Category: Prep 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.
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.
The Path Here – The Path Ahead: Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, Prep School, Preschool, The Glen, Upper School
Written by Erika Gillespie, Greg Ryerson, and L-J van ‘t Hof,
Directors of Teaching and Learning
On September 30, Bayview Glen came together to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It was a meaningful opportunity for our school community to reflect on the history of what we now call Canada, honour Indigenous voices, and renew our ongoing commitment to reconciliation. This year also marked ten years since the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, which continue to inform and guide our work.
We embraced the theme “The Path Here – The Path Ahead,” and continued our tradition of gathering as a whole school. Older students were paired with younger ones to share poetry from Richard Wagamese’s “Embers – One Ojibway’s Meditation.” These poems encouraged us all to listen deeply and think about our role in building understanding and respect. After sharing the poems, the, students shouted their personal commitments to reconciliation out to the universe, then tied biodegradable ribbons onto the Lower School fence. These ribbons served as a visual reminder of their promises. As they begin to fade and degrade, we will use that as a sign to revisit and recommit to our ongoing work.
Throughout the year, we continue to explore Indigenous history and perspectives in our classrooms. We want all of our students to feel empowered to ask questions, learn, and take action. As we reflect on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we honour the path we’ve travelled and look ahead to the journey still to come – together, as a community committed to truth, respect, and reconciliation.
Prep Players Present: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Bayview Glen News, Events, Newsletters and Publications, Prep School, The Glen
Written by Victoria Addorisio,
Prep School Associate Teacher, Prep Players Director
Get ready for chills, laughter, and a touch of mystery with our upcoming Prep Players Production, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. This one-act version, adapted by Peter and Hans Bloedel, brings Washington Irving’s classic ghost story to life with creative twists. This reimagined version captures all the drama, suspense, and humour of the original tale, complete with clever rhymes, an eerie atmosphere, and of course, the haunting presence of the Headless Horseman.
Adding to the magic, three talented ensemble groups work together to bring the world of Sleepy Hollow to life. They embody the headless horseman, the swirling fog, and even the ghostly energy that lingers in the air. Their movement and rhythm help weave together this imaginative retelling.
Full of heart, humour, and a healthy dose of creepy spirit, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow promises to be an unforgettable experience. Join us in the J.T.M. Guest Theatre at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026 for a night of ghostly fun and discover what really happens when the Headless Horseman rides again!
Day 9 Recap: Creativity, Community, and Reconciliation
Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, Prep School, The Glen
Day 9 Through the Eyes of Grade 2 Students
Written by Rosamund W. and Nora P., Grade 2 Students
ReconciliACTION in Action: How Prep Students Are Leading Change
Written by Nicole Blair, Dean of Student Life, Prep School
Upper School’s Day 9 Experience: A Focus on Belonging and Wellbeing
Written by Troy Hammond, Dean of Student Life, Upper School
Day 9 Through the Eyes of Grade 2 Students
Rosamund W., Grade 2 Student
I felt great about Day 9. First, we went to the library to get an introduction. Next, we made adventure journals. We put magazines, stamps, and flower stamps in our books. Then we had cheese pizza and veggies for lunch.
Then we went outside to play games. First, we played a game called “Find My Tree.” Next, we played a challenge. It was called the Flagpole Challenge. Then we ate snack. Our snack was granola and fruit. Then we had a marble challenge. Last, we played a game called Rock, Paper, Scissors Army Game.
This was my Day 9. I hope you enjoyed it! I can’t wait for another Day 9. My favourite activity was the adventure journals.
Nora P., Grade 2 Student
I felt really great about Day 9 because I was so happy. First, we went to the library to see what we were doing on Day 9. Then we went back to the classroom to do the activity. We made adventure journals. We cut out pictures from magazines and nature books. My favorite part was making the adventure journals. I already made another one at home.
Then we ate pizza and veggies for lunch. Then we went outside to play a couple of games. First, we heard a story. Then we played a game called “Find My Tree.” We had to be blindfolded and our partner had to lead us to a tree. It was exciting and fun to try this. I really liked hanging out with my friend and having fun, especially playing Rock, Paper, Scissors Army Game where the people who lost had to go behind the winner and cheer them on for their next games. I had a really fun day!
ReconciliACTION in Action: How Prep Students Are Leading Change
Nicole Blair, Dean of Student Life, Prep School
Friday, October 17, marked the Prep School’s first Day 9 (Flex Day). A dedicated day designed to deepen learning beyond the classroom, strengthen community, and promote holistic growth. With a full day of meaningful programming, students and staff came together to explore history, culture, and the power of taking action.
The morning began with the entire Prep School visiting Young People’s Theatre to see The Mush Hole, a powerful production exploring hope, resilience, and the enduring impact of residential schools. Students were moved by the performance, which used expressive movement and emotion to convey the physical and emotional pain endured by Indigenous children and their families.
Keegan R. (Grade 8 student) reflected, “I was able to see and better understand how traumatic residential schools were”. Others reflected on the show’s broader message, seeing it as a reminder to prevent Canada from repeating this tragic history. Across grades, students left the theatre with a lasting sense of empathy and awareness, ready to engage meaningfully in reconciliation. In the afternoon, the learning continued with ReconciliACTION activities, allowing students to extend their learning and take meaningful action towards reconciliation through dance, art, drama, poetry, outdoor learning, and more.
William R. (Grade 8 student) shared insights from a field trip to Biidaasige Park (“bee-daw-sihgeh,” meaning sunlight shining toward us), “We took action towards ReconciliACTION by acknowledging that the land we were on was designed by Indigenous people. We also saw several wooden animal sculptures created by First Nations (an owl, a beaver, etc.). Reconciliation is about co-operating with Indigenous people, therefore, by sharing and respecting this park they created, we are doing so”.
Grade 6 student, Cara H., participated in a Planting Native Species workshop, reflecting, “This is important because it helps restore ecosystems damaged by colonialism, rebuild relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, and uphold the cultural and spiritual significance of the land for Indigenous communities”.
Day 9 also strengthened connection and community across the Prep School. Brooklyn T. (Grade 7 student) eloquently summarized the day, “Day 9 built community in the Prep School because it helped us better understand the importance of reconciliation and the role we can each play in it. This day encouraged empathy, awareness, and respect within our school. Engaging in our Day 9 also gave us a shared experience that brought our school closer”.
Through learning, reflection, and meaningful action, the Prep School Community took an important step in understanding Canada’s history and embracing its role in reconciliation, appreciating the time and space Day 9 provided to do so.
Upper School's Day 9 Experience: A Focus on Belonging and Wellbeing
Troy Hammond, Dean of Student Life, Upper School
On Friday, October 17, students and faculty in the Upper School participated in the inaugural Day 9 Flex Day. The development of programming for this day began with consideration of those things that align with our School’s strategic priorities and meet the needs of our students. Input was sought from students based around the prompt, “If I had more time in the day, I would…,” and the responses were definitive.
What became very clear is that high school students feel that they do not get enough sleep, want more time for connection with friends (and/ or to make new friends), and that they are pulled in many directions, which impacts their ability to get schoolwork finished. The decision to then focus our Day 9 around belonging and wellbeing was born.
The goal for the day was to ensure that our students felt a genuine sense of belonging and purpose, were afforded meaningful opportunities to connect with each other and trusted adults, and left feeling refreshed as we moved into the middle part of the term. The schedule consisted of a late start and extended Mentor activities that included the opportunity for each group to think about the ways in which they can contribute meaningfully to their community – whether that be on a smaller scale within their Mentor group, the school, or the world outside of our walls. A highly engaging speaker, Dr. Barry Craig, who is the President of Huron University at Western, then addressed the students and invited them to pause and reflect on “Finding Happiness.” In the afternoon, a choice of wellness activities – ranging from chess, a creative station, dog therapy, use of the fitness room, meditation and mindfulness, a study hall and reading room, Zumba, and specialized post- secondary workshops for Grade 12s – provided the opportunity for replenishing the body, mind, and soul.
At the end of the day, students were invited to share reflective thoughts about Day 9 and post them on the Gratitude Wall outside of Alumni Hall. It was evident that our entire Upper School community appreciated the time to pause instruction so that we could take care of ourselves.
Prep School’s Core Four: Meet the Student Leaders Shaping the Year
Bayview Glen News, Newsletters and Publications, Prep School, The Glen
Written by Aiden L., Ariana G., Cara D., and Paolo E.,
Grade 8 Students
Hello Everyone! We are Aiden, Ariana, Cara, and Paolo and are happy to serve as this year’s Executive Team of the Prep School Student Council. Last year’s Core Four created our mission: “It is our goal to create a vibrant, inclusive, and fun space where student voice can be heard, spirit is encouraged, and purpose is a priority.” We are ready to uphold this mission and are excited to share our own perspectives on leadership.
Hi, I’m Aiden! I first joined Bayview Glen back in Grade 5, and I’m really excited to be a part of the Executive Committee this year! My mission is to ensure everyone feels included, involved, and safe, so that no one feels left out. I’ve participated on a sports team every term since I started here at Bayview Glen, and was in the Jazz and Concert Bands last year. I want to help build a space where everyone feels comfortable being themselves, open to new ideas, and truly welcome. We have a great year ahead of us. Let’s make it the best one yet!
Hi! My name is Ariana and I am thrilled to be one of the four heads of Student Council. Since joining Bayview Glen in Grade 4, I’ve been a part of numerous leadership opportunities, from speech contests to helping run New Family Orientation Evenings and now Student Council. These experiences have helped me grow as a leader. I know there’s a special kind of magic in creating something meaningful, and I hope to share that feeling with others in the Prep this year through inspiring leadership in others and creating more opportunities for student involvement within the school. I’m looking forward to a year at filled with leadership and growth!
Hi, I’m Cara, and I’m proud to serve as one of the Co-Heads of the Executive Team. My mission is to help students find their voice and feel confident sharing it. I’ve been at Bayview Glen for six years, and during that time, I’ve learned how much a supportive leader can empower others. I encourage everyone to speak their truth, even when it’s hard, and I strive to inspire my peers to believe in themselves. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” I am dedicated to guiding, uplifting, and motivating others, creating a school community where every student feels heard, valued, and inspired to make a difference.
Hello, I’m Paolo and as one of your Heads of Student Council, I want to take some of the privileges that we are fortunate to have as members of an independent school and help extend them to the community around us. As I enter my 11th year at Bayview Glen, I have not just witnessed, but taken part in, many of the activities that we are given access to (for example, Gryphon Athletics, robotics, musical bands, etc.). I plan to use my previous experience on our Community Outreach Committee to further not just the direct needs of the students, but the wider community around them. I can’t wait for this year; let’s make it amazing, Prep!
We are lucky to have an amazing team behind us that includes and represents all aspects of Prep School life and look forward to making this year a memorable one.
Sincerely,
Aiden, Ariana, Cara, and Paolo
Co-Heads of Council, PSC
Learning Without Borders: Bayview Glen’s Global Education Journey
Bayview Glen News, Newsletters and Publications, Prep School, The Glen, Upper School
Written by Dr. Angela Mantie,
Director of Global Education and Strategic Partnerships
Bayview Glen, Global Education is more than just a concept — it’s a mission. A mission to bring people together, foster understanding, and inspire students to take meaningful action toward a more just and equitable world through realworld, transformative field-based learning.
Launching this year, our Global Education Experiential programmes invite Prep students to explore through the theme Canada: Land as Teacher, Guided by Story. Upper School students will explore via a three-year cycle (the Americas, north-south and east-west) through Three Years, One Planet, Infinite Perspectives.
Guided by our strategic plan, students across all divisions will engage in transformational learning opportunities through two key platforms: Round Square Conferences and Bayview Glen Global Learning Experiences.
Round Square International Conference: Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
This September, Bayview Glen sent four leaders to Dubai, UAE. Joining over 1,000 students, 200 adults, and 170 schools, our delegates engaged in a dynamic series of experiences.
After a long 14-hour flight, our excitement was unmatched — not just to stretch our legs, but to finally have arrived in Dubai. We were warmly welcomed by students from the host schools of the conference. After settling in, we headed to sand dunes just outside of the city for a dinner of traditional Emirati cuisine, followed by a stunning fire dance and fireworks show. The next day, we continued to meet students from around the world, formed “baraza” groups for discussion and bonding, and experienced a dhow (boat) cruise with breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa and Ain Dubai. The next couple of days were a bit more focused, with the Spirit of Environmentalism day including the making of natural pesticides and planting Ghaf trees. The Spirit of Service day included seva at a local gurudwara, and later participation in a souk (market) to raise funds for the development of a school in Nepal. The nights were always packed with exciting activities that pushed us to bond with the students around us, like the cultural night, where diversity was celebrated through performances from students representing many nations. Overall, the trip was an unforgettable experience that expanded our worldviews, fostered meaningful connections, and strengthened our adaptability, empathy, and global awareness.
Alida K., Grade 12 student
If you’d told me a few months ago that I’d be planting trees with students from South Africa, sorting food in a Hindu temple, and dancing beside delegates from thirty different countries — all in the same week — I probably would’ve laughed. But that’s exactly what Dubai was: a whirlwind of cultures, ideas, and laughter that showed me how powerful connection can be when it’s rooted in purpose. I met people from every corner of the world, each bringing their own perspective — stories that quietly reshaped how I think about community, empathy, and leadership. From environmental workshops to late-night conversations about identity, every moment felt alive with possibility. I came home with sand in my shoes, a camera roll full of memories, and a renewed sense of what it means to be a global citizen — curious, collaborative, and endlessly inspired.
Reese T., Grade 12 student
Robotics in Action: Celebrating Innovation and Competition
Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, Prep School, The Glen, Upper School
Inaugural Innovation & Robotics Celebration Inspires and Honors Excellence
By Taylor Jennings, Senior Advancement Officer
Robots, Resilience, and a Fire Alarm: ALT-F4’s Wild Ride to Victory
By Alina D., Grade 10 Student
Sparking Innovation: Bayview Glen’s 2025–2026 FIRST LEGO League Season Kicks Off
By Benjamin McCord, FLL Supervisor
Inaugural Innovation & Robotics Celebration Inspires and Honors Excellence
Written by Taylor Jennings,
Senior Advancement Officer
On October 8, Bayview Glen held our first-ever Innovation & Robotics Celebration, an evening that brought together alumni, students, mentors and families, and showcased the creativity and accomplishments of our FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Robotics Competition teams. A special thank-you to student MCs Stefano E. (Grade 11), Grace K. (Grade 6), and Salima H. (Grade 6), whose enthusiasm and poise reflected the confidence and leadership that define robotics at Bayview Glen. The evening featured remarks from coaches Ben McCord, Eric Borromeo, Nosh Pestonji, and Noeen Kashif, as well as alumni speaker Savannah Dunbury ’20, who reflected on how robotics shaped her confidence and problem-solving skills beyond the lab.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural Gryphon Robotics Award to Volunteer Coach Eric Borromeo, recognizing his extraordinary mentorship and 17 years of service to FIRST LEGO League. A pivotal coach of the renowned Ctrl-Z team, Eric’s leadership has inspired hundreds of students to pursue innovation with humility, perseverance, and heart.
Robots, Resilience, and a Fire Alarm: ALT-F4’s Wild Ride to Victory
Written by Alina D.,
Grade 10 Student
For a two-day off-season competition in the middle of September, Robots@Mary Ward, was quite the tsunami of events. Before students at school wrote their first tests of the year, we were already testing our robot – and our wits.
We started off strong on the first day, winning our first four matches. However, things quickly took a turn when we faced Team DAVE, one of the highest-ranked teams in the world, securing two ranking-points.
Our next match was indescribable. We were on the same “alliance” as Team DAVE as well as Inverse Paradox, whom we nearly won Provincials with. However, during that match our arm broke. Our alliance still won, but looks like the pits were about to get interesting. Suddenly we heard the fire alarm blaring! At least now the pit crew and technicians had a chance to troubleshoot.
Thankfully, it was a false alarm, and we returned within ten minutes. We discovered a stripped gearbox which we tried to mend but ran out of time. We were forced to play our next match with the arm zip-tied and taped up. Though we successfully fixed our robot afterwards, we lost our number one ranking but finished as finalists. The second day looked promising! Our robot was mechanically sound, and our auto was up and running. The day went by smoothly, with us as the first alliance captain and picking Inverse Paradox again.
After a hard-fought battle with the second alliance, we finally emerged victorious, being crowned the champions of Robots@Mary Ward Day 2!
Though we encountered our fair share of challenges, it was fun to be back competing after our summer break. Now we are excited for the 2026 season to begin!
Sparking Innovation: Bayview Glen’s 2025–2026 FIRST LEGO League Season Kicks Off
Written by Benjamin McCord,
FLL Supervisor
Our 2025–2026 FIRST LEGO League teams are off to an exciting start! In September, Bayview Glen once again hosted the Ontario FLL Challenge Kickoff Celebration and Conference, welcoming more than 300 team members from across the province.
Our competitive FLL teams are now hard at work developing their Innovation Projects and finetuning their Robot Games in preparation for regional tournaments. We’re also thrilled to welcome Eryka Vella and Jonathan Baum as the new coaches of Operation CREAT3.
A big thank-you to all of our team members, coaches, and volunteers who continue to make robotics at Bayview Glen such an inspiring part of school life!
Join Us for Parent Association Merry Market 2025
Home page, Lower School, Parent Association, Prep School, Preschool, Upper School
Date: Friday, November 21, 2025
Time: 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Bayview Glen Moatfield Campus
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The Bayview Glen Parent Association is delighted to invite you to our annual Merry Market!
Join us as we celebrate the holiday season with a fantastic shopping experience featuring local vendors and Bayview Glen community members, as well as our talented student entrepreneurs with creative products.
Don’t forget to bid on our famous class basket auction, filled with thoughtfully curated items from our families.
There will be lots of fun for everyone, with festive music, cozy hot chocolate station, and our delicious bake sale (cash preferred).
We are also bringing magic back again this year with the opportunity for families to take free holiday photo with winter festive theme and Santa, available from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.
All Bayview Glen community members are welcome. Please register online if you and your family are planning to attend.
Be sure to bring some cash and reusable bags, as some vendors may not accept credit or debit card payments.
For more information on the PA Merry Market vendors, please check out the list available on the PA Events webpage.
We look forward to celebrating the holiday season together.
Calling for Parent Volunteers
We are looking for parent volunteers to help make this annual event a success. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the online signup form (click here), or contact pavolunteer@bayviewglen.ca for any questions.
Parent Association Halloween Fun Bash 2025
Bayview Glen News, Events, Home page, Lower School, Parent Association, Prep School, Preschool, Upper School
Thank you all for attending our annual Halloween Fun Bash on Sunday, October 26! We all had a wicked good time celebrating with our Bayview Glen community and dressing up for a Spooktacular Halloween Celebration!
The kids enjoyed trick or treating, many games, arts and crafts, and the well-attended inflatables castles and famous BeaverTails food truck with their families and friends! New this year, was our first ever Glow in the Dark dance party with a Live DJ – a big success appreciated by many!
We look forward to seeing many families again at our next Parent Association Merry Market on Friday, November 21, 2025 from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at our Moatfield Campus. Please check out the PA Events webpage for more details and online registrations.
