The York School - Fast Forward Update 09.16

CELEBRATING THE COMPLETION OF PHASE I SEPTEMBER 2016 www.yorkschool.com

FAST FORWARD PHASE I UPDATE

FROM GOOD TO GREAT T

hree months ago we had a parking lot under the gym. Now Middle and Senior School students have a space filled with light, laughter, music and food. The “Flex Space” was supposed to get us through a year of construction; instead it has become a place we can’t believe we lived without.

It more than meets our needs, and it only hints at what is to follow when Phase II of the renovation opens next fall.

Six months ago we broke ground on the landmark renovation of the Middle and Senior School at 1320 Yonge. Phase I involved the creation of the Flex Space and renovations to the third and fourth floors so we could occupy the building and run all our programmes. When students returned this September, they were shocked by the changes.

The further transformation of the Middle and Senior School is possible only with our community’s full support. We recognize that more work is needed and many opportunities present themselves to improve on our ambitious plan. We are pleased with the campaign’s success thus far and are grateful to all those who have contributed, but we are not merely a good school or an average community — we are exceptional and hold ourselves to the highest standards.

The much larger work ahead in Phase II will require a consistent and increased philanthropic commitment. Let’s make sure our children and those who follow don’t merely have a wonderful place in which to dream, but also the tools to make dreams reality.

Please enjoy this glimpse into Phase I — a small preview of what we plan to unveil next September — and the impact it is already having on the student experience. You may also follow construction updates through our blog: fastforward.yorkschool.com.

There is a distinct difference between space you can occupy and space that is awesome — and The Design/Tech Schad Lab is truly awesome. The lab is named for alumnus Michael Schad and the Schad family whose donation I hope we can count on your continued allowed us to see this area completed support. ahead of schedule in Phase I. Now 3D printers hum, computer robotics spin and ‘little bits’ technology whirs adjacent Conor Jones, Head of School to our renovated art rooms. Parents at Curriculum Night were overawed by the space and possibilities.

RIGHT: THE DESIGN/TECH SCHAD LAB No celebration of the opening of Phase I would be complete without thanking those donors already committed to the project. Their support of this vision and their children’s education makes this a better and more vibrant community for all.

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The new Design/Tech Schad Lab was opened on the third floor on September 6. With collaborative desk space and garage doors that open and close for room flexibility, our students have space to create art and design projects using our new 3D printers.

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This renovated wing is the result of exploring how space can better facilitate learning and ignite the exchange of ideas.

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Mind Map of “Why?”

by Dr. Glen Downey, Director of Strategic Thinking at The York School

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DESIGN THINKING

1

FLEXIBILITY

2

WELLNESS

3

CREATIVITY

Multi-use facilities are essential in urban settings. Effective planning must account for the myriad ways students can make use of furniture, technology and space. The York Café answers the question asked by the Avenues school in New York City: “What is an exceptional teaching and learning space in which one can also eat?”

Balancing achievement and well-being is challenging in our busy world. The renovated Middle and Senior School focuses on student wellness by providing easy access to advisors, counsellors and university placement services.

The Gladiator Fitness Centre will add 4,000 square feet of active space. Here, students and staff members will improve their health and focus, whether through yoga, strength training or a treadmill run looking out on the turf. With more light, higher ceilings and an open-concept layout, our renovated facility will inspire and nurture our entire community.

The revised timetables, which allow more sleep for teenagers, are supported by our unique spaces. Our renovated facility will open possibilities for students to interact with peers and faculty in many different formats and provide the optimal conditions to ignite creativity.

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Flex Space (2016)

Artist’s concept of the Gladiator Fitness Centre (opening September 2017)

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RENOVATION ROADMAP PHASE I 09.2016

Renovated Classroom I Renovated Classroom II Renovated Classroom III Renovated Classroom IV

4th Floor

Renovated Design/Tech Schad Lab Renovated Art Room I Renovated Art Room II 3rd Floor

Computer Lab & Breakout Space Gladiator Fitness Centre (2017)

— PHASE II 09.2017

York Café & Lounge IB Science Lab I IB Science Lab II Renovated Classrooms Breakout Space I Breakout Space II Gladiator Fitness Centre Learning Commons Gathering Place Student Wellness Centre Music Band Room Music Vocal Studio Centralized Administrative Area

2nd Floor

1st Floor

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FAST FORWARD PHASE I UPDATE

This is a defining moment in our school’s history. We thank those who have already contributed to the transformation witnessed in Phase I of the building project. We call upon our entire community — every student, parent, alumnus, parent of an alumnus, grandparent, friend, faculty and staff member — to support the second phase of The Fast Forward Capital Campaign.

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FAST FORWARD PHASE I UPDATE

Please join us in contributing to this landmark campaign so that the next fifty years of The York School’s legacy are more successful than our first.

– Julie Di Lorenzo Chair of the Advancement Committee

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FAST FORWARD PHASE I UPDATE

FAST FORWARD TO 2017 This $14.4-million renovation of the Middle and Senior School requires our community’s philanthropic support of the $5-million Fast Forward Capital Campaign.

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NEW CLASSROOMS

LEARNING COMMONS

Our school’s academic facilities will be transformed in this renovation and will reflect our progressive educational philosophy. The Design/Tech Schad Lab (completed in September 2016) will be joined by two IB-level science labs and four floors of flexible classrooms, meeting and breakout spaces in which to exchange ideas and collaborate.

Phase II of construction will reveal our central Learning Commons on the first floor. Here, students and their families will have direct access to school administrators, counsellors and academic support. The book-lined shelves will provide a calm study environment.

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FAST FORWARD PHASE I UPDATE

PHASE II Through our community’s further support for our $5-million Fast Forward Capital Campaign, we will ensure Phase II of construction is successfully completed by September 2017. Students will return to school next year to find new spaces on the first and second floors including:

YORK CAFÉ & LOUNGE

BREAKING OUT OF CLASSROOMS

Just as the kitchen is the centre of any home, the York Café and Lounge are at the heart of our renovated facility. Following the best practices of the world’s leading urban schools, the space will be flexible and used for eating, meeting and studying. It will be a space where great ideas are fueled by great meals.

Common sense tells us that learning is not restricted to the classroom. The thoughtful way space is allocated in our renovation provides students with breakout areas where they can discuss and foster ideas.

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FAST FORWARD PHASE I UPDATE

PHASE I / II FINANCING

Total Project Budget The total construction budget was set by the Board of Directors in 2014. Use of operational funds, strategic reserves and outside financing was firmly capped to ensure The York School’s long-term sustainability.

Total Community Support Required Of the $14.4-million budget, $5 million of community support is needed to succesfully complete Phases I and II of construction.

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$14.4M $5.0M

FAST FORWARD PHASE I UPDATE

The new Design/Tech Schad Lab is such a nice space. We love all the light and the clean, new work tables. It feels so open and new.

– SWAIRA YOUNAS & GIGI NOBLE Grade 10 Students

We knew about the renovations and were a little worried about what the facility would be like for our final year. We’re definitely not worried any more!

– VICTORIA DRIESMAN, DAHLIA HAMDY & KAMILLA SALIKHOVA Grade 12 Students

Living through a renovation is never fun, but this one is definitely going to be worth any minor inconveniences. My office looks into the renovated art labs this year. These are fantastic spaces and I’m looking forward to seeing the student work that’s inspired there.

– SARAH CHARLEY Executive Coordinator, Student Citizenship

I am thrilled that I’ve been assigned to teach in one of the art rooms. I always encourage creativity in my math classes and these new spaces will help inspire my students in new ways.

– RUTH EICHHOLTZ Math Teacher

I’m most excited for the new York Café. I’ve seen pictures of what it will look like and love all the glass. It’ll be cool to look out on Yonge Street!

– JOSEPH MARTIN Grade 7 Student

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FAST FORWARD >> Building for our Future To discuss your contribution to the Fast Forward Capital Campaign, learn about naming opportunities or hear more about the project, please contact: Judy MacGowan, CFRE Director of Advancement jmacgowan@yorkschool.com 416-926-1325 ext. 1192

Updates at: fastforward.yorkschool.com