Spring in the YHS Senior Science Wing

Raising Money for Earth RunLots of exciting events have corresponded with the coming of Spring in the science wing! From Earth Week to animal rescues, we have got it all!

Earlier this year the Earth Science 11 class investigated climate change and the science behind it. One student in the class ended up posing the question, “what can we be doing?” The students were then challenged to come up with an event that was environmentally focused, entirely student organized and would include the entire school.

Earth Week Face PaintingThey ended up planning and running an Earth Day Fair for the junior and senior school. The event took place during lunch and was aimed at raising awareness for personal practices that can be done during, and following Earth Week. Examples of reusable bags, water bottles, how to conserve energy and water were provided. The added attraction of face painting and treats, by donation, helped support Earth Run here in Vancouver.

Earth Week PosterBy the end of the fair we had a poster filled with signatures and action pledges describing what individual Yorkies were planning to do during Earth Week. Some examples included less time in the shower, unplug our cell phone chargers and using biodegradable soap. Overall it was a great success. Congratulations to the Earth Science 11 class of 2011!

Bird RescueContinuing with the Earth Week trend, the Science Lab helped an animal in need. On Tuesday one of our PE classes came across a small baby bird that was no more than a week old. It had fallen from the nest and was motionless. It was brought to the science lab where it had a warm bed and protection from the elements. Luckily the bird was uninjured and healthy. The science department called Animal Rescue and we are happy to say the bird i salive and well! The nest was also placed back in the tree beside our field and the un-hatched eggs were retuned to the nest. Thanks to all involved!

Christopher Britt
Sr. Science Teacher and Outdoor Education Coordinator

Tigers Roar at Western Public Speaking Tournament!

On Saturday, April 30, York House sent eight exceptional public speakers to the Westerns Invitational Public Speaking Competition at West Point Grey Academy: Ariana, Hannah, Julie, Lancy, Kayla, Yasmin, Constance, and Jasmyne. Chaperone and Coach Ms. Boteju was incredibly proud of each and every one of the girls, as they spent over a month preparing for this tournament, which includes both public and private schools from BC.

For four girls–Lancy, Yasmin, Constance and Kayla–this was their first attempt at a public speaking competition, and their amazing attitudes and hard work were incredibly impressive.

Our YHS team had some great successes in the standings also: Julie placed 3rd in Persuasive Speaking and 2nd in Dramatic Interpretation, while Hannah placed 2nd in Interpretive Reading and 1st in After Dinner Speaking! Hannah also placed 5th overall in the senior category, and Julie placed 3rd overall.

In the junior category, Jasmyne did something Ms. Boteju has never seen in her time coaching public speaking at YHS: she came 1st place in each of her three events–Impromptu, Persuasive, and Interpretive Reading! This, remarkably, earned her a 2nd place finish overall, as another competitor’s scores edged her overall total by only 0.5 points!

All girls showed very well at this tournament, however, and their positivity, encouragement to each other, and senses of humour were very enjoyable to witness.

Tanya Boteju, Public Speaking Coach