Help us Spread the Word about our Eberts Entrance Scholarships!
Do you know a family who might be interested in exploring CDS for their child(ren) - and who would be encouraged to apply knowing that we offer entrance scholarships?
CDS is once again awarding four renewable entrance scholarships, valued at up to $15,000 each, to new students entering Grades 7–10 who best exemplify our commitment to education with balance. Priority will be given to families with demonstrated financial need.
My name is Paola Baldassarra-Juhasz (bottom left in photo), and I’m honoured to serve as the President of the CDS Parent Association for the 2025–26 school year. Our family joined CDS in 2022, and my children are currently in Grades 8 and 10.
The CDS Parent Association Executive is made up of a dedicated group of parents from across all three schools. Together, we are committed to building strong school spirit, encouraging volunteerism, and fostering goodwill throughout the CDS community. In close collaboration with the Office of Community Relations, we support a wide range of programs, including the New Parent Mentor Program, Grade Parent Coordination, Pre-Owned Uniform Sales and event hospitality, such as refreshments at Parent-Teacher Interviews, concerts, and more.
CDS Parent Breakfast Energizes Dream Together Momentum
Thank you to all who were able to join us Monday for our CDS is Dreaming Big Parent Breakfast to learn more about the Dream Together campaign and plans for our new Athletic Centre!
Head of School John Liggett shared the exciting news that to date CDS has raised nearly $21 million toward this $30 million project!
We were thrilled with the turnout and would encourage anyone who would like to learn more to reach out to Brent Johnston, Executive Director of Advancent, at brent.johnston@cds.on.ca or 905.833.1220 x269.
We have a lovely brochure ready to mail to all CDS families, but due to the postal strike, will have to wait a few weeks. If you are interested in seeing it sooner, please stop by the Community Relations Office for a copy!
Junior School Students Participate in Every Child Matters Walk
By Andrew Bartle
It was a gentle stream of orange flowing through the Back 40 on Tuesday, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Students and their teachers meandered along participating in thoughtful and productive conversations. The day started off with the Junior School gathering for their weekly assembly with a strong focus on Truth and Reconciliation. 3C and 5H had class presentations that helped teach and remind us about why it is an important day.
At the Middle and Senior School assembly this week, students heard from Mr. Brent Johnston, Executive Director of Advancement, about his personal journey as an Indigenous person and the impact of Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Five years ago, Mr. Johnston shared that he is Mohawk (Kanien'kehá:ka), from the Kanesatake Territory near Oka, Quebec, for the first time publicly at CDS. Like so many, he had chosen not to share his story beyond close friends for fear of racism. However, as he told students Monday, he is proud of what CDS has accomplished with regard to educating our students about the impact of residential schools and knows that we will need to continue to work hard on sharing and educating our community about this emotional issue.
Join fellow CDS Parents for our next Book Review on Thursday, October 30th at 6:30 pm. This is a wonderful way to meet new parents, while discussing the newest novel. Whether you are an avid reader, or just enjoy a novel with a cup of coffee we invite you to join us.
Last Week’s Terry Fox Run Offered Important Words to Live By
Last Friday, The Country Day School held its 34th run for Terry Fox in which the entire school participated. Students and faculty/staff ran and walked throughout the school’s extensive trail system with the Junior School run/walking a shorter loop for 42 minutes and the Middle/Senior School students run/walking a longer loop that included a colour run, foam, and a slip and slide, followed by some fun House competition events on Hawksworth Field. The CDS mascot, Storm the Cyclone, was cheering our students on every step of the way.
Join Team Country Day School in Support of UniversalCare Strides for Seniors - Oct. 4
For several years, the Junior School has enjoyed a meaningful connection with Richview Manor, a senior residence in Vaughan. From sending heartfelt note cards during the pandemic to sharing songs during visits in more recent years, our students have found special ways to brighten the lives of its residents.
This year, our entire CDS community will have an opportunity to support the 2025 UniversalCare Strides for Seniors on Saturday, October 4. All proceeds from the Junior School’s Dress Down Day on Friday, October 3 and a Middle/Senior School Dress Down Day (date still TBD) will go directly toward this important initiative, which benefits CIBPA PLACE, York Region’s first Residential Respite Dementia Care Centre.
Reminder of Health & Wellness Protocols as flu season arrives
As fall approaches, we know that families will be faced with sniffles, coughs and colds, while COVID continues to stubbornly appear from time to time. Given all the various illnesses that can occur, this is a reminder of our school procedures for any student illness.
If your child is ill, they should stay home to recover. If your child has a fever, they should remain home until they are fever-free for 24 hours and their symptoms are improving. Remember to report your student's absence by contacting the School.
We are excited to invite you to a special Breakfast Gathering on Tuesday, September 30th in the Di Ciano Atrium of the Performing Arts Centre.
Come enjoy a coffee and light breakfast while discovering how CDS is Dreaming Big with the creation of our new 58,000+ sq. ft. Athletic Centre — a state-of-the-art facility that will inspire, energize, and benefit every single CDS student.
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.
Serve Up Some Fun with the CDS Parent Association!
The CDS Parent Association invites all parents to join us for a Tennis Morning on campus.
Whether you’re a beginner picking up a racket for the first time, a casual player, or simply eager to sharpen your game, this is the perfect chance to enjoy some fresh air, meet fellow parents, and have a great time on the court.
Choose from one of our hour-long sessions:
Friday, September 26 | 9:00–10:00 am or 10:00–11:00 am
Friday, October 3 | 9:00–10:00 am or 10:00–11:00 am
Spaces are limited to keep things fun and active for everyone, and a tennis pro will be on hand to guide play and offer tips.
Click here to reserve your spot on the court and sign an Activity Waiver & Release. Questions? Please reach out out to us.
Come swing, rally, and connect — we can’t wait to see you there!
The CDS Dining Hall Turns 10!
Yesterday, CDS proudly celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Niczowski, Temovsky, Arrigo Dining Hall — a decade filled with delicious cuisine and cherished camaraderie.
To mark the occasion, Chefs Richard and Julie and their outstanding Aramark team recreated the very first menu served on opening day: flank steak with chimichurri, potatoes, and green beans. Over the past 10 years, the Dining Hall team has continually raised the bar — from building one of the strongest allergen programs among independent schools, to introducing a diverse menu full of favourites, to offering hands-on cooking classes for Middle and Senior School students.
Tomorrow, we’ll celebrate with homemade apple crumble. Look for the recipe on the Healthy Dining webpage in the near future. Happy 10th Birthday to our beloved Dining Hall!
We were delighted to welcome so many families back to campus yesterday for our annual Welcome Back BBQ! The sun was shining, spirits were high, and smiles were everywhere! Students, parents, families, faculty, and staff enjoyed reconnecting with old friends and extending a warm welcome to those new to our community.
A heartfelt thank you to our CDS Parent Association for serving at the BBQ and greeting everyone so warmly, and to our dedicated Student Council members for pitching in with the cleanup. Your efforts helped make the event a wonderful start to the school year!
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.
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.