Category: Little School

Posted on

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!

Posted on

Employee Long Service Awards 2022

This year we honoured three teachers in the Senior School for their years of dedication to York House School: Alek Bester, Dawn Haylett, and Clint Robertson.

Alek Bester, Senior School PHE Teacher: 30 Years of Service
Alek Bester “Mr. B”, Senior School PHE Teacher, was recognized for his 30 years of service. He was the first male PHE teacher at YHS and, in his 30 years at YHS, he has made a tremendous contribution to the athletic development of so many Yorkies through both his teaching and his coaching. 

When students were asked to describe Mr. B, they shared the following words, “Kind, happy, caring, wise, supportive, energetic, and dedicated”. He has always encouraged students over the years to stay focused, believe in themselves, and remember that they are “smart cookies”. Mr. Bester has a heart of gold. 

Mr. B is the type of teacher that will always make others feel welcome. Many teachers have benefited from his mentorship and guidance. Throughout these years you have shown yourself to be a reflective, caring and dedicated teacher who continually seeks to be current. Your work in supporting students through the science of happiness has enabled many students to develop positive habits of mind and to instill in them an attitude of gratitude. 

Mr. Bester, we wish to thank you for your 30 years of outstanding service to the school. We are truly grateful for you.

Dawn Haylett, Music Teacher: 16 Years of Service
Ms. Haylett, who will be retiring at the end of this school year, has led Music and Band across the grades at YHS for 16 years. As an educator, she is passionate about students and about music. Whether she was teaching improv or music, Ms. Haylett’s focus has always been on creating more learning opportunities for developing and exploring the creative process. 

Through daily classes, hallway chats, musicals, ensembles, drama productions, music festivals, excursions around the world, and countless Celebrations of Community, she has met people where they are and inspired us to reach for what might be meaningful for our community.  

Flute players, bass players, and trumpet players shared: “Thank you for being an amazing teacher and you have taught us so much about music that we will never forget.”

Ms. Haylett has sparked joy, learning, and experimentation with people young and old through music, drama, theatre, and performance. 

On behalf of our community, we thank you. We wish you all the best for a well-deserved retirement! We expect and hope you’ll join in making music and community in the days, months, and years ahead.

Clint Robertson, Senior School Art Teacher: 21 Years of Service:
Senior School Art Teacher, Clint Robertson, was recognized this year for 21 years of service at York House School. Mr. Rob, as he is affectionately known, has done much to support the development of our many young artists at YHS, including working with students on their portfolios and ensuring that student work is beautifully displayed throughout the school. Prior to the pandemic he has run Art Week at the school in cooperation with other ISABC schools, has been the district coordinator for Fine Arts, led art trips to New York, and participated in many Outdoor Education activities. Even during the pandemic, Mr. Rob remained committed to ensuring that student artwork was displayed throughout the Underground Gallery. Thank you Mr. Rob for your passion for the arts and for helping our Yorkies develop their creative self-expression.