YHS Welcomes New Parents

newparentsdinner_18oct2016-0279On October 18th, York House welcomed this year’s new parents and staff at the New Parents’ Dinner.

This year’s harvest theme brought a warmth to the school on a rainy Tuesday night. New parents, staff, and administrators began the evening with a cocktail reception in the Senior School Atrium followed by dinner in the Rand Gymnasium.

newparentsdinner_18oct2016-0328Once the guests were settled at their tables, New Parents’ Committee Chair and York House alumnae, Lisa Crossfield welcomed guests with a speech about her experience as a new parent at the school last year. Our Head of School, Chantal Gionet thanked our new families for coming together and talked about the strength of our York House community.

We were treated to speeches by the Head and Vice Head Girls of the Junior School, Risa and Sophie, as well as Senior School Head Girl Maggie, all of whom spoke of their experiences as new students when they started at York House.

img_9080Gillian Smith, President of the Parents’ Association, welcomed the new parents as members of the association and encouraged them to become involved in school events, such as the Bid Night, Father Daughter Dinner Dances, and the various volunteer opportunities that the PA has throughout the year.

A delicious short rib dinner was served by our student ambassadors as well as some of our new girls who did a fantastic job of serving and clearing plates for each course.

After a welcome by our Chair of the Board of Governors, Suren Sanmugasunderam, the evening ended with the ‘New Parents’ Movie’ which featured each one of the new girls.

A huge thank you goes out to the New Parents’ Committee, which organized the event, and to the many volunteers who helped to transform the gym on the morning of the 18th.

Employee Spotlight: Jennifer Ford Sharpe

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 Jennifer Ford Sharpe, Junior School Program Coordinator for STEAM

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Jennifer Ford Sharpe, Jr. School Program Coordinator for STEAM

What has impressed you most about the students at York House School?
Although I have only been at York House for a short time, I can quickly tell that we have a group of girls that think creatively, tackle complex problems and collaborate well with their peers. Whether creating a cardboard arcade, a fairy house, or designing a tower out of spaghetti and marshmallows, the girls rise to challenges with open minds and a desire to learn.

What inspires you most about the subject that you teach?
As the STEAM coordinator, I get to work with all of the Junior School teachers on projects that integrate science, technology, engineering, art and design, and math. By engaging in projects that bring in more than one discipline, students make connections, think critically, and see things in a new light.

What are you most looking forward to at York House in the coming months?
I am excited to learn more about our students’ interests and questions, and use this knowledge to plan project-based learning opportunities that are rooted in real life problems.  

What is something that people might not know about you that you would like to share?
Prior to teaching, I worked in museum public programming  at The National Portrait Gallery (UK), Peggy Guggenheim (Italy) and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection (Ontario). I ran family programs, lectures, camps, and studio programs.

What is your favourite book of all time and why?
I love The Dot and Ish by Peter H. Reynolds. Both books illustrate an approach to art education that encourages creativity and individual thought.