Hot off the Press - 90's-Inspired Portraits Magazine
The arrival of Portraits, CDS’s Arts & Literary magazine, commemorates spring on campus and the final stretch to graduation. It also represents a huge point of pride for all students involved, many of whom are getting to see their stories, bylines and artwork printed inside a professionally designed magazine for the first time.
According to proud editors Lisa Wang ‘26 and Anya Sood ‘26, this year’s magazine was a collaborative effort between the Portraits team and students in the ComTech course who designed the layout, specifically fellow GYs Nicholas Alexander and Victoria Ruscitto. The synergy created between the two resulted in a 90's-inspired theme, “scattered with imagery of records, film cameras and doodles.”
“I think it really contributes to the connectedness of the publication,” explained Anya. “Portraits is all about highlighting the talents of our student body, and this isn't limited to just arts and literature. To have the layout designed by a CDS class to showcase their cumulative efforts and learning over the course of two years is exactly why the Portraits publication exists. Ms. Weening also placed the artwork and stories in the template – we are very grateful for her help during this process!”
Both students agree that life feels very busy and new a lot of the time, making it important to occasionally ground ourselves in an analog lifestyle. Lisa shared that this year, she has tried to remove unnecessary reliance on technology in her life, including switching to a physical notebook for class notes and scheduling. She has also tried to cut down on screen time and replace it with socializing. “It is so easy to get lost in the digital world, especially with academic stressors. The best way to combat that is by leading a life of balance.”
Because of the sheer volume of incredible art and writing submitted, choosing the final contenders was no easy task. Fellow Portraits member Viola Chen '26 stepped in to lend her expertise, helping the editors efficiently navigate the selection process with her "keen eye."
Looking back on the rewarding process of serving as co-editors, Lisa and Anya both enjoyed overseeing the culmination of everyone's hard work.
"A lot of love and care was put into each piece, and it shows through every brushstroke, every word, and the meaning condensed into a single artwork or page," said Lisa. "The Portraits publication is a slice of colour against the mundanity of life, and I am very grateful to have been able to contribute to it."
Congratulations to all the students involved in bringing this year’s beautiful publication to life. We encourage you to grab a cup of tea or coffee, sit back, and enjoy the read.
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.
