We are pleased to introduce our new Employee Spotlight section where you have an opportunity to read from some of York House School’s newest additions.
Meet Robin Friesen, Coordinator of Outdoor Education and Risk Management
What has impressed you most about the students at York House School?
The genuine feeling of community that runs throughout the school. Everyone seems to be looking out for everyone on some level, and that spreads to all corners of school life. These girls have learned the meaning of teamwork!
What inspires you most about the subject that you teach?
Everything! Where to begin… I love being out in the world personally, but to be involved in helping students to get out there is even more gratifying! I have a lot of fun encouraging people to see the world as their classroom. Students are constantly inspiring us with their lightbulb moments on trips, and I get to share in their joy of having done something challenging! Also, we are nature, no matter where we come from, and no matter what else we are. To connect with nature is to connect with ourselves. To me, there is nothing more inspiring than trying to help our next generation of leaders connect with and understand themselves, their peers, and the world they will be looking after.
What are you most looking forward to at York House in the coming months?
I’m looking forward to winter, getting to know all the girls that I haven’t gotten to know yet, working on international trips with so many amazing YHS staff and attending a couple of them, hopefully planning some optional trips for our senior students that take us into the snowy wonderland of BC’s coast mountains, to hearing the piano being played at lunch, and so much more!
What is something that people might not know about you that you would like to share?
I live on Southlands Farm, come visit! My partner runs farm education programs, and has just begun a slow process of taking over running the riding school that his parents established a long time ago. So, before I arrive at school in the morning, I’ve probably fed some horses, collected some eggs, wrangled some sheep around in the mud, cuddled some goats and so on. I used to work in northern BC and the Yukon, and feel very connected to the lands of the caribou and the bright summer nights. I also once lived the life of a professional violinist, and I really love to sing. I’ll sing with you anytime, anywhere!
What is your favourite book of all time and why?
The Hobbit, for nostalgic reasons.