One of the top independent schools for boys in Canada, Crescent School spans 37 acres in midtown Toronto. Now in our second century, we provide rich and diverse experiences and opportunities for boys in Grades 3–12 to learn, grow and thrive. Character has always been at the centre of a Crescent education supporting our mission, Men of Character from Boys of Promise.
Since 1913, Crescent School’s focus has been on character development. It is part of our DNA and involves a deep, uncompromising commitment to three essential areas we believe bring out the best in boys: relational learning, mentoring and character-in-action. A school that truly understands what makes boys tick, Crescent is here to meet your son’s development needs every step of the way.
Finding the right school for your son is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Thank you for considering Crescent School. We invite you to apply through our online application form. Learn more about us by attending an Open House or taking a virtual tour. We look forward to welcoming you to our campus.
A Crescent education is exciting, fulfilling and broad. Our curriculum is taught by highly motivated, supportive teachers who understand that establishing a relationship with your son unlocks the door to learning and engages him in his character development. Your son will be celebrated for both his work and his work ethic as we guide him academically and emotionally on his journey to becoming a Man of Character.
Character-in-Action programs are Crescent's co-curricular activities that provide boys with ample opportunities to develop character outside the classroom. Through clubs and teams in the arts, business, robotics and athletics, your son will discover new interests and build his leadership skills. And our outreach programs will allow him to gain compassion for others both in our community and abroad.
The generosity of our Crescent community provides vital support for our campus development, signature academic and co-curricular programs, and Student Financial Assistance. Contributions, no matter what their size, allow us to deliver the best possible education for our boys and help ensure that we continue to fulfill our mission: Men of Character from Boys of Promise.
Crescent School doesn’t slow down when regular classes are out. We offer a Summer Academic Program available to all high school students, as well as summer camps for children 4 to 13 years old. Our Successful Start program is a special academic prep program exclusively available to Crescent students.
Employment at Crescent School is an opportunity to build a rewarding career and belong to a dynamic community where all are respected for their contributions. Our employees share a commitment to excellence that has made us one of the top schools for boys in the world. An equal-opportunity employer, we offer competitive compensation and benefits and believe strongly in workplace accessibility.
Michael Fellin became Crescent School’s 10th Headmaster in 2014. He previously served as Crescent School’s Assistant Head of Upper School since 2011.
Mr. Fellin began teaching at Neil McNeil High School in 2000, where for over 10 years he served as a teacher, chaplain, department head, and vice-principal. In 2009, Mr. Fellin was awarded a Premier’s Award for Teaching Excellence by the Province of Ontario’s Ministry of Education.
Mr. Fellin has been a member of the International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC) since 2007 and joined the IBSC Board of Trustees in 2015. The IBSC a not-for-profit organization made up of member schools dedicated to enhancing the education, well-being, and development of boys worldwide. He also currently serves as a Trustee for the School Participatory Action Research Collaborative (SPARC), a research consortium among faculty and students at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education and school leaders, faculty, and students at a cohort of leading independent schools. Other past Board positions include: Northmount School in Toronto and with the Catholic Teachers’ Guild.
Mr. Fellin is a graduate of St. Michael’s College School in Toronto. He holds Bachelor’s degrees in English and Education from Glendon College at York University, a Master’s degree in Divinity from Regis College at the University of Toronto, and is completing a Ph.D. in Theology and Education, also from Regis College.
Mr. Fellin has three children, including Fionn Fellin (Class of '24).
Nick Kovacs was appointed Deputy Headmaster in 2019. In his role, Mr. Kovacs oversees the day-to-day operations of the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools at Crescent. Additionally, he is responsible for launching and leading strategic initiatives in academic planning, health and well-being, and community diversity. Mr. Kovacs spent seven years as Head of Crescent's Upper School before assuming the Deputy Headmaster role in a full-time capacity. Before Crescent, he worked as a teacher and Vice-Principal at St. Michael's Choir School, taught and held various leadership positions at Neil McNeil High School, Mentor College and Vandyke Upper School (Leighton Buzzard, UK). He holds degrees from McGill University, the University of Western Ontario, and the University of Toronto. Nick enjoys staying active and spending quality time with his wife and two young children in his free time. He is also a huge Toronto Raptors fan.
Patricia Alviano was appointed as the Head of Lower School in July 2023. Ms. Alviano spent seven years in the Middle School as the Assistant Head and Learning Support Specialist. Prior to joining Crescent School in 2016, Ms. Alviano owned and operated her own Educational Consultancy business. Ms. Alviano is a lifelong learner committed to teaching and learning. She has a BA, Honours in Sociology from Western University, Teaching Certification with a primary/junior specialization from Canisius College in Buffalo, and a Master of Education from Western. Ms. Alviano has numerous writing, presenting and research credits with esteemed organizations such as NAIS, The Canadian Teacher, CIS, ISEEN, and IBSC. Patricia enjoys staying active and spending time with her family.
Ryan Bell joined the Crescent School faculty in 2012. He was appointed Head of the Middle School in 2019, after serving as Assistant Head of the Lower School since 2014. Prior to teaching, Mr. Bell was Director at Camp Maple Leaf, a camp for children of Canadian Military Families and children living with unique challenges. Mr. Bell is a Crescent alumnus and former Head Boy, class of '98.
Dr. Sandra Boyes
Executive Director, Professional Learning & Research
Dr. Sandra Boyes assumed the dedicated role of Executive Director, Professional Learning and Research in fall 2023. In this capacity, Dr. Boyes leads professional learning pathways for faculty and is responsible for sharing our expertise and developing our reflective practise within a culture of research. Dr. Boyes served as the Head of Lower School from 2011–2023. She has also served as Head of Middle School. Dr. Boyes has been an educator for 30 years, more than 20 of those with Crescent. She holds an Ed.D. and M.A. from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, and a B.Ed. from the University of Manitoba. In addition to her devotion to educating boys, Dr. Boyes is a mezzo-soprano in the Canadian Opera Company Chorus.
Arjuna Kadawathage joined Crescent School as Finance Director in 2004 and was appointed Chief Financial Officer in 2022. He is also treasurer of Crescent School Foundation and Crescent School Properties. Prior to joining Crescent, Arjuna worked for Ernst & Young and ARIG, a large reinsurance company, both in the Middle East.
Arjuna has extensive experience in budgeting, insurance, risk management, accounting and not-for-profit taxation. He is professionally affiliated with the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada and the Certified Public Accountant State of Michigan.
Ms. Carolyn Kanhai (On Paternal Leave)
Executive Assistant to the Headmaster and Board of Governors
Carolyn Kanhai joined Crescent School in 2015 as Executive Assistant to the Headmaster and Board. Previously, she was the Executive Assistant to the President and CEO of Kensington Health. Ms. Kanhai serves on the Board of the Malvern Family Resource Centre and has coached with the Malvern Youth Soccer Club.
Gina Kay joined Crescent School in 2016 and is now the Executive Director of Crescent Student Services. Previously she served as the Head of the Centre for Differentiated Learning at The Anne and Max Tanenbaum Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto. She also served as a teacher for students with learning disabilities at Montcrest School for 13 years. Ms. Kay holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Michigan and a Master’s Degree in Learning Disabilities from Northwestern University. She is also a founding member of the Ontario Branch of the International Dyslexia Association of Ontario.
Jamie Lougheed '87, P’18, leads Crescent School's Advancement Department, which manages the School's enrolment, fundraising, parent and alumni relations, and marketing and communication activities. Mr. Lougheed’s association with Crescent School spans over 40 years. He is a Crescent alumnus (Class of ‘87), former faculty member (‘97 to ‘02), former President of the Alumni Executive (‘99 to ‘01), former Alumni Executive member (‘13 to ‘19), and along with his wife Alana, a past Crescent parent (Jack ‘18). Before returning to Crescent School, Mr. Lougheed spent 22 years at Greenwood College School in Toronto. He was part of the original group that founded the school in 2002 and served as the founding Executive Director, Admissions and, most recently, the Executive Director, Advancement. Mr. Lougheed graduated from Dalhousie University and completed his Masters in Educational Leadership and Management from Royal Roads University.
Gregory Peck joined the organization as Executive Director, People and Culture in 2021. Gregory is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources Function. Additionally, he is responsible for leading the design and execution of Crescents People and Culture Strategic Priorities. Mr. Peck is a passionate outcome focused Human Resources Leader with over 20 years of extensive experience as a strategic business partner within the IT/Digital, Financial Services, Entertainment and Health Care Sectors. He holds his GPHR, CHRP and APHRM from UofT, Rotman School of Management Executive Program. Gregory has spent more than two decades investing time coaching and developing young adults in hockey and lacrosse.
Rich Prosser was appointed Head of Upper School in 2021 after serving as Assistant Head for four years. He joined Crescent in 2013 to teach Upper School English, leadership, and phys-ed and Middle School phys-ed and before that spent 22 years teaching English and physical education in the Edmonton Public School District. Mr. Prosser has a B.Ed. from the University of Alberta, is completing a master’s degree from Queen’s University, and has earned certifications in adaptive leadership, systems thinking, and design thinking. He has presented on leadership and experiential learning at CAIS and IBSC Leadership Conferences, and the University of Guelph. He has also completed a CAIS research grant project focused on developing leadership competencies through intentional curriculum design. In his spare time, Rich enjoys working on home improvement projects, travelling, and staying active. He is also a massive Liverpool FC fan.
Lynda Torneck joined Crescent in 2015 as Director of Marketing and Communications. In this role, Lynda is responsible for brand stewardship, the development and supervision of Crescent’s marketing strategies, and stakeholder messaging that ensures everyone in the Crescent community remains informed and engaged with the school. Prior to joining Crescent, Lynda spent over 20 years working in advertising for some of Canada’s biggest brands, including Swiss Chalet, Hershey Canada and Canada’s Wonderland to name a few. She is a BCom graduate from McGill University. When not working, Lynda enjoys skiing, yoga, cycling, and active travel.
Haiyan Zhao joined Crescent in 2022 as Chief Operating Officer. She is responsible for Facilities, Technology, Business Development and Food Services. Haiyan established herself as an education administrator at York University, where Haiyan held a variety of positions, including Financial and Personnel Advisor, Finance Officer, Service Re-engineering and Change Management Project Lead, and Director of Student Financial Services. Most recently, she was Director of Finance and Business Operations, Osgoode Professional Development at York. Haiyan holds a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours in Accounting and a Master of Financial Accountability – Law & Governance, both from York University and is a Certified General Accountant (CPA, CGA). Haiyan enjoys travelling with her husband and their two boys in her free time. She is also a runner.