YHS Talks

We held our second YHS Talks of the year on Friday, March 1. Five students spoke on topics important to them. Each spoke eloquently about her own experience or journey and the entire student body sat riveted by the sincerity and thoughtfulness of each individual’s story. Many of us laughed, cried, and then celebrated the incredible courage these young women showed to get on stage and share so much about themselves. Thank you to all of you; you are incredible role models in our community. There was a great deal to learn from each and every one of you!

Olivia, Grade 11 – The Art of Optimism

Cathy, Grade 11 – Losing A Loved One: Taking Care of Grief and Loss

Sydney, Grade 12 – Dealing with Stress and Anxiety in High School

Maddie, Grade 11 – Body Image & Disordered Eating

Chloe, Grade 11 – Lessons Learned as a Pilot

15th Annual Cat’s Meow

Recitation Grand Finale 2019

After rescheduling due to a wondrous snow day, we gathered on Tuesday, February 19 for the 15th Annual Cat’s Meow: a recitation evening for the grand finals of our school-wide public speaking competition. It was an entertaining evening and huge congratulations are due to all competitors from Grades 8-12: their performances were poised, confident, and compelling. See below for all the finalist names.

Special mention to the following students who took home prizes for their performances:

People’s Choice (chosen by the audience—a three-way tie!): Mishal, Gr. 8; Stephanie, Gr. 12; Katrina, Gr. 10
4th Place: Emma, Gr. 8
3rd Place/Top Monologue: Stephanie, Gr. 12
2nd Place: Pepi, Gr. 12
Top Overall Recitation: Lydia, Gr. 9

We were also privileged to have an esteemed panel of judges for the evening: Raul Sanchez Inglis, a director, producer and writer of film, theatre and TV, with over three decades experience; Anna Galvin, a well-established actor in film and stage; and Sabrina Vellani, YHS alumna and recent graduate of UBC’s theatre program.

As always, events such as this one would not be possible without the help of many behind-the-scenes people: thanks to the English Department for their work and guidance during class rounds, to the YHS staff who volunteered to judge the grade finals, Ms. Kaddage for her mathematical skills in the tabs room, and to all the students and staff who helped with photography, videotaping, ushering, and more!

Finally, a huge thank you to our Public Speaking Co-Heads, Catherine and Pepi, who did a fabulous job of once again coordinating and running the show on the night. We wish them well in their final year at YHS and in this role!

Congratulations to all, and well done on supporting, building, and growing a vital life skill!

Tanya Boteju
Senior English Teacher

Recitation Grand Finale 2019 Finalists:

Grade 8
Mishal
Ella
Emma

Grade 9
Emma-Jane
Lydia

Grade 10
Kate
Sophie
Katrina

Grade 11
Sara
Akash

Grade 12
Stephanie
Pepi
Jessica
Justyna