While Irshad Manji was here, there was a lot of discussion about moral courage. We were honoured to have someone from our very own community share her moral courage with us as part of Ally Week at YHS.
When Anaheed Saatchi (Class of 2009) was in Grade 9 and in my English class, she did something truly extraordinary — she sat down in front of my desk one lunch hour and told me she was gay. Her willingness to be open and vulnerable about this part of her has informed a lot of who I am as a teacher and educator, and since then, the ripple effects of her action have impacted the way students here feel about being themselves in a multitude of ways. Anaheed added to this impact when she stood in front of our Senior School assembly and shared her story, the importance of allyship, and then continued sharing at a GSA meeting that same day. We are very lucky to have such incredible students and alumnae at this school!
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
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.
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 ’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.
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.
