Upfront / Crescent News

Dr. Sandra Boyes Promoted to Executive Director of CCBE

Discovering how boys learn best is the goal of the Crescent Centre for Boys’ Education (CCBE). Founded in 2020, the Centre’s vision is to be the beacon for boys’ education in Canada and to increase Crescent’s global position as a leading school for boys. Beginning July 1, Dr. Sandra Boyes assumes the role of Executive Director of the CCBE on a full-time basis.

In her role, Dr. Boyes will lead new research about the teaching and learning of boys through global collaboratives and local initiatives. She will oversee all faculty professional learning activities, supporting teachers’ onboarding, mentoring, coaching, and development. Finally, she will design and implement mission-aligned parent education for those inside and outside the school community.

“Dr. Boyes is eminently qualified for this position,” says Headmaster Michael Fellin. “I eagerly anticipate the impact that she and the CCBE will have on Crescent School and boys’ education worldwide.”

Inspiration and Advocacy to Honour Black History Month

“I can. I will. I believe!” Middle and Upper School students shouted these words passionately at a special presentation in the Lower Gym earlier in February. Their inspiration: artist Wayne Moore.

In 2021, Moore made the pivot to art after a car accident left him unable to continue his career as a football player in the CFL. Art had always been a part of his life, his “hidden peace of mind and balance.” Moore told students why he believes in progression over perfection, the importance of self-discipline, and how he manifested a career in art.

Akim Aliu also spoke to Middle and Upper School students. Aliu’s book Dreamer tells his incredible story, from being the only Black child in his Ukrainian community, to his family struggling to make ends meet while living in Toronto, to confronting the racist violence he experienced on and off the ice as he ascended the ranks of professional hockey to join the Calgary Flames in 2011. Today, Aliu is Chair of the Hockey Diversity Alliance, which addresses intolerance and racism in hockey.

Both speakers were part of Crescent’s Black History Month programming.

Nick Kovacs Honoured for Holocaust Education Initiatives

Deputy Headmaster Nick Kovacs was recently honoured with an Excellence in Holocaust Education award from the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC). Mr. Kovacs was one of four educators who received the award for implementing outstanding Holocaust education programs and curricula.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Kovacs alluded to the final words spoken to Holocaust survivor and educator Max Eisen by his father while at Auschwitz-Birkenau: “If you survive, tell the world what happened here.”

“I have heeded those words when working with the amazing team of educators at Crescent School to teach our students about the Holocaust,” Mr. Kovacs said. “They remind us of the importance of taking up the mantle from survivors like Max who are no longer with us to tell their story; and of committing and recommitting to educating one another, especially our youth, about the Holocaust and about the dangers of hate and discrimination in all of its forms.”

Mieczyslaw Romaniec Retires After 33 Years of Service

Mieczyslaw “Mietek” Romaniec, an evening caretaker who has been a vital part of Crescent School's Facilities team since 1990, retired in February after 33 years of dedicated service.

Mietek's exceptional work ethic, attention to detail, and willingness to assist others made him an invaluable asset to the team. A man of few words, he always greeted people with a smile and a friendly demeanor, which made him a beloved figure in the Crescent community.

We express our gratitude to Mietek for his remarkable contributions to Crescent School over the years and wish him the very best in his retirement.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

Crescent recently released its Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging 2023–2024 Action Plan.

The plan highlights many existing part- nerships, alliances and initiatives that make Crescent a more diverse and inclusive community. It also includes new and ongoing efforts through 2024. “Crescent strives to be representative of Toronto today,” says Headmaster Fellin. “We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment where every boy belongs.”

You can read more about the School’s diversity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives at crescentschool.org.

John Lynch P’16, ’18 Leaves a Lasting Legacy

Crescent bid a fond farewell earlier this year to former External Relations Executive Director John Lynch P’16, ’18 as he entered retirement.

During his over 16 years at Crescent, Lynch made an enormous contribution to the School's advancement efforts, raising more than $80 million towards the School’s capital projects, programmatic development, and financial assistance programs.

Lynch takes particular pride in the legacy he leaves through Crescent’s endowment fund, which has grown sevenfold during his tenure and currently sits at an impressive $20.3 million. This fund ensures that boys of promise will have access to a Crescent education for years to come.

Along with his wife, Cathy Yanosik, Lynch remains a vital member of the Crescent community as a past parent of sons Conor ’16 and Liam ’18.