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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.
Athletic Updates: Winter 2026 Highlights
Athletics, Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, Prep School, The Glen, Upper School
Fueling Students for Learning, Focus, and Wellbeing
Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, Prep School, The Glen, Upper School
At Bayview Glen, alongside academic excellence, we recognize that fueling the future is just as important. Nutrition plays a meaningful role in supporting growth and development, as well as the daily demands of student life, including studying, athletics, stress management, and sustained focus.
Through our food partner, Chartwells, our daily offerings and wellness programming are intentionally designed to highlight foods and habits that help students feel energized, focused, and supported throughout the school day.
Foods to Support Studying and Focus
Students need steady energy to remain attentive and engaged. Across our menus and nutrition programming, we emphasize foods that support concentration and sustained energy, including whole grains for lasting fuel, protein‑rich foods to support focus, fruits and vegetables rich in protective nutrients, healthy fats that support brain health, and hydration to help maintain alertness.
Through pop‑ups, student engagement initiatives, digital and print signage, and nutrition workshops, we help students connect these food choices to everyday learning and academic success.
Fueling Active Students
For students balancing academics with athletics, our programmes also highlight foods that support performance and recovery. This includes balanced snacks, carbohydrates for energy, protein‑rich foods, and hydration strategies.
Our sports nutrition programme, Eat to Compete, reinforces these concepts through educational posters, menu identifiers, and practical guidance that helps students understand how nutrition supports active lifestyles.


Nutrition, Wellness, and Lifelong Skills
Busy schedules and academic demands can affect both energy and resilience. Through initiatives such as Boost Days and Wellbeing Week, students explore how balanced meals, regular eating, hydration, and mindful food choices can support well‑being. Broader wellness themes such as stress management, micro‑breaks, and self‑care are also incorporated.
Through interactive food experiences, teaching kitchen activities, and wellness moments, students build practical skills that support focus, mood, and long‑term wellbeing. This spring, students can also look forward to Brain Bites, a new programme focused on simple foods and snacks that support learning and academic success.
Bayview Glen Robotics on the Provincial and World Stage
Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, Prep School, The Glen, Upper School
ALT-F4: A Blue Banner Season
Written by James K. and Alina D., Grade 10 Students
FIRST LEGO League Innovation and Robotics Programme
Written by Benjamin McCord, FLL Robotics Co-ordinator
ALT-F4: A Blue Banner Season
Written by James K. (Media – Writer) and Alina D. (Mechanical and Media – Editor),
Grade 10 Students
Humber Polytechnic was an encouraging start to the season for many reasons. It allowed us to grow, and more importantly, allowed us to make tremendous improvements which heavily benefitted us at future competitions.
We started off well and continued to tweak aspects of programming and strategy to refine our gameplay. However, it was a hard-fought battle with us having to look to our incredible strategy and drive team – as well as some luck – for the win! Thanks to our consistency, we also managed to secure our first Quality Design award of the season.
More importantly, Humber Polytechnic was the glue that truly allowed our team to come together and bond for the first time. Moving forward, our first competition allowed us to figure out exactly what we needed to do to strengthen our robot’s performance.
Just a few weeks later, and true to the name of this year’s game, we rebuilt the robot! ALT-F4 arrived at Georgian College with one goal: win. Over the past two weeks, we had completely revamped our robot as a dumper with a wide shooter, allowing it to shoot many balls into the HUB at once. Vanguard’s new design proved itself quickly, but not without a few hiccups along the way.
Throughout the qualifiers, our robot malfunctioned several times due to electrical issues caused by static. By the second day, the robot was functioning and we managed to seed first and become alliance captain 1. We made it through the playoffs undefeated and entered the finals confidently and managed to win once again, earning our second blue banner. This result increased our world placing to 35th out of 3800 teams.
Georgian College event allowed us to test our newly rebuilt robot and gave us confidence for the upcoming provincial championship.
We boarded the bus with aspirations to make this DCMP the best in our team’s history. However, our robot had other plans. Despite our best intentions, we ranked third in our division, becoming the captain of the second alliance. We then started the playoff rounds, which is where the tournament got interesting. Our robot was functioning perfectly thanks to the pit team, which allowed our drive team to implement our game strategy to perfection. This was a full team effort. As underdogs, we prevailed over the number one ranked alliance to bring the division championship home for the first time ever, and it was incredible to see the hard work of the team come to fruition. To win this division we had to compete against some of the top teams in the world.
We then advanced to the Provincial finals where we fought valiantly against some of the best robots (in the top five) in the world. While we came very close to beating them, we unfortunately fell short after two well played matches.
Now we are off to Worlds…stay tuned…
FIRST LEGO League Innovation and Robotics Programme
Written by Benjamin McCord,
FLL Robotics Co-ordinator
ConnecTech Goes Global!
Bayview Glen’s FIRST LEGO League Innovation and Robotics Programme is flying high. ConnecTech, our Ontario Provincial Champions, represented Canada at the FIRST World Festival in Houston—competing among 160 elite teams from over 60 countries.



To learn more about ConnecTech, please visit their website at connectech27757.com, and @connectech27757 on Instagram.
More Tournaments!
Smart Ramen
Smart Ramen will compete at the WPI WAFFLE tournament in Worcester, MA, from June 11 to June 14. They won the 2nd Place Champions’ Award at the Ontario Provincials. This is Smart Ramen’s 3rd International Tournament in 3 years.
To learn more about Smart Ramen, please visit their website at https://smart-ramen-21544.com/
Operation CREAT3
Operation CREAT3 will compete at the Canada Cup at Brock University from June 17 to June 20. They won the 1st Place Core Values Award at Provincials, and will showcase their Innovation Project, Artifact Armada.
Eat. Sleep. Archaeology. Repeat.
Our Grade 5 Team, Eat. Sleep. Archaeology. Repeat., will compete at the Canada Cup at Brock University from June 17 to June 20. They won the 1st Place Innovation Project Award at Provincials, and have been mentoring Grade 4 students in the Winter and Spring.
Winter/Spring FLL Intramurals
FLL Intramurals are underway this Winter and Spring—building skills and sparking early interest in robotics and innovation. Our Intramural teams engage in all of the challenges that our Competitive teams do: Innovation Project, Robot Design and Game, and Core Values. Team Smart Ramen (along with ambitious ESAR members Zoe Lieu and Emmy Chung!) shared their time and experience to lead the teams through their journey.
FLL Supports Girls in STEM
2026/2027 Competitive Season Tryouts
All students who wish to be considered for membership on a Fall Competitive team must conduct a tryout. Tryouts will begin in late May. More information about tryouts will be coming soon. Please contact FLL programme supervisor Ben McCord (bmccord@bayviewglen.ca) with any questions.
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!
Mapping Our World: Building Connections Through Inquiry in Preschool
Bayview Glen News, Newsletters and Publications, Preschool, The Glen
Written by Sarah Dillane and Terry Boyce,
BG3A Educators
As the saying goes, you have to walk before you run, and in preschool, this idea is fully embraced. Often, the power of everyday materials is taken for granted. BG3A began the year with the intention of learning the Language of Paper, a medium that impacts nearly every aspect of our lives. Paper was explored in many ways and eventually led the group in an unexpected direction, charting a new course on their map of learning.
A paper map of local bike lanes was added to the classroom materials, and soon opened a rich exploration of maps and map-making, sparking curiosity and inquiry. Interest evolved into representing places and spaces, prompting reflection on the locations that held special meaning to us and how each map told a story about how the world was seen and valued. Maps of Toronto, Durham Region, Ontario Treaties, Canada, and the world were eventually explored, inviting thoughtful reflection on the land and our place within it. Children shared stories of places they had visited or where family members live. Marks, drawings, and conversations transformed the maps into a living record of the classroom’s diverse experiences, showing that while homes and travels may differ, we are all connected and part of something bigger.
Children created their own maps, experimenting with lines, symbols, and colour to represent places and spaces important to them. These personal creations reflected the Reggio belief in the “hundred languages of children,” highlighting the many ways children can express ideas, thoughts, and understanding beyond words. Each child used their own style and choices to show what was meaningful to them, making their maps a unique form of expression.
Over time, these ideas came together in a three-dimensional topographic mural, with shared discussions guiding which landmarks to include, such as the CN Tower, Niagara Falls, Ripley’s Aquarium, and Bayview Glen, turning individual ideas into a map that tells the story of the whole community. Through trial and error, construction methods were explored and the project grew, with papier-mâché supporting the creation of structures and meaningful elements. Once the papier-mâché work was completed, it marked the start of an exciting journey into colour and light, as children studied reference photos and experimented with ways to bring their observations to life. The project offered opportunities for problem-solving, creative expression, and exploring spatial relationships, materials, and visual representation, inviting children to bring their ideas to life.
Throughout this ongoing inquiry, mapping connected children to one another, to their school, to their community and to the wider world. By honouring children’s ideas and allowing the project to evolve naturally, deep engagement, collaboration and a sense of identity and place were observed. In BG3, maps were not just about places, they became stories, connections and questions. This exploration shows how simple materials like paper can be transformed into complex ideas, turning curiosity into creation and reminding us that every idea can become a place worth exploring.





