Since its inception in 1981, NTCS has welcomed hundreds of students through our doors. We are always pleased to keep in touch with our alumni and to hear from them how NTCS has made a difference in their post-secondary schooling and careers. You can read some alumni memories below from graduates of North Toronto Christian School and The Yorkland School (the former name of the NTCS high school program from 1993 to 2011).
We encourage our alumni to keep in touch via email or by visiting the school. If you graduated from The Yorkland School (TYS) or North Toronto Christian School (NTCS) and would like to contribute a favourite memory of your time at the school, please submit it to us via our form.
My favourite memory of being a student at NTCS/The Yorkland School was Ms. Brooks' physics class. More specifically, a project we did where we were required to construct a marble roller coaster and then explain all of the physics behind every action that the marble would experience. My lab partner and I had a lot of fun putting the project together, and we probably spent a lot more time on that than we should have. It was worth the investment though - we built a roller coaster that rivalled the Behemoth and more importantly, created a memory that would last forever!
PhD Student, Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University
Class of 2014
Spending my teenage years at NTCS was truly valuable for me to grow as a more mature individual. Growing up with amazing brothers and sisters in God and learning from great teachers were more than enough for me to become the person I aspire to be.
Gotta appreciate those daily 6-minute runs and extreme 12-minute runs! You're not getting much of those experiences anymore!
Also, do not miss out on Chandos (Camp Ke-Mon-Oya)!
Civil Engineer at TTC
Class of 2011
Baking cookies as our chemistry "lab experiment" with Dr. Furtado [is my favourite memory from NTCS]! It was the first time I learned to apply concepts we learned in class to the real world, and planted the seed for my love of chemistry and science in general.
Postdoctoral Fellow in Cardiology Research
Class of 2007
I have a lot of great memories from my time at NTCS/TYS. In particular, I remember our trips to Chandos fondly. They were a really unique opportunity that sparked a love for the outdoors that has stayed with me to this day. On a recent camping trip, I could almost hear Dr. Jay's voice reminding me that settlers used birch bark as kindling for their campfires.
Resident Physician, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The University of Toronto
Class of 2009
[My] favourite memories of being a student:
- Praising the Lord during weekly Chapel
- Playing 'Capture the Flag' at Chandos/Camp Ke-Mon-Oya
- Playing soccer, volleyball and basketball with my teammates
and being awarded 'Athlete of the Year' in my senior year
- Acting as the lead in various plays and receiving the
'Dramatic Arts Award' in my senior year
Human Resources Manager, KPMG MSLP
Class of 2011
I attended NTCS from JK to Grade 12. Throughout elementary and middle School I always enjoyed the trips to Chandos. Chandos gave me the opportunity to develop outdoor skills that I otherwise would not have had growing up in an urban area. I made some of my best friends at NTCS, many of whom are still my best friends today. I took Drama from Grade 10 to Grade 12. The presentation and communication skills that I developed while taking those classes have helped prepare for my legal career. I really enjoyed playing on the high school soccer team. The soccer team had one of the best team environments on any team I had played on. I credit that not only to the group of students who attended NTCS but also to the teachers who shaped those students. I am forever grateful for my experience at NTCS and would not have chosen any other place to have spent my elementary, middle school and high school years. There is no other place that incorporates the Christian faith, the development of critical thinking and prepares you for your adult life better than this school.
Second year of Law School at Liberty University
Class of 2016
A favourite memory from NTCS is tobogganing down the Chandos (Camp Ke-Mon-Oya) hill during our annual winter trips!
Private Equity Associate - Clayton, Dubilier & Rice
Class of 2013
My favourite memories are always those entirely wacky and unique to NTCS, such as having class-wide tackle football games during winter Chandos, playing floor hockey during P.E. while sitting on wheeled platforms, and having cardboard boat races in the swimming pool as a project for business class.
Pursuing rehabilitation robotics or prosthetics / exoskeleton development
Class of 2014
My favorite memory during my time at NTCS/The Yorkland School was being an integral part in winning two sports championships in my grade 12 year – softball and soccer. The camaraderie and athletic talent of both winning teams was second to none and being a part of it was something I will remember forever.
Mechanical Engineer
Class of 2010
NTCS was the first school my brothers and I attended since immigrating from Hong Kong to Canada in the mid-80's. I remember fondly everything about the Page Avenue school campus - from the amazing teachers and staff, to the friends I've made (some remained good friends of mine till this day!), to all the games and Bible lessons I've learned. Activities such as Capture the Flag in the Newtonbrook Creek ravine would not be possible where I came from in Hong Kong, as well as learning how to skate on the home-made ice rink by Mr. Cooke and Mr. Wainwright. Mademoiselle Gagné - Thank you for your care and asking one of the senior class classmate to tutor me French, so that I can catch up with the rest of the Gr 7 class. I am forever grateful to all of my teachers at NTCS!
Process Engineer - Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
Class of 1988
One of my best memories would be Mr. Collins' senior year law class. From the subject matter that we learned, to the essays that we wrote, to the mock trials that we were regularly engaged in, it was a course that was not only fun and interesting but one that had us always thinking critically. We were constantly challenged and encouraged to bring our best selves forward, and it was that expectation that provided me with the tools and mindset necessary to pursue whatever opportunity I wanted. Though I've regrettably since forgotten the technical, I have this course to thank for some of the habits that I developed, and the soft skills that I acquired, that I still use to this day in my professional field.
Accountant (CPA Candidate)
Class of 2014
I remember my time at NTCS to be full of laughter and friendship, and many of my classmates have become lifelong friends. Looking back, I recall being a member of the Service and Leadership Team (SaLT) as an incredible opportunity and rewarding experience, especially volunteering with Operation Christmas Child and hosting food drives for the community. These experiences truly taught me the importance of service and laid the foundation for me to continue serving after leaving NTCS.
CPA Candidate
Class of 2016
My favourite thing about NTCS were the teachers. Not only did they effectively prepare us for university and the challenges that were ahead, but they also genuinely cared about the students and wanted the best for us. They definitely gave us the tools to succeed!
2L at University of Toronto, Faculty of Law
Class of 2013
Some of the most profound moments of influence and impact occur during the impressionable years of elementary and high school. Reflecting on those years, I could not be more grateful for my parents' decision to enroll me at NTCS/The Yorkland School. I acknowledge without reservation or hesitation, that the nurturing environment, culture of achievement, and standard of excellence at Yorkland pushed me to become the best version of myself, self-aware of my academic and athletic strengths and weaknesses. Two notable examples that I cherish often: I recall the mock trials in Mr. Collins' Law class that pushed me to hone my analytical and public speaking skills, culminating in my achievement of the Grade 12 Law award. I also reflect on Mlle Gagne's approach in French class – which extended well-beyond language instruction, to lessons of empathy, perseverance and humility. In short, the wisdom and mentorship offered by every single member of TYS leadership, faculty and administration has left a lasting impression on me, and helped mold my character into the professional, husband, and father I am today. The truth is, Yorkland was more than just a school to us; it was an extension of our family and our homes.
Director, Global Public Affairs at Cisco Systems Inc.; Former political advisor in the Harper Government (2012-2015)
Class of 2007
My favourite memories at NTCS were made at Chandos. The activities on the lake, capture the flag in the forest, and playing hockey on the outdoor rink with my classmates were all so much fun!
Investment Banker and Professional Hockey Player
Class of 2016
I fondly remember the fun I had playing for the school team in a number of different sports. Two memories, in particular, come to mind when I think about the times I had with those teams. The first is winning the soccer tournament during my first year at the school. The other would be playing for the softball team and hearing Dr. Jay, from the dugout, yelling, "There's a lot of green out there!" That's something that I still say all the time because of Dr. Jay.
Consultant, HFS Inc.
Class of 2013
Growing up at NTCS/TYS from SK all the way to Grade 12, I've had so many memorable experiences there, it's hard to pick just one. I loved the school field trips, especially the annual Fall and Winter excursions to Chandos (Camp Ke-Mon-Oya). All the fun outdoor adventure activities: sledding, stargazing, hiking, and general messing around with friends. On more than one occasion, the rental coach bus broke down when it arrived to take us home. So while we waited for a replacement one, we would get to order McDonald's and hang out for four more hours at camp. Shoutout to the teachers who put up with our antics.
Editorial Coordinator at ECW Press
Class of 2012
My favourite memories from NTCS/Yorkland are from our annual class trips up to Chandos. These trips were always full of quality time outdoors and with close friends. These memories will last a lifetime and I am thankful for them.
Account Executive at Premier Event Tent Rentals; Part time Master of Divinity in Clinical Psychotherapy, returning to full time in Jan 2022
Class of 2009
Everything was new to me. I joined Grade 11 at NTCS/TYS as I moved to Canada. There were so many great memories: chatting with locker buddies, going between classrooms, listening to stories during homeroom, enjoying the walks to Tim Horton's with friends during breaks, enjoying the freshly baked cookies from cafeteria, participating in choir hosted by Mr. V, singing the anthem, wearing my first poppy, and learning the Christian music in assemblies. I sincerely appreciate everyone's love, patience, and the acknowledgement of my hard work. NTCS/TYS has provided me an unforgettable and the most positive environment to settle in Canada and in life. From not even following page numbers in Mrs. Douthwright's class to now, NTCS/TYS and everyone I've met there have played an important role for me and I'm forever grateful.
Senior Implementation Technologist at Mars Canada Inc.
Class of 2011
I remember a class that was extremely meaningful and formative for me in my time at NTCS. In my last year, I took a class called Studies in Literature, where we would discuss our thoughts on books read and the passages that sparked in us an awe-filled appreciation for beautifully said words. This brief course deepened my love for stories, but even more so – discussing chapters and plotlines on end with our teacher and classmates like one big group of excited friends is one of my favourite memories to date.
Writer, Communications
Class of 2013