Category: The Glen
Learning to Serve, Serving to Learn: Rethinking Service in Global Education
Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, The Glen, Upper School
Written by Dr. Angela Mantie,
Director of Global Education and Strategic Partnerships
Learning Service at Bayview Glen
Guided by compassion, curiosity, and courage, Global Education at Bayview Glen prepares students to engage the world with empathy, purpose, and meaningful action. Learning is rooted in real-world experiences that emphasize pluralism, global citizenship, and long-term sustainability—encouraging students to make choices that matter not just today, but for future generations.
Service learning has long been a cornerstone of Bayview Glen. Over time, we’ve reflected more deeply on its meaning and impact. That reflection has led to a shift toward what we now call learning service.
Learning service prioritizes relationships, reciprocity, and community-defined priorities. Unlike traditional service models that often center student outcomes, this approach asks deeper questions: Who defines the need? Who benefits? What are the unintended consequences?
This shift flips the lens. Students engage with communities as co-educators, working with them rather than for them. Community voice is central, and learning is mutual. The focus is on shared responsibility, long-term collaboration, and sustainable impact.
Critical self-reflection is essential. Students examine assumptions, explore cultural dynamics, and consider their positionality within systems of privilege and power. Through this process, service becomes a practice rooted in humility, accountability, and insight.
In practice, global education partnerships are codesigned with local and global communities. Students listen ethically and act with intention. Impact is measured not only by student growth, but by community benefit, relationship longevity, and progress toward a world where service is no longer needed.
By embracing learning service, Bayview Glen prepares students not just to act—but to act thoughtfully, recognizing the deep interdependence of people and places across our shared global landscape.
Upper School Joins Round Square Virtual Postcards
A small cohort of Bayview Glen Upper School students joined 158 Round Square students from around the world for the virtual Postcard “AI: Friend or Foe?”, hosted by Inventure Academy in India.
Through guided discussion, students explored AI’s role in friendship and mental health, weighed its pros and cons, and considered how to create healthy balance. In breakout rooms, a shared message emerged: AI should never replace human-to-human connection and guidance.
During our post-session debrief, students shared that they hadn’t realized everyone on the call would have access to AI tools—an insight that broadened their worldview and reinforced that, regardless of geography, young people their age are navigating many of the same challenges.
Lower School Joins Round Square “Show and Tell”
Our Lower School Grade 5 Robotics team, alongside some other grade 5 cohorts, also participated in a Round Square virtual “Show and Tell,” sharing their work as part of “Genius Inventions from Our Regions.”
Small Lessons, Big Skills: Financial Literacy Week in the Lower School
Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, The Glen
Written by Erika Gillespie,
Director of Teaching and Learning, Lower School and Preschool
The Lower School celebrated our annual Financial Literacy Week with a series of learning experiences designed to build students’ understanding of money, decision-making, and responsible financial habits. The week began on January 16 with our Financial Literacy Week Assembly, where we welcomed guest speaker Justin Chung, host of the MoneyDad Podcast, who shared insights about the skill of giving and the four jobs of money (save, invest, spend, and give).
Classroom activities at each grade level took place throughout the week of January 19 to 23, with students exploring a variety of financial concepts.
In Junior Kindergarten, students explored big ideas such as how money is used to get things, the importance of making choices when spending, and keeping money safe. Through read-alouds, dramatic play in the classroom store, coin-counting activities, needs-versus-wants discussions, and the creation of personal wallets, students developed early financial awareness in meaningful and developmentally appropriate ways.
Senior Kindergarten students deepened their understanding of the value of coins and bills and practised using money in everyday situations through play. They also collaborated with Grade 5 students to support the promotion of a school charity initiative, connecting their financial learning to real-world community impact. A creative piggy bank design project further reinforced the concept of saving.
In Grade 1, students participated in All About Money, a virtual presentation from the Bank of Canada Museum. This interactive session explored what money was, why it was used, how it had changed over time, and the value and symbols of Canadian coins and bank notes.
Grade 2 students worked alongside the wonderful Deborah McMillan and her Knowledge Makes Cents company to complete the Making Cent™ – LITE program. Students discussed earned income, deposits, withdraws, and interest through play-based scenarios.
Our Grade 3 students also engaged in a workshop with Knowledge Makes Cents and discussed the concept of ‘Pay My-Future Self First’. Students explored good saving habits, how to budget, and the importance of giving back.
Grade 4 students took part in The Awesome Stuff Classroom Experience, an engaging, discussion-based activity that encouraged critical thinking about needs versus wants, saving for goals, charitable giving, and making thoughtful choices about money.
Finally, Grade 5 students engaged in a “Giving Back” unit, applying the skills they have gathered through their yearlong Classroom Economy signature programme as they planned a student-led hot chocolate stand fundraiser in support of North York Harvest Food Bank. After meeting with a representative from the organization, students applied budgeting, cost analysis, and marketing skills for their fundraiser. The culminating fundraiser will take place on Thursday, February 12, during our Valentine’s Day Civvies Day, with all proceeds being donated to the organization.
Financial Literacy Week is always a special week of learning in the Lower School that provides meaningful opportunities for students to be curious and develop essential life skills while connecting learning to real-world contexts and community involvement.
We, as Bayview Glen students, enjoy learning about Financial Literacy skills. Starting in Grade 4, we received our own Bank of Bayview Glen bank accounts and are challenged to spend and save our money wisely. We have learned that saving money for ourselves is important, but giving to others in need is also an important money skill to develop in life as well. To recognize giving, us Grade 5 students created a Hot Chocolate Stand business to raise money for our partners at North York Harvest Food Bank. The Hot Chocolate Stand will be operating on Thursday, February 12. We really value and enjoy the learning we do around financial literacy at Bayview Glen and know it will help our future selves.
Ellise and Sianna, Grade 5 Students
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.
Alumni Connections in Action: Inspiring Students and Engaging Graduates
Alumni, Bayview Glen News, Newsletters and Publications, The Glen, Upper School
Written by Daniella Brown (’10),
Director of Alumni Relations
This year, Bayview Glen hosted two Career Breakfasts that really highlighted the power of connecting Upper School students with alumni who are generous with their time, experiences, and career insights. Our most recent breakfast featured sisters Jordyn Listro (’13), a professional soccer player with Tampa Bay Sun FC, and Julia Listro (’17), Social Content Coordinator at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment.
Jordyn joined us virtually from Florida, while Julia was here in person, which made for a dynamic conversation full of different perspectives. I had the pleasure of moderating the discussion, which dove into the realities of early professional life—both the wins and the challenges. Jordyn and Julia spoke openly about resilience, the value of hard work, and staying adaptable as goals shift. They reminded students that career paths are rarely straight lines and that being willing to pivot can really make a difference in long-term success. Their insights sparked thoughtful questions and meaningful dialogue with our students.
Our work connecting alumni and students doesn’t stop at school. Last month, the Alumni Relations team visited McMaster University in Hamilton and reconnected with our Bayview Glen alumni from the classes of 2013-2025 currently studying and working there. These visits are such a great way to hear about alumni experiences, celebrate their achievements, and strengthen their ongoing connection to Bayview Glen.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue our university outreach this spring, with visits planned to:
Western University – March 26
Carleton University – April 13
In addition, members of our team will be in Seattle from February 23 to 28. Make sure to reach out to me at dbrown@bayviewglen.ca if you’re interested in connecting!
We’re also gearing up for our May Alumni Reunion, so keep an eye out for more information in the coming months! I can’t wait to reconnect with more alumni, support their journeys, and celebrate the many pathways made possible through a Bayview Glen education.
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.