Category: Prep School
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.
Collaborating for Student Wellbeing: The Importance of Open Communication about Diagnoses
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
Families play an important role in helping schools understand students’ unique learning and health needs. When diagnostic information is shared with the school, it allows educators to create consistent, well-coordinated support across home and school settings. This collaboration helps staff anticipate challenges, build on strengths, and ensure that, from the onset, students receive the right strategies and accommodations. Open, respectful communication strengthens the partnership between families and the school, ultimately helping every child feel understood and supported.
An important aspect of home-school partnership is the sharing of pertinent information related to a child’s learning, medical, and mental health diagnosis. Though some parents may be reluctant to share this sensitive information, doing so will greatly enhance their children’s experience at school. To support the whole child, there must be an understanding of any diagnosis to allow staff to see the full picture of their strengths, needs, and learning profile. This awareness creates a more positive outcome for children, enabling staff to respond with empathy and flexibility.
When families inform the school of their children’s diagnosis, they are better positioned to receive appropriate accommodation, learning strategies, and wellness supports. This purposeful support helps to build children’s confidence and foster resilience, equipping them for a meaningful and engaging life beyond the classroom.
A strong home-school connection creates a cohesive support system for student success. Children will thrive academically and socially when home and school function as a team. Open communication requires transparency between home and school that strengthens the continuity of support students receive. Sharing relevant information allows the school and families to align expectations to foster better outcomes and create a supportive environment that reduces unnecessary stress and anxiety and fosters growth.
Families are encouraged to share information about children’s medical and mental health needs. An informed staff will be better prepared to recognize signs of distress and offer timely intervention and/or support.
Sharing a diagnosis helps place a child’s behavior and learning differences in proper context, allowing staff to respond with understanding and care. Behaviors and responses are less likely to be misunderstood or misinterpreted, leading the child to feel seen, understood, and emotionally safe at school. This shared understanding fosters a more inclusive and compassionate school community that models respect, empathy, and belonging, and prepares students to contribute thoughtfully to a better world.
When parents share a child’s mental health or neurodivergent diagnosis with the school, it can significantly strengthen the child’s emotional wellbeing and sense of security. This open communication allows the school and family to work together in ways that support the whole child. A good partnership between home and school makes children feel protected and supported. This collaborative approach supports emotional well-being, builds resilience, and helps children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Importantly, our school respects privacy and confidentiality. Diagnostic information will only be shared with appropriate staff and used solely to support the student in alignment with best practices and confidentiality standards.
If you have questions about how the school can best support your child or if you would like to share information about a mental health diagnosis or neurodevelopmental disorder, I warmly encourage you to connect with me directly at amorgan@bayviewglen.ca. As the Director of Student Wellbeing, my role is to partner with families, listen carefully, and help ensure that every student feels understood, supported, and set up for success. You may also reach out to our School Nurse, Annie Davies-Irvine, RN, BScN, and learn more about our school’s Health Centre.
Please reach out at any time. Together, we can create the strong, coordinated support system your child deserves.
To continue these important conversations, families are warmly invited to join our Parent Book Club this March. We will be reading The Crucial Years: The Essential Guide to Mental Health and Modern Puberty in Middle Childhood (Ages 6–12) by Dr. Sheryl Gonzalez Ziegler.
More details and registration information will be shared soon and will be posted here.
We hope you will join us for this meaningful discussion and opportunity to connect with fellow parents.
Join Us for the Parent Association Parent Cocktail Social
Bayview Glen News, Events, Home page, Lower School, Parent Association, Prep School, Preschool, Upper School
Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Sibel Restaurant (1997 Avenue Rd, Toronto)
Calling all parents! Join the Bayview Glen Parent Association for a special evening of connection and fun at our school’s exclusive cocktail-style reception at Sibel restaurant.
Enjoy a selection of delicious food and wine as you mingle with fellow parents. This is a fantastic opportunity to relax, meet new friends, and strengthen our school community.
Please complete the online registration form on the PA Events webpage to get your tickets today before they sell out! Limited spots available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Ticket Price: $95 per person
What’s Included:
- A selection of delicious food stations
- A lively atmosphere to mingle and meet new people
- Red, white, and sparkling wine and soft drinks included in ticket price
- A fantastic opportunity to network, mingle, and enjoy quality conversation with fellow parents
If you have any questions, please contact pasocial@bayviewglen.ca. We can’t wait to see you there!
Parent Association Annual General Meeting and Breakfast 2026
Bayview Glen News, Events, Home page, Lower School, Parent Association, Prep School, Preschool, Upper School
The Parent Association (PA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on January 21, 2026 in the Daunt Dining Hall at our Moatfield Campus. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who braved the cold to attend this event. It was wonderful to see many of you there, and hear great updates from all divisions, highlighting the exciting initiatives being put in place at our school this year.
The PA Executive team proudly introduced their new members: Khati Nathoo, our new Vice President; Maria Tsopelas, our new Parent Volunteer Co-Director; and Ruby Cha, our new Civvies Day Co-ordinator. We are thrilled to have them on board and look forward to their contributions.
We also shared details about the upcoming PA events you can look forward to, such as our Parent Cocktail Social in February and the Family Bowling Day in April. These gatherings promise to be fun and engaging opportunities to connect with other parents and strengthen our community.
Our PA Treasurer presented the annual financials, along with an overview of the Parent Association’s $1 million pledge and previous contributions to the school. It was inspiring to see how our collective efforts have made a significant impact at the school.
Mr. Rodrigues from the Advancement and External Relations team provided an insightful overview of the Advancement and Community Engagement initiatives. He also shared the results of the Better Beginnings campaign, which has been instrumental in supporting our school’s growth and development.
We look forward to seeing everyone at our upcoming PA events and continuing to work together to make this year a memorable one for our school community.
If you couldn’t join us or would like to recap the presentations, the event recording is available for viewing via our post on Edsby news river.
To keep up-to-date with PA events, please visit the PA Events webpage, and check your email and Edsby news river for more details on each event.
Join Us for the Parent Association Annual General Meeting and Breakfast 2026
Home page, Lower School, Parent Association, Prep School, Preschool, Upper SchoolDate: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Location: Bayview Glen Moatfield Campus
The Bayview Glen Parent Association is wishing you a very happy New Year!
We are ready to kick-off 2026 and look forward to seeing everyone at our next Parent Association Annual General Meeting and Breakfast on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., in the Daunt Dining Hall at the Bayview Glen Moatfield Campus.
Come hear updates from our School Leadership Team and the PA Executive Team, including financial and social updates, as well as the introduction of our new PA Executive members.
Please complete the online registration form for each participant if you are planning to attend.
If you have any questions, please contact papresident@bayviewglen.ca.
Parent Association Merry Market 2025
Bayview Glen News, Events, Home page, Lower School, Parent Association, Prep School, Preschool, Upper School
The Bayview Glen community came together on November 21, 2025, for a joyful afternoon at the annual Parent Association Merry Market! From 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the Moatfield Campus was alive with holiday spirit, laughter, and creativity.
Families and friends enjoyed a fantastic shopping experience with local vendors, Bayview Glen community members, and our talented student entrepreneurs. Highlights included the class basket auction, a bake sale, cozy hot chocolate, festive live music, and the return of holiday photos with Santa, spreading smiles all afternoon.
A heartfelt thank you to the Parent Association team, the Merry Market committees, and the many parent and student volunteers whose hard work and dedication made the day possible. Your support helped create a truly magical start to the holiday season!
Thank you all for joining us this year. We look forward to seeing everyone again at upcoming events.
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.
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
