Community
News
News & Events
News
2026
-
“Get Ready for Spring” JS Book Fair
Read MoreBy Mrs. JohnsonThe Junior School Library is excited to host a “Get Ready for Spring” Book Fair February 25–27 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with special evening hours on February 26th during Student-Led Conferences.We are delighted to welcome Blue Heron Books from Uxbridge, who will offer a wonderful selection of fiction, non-fiction, and picture books carefully chosen for our Junior School readers. -
Did You Know About Our CDS Olympic Ties?
The success of Canadian athletes at the 2026 Olympic Games in Milano and Cortina has been impressive. With just three more days to go, there will surely be many more inspiring moments to enjoy, including some additional Canadian medal winners. Canada is currently in 11th place in the medal standings with 15 medals, including 4 Golds. While our entire country basks in the glory of our athletes’ tremendous races and routines thus far, we thought we would highlight some CDS connections to this year’s and past Olympics.Read More -
High Energy + High Bids: Meet the Starting Line Up for Auction 2026!
Read MoreThe Auction Team is thrilled to announce DJ Clymaxxx and Devo Brown will be bringing the energy to our 2026 Field of Dreams Dinner & Auction on Friday, May 29th at the Paramount EventSpace!DJ Clymaxxx, the official DJ for KiSS 92.5 and a two-time Canadian Radio DJ of the Year, is known for his high-energy performance, innovative remixes, and genre-blending mashups. With over a decade of experience on airwaves and live stages, he is guaranteed to keep the atmosphere electric.Joining him is our host, Devo Brown. As the charismatic host of Breakfast Television, Devo brings quick wit and a commanding stage presence that will guide us through an unforgettable evening. -
Middle School Students Embrace the Magic of Winter with Carnaval de Québec!
Read MoreLast Friday, our Middle School students experienced an afternoon full of festivities to celebrate Carnaval—the weather could not have been more perfect!Embracing the magic of the world’s biggest winter carnival, students had a blast enjoying the snow with activities like la tire d’érable, snowshoeing, tobogganing, an obstacle course, and more. They warmed up by the campfire, drank hot chocolate, and enjoyed French treats, while celebrating with Bonhomme Carnaval himself!A huge thank you to all the teachers and Middle School Student Council members who helped to make this unforgettable day possible. Vive le Carnaval! -
OSSLT Retests
Read MoreBy Sarah Williams
Any Senior School students who missed or were unsuccessful on the OSSLT (Literacy Test) in November will take the test on Tuesday, March 31.In order to best prepare, students have been directed to the full practice test on the EQAO website. This Study Guide also tells students exactly what to expect on the day of the test. All of these resources - and many more - are still posted on their English class sites from November.Students must be in S17 by 8:00 am the morning of the test. They will be reminded to check in with their teachers to see what they are missing in class that morning and to bring wired headphones, a clear water bottle and something to read in case they finish early.Please contact Sarah Williams with any questions. -
Student Workshop - Generative Artificial Intelligence
Read MoreBy Danny ViottoIn order to ensure a consistent learning experience for all of our students in Grades 9–12, and to provide meaningful context around the opportunities and challenges that Generative AI presents for student learning, a series of workshops has been developed and will take place next Thursday and Friday, Feb. 26 and 27. Topic ideas were informed by input from members of our AI Faculty Task Force and AI Student Advisory Group. -
3-2-1… blast off! SK's Space Learning Day
Read MoreBy the SK TeachersLast Friday, both of our SK classes participated in an exciting Space Learning Day filled with hands-on learning and out-of-this-world experiences. Students had the chance to “go to space” right in the JS gym with Astronomy in Action, where they explored the universe inside a giant planetarium dome. While travelling through space, students visited different planets, learned about constellations, and were reminded of how important it is to take care of the one special planet we call home. -
CDS success in Nationals Speech and Debate Championship
Read MoreBy Kerstin Wyndham-WestLast weekend, Grade 11 student, Adhya Chandradat, travelled to Winnipeg to compete in the National Public Speaking and Debating Championships held at St. John’s-Ravenscourt School.Her persuasive speech on the dangers of artificially scented products was particularly well received and her humorous interpretive reading got rave reviews.Adhya finished in the top third at this highly competitive tournament with over 60 competitors, and she will be heading to Bristol in the U.K. in mid-April to compete in the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships representing CDS and Team Canada.Congratulations on an excellent performance, Adhya! -
Kern Carter Visits Writer’s Craft
Read MoreBy Anya Sood '26On Monday, February 12, the Grade 12 Writer’s Craft class was visited by published author and motivational speaker, Kern Carter. With his diverse experience, Kern shared the ins and outs of the creative writing process, with a particular focus on the Young Adult (YA) market, the fastest-growing sector of the publishing industry.Having been both self-published and then signed by different publishing houses, Kern explained the importance of the editing process, publishing cycle, and marketing in the modern writing world.With five YA Novels and over a decade of storytelling experience, Kern's words have had a huge impact on his readers and his invaluable advice helped inspire the Grade 12’s as they embark upon writing the opening chapters of their own Young Adult novels. -
Mia Cao Wins Prestigious Art Award
Read MoreCongratulations to Grade 8 student Mia Cao for her success in the 2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards! This week, she was informed that all three of her submitted works of art received regional-level recognition, including a Gold Key, a Silver Key, and an Honorable Mention. Of special note, Mia’s Gold Key piece, Secret Garden of Dreams, was selected as an American Visions Nominee, an honor that recognizes it as one of the Top 5 works in the Canada Region.Mia had this to say about what inspired her to create her Secret Garden of Dreams, “I wanted to create a peaceful imaginary garden where dreams and creativity can grow freely. Art helps me express feelings that are sometimes hard to put into words.”
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are among the most prestigious honours for creative students in Grades 7–12, recognized as the nation’s longest-running and most influential program of their kind. -
More Than a Market: GY Filmmakers Capture the Human Stories Behind the Holiday Fair
Read MoreBy Jen WeeningOne of my favourite things about the Grade 12 Communications Technology curriculum is that it reads a bit like a blank slate: the course requirements are open and flexible enough to respond to student interests from one year to the next.Back in early November, I spoke with my class about which skills they wanted to develop next, and what type of project they would want to work towards. They responded with a resounding vote for a large-scale video project, so with that, we dove into the theory and practice behind documentary filmmaking and set about determining a subject for our own documentaries. -
Parent Association Corner
Read MoreHow is it possible that we are already mid-way through February?It was wonderful to see so many parents come out for our pickleball evening a few weeks ago! We hope those new to the sport were able to have fun and learn some new skills from our pickleball parent instructors: Roopa, Hari, and Milli. For those who are pros already, we hope that you enjoyed getting to know other CDS parents while enjoying your sport!As always, our cooking event was a great success. Sushi making was fun and engaging, and we hope everyone who attended enjoyed the food, drinks, and company. A special thank you to Chef Juliette from Bento Sushi for her guidance and expertise in making this such a memorable event. -
Six Students Qualify for Internationals at DECA Provincials
Read MoreBy Anahita Maghsoudi ‘27
Seventeen CDS students joined 7,000 peers from across Ontario in Toronto from Feb. 5–7 to compete at the DECA Provincial Championships. The weekend was filled with fun, including a team dinner, bowling, and shopping sprees at the Eaton Centre. Students competed in case studies, oral events, and written events. The events are extremely competitive, with only 6-7% of participants making it to internationals in Atlanta, Georgia.This year, six CDS students qualified for Internationals: Lukas Speranza, Michael Polygenis, Sienna Dell’Elce, Mariella Tsiolis, Sophie Yuan and Yolanda Sun. We congratulate everyone for their hard work and wish our finalists all the best at DECA ICDC at the end of April! -
Un Voyage au Cœur du Québec: Cultural and Linguistic Immersion
Read MoreBy Mme. FransenLast week, 18 Grade 10 French students embarked on a transformative journey to la belle province, turning the province of Quebec into their personal classroom. Far beyond a simple sightseeing tour, this trip was designed as a deep dive into Francophone culture, challenging students to move beyond textbooks and engage in authentic conversations with locals—whether at the top of a ski hill, in the heart of a boutique, or over a traditional meal.The immersion began the moment we arrived in Quebec City. As the sun set, the students navigated the cobblestone streets of the Old City while listening to the tales of French colonists and the dastardly deeds of some criminals as part of our walking ghost tour. -
CDS Mourns the Victims in Tumbler Ridge
Any loss of life is tragic. But sometimes, the losses can test the boundaries of our understanding of the world as we know it. The situation in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., has taken our collective breath away. The impact of these events is truly unimaginable.Read More
Our thoughts and prayers are with the many families impacted. In respect, our flags will remain at half mast. -
Barrie Legion Honours Bethany Wu
Congratulations to Bethany Wu ‘29 for placing second in the Royal Legion's National Youth Remembrance Contest for her French literary essay, “La Promesse” (The Promise). She was recognized at a ceremony at her local Barrie Legion on Tuesday.Read More
According to Bethany, her literary essay is “about a young veteran writing a letter to his family on the night before leaving for a long military deployment. It explores his deep love for his wife and three-month-old daughter. It is also about his struggle between his fear of not returning and his sense of duty to protect his country. In brief, it highlights the sacrifice, courage, and quiet heartbreak of leaving loved ones behind to serve.” -
CDS Parent Association Birthday Book Program
What is the Birthday Book Program? The Birthday Book Program is a CDS Parent Association initiative designed for both the Junior School and Middle/Senior School Libraries. Parents or other family members are invited to donate books in their child’s honour. This donation creates a sense of pride for the child and provides a lasting and valuable contribution to the library.Read More -
Middle School Winter Carnaval - Feb. 12
Read MoreDear Middle School Parents,The French department is hosting our annual CDS Winter Carnaval on Thursday, February 12th from 1:00-3:15 pm!Did you know the Carnaval du Québec is the world’s largest and oldest winter carnival? Get ready to participate in fun outdoor activities, enjoy tasty winter treats and take pictures with Bonhomme. Students must have appropriate winter gear that allows for them to participate positively. Winter jackets, snow pants, boots, hats and mitts for the afternoon will be essential items. -
School Spirit soars at SS Winter Game Day!
Read MoreBy Geneva WinterinkOn Monday, February 2, the Senior School travelled to the Zancor Centre for our annual Winter Gameday. Both rinks were filled with energy as students cheered on both hockey teams in a display of true school spirit. The undefeated Varsity Girls faced Greenwood College, while the Varsity Boys took on local rival, Villanova College. -
Score a Touchdown with Auction 2026
Read MoreThe countdown isn’t just on for Sunday’s Super Bowl — it’s on for the biggest CDS adult social event of the season on Friday, May 29 too!How you can Get into the Game:The success of this event depends on the support of our entire community. Don’t stand on the sidelines - we need you cheering us on. Here’s how you can get involved today: -
Tickets for The Addams Family on Sale tonight at 7pm
Read MoreOur talented Senior School drama students have been working tirelessly to bring their latest production, The Addams Family: A New Musical (School Edition), to life! Join us for this comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family on February 26, 27 or 28.Tickets are $20 each and go on sale TONIGHT at 7:00 PM. -
World Read Aloud Day
Read MoreBy Kelly JohnsonThe Country Day School is celebrating World Read Aloud Day this week, Tuesday - Friday. What exactly is World Read Aloud Day? It all started back in 2010 when a group called Lit World decided that sharing stories out loud is basically a superpower! It’s a special day to celebrate how reading together brings us closer and to remind everyone that every child in the world deserves the chance to learn and love books. -
Catching Up with Jonah De Simone ‘18, An On-Ice Body Double in Heated Rivalry
Read MoreBy Zach LawtonWhen Jonah De Simone ’18 left CDS in Grade 10, his path was set on ice. A standout athlete who moved from the CDS Cyclones to the OHL’s Niagara IceDogs and eventually the University of Guelph Gryphons, Jonah has always been defined by his determination and friendly personality. However, after a series of concussions playing university hockey, Jonah decided that it was time for a priority shift from hockey to his accounting degree.But for Jonah, the end of his competitive career wasn't the end of his relationship with the game. Instead, it was the beginning of a unique opportunity on a hockey show, a portion that was filmed in Guelph, that brought him attention both on campus and across Canada. -
JKs Learn the Importance of Eating a Rainbow Every Day
Last week, our JKs filed into the Dining Hall first thing in the morning for a health lesson to learn about where the school's food is prepared, healthy eating, and how to create a rainbow plate. Chef Julie and Clare Barker, Aramark’s Registered Dietitian, led this interactive session about the importance of eating a rainbow every day.Read MoreBoth spoke to the students about how good it feels to eat more fruits and vegetables rather than cookies and candy. They explained that not only does your body feel stronger, but you also get sick less often; your eyes and brain perform better, and therefore, learning is enhanced.
In addition to the JK visit, all Junior School classrooms received a surprise rainbow fruit platter for morning snack. The lunch salad bars were also beautifully arranged by the colours of the rainbow featuring fruit and veggies, and JKs created healthy rainbow artwork as part of the display.
As educators at CDS, we feel it is important to demonstrate healthy choices to our students so that they can continue to make them at home and in our wonderful Dining Hall. Go Rainbow! -
JS Hour of code
Read MoreBy Lara GeeLast week’s Hour of Code was an outstanding success in the Junior School! From JK to Grade 6, all students dove headfirst into the world of computer science. Our youngest learners had fun coding with VEX Robotics. JK helped Bob find his way back to the music room, while SK programmed robots on a space adventure!Grades 1 & 2 brought stories to life with Scratch Jr. and busted a move with Dance Party coding. Grade 3 tackled AI and ocean conservation, Grade 4 remixed beats in Music Lab, and Grade 5 explored the magic of Microbits. Grade 6 debated the ethics of AI and tested their critical thinking using different applications.It was a week filled with fun, learning, and future-ready skills! -
Our Grade 6 Students Saved Montserrat!
Read MoreBy Jason WoodLast Thursday, Mr. Wood ran a cinematic STEM experience for all three Grade 6 classes based on a program that he developed from his experience at the Ontario Science Centre.Save Montserrat is an immersive educational simulation tailored for students in Grades 3-8 where young learners step into the shoes of the United Nations Disaster Relief organization amidst a natural disaster crisis on one of the world's most dangerous islands. -
Senior School AI Student Advisory Group & Recent Faculty PD
On January 8th, Mr. Viotto and Ms. Williams, both members of the AI Faculty Advisory Group, invited a group of interested students in Grades 9–12 to participate in an AI Student Advisory Group. At the first lunch session, they shared how CDS has been exploring Generative AI for the past two years. The school has focused on providing Professional Development to faculty and staff, and is now getting closer to rolling out a plan for the responsible integration of AI to its students and parents.Read More -
Visual FX & Makeup Artist Visits CDS
Our Grade 10 Visual Design students levelled up their skills this week during an immersive FX and Prosthetics makeup workshop led by pro artist Jessica Buchanan. Students got behind the brush to master the technical side of character design, learning the high-level artistry required for the big screen.Read More
Jessica then went on to join the school costume crew after school to do Zombie makeup for the upcoming Senior School production of The Addams Family.
It was an incredible afternoon of messy, brilliant, and realistic creativity! -
Winter Game Day at Zancor Centre Feb. 2: Everyone Welcome!
The Senior School is thrilled to host its 3rd annual Winter Game Day Monday, February 2. Senior School students are invited to wear their CDS sweaters or Spirit Wear over their uniform Monday.Read MoreParents, faculty, and alumni are warmly invited to the Zancor Centre to cheer on our teams. We have simultaneous puck drops at 2:00 p.m. featuring:- Senior Boys vs. Villanova College
- Senior Girls vs. Greenwood College School
-
An Important Message from School Leadership
Read MoreDear Community,After much reflection, I have made the long considered decision to retire as Head of School at the conclusion of the next academic year, in June 2027. I am grateful to have received the full support of the Board of Directors as we plan thoughtfully for this transition.It has been the greatest professional privilege of my career to serve this community as Head of School for the past 15 years. It was an honour to have been passed the torch from all of the creators, adherents and supporters of the school who have worked together to evolve The Country Day School into a unique and familial community of learning. It is time to pass the torch onwards so the CDS team can continue to craft and forge the specialness of our school and deliver on our promise to provide an education with balance. -
A Twist on the Classic: Grade 9s Venture Downtown for & Juliet
By Patrick DermodyRead MoreOn Wednesday, our Grade 9 students braved the snow and the cold, venturing into Downtown Toronto for a matinee performance of the hit musical, & Juliet.Not only were students treated to a spectacle of song, dance, and Shakespeare, but they also saw firsthand how the work of William Shakespeare continues to be adapted, even centuries after the fact. -
Impressive Results at Junior Public Speaking Qualifier
By Andrea DavidsonRead More
Last Saturday, 14 students from Grades 8 and 9 competed in the Junior Public Speaking qualifier tournament held at CDS. Students were required to perform a memorized persuasive speech, an interpretive reading, one round of parliamentary debate, as well as deliver an impromptu speech.
-
Intellectual Humility Part 2: The Courage to Change Course
At last week's Academic Assembly, two of our Grade 12 students shared highlights from their academic journeys following Mr. Harvey's remarks on intellectual humility. In preparation for tomorrow's course selection deadline, we thought it of interest to share their journeys.Read More
Both Vanessa Gianikos (has been at CDS since Grade 4) and Preston Baichoo (arrived in Grade 9) entered high school thinking they had "everything figured out," but their interests and what they thought they knew changed along the way. They learned that intellectual humility involves being willing to revise what you think you know about yourself and recalibrate when necessary. -
Young Scientists Shine & Inform at Middle School Science Fair
Read MoreLast Friday and again today, Ms. Yu hosted a Middle School Science Fair in the Science Lab for her four Grade 8 classes. Faculty and staff judges, both with and without science backgrounds, were assigned groups to evaluate and were amazed at the knowledge and ingenuity on display.In December, Ms. Yu tasked her students with choosing a topic that sparked their curiosity. They researched their questions, developed hypotheses, and designed experiments to test them. After careful observation and data collection, they analyzed their results and documented thoughtful conclusions. -
Canadian Senior & Intermediate Mathematics Contests
Read MoreBy Krista EdwardsIn November, we had 39 motivated CDS students rise to the challenge of competing in either the Canadian Senior Mathematics Competition (CSMC) or the Canadian Intermediate Math Competition (CIMC). Both contests are two hours in duration, require full solutions, and provide students with opportunities to demonstrate an excellent knowledge of various mathematical topics. -
CDS Summer Camp - Registration Opens Feb. 4!
Read MoreDue to extensive renovations scheduled for summer 2026, our CDS Summer Camp will run for two weeks only this year from June 15-26 and be offered to CDS families exclusively (current CDS students, siblings and new CDS students starting September 2026). CDS Summer School will be unaffected.
We regret that we are not able to welcome back campers from other schools because of the construction on our campus and limited spots. For these families, we wanted to let you know about this decision well in advance so that you can make alternate plans for your children this summer. -
JS Student Artwork Named Finalist in CAIS Holiday Card Contest
Read Moreby Jo-Anne KuchmakAt the JS Assembly this week, Visual Art teacher Jo-Anne Kuchmak shared that once again this year we had some exceptional artwork submitted to the voluntary contest CAIS hosts open to students in Grades 4, 5, and 6, as well as Middle and Senior School students from independent schools across Canada."It’s an exciting opportunity and one that has become a valued tradition in the Junior School," Ms. Kuchmak said. "In the past, we have had many students who were keen to take a risk and put their artwork out there for consideration. Each CAIS school is only allowed to submit five pieces of art and that can be tricky as we often have many students who participate. The artwork submitted this year was so well done that a second pair of eyes was needed to help select which five pieces to submit. Ms. Wildberger stepped up to help act as a judge, and together we were able to select our top choices." -
Ms. Kuchmak went on to congratulate Avery Han from Grade 5, Chloe Mac from Grade 6, Krisha King, Scarlett Luong, and Katrina Hupa in Grade 4. She asked these five students to stand up and be recognized for creating pieces that showed care, effort, time an
Read MoreBy Jenna Romanowich
Our Grade 8's officially stepped into the world of AI literacy this week! As they reach the age to engage with these powerful tools, we are ensuring they do not just use AI—they understand it.Through a series of "unplugged" games, our students pulled back the curtain on how Generative AI actually functions. They became: -
MS/SS Academic Assembly & Mr. Harvey's Take on Intellectual Humility
Monday’s Middle/Senior Academic Assembly was a powerful showcase of student achievement as we proudly recognized our Math Contest winners and celebrated academic successes from across the school.Read More
Beyond the numbers, we explored the essential role of the Arts and introduced a new Grade 12 course next year: Recreation and Healthy Active Living and Leadership. -
Sushi Making Cooking Class for CDS Parents
Read MoreThe CDS Parent Association invites you to join them for a hands-on sushi-making class on Thursday, February 5th, beginning at 6:30 pm. in the Niczowski, Temovsky, Arrigo Dining Hall at CDS. Chef Juliette from Bento Sushi will lead the class.The evening will begin with a sushi-making demonstration, featuring helpful tips and techniques you can use at home. Afterward, everyone will have the chance to create their own sushi and enjoy their creations!Open to adults only. The cost is $40 per registrant and space is limited. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at events@cds.on.ca.We hope you can join us! REGISTER HERE -
The Grade 6 Trading Floor Was Open this Week!
Read MoreBy Shannon StreetEarlier this week, our Grade 6 classes had the opportunity to practise their financial literacy skills through investing. Set in the fictional world of Cookie’s Landing, they had the chance to buy stocks in such businesses as Kuchmart, Street’s Treats, and Woody’s Wheels. Students analyzed scripts and hunted for market hints to decide which companies to invest in.After hearing pitches from "company owners" (their teachers!), students raced to buy their stocks based on which businesses they thought would succeed. -
Beyond Resolutions: A Balanced Start to the New Year
Read MoreThe following are remarks by Mr. Danny Viotto, Director of Senior School, from Monday's Academic Assembly:Good morning everyone, Happy New Year, and welcome back.It’s so great to see you all again and be back at CDS. I hope the winter break gave you time to rest, reconnect, and maybe slow down —before your alarm clock went off this morning and reminded you it was time to jump back into the routine again. -
CDS Summer School 2026
Read MoreOnline registration opens Monday, January 26 for CDS students (further details for registration to come).CDS Summer School classes are in-person and will run Monday, June 22 to Thursday, July 16 (no class, Wednesday, July 1). -
Course Selection 2026/27
Read MoreIt’s hard to believe, but we are beginning to plan for the next academic year already! Please note the following key dates and information:Tuesday, January 6 to Friday, January 9 - Course Selection Process Visits and Resources: Members of the Student Services and Post-Secondary Counselling teams are currently visiting Grades 8-11 classes to explain the 2026/2027 course selection process. -
SS Artists Explore Shoe Design at The Bata Shoe Museum
Read MoreBy Sarah Barbanchon and Heather CastellanBefore the holiday break, students in Grade 10 Visual Design and Grade 11 Art classes spent the morning touring the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto, focusing on the evolution of footwear and symbolism throughout the ages.Students explored various exhibits, culminating in the hands-on sneaker design activity. This activity integrated Fashion Design aspects of the Grade 10 course and the Industrial Design unit of the Grade 11 course.
Our students had a lot of fun creating a small prototype of their sneaker! -
Volunteers needed!
Read MoreWe have two upcoming events looking for community volunteers:Junior Provincial Public Speaking Championships - Saturday, January 17thCDS DECA - Friday, February 6thFurther details below:
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
