90th Anniversary Special Edition of The York Rose

Y O R K R O S E ‘23 July 2023

CELEBRATING 90 YEARS 1

NOT FOR OURSELVES ALONE. 2

“

In the best sense, it was an adventure…

VIRGINIA MOORE, SUN NEWSPAPER, 1971

”

Front row (left to right): Miss V. Moore, Mme H. Dupuis, Mrs. C. Clarke, Mrs. M. Gerhardt-Olly, Mrs. G. Faris, second row: Mrs. H. Seal, Mrs. B. Jacks, Mrs. S. Wright, Miss G. Saunders, Mrs. E. Boxall, third row: Miss M. Taylor, Miss J. Lewis, Mrs. U. Norminton, Mrs. H. Mackenzie, Miss H. Langridge, Miss J. Hodgson, Mrs. J. Straight.

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“

I am the stories of women who told me you can.

RUBY HARRIS ’23

”

FROM HER POEM, "PREPARATION FOR CHANGEMAKERS"

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yorkhousealum yhsalum yhsalum york-house-school

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COVER IMAGE BY MARNI (MCLOUGHLIN) SHEPPARD '89 ENTITLED "MAPLE 2" Thank you to Marni for giving us the use of this image to celebrate 90 years of York House School. Please visit marnisheppard.com to see more of Marni's beautiful work.

MISSION Yo r k H o u s e S c h o o l ex i s t s f o r t h e b e n e f i t o f i t s s tu d e n t s . E a c h g i r l i s a unique individual who discovers h e r p a s s i o n , f i n d s h e r vo i c e , b u i l d s h e r c o n f i d e n c e a n d h e r a b i l i t y to s h a p e h e r w o rl d . O u r m i s s i o n i s to e m p o w e r yo u n g w o m e n to b e a c t i ve g l o b a l c i t iz e n s w i t h t h e c o u r a g e to a c t o n t h e i r b e l i e f s a n d m a ke a d i f f e r e n c e .

VISION Yo r k H o u s e S c h o o l i s r e n o w n e d f o r exc e l l e n c e a n d i n n ov a t i o n i n g i r l s ' education, with a focus on the w h o l e c h i l d . T h r o u g h exc e p t i o n a l l e a r n i n g o p p o r tu n i t i e s , e a c h g i r l i s i n s p i r e d , s u p p o r te d , a n d c h a l l e n g e d to l e a d a l i f e o f meaning and purpose.

INTEGRITY We a r e t r u t h f u l a n d t r u s t w o r t hy i n o u r i n te n t i o n s , a c t i o n s , and words .

E M PAT H Y We s e e k to i d e n t i f y a n d understand one another's s i tu a t i o n , p e r s p e c t i ve , and feelings .

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2

A Message from the Head of School

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A Message from the President of the Alum Association

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A History of York House at 90

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Remember When...

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The Buildings that Shaped Us

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Celebrating YHS at 90: Memories from the Class of 1950

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Inspirational at 100: Mary Frances (Turnbull) Tuck '41

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The 2022 YHS Alum Special Achiever: The Honourable Associate Chief Justice Heather (Fidgeon) Holmes '70

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2022 Golden Alum Luncheon

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Nita Rodrigues Retirement

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Teacher Feature: Kiera Pearkes '77

24 Interview with Class of 2023 Head Student Bella Demianczuk 26

Necessary Journeys with Dianne Whelan '83

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Alum Art Exhibition: The Power of Trees - Returning to Your Roots

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York Rose Ball History

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The Courage to go Further: Fiona Majendie’s Journey from Division 1 Tennis to Medical School to National Team Cycling

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York House School History: 1932-2022

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The Buildings That Shaped Us

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Kara Isert '82: A Journey of Travel, Entrepreneurship and Coffee

40 The Power of Sports: How Rugby Transformed Brittany Waters’ Life Anna Baird '03 Leads “I Am Remarkable”; Mentorship And 42 Workshops: Networking Workshop With Jenna Hussein '11

RESPONSIBILITY

44 YHS Foundation Awards 2022

We a r e a c c o u n t a b l e a n d r e l i a b l e in our ac tions , words , and c o m m i t m e n t to o u r s e l ve s and others .

46 Creating a Legacy: Interview With Geven (Johal) Opal '71

RESPECT We t r e a t o u r s e l ve s , o t h e r s , a n d t h e e nv i r o n m e n t w i t h high regard.

COURAGE We s t a n d f i r m l y i n o u r b e l i e f s , s p e a k u p , a n d t a ke a p p r o p r i a te r i s k s .

45 BIV 40 Under 40 Awards Visits: Ontario, Quebec, New York, San Francisco and Los 48 Alum Angeles Long Table Dinner - Alum Association, The Duke of Edinburgh 50 Events: Lunch at YHS

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Remembering

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Celebrations

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Reunions: Class of 1970, 1972 and 1982

CONTRIBUTORS Kelly Walker, Director of Communications & Marketing Ita Kane-Wilson, Associate Director, Alum Relations Karm Khunguray, Communications & Marketing Manager Arrington Bricker, Communications Specialist Julie Grundvig, Archivist

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MESSAGE FROM

THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

When I think about you—our alums across the world—I can’t help but think that your many strengths, achievements and impressions on our world are exactly what our founders had in mind. Knowing education is critical for individuals to live happy, meaningful, and purposeful lives, these seven women sought out to build a school that would provide students with a rigorous education and instill a deep, radiating confidence. Ninety years later, you are their legacy.

I hope you find the stories within this 90th Edition of The York Rose magazine inspiring and motivating. The story of Mary Frances (Trumbull) Tuck ’41 and her artistic journey, the words of The Honourable Associate Chief Justice Heather (Fidgeon) Holmes ’70 from last year’s Founders’ Day event, the athletic and academic achievements of Fiona Majendie ’15, and the new and lasting legacy of Geven (Johal) Opal ’71 are a powerful glimpse into the impact of York House alums.

May you enjoy reading these stories as much as I did.

It’s an exciting time to be a Yorkie. In the coming year, I look forward to meeting you at our events and sharing what we are working on here at YHS. Everything that has come before us in the past 90 years moves me, our Board of Governors, and our Leadership Team to think about what the future holds for York House. We kicked off our strategic planning process last fall, and through a series of meetings, surveys and focus groups—in which numerous alums participated— the plan is now taking shape. This plan will guide our efforts as we continue to build a progressive school that is always seeking to provide an exceptional educational experience for young people. To stay informed about this new plan, visit our website at yorkhouse.ca/strategicplan.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this special 90th Edition of The York Rose. As with everything at York House School, our motto of “Not for Ourselves Alone,” rings true.

Deryn Lavell YHS Head of School

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Be not easily discouraged; at all times persevere and live according to the law that each has recognized for herself.

”

LENA COTSWORTH CLARKE, FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE, 1934-35 CHRONICLE

MESSAGE FROM

ALUM ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

In 1932, a group of seven pioneering women started a school for girls, and ninety years later, this school for girls has changed. In 90 years, York House has grown from a small group of female students learning in a sparse School House to a 600+ person, multi-campus powerhouse learning institution that is recognized worldwide. And for our Alums, that legacy is hard to shake–“Once a Yorkie! Always a Yorkie!”

And when you’re a Yorkie, you are taught that everyone should be included. Including boys! Wait? Did you know that YHS used to have BOYS at the school?! In 1993, “The Last Boys of YHS,“ left the school and that was the final year cisgendered male students attended York House School. Why does this matter for a girls’ school like YHS? Inclusion.

Not only are there cisgendered male alums who attended York House, but there are also several trans-male and non-binary alums in our membership. The issue of equity, diversity and inclusion has suddenly blossomed at YHS– but that wasn’t always the case. And some of those boys or LGBTQ+ alums have never felt welcome at the Alumnae (A-E) table.

WHAT’S IN A NAME? What is the difference between Alumnae, ALUMNI, and ALUM? The definition of the word "Alum" is a "female graduate or former student of a particular school, college or university"; “Alumni” is a mixed group of male/female graduates’; and “Alum" is gender neutral.

As the first openly gay president of the Alum Association this was without a doubt a passion project for me. But it is something that was undeniably necessary to better reflect gender diversity in our alum membership. I would also like to acknowledge that the proposal to change our Association’s name to something gender-neutral aligned perfectly with the timing of the school’s announcement of the Inclusion Statement.

MOVING THE NEEDLE ON CHANGE Thanks to the support of my Executive (Connie Chan ’95, Courtney (Smith) Cousineau ’99, Ishita (Kalia) Hayer ’98, Andrea Cheng ’13, Monica (Boytinck) Bell ’89, Sole Ronco ’01, Jocelyn McGowan ’99), we began examining what steps we needed to take to be more inclusive of all members. So almost two years ago, we began the process of speaking to alum pillars who have devoted years of service to the school. We asked our fellow classmates how they felt about the name of our Association.

We spoke with the YHS Board of Governors. The Executive and I felt it was important to explore all avenues to gauge support for a name change.

And after our first Special General Meeting since before the pandemic, we put it to a vote and the Alum Association was re-created. Legacy.

York House is such a huge part of my legacy, and something that I want to pass it on to my daughter. I know my Mum, the late Sherry (Robson) Taylor ’73, wanted the same thing for me. She paved the way for me to go to YHS, with her sisters and her Mother before her. She created many traditions that have become her legacy more than twenty years ago. My Mum was instrumental in starting the YHS Alum Scholarship—and what began as a bursary has now grown into a full scholarship. She chaired the Fall Market; she helped start the York Rose Ball; and she was the Alum Association and Parents Association President multiple times. After I graduated, she ran the Barbeau Boutique Used Uniform Shop. Now I do it!

LEGACY. CHANGE. INCLUSION. Thank you York House for giving me the tools to see the value in legacy, the importance of advocating for change, and the duty we have to make all beings feel included.

May our next 90 years be as forward thinking and resistant to the status quo!

Devon Taylor ’02 YHS Alum Association President

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A HISTORY OF YORK HOUSE AT Since opening its doors for the first time in 1932, York House School has prepared young women to make a difference in this world while remaining true to its history, values, and traditions. Our founders recognized that education was critical to inspire young women to live happy, meaningful, and purposeful lives.

Ninety years later, we continue to provide a tradition of excellence in education and instill in students the confidence and belief that they are capable of doing anything. Our school motto, “Not for Ourselves Alone,” continues to guide us as we strive to empower young women to be active global citizens with the courage to act on their beliefs and make a difference.

OUR SEVEN FOUNDERS At our 75th Anniversary, seven words were shared to describe York House: progressive, strong, creative, professional, vibrant, smart and engaging.

These adjectives are not only still true today, but also express the essence of our School’s seven founders. Who were these wonderful women?

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Gretchen (Meilicke) Hyland

Janet (Macdonald) Mitchell

Gretchen (Meilicke) grew up in Vancouver and was sent as a boarder to St. Margaret’s in Victoria and then to Lesley College in Cambridge, MA where she received her degree in Kindergarten and Primary Teaching. She taught at St. Margaret’s before moving to York House and investing in the school as one of the founders. In 1936 she left to marry her husband Norman Hyland and to raise a family. For Gretchen, married life was busy but she remained very connected to York House through the years and always attended school events especially when her daughter Maureen (Hyland) Tingley ‘58 was a student here. In the spring of 1990, Gretchen and her husband, along with another YHS family, established The Founders’ Scholarship Fund in honour of the seven founders. Along with the existing Lena Cotsworth Clarke Scholarship Fund and the Marie Gerhardt-Olly Scholarship Fund, the three funds were later consolidated into the York House Founders Scholarship Fund.

Janet (Macdonald) Mitchell had a First Class Honours degree in French from UBC and a Diplôme from the Sorbonne in Paris that enabled her to teach French anywhere in the world, which she did along with Algebra and other subjects. She also provided business expertise to the School for years.

Marie Gerhardt-Olly “Our idea was that we would make the curriculum better and give the students other things besides the courses being taught,” said Mrs. G-O, who was most interested in international affairs and travel and had an Honours History degree from the University of Alberta and a Masters degree from UBC.

Virginia (Moore) Mackay Artist and teacher, Virginia (Moore) Mackay, studied at the University of Washington, Vancouver School of Art, University of Arizona (BA) and Columbia University, inspiring YHS students and the Sunday School children she taught. “We were good friends and must have had a lot of faith in the future,” she said.

Gladys (Morden) Jopling Gladys (Morden) Jopling, who had gone to business school after growing up in North Vancouver, taught primary classes, Home Economics and Latin. She was also musical and sang in choirs.

Lena (Cotsworth) Clarke Grace Faris Grace Faris grew up in Nova Scotia, trained as a nurse in Massachusetts, did post-graduate work in Boston and was “known as Papa, through her firm management of finances,” and as a woman who “could fix a water pipe with a piece of chewing gum.” She loved nature and often took students on expeditions.

Lena (Cotsworth) Clarke, the first YHS principal, grew up in England where she studied Physical Education at college and then did postgraduate work at UC Berkeley. Above all, she valued academic excellence. “Academic inertia is one of the greatest obstacles today and it must be overcome if we are to meet successfully the Challenge of Peace. To change the rather materialistic attitude of the modern age we must emphasize more strongly that human happiness is of more importance than wealth; that people and their lives are more important than rulers and their wars.”

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Remember when ...

Julie Grundvig, YHS Teacher-Librarian and Archivist, dug out these historical artifacts from the early years of the School’s history.

Chronicle linocuts, clockwise from upper left: Fun and Games, 1935-36; School Life, 1935-36 Chronicle; Mermaid, 1946-47; Boarder, 1933-34

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THE BUILDINGS

THAT SHAPED US

Just like sharing the history of our Founders, our buildings tell a story too.

A digital exhibit by Julie Grundvig explores the buildings that have shaped York House School over time. The exhibit takes us from the Whittaker House in 1932 to our presentday modern campus. We invite you to take a virtual walk through the decades and watch how York House has grown over the years: yorkhouse.ca/celebrating90

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CELEBRATING YHS AT 90

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1950 For Mary Ann Jacobsen '50, Shelagh (Ryan) Van Kempen '50 and Jill (Say) Hossie '50, their school friendships have sustained them throughout their lives. Now in their 90th year, they each reflect on their memories of York House and life in Vancouver in the 1940s.

MARY ANN JACOBSEN '50 Mary Ann was a boarder for more than two years and has a lot of interesting memories to look back on. Her family lived in Squamish and she recalls travelling by boat from Squamish into Vancouver, exiting at the bottom of Carrall Street. She’d haul her suitcase all the way to Hastings to catch the streetcar up to York House. She remembers how the Salvation Army Band would play on one of the street corners as she walked to Hastings Street and it made her feel safe and happy to hear them.

At the school’s boarding residence, Mrs. Clarke’s room was above their dorm and they would be very wary of making noise as she’d hear them. Mary Ann’s sister also attended York House and remembers how she was always in the isolation room for those with flu or colds. She wasn’t allowed to visit her so didn’t see her at all when she was stuck there. Mary Ann had great friends from the Class of

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1950 and was bridesmaid to Sybil (MacKenzie) Cooke who was also a boarder. Her family lived up the Alberni Canal on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

SHELAGH (RYAN) VAN KEMPEN '50 Shelagh attended York House as a boarder for Grades 7-9 and has fond memories of her time at York House.

Her family lived in Coquitlam. Her father Maurice Ryan worked for Fraser Mills as the General Manager and the family home is now a museum.

Shelagh has particular memories of sewing for soldiers during war time. “We had to sew and knit and hem the soldiers’ handkerchiefs. I had to sit in Mrs. Clarke’s office and make corners. This wasn’t my favourite thing but I did it.” Shelagh recalls. I also remember going to the symphony concerts at the Orpheum wearing full uniform and people asking what organization we came from.

Left; Sue Wilde, Sybil (MacKenzie) Cooke and Alix (Gordon) Frederickson.

Below; back row: Jill (Say) Hossie, Sybil (MacKenzie) Cooke, Valerie (Wright) Sutherland; Seated: Helen (Larmouth) Hughes, Eleanor (Cole) Lowe, Alix (Gordon) Frederickson, and Mary Ann Jacobsen.

We had to do the dishes and clean up the kitchen on Sunday nights, remembers Shelagh. The maids weren’t there on the weekends. There was a nurse and a house mother, Mrs. Virtue. Their room was in the residence.

Shelagh remembers doing dance lessons with the St. George’s boys before their Grade 9 dance. “We had to ask a boy and that was always tough”, says Shelagh. The boarders always came a day before school started to prepare and one year Shelagh remembers being taken to Capilano River in West Vancouver to have a picnic. “Our class remained close throughout the years and we are still in touch with each other. There are fewer of us now but we still stay in touch, reflects Shelagh. You have to make the effort.”

JILL (SAY) HOSSIE '50 Jill went to York House from Grade 9 -12 but was only a boarder for a year. There were a lot of adjustments to private school. Jill lived in Vancouver but her parents went travelling for a year and put her into YHS as a boarder.

After they returned, she continued as a day student. It was like the army in some ways, she recalls. They were in the residence which was on Alexandra Street. They occasionally raided the kitchen because they were always starving. Jill remembers how one night she snuck out with her best friend to mail a letter. They didn’t get caught

thankfully but at the time it was risky. It was a tight ship in those days. They were pretty strict but the teachers you really liked, you worked for. They did take an interest in you and there was a lot of individual attention. Lunchtime was the big meal of the day with an early dinner around 5:30pm. Dinner was sparse and tapioca pudding made a regular appearance. Jill refuses to eat tapioca to this day.

If you got a detention notice, you had to stay in on the weekend, polish the brass, and have lunch with Mrs. Clarke.

That was not something you’d want to do, recalls Jill.

Jill says she always crammed at the last minute and would take over the closet and study into the early hours.

Mrs. Clarke was fair, supportive in every way and she really adored her.

She took music lessons and was fearful of performing in public. Mrs. Clarke would calm her down and reassure her.

She always had her eye on everything. Saying that, there were moments of drama. Jill remembers one student in particular who would sneak out by the fire escape and go to the local dance. She had more guts than anyone and she never got caught. Those were some of the escapades during the time.

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For Mary Frances (Trumbull) Tuck ‘41, lifelong friendships with the girls she met at York House have sustained her throughout her long life.

She celebrated her 100th birthday in February and is kept busy with her family.

We visited her at her home and chatted about the York House years and her career as an artist.

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100 INTERVIEW

MARY FRANCES (TRUMBULL) TUCK '41

INSPIRATIONAL AT

Q A

DESCRIBE YOUR FRIENDSHIPS AT YORK HOUSE?

There were four of us and we all went to Prince of Wales Elementary School together. At some point when we were in Grade 7, our parents moved us to York House. We lived within a few blocks of each other and we were always together. Carol (Hyatt) Dauben, Joan (Frost) Bell-Irving, Georgia (De Wolf) Macrae and myself. Carol lived right next door and we were together all our lives. She was a brilliant girl. She went to Smith College and then went to Berkeley. She ended up working for Atomic Energy as a physicist. We walked to York House in five minutes and walked home in fifteen minutes talking non-stop and then we would get on the phone after that and talk for another while. After graduation, I attended UBC. The first year I did nothing but play bridge and didn't get a very good first year report card. The second year I studied. I went to business school after obtaining my BA at UBC.

Q A

HOW DID ART BECOME PART OF YOUR LIFE?

We had a wonderful art teacher at York House.

A woman called Ms. Moore but I wasn’t very good. I loved it but it was years later before I got started.

We were over at Shawnigan Lake one summer and a friend suggested taking up an art class. As our kids were growing up, my friend thought we should take a class together that didn’t involve cooking, cleaning, children or husbands. That started me and then I went to classes twice a week. One of my teachers suggested that I go to art school. He was very encouraging so I got my portfolio together and went down to the Vancouver School of Art - now Emily Carr. Both kids were in university at this point and my youngest, Jennifer was 19. I got through those art school years without smoking pot but my language got pretty bad! I studied under Bob Michener and I loved being there.

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Untitled by Mary Frances (Trumbull) Tuck '41.

The Chronicle Graduation photo, 1941.

I knew an alum from the Vancouver School of Art, Sheila Lawson and we became great friends. She graduated a year before me and we had said that we would get a studio together on Granville Island. We had it for 10 years and didn’t kill each other which was most unusual.

We had our first show together. I then moved to a space in Kerrisdale. My daughter is now following in my footsteps and has taken over the studio. Through a friend of mine, I showed my work with Diane Farris Art Gallery.

I don't think you should paint to sell. You should paint what you paint and if people like it, they like it.

Q A

HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR HUSBAND?

I knew Don before the war. Vancouver was a small place then and the social world was small. We went to all the same parties. It was later on after the war when I officially met him. He went overseas and when he came home, he had a little bit of German shrapnel in his shoulder, his grandsons loved to touch that area. In those days, the military didn’t give them any time to recover after coming back from that experience.

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They went right into their professions and work. They had no time to reflect. Don went to law school and worked as a lawyer all his life.

Don’s sisters were going to a dance at the Commodore and he had just come home. They suggested that he take me, so he did and that was it.

He had quite the life of ill health. He got tuberculosis and in those days there was no cure, just bed rest. We were supposed to be getting married but we waited two years until he recovered. He started to have trouble again with his health later on in his life. As an officer with the Seaforth Highlander Regiment, he only talked about the war with people who were with him in the war. He told his son once: It was 90% utter boredom and 10% utter horror.

We had a lot of fun and did a lot of things together.

Q A

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE SECRET TO A LONG LIFE?

The secret to a long life I would say is wonderful parents and a privileged life. I had an older brother so I was almost like an only child.

My father and mother were American and they came up here to work. My dad worked in a tea and coffee importing business. Born in Iowa, he ended up in school in Seattle. He met my mother who was from Minneapolis.

They lived in the West End and my dad loved Vancouver.

He was not only a leader in his contributions to charities in Vancouver, but the greatest influence in my life.

My mother came here and didn’t know anybody. You know, When you’re young you don’t think about these things. She died at 67 from cancer. I wish I had talked to her more. You are so busy with your kids you forget to talk. It’s one of my regrets. I have two daughters, Jennifer and Liz and one son Doug and they are the delight of

my life and really fine people. I also have five enchanting grandchildren pursuing careers in this bewildering world.

Q A

RE THERE ANY PARTICULAR A MEMORIES OF YORK HOUSE THAT STAND OUT?

I do remember French class. Madame Dupuis was our very attractive French teacher and the day that Paris fell to the Germans in World War II, Madame stood at her desk singing La Marseillaise with tears falling down her cheeks–it was heartbreaking.

I also have strong memories of Mrs. Clarke. She was a very different headmistress. I kept in touch with her after we graduated and I kept her in the loop on what was going on in my life. She was always interested and replied. She was very serious but when you got to know her, she was very kind and fair and that really mattered.

L-R: Carol, Joan, Georgie and Mary Frances at Carol’s home in Berkeley, California, 2004.

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FOUNDERS DAY 2022

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The Alum Association proudly welcomed The Honourable Associate Chief Justice Heather (Fidgeon) Holmes '70 back to York House for Founders’ Day on September 22nd, 2022 and presented her with the 2022 YHS Alum Special Achiever Award. With many of her classmates present, Heather’s acceptance speech resonated with many alum there.

THE 2022 YHS ALUM

SPECIAL ACHIEVER

WELCOMED BACK TO YORK HOUSE

Heather joined the Grade 10 class in late 1967, just over a year after her family moved to BC from England, and she graduated with that class in 1970. After a B.A. at UBC (Honours English, 1975), with a gap year in France half way through, she married Bill Holmes and they moved to Toronto, where she earned an M.A. in English Literature (1976), and then studied law (LL.B in 1979), both at the University of Toronto. She then served as a Law Clerk for the BC Court of Appeal before completing articles with Shrum, Liddle & Hebenton (now McCarthy Tétrault) in Vancouver, and was called to the BC Bar in February 1981.

For most of her career as a lawyer, Heather prosecuted as Crown Counsel with the BC Ministry of Attorney General, much of the time specializing in commercial crime prosecutions, particularly securities frauds, as well as handling appeals. During all her years as a lawyer in Vancouver, Heather volunteered extensively with law and community organizations, taught frequently at law or law-related seminars or conferences, and wrote papers and articles on law-related topics. She was among the women prosecutors who pioneered part-time work through job-sharing, in the days when maternity leave meant quitting one’s employment and applying to be rehired when one was ready to return full-time.

In 2001 Heather was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court of BC, the province’s senior trial court. In addition to presiding over cases from the wide range that come to the court, she took an active part in the court’s administration by chairing or serving on a number of court committees.

She also presented at numerous national or local seminars for judges.

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Heather was appointed Associate Chief Justice in June 2018, and now oversees the court’s criminal law cases, and assists the Chief Justice with the more general administration of the court, as well as continuing to preside over some cases. She is third in line to stand in for the Lieutenant Governor as Administrator.

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YORK HOUSE GAVE ME THESE OPPORTUNITIES IN THREE MAIN WAYS.

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Here is an excerpt from Heather’s Special Achiever speech:

The first was by accommodating my out of sync academic background, and my other interests, mainly music, and offering ways to allow me to continue to develop. I am grateful for dedicated and talented teachers who taught me Latin on the side, or created and oversaw a small musical ensemble. And I am particularly grateful that I was allowed to avoid any sewing for ever after.

This flexibility wasn’t just for me. In grade 12, Anne Clark came to the school with all of her dramatic talent, and it must have been no coincidence that the senior grades then began work on the school’s first musical theatre production in a long time, with Anne directing.

The second main way in which York House helped us to flourish was by giving us freedom and space. We were not burdened with an excess of rules and requirements. We learned instead that our futures were in our own hands. Most of the time we used that freedom responsibly, but sometimes we took advantage when, as we saw it, good fun was required. There were pranks that we thought hilarious–some of you may remember hiding all the staff room furniture, or moving Barb Reid’s little yellow car into the school courtyard. Our teachers probably found these stunts extremely annoying, but they rarely let on that they even noticed.

By the way, here’s a tip about pranks. If you have earned a good reputation for honesty and responsible behaviour, you can get away with a lot. Lynne (Coulter) Bose '70 used to drive us both in from Surrey every day in the last half of grade 12, and when we were late we explained that we had been delayed by heavy snow in Surrey. There was no easy way for the school to check as there was no internet in those days, and Lynne and I delighted in thinking that our teachers were duped.

The third and probably most important thing York House gave me and my classmates was true and good friendships that have lasted. We were shown how to respect and support each other, and for the most part we did. At York House we got to know each other extremely well from our school time and afterschool activities. Afterschool activities or events would make me miss the last bus back to Surrey, but classmates and their parents would welcome me into their homes to stay for the night. I am grateful for that generosity and also for the chance to make even deeper friendships as a result.

Why are school friends important? They are important at the time for good company and support. But school friends become even more important as we move on through life even if those friends are not on the same life path as yours. Whether they were best friends or other classmates, they know us better than almost anyone else. They know our families. They have seen us grow and develop. They know our vulnerabilities, our worries, our strengths, and our ambitions. Nobody else, probably not even your life partner, will ever understand you in quite the same special way.

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I was first struck by this when Lynne (Coulter) Bose '70 came once to watch me as a judge in court. I was hearing a constitutional challenge, and the highly-skilled lawyers were presenting arguments about our social values in a way that they thought would persuade me. As I listened, and looked out at the people in the courtroom, it struck me that of everyone there, it was probably Lynne, the only non-lawyer there, who best understood how I was reacting inwardly to the arguments the lawyers were making.

You will value your York House friendships because you will have people around the city, the country, maybe the world, who know what makes you tick, and who feel a special bond with you. And because York House nourished kindness, generosity, and support, those friends will give you those things, whether in celebrating your successes with you or in helping you through tough times–and we all have those. Those deep friendships help you feel stronger in taking on the challenges you choose. It is certainly “not for ourselves alone”, as we move through life to serve the community or the public as best we can. But it is also “not by ourselves alone.”

“

So, in closing, I offer you three pieces of advice: Cherish your York House friends, and support them as they support you. My friend Sharman Minus still sews on buttons for me sometimes.

Work to keep the connection. There may be long periods when life does not allow you much contact, but the bond you have will allow you to renew your friendships when you are able.

Never throw away your yearbooks.

”

Thank you for this magnificent honour, and for listening so generously.

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ALUM WELCOMED BACK TO THE

2022 GOLDEN ALUM LUNCHEON On Founders’ Day, Thursday, September 22nd, alum from the classes of 1950-1972 were finally welcomed back to school after a three-year hiatus.

Greeted enthusiastically by student executives, the day began with a tour of the 3rd floor Alum Art Gallery’s stunning exhibit of paintings by Marni (McLoughlin) Sheppard ‘89 and a new Museum & Archives display featuring the evolution of York House’s historical buildings over the past 90 years.

There was a wonderful sense of occasion as alum and special guests returned to the Golden Luncheon in the Gail Ruddy Foyer and many classes celebrated Ba special reunions.

In particular, alum from the Class of 1970 celebrated their 50th year reunion and enjoyed staying on for the Founders’ Day assembly to witness their classmate, the Honorable Associate Chief Justice Heather (Fidgeon) Holmes ‘70 receive the 2022 YHS Alum Special Achiever Award.

The YHS Chamber Choir, led by Music Teacher, Ms. Benila Ninan, welcomed everyone with a performance of the York House hymn “Unto the Hills," a York House tradition, followed with their version of “My Baby Just Cares for Me,” a song made famous by the one and only Nina Simone.

Other highlights of the luncheon included the Grade 2 students performing “I’m a York House Girl” (parody of Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl”) and a special visit from an excited group of Grade 1s who presented Yorkie chocolate to everyone. Thanks in particular to their teachers and the Grade 7 helpers who accompanied them.

Above top: Marni (McLoughlin) Sheppard ‘89, below: the Honorable Associate Chief Justice Heather (Fidgeon) Holmes ‘70.

Background image: Arbutus 1 by Marni Sheppard.

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NITA RODRIGUES’

INTERVIEW

RETIREMENT York House really became my second home and it helped me put my roots down in Canada.

HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF AT YORK HOUSE? It was a long journey across four continents! My childhood and young adulthood was lived in Bombay. Shortly after my post secondary studies, I moved to Lusaka, Zambia, as an expatriate–on contract with the civil service and later the parastatal sector. Newly independent Zambia was building infrastructure, and multinationals had moved in to help, including Canadian companies through CIDA. In the early 70’s, the country was a melting pot of expatriates. The post-independence migration created vacancies that needed to be filled by qualified people from across continents. Zambia was my first experience at living in an ethnically and culturally diverse community, and was an amazing learning curve. Zambian milestones include meeting my future husband, Clarence, an engineer also on contract; getting married there; and, in 1975, welcoming our daughter Sadira '93. Looking back, one of my work highlights was being secretary for the day to the then Zambian Vice-President, Mainza Chona!

Good memories include multiple trips to game parks, bird sanctuaries and the Victoria Falls–and once appearing on Zambian TV with my guitar!

After eight years in Zambia, we moved to Asuncion, Paraguay, seeking new adventures and dreaming of farming. We bought a tract of land in the Chaco region

but ended up staying in the city, opening an Indian restaurant in Asuncion that catered mainly to the diplomatic corps. We met many interesting people and heard or learned of their fascinating stories. Our son, Dilip, was born there in 1980; however, after a major political upheaval that year, we knew we couldn't stay.

We moved on the following year–back to Africa.

My husband was offered a work visa to newly independent Zimbabwe and we landed there as permanent residents.

Known as the Switzerland of Africa, we spent many wonderful years in the Midlands. Again, political changes and an unsure future made us relocate back to India.

My children and I spent two years close to family while my husband was employed in the Middle East. We continued looking for a permanent place to call home. Canada was our dream destination despite unsuccessful applications for immigration from the three countries we had lived in. With tenacity and sheer determination, I contacted the Canadian Consulate in Bombay, and learned that secretaries, not engineers, were on the needs list. I submitted an application for permanent residence and, in October 1989, we landed at YVR and moved to Richmond.

My job hunt began immediately. I took short assignments through an agency to gain much needed Canadian experience! One assignment was at a school for one week.

I remember that day vividly: Monday, January 15, 1990.

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YHS CONNECT YHS Connect will help to strengthen our worldwide alum network by providing incredible opportunities for all our Yorkies and it will also engage our current students with our school mentorship programme.

Featuring: • • • • • • •

Job boards Alum updates Articles Photos Directory YHS Mentorship Program Events

Please join YHS Connect by registering on the yhsconnect.ca website. Complete your personal profile, upload your photo, and start immediately connecting with Yorkies around the world. yhsconnect.ca

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

2024

Special Achiever Do you know of an exceptional alum who has achieved outstanding success in their field of work and/or their community? Nominations must be received by May 31st, 2024.

For more information please contact alum@yorkhouse.ca

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It was the first day after winter break, and I had been in Canada for three months. Traveling by transit, I had been instructed to keep an eye out for students in kilts.

I shadowed a kilt wearing group, got off the bus with them, and enquired if they were from York House. Alas, I had been shadowing students from St. Pats! Thankfully, I had given myself enough time to backtrack to York House and I arrived at my temporary assignment on time. I met the Headmistress, Rouviere Ritson, whose first comment after welcoming me was, “Pretty accent.

Where are you from?” That first day happened to be a nightmare. It was senior school parent/teacher-interview –booking-done-manually day. For some reason, I was spared from attending that evening’s Board meeting as recording secretary. I must have done something right because mid-week I was asked if I was looking for a permanent job and would I like to work at York House?

That was the start of my 33.5 years at York House.

WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS FOR YOU? In 1990, there was just one computer at YHS that was shared between my office and the Admissions Office– rolled on a trolley between offices. I refer to that period as YHS’s iron age. That spring break, I worked full time, not taking advantage of the reduced work day, learning how to build up and program a brand new school database called the Columbia School System. Yes, they threw it at me and I had to prove it to myself that I could do it! Speedy communication at that time was by fax for a few years; then came the World Wide Web and email– and I wondered if I would cope!

The nineties was a different era. Most staff stayed till they retired. I was probably one of the younger members of staff, but everyone made me feel so welcome. I think stories of my travels fascinated them. Starting over in a new country is worrisome, but YHS staff were my colleagues and were instrumental in helping me put my roots down deeply here. In my early days, one could walk into the staffroom and someone would greet you and make you feel welcomed and you knew you belonged.

I try to do that now. I think it's so important to build connections and make sure everyone feels welcome. It is also important to welcome Yorkie visitors: past parents who served actively on the Board and the Parents’ Association, returning alum, and past colleagues.

They need to know they still belong.

Nita with visiting retired teachers, Kit Doan and Doreen Barrett.

York House became my second home. It helped me put my roots down in Canada. Sadly the roots have gone in so deep, I now have to painfully pull them out!

During my time here, I’ve worked for six heads; each one so different, and yet I have enjoyed working with all. Having my daughter attend the school was great.

When we first moved to Canada, Sadira ‘93 was in public school in Grade 9. Luckily she was able to transfer in Grade 10 to York House. Having a teenage daughter at YHS and driving with her to and from school each day was a mix of bonding and arguments. She had good grounding here and has gone on to do great things in postsecondary education and in the field of Art History.

WHAT DO YOU PLAN ON DOING AFTER YOU RETIRE? My bucket list is long and much will depend on resources available: health, time and finance.

Traveling off-peak time to destinations I have yet to see and to revisit the cities my children were born in are my first choices. I was planning to hibernate for the first six months, but we have an Asia cruise planned in the fall. Adopting a dog is a high priority, and my garden will now get the pampering it deserves.

Being more involved with organizations that are working towards social justice is very important to me. These include LGBT ministry, women’s shelters and food kitchens.

Time, energy and desire are on my side. I want my retirement to have value.

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TEACHER FEATURE

22

KIERA PEARKES '77

RETIRING FROM YHS

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORIES OF YOUR TIME AS A STUDENT AT YORK HOUSE? I remember there was a gang of us who would often have a little tea party in the Home Economics room at lunch time. I was a member of the choir and really enjoyed it.

We often sang at St. John’s Church across the road. I learned to love the French language and it became a starting point for my teaching career.

WHAT DID YOU DO AFTER GRADUATION? After graduation I took a gap year where I worked at Woodward’s department store, then went to a language school in France followed by a stint as an au pair in Switzerland. I am still in contact with the family I worked for. I then went to UBC and got a B.A. degree with French as my major and followed that with a teaching certification in English and French immersion. I taught in Vancouver, Bergen, Norway and Hamburg, Germany for nine years before returning to Vancouver and starting at York House.

DID YOU ALWAYS KNOW YOU’D BE A TEACHER? WAS IT SOMETHING THAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST EARLY ON? I always knew I liked children so that combined with my French education sent me on my teaching career. I found that I really loved working with the youngest children so I continued my education to become an ECE.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT YHS? I have worked at YHS since 2008. I started when the Little School became part of YHS so I am an original Little School teacher. I have worn many hats while there–Kindergarten teacher, French teacher, music teacher, and finally JK teacher for the last 10 years.

WHAT WILL YOU MISS ABOUT WORKING AT THE LITTLE SCHOOL? I will definitely miss my students. They are at the heart of what I do, but I will also miss my Little School family of colleagues. They have been so supportive and fun to work with over the years. I will especially miss my teaching partner Shannon White. She’s been so wonderful to work with and she is not just a colleague, but a true friend. Of course I will also miss the wonderful families who I have enjoyed working with over the years.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE AFTER YOU RETIRE? September will be different this year and I hope to do a lot of travel in the fall to keep my mind off all the September excitement that I will be missing. I have already bought my ski pass and I will spend more time with my family. I will definitely be back at the Little School for regular visits!

Back Row: Brenda You, Danuta Adzinska, Shannon White, Front Row: Sara Vieira, Kimberly Ryerson, Kiera Pearkes '77, Angela Kingerlee.

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INTERVIEW

24

CLASS OF 2023 HEAD STUDENT

BELLA DEMIANCZUK

Q

A

YOU JOINED YHS IN GRADE 8. DO YOU REMEMBER WHAT YOUR FIRST DAY WAS LIKE?

On my home fireplace stands a photo of me on the first day of school: I am 70% green blazer and am lugging a backpack and briefcase which appears to be filled with rocks. Later that day, my science teacher would tell our class that whoever stacked balloons highest with a metre of tape would get 100% as a final grade (second place would get 80% and so on). I would assemble one of the best architectural feats known to mankind, only to find out–50 minutes in–that she was joking. Apparently, everyone had caught on as well. Gullibility was a slight fault in those early days.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AT YORK HOUSE? The outdoor education trip that ended with rabies shots.

Memorable to say the least.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR TIME AT YHS? The night before my Tiger Talk I walked into our kitchen and announced to my mom I couldn't do it. Sure, I could give a presentation in class for one minute, but definitely not a fifteen-minute speech to the school. I share this story because I had a change of heart the following morning. Nonetheless, my hands trembled so badly at the podium that I could barely turn the pages of my script. One minute passed, and then the next and by the ten-minute mark, I stopped turning pages and told the last minutes of my story by sheer memory. While I am proud to find myself filled with a lot fewer nerves at the podium, I feel an even greater pride for the girl who took those first steps and put herself out there to do something that seemed all too scary.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT? Outside of academics, one of my greatest passions is tennis, a sport I have been playing competitively since the age of 10. Tennis has taught me the importance of grit and resilience, and I am forever grateful to those who have supported my athletic aspirations. Next year I plan to continue this journey at university, playing for the Women's Varsity Tennis team at the University of Toronto.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION IN JUNE? This summer I’ll be working as a lifeguard down at Jericho Beach and spending plenty of time enjoying the Vancouver sun before moving away to Toronto in September. Next year, I will head to the University of Toronto to study Business at Rotman Commerce with a specialization in Policy, Politics and Economics.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS? My experience as a commissioned artist has sparked a newfound curiosity in the economics of the international art market. In recent decades, New York City has become the site of an art nexus: forging new connections between Eastern buyers and Western suppliers, and establishing itself as North America's leading auction site. By pursuing a Masters degree in the States, I hope to immerse myself in the commercial and cultural domain of this international hub as I ultimately work towards a leading role at Christie’s, Sotheby's or Phillips. As of now, I dream of working in New York City and I hope to work in the art business.

DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE THIS YEAR AS HEAD STUDENT My memories of this year will be underscored not by the handshakes or the prestige of my title but by the excellence of the people who support me in my role. Most notably, I’d like to thank Jocelyn, our Junior School Head Student for her inspiration and dedication. To the teachers and administrators who have donated their ears and 1560 minutes to hear out my ideas: outrageous, elaborate, expensive—you name it! And finally, to the students; it is your enthusiasm for all things York House that has made my year fabulous. Thank you for your love and support.

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ALUM DAY 2022

NECESSARY JOURNEYS

WITH DIANNE WHELAN '83 Inspiring artist and filmmaker Dianne Whelan '83 was our keynote speaker on Alum Day.

On the 90th anniversary of York House School, alums and special guests were welcomed back for a morning of celebration and reconnection on Alum Day, Saturday, September 24th. Welcomed by our Head of School, Deryn Lavell, alums gathered together for coffee generously sponsored by Caffe Umbria. Following a heartwarming introduction by classmate Kirsten Sutton (Koopman-Osterreicher) ‘83 and her daughter, Olivia in Grade 12, keynote speaker Dianne Whelan ‘83 took to the podium.

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An hour of tremendous storytelling captured our imaginations as Dianne took us on an epic overview of her six-year adventure traversing the 24,000 km Trans Canada Trail.

Travelling by foot, bike, canoe and snowshoe, Dianne also managed to capture most of it on film along the way.

A filmmaker, artist, and adventurer, Dianne is no stranger to extreme adventure. In 2007, Dianne was the first woman to travel as an embedded media person with a team of Canadian Rangers to a never patrolled route of the northwestern coast of Ellesmere Island, Nunavut. In the middle of winter, they traversed close to 2,000 km in the Canadian High Arctic from Resolute to Alert, the most northerly human habitation in the world. Her film, This Land and first book, This Vanishing Land: A Woman’s Journey to the Canadian Arctic, depicts her epic journey. In 2010, she filmed her award-winning film, 40 Days at Base Camp, which recounts her eye-opening experiences on the world’s highest mountain, Mt. Everest.

Joined by her parents, John and Geraldine, and her sister Nicole, Dianne wowed the audience with footage from her travels and reflected on the many lessons learned over the journey.

Dianne is a gifted storyteller and a compassionate community builder. Her adventures will soon become a visual feast in an upcoming documentary film about her journey these past six years.

In a deal with Elevation Pictures, Dianne shared that the production company will assist with the theatrical release of 500 Days in the Wild in Canada.

Top: Dianne Whelan ’83 with Priscilla Clark, former Associate Director, Alum Relations. Bottom: Dianne regaling the audience with stories of her adventures.

Following Dianne’s keynote presentation, Jaclyn and Ruby, two Grade 12 students from the Green Club, conducted a very lively and engaging Q+A with Dianne. Together they posed questions about both the physical and mental challenges that Dianne faced on her six-year journey, the wisdom she gained along the way, and ultimately, what she learned about herself and her place on the planet.

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ALUM ART EXHIBITION

THE POWER OF TREES: RETURNING TO YOUR ROOTS

SEPTEMBER 22, 2022

The YHS Alum Association hosted the launch of an exhibition of new paintings on Thursday, September 22nd. Entitled “The Power of Trees: Returning to Your Roots,” the artist Marni (McLoughlin) Sheppard '89 was in attendance in the Alum Art Gallery space and she was joined by her classmates from the Class of 1989 along with many family and friends.

The collection of paintings features eight portraits of trees representing the four Houses of York House School: Pine, Arbutus, Maple, and Cypress. By painting two trees of each species, Marni’s goal was to capture and ignite a dialogue between these paintings and the viewer. It was a very special gathering of a community coming together to support one of their own. Please review Marni’s works @thetreepainter on Instagram and her website www.marnisheppard.com.

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YORK ROSE BALL HISTORY A collaborative effort organized by the York House Parents’ Association and the YHS Alum Association, the entire York House community comes together every five years to celebrate York House and raise funds at the time-honoured tradition of the York Rose Ball.

Our very first York Rose Ball Gala was on February 20, 1993 at the Hotel Vancouver and this past November, the school celebrated our 90th anniversary with an incredibly successful event at the Hotel Vancouver.

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YORK ROSE BALL HISTORY

February 17, 2012 Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

February 22, 2002 Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

October 28, 2017 Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

October 28, 2017, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

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November 18, 2022, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

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INTERVIEW

THE COURAGE TO GO FURTHER: FIONA MAJENDIE’S JOURNEY FROM DIVISION 1 TENNIS TO MEDICAL SCHOOL TO NATIONAL TEAM CYCLING The path to success for Fiona Majendie '15 has been anything but ordinary. From her days as a student-athlete playing Division 1 tennis and pursuing pre-med courses at the University of San Diego, to her current role as a rising star on Canada’s National Cycling team, Fiona has been driven by her passion for excellence and her unwavering determination to achieve her dreams.

Fiona’s journey took a turn when she transferred to the University of British Columbia for the second half of her undergraduate studies. There, she studied integrated sciences, focusing on pathology, neuroscience, and physiology, and found a deep fascination with all things medical. Fiona has always wanted to be a doctor. “I used to dress up and play ‘hospital’ with my baby dolls,” she states.

It’s been an unwavering goal of hers to go into medicine. Her love for the academic material in medicine matched her desire to help people and make a difference in their lives.

Fiona’s passion for helping others was evident when her mother, Janet Majendie, was on the Coast Mental Health board during the COVID-19 pandemic. With many of the organization’s regular fundraising events like galas cancelled, brainstorming creative ways to raise money during a pandemic became a top priority.

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2ND DAY OF GIVING ALUM CHALLENGE We are very grateful to all of you who participated in our Alum Giving Challenge at this year's Day of Giving. The alum who initiated the challenge last year made a simple request: if we could activate 50 donations from our alums, they would donate $10,000 to the YHS Foundation. Our alum community rose to the challenge yet again and we had more than 60 alums take part on the day. It was a truly inspiring day and we greatly appreciate your support, generosity and participation.

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YOUR GIFT MATTERS We welcome contributions to the YHS Foundation’s many scholarships and bursaries. York House School is proud of our growing number of alum-led scholarships including: • • • • • • • •

The Alum Association Alumnae Scholarship The Diamond Foundation Scholarship The June Brown Cliff Scholarship The Janet Ward (Cliff) Campbell Scholarship The Chung/Munk Partial Family Scholarship The Maria Iuon Partial Scholarship Fund The Geven Opal Scholarship The Goodwyn Family Scholarship Fund

We are also very grateful to past staff members who have created their own bursaries and scholarships, in particular the Ursula Bell Bursary and the Joanne and Derek Francis Scholarship. For an extensive list of all our scholarships and bursaries, please go to our website—yorkhouse.ca For alums with daughters, nieces or cousins now in Grade 7, encourage them to apply for a Grade 8 scholarship at York House.

Please consider giving back to York House with a donation. Every gift is appreciated and recognized by the school in our Annual Report.

Please make cheques payable to York House School and mail to: Advancement & Alum Relations Department, York House School, 4176 Alexandra Street, Vancouver, BC, V6J 2V6

“We were discussing what would be doable in a pandemic and what would pique people’s interests. My mom and I had the idea that we could make a fundraising challenge surrounding exercise and the outdoors. I was inspired by a viral story of a 95-year-old man raising money by walking around his garden; my mom and I created the “Courage to Go Further Challenge,” says Fiona.

As an avid cyclist, Fiona decided to take on the popular “Everesting” challenge, which meant climbing the height of Mount Everest on her bike in a single ride. Mount Everest has an elevation of 8,850 meters, equivalent to climbing up Mount Seymour, a local Vancouver mountain, 10 times. In the summer of 2020, Fiona completed this gruelling challenge. The ride took her 11 hours and 45 minutes. Along with her team, who took on their own challenges, the group raised a total of $250,000 for Coast Mental Health. Fiona also ended up being the fastest female to Everest in Canada and the 9th fastest in the world at the time.

But Fiona’s cycling journey didn’t stop there. Her talent and dedication caught the attention of Canada’s National Team, and she was invited to a National Team Camp in Burnaby, B.C., in March 2022. “All the national team athletes were there, so I was able to train with them for two weeks,” she says. The camp finished with the Westerns Challenge, a three-day race where Fiona ended up doing really well, beating most of the national team girls. Her journey to the national team was rather abrupt.

Fiona only started road cycling about three and a half years ago and finally got to race in the 2021 season. At

the end of the same year, she decided to try out track cycling and absolutely loved it.

Despite being relatively new to road cycling, Fiona’s performance at the National Team Camp was outstanding, and she was invited to attend a National Team Selection Camp in Milton, Ontario. Initially, she was told she was too new to attend, but Fiona persisted and advocated for herself, “I knew my level was good enough to attend that camp” she stated. Ultimately, Fiona secured an invitation to the camp with the help of a national team coach who had seen her race. To everyone’s surprise, Fiona was selected for the World Cup and went on to race the Team Pursuit with Team Canada at the National Camp where they placed sixth.

Fiona’s cycling journey continued throughout the summer of 2022, with her competing in track races around the world, including the Nations Cup in Cairo, Egypt for the team pursuit. She is currently gearing up for the Milton Nations Cup, with her sight set on earning valuable Olympic points to secure a spot on Team Canada for the Paris 2024 Olympics. This year is crucial for Olympic qualifications, and Fiona is determined to give it her all to achieve her Olympic dream.

Balancing her cycling career with her passion for medicine has not been easy for Fiona. Currently, on a leave of absence from medical school, Fiona made the difficult decision to take time off her studies to focus on cycling. With her upcoming third-year clerkship, Fiona knew she would be in the hospital every day with call shifts and no ability to take time off. Thankfully, the UBC Deans of Medicine School were very understanding and excited about her upcoming opportunity to ride for Canada. Her school granted her a two-year leave of absence to pursue cycling and hopefully achieve her dream of going to the Olympics. Fiona plans to return to school at the beginning of 2025, entering her third-year clerkship to continue towards her medical career.

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YHS HISTORY 1932-2022

1932

Leased the Whittaker House at 4355 Granville St (NW corner of 28th Ave); YHS opens on September 7 with 17 girls, first principal is Lena Cotsworth Clarke

H O US E S C H O K R O O Y 1933

First Head Girl is chosen, first Chronicle is published

1935

The Old Girls’ Association, precursor to the Alum Association, is formed

1936

The first Social Service Club, to which every girl belonged, is formed

1937

YHS purchases the Minnie.

E. Ladner Estate at 1590 West King Edward

1938

The School Song is written

1939

Inaugural issue of the School’s first publication, Yorkshire Pudding;

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1939

L HIST

First gymnasium opens

First student council

1946

First York House Greenhorn is published

O RY

Purchased the Leon Ladner house, 1550 West King Edward Ave for the Junior School and the Walter Evans house next door, 4105 Granville St for the Senior School, along with adjacent property between the Residence and the Leon Ladner house

1940

1945

1 9 3 2 –1 9 4 9 1947

First opera, Zurika the Gypsy Maid, produced

1948

Student Executive starts wearing gold blazers

1988

Junior School library opens along with the computer rooms and Senior School science wing

2008

The Little School for Junior and Senior Kindergarten is added

1932

Leased the Whittaker House at 4355 Granville St (NW corner of 28th Ave)

1940

First gymnasium opens

THE BU I L D 1935

Whittaker house is turned into the Senior School and the Bowman House at 4305 Granville St (between Nanton and 26th Ave) is leased for the Junior School

INGS

1961

T H AT

Senior School building opens

SHAP

1971

New Senior School building opens

1937

YHS purchases the Minnie. E. Ladner Estate at 1590 West King Edward

1938

The Leon Ladner house at 1550 West King Edward Ave is purchased for the Junior School and the Walter Evans house next door at 4105 Granville St for the Senior School, along with adjacent property between the Residence and the Leon Ladner house

1979

Gym, art and music complex opens; Lamb’s house moves to Granville and King Edward from 26th Ave. to accommodate expansion plans

Did you know...

YHS once had a ghost-inresidence?

E D US

2008

$18.3 million Local to Global (L2G) campaign is completed with an extensive underground fine arts complex, Museum & Archives room and expanded gym

2010

YHS Museum & Archives officially opened with ribbon cutting on Founders’ Day

2013

New Senior School building opens September 2013

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1950

Did you know ...

First Carol Service, precursor to the Celebration of Community

York House School was one of the first schools in BC to develop a French bilingual pilot program in 1963-1964?

1958

Clare Harris Buckland becomes principal

1959

First Yorkshire Market, subsequently called the York House Market

1960

The York Rose is published, a book of creative writing

1960

Doors officially close for boarders

1961

Senior School building opens

1963

The pilot programme for the French Bilingual and Bicultural Programme begins

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1950

– 19 6

9

1964

Claire French McDougall becomes headmistress

1968

The York Rose on a maple leaf is chosen as the new School crest; French Bilingual and Bilingual Programme is formally instituted for Grades 1-6

1970

Brian Peet becomes head

1970

Navy culottes replace the white summer uniform for senior girls

1971

New senior school building opens

1973

Ursula Bell becomes director of the Junior School

1974

1983

Not for Ourselves Alone: 50 Years at York House School, is published

Boys are accepted from grades 1-6

1976

1970 –

1989

The YHS Foundaion was established with a $5,000 deposit

1979

Gym, art and music complex opens; Lamb’s house moves to Granville and King Edward from 26th Ave. to accommodate expansion plans

1984

Rouvière Denise Ritson becomes headmistress

1982

The first computers–6 Apple II machines are introduced at YHS. The School celebrates its 50th birthday with a fundraising Greek dinner and dance that contributes $100,000 to the Endowment Fund

Did you know...

The YHS beret was mandatory whenever girls were in uniform until it was phased out in the late 1970s.

1988

Junior School library opens along with the computer rooms and Senior School science wing

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1990

YHS becomes an all-girls’ school again

1993

Alum Association uses the School’s new Coat of Arms to create the blazer crest and school pin

Did you know...

Green and gold were chosen as YHS colours in 1932. They represent daffodils, and the beginning of a new school.

1993

Wendy Mary Beatrice Warburton becomes acting head

1994

199 0 1995

– 200

75 at 75: Her Influence is published to celebrate our 75th birthday

9

$6.4 million Onward and Upward campaign completed

1999

The Legacy Society gets started with its slogan, “It’s only a codicil away” with funds managed by the YHS Foundation for scholarships and bursaries for students

1999

Kathy Kealey becomes director of the Junior School

2002

Personal iBooks purchased for every teacher + 40 for students

2004

AIM (Accelerative Integrated Method) is adopted for Junior School French

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2007

Gail Ruddy becomes Head of School

2008

$18.3 million Local to Global (L2G) campaign is completed with an extensive underground fine arts complex, Museum & Archives room and expanded gym

2008

The Little School for Junior and Senior Kindergarten is added

2009

Our Globe Program begins, making students more aware and more involved in local and global service initiatives

2010

2017

Julie Rousseau named Acting Head

YHS Museum & Archives officially opened with ribbon cutting on Founders’ Day

2010 2011

First Alum Day is held

2012

Special Edition of the York Rose is published—80 Great Things About Turning 80

2013

2018

– 202

2

With the completion of the L2G2 Capital Campaign, the senior school building officially opened in September 2013.

2014

Chantal Gionet named Head of School

Julie Rousseau named Head of School

2020 STEAM Lab opens in Senior School

2022

Deryn Lavell named Head of School

2022 Did you know ...

YHS turns 90!

York House School once had an annual event called “Posture Week” and students would compete to see who had the best posture? The winner would be crowned “Posture Queen.”

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INTERVIEW

KARA ISERT '82: A JOURNEY OF TRAVEL , ENTREPRENEURSHIP

AND COFFEE

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INTERVIEW WITH KARA ISERT '82 Kara Isert’s journey from backpacking through Asia to running a successful coffee business began with a one-way ticket to Japan. After completing her Bachelor of Business Administration degree at Simon Fraser University, she decided to travel before starting her career. What was meant to be a six to eight-month trip turned into a year of backpacking through popular, and less travelled destinations across Asia.

Eventually, Kara returned to Vancouver, but after just a couple of months, she was off again, this time to Hong Kong. She quickly found a job with an immigration consultancy, where she used her business education to write business plans for people who wanted to emigrate to Canada.

After a couple of years in Hong Kong, Kara returned to Vancouver and worked in the oil industry for a few years. However, she felt the need for a career change and decided to return to school, choosing McGill University, attracted by its international exchange program and reputation. Through McGill, Kara spent a semester in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and received a contract position to write case studies and other teaching material at the Lahore University of Management Sciences in Pakistan. Kara cherished her time at LUMU, where she had the opportunity to meet and work with educators, researchers and entrepreneurs.

scooter or her mom’s Raleigh bicycle. Today, Sparkplug Coffee also has a fundraising arm that helps schools, sports teams, clubs and other groups raise money for their causes.

Kara’s market research background came in handy when she started her coffee business. She drank a lot of coffee, attended coffee workshops and industry events, and interviewed people in the industry to learn more about coffee. Her favourite coffee is a simple black cup of joe, either an Americano or a properly brewed filter coffee.

She loves Ethiopian coffees and uses them in many of the Sparkplug blends.

Kara is grateful for her time at York House, where she learned to thrive in a competitive environment.

Coming from a public school system where she coasted through with straight A’s, it was a bit of a shock to be in a class where everyone was smart and motivated. Kara encourages everyone to try Sparkplug Coffee, and she offers a $5 discount with the gift code: YHS5.

Back in Vancouver, Kara worked as a management consultant before moving to Toronto to establish her own consulting business. Throughout her travels, Kara had developed a love for coffee and she was disappointed to find that Toronto didn’t have a great coffee culture and selection that she had grown used to in Vancouver. This led her to start Sparkplug Coffee, an e-commerce business that delivers fresh-roasted, consistently tasty coffee to coffee lovers across Canada.

The name Sparkplug Coffee was inspired by Kara’s 1979 Vespa, which she imagined zipping through traffic to deliver coffee to customers’ homes. The sparkplug is an essential part of a vehicle’s engine to start it up and keep it moving, similar to how coffee often starts people’s day off. Although most of the coffee is delivered by mail, Kara occasionally delivers it in person on her vintage Vespa

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INTERVIEW

THE POWER OF SPORTS:

HOW RUGBY TRANSFORMED BRITTANY WATERS’ LIFE For many people, sports can play a significant role in shaping their lives.

For Brittany Waters '01, a former varsity rugby player and current coach, the sport of rugby was a transformative experience that opened up doors to opportunities she never imagined possible.

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INTERVIEW WITH BRITTANY WATERS '01 Brittany Waters graduated from York House in 2001.

She then went on to pursue an undergraduate degree in psychology and sociology at UVIC. Brittany chose UVIC because of its proximity to her home and its beautiful campus, but little did she know that her time there would change her life forever.

Brittany grew up playing all kinds of sports, including basketball, volleyball, track and field, and netball. She also watched her dad and brother play rugby, but didn’t have any interest in playing herself until she stumbled upon the varsity women’s rugby team during her first week at UVIC. After watching a practice, she asked the coach if she could try out and was immediately welcomed onto the team. This would be the start of her journey with the sport that would take her to the highest levels of international competition.

Brittany played five years of varsity rugby at UVIC while also playing netball. However, after graduating in 2006, she decided to focus on rugby and was soon selected to play for the Canadian U23 rugby team. In 2008, she received her first “cap” for the senior national team during a tour in England. Brittany went on to play for the Canadian National team for ten years, both in 7s and 15s and retired from playing after the 2017 World Cup in Ireland.

During her playing career, Brittany experienced the highs and lows of competitive sports, from injuries to playing in front of thousands of fans in stadiums around the world.

However, her rugby journey didn’t end with her playing career. Coaching became a new passion for her. Brittany now works as a full-time rugby coach at UVIC, alongside coaching at the provincial and national levels.

Brittany’s journey with rugby has not only changed her life, but she also sees the impact the sport has on young girls and women. Rugby is the fastest-growing sport for women in Canada, and Brittany believes it is transformational. As a coach, she wants to make rugby as inclusive and accessible as possible, especially for young girls and women who may face gender barriers or inequities.

Looking back, Waters attributes much of her success to the confidence, resilience, and optimism instilled in her during her time at YHS. As a girl, being a leader and top athlete at her school gave her the mindset that she could achieve anything she set her mind to, and that mindset has stayed with her throughout her life.

Brittany’s advice to others is to have the confidence to try new things, as you never know where your passion may lie. Rugby may not be for everyone, but there is something for everyone. For Brittany, rugby was her passion, and she is grateful for the opportunities it has given her.

Brittany’s rugby journey is a testament to the power of sports to transform lives. As a coach, she hopes to inspire and empower the next generation of young girls and women to find their passions and achieve their dreams.

Brittany with her best friends from the Class of 2001.

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WORKSHOPS

ANNA BAIRD '03 LEADS “I AM REMARKABLE” WORKSHOP AT YHS On March 29, YHS Alum Anna Baird ‘03 facilitated a very interesting workshop with our Grade 12s entitled “I am Remarkable.”

Originally designed by Google for their employees, it has gone global and is available for everyone. The Class of 2023 learned about the importance of self-promotion both personally and professionally; they also learned about preparing their elevator pitch and how critical self-promotion is as future female leaders in the workplace.

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MENTORSHIP AND NETWORKING WORKSHOP WITH JENNA HUSSEIN '11 Jenna Hussein ‘11 returned to York House to facilitate a workshop on mentorship with the Grade 12s in early March. As part of the workshop, students were introduced to YHS Connect, the school’s exclusive online alum networking platform. Jenna outlined how mentorship and networking are critical to one’s pathway into the professional world. She currently works at Google and is part of a team that builds the 3-5 year vision for Google Maps. In the past, she has worked across tech, consulting, the public sector, and nonprofits. Jenna has an MBA at Stanford Business School, an MPA at Harvard Kennedy School and a B.A. at Claremont McKenna College. She recently launched her own side business called Peak Mindset, a coaching practice which helps ambitious people navigate career transitions and she also dives into personal and professional development topics on the Peak Mindset Podcast, available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

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YHS FOUNDATION AWARDS 2022 The York House School Foundation student awards were presented by the Chair of the YHS Foundation, Margot Keate West '93 at our Founders’ Day Assembly on September 22nd, 2022.

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Dylan with Chair of the YHS Foundation, Margot Keate West ‘93.

Georgia with Chair of the YHS Foundation, Margot Keate West ‘93.

Dylan Peifer, Grade 12, received the Katherine Manders Award. In memory of Katie Manders ‘96, this award is for the encouragement and recognition of a student who has overcome her own personal challenges and has displayed determination, courage, and persistence in working towards her goals while embracing the school’s values of Integrity, Empathy, Responsibility, Respect, and Courage.

Georgia Rigney, Grade 12, received the Caroline Anne Sexsmith Trausch Award. In memory of Caroline (Sexsmith) Trausch ’84, it is for the recognition of a student who has demonstrated leadership, determination, courage, Yorkie spirit and participation throughout her years in the Senior School in pursuit of her goals, while embracing the School’s values of Integrity, Empathy, Responsibility, Respect, and Courage.

BIV 40 UNDER 40 AWARDS Congratulations to Anna Baird '03 and Natasha (Hudda) Jeshani '01, two outstanding York House School alum, on their well-deserved recognition as recipients of the prestigious Business in Vancouver Forty Under 40 award.

Deryn Lavell with Anna Baird ’03, Salima Remtulla ’00 and Natasha (Hudda) Jeshani ’01.

Congratulations to Anna Baird '03 and Natasha (Hudda) Jeshani '01 on their well-deserved recognition as recipients of the prestigious Business in Vancouver Forty Under 40 award. Anna, the Head of Culture and Innovation, and Customer Experience for Google Cloud, has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in the tech industry.

Natasha, the President and CEO of Career Contacts and the founder of Training Arch, has made significant contributions to the fields of recruitment and career development. York House School celebrates their achievements and is proud to have them as shining examples of the school’s commitment to excellence and leadership.

Congratulations Anna and Natasha!

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CREATING A LEGACY INTERVIEW WITH GEVEN (JOHAL) OPAL '71

On a recent visit to York House, alum Geven (Johal) Opal ‘71 toured the hallways, visited the alum gallery, found her name on the glass panels and met with the Head of School. She reminisced about the many years she spent as both a student and a parent at the school. A mother, grandmother, devoted auntie, and for many years, head of a family real estate development business, Geven is a proud Yorkie.

After her visit to the school that day, Geven returned a few weeks later and let it be known that she’d like to create a scholarship fund for deserving students who could not otherwise afford to attend York House. In gratitude for her many happy memories and ties to the school, she made the decision to step up and make a transformational gift to her alma mater. As a result of her incredible generosity, The Geven Opal Scholarship has been established.

Graduating in 1971, Geven got married soon afterwards and raised three children with her husband, Avtar. She returned to York House as a parent in the late 1980s and volunteered tirelessly as a class parent. She was involved extensively with the school as a dedicated community volunteer and served as a member of the Board of Governors from 1988-1991. Geven also spent time on the Parents’ Association Executive and the Advancement Committee during the Onward & Upwards capital campaign. Her children, Razia '95, Neera '98 and Rajeev '01 as well as her nieces and nephews all attended York House during that time. After her daughters graduated, she stayed in touch with her York House friends and the close bonds she created then with fellow parents are still intact all these years later. Geven lost her beloved dad, businessman and philanthropist, Asa Singh Johal, in 2021. Although he was in his nineties when he died, she and her family have felt his loss greatly. Her dad was born in India and immigrated to Vancouver as a toddler where he lived for the entirety of his life.

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At the age of fourteen, he started working in a sawmill and built a legacy as President and CEO of Terminal Forest Products, BC’s largest independent sawmill operator. In addition to growing his lumber empire, he was a leader in the Sikh community and believed strongly in using his success to help others. Over the decades, he contributed generously to fundraising campaigns for the BC Children’s Hospital, Canadian Cancer Society, Rotary Club-Polio Plus, and other causes supporting immigrants to Canada.

Asa was recognized for being an outstanding citizen by the B.C. government in 1991, earning the Order of B.C. and the Order of Canada for his contributions to the economy and also for his philanthropy. He became a member of the University of British Columbia board of governors and a director of the Children’s Hospital. He was also given an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by the University of British Columbia for his support of ethnic studies.

Alongside his wife, Kashmir, who was the driving force behind the family business and instrumental in all of their philanthropic decision making, they contributed much to the Indo-Canadian community in British Columbia.

As founding member, trustee and chairman of the India Cultural Centre of Canada and as president of the International Punjabi Society of BC, Asa and Kashmir were proud of their involvement and actively encouraged their fellow Indo-Canadians to do the same by taking part in their community and giving back.

A board member with BC Children’s Hospital for many years, Geven was instrumental in starting the

first Indo-Canadian telethon at BC Children’s. She has fundraised tirelessly there along with volunteering with other organizations. She has also spent the past twenty years overseeing her real estate and land development business which she established herself in Kelowna.

Following in her father’s footsteps, she believes in the strength of community and giving back.

For Geven, family is everything. She and her husband Avtar will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this year and they are looking forward to those celebrations.

She is very close to her mom Kashmir who recently celebrated her 90th birthday and she chats to her all the time. Geven’s nieces also attended York House; Ishita (Kalia) Hayer ‘98 who is now a current parent and Justine Uppal ‘13. Her beloved niece Roop Johal ‘91 was also a York House graduate and sadly passed away prematurely in 2018.

Available for the forthcoming 2024-2025 academic year, The Geven Opal Scholarship will be awarded to a new student entering Grade 8 who financially would otherwise not be able to attend York House. The selection of the candidate will support and contribute to the development of our diverse student body. In addition, the student must demonstrate and continue a strong academic ability with an overall average of 80%, excellence in athletics and/or the arts (including music), character and citizenship.

Thank you, Geven, for this wonderful opportunity to give a new student the chance to benefit from everything York House School has to offer.

Geven as a young child with her brother Darcy and her parents, Asa and Kashmir.

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ALUM VISITS

ONTARIO AND QUEBEC Ita Kane-Wilson from the Alum Office and Maebh Carragher, YHS University Counsellor, embarked on the annual alum trip to Ontario and Quebec to meet up with recent grads and connect over dinner. Alums came out to meet with them in Ottawa, Montreal, Kingston and Toronto. Deryn Lavell and Nik Williams-Walshe joined up in Toronto for lunch with alums who were running between work meetings. That evening, alums congregated in the Queen and Beaver Gastro Pub for dinner and the following morning, alums connected over brunch. It was fantastic to see so many Yorkies engaged and excited to connect with each other.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK! The New York gathering took place at the home of Lindsay Forbes, Class of 1996 and it was a roaring success.

Close to thirty alums were in attendance including Lindsay’s mom, Nora (Mitchell) Newlands '67 and her sister, Kelly (Forbes) Selby '01 as well as Lindsay’s daughter, Ava, Class of 2030. A huge thank you to Lindsay for hosting this reunion. We also reconnected with Cristina Concepcion '90 for lunch and former head girl, Ally Gomberoff '15 and Amelia Kearns '05 for morning coffee.

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SAN FRANCISCO A bunch of alums came together in San Francisco at the Jax Vineyards for happy hour and even though the weather was less than welcoming, a lovely evening was had. It was wonderful to connect with our alums and thanks to Victoria Wills ‘10 for the recommendation.

The following afternoon, we had lunch with Emma-Jane Burns ‘22 who met us at the SFMOMA and later that evening, Anjali Katta ‘15 joined us for dinner.

LOS ANGELES Thank you so much to everyone who attended the LA get-together in West Hollywood. Special mention to Cindy Delgado '89 for the restaurant recommendation. It was a very special evening.

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EVENTS

LONG TABLE DINNER - ALUM ASSOCIATION EVENT The Alum Association hosted their Long Table Dinner at the Irish Heather in Chinatown on April 13th with over 22 alums in attendance. A special welcome back to Bernice Chan, Class of 1989 who is now back in Vancouver after living in Hong Kong for many years.

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH LUNCH AT YHS In April, our school hosted a special event that brought together teachers from across the province of B.C. who deliver The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award program in their respective schools. The event was centred on this award program, which plays a vital role in helping young people develop essential life skills and boost their self-confidence, ultimately enabling them to contribute positively to their communities.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award program is an innovative co-curricular program that seeks to develop young people’s whole-person development.

The program offers three levels–Bronze, Silver and Gold –and challenges young people to develop skills in areas such as community service, physical recreation, skills, and adventure.

Our school had the honour of welcoming His Royal Highness, The Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, who is the patron of the award program. Prince Edward had the opportunity to meet with some of the students who are participating in the program and learn firsthand how it is helping them to develop essential life skills and contribute positively to their communities.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a prestigious program that aims to empower young

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people ages 14-24 to become active, responsible, and engaged citizens. It is a non-formal education program that recognizes young people’s achievements in four key areas: community service, physical recreation, skills development, and adventurous journey. Participants set their own personal goals and work towards achieving them, with the support of adult mentors and assessors.

YHS is especially proud to have 95 students currently participating in the award program.

The program is designed to be challenging, yet achievable, and it encourages young people to step out of their comfort zones and take on new experiences that build their confidence and resilience. By completing the program, young people develop skills such as leadership, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, which are essential for success in the 21st century.

The workshop provided an opportunity for B.C. teachers to share their experiences and insights into the award program, as well as learn new techniques and strategies for delivering the program more effectively. The event was designed to encourage dialogue and collaboration, with teachers sharing best practices and discussing ways to enhance the program’s impact on their students.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award program is an essential part of the educational landscape in B.C., and events like the one hosted by our school play a critical role in bringing teachers and students together to share their experiences and to learn from each other. We are proud to have had the opportunity to host this event and to have welcomed His Royal Highness, The Prince Edward, to our school. We look forward to the future of the award program and to providing young people with the opportunity to develop their whole-person development.

Remembering RONALD LAIRD CLIFF Ronald Laird Cliff, father to alum Diana (Cliff) Maughan '70 (Walter), Leslie Cliff '72 (Mark Tindle) and Sheila (Cliff) Sharp '77 died peacefully on December 13, 2022, in the North Shore Hospice. He is survived by his wife Ardelle, his son Ronald Cliff (Nancy), and Ardelle’s daughter Reagan McLean. Together, Ron and Ardelle had 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, one reason 13 was his favourite number. Ron was born in Vancouver to Ronald Lorraine Cliff and Anna Georgina Laird. He is predeceased by his parents, his first wife June Brown Cliff '46, brother Arnold B. Cliff, and son-in-law, Ted Sharp.

Ron graduated from St. George’s School in 1946 and continued his education at UBC, graduating in 1949. He launched his business career in the world of chartered accountancy. In 1951, he married June Brown with whom he raised four children. In 1983, Ron and Ardelle Clark married and spent forty years together travelling and living part time in Indian Wells; playing golf and games of bridge. They made great lifelong friends in California.

While he was very much an accountant, early in his career his entrepreneurial spirit took him into the realm of developing, financing and managing a wide range of businesses. His career evolved into independent corporate directorships in public companies, some that led to him being Chair of BC Gas/Terasen (FortisBC), Southam News and Canfor Corporation.

In addition, he sat on the boards of the Royal Bank of Canada and Pacific Press. He relished serving on audit committees, his true calling.

Beginning at a young age, Ron was a leader in community development. He used his accountancy training to serve as treasurer in many organizations and advisor to others. His love of classical music started his involvement with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in 1955. His passion for the VSO’s financial health held until his passing, along with his connection to its conductors and musicians. Ron was a co-founder of Endeavour Society and a founding director of the Vancouver Police Foundation. His support for education focused on York House School, St. Georges, Pearson College, UBC and SFU. He also enjoyed serving on the boards of VGH/UBC Hospital Foundation and the Vancouver Art Gallery.

Ron’s philanthropy was recognized by his appointment to Member of the Order of Canada and the Order of British Columbia.

He was also honoured to receive an FCA Award from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of BC and SFU’s Distinguished Community Leadership Award. Ron was extremely proud to be able to support so many small and large charities.

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REMEMBERING

RUSSELL GORDON SMITH Cherished husband to our alum Gillian (White) Smith '81 and dad to three of our alums, Jessica '10, Amelia '15 and Rosie '18, Russell Gordon Smith passed away on September 25, 2022, after his year-long battle with esophageal cancer. Russell spent his last month at his family home on Bowen Island surrounded by his loving family and their partners. Russell is predeceased by his parents, Hilary and Brian Smith, stepfather Peter Kelland, and sisters Clare and April. He will be lovingly remembered by his brother and sister-in-law Clive and Carol Smith and their children: Rachel (Tom), Greg (Chen), Stephanie (Hugh), his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Edward '85 and Mariette White and their daughters Emma '15 and Charlotte '18.

Russell was born in Leicester, UK and as a young boy he attended Stoneygate in Leicester before heading off to join his brother at Uppingham boarding school in Rutland. At seventeen, Russell travelled to India for seven months where he volunteered with Mother Teresa's organization. Following his travels to India, Russell received his degree in Theology from Oxford University, Keble College. He adored sports of all kinds but was particularly proud of captaining the Oxford Eton Fives team. Aspiring to work in the family business, Russell was sent to serve at Le Pigonnet in the South of France, training at a high level of silver service before joining his brother in the family's industrial catering business: Brian Smith Catering Services. Russell loved to ski and travelled every year to Kitzbühel, Austria. There, on a T-bar ski lift, he met the love of his life, Gillian. They were married eight months later in Vancouver on August 25, 1990. Russell and Gillian lived in Leicester for the first seven years of their marriage before moving to Gillian's hometown, Vancouver, BC in 1997 to raise their growing family. In 1999 Russell began working at Odlum Brown as an investment advisor, retiring as a company director in June 2019.

Russell had a deep love for music. He sang with the Vancouver Welsh Men's Choir and was passionate about his two beloved grand pianos. Russell should be celebrated for his dedication to his community through holding board member positions for many of the organizations in which he participated including York House School. Russell was a deeply devoted and involved husband and father, creating time to ski every weekend with his family, making his famous pancakes on Sunday mornings, and spending numerous hours in the summer towing kids behind their boat at Hood Point. He will be forever remembered for his sense of humour, his pride in his family, and his deep love for Gillian.

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JANE (HODGINS) BATTLE '56 Jane passed away peacefully on January 31, 2023 with her son Tucker holding her hand. Her husband Charles Tucker Battle Sr. and their son John predeceased her, and she is survived by her sons Tucker and Philip (Janie) and five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Jane attended York House School and was a lifelong Yorkie who adored her school. She graduated from UBC in 1960. She lived a full, interesting and inspiring life mostly in Washington DC. She will be greatly missed by family and friends.

SUSILA BRYANT '62 Susila passed away in early February 2023 after a two year battle with ALS. She was a very dedicated alum, attending many alum events and helping organize her class reunions over the years. She was very involved in the arts, loved to perform and volunteered with Vancouver Opera and other arts organizations.

MINDY (SENGARA) CROSSFIELD Beloved mother to Lisa Crossfield ’88, Harold Crossfield ’92, and proud grandmother to Claudia Boone '21 and Terra Boone '23. Mindy passed away on November 28, 2022 surrounded by the love of the family she nurtured. Predeceased by her husband, Frank, Mindy leaves an unbelievable hole in the hearts of her large extended family and community of friends. Mindy’s genuine interest in people left them feeling seen and heard. Her youthful energy endeared her to all, and her openness and compassion fostered strong relationships. Her sparkling eyes, beaming smile, and hearty laugh made her presence felt in every situation. She had a passion for creating occasions to bring people together and she passed this love of connection on to her children and grandchildren. Her strength and grace will be missed.

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REMEMBERING

MARGARET (WILSON) KNAUER '55 Margaret "Peggy" (Wilson) Knauer '55 passed away on Friday, March 3, 2023.

She was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, James D. Knauer, sister Joan E. Wilson, and parents, Ronald and Margaret Wilson. She is survived by her son Jeff Knauer (Jane), daughter Jen Leigh (Bryce), son Bruce Knauer (Berma), and daughter Laurie (Randy). Margaret was a loving grandmother to Ben, Megan, Karson, Emelia, Jessica, Sarah, Belle and Breezy.

Peggy spent her high school years at Annie Wright Seminary and attended Northwestern University, where she graduated with a B.A. in Arts and Advertising.

She and her dad, Jim, continued her father’s local appliance business, Thomson & Page Ltd., which started in 1929 and transformed it into an interior design/furniture gallery in the ‘80s. Peggy truly lived her life to the fullest. She absolutely adored living in her floating home at Canoe Pass Village in Ladner. She loved the simple pleasures of life, including spending time with her family and close friends and peaceful days on the river. She had a love of nature and was always up for an adventure.

She was a member paddler in the early days of “Breast in a Boat’’ at False Creek. She was a wonderful mom, wife, grandmother and friend to many and will be dearly missed.

SHEAHAN BEALE (GLASPIE) MCGAVIN '58 Surrounded by her loving family, Sheahan passed away peacefully on April 27, 2023 at the age of 82. She is survived by Gerald, her beloved husband of 61 years, daughters Catharine (Brien Jacobsen) and Alexia (Drew Coles), and grandchildren Hugh Jacobsen, Carter Jacobsen and Piper McGavin.

Also survived by brother-in-law Brian McGavin, cousin April Glaspie of Cape Town, South Africa, and her treasured nieces, nephews and godchildren.

Predeceased by parents Elmer and Poppy Glaspie and brother Michael.

An alum of York House School where she formed so many dear and lifelong friendships, and a graduate of Annie Wright School, Tacoma, Washington and Stephens College, Columbia, Missouri, Sheahan especially valued community contribution, intellectual exploration, and all forms of artistic expression.

Throughout her life she immersed herself in Vancouver’s cultural organizations, generously sharing her talents and philanthropy, and received the Simon Fraser University Distinguished Community Leadership Award in 2001.

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CYNTHIA JOAN MOFFATT '63 Cynthia Moffatt passed away early on the morning of October 11, 2019 under the wonderful care of Dogwood Lodge in Vancouver, Cynthia’s home for over 26 years. Prior to living at Dogwood Lodge, Cynthia was living with her loving parents Tiny (Eleanor Digby nee Gillies) and Dr. Donald Wadleigh Moffatt. Cynthia attended Jericho Hill School for the Blind in Vancouver, and she was considered a mentor to many of the students. She returned to graduate from York House School in 1963, having attended Kindergarten here. Cynthia then attended Pitman Business College, Vancouver, originally situated at Granville & Broadway and also attended the Hatlen Centre for the Blind in San Pablo, California for a year.

SANDRA ANN SENGARA '72 Sandra Ann Sengara passed away unexpectedly on March 11th, 2023. She was born in Vancouver on August 16, 1953 to Bunta and Puge Sengara, the only daughter and eldest of three siblings. Sandy was known to be a kind and gentle soul by all who knew her. She enjoyed socializing and raising a glass with her friends. She had enjoyed her Class of 1972’s 50th reunion in the fall with her fellow classmates.

Sandy was predeceased by her father Bunta Sengara (1977), step-father Werner Forster (2005) & mother Puge Sengara (2012). She is survived by her brothers, Ron and Robert Sengara and their families. She also leaves behind many friends, aunts and uncles, cousins, and nieces and nephews.

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REMEMBERING

LYNDA JOANNE SMITH Lynda Smith passed away on January 31, 2023. She is survived by husband Royal, son Luke (Jennifer), daughter Adrianne, son Adam (Marouska), and six beloved grandchildren: Daniel, Meghan, Sydney, Justin, Noah, Hayden, and great-grandchildren Dexter and Freya. Lynda was a UBC graduate where she was active in student affairs as a member of the Alma Mater Society, Delta Gamma, and the Ubyssey.

She enjoyed 23 years teaching at York House Senior School and, after early retirement, she and Royal spent many winters at their home in Rancho Mirage, California, amongst great friends and neighbours. Lynda travelled extensively with friends, family, and students, was an executive member of the Junior League, International Wine and Food Society and volunteered on many provincial and federal election campaigns for Progressive Conservative candidates.

MICHELLE (BOLUS) WELCH '83 Michelle (Bolus) Welch from the Class of 1983 passed away suddenly on Christmas Day, 2022.

Mother to Aryana and Macaria. Daughter to Phyllis Bolus, sister to Sonia (Bolus) Stone '87. Remembered by aunts, uncles and nieces in the UK.

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CELEBRATIONS

Courtney (Smith) Cousineau ‘99 and her husband Matt Cousineau are thrilled to welcome a daughter, Rose Cousineau. Born on March 16, 2023 and weighing 8lbs, she arrived two weeks early to the surprise and delight of everyone including the newly minted grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

Erin Smith ‘06 and her partner Sam are thrilled to welcome their daughter Roya Helen Smith-Khany, born at BC Women’s Hospital on March 9, 2023.

If you would like your celebration to be included in the York Rose, please send your photos to alum@yorkhouse.ca

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REUNIONS

Class of '70 head table: Deryn Lavell, Head of School, Dana Watson, Anne Clark, Bill Sexsmith, Past Board Chair., Margot Keate West, Chair, YHS Foundation, Devon Taylor, President of the Alum Association, Chris Hyland, son of Founder Gretchen (Meilicke) Hyland, Heather Holmes and Diana Maughan.

CLASS OF '70 50TH REUNION The Class of 1970 returned to York House for their 50th anniversary celebrations on Founders’ Day. It was particularly exciting for their class as their classmate Heather (Fidgeon) Holmes ‘70 was receiving the YHS Alum Special Achiever Award and they were looking forward to hearing her speech during the Founders’ Day assembly after lunch.

As reported by Dana Watson, Class Representative, “It was a beautiful day with lots of excitement, laughter and chatter filling the hallways as we walked through the front doors of York House. The many people talking, laughing and even hugs was fun to be a part of! The lunch was fabulous and there was a warm welcome from the new Head of School, Deryn Lavell which was well received and set a positive and exciting tone for the afternoon. Following lunch, Heather's acceptance speech was wonderful. She addressed students from

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Grade 1 to Grade 12, parents, teachers and guests in the Rand Gymnasium. Following the assembly and heading back through the hallway, I couldn’t help but reflect on the many wonderful years at York House and the friends I went to school with. Heather’s speech beautifully captured the power and bond of lifelong friendships even after 50 plus years!”

CLASS OF 1972 - 50TH REUNION: ONWARD, AS WE GROW UPWARD For the graduating class in 1972, that “someday” in 2022 for a 50th reunion was half a century away. 50 years later, alum gathered at the Vancouver Maritime Museum for that “someday”.

Years defied, it was a medley of reflections, memories and embraces, exemplifying true feelings of school friendships.

Lucy (Nam) Wong, Class Representative.

Class of 1972: Back: Vivian Lai, Alison (Whyte) Wigton, Lucy (Nam) Wong, Mary (Nairn) Karsey, Leslie Cliff, Sally Ann DuMoulin, Barbara (Bentley) Hislop, Susan Gemeinhardt, Gonda (Hennekam) Angus, Sheollagh (Stanwyick) Fitzgerald, Susan (Legge) Reynolds, Pam Whittall, Sandy Sengara. Front: Robyn Woodward, Susan (White) Schulz, Sally Quinn.

CLASS OF 1982 On September 24, 2022, several members of the Class of 1982 gathered to celebrate their 40th reunion. After the class enjoyed an inspirational Alum Day keynote presentation by Dianne Whelan, Class of 1983 at the school, the larger group gathered at Bev Ellingson’s home to share memories, photos and catch up on each other’s lives and families. Unfortunately, well really quite fortunately for them, a number of classmates were unable to attend as they were travelling to far-flung and exotic destinations, but news and updates along with best wishes were shared by them as well. The class is looking forward to getting together again soon, although a little apprehensive about their Golden Reunion being only 10 years away!

Class of 1982: Left to right in back: Angelia Darnbrough, Bev Ellingson, Catharine (McGavin) Jacobsen, Joanna Schofer, Sue (Szentpronai) Tarrant, Melissa Boxer, Colleen McLelland Left to right in front: Rita Edwards, Julie Schueck, Azita Yeganegi, Louise (Hébert) Seto.

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PARTING SHOTS MORE YORK ROSE BALL HISTORY

February 20, 1993 Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

February 17, 2012 Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

November 18, 2022 Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

November 18, 2022, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

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November 18, 2022 Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

November 18, 2022 Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

November 18, 2022 Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

November 18, 2022, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

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4176 Alexandra Street Vancouver, BC V6J 2V6 yorkhouse.ca