Tag: awards

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York House Receives First-Ever Vancouver Urban Design Award

We are delighted to announce that the York House Senior building has been selected to receive a first-ever Vancouver Urban Design Award, from the City of Vancouver.

The Vancouver Urban Design Awards recognize and celebrate great architecture and excellence in urban design. Awards are given to projects that demonstrate visionary thinking and design excellence, with careful consideration of public spaces and the buildings that interact with these spaces [City of Vancouver].

The design of the York House senior building has been making waves in the architecture and design world since the building opened in September 2013. From World Architecture News, Award Magazine, to Canadian Architect and more, the consensus is that the informal work areas and flexible teaching spaces bring together students and teachers, encouraging creativity and collaboration.

A major design challenge of the building project was connecting all the existing buildings together, from the Junior School, the “underground” area, and north and south wings, to converge at one entry point. Read more about the design here.

Mark Ostry of Acton Ostry Architects accepted the award last night at a ceremony at the Van Dusen Botanical Gardens. Congratulations to all members of the project team. We are so very proud that the City has selected our school for this prestigious honour. Read more about all the award recipients here.

Michael Louie, past Chair, YHS Facilities Committee; Nathaniel Straathof, architect; Suren Sanmugasunderam, YHS Board Chair; Mark Ostry, architect; Chantal Gionet, Head of School; Susan Ockwell, architect; Russell Acton, architect, at the awards ceremony on September 15, 2014.
Michael Louie, past Chair, YHS Facilities Committee; Nathaniel Straathof, architect; Suren Sanmugasunderam, YHS Board Chair; Mark Ostry, architect; Chantal Gionet, Head of School; Susan Ockwell, architect; Russell Acton, architect, at the awards ceremony on September 15, 2014.

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Yorkie Receives Queen’s Venturer Award

Yorkie Helen receives Scouts Canada Queen's Venturer Award at Government House.
Yorkie Helen receives Scouts Canada Queen's Venturer Award at Government House.

One of our Gr. 12 students just received her Queen’s Venturer Award at a ceremony held at Government House in Victoria. Helen, a Scout for the last 13 years, has been working hard to achieve this highest honour from Scouts Canada.

Scouts Canada has a long tradition of educating young people through a value system. The Queen’s Venturer Award is presented to Venturers who have acquired competence and skills that will be of considerable use to themselves, their company, and their community. It signifies that the recipient has both the character and ability to be of significant help to other people.

Helen's Queen's Venturer Award Certificate
Helen's Queen's Venturer Award Certificate

“It’s about challenging yourself,” says Helen when asked why she chose to become a Venturer. “It teaches you a lot about yourself, and shows you how to be a better leader.”

Helen has also been working towards Gold in the Duke of Ed program. When asked about the differences between the programs, Helen notes that the Duke of Ed is more about individual achievement, where Scouts focuses on group work: “It’s about developing ourselves, and our greater community,” she says.

Congratulations Helen!