Their Decision to Give Back Was a Family Affair

All three of Kerstin and Mark Wyndham-West’s kids are Lifers: James ’16, Alex ’17 and Amy ’19, which means they all spent 14 years as students at The Country Day School. Kerstin taught at CDS for 23 years before “retiring” from teaching English and Drama in 2019, but is still on campus nearly every day as a Debate Coach, so it doesn’t really feel like she’s left (which for CDS, is a good thing!). Among other things, she has a 14-year streak of helping to qualify at least one CDS student, and sometimes two or even three, for the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships.
“Our children really enjoyed their time at CDS, including all of the opportunities in drama, music and sports, and the balance it afforded them,” says Kerstin. “Although they all played rep soccer, they specifically enjoyed playing sports with their school friends and being coached by their teachers. We all have very fond memories of some wonderful matches played on the campus over the years.”

James and Alex recently accompanied their parents for the ground-breaking ceremony of the Building Magic campaign to rejuvenate the Junior School. Amy was able to join the others during her Reading Week to have a look at the finished Wyndham-West Field (formerly Centre Field) beside the Cyclone Dome. “It was a nostalgic moment for all of us, particularly our kids who remembered the fun of participating in sporting and Student Council events like Terry Fox Day, shared with their friends, past teachers and coaches, including those who have retired in recent years.”

When it came to supporting the School where their children spent so many years learning and thriving, and Kerstin so many years doing what she loves – teaching and coaching - Kerstin says, “It was really a no brainer. We wanted to give back to the community that made our children’s experience so positive. It was a family affair, we were all in agreement.”

All three Wyndham-West children headed East to attend Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. James studied Arts with a major in History and is now working in the family business in Ontario, and Alex studied Business Studies and is pursuing a music career. Meanwhile, Amy is currently in her third year at Dalhousie studying Kinesiology. As residents of King Township and residing five minutes from campus, the Wyndham-Wests look forward to returning to watch the first game played on the finished Wyndham-West Field, likely a Rugby match this spring. That will be a proud moment for all of them and an exciting time for CDS athletics as well!
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Land Acknowledgment

CDS wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. For thousands of years, these have been the traditional lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We also recognize the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and the Haudenosaunee peoples who also shared this land.  CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for these lands and waters for future generations.

School Information

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.