Written by James Lee,
Head of School
Spring is a season of growth, renewal, possibility, and connection. At Bayview Glen, it is also a time when we pause to reflect on what binds us together as a community and what it truly means to belong.
The photograph accompanying this letter captures one of those meaningful moments of connection. It is our inaugural whole-school House Team photo, taken on the final Day 9 of the school year. When students, faculty, and staff join Bayview Glen, they are welcomed into one of our four Houses: Red Bears, Green Falcons, Blue Lynx, or Purple Wolves. This connection begins on their first day and remains with them throughout their time at the school. Through shared traditions, friendly competition, and collective spirit, the House system builds relationships across grades, roles, and experiences, strengthening the sense of belonging and pride that defines our community.
Day 9 is an initiative introduced this past September to deepen learning and foster connection beyond the traditional classroom. From Preschool through Upper School, students are invited to explore, reflect, and engage in purposeful ways. Day 9 has quickly become a meaningful part of our school year, reinforcing the values of curiosity, collaboration, and shared experience that bring our community together.
Another exciting point of connection lies just ahead with the opening of our New Build this June. With nearly 24,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed learning space, this expansion represents far more than bricks and mortar. These environments will promote wellbeing, nurture imagination, and support the evolving ways our students learn and connect, thereby strengthening the sense of belonging that defines Bayview Glen.
Learn more about the New Build and how you can support →
This year, I have also had the privilege of connecting with our alumni, both on campus and during university visits to McMaster, Western, and Ottawa. Listening to their stories and experiences provides a rich foundation and reinforces how meaningful their time at Bayview Glen was to them. Watching alumni reconnect with one another and with faculty is a powerful reminder that Bayview Glen is not simply a place, but a lifelong community.
As we look ahead to June and to end-of-year celebrations, including our Grade 12 graduates, my hope is that every student carries with them a lasting sense of connection to Bayview Glen, no matter where life may take them.
The connections formed here shape who we are and remain with us wherever our paths may lead.