About
School Leadership
The Country Day School’s Leadership team is composed of eight individuals who work closely together to guide and direct the School in a fashion commensurate with our vision and guiding principles. Drawn from academic and non-academic backgrounds, each team member provides expertise in their field while working intensively together to live and communicate the culture of the School.
List of 8 news stories.
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Mr. John Liggett
Read MoreJohn Liggett joined The Country Day School as Head of School in 2011. He began his teaching career in the 1990s at Forest Hill Collegiate Institute in the Toronto District School Board, before moving into the independent school system. -
Mr. Dave Harvey
Quickly approaching the end of his second decade in education, Dave Harvey has taught numerous subject areas including Philosophy, Ancient and Modern History, Classical Studies, Sociology and, of course, English to which he is passionately devoted, having served for twelve years as an English Department Head in the public and independent school systems.Read More -
Mr. David Huckvale
David Huckvale joined CDS in the summer of 2008, his first position in the independent school system after 10 years of service at York University in Toronto.Read More -
Mr. Brent Johnston
Brent has over 30 years of experience in Advancement. Starting his career in small community-based non-profit organizations he has worked in educational fundraising for over 24 years, including the University of Toronto, McGill University and The Country Day School. His two daughters are graduates of CDS from the Class of 2017 and 2021.Read More -
Mrs. Melanie Sheppard
Melanie Sheppard joined The Country Day School in 2001 to serve as the School's Controller and went on to become Executive Director of Finance & Administration. A dedicated and dependable leader, she was appointed Interim Deputy Head, Administration in August 2026. Over the years, Melanie has implemented strong policies and procedures to ensure financial stewardship and transparency. She takes pride in fostering a supportive environment and bringing finance expertise to CDS, which enables the Leadership Team to focus on carrying out the School’s vision.Read More -
Ms. Rheanne Stevens
Rheanne Stevens joined CDS as Director of Junior School in August 2026 with more than 25 years of experience as a Junior School Leader and Strategic Director. For the past decade, Rheanne has served as the Director of Teaching, Learning and Innovation JK-7 at Collingwood School (CAIS) in West Vancouver, with additional experience as Director of Middle School at Collingwood, Curriculum Coordinator at Somersfield Academy, and as researcher/instructor/teacher at OISE in Toronto.Read More -
Mr. Danny Viotto
Danny Viotto brings a wealth of experience to the CDS community as Director of Senior School and recently appointed Interim Deputy Head, Academics Senior. Having led the Huron Superior Catholic District School Board as the Director of Education several years, Danny also served as an Academic Superintendent, an Elementary Principal and a Senior School Principal with HSCDSB for over 15 years.Read More -
Mr. Rob Waldron
Read MoreJoining CDS in 2009, Rob Waldron taught Grade 6 for his first eight years at the School (20 years in total), before taking on the role of K-7 Vice Principal. In spring 2018, he joined the Leadership Team as Director of Middle School and in August 2026 was appointed Interim Deputy Head, Academics Junior/Middle.
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.
