List of 15 news stories.

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  Leave Your Legacy on the CDS Alumni Walkway

  As your graduate prepares to embark on their post-secondary journey, consider commemorating this milestone by purchasing an Alumni Walkway stone.

   

  These engraved pavers can feature your child’s name and graduation year—or, if you prefer, a lasting tribute to your family name. These stones are located in our Alumni Walkway at the front of the Senior School.

   

  Stones are available to all students and families, not just Alumni. All stones purchased prior to June 30th will be placed during the summer of 2025. For more details, visit www.cds.on.ca/support.
• 

  Middle School Renovation

  Exciting news! Over the summer, CDS will begin a two- summer renovation and refreshing of the Middle School hallways.

   

  A few years ago, as CDS was beginning to build the new Junior School addition, we refreshed all of the Junior School hallways so that would have a fresh and consistent appearance.
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• 

  Calling All Siblings

  As the Admissions Team starts to wind down a busy 2025-2026 season, we have started to think ahead to the 2026-2027 application period.

   

  At CDS, we value the significance of continuity in education for families with multiple children, and we recognize the importance of sibling relationships in fostering a supportive learning environment. Therefore, we ask that current CDS families thinking of applying next year kindly bring this to our attention sometime between now and September to keep the lines of communication open.
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  CDS Holiday Fair - Vendor Applications Now Open

  Each year the CDS Parent Association brings together the community to celebrate the season with our traditional annual Holiday Fair that takes place in November. This one-stop shopping extravaganza is open to both the CDS Community and the public.

   

  While it may seem early and you are thinking about summer plans, and not the Holidays, we encourage anyone interested in becoming a vendor to complete the Vendor Questionnaire now as spots are limited and fill up quickly. 

   

  Thank you!

   

  Laura Sgotto-D'Alessio
  Holiday Fair Coordinator
• 

  Student Champions Cause with Pop Can Tab Drive

  Since the summer after Grade 9, Brianna Torrealba ’26 has been volunteering weekly at Mackenzie Health Hospital in Richmond Hill. Her dedication has taken her through various departments, from assisting patients in the Medical Imaging Unit—prepping for MRIs, ultrasounds, and nuclear medicine appointments—to supporting laboratory operations, processing requisitions, and restocking essential supplies.
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  Yee Haw - WHAT A PARTY!

  What a party we held last Friday here in our CDS SaddleDome. From the start of the evening, everyone was kicking up their heels and ready to celebrate and support CDS. The night featured a vibrant live auction and an extensive silent auction that truly had something for everyone - from Blue Jay tickets to a trip to Morocco and everything in between.
  
  

  When you walked in you were greeted by line dancers and trick rope entertainers and a live band to finish off the evening. Guests were treated to a scrumptious dinner and the speciality whiskey beverages were a hit.
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• 

  Annual Grad Breakfast

  Yesterday morning, our GYs and their parents honoured what has become an annual CDS tradition of being “walked to school” one final time for the annual Grad Breakfast. Everyone enjoyed gathering for lively conversation and photo-ops with faculty members and friends in advance of the end-of-year Middle/Senior School Assembly.

   

  We have retired faculty member Mr. Steve McCutcheon to thank for this lovely tradition. As the story goes, before his eldest daughter Renee started Kindergarten, he had a dream about walking her to school, and then wondered what it would be like if he could also walk her to school on her last day of Grade 12. And so the tradition began.

   

  A huge thank you to our Parent Association for hosting the breakfast. Look for a photo gallery in next week’s Backpack!
• 

  Aurora Street Festival this Sunday - June 1st!

  Be sure and stop by the CDS tents at the Aurora Street Festival this Sunday, June 1! 

   

  The CDS Admissions team will be joined by some of our Faculty members (retired and current) and members of the Community Relations team in our tents located on the east side of Yonge Street just north of Dunning Avenue - Booths #525 and #527.

   

  There will be fun for the entire family this Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM!
• 

  Parent Association Corner

  This week the Parent Association held our AGM  and Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast where we had an opportunity to recognize all members of the community who have volunteered their time throughout the school year.  At the AGM we introduced the new slate for the 2025-2026 Parent Association with Paola Baldassarra-Juhasz taking over as President. Paola has been a part of the community since 2022 and has two children at CDS, Lucas in Grade 9 and Portia in Grade 7.
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  Auction 2025 - Exciting Items Up For Grabs

  Our Annual CDS Dinner & Auction is just a few short weeks away and we are excited to be able to offer our guests some amazing items and experiences up for bid. From spa and dinner certificates to your own personalized putting green or cold plunge tub - and everything in between! 
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• 

  Join us for a Day on the Links this Summer!

  All CDS families and alumni are invited to join us for the CDS Annual Golf Tournament on Thursday, August 21st at Cardinal Golf Club in Newmarket (Davis Drive and Hwy 400). It will be a shotgun start at 1:30 pm, with a best ball format.

   

  Mark the date on your calendar and begin to gather your fellow parents, family and friends! Individual and foursome registration is now open.
  
  Individual: $160
  Foursome: $640
  Includes: Golf, Cart Rentals, BBQ Buffet and Two Beverage Tickets

   

  Golfers of all levels are welcome, but must have a knowledge of golf to play. Middle and Senior School students are welcome to play but only when accompanied by and part of an adult foursome.

  
  Register here today. We look forward to seeing you on the Links in August!
• 

  Special Guest Julia Garbe visits JS Drawing Club

  Mrs. Johnson

   

  On Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, the JS Drawing Club had the pleasure of welcoming alumna Julia Garbe ‘17 for a special virtual visit from California where she works as an Engineering Program Manager for Apple. Julia joined us to share her debut graphic novel, Cloud Turtles, and to talk about her creative journey as an artist.

  
  

  Throughout the session, Julia’s passion for drawing shone through. She connected easily with students, reminiscing about her school days filled with constant doodling—some of which inspired the very characters in her book. In fact, the star of Cloud Turtles, Lucy, a whimsical cloud turtle, first came to life in one of her elementary school sketches.

   

  Students were eager to engage, asking thoughtful questions about her creative process and artistic influences. When asked for advice, Julia encouraged our aspiring young artists to “keep doodling, keep drawing, and never give up on what you love. Most importantly, enjoy the journey.”

   

  One of the highlights of the visit was a guided drawing session led by Julia herself. She walked us through how to draw the main characters from her book, turning the meeting into a hands-on, imaginative experience.

   

  We’re incredibly grateful to Julia for taking the time to inspire our club. Her visit was a joyful and motivating reminder of how creativity can grow into something truly special—and how it all starts with a simple doodle.
• 

  MS Coffee House Brings Warmth, Talent, and Community Spirit

  By Sarah Barbanchon
  
  

  Last Wednesday’s Middle School Coffee House event transformed Roger’s Hall into a cozy haven of twinkling lights, warm drinks, and artistic expression. Students gathered for an evening that celebrated the diverse talents within our middle school community. The stage came alive with heartfelt poetry, soulful singing, energetic dance routines, and captivating musical performances. With cushions on the floor, fairy lights overhead, and the aroma of hot chocolate and treats filling the air, the atmosphere was welcoming and relaxed—perfect for an unforgettable night of creativity and connection.
  
  

  View Photo Gallery
• 

  Spring Coffee House - A Night to Remember

  By Meghan Weinroth ‘26
  
  Last Thursday, the Senior School students gathered at the Learning Stairs for the 2025 Spring Coffee House. It was a night filled with entertainment, laughter, and community. Students chowed down on delicious snacks and hot drinks while enjoying musical and comedic performances by their peers. There were many returning performers, but many new ones as well.
  
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• 

  AGM and Volunteer Appreciation

  The CDS Parent Association and Office of Community Relations invite you to join us for the CDS Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast and Parent Association AGM on:

   

  Wednesday, May 21st at 9:00 am

   

  Di Ciano Atrium of the Paul C. Duckett Performing Arts Centre

   

  We hope you will join us as we honour our volunteers and everything they do for CDS.

  Kindly RSVP no later than May 10.

   

  We look forward to seeing you!