Prioritize Student Citizenship, Engagement, Relationship & Community Building

Promote culture and curriculum in new ways including learning the intersection of DEI, wellbeing and belonging

The York School has:

• established student leadership positions in wellbeing and DEI, as well as engaged our students with leaders from other schools.

• established student affinity groups and each year has run focus groups, facilitated by an outside consultant to better understand our DEI progress and areas that still require attention.

Promote the Growth of the Organization

• supported students and staff, with retiring the house names.

• written a Land Acknowledgement in collaboration with Dr. Pamela Toulouse and personalization is encouraged to enhance its ongoing relevance meaning and as part of reconciliation

Adopt a DEI commitment statement and embed it in all aspects of the organization including operational practices

The York School has:

• worked with the Rick Hansen Foundation to complete an accessibility audit of our campuses. The minor recommendations have already been implemented such as audio devices at receptions, adjustments in the elevators and accessible washrooms.

• made significant facility improvements which align with our DEI commitment including: gender inclusive washrooms, the Athletic Commons (summer ‘23) and has provided Quiet Rooms at both campuses.

• been more intentional with the use of language to be more inclusive in its communication and recognition of the diversity of our community.

• been working towards creating a more identity affirming culture.

• established an endowment with a foundational gift of $500k to ensure talented students of all socioeconomic backgrounds can access our school and reap the benefits of a York education.

• hired a Director of Human Resources with strong DEI expertise and established dedicated DEI roles within the faculty.

• supported The Board of Directors commitment to the Government of Canada’s 50-30 Challenge to increase the representation of diverse groups within the board and leadership team.

Finally, the school has completed its partnership with Equity Connections, the consultancy group that has led professional development for our staff, facilitated student and staff focus groups and provided parent education through Coffee Connects. This collaborative partnership has helped build internal expertise and capacity by supporting our students’ and employees’ learning and confidence in facilitating difficult but necessary conversations around issues related to DEI. As the school prepares to complete this partnership, Cherilyn Scobie-Edwards of Equity Connections said the following:

Working to promote an expansive culture of belonging takes time and the collective efforts of all members of our community. We have much to be proud of, but acknowledge there is still lots of work to do and the road may not always be entirely smooth. The key is that we have already created a learning environment where we are more self aware, able to ask questions, share insights and challenge each other. We are grateful to have students, staff, parents, alumni and a Board of Directors who are committed to ensuring the long term success of The York School.