication requires transparency between home and school that strengthens the continuity of support students receive. Sharing relevant information allows the school and families to align expectations to foster better outcomes and create a supportive environment that reduces unnecessary stress and anxiety and fosters growth.
Families are encouraged to share information about children’s medical and mental health needs. An informed staff will be better prepared to recognize signs of distress and offer timely intervention and/or support.
Sharing a diagnosis helps place a child’s behavior and learning differences in proper context, allowing staff to respond with understanding and care. Behaviors and responses are less likely to be misunderstood or misinterpreted, leading the child to feel seen, understood, and emotionally safe at school. This shared understanding fosters a more inclusive and compassionate school community that models respect, empathy, and belonging, and prepares students to contribute thoughtfully to a better world.
When parents share a child’s mental health or neurodivergent diagnosis with the school, it can significantly strengthen the child’s emotional wellbeing and sense of security. This open communication allows the school and family to work together in ways that support the whole child. A good partnership between home and school makes children feel protected and supported. This collaborative approach supports emotional well-being, builds resilience, and helps children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Importantly, our school respects privacy and confidentiality. Diagnostic information will only be shared with appropriate staff and used solely to support the student in alignment with best practices and confidentiality standards.
If you have questions about how the school can best support your child or if you would like to share information about a mental health diagnosis or neurodevelopmental disorder, I warmly encourage you to connect with me directly at amorgan@bayviewglen.ca. As the Director of Student Wellbeing, my role is to partner with families, listen carefully, and help ensure that every student feels understood, supported, and set up for success. You may also reach out to our School Nurse, Annie Davies-Irvine, RN, BScN, and learn more about our school’s Health Centre.
Please reach out at any time. Together, we can create the strong, coordinated support system your child deserves.
To continue these important conversations, families are warmly invited to join our Parent Book Club this March. We will be reading The Crucial Years: The Essential Guide to Mental Health and Modern Puberty in Middle Childhood (Ages 6–12) by Dr. Sheryl Gonzalez Ziegler.
More details and registration information will be shared soon and will be posted here.
We hope you will join us for this meaningful discussion and opportunity to connect with fellow parents.
Leading the Charge: Prep Athletics in Action
Athletics, Bayview Glen News, Newsletters and Publications, Prep School, The Glen
Written by Sofia F. and Ethan F.,
Heads of Athletics, Prep School Student Council
This year has been one of the most exciting for Athletics at the Prep, and as Heads of the Athletics Committee, we have been proud to help shape it. Sports have always meant a lot to both of us. They’ve taught us teamwork, perseverance, leadership, and how to bring energy to the people around us. Becoming Heads felt like the perfect opportunity to give that same experience back to the Prep community.
This year, our biggest focus has been strengthening the House programme and making sure it plays a meaningful, year-long role in the Prep. We’ve introduced monthly House competitions, giving every student the chance to try new things. From classic sports to new activities students haven’t tried before, our goal is to make participation fun, inclusive, and something the whole school looks forward to.
We have also increased the number of spirit-focussed events, encouraging students not just to compete, but to cheer each other on. Houses are earning points consistently throughout the year, and the race to the House Cup is more alive than it has been in a long time.
Another important part of our work has been improving communication around Athletics. With help from our committee members, we are making sure that every Gryphon is updated on scores, upcoming events, and more. Our newest addition, Gryphons of the Week, celebrates athletes from all three grades who demonstrate sportsmanship, dedication, and spirit, both on and off the field.
Overall, we hope the work we’re doing inspires more students to play, support each other, and take pride in being Gryphons. Whether you’re competing, coaching, managing, or cheering, you are part of what makes the Prep community so strong.
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