Category: Prep School
Parent Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon 2026
Bayview Glen News, Events, Home page, Lower School, Parent Association, Prep School, Preschool, Upper School
Thank you to all of our parent volunteers who joined us for the Parent Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
It was a pleasure to come together to celebrate and recognize the incredible contributions you make to the Bayview Glen community. Your generosity, enthusiasm, and dedication enrich the experiences of our students and help foster the vibrant and welcoming spirit that makes Bayview Glen so special.
On behalf of the School and the Parent Association, thank you for your time, commitment, and support throughout the year. We are truly grateful for all that you do.
Join us on May 27 – Spring Parent Book Club and Fireside Chat
Events, Home page, Lower School, Parent Association, Prep School, Preschool, Upper School
Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to connect, learn, and engage with our community at the final Bayview Glen Parent Book Club of the school year, followed by a special Fireside Chat on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
Join us for one or both sessions – whether you’ve read the book or are simply curious, we welcome your presence and perspective. Light refreshments will be served for those attending in person.
PARENT BOOK CLUB
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Learning Commons, Bayview Glen Moatfield Campus (or online via Microsoft Teams)
Join us as we explore The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents by Lisa Damour, PhD, offering practical insights into supporting teens through emotional development, building strong relationships, and navigating the challenges of adolescence.
FIRESIDE CHAT
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Learning Commons, Bayview Glen Moatfield Campus
Following the book club, stay for a Fireside Chat with Kausalya Vimal, Registered Social Worker and mental health therapist. Topics will include:
- Parent-Child Relationships: Better Conversation and Stronger Connections
- Talking through tension, Conversations that Build, not Break
- Building the parent-child gap
Please register online if you are interested in attending.
Growing With Purpose: Looking Back, Reaching Out, and Moving Forward Together
Alumni, Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, Prep School, The Glen, Upper School
Written by Ryan Rodrigues,
Executive Director, Advancement and External Relations
One of the great privileges of my role is the opportunity to listen closely to our community – students, parents, alumni, past parents, and partners – and to notice the patterns that emerge when people feel connected to something meaningful. Over the past year, and especially in recent months as I have represented Bayview Glen at chapter events across Canada and into the United States, I have been struck by how widely our community now stretches, and how strong those connections remain.
At each gathering, I hear familiar themes echoed back to me: a sense of purpose rooted in learning, gratitude for relationships formed here, and a desire to stay connected across generations. These conversations mirror research often shared in educational leadership spaces, including work from Harvard’s Student Purpose Initiative and innovation-focused institutions such as Future Design School. At their core, these frameworks ask a simple but powerful question: how do we help young people, and the communities that surround them, see themselves as part of something larger, something sustained over time?
At Bayview Glen, we are fortunate to see that answer unfolding every day.
Earlier this year, I had the honour of representing Bayview Glen at the Independent School Summit of the Canadian Council for Advancement of Education, where I shared reflections on how our students, parents, and alumni shape not only our present campus experience, but also the pathways that allow future generations to grow and thrive. Our Strategic Plan, Be Bold, speaks directly to this work. It calls us to act with intention, to recognise our responsibilities to one another, and to honour the original Nations of this land and their enduring presence.
That continuity feels especially meaningful as we begin planning for a significant milestone: Bayview Glen’s sixty-fifth anniversary. Over the next academic year and throughout 2027, we will mark this moment with opportunities for reflection and celebration. Anniversaries invite us to look back with care, not nostalgia, so that our past can inform who we are becoming.
In that spirit, we are strengthening our archival efforts at the School. Preserving Bayview Glen’s history allows us to tell a fuller, more inclusive story about our shared journey. Photographs, programmes, letters, uniforms, and personal recollections all play an important role. If you or someone in your family has materials or memories to share, we would be grateful to hear from you.
At the same time, we are looking ahead. Our New Build is nearing completion, and we look forward to celebrating this exciting addition to campus life with our community this spring and into the fall. Reunion Weekend and renewed engagement with Grade Twelve parents and past parents remain key moments of connection.
As we look ahead to our anniversary celebrations and beyond, I am reminded that institutions grow strongest when people see themselves as active participants in a shared story. Thank you for continuing to shape that story with us, wherever in the world you may be.
Meet Our Archivist
As Bayview Glen prepares for its sixty-fifth anniversary, we are pleased to welcome Andriana Gialiris, our new Archivist. Andriana is leading the School’s efforts to preserve and share Bayview Glen’s rich history, working closely with students, alumni, past parents, staff, faculty, volunteers, and current families. If you have photographs, memorabilia, or stories you would like to contribute to our archives, we encourage you to be in touch. Your memories help bring our shared history to life.
archives@bayviewglen.ca
bayviewglen.ca/about-us/history-and-archives/
Transformative Learning Through Global Experiences
Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, Prep School, The Glen, Upper School
Written by Dr. Angela Mantie,
Director of Global Education and Strategic Partnerships
Global Education at Bayview Glen reimagines how students engage with the world—blending transformative, real-world experiences with a commitment to pluralism, global citizenship, and environmental sustainability. Students participate as thoughtful global travellers, learning with curiosity, compassion, courage, and humility while contributing in meaningful and respectful ways.
Through our programming, students grow as global citizen leaders—building connections across communities and developing the confidence, empathy, and adaptability needed to navigate an ever-changing world.
Upper School: Costa Rica
Our student cohort explored how history, sustainability, and community collaboration shape national identity and lived experience in Costa Rica. Through meaningful engagement with a local farming family and children, support for a women’s collective, and firsthand experiences of the deep connection between people and the environment, students developed lasting memories while strengthening their compassion, empathy, and global awareness.
Student reflections captured the impact of the experience: “nice to help people out,” “fun to interact with locals,” and “amazing and unforgettable.”
Prep School: the Yukon
Our first student cohort since pre-COVID travelled to the Yukon on an immersive journey through Canada’s North, beginning in Whitehorse and continuing through Champagne and Aishihik First Nations traditional territory, Dawson City, and Tombstone Territorial Park. Along the way, students explored the region’s layered history—from pre–Gold Rush Indigenous life to the legacy of the Klondike Gold Rush—while engaging directly with local guides, knowledge keepers, and artisans.
Through experiences such as wildlife conservation at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, dog mushing, glassblowing, and a traditional Indigenous workshop, students deepened their understanding of northern ecosystems, cultural resilience, and sustainable land stewardship. The program invited students to reflect on critical questions of identity, land rights, and environmental responsibility, while fostering curiosity, respect, and a sense of interconnectedness between people, place, and history.
Student reflections included: “it was an incredible experience,” “great time talking to the locals and hearing about their journeys,” and “one of the most eye-opening, unique, and community-building experiences of my life.”
Lower School: Round Square Virtual Experiences
Our Lower School students launched Bayview Glen’s first-ever Round Square virtual experiences this year by participating in Round Square Show and Tells, connecting in real time with students from around the world and building meaningful global connections. On January 27, Grade 5 students showcased “Genius Inventions from Our Region,” presenting their Artifacto Buddy robotics invention, followed on February 3 by L3B sharing “What We Do on Our Breaktime/Recess,” featuring Marble Runs, loose parts play, and LEGO builds.
Learning Through Stories: Inspiring Readers and Thinkers
Alumni, Bayview Glen News, Lower School, Newsletters and Publications, Prep School, The Glen, Upper School
This spring, Bayview Glen welcomed authors who inspired students to read deeply, think creatively, and reflect thoughtfully. Through shared stories and meaningful conversations, students discovered the power of storytelling to entertain, connect, and inspire growth.
Lower School Readers Inspired by Kevin Sylvester and the April Read‑a‑Thon
Exploring Identity and Belonging Through Prep School Author Visits
Lower School Readers Inspired by Kevin Sylvester and the April Read‑a‑Thon
Written by Laura Jessup,
Lower School Teacher-Librarian
April was an unforgettable month at Bayview Glen, filled with reading, creativity, and inspiration!
We were thrilled to welcome acclaimed and award-winning Canadian author and illustrator Kevin Sylvester to Bayview Glen on April 14. Known for his dynamic storytelling, humour, and imaginative worlds, Kevin captivated students with insights into his popular titles, including Apartment 713, MINRS, Time Surfers, and Hockey Super Six. His stories, filled with adventure, mystery, and relatable characters, have long been favourites among our readers.
During his visit, students had the exciting opportunity to hear directly from Kevin about his writing process, creative ideas, and journey as an author and illustrator. His engaging presentation sparked curiosity, inspired budding writers, and deepened students’ appreciation for reading.
April also marked Bayview Glen’s Read-a-Thon, and the entire school community embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. Students explored new books, revisited old favourites, and discovered different genres, all while building strong reading habits and celebrating a shared love of books.
April was truly a celebration of stories, imagination, and inspiration. Well done, Bayview Glen readers!
Exploring Identity and Belonging Through Prep School Author Visits
Written by Michelle Huynh,
Prep and Upper School Librarian
The Learning Commons welcomed two authors who provided Grade 7 and 8 students with opportunities to reflect on identity, belonging, and decision-making through storytelling. Through personal experiences, readings, and discussions, students explored how stories shape the way we understand ourselves and relate to others.
Eddie Kawooya connected with students through his Ace and the Misfits series, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and what it means to feel different. He encouraged students to embrace who they are, challenge labels, and reflect on their own experiences of being misunderstood or underestimated. Drawing on both his writing and lived experiences, he emphasized courage by encouraging students to stay true to themselves, even in moments of uncertainty. His message also reinforced compassion, highlighting the importance of supporting one another, and recognizing that community is something we build together. Through his visit, students reflected on how their voices, choices, and actions can positively impact those around them.
Maria Marianayagam invited students to think more deeply about their choices and how those decisions shape themselves and others during her virtual visit. Drawing on her novel No Purchase Necessary, a Forest of Reading nominee this year, she shared how she develops ideas and crafts engaging stories, along with a reading from the book. She sparked curiosity by encouraging students to explore different perspectives and consider the complexity of characters’ decisions. Her focus on ethical dilemmas also highlighted courage, as students reflected on the importance of making thoughtful choices, even when they are difficult, while approaching situations with empathy.
A key takeaway from both author visits was that stories are not only a form of entertainment but also a powerful tool for personal growth. The visits left students with a greater appreciation for storytelling, a deeper love of reading, and a stronger understanding of themselves and others.
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!
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.