We are excited to share that our Senior School STEAM Lab has opened. This new space—funded exclusively through the generous support of our community—will be a hub where students can explore a problem, engage in research, generate ideas, take risks, prototype, and construct solutions that draw on the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).
In the STEAM Lab, student learning is guided through engineering and design-thinking processes. Students start with a design challenge. They identify a need or a problem. They conduct research and speak with user-groups to understand a need or problem. They brainstorm possible solutions. Students sketch a plan and gather materials. They try and test their plan. They make improvements. Through the process, students develop knowledge, practical design and fabrication skills, and critical and creative mindsets that they will apply to new scenarios and challenges. Students are encouraged to be independent learners, to drive project design, to break the mold, and to persevere through challenges using alternate design and techniques.
The YHS STEAM Lab in the Senior School is already home to Applied Design and Technology courses for students in Grades 8 and 9 and a new Engineering course for students in Grades 10 and 11.
The new STEAM Lab will also offer students opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary projects; participate in maker workshops where they can use the lab to make and complete a project or learn practical skills like how to change a bike tire; or join a Robotics Club. The possibilities are endless and we look forward to sharing more information with you as the use of this new learning space evolves.
While we are not able to invite everyone in to come take a tour, we invite you to watch this video to see this exciting new space:
For more information on how to support this exceptional new learning space please contact Nik Williams-Walshe, Director of Advancement at [email protected].
Julie Rousseau, Head of School, and Courtney Cousineau ’99, hosted Alumnae Day live from our new Senior School STEAM lab.
Alumnae from 1948 to 2021, honorary alumnae, past and present staff and special guests attended our first-ever virtual Alumnae Day on Saturday, October 3, and what an amazing day it was! Like the year 2020, it was quite unlike any that had gone before. As an alumnae class rep shared, “I am just so impressed with the whole experience of the virtual Alumnae Day. It’s yet another example of something good resulting from COVID-19!”
Head of School, Julie Rousseau, and Alumnae Association President, Courtney (Smith) Cousineau ’99, hosted the event live from the recently launched YHS STEAM Lab in our Senior School. The lab, thanks to the generosity of our community, is already becoming a vibrant hub of activity where students can explore and draw on the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).
After welcome remarks from Julie, Courtney, and YHS Board Chair, Michelle Ostrow ’89, alums got the first glimpse of student reactions to the new STEAM Lab.
“I could never have imagined the STEAM Lab in my York House days. What a future the school is providing for the students of today,” commented an alumna from the 1960s.
Manpreet Deol ’15, with Jeff Rosen, Assistant Head of School, in the new Senior School STEAM lab.
Manpreet Deol ’15, before embarking on her journey as a Rhodes Scholars at the University of Oxford, came to visit the new lab to share her thoughts on this new powerful space for student exploration. When Manpreet initially heard that Dr. Roberta Bondar, Canada’s first female astronaut and neurologist in space would be our Alumnae Day keynote, she exclaimed, “That is beyond amazing, I still remember my Grade 5 hero project, I chose to write and speak about her…This is absolutely incredible! York House comes full circle for me.”
In celebration of the new YHS STEAM Lab and the theme of exploration, Dr. Roberta Bondartalked about some of her extraordinary experiences from her childhood explorations through to becoming a scientist, neurologist, astronaut, and photographer. She shared that the best part of her exploration on Space Shuttle Discovery in 1992 was looking out the windows and being able to look down at the countries below without visible borders, and to see the earth as a planet from a totally different perspective. When she returned, she wanted to convey this new perspective, using her background in science, arts, and technology to connect people back to the natural habitat and the Roberta Bondar Foundation.
Dr. Roberta Bondar
One of the research projects she is most deeply involved in is AMASS (Avian Migration Aerial Surface Space), which is inspired by the natural phenomena of avian migration coupled with Dr. Bondar’s lifelong passion for flight and her view of Earth. The project’s aim is to increase awareness, educate and contribute to the world’s knowledge of biodiversity, its challenges, and needs for continuous support.
Her insightful and enlightening thoughts resonated with alumnae and were greatly appreciated by all decades. “WHAT AN INSPIRATION!!! Commented an alumna from the class of 1982. “Dr. Bondar’s key takeaway today was that we can always continue to grow and explore with our minds no matter how old we are. Growth is a mindset and we need to continue to keep growing. Gratitude for her wise words and encouragement.”
Saara Bhanji ‘03
Alumnae Association President, Courtney (Smith) Cousineau ‘99 introduced this year’s Alumnae Special Achiever, Saara Bhanji ’03, the founder of AWARE: The Association of Women’s Action, Research, and Empowerment. This feminist organization works with young women to overcome barriers based on race, class, poverty, ethnic background, sexual orientation, and gender identity. In her video presentation, Saara explores issues close to her heart.
An annual highlight of Alumnae Day is the Association’s alumnae and staff basketball game. To help us look forward to next year’s game, the association created a virtual basketball game.
“I can’t wipe the grin off my face. So much fun to watch the virtual basketball game! exclaimed an alumna,” And to sing Onward and Upward, just like I did 55 years ago!”
We were delighted to have such a great turnout and to have received such positive feedback for our first virtual Alumnae Day. We look forward to welcoming everyone back again next year, hopefully in person!
We are excited to share that our Senior School STEAM Lab has opened. This new space—funded exclusively through the generous support of our community—will be a hub where students can explore a problem, engage in research, generate ideas, take risks, prototype, and construct solutions that draw on the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). 
