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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.
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!
Introducing the Reflection Room: A New Space for Quiet, Wellbeing, and Belonging at Bayview Glen
Bayview Glen News, Newsletters and Publications, The Glen
Written by Ryan Rodrigues,
Executive Director, Advancement and External Relations
Bayview Glen is pleased to announce the opening of the Reflection Room, a calm and welcoming space designed to support moments of reflection, prayer, meditation, or simply a quiet pause during the school day. Located on the 3rd floor of the Upper School, directly across from the bridge, this thoughtfully created environment will be open to all staff and faculty, as well as to Prep and Upper School students.
Available beginning February 9, the Reflection Room was shaped through meaningful conversations with our Grade 12 students and reflects our broader commitment to elevating student voice and supporting wellbeing. During consultations this Fall and ongoing dialogue with the graduating class, students emphasized the importance of having accessible spaces that support belonging. Their feedback, combined with our Strategic Plan commitment to Nurturing Belonging and Wellbeing, shaped the vision for this space.
This step represents progress within the broader wellbeing journey we have been building together. It is not the final destination, but rather an important and tangible expression of our commitment—and a foundation upon which future phases will continue to grow. As we continue working with our architects on purposebuilt belonging and wellbeing spaces across the school, the Reflection Room offers an immediate and meaningful resource for our community.
We look forward to seeing this space become a valued part of daily life at Bayview Glen, supporting moments of calm, connection, and care for all who use it.
We look forward to sharing more as this space opens and as our learning continues. If you would like to learn more or be part of this evolving work, please contact advancement@bayviewglen.ca.
What’s New at Bayview Glen Camp Summer 2026
Bayview Glen News, Newsletters and Publications, The Glen
Written by Kayley Core,
Interim Camp Director
It’s hard to believe that it’s already 2026 – and that summer camp is only five short months away! Here at the camp office, we are working hard behind the scenes to ensure that the upcoming summer is shaping up to be our biggest and best yet.
New Swim Programme
We are incredibly excited to introduce our New Swim Programme, made possible through access to Bayview Glen’s brand-new swimming pool this summer. Swimming will be a daily programme for all campers, across all age groups, allowing campers to build confidence, improve skills, and develop a lifelong love of the water.
What campers can expect this summer:
- Daily Instructional Swimming
Campers will participate in structured swim lessons each day, led by highly trained and certified swim instructors. Lessons will be tailored to each camper’s ability level—from beginner to advanced—to ensure meaningful progress and skill development. - Small Group, Level-Based Instruction
Campers will be grouped by swim ability to provide individualized instruction in a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment. - Fun Friday Recreational Swim
Fridays will feature recreational swimming focused on fun, games, and enjoyment—always under the close supervision of certified lifeguards and trained camp staff. - Swim Leadership & Certification Pathways
Older campers will have the opportunity to participate in leadership swim programming, including Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross, helping them build responsibility, leadership skills, and confidence in and around the water. - Specialty Stroke Improvement
For campers looking to take their swimming to the next level, we will offer stroke-improvement sessions, ideal for those preparing for swim teams or wanting to refine their technique.
Safety remains our top priority. All swim activities will be overseen by trained professionals, with clear safety protocols, appropriate camper-to-staff ratios, and consistent lifeguard supervision to ensure a positive experience for every child.
We can’t wait for a summer filled with splashing, skill-building, and unforgettable memories in the pool.
Beyond swimming, we are committed to providing well-rounded programming that supports a wide range of interests, abilities, and learning styles. Whether campers are drawn to STEM, the arts, or athletics, there is something for everyone at Bayview Glen Camp.
New & Expanded Programming for Summer 2026
- Cartooning
- Drama
- Ukulele
- Racquet Sports
Camp is about more than just having fun – it’s about growth. Through our programmes, campers will:
- Try new activities and step outside their comfort zones
- Build meaningful friendships
- Learn collaboration and teamwork skills
- Develop independence, confidence, and resilience
We are so excited to welcome families back – and to meet new ones – for Bayview Glen Camp Summer 2026. We look forward to another incredible season filled with learning, laughter, and lifelong memories.
Happy Camping!