Tag: head of school

I have been truly inspired this month by all of the heartfelt efforts that our girls have put into our many concerts and celebrations. Our Winter Concerts were absolutely beautiful and really showcased the musicianship of both our Junior School and Senior School students. The Celebration of Community was a wonderful mix of the theatrical and the musical. It was so much fun to laugh and sing along! I want to thank our Music and Band teachers, Dawn Haylett, Heather Christensen and Lia Wolfe as well as our Drama teacher, Shannon Harrigan, for their work in preparing the girls for these performances.

This week’s Candlelight Services, led by the Little School, Junior School and Senior School students, were each such poignant reminders of the value of joy, peace, love, faith and hope. The strength of our community is so dependent on the commitment of everyone, including our students, parents, faculty, staff and alumnae, to come together as one, whenever we can. I know that each time we do, I am reminded of how fortunate we are to have such a dedicated and thoughtful community. At a time when there are so many in the world who are struggling, it is even more important that we take the time to honour friends and family and do whatever we can to help those who are most vulnerable.

I know that the girls have been working very hard this term and I realize that their participation in each of these events, whether as a performer or even as a spectator, is in addition to the time they are already dedicating to their academics, as well as athletics or other interests, and it is very much appreciated. I also want to thank all of those parents, faculty and staff, who have given so much to support these activities. I know that it is often the work behind-the-scenes that goes unnoticed but is so important to making these events successful for our girls and for the whole community.

I hope that everyone has a restful and joyous holiday. I am very much looking forward to relaxing with family and friends and enjoying the beauty that surrounds us right here in Vancouver. I am also looking forward to an exciting 2016 as we introduce our YHS 2030 Strategic Directions to the wider community. I hope that you will be excited by what we have to share in the New Year. In the meantime, enjoy the holidays and I will see you in 2016!

Warmly,

Chantal Gionet
Head of School

This year has been remarkable in so many ways, from our girls’ accomplishments in academics, the arts and athletics to their contributions back to the community. A common theme that continues to resonate throughout is a deep understanding that we truly are “Not for Ourselves Alone”.

In my first year as Head of School, I have witnessed countless examples of girls who are passionate and empowered to embrace new challenges and make a difference at school and beyond. Yorkies are strong and confident young women who strive to be the best that they can be. It is their continuous desire to make a positive impact on society, explore new possibilities, and act on those possibilities that has inspired me.

I want to thank everyone from the students to the faculty, staff, parents, grandparents and alumnae for everything that they have done to welcome me to this community. It has been an exciting year of discovery where we have had many opportunities to explore new ideas and models of teaching and learning to prepare our girls for success in the future, such as project-based learning, integrative thinking and assessment practices to improve student learning. I am truly excited by what the future holds.

Over the next several months, we will be developing a roadmap for how to best prepare our graduates for 2030 and beyond, while remaining true to our history, values and traditions. Thank you to everyone in the community who shared their feedback with us this spring. Your voice is an invaluable part of capturing the shared values and principles of this community. We have much more work to do and look forward to keeping you informed along the way.

Congratulations to all our staff, students and faculty for an incredible year. Our graduates have been exemplary role models and leaders – we will miss their enthusiasm, sense of laughter, creativity and sense of pride in the school. We are so proud of our graduating class and wish them well as they begin their post-secondary studies.

I look forward to all of the possibilities in the coming school year. I feel privileged to be part of such a dynamic and warm community. A wonderful summer to all!

Sincerely,

Chantal Gionet