List of 15 news stories.

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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!
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  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!
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  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!
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  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.
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  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.
  
  

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  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!
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  CDS Students Join King Township for Earth Day Tree Planting

  In celebration of Earth Day this week, a dedicated group of CDS students from Grades 8, 9, and 11 rolled up their sleeves and dug alongside King Township and planting partner LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests). Together they helped plant a variety of native trees and shrubs, contributing to the growth of our local tree canopy and a healthier ecosystem.
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  Donation Deadline One Week Away

  Our Boots & Bids Dinner and Auction is quickly approaching, and our Auction Planning Team is so excited to bring you a night of amazing entertainment, fabulous food and a serious amount of fun! A few tickets do still remain for those who have not yet secured a seat!

  
  

  The donation deadline of May 1st is only one week away! Some of you have already donated an item or purchased a sponsorship or advertising space, and for this we are extremely grateful.
  
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  PA Corner - Sound Healing & Meditation Experience

  Earlier this month, the CDS Parent Association welcomed members of the CDS community and gathered for a truly rejuvenating Sound Bowl Meditation & Healing Experience led by Diane Gardilcic. This unique session blended the healing frequencies of 432Hz Crystal Sound Bowls and 528Hz Tuning Forks with the grounding warmth of basalt hot stones, creating a deeply restorative and calming environment.

   

  Participants were guided through the science of sound healing and experienced firsthand how vibrational frequencies can relax the mind, restore balance, and elevate energy. The peaceful atmosphere and meditative sounds provided a welcome pause and left attendees feeling refreshed and recharged. They also left with a crystal and a message to continue this practice at home. 

   

  Thank you to everyone for joining us for such a meaningful and wellness-focused morning.

   

  Milli Pajpani

  CDS Parent Association
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  AGM and Volunteer Appreciation - May 21st

  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

  in the 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.

   

  Breakfast will be served.

   

  Kindly RSVP no later than May 10th.

   

  We look forward to seeing you!
• 

  Tour For Humanity Brings Powerful Lessons to CDS

  This week, CDS had the privilege of hosting the Tour for Humanity — a mobile classroom created by the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FOSW). Led by passionate educators Simon and Ariel, this travelling learning experience delivered impactful and age-appropriate workshops to students in Grades 6, 8, 10, 11 and 12, as well as a dedicated CDS parent group.
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  Please Donate to Auction 2025!

  The CDS Dinner & Auction donation deadline is fast approaching on May 1st and we are asking for all families to consider supporting this worthwhile event. 

   

  Why should you support? All funds raised from this event will support a new Athletic Facility to replace our aging Cyclone Dome - a facility that every CDS student uses!

   

  What can you do to support the evening? We are asking for your donation of an item to our Silent Auction. This can be a certificate (for services, a restaurant, sporting tickets), a gift card (gas, movies, apple) or a physical item (outdoor items, sporting goods, jerseys, electronics). The list goes on and on and we are happy to share some ideas with you on our Wish List.  If you are still not sure what to donate - cash is perfect and we will use it to purchase something on your behalf! 
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