Category: Newsletters and Publications
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.
A Season of Growth and Gratitude
Bayview Glen News, Newsletters and Publications, The Glen
Written by James Lee,
Head of School
It feels like just yesterday we were welcoming new and returning students and staff to Bayview Glen, and already the halls and fields are filled with the rhythm of another busy and exciting school year.
From spirited sports games and cross-country meets to play rehearsals, picture days, grade breakfasts, celebrations, and important days of recognition and reflection, there’s an unmistakable energy in the air. I want to thank all of you — our students, staff, faculty, and families — for the time, enthusiasm, and heart you bring to Bayview Glen every day. You are the fabric of this community, and I couldn’t be prouder of the way you lift one another up and make this such a special place to learn and grow.
Our enrolment is strong this year at 1,150 students, and with that growth comes exciting progress. Over the summer and into the fall, tremendous strides have been made on our New Build. The defining features of the gymnasium and indoor aquatics centre are now taking shape, with exterior work continuing through December. As we move into 2026, we’ll see the finishing touches — painting, flooring, and pool tiling — bringing this extraordinary project to life.
This project is about more than a new building. It represents expanded opportunities for our students in athletics, wellness, health, and community connection. It’s a tangible expression of our mission: Whole Child. Purposeful Life. Better World. and reflects our ongoing commitment to creating spaces where every student can thrive physically, emotionally, and intellectually.
Equally important to our growth as a school is our continued focus on wellbeing. In October, our staff and faculty participated in professional development centred on mental health first aid, aligning with our third strategic pillar: Nurturing Belonging and Wellbeing. This shared learning reminds us that our strength as a community lies not only in what we achieve but also in how we care for one another.
As we approach the mid-term break, I hope that everyone finds a chance to rest, recharge, and spend time with family and friends. Thank you once again for your partnership, your passion, and your belief in what we are building together.
Wishing you all a restorative and joy-filled break.
Respectfully,
James Lee
Head of School
A Space for Belonging and Wellbeing: Shaping our Inclusive Community
Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, Prep School, The Glen, Upper School
Written by Ryan Rodrigues,
Executive Director, Advancement and External Relations
Bayview Glen recently hosted a consultative session to explore the creation of a dedicated space for belonging and wellbeing. This initiative reflects our commitment to nurturing inclusive environments where students feel seen, heard, and supported.
The session invited families, students, alumni, and staff to share ideas for a space that encourages quiet reflection, spiritual pluralism, and shared wellbeing. Together, we imagined a place where empathy, curiosity, and respectful dialogue are part of everyday life.
This work is part of a broader effort to strengthen our culture of belonging. If you’d like to support this initiative or offer further feedback, we welcome your voice – and your generosity.
To learn more or contribute, please contact the Advancement & External Relations team at advancement@bayviewglen.ca.
Student Leadership in Upper School: Building Confidence and Community
Bayview Glen News, Newsletters and Publications, The Glen, Upper School
Courage in Action – The Outdoor Leadership Journey at Bayview Glen
By Charlotte M., Grade 12 Co-Head of Student Executive Council
Leading with Heart – Student Leadership at the Upper School
By Greg Winson, Faculty Advisor to the Student Executive Council
Courage in Action – The Outdoor Leadership Journey at Bayview Glen
Written by Charlotte M.,
Grade 12 Co-Head of Student Executive Council
I have been fortunate to be a part of the Bayview Glen community, where I have had a number of valuable experiences and opportunities to grow and develop. Some of the most memorable experiences have been our Upper School outdoor education trips.
Reflecting on my time at camp, I was challenged beyond my comfort zone. Whether it was canoeing, rock climbing, or building fires in the middle of winter, it instilled a sense of confidence not just in me, but in everyone around me.
Each outdoor success, even the small ones, proved that we could handle more than we thought possible. Every activity strengthened our teamwork and collaboration while also developing the leader in each of us, as we all found opportunities to lead in our own way.
Those moments of challenge and teamwork encouraged me to take on new responsibilities back at school, ultimately giving me the confidence to run for the position of House Head in Grade 11 and then Co-Head of Council in Grade 12.
Most importantly, these experiences deepened my sense of belonging within the Bayview Glen community. Working together toward common goals and supporting one another through challenges, reminds me that true belonging comes from shared effort, trust, and knowing that every voice matters.
Coming back to school after outdoor education, we felt like we were part of something bigger than ourselves; our grade had grown closer together through special moments that went far beyond the regular classroom.
Those lessons continue to shape my views, valuing collaboration over competition, empathy over judgement, and striving to help others feel that same sense of community and belonging that the outdoor education trips have given me.
Leading with Heart – Student Leadership at the Upper School
Written by Greg Winson,
Faculty Advisor to the Student Executive Council
The Student Executive Council (SEC) is the driving force behind school spirit and community at our school. Made up of passionate student leaders, the SEC works to bring fresh ideas to life — whether it’s planning exciting events, promoting collaboration, or creating opportunities for everyone to get involved. Through our weekly meetings, student representatives brainstorm, organize, and lead initiatives that make our school a more vibrant and connected place.
With the guidance and support of our dedicated faculty advisors, the SEC has successfully hosted a wide range of activities including movie nights, school dances, spirit weeks, house leagues, and coffee houses. Each event is designed to celebrate our school community, encourage participation, and give students a chance to make lasting memories.
As we continue to grow, the SEC remains committed to listening to student voices and building on our tradition of fun, inclusive, and creative events — making every year better than the last.
The Cost of Overprogramming: Why Sleep Matters
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
Between school, sports, lessons, and social activities, many students today move from one commitment to the next with barely a moment to pause. While these experiences can be enriching and help them build skills and confidence, busy schedules often come at the cost of one essential need — sleep. Over time, that lack of rest can lead to burnout, stress, and a decline in both mental and physical health.
Research shows that many children and teens aren’t getting the sleep their developing bodies and brains need. Experts recommend 8–10 hours per night, yet most teens average less than seven. In a recent random sampling of Grades 6–12 students that I conducted as Director of Student Wellbeing, many reported getting fewer than six hours of sleep on a regular basis. Older teens tended to sleep even less during exams or project weeks, and surprisingly, many tweens also reported poor sleep habits.
The effects of chronic sleep loss reach far beyond tired mornings. Insufficient rest impacts memory, focus, and mood, and over time can create barriers to learning and social connection — both in and out of school.
Many students feel pressure to keep their grades high while also excelling in multiple extracurricular activities. Early morning practices, late-night games, and specialized training sessions fill their calendars. While these opportunities can be valuable, this constant pace is taking a toll. Overprogramming has become a widespread issue, often driven by academic and social pressures that don’t always align with what children and adolescents developmentally need.
Overscheduling disrupts the body’s natural sleep-wake rhythm, known as the circadian cycle. When students don’t get enough restorative sleep, their physical and mental health suffer. Research links sleep deprivation to increased anxiety and depression. Long, stressful days raise cortisol (the stress hormone), making it harder to relax and fall asleep. When that happens, many turn to their phones to unwind — but screen time before bed makes things worse. The blue light from devices suppresses melatonin, the hormone that helps the body prepare for sleep, creating a frustrating cycle of wakefulness and fatigue.
Tips for Healthy Sleep
According to the City of Toronto’s Healthy Start to School:
- Children ages 5–13 need about 9–11 hours of sleep each night.
- Keep bedtime roughly the same during the week and on weekends.
- Limit screen time before bed and keep devices out of the bedroom.
- Encourage daily physical activity.
- Avoid caffeinated drinks (cola, chocolate, tea, coffee) in the evening.
If You Need Support
- Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 – Mental Health Support for young people
- Lumenus Community Services – Mental health and developmental support
- Psychologytoday.ca – To find a therapist
To continue this important conversation and explore practical ways to bring more balance into students’ lives, please join the next Parent Book Club on November 27, 2025, from 5:00–6:00 p.m. We’ll be discussing Never Enough by Jennifer Breheny Wallace, award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author.
Lower School Signature Programmes: Learning Beyond the Classroom
Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, The Glen
Adventure and Teamwork: Grade 3’s First Day with Outward Bound
By Amelia H., Grade 3 Student
Junior Kindergarten’s Week Without Walls: Learning Beyond the Classroom
By Melissa Tosevski, JK2 Teacher
Adventure and Teamwork: Grade 3’s First Day with Outward Bound
Written by Amilia H.,
Grade 3 Student
Our Outward Bound day was very fun, and we learned and did a lot of things. We played some games, such as the Blanket Toss. During the Blanket Toss, we rolled, caught, and tossed a tennis ball using a blanket with everyone holding an edge. We also learned some skills that perhaps we might need later on in life, such as making bread called Bannock, which came from the Scottish settlers. Most of the activities we did that day focused mainly on collaboration. Many of the activities we did also focused on learning about the First Nations and the Scottish settlers.
I am sure that everyone had a wonderful time and is looking forward to our next Outward Bound adventure with anticipation. Our leaders, Jianna and Ryan, were fantastic! Thank you Outward Bound!
Junior Kindergarten’s Week Without Walls: Learning Beyond the Classroom
Written by Melissa Tosevski,
JK2 Teacher
Our Junior Kindergarten Signature Programme, A Week Without Walls, was a beautiful reminder of how powerful learning becomes when children step outside the classroom and into the natural world. With the weather on our side, each morning offered new opportunities for our young learners to explore, create, and collaborate in meaningful ways.
Throughout the week, students were immersed in experiences that encouraged curiosity, teamwork, creativity, and perseverance. Whether mixing and moulding imaginative creations in the sandpit, working together during parachute games, or building cozy chipmunk homes during our trip to Evergreen Brickworks, the children demonstrated joyful engagement and a growing sense of independence. They problem-solved, shared ideas, and supported one another, skills that extend far beyond the walls of the classroom.
There were many moments of wonder and delight. As one student, Nila, shared, “My favourite was balancing on the log because gymnastics is my favourite!” Liam was all smiles as he said, “My favourite was parachute because I like to go under.” For Amelia, the highlight was discovering and creating in nature: “I love finding the eggs and building the house for the chipmunk.” And Teodor’s enthusiasm shone through when he explained, “I like to build shakers because I want to shake and build.” Their words capture the heart of what this week represents — authentic learning inspired by curiosity and connection.
This experience beautifully reflects Bayview Glen’s mission of nurturing the Whole Child, inspiring a Purposeful Life, and contributing to a Better World. Each day, our students were given space to take risks, explore their surroundings, and learn through hands-on experiences that foster both confidence and compassion.
A Week Without Walls was a true community effort, made possible through the collaboration of our incredible team of educators, administrators, maintenance staff, kitchen staff, and dedicated parent volunteers. Together, we created an environment where our youngest learners could thrive, explore, and celebrate the joy of discovery.
As the week came to a close, we were reminded that learning is not confined by walls, it grows in every shared laugh, every muddy handprint, and every moment of wonder found in the great outdoors.
A Morning to Remember: Lower School Grade Breakfast Highlights
Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, The Glen
Written by Simon M.,
Grade 5 Student
Every year, JK to Grade 5 students have a Grade Breakfast. The Grade Breakfast is one of my favourite events of the year. Starting in the fall, each grade will have a day when everybody in the grade goes over to the Daunt Dining Hall and has breakfast together. It is always very special to get to have a breakfast with your friends and family. A cool thing about the breakfast is that near the end, all the teachers introduce themselves and say a little something about themselves, and Mr. Lee, the Head of School, talks about some of the school’s updates. We also do our house cheers! The four houses at Bayview Glen are the Blue Lynx, the Green Falcons, the Red Bears, and the Purple Wolves. And, if you have a sibling, they can go too! The Grade Breakfast is always one of the highlights of the year and is a great chance to meet teachers and families.
House Spirit in Action: Lower School Turkey Trot
Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, The Glen
Written by Dennis G. and Kyriakos K.,
Grade 4 Students
Each year, the day before Thanksgiving long weekend, Bayview Glen hosts our traditional Turkey Trot. On October 9th, Lower School students anticipated the arrival of the Bayview Glen turkey and cheered loud and proud for their house teams. Students from JK to Grade 5 ran the Turkey Trot, of course, with different distances and routes. This year, there was a lot of excitement as parents of the Lower School participated in the parent race! The competition was fierce! We run the Turkey Trot every year for Terry Fox because he is a Canadian Hero. Terry Fox ran to spread awareness for cancer research, and to remember him. We had lots of fun cheering for our friends and our parents!
