Author: YHS

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Grade 1 “Bee the Change” Project

As part of our “Bee the Change” inquiry project, the Grade 1 students had a memorable field trip visiting the beehives at Ms. Carmelita’s home. They were thrilled to get dressed in real beekeeper suits in order to stay safe around the hives and around the backyard. Ms. Carmelita’s husband, Patrick, opened the bee boxes right in front of the girls and showed us the parts of the hive. We were able to see the worker bees busy making wax, honeycomb and honey! We noticed parts of the hive that contained eggs and larva. We learned that beekeepers use a smoker (with pine cones) to keep the bees calm. Students who were keen were invited to stand right next to the hives to watch the bees flying in with pollen. Some students were able to hold worker bees and drones! We ended the trip with a honey tasting with honey straight out of the hives! It was delicious! We had an incredible time and want to express our sincerest thanks to Ms. Carmelita and Patrick for welcoming the Grade 1s to visit their fascinating beehives. It was truly a life-changing experience. Many of the students have a new love and appreciation for the important work that bees do in pollinating our world’s plants!

Nicole Sobieski
Grade 1 Teacher

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Q & A with Class of 2022 Head Girl, Sophie

Q: You started at YHS in Junior Kindergarten. What do you recall about your first day in the Little School?
A: In all honesty… not a lot! I remember little snippets of singing songs in French Class and going out for recess, but overall I remember having so much fun despite being a little overwhelmed. 

A: Describe your experience this year as Head Girl?
A: This year has been incredible. I have been able to connect with the school community in new ways and bring out initiatives best suited to their needs. I have had the opportunity to interact with more of the community than I have in the past and have so enjoyed learning more about our school. 

Q: How do you think that living through a global pandemic has influenced who you are? Has it changed how you think about the world or what you want to do in the world?
A: As it has been for everyone, the pandemic has been challenging but has also taught me how to connect with people in alternate ways. I have always been interested in neuroscience and mental health awareness, and the pandemic has shown us just how big of a role our communities play in our mental wellness. Following the pandemic, I am even more interested in these fields and hope to pursue them in the future.  

Q: What has been your most memorable experience at York House?
A: I have been a member of the Track & Field and Cross-Country teams ever since Grade 3, and each year, the progress I make, and the connections I build remind me why I love these sports and their communities so much. This year, I have also been coaching the junior team, which has given me the opportunity to get to know some of the younger grades at YHS and connect with the athletics community in a new way. 

Q: What are you most passionate about?
A: This is a hard question!!! I would say being curious… curiosity allows us to learn about ourselves and the world around us and how we can best help others, all of which are so important to me. 

Q: What are your plans after graduation in June?
A: I’m heading to UBC to study in their Science One program, which is an enriched and competitive science stream focused on seminar-based learning. 

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: Hopefully, in a career I love and find fulfilling, and maybe attending graduate school!