On Friday, September 19th, York House celebrated Founders’ Day. On this day we recognize the seven founding members of the school, and honour the graduating class who is inducted in to the YHS Alumnae Association.
The day began with a visit from our Golden Alumnae. Before lunch, alumnae from the classes 1942 to 1964 toured the school, including the YHS Alumnae Museum & Archives and a special trip up to the third floor of the Senior building. The ladies were delighted with the new graduation photo displays on the third floor, honouring classes from 1933 to 1969. There is space on these walls to include classes up to the year 2038! The tour concluded with a trip to “Whittaker House” at 28th & Granville. This home was the original location for the school, back in 1932.
At the Golden Alumnae Luncheon, alumnae were treated to a performance of “Unto the Hills” from Ragazza, and “Summertime” from Samantha, Gr. 12. Alumnae were presented with their 50 and 60 year pins. To wrap up, there was a special delivery of chocolate from Junior students.
At the Founders’ Day Assembly, Junior students named empowering women that inspired them. The Grade 4 students performed the York House March and Una Voce, our mass choir with singers from Ragazza, Chorista and Bambina, performed a lovely rendition of “Unto the Hills.”
Another major musical highlight was a performance from Alumnae Special Achiever Jennifer Gasoi ’92. Jennifer just recently won the grammy for best children’s album. What a treat to hear her perform, and have the Junior students join in. Listen to Jennifer’s speech here, and watch her first and second musical performances.
The Class of 2015 was welcomed into the YHS Alumnae Association. As per tradition, mothers, sisters and aunts are invited to present their daughter, sister or niece with their alumnae pin. This time we had a rare occurrence, a dad (Ed White ’85) welcoming his daughter into the Alumnae Association! Jasmyne Kassam ’14 was also presented with the Govenor General’s Award.
The celebrations continued later that afternoon with the Welcome Back BBQ, and on Saturday, with Alumnae Day.
Full Photo Galleries:
Golden Alumnae Tour and Golden Alumnae Luncheon
Founders’ Day Assembly
Video: