Category: Prep School
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!
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!
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.
Join Us for Parent Association Halloween Fun Bash 2025
Home page, Lower School, Parent Association, Prep School, Preschool, Upper School
Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Bayview Glen Moatfield Campus
Register online today: bayviewglen.ca/pa-events
Let’s get ready for a wicked good time with your Bayview Glen community for a Spooktacular Halloween Celebration!
Get dressed in your Halloween costume, bring a treat bag, and come trick or treating with your family!
Come enjoy an afternoon of fun for everyone:
- NEW & EXCITING First Ever Glow in the Dark Dance Party with a Live DJ in the J.T.M. Guest Theatre (geared to Grade 5 and Prep School students)
- Inflatables, games, treats, and more in the Prep School Gymnasium (for all ages)
Sweets and savoury food options will be available for purchase (cash or credit), with the famous BeaverTails Food Truck again this year.
Admission cost is $5 per child. Pre-registration is required. Please register online if you and your family are planning to attend.
All members of the Bayview Glen community are warmly invited. We look forward to celebrating together.
Calling for Parent Volunteers!
We are looking for parent volunteers to help make the event a success. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up online or contact pavolunteer@bayviewglen.ca.
If you have any questions, please contact pasocial@bayviewglen.ca.
Parent Association Morning Coffee Social 2025
Bayview Glen News, Events, Home page, Lower School, Parent Association, Prep School, Preschool, Upper School
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Friday, October 3, 2025 for the Parent Association Morning Coffee Social on the beautiful back deck of our Moatfield Campus. The morning provided a relaxed opportunity to catch up, enjoy conversation, and strengthen our school community.
We look forward to seeing many families at our next Parent Association Halloween Fun on Sunday, October 26 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at our Moatfield Campus. Please stay tuned for more details.
Parent Association Nominations 2026
Home page, Lower School, Parent Association, Prep School, Preschool, Upper School
The Bayview Glen Parent Association will be accepting nominations for the following executive and director positions for the term beginning January 2026:
- Parent Volunteer Director
- Student Volunteer Director
- Secretary
- Civvies Day Co-ordinator
- NISPA representative
The nomination period starts October 1, 2025 and all nominations must be submitted no later than October 31, 2025.
The term for all available positions is two years. Please download the nomination form here (PDF).
To submit completed forms or for further information, please contact the Nominating Committee at pavicepresident@bayviewglen.ca.
Parent Association Evening Parent Social 2025
Bayview Glen News, Events, Home page, Lower School, Parent Association, Prep School, Preschool, Upper School
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first Parent Association Evening Parent Social on Thursday, September 25 on the scenic rooftop patio of our Moatfield Campus. It was wonderful to connect with so many parents in a relaxed, social setting – celebrating the start of a new school year, fostering new friendships, and strengthening our vibrant school community.
For those who were unable to attend, we look forward to seeing you at our next Parent Association Morning Coffee Social on Friday, October 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the beautiful back deck of our Moatfield Campus. Please be sure to register online if you are planning to attend.
