It all began over a casual dinner in early January with Moffat Dunlap, and his late wife, Margo Bindhardt, and Ed Eberts and his late wife, Daphne. The topic of discussion turned to the merits of the local schools for their children and the rest is history.
CDS Foundation Established
Thanks to the hardwork of our founding families and first Headmaster, John Pratt, Country Day School opened its doors in the former Eversley Public School on September 11, 1972. The rented four-acre property included the original one-room 1883 Eversley Schoolhouse and two large classrooms.
First CDS Dinner & Silent Auction held on May 30th at Eaton Hall on Seneca College's King Campus.
CDS holds its first Rummage Sale (Rummage continued for 32 years 1975-2008).
Robert Ross becomes CDS's second Headmaster.
The rented school property is put up for auction and on September 23rd, CDS parents at the time, Michael Burns, Moffat Dunlap, Bob Sillcox, and Gord Wilson, bid on and win the property for $111,000.
Founding of the CDS Parent Association The original CDS crest is designed by former CDS parent, Bruce Hefkey.
David G. Ross Gym Expansion in Junior School in memory of Robert Ross's brother.
CDS purchases approximately 35 acres to the south.
Senior School (Grades 9-13) opens for Grade 9 with 14 students, additional grades to be added over the course of next four years.
Junior School renovation and Senior School classroom and Gym construction.
Paul Duckett becomes CDS's third Headmaster. CDS's motto is ratified: Integrity. Learning. Purpose. Inaugural issue of The Link magazine is published.
Middle School (Grades 7 and 8) opens and first GY class graduates (Grade 13) with 13 students, including Elvis Stojko, who later went on to become CDS's first Olympian in figure skating.
CDS purchased approximately 65 acres to the southeast, addition of track facilities and Quinn and Stevenson fields.
CDS Celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Growth of Excellence Campaign leads to the opening of a new Middle School and Gymnasium.
Hawksworth Field and 6-lane track complex is completed in honour of beloved former Chief Custodian Bing Hawksworth.
Senior School Library expansion is completed.
Senior School Science Wing opens.
350-seat Performing Arts Centre opens, including 350-seat theatre, large rehearsal hall, dressing rooms, costume and scene shop and musical practice rooms, to showcase our arts and music programs.
Double Cohort Graduating Year - 106 students graduate from Grade 12 and 13.
School Vision, Guiding Principles and Objectives are passed by the Board.
Launch of first CDS website www.cds.on.ca
First issue of CDS's electronic newsletter is transmitted to current families. (later named The Backpack. in 2007)
Learning Resource Centre opens in the Senior School.
New Junior School Double Gymnasium opens.
Full-size artificial turf field opens (Centre Field).
First Rhodes Scholar (Brian Coulter '04) enrols at Oxford University.
Four Tennis Courts installed to the southeast.
John Liggett becomes CDS's 4th Headmaster.
Cyclone Dome with 3/4 synthetic turf field installed.
Outdoor Education is launched in the Junior School.
CDS launches "Who Will You Be?" video starring JP Saxe '11 and incorporates it into the rebranding of its advertising campaign.
CDS celebrates its 40th Anniversary Celebration in November.
The Eberts Entrance Scholarship is endowed by Co-founder, Mr. Ed Eberts.
School launches its first social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter and YouTube accounts.
Launch of CDS Summer Camp.
The 363-seat Niczowski, Temovsky, Arrigo Dining Hall opens as part of the Building Magic Campaign offering a Marché-style dining experience for 870 students, faculty and staff.
The opening of the rejuvenated Senior School in January concludes the Building Magic Campaign and transforms the campus, including a 51,000 square foot addition, 23,778 square feet of new teaching space, 9 new classrooms, an expanded Student Services Centre and 4 new student lounges.
Outdoor Education is launched in the Middle and Senior Schools.
Largest student enrolment in CDS history at 770.
Launch of the Alumni Legacy Endowment Fund.
CDS launches the Building Magic campaign for the rejuvenation of the Junior School.
COVID-19 arrives during March Break and CDS pivots to remote learning.
CDS Turns 50!
CDS Hosts the 34th World Independent Debating and Public Speaking Championships (WIDPSC) virtually.