Bayview Secondary School (YRDSB) – Richmond Hill, Ontario

December 15, 2023
Public School, Author: York Region Tutoring

Grades 9-12 
10077 Bayview Ave., Richmond Hill  L4C 2L4
Phone: (905) 884-4453, (647) 795-7585
Fax: (905) 770-3580
Email:bayview.ss@yrdsb.ca
Bell Times: 8:45 AM – 3:25 PM

Introduction

Since its opening in 1960, Bayview Secondary School (BSS) has been a prominent institution on Bayview Avenue, situated on an expansive fifteen-acre landscape that was once a part of the Eliot farm. The school has evolved through renovations and strategic additions taking place 1962, 1965, and 2006, as it currently boasts unique facility-based learning centers, featuring  labs in Computer Science, Food Studies, Automotive, Communication, and Technological Design. Beyond its commitment to academia,  the school also initiated the “Beautifying Bayview” project, which transformed the campus into a vibrant outdoor haven, complete with an outdoor classroom, a basketball court, sports fields, and a lush landscape dotted with trees planted by the students themselves. Guided by the motto “A Diverse Community Learning Together,” the school takes pride in recognizing its diverse student body, fostering responsibility, productivity, and a lifelong learning mindset. Beyond academic excellence, Bayview is dedicated to nurturing critical thinking skills, interpersonal relationships, and effective communication, ensuring its students are well-prepared for the challenges of a rapidly evolving global society. 

The dedicated faculty at Bayview have also contributed significantly to the school’s reputation for providing a supportive and enriching educational environment. The school has been fortunate to have notable individuals among its staff, such as Bryan Buchan, a Canadian-Scottish author celebrated for his contributions to children’s literature. Additionally, the expertise of Glenn Clark, a former National Lacrosse League player and coach, has enriched the school’s sports programs.

Highlights

Bayview Secondary School has etched its name among the top-ranking institutions, securing the 9th position in Ontario in the 2016-17 Fraser Institute ranking of Ontario Secondary Schools. Renowned for academic excellence, the school also ranked second nationally in the 2011 Euclid Mathematics contest for grade 12 students, a prestigious competition held by the University of Waterloo. Beyond mathematics, Bayview consistently excels in Computer Programming competitions such as the CCC or ECOO, showcasing its prowess in the realm of technology and innovation. The school has also garnered widespread acclaim for its outstanding DECA team, with Bayview’s DECA Club being recognized by York Region as one of the top chapters in Canada. 

Aside from its academic and extracurricular excellence, Bayview Secondary School is also engaged in various initiatives, from the Ministry of Health’s Healthy Schools and Workplace Initiative to the Ontario EcoSchools program. The school also promotes a dynamic community dedicated to the holistic development and well-being of its students. Its commitment to healthy living is exemplified through the “Apple-a-Day” program, promoting nutritious eating habits, while the EcoSchool team’s efforts have earned Bayview a prestigious Gold Certification, solidifying its dedication to promoting environmental responsibility and ecological literacy among its student body. 

Academics

In addition to its dual credit program, Bayview Secondary School is well known for its offering of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme which targets students who are well rounded in all aspects of school. Students initially enroll in the pre-IB program, after which, they may choose to pursue the IB Diploma Programme during their Grade 11 and 12 years.  IB Diploma Candidates undertake the study of six subjects, with three at Standard Level (SL) and three at Higher Level (HL) throughout the two Diploma Years. 

Bayview currently offers the following subjects for IB Diploma Candidates:

  • HL Language A Literature (English)
  • SL Language B French
  • HL History or HL Economics
  • HL Biology or HL Chemistry
  • SL Mathematics
  • SL Theatre Arts or SL Visual Arts or SL Biology or SL Physics​ 

The school also offers the Specialist High Skills Major program in Business, Health & Wellness and Non-Profit. Application to the SHSM program typically commences in Grade 10 for completion in Grade 11 and 12.

Clubs and Extracurricular Activities

Bayview Secondary School is home to a variety of clubs such as:

  • Math Club
  • Computer Club
  • Art Club
  • Music Council
  • Poetry in Voice 
  • Mental Health Club
  • Robotics
  • UNICEF club 
  • Women in STEM 
  • Astronomy Club
  • Athletic Council
  • Bayview TV
  •  Best Buddies
  • Biology Cub
  • Book Cub 
  • Chemistry Club 
  • Best Buddies 
  • BSET- Student Equity Team 
  • CAS Committee
  • Cooking Club
  • Dungeons and Dragons Club
  • Ethereal Dance Club
  • Entrepreneur Club
  • Engineering Club
  • Competitive Programming Club
  • Chinese Culture Club
  • Debate Club
  • Future Business Leaders of America 
  • Female Empowerment Club 
  • Health for Homeless 
  • The Podcast Club 
  • Table Tennis Club
  • Eco-Club
  • HOSA
  • DECA
  • Reach for the Top
  • Public Speaking
  • Yearbook Committee
  •  BSS Press
  • Wind Ensemble (Grade 11/12)
  • Chess Club
  • Student Council
  • Prefect Organization

Sports and Athletics:

Students may choose to participate in a wide range of sport activities such as:

  • Golf
  • Field Hockey
  • Soccer 
  • Cross Country
  • Volleyball
  • Basketball
  • Cricket 
  • Tennis
  • Wrestling
  • Alpine Skiing
  • Snowboarding
  • Table Tennis 
  • Squash
  • Track and Field
  • Rugby
  • Baseball

Students will need to pay a fee for joining sports clubs, which typically covers the costs for uniforms, transportation, referees, and equipment.

References

Bayview Secondary School. (2023, November 9). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayview_Secondary_School

Pages – Clubs and Athletics. (n.d.). Www.yrdsb.ca. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from http://www.yrdsb.ca/schools/bayview.ss/info/Pages/Clubs-Athletics.aspx

Pages – Mission & Values. (n.d.). Www.yrdsb.ca. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from http://www.yrdsb.ca/schools/bayview.ss/info/Pages/Mission-and-Value.aspx

Pages – Principal’s Message. (n.d.). Www.yrdsb.ca. Retrieved November 17, 2023, from http://www.yrdsb.ca/schools/bayview.ss/info/Pages/Principals-Message.aspx

Pages – International Baccalaureate Programme. (n.d.). Www.yrdsb.ca. http://www.yrdsb.ca/schools/bayview.ss/ib/Pages/default.aspx

Creativity, activity, service. (2014, August 19). International Baccalaureate®. https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/dp-core/creativity-activity-and-service/

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