YHS Welcomes New Parents

NewParentsDinner_13Oct2015-lo-res-2820On Tuesday, October 13th, York House welcomed this year’s new parents and new staff members at the New Parents’ Dinner.

A reception was held in the Senior School atrium, where the newest members of our community mingled with the school’s Senior Leadership team and Board members.

A trumpet fanfare, courtesy of Grade 11 student, Fiona, and Junior School music teacher, Dawn Haylett, signalled to the guests that the time had come to head to the dinner.

Once the guests were settled at their tables, New Parents’ Committee Chair, Joanne Lee-Young (herself an alumna), welcomed guests warmly before introducing our Head of School, Chantal Gionet. Chantal thanked our new families for choosing York House School for their daughter and recognized that this is one of the most important decisions that they will make as a parent.

Head Girl Helen spoke with great poise about her experiences at York House, the confidence she has developed, and how well she feels the school has prepared her for life beyond the border of Granville Street and King Edward Avenue.

Lisa Tsai, President of the Parents’ Association, welcomed the new parents as members of the association, in both English and Mandarin, and encouraged them to become involved in school events, such as the Bid Night on November 19th, as an excellent way to meet new friends.

New students and student ambassadors rose to the occasion and masterfully served the dinner throughout the event. The evening ended with the heartwarming ‘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 13th.

YHS Celebrates Founders’ Day

Golden Alumnae visit YHS on Founders' Day
Golden Alumnae visit YHS on Founders’ Day

On Friday, October 2, our community celebrated York House School’s 83rd birthday.

The day began with a visit from our Golden Alumnae. Alumnae from the classes 1942 to 1965 toured the school, which included a trip up to the Peggy Chen and Vincent Yu Alumnae Gallery on the third floor to see the opening of three exhibits from alumnae artists Sherry Grauer ‘55, Barbara Heller ‘65 and Sara Genn ‘90. Barbara Heller ‘65, who was celebrating her 50th reunion with her class, spoke about her tapestries.

Unveiling of the new Honour Roll Board
Unveiling of the new Honour Roll Board

There was also the unveiling of the new alumnae “honour roll board” on the third floor. The new honor roll board replaces the original boards that once hung in the gym. Donors Peggy Chen and Vincent Yu were on hand for the unveiling.

After a visit to the YHS Alumnae Museum & Archives, the ladies sat down to lunch. Ragazza sang a lovely version of  “Unto the Hills”, and Collette, Gr. 12, performed the hymn “Jerusalem”, and dueted with Taylor, Gr. 10, on the Hebrew song “Al Shlosha D’varim” (accompanied on both by Elizabeth, Gr. 12). Watch the performances.

Unveiling of the Legacy Society plaque
Unveiling of the Legacy Society plaque

Alumnae were presented with their 50th and 60th year pins. There was also a special unveiling of the Legacy Society plaque which recognizes all members of the Legacy Society. To wrap up, there was a delivery of chocolate from Junior students.

Later that afternoon was the Founders’ Day Assembly. Junior Students shared their thoughts on “living in a connected world”. Ragazza performed “Unto the Hills” once again, and the Grade 4s sang one of the most popular songs in the school’s history,”The York House March”.

Alumnae Special Achiever Dr. Harrup Kaur
Alumnae Special Achiever Dr. Harrup Kaur ’93

Another highlight was Dr. Harrup Kaur’s (Class of 1993) passion as she shared how she is living her dream life, with her dream job as an eye doctor in Silicon Valley. Listen to her speech here. The pure joy she exuded was incredibly inspiring and several Senior School students gathered around Dr. Kaur following the assembly to ask her questions and comment on her speech as she accepted the Alumnae Special Achiever Award for 2015.

The Grade 12s were officially welcomed into the YHS Alumnae Association. As per tradition, alumnae mothers, sisters, cousins and aunts are invited to present their graduating yorkie with their alumnae pin. After 10 years of service at York House, staff members become Honorary Alumnae. This year, alumnae pins were presented to textiles teacher Tanya Malette and mathematics teacher Stephanie Keating.

Alumnae mothers, sisters, cousins and aunts are invited to present their graduating yorkie with their alumnae pin.
Alumnae mothers, sisters, cousins and aunts are invited to present their graduating yorkie with their alumnae pin.

The Grade 12 Governor General’s Award for 2014-15 was awarded to Manpreet Deol ‘15, who is currently studying engineering at the University of Calgary. Manpreet’s mother Kanwaljit accepted the award on her daughter’s behalf.

Founders’ Day celebrations continued on the next day at Alumnae Day.

Photo Galleries:
Golden Alumnae Luncheon and Tour
Founders’ Day Assembly
Alumnae Day