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CDS MS/SS Viewbook 2024

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Message The Country Day School • Viewbook AEDUCATION WITH BALANCETHE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL VIEWBOOK

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B The Country Day School • Viewbook 82099%10848954JKGRADE 12 STUDENTSCDS QUICK FACTSUNIVERSITY ACCEPTANCEFACULTYSPORTS TEAMS ACROSS24 SPORTSSTAFFMUSIC PERFORMANCESANNUALLYSPIRIT HOUSESDUNLAP, EBERTS, ROSS, TAYLORFOUNDING YEARADVANCED PLACEMENT AP COURSES, INCLUDING AP SEMINAR 19721004640+432,400ALUMNI WORLDWIDECLUBS AND EXTRACURRICULARSWORLD CHAMPION DEBATERS IN PAST 8 YEARSDRAMA PRODUCTIONSANNUALLYACRE CAMPUS 40 MINUTES NORTH OF TORONTO

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The Country Day School • Viewbook 1WELCOME TO THE COUNTRY DAYSCHOOLLocated on 100 beautiful acres, CDS has evolved and expanded for over half a century to what we are today: a leading JK-Grade 12 independent school where all are welcome. We don’t just focus on unlocking your child’s brightest future. We want what’s best for them today.Because life happens now.And the opportunities, relationships, joys and challenges of today inform where our students are going and who they will become—tomorrow and throughout their life.

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2 The Country Day School • Viewbook We love this question and so do our students. Whether they join us in the Junior, Middle or Senior School, students explore di erent ways of doing and being through their academic studies, extracurricular opportunities, and leadership development. Our focus on self-led growth and discovery ensures that each student develops the skills, values and con dence they need to thrive. The result: CDS graduates who know who they are, where they are headed, and how to build a meaningful and ful lling future.WHO WILL YOU BECOME?

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The Country Day School • Viewbook 3When we fi rst visited CDS, we felt an overwhelming sense of community. We saw it in the faces of the teachers and students. Then we heard the words ‘Education with Balance.’ What more could we hope for as parents?” – KEN WHITMELL, PAST PARENT‘‘Education with Balance is more than just an idea. It’s the cornerstone of everything we do. Recognizing the uniqueness of every student—their distinct strengths, interests, and passions—we reject the “one size  ts all” model of education. Instead, we invite students to pursue what excites them.From taking their  rst step onto the soccer pitch to meeting up in the Social Justice Club or performing on the stage, our students are rooted in a rich landscape that extends far beyond traditional academics. Our diverse o erings provide a balance of learning, leading, creating and playing opportunities that equip students for life.EDUCATIONWITH BALANCE

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4 The Country Day School • Viewbook Between our Junior and Senior School lies our wonderful Middle School for students in Grades 7–8. Poised between childhood and adolescence, children at this age are at a unique developmental stage when social relationships become more complex, the yearning for independence grows, and friend groups often matter more than anything else—including schoolwork.THE MIDDLE SCHOOL A TIME OF TRANSITIONAs independence increases, Middle School learners face new social and academic challenges.

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The Country Day School • Viewbook 5A Team of ExpertsA coordinated team gets to know each student and helps them to navigate the pressures and joys of early adolescence and manage independent decisions (MID).Director of Middle SchoolHomeroom AdvisorsClassroom TeachersTeaching AssociatesGuidance CounselorsLearning StrategistsMiddle School Quick FactsClass target of 18 students Monday & Thursday Morning AssembliesEach student is assigned an AdvisorAdvisory meets monthly Extra help available before and after schoolLearning is SocialOur co-ed classrooms are focused as much on academic study as they are on the development of positive peer relations and preparation for life in the real world.When I started CDS in Grade 7, I noticed right away how much the teachers genuinely cared about how each student was doing. One of my favourite things about CDS is participating in the extracurricular activities after school. There are so many choices and a great way to meet other students with similar interests.”– ETHAN, GRADE 8‘‘

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6 The Country Day School • Viewbook Students on the verge of self-suffi ciency need just the right balance of freedom and support.The CDS Senior School is large enough to provide extensive opportunities for individual exploration and small enough to ensure that each student is known, supported and inspired. Our oldest students have an array of courses and extracurricular options to choose from so they can pursue their distinct interests.Advanced Placement (AP) Courses OfferedAP Seminar(all Grade 11 English students)BiologyCalculus ABComparative Government and PoliticsComputer Science A English Literature and CompositionMacroeconomicsMicroeconomics2D Art and Designwith an option to take additional exams independentlyInterdisciplinary Courses & Unique OfferingsGRADE 11Challenging Perceptions of Well-Being Entrepreneurial SpiritGRADE 12Big Ideas: On the Nature of ChangeComputer Engineering TechnologyFilm Studies STEM and the Future of Science THE SENIOR SCHOOL READY TO LAUNCH

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The Country Day School • Viewbook 7I love how interconnected CDS teachers are in your life, especially in Homeroom. They really want to get to know you and help you. They also connect with you through your interests outside of the classroom as your coaches and advisors. It’s really easy to pursue your passions in both academics and athletics at CDS.”– ANDY, GRADE 9‘‘Leadership OpportunitiesStudent AmbassadorsClub CoordinatorsTeam CaptainsHouse CaptainsStudent CouncilPeer TutoringSenior School Quick FactsClass target of 22 students Monday & Thursday Morning AssembliesEach student is assigned an Advisor Advisory meets monthly Extra help available before and after school Grade 12 University Tours (East & West) Social Science & Music Trips

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8 The Country Day School • Viewbook Technology with balance means considering and applying the most appropriate tools for the task at hand in support of student learning. This approach may include the use of digital hardware platforms, speci c software applications, and/or web-based resources during the academic day. Most importantly, this balanced mindset ensures that speci c learning outcomes remain the focused objective in the classroom, and not the technology itself.Our philosophy of balance extends to our intentional use of technology in the classroom.Middle School students (Grades 7–8) are supplied with their own Chromebook for the year, which stays at school and is charged overnight. They are able to access schoolwork from home through their Google accounts.Technology courses: Navigating Technology 7 Design Technology 8Senior School students (Grades 9–12) bring their own device to school and use it for educational purposes only. This includes laptops, tablets, iPads and Chromebooks but not smart phones or watches.Technology courses: Communications Technology in Grades 9, 11 and 12 and Computer Enginereeing Technology in Grades 11 and 12SMART TECH TECHNOLOGY WITH BALANCE

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The Country Day School • Viewbook 9FACULTY Andrés Mejia is a Senior School Math & Science teacher“My favourite part about working at CDS is interacting with the incredible community that exists here. The students are at the centre, and everyone is so dedicated and passionate about the role that they play in it.”STUDENTS Mariella is in Grade 11 and has been at CDS since JK (qualifying her as a “Lifer”)“CDS is a community and family-based place where we have a chance to connect with people across all three schools. The teachers are very personable and it becomes a home away from home, a safe place to be.”PARENTS Priya Suppal is a past CDS Parent of two boys and CDS Board member“We were looking for a high school close to home, a big school but with a small school feel and lots of extracurricular offerings in addition to sports. We wanted there to be something for everyone and found that in CDS.”ALUMNI Hart Jackson ’02 is an Investigator in the Systems Biology Program at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute in Toronto“Not only was I able to draw on an excellent foundation of biology, chemistry and physics taught by very supportive teachers, but learning to make an argument in English class and honing my public speaking skills as Student Council President also helped me share new ideas.”CDS VOICESShared values, shared commitment Since the beginning, the vision of The Country Day School’s dedicated founders has been shared and embraced by CDS community members: caring and supportive Parents, committed and inspiring Faculty, curious and ambitious Students, and passionate and enterprising Alumni. Meet some of our community members here. Read more at www.cds.on.ca/about/cds-voices

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10 The Country Day School • Viewbook Research shows that there is no place like the great outdoors to improve memory and attention—critical skills for success in learning and life. Our 100 acres of protected wetlands, fields and forests are home to indigenous plant species and regional wildlife and create a unique opportunity for students to learn and explore. In both the Middle and Senior Schools, we encourage students and faculty to take learning outdoors every chance they get, on campus and beyond.Taking the learning outdoors encourages environmental citizenship, promotes health and well-being, and is just plain fun.THE NATURAL CLASSROOM EMBRACING THE OUTDOORS

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The Country Day School • Viewbook 11GRADE 9 GREEN INDUSTRIES COURSEThis half-year course immerses students in environmental sustainability studies while introducing them to ways in which green industries and society are interdependent. In addition, senior subject teachers work with the Outdoor Education Coordinator to create curriculum-driven learning modules such as exploring the headwaters of the East Humber River, staging an outdoor drama performance, or snowshoeing on our trails. OTHER RELATED OFFERINGS INCLUDE: Grade 11 Environmental ScienceGrade 12 The Environment and Resource Management

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12 The Country Day School • Viewbook GO CYCLONES! SETTING GOALSGo out and play. At CDS we are incredibly lucky to have so many talented, dedicated and motivational coaches. It was in high school, under their guidance, that my skills developed the most.”– SHAYAAN KHAN, CDS GRADUATE‘‘CDS athletes play with pride, sportsmanship, and a positive attitude as well as respect for the game, opponents and referees. Win or lose, our athletes are taught to approach each term of sport for the love of the game and camaraderie with their teammates.CDS Athletics offer something for everyone

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The Country Day School • Viewbook 13COMPETITIVEAlpine SkiingBadmintonBaseballBasketballCross CountryField HockeyGolfHockeyRugbySoccerSoftballSnowboardingTennisTrack & FieldUltimate FrisbeeVolleyballINTRAMURALSBall HockeyCricket Cross Country SkiingDodgeball FitnessFlag FootballMountain Biking Powerlifting48 Teams Across 24 SportsFor me, the deciding factors to attend CDS were the close-knit community that makes up the Senior School and the opportunity to play on three sports teams: soccer, hockey and rugby.”– OLIVIA GATER, CDS GRADUATEFor the Fun of ItIn addition to school teams and intramurals, students also enjoy sport-based clubs, lunchtime pick-up games, House activity days and access to the athletic facilities and Fitness Centre at lunch and recess.‘‘

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14 The Country Day School • Viewbook THE ARTS CELEBRATING CREATIVITY & DRIVING INNOVATIONA balanced education at CDS includes the arts so that students are able to develop the creativity, self-awareness and communication skills that drive innovation.

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The Country Day School • Viewbook 15DramaGrade 7–9 production (Fall)Grade 10–12 production (Spring)Recent productionsA Lighter Shade of NoirClueMatilda the MusicalThe Laramie ProjectIn the HeightsMusicConcert BandsJazz BandsChoirsSoul Band Symphonic BandWind EnsembleBand Festivals & CompetitionsVisual ArtsDrawingSculpturePaintingArt HistoryMedia & Digital Art in our Makerspace

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16 The Country Day School • Viewbook A TYPICAL DAYAT CDS School begins at 8:30 am and  rst period class starts at 8:50 am. Middle School students have eight 40-minute classes/day with a 15-minute recess in the morning and 50 minutes for lunch, including 20 minutes of outdoor/gym/social time. Senior School students have four 80-minute classes/day with a 15-minute morning break and 50 minutes for lunch. The school day ends at 3:15 pm and is followed by team sports and/or club activities from 3:30–4:30 pm, in which most students participate. Extracurriculars do not take place on Fridays, allowing students to depart by 3:30 pm.STUDENT LIFE AT CDSThere is much to learn outside the classroom about life, leadership and social issues. Whether before, between or after classes, students enjoy interacting with one another in the hallways, during lunch and through our extensive extracurricular activities.

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The Country Day School • Viewbook 17Extracurriculars & ClubsAmbassador ProgramBoard GamesCardsChessCookingCricketDECADiversityThe Duke of Edinburgh ProgramEversley Register Student NewspaperFitnessFree PlayGame CreationHealth SciencesIdea Lab/MakerspaceInclusivityIntramuralsKnitting & CrochetLibraryMath & Science Drop-in HelpMock TrialModel UNOpen Art StudioPeer TutoringPing PongPortraits Arts & Literary MagazinePotteryPowerliftingPublic Speaking & DebatingRetro Video GamesRobotics (FRC & VEX)Social JusticeSongwriting ClubStudent CouncilStudy HallSustainabilityTheatre TechYearbookYo g aStudent Services Centre (SSC) The SSC attends to our Middle and Senior students’ learning needs and also provides individual support for social and emotional matters. Here, students can meet with their guidance counsellor, get extra help from a teacher, write a missed test, receive education accommodations, attend an exam preparation session, tutor a peer and so much more.

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18 The Country Day School • Viewbook SAMPLE LUNCH MENUCountry KitchenTurkey Tacos with Street Corn, Lime Crema and Pico de GalloGreen KitchenMixed Bean Tacos with Street Corn, Lime Crema and Pico de GalloSpecialty SaladBacon, Tomato and Goat Cheese SaladDeli MarketChinese-Style Beef and Black PepperOvenFeature International Traditional Dish of the WeekThe BowlChicken, Pea and Potato SoupA student-friendly signage system alerts those with allergies to foods that are a concern. Kitchen sta and CDS faculty and sta are also widely aware of students with food allergies and will be proactive in making sure certain foods are avoided. All menus are available well in advance in easily accessible form, and dining hall sta are happy to meet with those families with allergy concerns.Students, faculty and sta enjoy lunch daily in the Dining Hall with a delicious assortment of o erings at multiple food stations made with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Students and sta love the opportunity to break bread with friends and recharge mid-day.HEALTHY EATING MARCHÉ STYLE

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The Country Day School • Viewbook 19BEYOND CDSOur grads attend some of the best colleges and universities around the worldCANADADalhousie UniversityMcGill UniversityMcMaster University Queen’s UniversityUniversity of British ColumbiaUniversity of TorontoUniversity of Waterloo Western UniversityUNITED STATESBerklee College of Music Brown University Duke University Georgetown UniversityNew York UniversityOhio State University Parsons School of Design Syracuse UniversityUniversity of Southern CaliforniaINTERNATIONALBristol UniversityKing’s College LondonLondon School of EconomicsUniversity of OxfordQueen’s University BelfastRoyal College of SurgeonsPOPULAR AREAS OF STUDYIn addition to some more popular pursuits, including Life and Physical Sciences, Business and Law, and the Arts and Social Sciences, CDS graduates have gone on to study Biomedical Engineering, Government and International Relations, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Industrial Design, Landscape Architecture, Mineral Engineering and Molecular Biology & Genetics.

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20 The Country Day School • Viewbook CDS offers busing!The Country Day School has its own  eet of school buses out tted with three-point seatbelts and operates seven daily bus routes to and from parts of York, Simcoe and Peel Regions, including as far north as Barrie, west as Caledon, east as Stou ville and south as Vaughan and Kleinburg. We transport more than 150 students daily, and students are given the option to be occasional or full-time riders.CDS Students Come from Near and FarStudents attend CDS from the following communities King City, Richmond Hill, Aurora, Woodbridge, Kleinburg, Maple, Thornhill, Stou ville, Vaughan, Schomberg, Nobleton, Newmarket, Barrie, Caledon, Toronto, Markham, Bradford, Brampton, Tottenham, Sharon, Palgrave, Midhurst, East Gwillimbury, Caledon East, Uxbridge, Bolton, Unionville, Thornton, Mono, Minesing, Cookstown, and Alliston.

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SEPTEMBER–OCTOBERSeptember 1 (or before)Admission application for the following September opens.OctoberCome Visit!Register for an Open House, Group Tour or make an appointment with the Admissions O ce for a private tour.NOVEMBER–DECEMBERNovember 1Early Deadline for Grades 4, 7 and 9 (entry years)Late November Early Decisions/Updates released.December 1*Regular Deadline for all grades. Equal consideration for all available spaces.Deadline for  nancial aid applications and our $10,000–$15,000 Eberts Entrance Scholarships (available for Grades 7–10).JANUARYMid-January Decisions/Updates released. Eberts Entrance Scholarship recipients are noti ed.Third Week of January Acceptance/Deposit Deadline. Application stepsInquire  Visit  Apply  Provide Documentation  Interview & AssessmentHow to Apply/Important Dates   *Applications received after December 1 will be considered on a rolling basis after the third week of January based on available space.Have questions? Please contact our Admissions Team at 905.833.1972 or admissions@cds.on.ca and they would be happy to help you!

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22 The Country Day School • Viewbook VISIONThe Country Day School is committed to o ering a superior educational experience that is sensitive to the needs of each student, enables learning and equips students for life.OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLESNurture academic excellenceBuild sound and honourable characterRaise social and global awarenessAdvocate  tness for lifeEmploy talented peoplePromote community involvementFoster artistic passion and expressionCreate a place where all are welcomeDevelop the  nest campus resourceswww.cds.on.caThe Country Day School13415 Du erin StreetKing, Ontario Canada L7B 1K5