York House School is an independent day school for girls located in the heart of Shaughnessy, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
History
York House School was founded during the Great Depression in 1932 by a group of women: Lena Cotsworth Clarke, Janet Mitchell, Grace B. Faris, Virginia Moore Mackay, Marie Gerhardt-Olly, Gladys Jopling and Gretchen Hyland.
The school opened with 17 students in September 1932 at 4355 Granville Street in Vancouver as a residential and day school for girls, and was named after the cathedral city of York, England, home to founder and first headmistress, Lena Cotsworth Clarke, who led the school for 26 years.
The school grew rapidly and in 1939 moved to its present site at 4176 Alexandra Street. The roll has since increased to 656 students and there have been many expansions and renovations to the campus. During the 1970s and 1980s, York House enrolled boys at elementary school level (grades 1 through 6).
Coat of arms
The coat of arms was inaugurated in the presence of British Columbia Lieutenant Governor, David C. Lam, on April 28, 1993. It was a gift from the York House Alumnae on the 60th anniversary of the school.
Motto
"Not for Ourselves Alone" was chosen as the school motto by the founders and is a guiding principle for life at York House and beyond.
Shield of Arms
The school colours of green and gold, chosen by the founders, are the background for the white York Rose set in a Canadian maple leaf. The open book symbolizes scholarship, and contains the secondary York House motto, "Onward and Upward".
Crest
The gold doe symbolizes York House as a school for girls. The foreleg of the doe rests on a gold York Rose, replicating the original school pin and representing York, city of origin of founding Head, Lena Cotsworth Clarke. As a fleet-footed animal, the doe also symbolizes sportsmanship at York House.
Uniform
The uniform includes a Black Watch tartan kilt, blazer, and a white polo shirt with the school's crest. Primary grades wear a Black Watch tunic. Students also have a choice of wearing black dress pants, as well.
Campus
York House consists of an award-winning Senior School building, Junior School, gym and playing field, and underground facility that connects the campus and includes a music room, art gallery, kitchen and 350-seat theatre.
The York House kindergarten is located a 1.5 km away from the main campus at the Little School, and accommodates Junior and Senior kindergarten students in a welcoming, home-like setting.
Traditions
Founders' Day
Founders' Day was established in 1933 to recognize the seven founding members of York House School and to honour the graduating class of the coming year. During Founders' Day Assembly, members of the Grade 12 class receive their graduation pins from the York House School Alumnae Association.
Candlelight Service
In this assembly, students gather to celebrate the start of the winter break by lighting candles, reading poetry, and singing traditional carols and songs.
Grandparents' Day
This special day in April is for grandparents to visit the school and meet the teachers and friends of their grandchildren.
Celebration of Community
Annual holiday music concert held in the month of December, at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts.
Remembrance Day Assembly
Held in mid-November to commemorate Remembrance Day.
Prizegiving:
Grade 8-11 Prizegiving Ceremony
This special assembly, for all students in grades 8 to 11, is held in June and honours the recipients of academic, athletic, fine arts, and citizenship achievements.
Grade 12 Prizegiving and Graduation
This ceremony honours academic, athletic, fine arts and citizenship achievements, and is where Grade 12 students receive their high school graduation certificates.
Academics
York House offers a comprehensive academic program through Grades JK to 12. The Junior school is currently ranked number one in the province, and has consistently maintained a first place standing in the Fraser Institute provincial rankings. Likewise, the senior school is currently ranked first out of 252 schools in the province.
The core academic program at the senior school has seven subject areas: English, science, social studies, mathematics, modern languages, fine arts and physical education. Courses in other subject areas, such as computer programming and graphic design are also available.