A Message from Struan Robertson, Head of School
Highlights 2021-22 Innovative Academics Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Social Emotional Learning Experience Teaches Annual Fund Impact
The George & Helen Vari Foundation
The Ritchie Levitt Family The Stewart Rudisili Family Robbie Kozman
The Weisberg Family
Vishakha Tiwari ‘21
Leah Mersky ‘10 Jamie Perlmutter ‘14 Alexis Descomme-Charest ‘13
Voices from Our Community Recognizing Our Donors
2021-2022 Giving Lifetime Giving
Looking back on the 2021-2022 school year, I’m reminded once again of the power of relationships and experiential learning. As restrictions were lifted in the second half of the year, we witnessed our community come back together to enjoy in-person learning, co-curricular activities, outdoor education, community service, field trips, friendships and joyfulness. While the pandemic may not be completely over, we’ve emerged from it with a greater sense of purpose and understanding of who we are as a community and what’s most important.
we learned that will make us better community members, advocates,
gratitude for the enduring partnership that’s been fostered between our school and community – a community made up of students, teachers and staff, families, donors and alumni. As you read, I hope you will
We thank you for your continued support as we build an even stronger
The York School provides a launchpad for students to start a journey of lifelong learning through handson, project based discovery and reflection. Every year, our students amaze us with their ability to reach further and dig deeper.
Propelled by their own curiosity and inquiry, York students understand that the world they are exploring is interconnected and not always defined by subject areas. In fact, our teachers often blur those boundaries and collaborate across disciplines so that students can explore ideas in a variety of ways.
The IB curriculum provides several capstones for students to showcase their growth as critical thinkers, team members, independent researchers, caring citizens, and effective communicators.
Highlights of Innovative Academics from 2021-22 demonstrate how each stage of learning builds on the next so that our students can continue to hone their skills and deepen their knowledge.
In their final year at the Junior School, students participate in Exhibition, their first in-depth research project. A hallmark of the PYP, Exhibition is a culminating experience that allows students to showcase the attributes of the IB Learner Profile while they work both independently and collaboratively. In 2021-22, students explored the theme of Sharing the Planet, with the central idea that Global Citizens Have a Responsibility to Address World Issues.
Digital literacy, prototype building, and hands-on engineering, all introduced in the PYP, take on a larger role in students’ learning through our innovative MYP Design course. Taught through a cycle of investigate, design, plan, create and evaluate, students continue to foster key communication and technology skills, alongside science, math, engineering, and art. All of this innovation, inquiry and problem-solving takes shape through projects that see students building and testing a
“Over the last 20 years, we’ve woven into our JK-12 curriculum numerous capstone experiences that give our students real agency over their learning. When I think about our motto ‘experience teaches’, it’s these milestones that empower students to play, explore and grow in new and different ways.”
- Justin Medved, Associate Head of Academics
variety of 3D and custom-designed creations, such as pop bottle rockets (Gr. 6), pinewood derby cars (Gr. 7) and balsa wood bridges (Gr. 8). In Grade 11, our students bring all their skills together as they undertake another IB rite of passage: the Extended Essay. Centered around a topic of personal interest, and designed as practical preparation for undergraduate study, the process behind this 4,000 word independent research paper helps our students develop the capacity to analyze, synthesize and evaluate information. Supported by a subject teacher and a DP Learning Strategist, each student formulates a research question that informs their work over several months and develops a convincing, coherent argument that they can share both in essay and presentation form for evaluation by an IB examiner at the end of the year.
For Chase Behar ‘22, the Extended Essay he wrote about Stevie Wonder’s “Classic Period” not only gave him the opportunity to improve his writing and research skills, but also his theoretical and analytical skills as a musician. “The extended essay was a great experience for me because it allowed me to take a deep dive into an area of passion for me - music.” Today, Chase continues to apply that knowledge and follow the passion he first discovered at The York School as a Freshman at the prestigious Berklee School of Music in Boston, MA.
“The extended essay was a great experience for me because it allowed me to take a deep dive into an area of passion for me - music.”
- Chase BeharChase annotates a section of the Stevie Wonder song “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” for his Extended Essay.
The York School is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment where everyone feels like they belong, regardless of their background, orientation, physical capabilities, or perspective.
Our intentional journey to make Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) a priority includes reviewing and updating our practices and curriculum, partnering with experts to help advance our own understanding and the work we do in this area, and committing to action for meaningful change to strengthen the bonds that keep our community cohesive and thriving.
This all happens through the collaboration of teachers, students, parents, staff, alumni and the school’s Board of Directors. During the 2021-22 school year, we advanced a number of initiatives to better ensure that York is a place of belonging for all who pass through our doors.
We recognize that so much of the DEI work which impacts students’ learning experiences and the school community begins by giving our teachers the tools they need to be change agents and sources of inspiration and guidance.
• In June, our entire faculty and staff participated in a day-long professional development seminar facilitated by Equity Con-
nections, focussing on harmful language, attitudes, and actions in the schoolplace.
• Over the summer, our staff read Shakil Choudhury’s book Deep Diversity: A Compassionate, Scientific Approach to Achieving Racial Justice and then spent time with him in August at an all-staff professional development seminar.
• The school’s Indigenous Education Committee partnered with Professor Pamela Toulouse, author of Truth and Reconciliation in Canadian Schools, to incorporate indigenous representation into one unit of inquiry per grade at the Junior School.
• Across the entire school, our teachers began a curriculum review to identify where students can be offered more age-appropriate resources and books across all disciplines that address racism, gender inequities, indigenous perspective, and gender sexual diversity.
Our school’s work to advance DEI goes hand in hand with our work to ensure that students’ social-emotional wellbeing is supported, and with a recognition that our students’ developing brains must be understood using a neuroscience lens.
Color Conference, where they connected with peers to share learnings for school-wide action and change.
• Over the summer, we renovated the 1320 campus to include gender-inclusive washrooms with individual private stalls on all floors of the building.
• Students and staff participated in newly formed affinity groups that provide opportunities for people to celebrate their backgrounds and come together to share challenges and concerns.
• At the same time, three Senior School students attended the virtual NAIS Diversity & Leadership Conference, which brought together students from all over the world. Financially supported by the Head’s Initiative fund, our students learned cross-cultural communication skills and strategies for change in the schoolplace.
• The school’s DEI Committee published quarterly DEI Newsletters through the Flash that highlight the impact of DEI lessons in the classroom, important cultural dates and holidays, behind-the-scenes work, and helpful informational resources for families and staff.
• In November, five teachers from across all divisions attended the virtual National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) People of
Creating Safe & Welcoming Spaces
Embracing New Perspectives and Sharing our Learnings
“We will continually ask ourselves how can we ensure each member of our community feels a sense of belonging without sacrificing who they are.”
“When student identity, emotion, and the mechanics of learning and memory are centered in teacher pedagogy and planning, then the conditions for deep learning are truly created.”
- Shelley Gopal, Co-Chair, DEI Committee
- Justin Medved, Associate Head, Academics
At The York School, we balance our strong academics with an understanding that student success is intrinsically tied to social and emotional wellbeing. Relationships and trust are at the heart of everything we do. We prioritize the wellbeing of our community because we know that students do their best learning when they feel supported and safe.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is fostered through our homeroom and advisory programmes. Students across all grades are given tools to help them navigate interpersonal relationships, unpack their feelings and advocate for what they need. Intertwined with a student’s mental, social and physical wellbeing is the sense of confidence and self-esteem they feel when they are thriving at school. Our Response to Intervention (RTI) is a three-tiered support model that matches a student’s learning needs while considering the intensity, frequency and duration of support required.
Transitions can be particularly challenging for students of all ages. That’s why, as we returned to the classroom over the past year, the
school invested in expanding its support teams across all divisions. This investment in Wellbeing, Learning Strategies, and University Counseling means that we can offer more individualized support to our students as they move through each division.
teachers and peers. Self-reflection and mindfulness is introduced early and practiced frequently. Our highly trained Learning Strategists use evidence-based instruction to benchmark progress often. Twoway communication with parents builds a trusting relationship focused on helping each student thrive. Early identification and intervention for learning gaps, and access to occupational and speech therapists, gives students the resources necessary to help them succeed and bolster their self-confidence.
For our youngest learners at the Junior School, days are structured to allow for plenty of outdoor time and physical movement, and our homeroom programme gives students the opportunity to nurture meaningful relationships with
“It is the relationships that kids have at school - with each other and with their teachers - that allows those really important conversations to happen.”Ms. Suzanne McMaster works with a student in the Junior School Library.
SEL
- Elissa Kline-Beber, Associate Head of Wellbeing
Middle School is a time of incredible growth. Students are developing a greater sense of independence and are discovering who they are as learners and people. The homeroom programme continues to be a safe place for students and teachers to explore interpersonal relationships and express their views about things happening in the world. At this stage of development, students are supported by two Learning Strategists who work to understand their individual needs and support them with personalized strategies. For social and emotional support, the Middle School Social Worker always has an open door and meets with students in a private setting to work through their feelings and help them move forward with purpose and confidence.
The Advisory Programme, which begins in Grade 9, gives students a trusted, safe, and reliable space to discuss challenging personal and global issues. The Programme cohorts students into small groups that stay together for the duration of their time at the Senior School. This allows students to develop deeper relationships with their Advisor and peers, often creating a sense of having a “second family” at school.
As students enter the Senior School, they have a greater sense of self and a growing awareness of their learning style, including their own strengths and challenges. Our Learning Strategist for Grades 9/10 is focused on the transition to Senior School and on helping students navigate time management and workload.
During the two final years of the IB Diploma Programme, a dedicated Learning Strategist is available for students working on their Extended Essays, a cornerstone of the programme. A Social Worker dedicated to the Senior School supports students’ social- emotional needs as they work to achieve schoolwork/ life balance. In our University Counseling Department, the school recognized that we needed to invest, and made a decision to hire an additional Counselor beginning in September 2022. This will ensure that every one of our Grade 12 students receives personalized advice as they complete their applications and chart their futures.
Our commitment to providing students with the tools they need to grow into caring, engaged citizens of the world means that their social, emotional and physical development is as fundamental to us as the academic curriculum we deliver.
From JK to Grade 12, our teachers routinely bring learning outside the classroom so that students can gain real world experience in seeing lessons through a different lens. Just as important, a wide variety of outdoor education and athletics encourages students to tap into their playful side, push outside their comfort zone and try new things.
Giving students opportunities to learn more about themselves and the world around them is one big reason why we adventure, explore and play at The York School. After putting many of these experiences on pause during the pandemic, we were delighted to return to them in 2021-22.
The beginning of the year featured day-long, grade-level retreats for our students in Grades 6 through 12 with a focus on active challenges like team-building and problem-solving. These retreats brought each grade closer together and set the tone for the year ahead.
Our seniors were happy to see the tradition of Grad Retreat come full-circle in June with a student-organized getaway to Camp New Moon that was full of their favourite outdoor camp activities.
The ICE programme was created by York School teachers more than 15 years ago and is a unique highlight of our Grade 9 curriculum. Designed to coincide with a student’s own growing sense of independence and community, this yearlong, interdisciplinary approach to Canadian history, geography, civics and literature combines inquiry with real-world experience.
Immersed in their surroundings and away from their screens, students
are out of the classroom frequently with winter excursions that help them appreciate how the Canadian landscape builds character in those who explore, while a springtime outdoor retreat allows time to reflect on their learning together. Students also experience the multicultural and demographic diversity of Toronto’s neighbourhoods with many field trips and outings. For 2021-22, topics such as immigration, reconciliation, inequality and colonization were explored, with students sharing their thoughts through blogs, podcasts, video essays and letters to local politicians.
exploration for our youngest learners, while the outdoor classroom has opened limitless possibilities for our teachers looking to enrich their lessons with some fresh air and a new perspective.
Gladiator Athletics also returned with students eagerly suiting up to work together as a team and learn new skills. Complemented by programmes like the JS Athletic Development Squad and The York School Athlete Institute, our students once again experienced the positive impact team play and physical movement has on their overall wellbeing and learning.
- Sara Gardner, I.C.E. teacher
At the Junior School, excitement was high as we started 2021-22 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for our new playground and outdoor classroom space. The much anticipated Wallholla climbing structure and wide open field of turf has already provided hours of joyful
The Junior School Playground, supported by so many York families, officially opens with a ribbon-cutting celebration.
Grade 9 I.C.E. students explore the Toronto Island.
- Rick DeMarinis, Director of Athletics
“Participation in athletics at The York School is all about providing opportunities that positively impact wellbeing and foster a joyful mindset.”
“Through shared experiences, students become deeply connected to this country and with each other.”
Every year, our teachers and staff submit proposals for the Head’s Initiative Fund, which aims to enrich the overall experience of our students. Made possible through the generosity of Annual Fund donors, the Head’s initiatives for 2021-22 focused on resources that will help students deepen their learning and overall wellbeing.
Thank you to our Annual Fund donors for the impactful gifts that make our school community stronger together, and enable our students to thrive both in and out of the classroom. Here are just a few of the highlights:
A foundational part of the Integrated Canadian Experience (ICE) Programme, the Winter Camping trip is a transformative 5-day excursion for Gr. 9 students studying the challenges of becoming self-reliant in far from ideal conditions. Upon completion, students inevitably discover they are stronger than they thought, and feel a sense of accomplishment for what they have achieved. Our new tents are an
investment in experiential learning and outdoor education, replacing 15 year old tents that were in disrepair.
As part of our efforts to weave the history of Canada’s First Nations into our Junior School curriculum, we have worked with Indigenous Education expert Professor Pamela Toulouse on how to better provide interactive lessons for students. Our new Indigenous Floor Map spans the entire surface of the Junior School Gym and shows how Canada looked before treaties or
political borders were established. Used by all grades, the Indigenous Floor Map creates a powerful and eye-opening experience for students and teachers as they view Canada’s history from this new perspective.
Feeling connected as a community has never been more important, and our new Live Streaming system at the 1320 Gym will let families watch games even when they can’t
Spacious and sturdy tents ensure York students get the most out of their winter camping experience.
be there in person. It will also allow for games and plays to be recorded and played back for better coaching and refereeing. With 5 cameras that follow the action, we’ll be able to share the experience of watching home games, assemblies, and other big school events.
The story behind York’s Bike Club illustrates how our teachers model a growth mindset and initiative which we work to foster in our students. When math teacher Brian Eaton learned that several students shared his passion for mountain biking, he knew that establishing a York Bike Club would be the best way to remove barriers for students wanting to try the sport. Funding for the club allowed for certifications and training and the purchase of tools and equipment to support
our students as they grow new skills while exploring the trails of the Don Valley together.
Reflecting the school’s growing commitment to expand the student body through financial assistance, the Annual Fund introduced a Bursary option toward the end of the 2021-22 school year. Reducing financial barriers for talented students whose families could not otherwise cover the full cost of tuition provides a springboard to a world-class education and all the opportunities that come with it.
While bursaries undoubtedly benefit those students who receive them, they also enrich our entire community through diverse voices, talents, and perspectives. The response to
the Bursary Fund from our families has been overwhelmingly positive and we are excited to be including it in this year’s Annual Fund options once again.
The George and Helen Vari Foundation has been supporting educational institutions and students for almost 40 years through bursaries, philanthropic gifts and other initiatives.
Madame Helen Vari describes her late husband George as a passionate advocate for education who believed its transformative impact should be available to students of all backgrounds.
“My husband was a champion of education because he knew firsthand what a difference it had made in his own life,” explains Mme Vari, “George believed that with an education and a country like Canada, you can do anything.”
The Honourable George W. Vari, P.C., O.C., trained as a civil engineer and economist before immigrating to Canada following the 1965 Hungarian revolution. Once settled, he became a successful international real estate developer dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others through the gift of education.
Today, Mme Vari carries on his legacy at the Foundation by ensuring that students of all abilities and backgrounds have an opportunity to prosper.
The York School is honoured to be a recipient of a student bursary from the George and Helen Vari Foundation. By reducing financial barriers for deserving applicants, our Bursary Fund provides a springboard to opportunity while deepening our school community with greater diversity of perspectives, backgrounds
and voices that make the learning experience better for
“Everything I can do today is thanks to George and his vision,” says Mme Vari, “And what we have come to enjoy even more than the gift itself is that we keep in touch with the students. We love to hear their stories. We love to hear about their successes.”
“George believed that with an education and a country like Canada, you can do anything.”
everyone.George and Helen share a loving moment.
“Every gift that’s donated by our generous community is deeply valued and enriches the life of our school. Gifts made beyond the Annual Fund are especially impactful and appreciated, as they create new programs and spaces, deepen opportunities for learning, and help ensure York’s long term sustainability and success. Thank you to these donors for investing in our school and community.”
- Struan Robertson, Head of School
- Mme Helen Vari
Six years ago, when Pamela Wren Ritchie and Howard Levitt were considering JK for their eldest daughter Wren, they knew they wanted a school that offered the coziness of small class sizes along with an engaged community and outstanding faculty.
And that’s exactly what they found when they stepped out the back door of their home at the time. “We were living in a house that backed on to the Junior School playground and our first impression was very positive”, explains Pamela, “The children always seemed joyful and the bright-eyed teachers that surrounded them were clearly living their calling. The York School has the vibe of a very special place.”
This feeling of specialness only deepened as Wren progressed through the Junior School, eventually joined by her younger sister Sarah.
Over the years, and especially throughout the pandemic, the Ritchie Levitt family has felt fortunate to be at a school where their daughters are supported by compassionate and attentive staff and faculty. By leading through relationships and paying close attention to the needs of each student, Pamela feels that York continues to do an outstanding job of keeping the community as engaged and safe as possible.
When it comes to giving back, Pamela says she and her husband model this for their children every day: “We feel it’s important to support our community and for our daughters to see that giving to the places we believe in, like their school, is just one of the many ways we can show our gratitude.”
- Pamela Ritchie“We feel it’s important to support our community and for our daughters to see that giving to the places we believe in, like their school, is just one of the many ways we can show our gratitude.”
We wish the Ritchie Levitt family all the best in Oxford where they’re spending the 2022-2023 year!Above: Ms. Katherine Laschowski, Junior School Principal Val Turner, and Wren Levitt ‘29 at the Grade 5 Celebration. Below: Sarah Levitt ‘33 in front of her favourite English roses.
For Alexandra Stewart and Roger Rudsili and their sons Edward and Oliver, the pandemic’s social distancing guidelines meant they spent lots of time together at their cottage surrounded by nature. Online learning went well enough and the boys were happy to be outside more than usual. “We feel The York School did a good job keeping everyone engaged,” says Alexandra, “And we really enjoyed the extra time together as a family.”
Through it all, the family recognized that teachers had to make many adjustments to keep their students learning. As they watched Edward and Oliver settle into new routines, it felt like the right time to show their appreciation to the teachers by making a gift that would enhance the classroom experience for all students in the Junior School, when in-school learning resumed.
Alexandra knew the teachers would sometimes ask students to bring in materials from home for units of discovery and she wondered if there was a more sustainable way to get resources into the hands of the students. After brainstorming with faculty, Alexandra and Roger decided to make a gift that would directly enhance the classroom experience with the creation of three Mobile STEAM labs.
STEAM education at The York School provides exciting opportunities for hands-on experimentation through the interconnected exploration of Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math. Stocked with an array of resources, the new mobile STEAM labs will move easily between spaces and allow students to truly embrace the tools and materials necessary to breathe life into the designs they create. And because the STEAM labs are mobile, the timetable can be more flexible, freeing up greater blocks of time for students to design, build, experiment and explore.
“It all starts with amazing teachers who model creative problem solving every single day,” says Alexandra, “Their ‘can do’ attitude inspires us to show our support and be part of something foundational to the classroom experience.”
Curiosity and hands-on experimentation leads to great discoveries.
“It all starts with amazing teachers... [whose] ‘can-do’ attitude inspires us to show our support.”
- Alexandra Stewart
Robbie Kozman ‘26 has made the most of his York School experience since joining our community a decade ago as an eager and curious SK student.
As an avid student athlete, Robbie has proudly worn the Gladiator uniform for several teams, including soccer, basketball and badminton. He has also embraced leadership roles and public speaking opportunities through his efforts on student council, community action and the student ambassador program. Robbie also enjoys playing in the Honour Band and is excited for his upcoming trip to Havana with the Music Department, where he hopes to learn more about Cuban music and culture while improving his Spanish.
Robbie feels fortunate to attend a school that offers so many opportunities and experiences, and believes access to such a transformative education should be available to all. As one of the recipients of the Barbara Goodwin-Zeibots Scholarship for the 2021-22 school year, Robbie knew right away that he wanted to explore a way to give back to the school that he feels has given him so much.
After brainstorming with his family and the school, Robbie decided to donate the financial award he received with his scholarship to the school’s bursary program. Bursaries allow students from all backgrounds to access educational opportunities that may not otherwise be open to them due to financial barriers.
“Our school is enriched by a diverse student body through classroom discussions, friendships, and opportunities for learning,” says Robbie. The York School Bursary is critical in our efforts to build an inclusive community of learners. “Learning from doing is elevated when you’re learning alongside a diverse group of peers,” explains Robbie, “And that diversity is an essential part of a great education.”
“Our school is enriched by a diverse student body...”Robbie ‘26 and his friend Gavin Betts ‘26 share where York ranks in their book. - Robbie Kozman
At The Junior School, we lay a foundation for lifelong learning by harnessing students’ natural curiosity to discover who they are while learning about others and the world around them. For families like Stacey and Sonya Weisberg and their children Pearson (“Pearse”) and Poppy, one of the best parts of their experience at York has been the sense of belonging they feel here.
“For us, it’s all about community”, explains Sonya. “We both look for ways to make a difference. And there are a variety of opportunities to support the school and the school community”.
Being part of a strong community also means that we encourage students to step outside their comfort zones by trying new things on a regular basis. Pearse and Poppy enjoy getting creative and testing their ideas through hands-on experimentation with a wide array of tools and tactile materials that might typically be found in a computer lab, craft room, woodworking shop or even the great outdoors.
Now, with a couple years at the Junior School under their belts, the Weisbergs understand that they have two very different types of learners in their home. “We’ve
been impressed by the attentiveness of the teachers and support staff,” explains Stacey, who volunteers as a director of the Board and serves as Chair of the Premises Committee. “They are able to identify learning styles early and tailor their approaches so that both our kids feel supported and thrive.”
The Weisbergs’ gift will be used to support the long-term sustainability of the Junior School, funding projects that enhance student wellbeing and the school experience. In
way, they’re creating an enduring legacy that will benefit students today and tomorrow.
“The goal is to help where we can,” says Stacey. “Not just for our family’s own experience, but to leave the school stronger and healthier for those who come after.”
this
“The goal is to help where we can. Not just for our family’s own experience, but to leave the school stronger and healthier for those who come after.”Sonya and Stacey Weisberg with their children Poppy ‘34 and Pearse ‘32.
- Sonya Weisberg
The graduating Class of ‘22 prepares to say farewell to York , but not goodbye.
Vishakha (“Vish”) Tiwari (‘21) joined The York School in Grade 8 as a shy but eager student drawn to the IB curriculum. Impressed by the inclusive culture and wide array of co-curriculars, she found her passion in volunteering with the school’s many health and wellbeing initiatives.
“At York, I knew I was part of a community,” Vish explains, “and that gave me confidence.”
Realizing she was good at leading and collaborating through her work as a Grade 11 mentor, Vish went on to serve as Co-Director of Wellbeing on Student Council for her Senior year of high school.
As part of the graduating class of ‘21, Vish understood that her final year at York would be unlike any other. With pandemic restrictions in place, students and staff worked together to make a combination of in-person and at-home learning as safe and impactful as possible.
“We worked hard to create cohesion between in-person students and those learning from home,” says Vish, “I knew from my own personal struggle with mental health that
maintaining engagement needed to be
primary goal.”
Now in her second year at Northeastern University (NU) in politics, philosophy and economics, Vish continues to apply the social-emotional learning and leadership skills she honed at York to make an impact in the lives of others through her involvement with the NU chapter of Active Minds, a national organization committed to reducing stigmas associated with mental health disorders.
“Just like at York, the hope is that if people need help they know the safe space is there,” explains Vish, adding that she feels grateful to the York community and the Wellbeing team for all the supports in place through COVID-19 that allowed her and her fellow graduates to reach their full potential.
- Vishakha Tiwari
“At York, I knew I was part of a community and that gave me confidence.”
ourVish enjoying her first year at Northeastern University in Boston, MA.
Leah Mersky ‘10 was in Grade 11 when she traveled to India for the first time as part of a service learning trip with The York School to volunteer at an orphanage called Families for Children (FFC) in southern India’s Podanur Junction. “The community engagement and service learning aspects of York were fundamental to my education because they grounded my experiences within a wider story,” recalls Leah, “and made me think about how I contributed to it.”
York’s service learning trips are part of a larger approach to learning that embraces opportunities for handson experiences in settings different from our own, with a goal to better understand how to effectively and authentically forge partnerships that can make a difference in the lives of all involved.
In the case of India, York’s early service learning trips to India evolved into the creation of Global Pathways School (GPS), a K-12 day school with a mission to empower under-served students to build an ecosystem comprised of education, healthcare and community development. For more than
-Leah Mersky15 years, except when travel was restricted, York School students and staff have arrived in India each year, prepared through team-building and culture awareness training, to be active participants in a reciprocal exchange of ideas and learning.
For Leah, the experience has come full-circle in her current role as Di-
rector of Programs and Partnerships at Village Community Foundation (VCF), the Canadian charity that funds Global Pathways School.
Inspired by the students at GPS who show up every day with enthusiasm to learn despite leading challenging lives, Leah knows how fortunate she was to have access to an education that encouraged her to think critically and globally. “The experience was transformative,” recalls Leah, “My time there definitely shaped who I am today by helping me discover how community service and community projects give meaning to my life.”
“The experience was transformative.”Leah with GPS staff in Chettipalayam, Tamil Nadu, India.
When Jamie Perlmutter graduated from York in 2014, he planned on following his brother to the University of Michigan (U of M) and into the Business program beginning in second year. Although admitted to U of M, Jamie’s Business program application was declined, and he knew that he’d have to find a new direction. “It was unsettling to have my plans blow up in my face,” he recalls, “but if that hadn’t happened, I would never have found my passion for programming.”
For Jamie, as soon as he started studying something that really spoke to him, the sense of curiosity he once felt as a York School student was reignited and everything else fell into place. “Computer programming is like learning a new language and solving a puzzle all at the same time,” he explains.
Outside the classroom, Jamie enjoyed student life and filled his free time volunteering for the Wolverine Support Network (WSN), a peerto-peer support group co-founded by a close friend who had lost his brother to suicide. Jamie is proud to have been part of an organization committed to empowering univer-
sity students to take care of their mental health, and the WSN has since grown to become a national school program called The Support Network.
“York gave me opportunities for deep conversations with all sorts of different people,” Jamie says, “and this built and fostered a self-awareness and confidence that I drew upon to lead weekly peer-to-peer groups, and eventually volunteer as the Director of Operations for WSN.”
Today, Jamie lives and works in Manhattan at Spotify as a Senior Business Intelligence Analyst on the Personalization Team. And though he’s far from his formative years at York, he still feels connected to the lessons he learned as a student from Grades 1 to 12: “Mental Health is important and we can’t be afraid to have the hard conversations. Embrace the unexpected and speak up. Your voice matters.”
“Embrace the unexpected and speak up. Your voice matters.”Jamie with Mr. Rick De Marinis Jamie at the University of Michigan. - Jamie Perlmutter
Alexis Charest-Descomme ‘13 was a prospective student touring the Middle School when he learned that York was among the first schools in Canada to offer a one-to-one laptop program. “At the time, we had one shared computer in our home,” explains Alexis, “so the idea that I would have my own laptop was a real game changer for me.”
As a leader in tech-enabled education, The York School has long embraced innovation and technology as important tools for students as they develop their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Alexis remembers being impressed by the integration of tech he hadn’t seen in other schools, as well as the teachers who enriched the curriculum through digital literacy. “I joined the sound crew for the hands-on opportunity to learn,” recalls Alexis. “And by Grade 9, I had taught myself how to make my own website with embedded video games.”
Today, Alexis works as an Analytical Lead at Google. He credits The York School with helping him find his passion. “In my daily work, I’m still using the skills I developed during my time at York to analyze
complex data to tell compelling stories,” says Alexis. He also points to the nurturing relationships he developed with his teachers. “For me, the one thing that truly differentiated The York School was the personal relationships you could build with your teachers,” says Alexis, “I saw them less as authority figures and more as people I could learn alongside who could guide me.”
This supportive environment gave Alexis the confidence to try new things and discover his passions. “While I didn’t know it at the time, it all brought me to exactly where I am today.”
Charest-DescommeShare your story by scann -ing the QR code or contact us at alumni@ yorkschool.com
“While I didn’t know it at the time, it all brought me to exactly where I am today.”Alexis speaking at graduation. Alexis at Google HQ in Toronto. - Alexis
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21 out of 25 parents are satisfied with their children’s school experience.
83% of staff feel The York School models excellent teamwork. 21% above industry standard 84% of staff feel their job provides them with a sense of personal accomplishment. 5% above industry standard
85% of DP parents say The York School was their first choice.
have
Helped with time management skills (88%)
97.4% of ‘22 grads received offers from their first choice university.
97% of parents say they chose IBDP at to enhance their child’s academic abilities
of parents feel that teachers genuinely care about our students.
87% of students feel encouraged to pursue whichever post-secondary program sparks their interest.
89% find the atmosphere inclusive, warm and welcoming.
8% above industry standard
88% of staff feel The York School has an excellent work environment.
IN 2021-2022
Thank you to our generous donors who contributed during the 2021-2022 school year. Your support empowers us to innovate, build and thrive as a school and community. We couldn’t do it without you.
$0-999
Patricia McMahon and Kevin Ackhurstr
Band Orange Family Belavin Family Bhaloo family Alexandra Wilbee and Brian Burke Alysa Treen and John Burzynskir Cathy and Joseph Camposp Jodi and Nico Cape Cash Family
Alexis C. Charest-Descomme ‘13
Danylewich and de Veber Family Nanor Sagherian and Richard Di Gioacchino Audrain Fizzell Familyr Julie Abouchar and William Gough Heitelman Family
Connor Houghton and Family Elizabeth Mendonca and Anthony Ironside Krishana-Kak Family Heather and Duane Leer
Joy Futerman and Joel Lessem Levere-Breeze Familyp Hoorieh Mehrdadfar and Amir Madadi Monica and Roderick McInnes Madeleine Greenwald and Eric Moss Mahnaz Hamidzadeh Mousavifar and Amir Mousavifar Carol Devine
Jennifer Lee and Jeffrey Novak Alua Nurkeyeva
Ira Parghi and Sujit Choudhry Alina and Adrian Phiffer
Jordan Frankel and Joshua Picovr Reppas Family Rosen Family
Sonya Pfeiffer and David Rudolf Sava Familyp Sciama Family Sarit and Neil Seeman
Sheridan Family
Daniel Silverberg and Family Sheree and James Stuart Stephanie Moy and Wei Wang Warnica Family Rochelle and Robert Waxman Annette Whiteley Wilkin Familyp Karen Lam and Tommy Wong Linda Lam and Daniel Wong Baoping Dai and Haijiao Yangr Ziaei Family Anonymousr Anonymous6 Anonymous (5) $1,000-$2,499 Parham Aarabir Ain Familyr Andrews-Lengyel Familyr
Asano Family Atack Familyr Gillian Hamilton and Michael Baker6 Trisha Banzon Behar Family Nathalie Foy and Ted Bettsr Deborah Krick and Mark Burnatowski Jodi Baker Calamai and Lapo Calamai Carr Familyp Centraide Du Grand Montreal Lhamo Yangchen and Peng Tso Cha Hsi Rayultsang June and Ben Chu D’Alessandro Family D’Souza Chiu Family Daniels Hanyska Family Davies Familyr Dawe Familyr Diplock Seel Familyr Sara and Brad Dunkley Faith Family Faralla Family Jodi Brasgold Finkelstein and Jon Finkelsteinr Fraiberg Familyr Andrea Kurtz and Anatoli Freiman Jacque and Tom Friedlandp Angela Ho and Mark Fruitman Vivian Chan and Eugene Fungp Gelgoot Family6 Gliosca Anderson Family Terez Czapp and John Godfrey Sandra Nishikawa and Vincent de Grandprér Joanna and Martin Guo Hutchison Family Mauro Jadavji Family Afshan Ali and Irfan Khan Jennifer Logan-Klassen and David Klassenp Jane Teng and Horace Lee Leigh Familyr Kirsten Thesberg and Tim Leys Tingnan Song and Otto Lir Limei Chen and Ting Liang Shirley Pazhaidam Martin and Stephen Martin Susan and Jason Martin6 Boyd Meredith Familyp Kaleigh Metser Family Sandra Nissanr Erica and Andrew O’Born Pace Family Virginia Priscus and Julian Padfieldr Iuliana and Dragos Paise Pinchuk Silver Family Powis Family Reydman Family Sharon Norton Robertson and James Robertsonr Rosenhek Family Ross Familyr Kaiser Rotman Familyp Rygiel-Baban Family
Rai and Sahota Family
Sumi Hong and Myoungjun Seor
Nancy and Jeff Shanta
Shawn Familyp
Camille and David Shermanr
Gargi Bhasin and Scott Sinha
Lara Avedian and Raffic Skaffe
Janice Zong and Ping Song
Erica Yao and David Tien Sarah Chapman and Olivier Tran Tsao Family
Vella Grace Family Vo Familyr
Annesley and Kevin Wallace Wasserman Familyr Stephanie Price and Scott Watson Sonya and Stacey Weisbergr Yeo Familyr
Yoskovitz-Howard Family Elena and Maxim Zavet Zhaosheng Zhang
Qunfang Lu and Jie Zhangr Anonymousp Anonymous
$2,500-$4,999
Ao Family
Benedetti Family Chu Bennett Family Patricia and Eric Bonnor Corrin Familyr
Cummings Family del Moral Family Angel Wu and Qiang Du Fedyushchenko Familyr Melissa and Joel Feldbergp Jane Hemingway and Jamie Ferguson-Woods Jill Burgin and Michael Floodr
Francis Familyr
Jessica Riley and Bruce Fraser Vivianne and Kevin Gauci Brooke and Jeff Hales
Roseann Andreou and George Hatzogloup Yanwei Lu and Gang Her Cheryl and David Heike Kernaghan Familyr
Marsha Malbari and Allan Lee
Xiaojing Xiong and Jiangfeng Li Yunhong You and Daniel Lin Zhuo Wang and Bo Mar
Mackintosh Familyr
Ilyse Lustig andTed Margel, Charlie & Daisy
Katherine and Graham Marrr
Armstrong Murray Family
Muthu Family
Pong Familyr
Wei Jing and Wei Xin Qiup Natalie Krnic & Amer Sabanadzovic Erika Schiavoni and Julian Salcedop Susan Wortzman and Glenn Smith
Diana Olusanmi and Volker Steiningerp Stieber Familyr Lucy Ma and James Sun Chunqi Sun and Shanming Tang Uster Family Cynthia and Mark Walker
Moffat Wiseman Family Adrianna Czornyj and Shey Ylonen Hongjun Shi and Yong Yu Naghmeh and Alex Yuzbasiyan
Anonymous
$5,000-$9,999
Azrieli-Blanc Family Erin Iles and Subrata Bhattacharjee6 Kathryn and Michael Bowenr Dempsey-Hall Familyp Shlomit and Jonathan Feldmanr Godfrey Familyr Gori Family Shira and Mitchell Greenr Yunying Kong
Kristin Blakely-Kozman and David Kozman6 Kronby Tschofen Familyr Cindy Tu and Albus Luongp Plumpton-Hill Familyp Stewart-Rudisuli Family Karen Xiaolin Wang and Xuhui Xu Anonymous
$10,000-$24,999
Gilman Family Anna-Maria and Xhovani Kalemi Heather Ursu and Marcel Kasumovichr Sarah and David Kaufmanr Maingot Family Lina and Ron Rein
York Faculty & Staff
Sarah Akbari Maria Barndenp Kimberley Benoitp Fabio Biagiarellir Jean Coronel Otino Corsanor Jacquelyn Cummings Chloe Edwardsr Amy Fabap Helen Gin Michelle Golfmanr Catherine Gordeyevp David Hamilton6 Mary Hudson Kendra Hutton Eric Iannacchino Simon Isdell-Carpenter Elissa Kline-Beber Cody MacFarlaner Janet MacMillanr Justin Medved Marilyn Melnickr Hailey Meslin Suzanne Newell Karen Nielsen Rita Pakr Barb Prevedellor Kristy Purcell Sean Rand Jennifer and Struan Robertsonr Julie Selleyr Adam Shamoon Christine Spence Valerie Turner Anthony Westenbergr Anonymous
Consecutive donors: r3 years p5 years 610 years
Thank you to those donors whose giving spans multiple years. Your enduring investment in The York School ensures we can continue offering the best educational experience for students today and tomorrow. We are deeply grateful for your ongoing support.
$10,000-$24,999
Andrews-Lengyel Family Catherine Fogarty and Maria Armstrong Mary Ellen and Lowell Aronoff Phil Arthur Atack Family Alena and Mark Bailey Moshira El Masry and Ahmed Balbaa Leigh and Paul J. Bedbrook Bell Canada
Chu Bennett Family Emily Burnett and Jonathan Bloomberg Joanne Stewart and Kirk Boggs Ilena and Mark Borinsky Laurel Brooks Shannon and David Burton Carr Family Susan Charron May Vong and Cosmos Chiu Lynn and Michael Clarfield Bari Hochman Cloth and Jason Cloth Naomi and Michael Cohen Paula Stante and Remo Commisso Joan Dea and Lionel Conacher Maryann Seefuss and Douglas Cowdrey D’Alessandro Family Lynn and Paul Damp Mary Pat Tillmann and Gerry Dancyger del Moral Family Diplock Seel Family Norie Campbell and Stuart English Jennifer Fagg and Tony Kynaston Hanieh Rezaei and Hooman Fazlollahi Fedyushchenko Family Laurie and Adam Felesky Cathy Hampson and Tom Flynn Liza Thomson and Levi Folk Fraiberg Family Francis Family Chris Fraser Jane and Michael Freund Jacque and Tom Friedland Gelgoot Family Gilman Family Giovinco Family Barbara Goodwin-Zeibots Gori Family Chantal and John Graham Shira and Mitchell Green Sharon Pel and James H. Grout Roseann Andreou and George Hatzoglou Alison and David Heden Linda and Timothy Hodgson Janet Neilson and Adam Howard Zhibai Gao and Jianmin Hu Marilyn and David Hull Elena and Victor Jdanovitch Marie Henein and Glen Jennings Anna-Maria and Xhovani Kalemi Kernaghan Family Jennifer Logan-Klassen and David Klassen Yunying Kong
Sasikhan Geibprasert and Timo Krings Kronby Tschofen Family Linda Fuerst and Michael Kucan Dana Geller Lampe and Jonathan Lampe Jennifer Dale and Robert Lantos Lisa Shostack and Alfred Lee Sherri and W. Robert Lee Joan and Alan Lenczner Marie-Christine and Bruno Leps Levere-Breeze Family Lexus on the Park Barbara Henders and Jeffrey Lloyd Leslie Pace and Thomas Long Mackintosh Family Maingot Family Jintana and Michael Mansour Erin Marcus Mary and Danny Marcuzzi Ilyse Lustig and Ted Margel, Charlie & Daisy Kelly Dobbin and Scott Mathison The McLean Foundation Boyd Meredith Family Leslie Giller and Paul Mingay Heather Conolly and Paul Mingay Jan Innes and Chris Morgan Mary McCullough and Robert Murray Zabeen Hirji-Nowaczynski and Mark Nowaczynski Karel O’Brien and Gerald O’Leary Pace Family Joan and Hugh S. Paisley Wendy and Paul Petrelli Pong Family Rupinder Kang and Vikram Prabhudesai Talei Kunkel and James Price Carol Purpura and Larry Bates Wei Jing and Wei Xin Qiu Helen and Scott Rattee RBC Dominion Securities Foundation Lina and Ron Rein Leslie Joy and Darren Richmond Heather A. and Stephen M. Rider Jennifer Law and Paul Rose Anita Vogel and Mark Rozells Yulia Rybakova and Andrey Rybakov Natalie Krnic & Amer Sabanadzovic Rai and Sahota Family Nargess Khosrowshahi and Ali Salass Erika Schiavoni and Julian Salcedo Karen and Blair Schultz Ann and Gregory Sharp Shawn Family Sheridan Family Rachel and Joseph Shilon Nicolle Butcher and Kent Smallwood Diane Blake and Stephen Smith Jennie and David Steen Beth Weingarden and Paul Stein Erin and Daniel Sternberg Stewart-Rudisuli Family Stieber Family Annette and Mike Stramaglia Louise and Gary Sugar
Kim and Mark Surchin
Sheila Thompson
Erica Yao and David Tien
Van Tu and Minh Luong
Jessica Monk and Christopher Van Loan Venture Construction
Ria Tzimas and Spyros Volonakis
Fangfang Guo and Jiwen Wang
Julia and Werner Wehmeyer
Myrna and Percy Weinstein Xiaogang and Hongwei Wu
Yali Zhang and Alfred Wu
Elena and Maxim Zavet
Deborah Zemans
Charlene and Alex Zivojinovich Anonymous
$25,000-49,999
Mercedes Benayon and Derrick Abraham
Patricia McMahon and Kevin Ackhurst
Marilyn Andrews and John B. Anderson
Gillian Hamilton and Michael Baker
Erin Iles and Subrata Bhattacharjee
E.W. Bickle Foundation
Kathryn and Michael Bowen Maite Burns and Holton Burns
Wendy M. Cecil
Duriya Patel and S. Ali Chaudry
Jennifer Kaplan and Philip Chown
Laurel-Ann Baker Corneli and Luc Corneli
Crothers Leasing
Karine Krieger and Daniel Daviau Sandra and Leo Del Zotto
Dempsey-Hall Family
Maureen Flanagan and David Denison
Anita and Vincent G. Dong Nicole and Sean Driscoll Shlomit and Jonathan Feldman
Lauren and Michael Galego Peggy and Scott Gardiner
Goldman Family - Cooper Sato
Sarah White and James Grant Janet and David Greyson Roberta and Tim Hague
Jasmine Vujasinovic Hartog and Adrian Hartog
Helios Energy Inc.
Hanna and Mark Kassirer Kassum Family Kay Family
Pam Isaak and Greg Kiessling
Hyea-Kyung Han and Jae-Jung Kim Linda and Charles Lazzam Leah Leon and Cary Landegger Abby Cook and Gregory Levey Pamela and Howard Levitt Romy and Corey Libfeld
Kathy Houde-Lovas and Carl Lovas Yan Luo
Malcolm Family Leslie and Duncan McCallum
Andrea Pereira and Vitor Mendes Pereira Caren and Larry Morassutti
Grace and Murray Neal Linda and Kevin O’Leary
Martha and Michael Pedersen Sheila and Michael Royce
Nancy Sprott
Diana Olusanmi and Volker Steininger Robin and Bill Stone
Kate Subak and Doug Eberlee
Andrea and Peter Szirmak Teresa and Kenneth Toten
George and Helen Vari Foundation
Ann Louise and Henry Vehovec
Veltri Family
Marianne and Wil Verheyen Elisabeth and Maurice Wager
Susan Eplett and Jim Walker Molly and Ben Watsa Lindy and David Williams Amal and Jonathan Wolfe Yan Fang Zou and Wenjie Wu Ana and Ken Zuckerman
$50,000-$99,999
Kimsa Atkinson Family
Sarah Everett and Don Barber Cindy Barnett and Shon M. Barnett
Renita Greener and Alan Bender
Catherine Smith and Tedd Bibbo Susan Makepeace and Cornel Brenninkmeyer Melanie Edwards and John Brown Melissa McCourt and Brad Cameron Shailen and Charu Chande Corrin Family
Xia Wu and Qiang Du
Marc Dupéré and Willians Bernardo Susan Paul and Ken Engelhart Faralla Family Jill Burgin and Michael Flood Ira Gluskin
Godfrey Family Trish Domi and Ori Goldman Judy and Stuart Golvin Yanwei Lu and Gang He Rochelle de Goias-Jackman and Duncan Jackman, Trinity Jackman and Marcus Doyle
Patricia Meredith and Stephen Karam Heather Ursu and Marcel Kasumovich Sarah and David Kaufman Howard Kerbel Kevin Kimsa
Joannah and Brian Lawson Susan Bedford and Jason Martin Caro Macdonald and Mark McCain Allison and Peter Menkes Christy and Alex Moorhead Murmann Family Nancy and Edward Nash Ann Glazier Rothwell and Alex Rothwell
Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc. Donna and Gary Slaight
Jennifer Ross-Smuschkowitz and Howard Smuschkowitz Lauren and Neil Tabatznik
Tixi-Loewenthal Family Lun Hai Wang and Dao Jing Wang Anonymous
$100,000-$249,999
Parham Aarabi
Saltanat Abdigaliyeva and Abi Abdykerim Shelly and Stephen Arbib Susan and Leonard Asper Sara and John Bellamy Nandini DasGupta and Michael Bernstein Christy and Julian Bharti ’04
Keddy Williams and Eric Bushell
Dimitra and Michael Davidson Waleuska Lazo and Jeffrey Feldberg
Julie Di Lorenzo and Robert Graham
Maxine Granovsky Gluskin
Karen Weinstein and Jason Hanson
Hebel Family
Kristin Blakely-Kozman and David Kozman
McBurney Family
Plumpton-Hill Family Sadeh-Ward Family
Cindi Alexander and David Samuel Tori Stollery Robin and Michael Storfer Angela and John Vavitsas Anne Marie and Stephen Walker Sonya and Stacey Weisberg Moffat Wiseman Family
$250,000-$999,999 Azrieli-Blanc Family Melissa and Joel Feldberg Leigh Family Theresa and Seth Mersky Kaiser Rotman Family Liza Mauer and Andrew Sheiner Kimberly Emerson Thorsteinson and Timothy Thorsteinson
$1,000,000+ Elizabeth and Robert Schad
To learn how every donation matters and strengthens our community, please visit us at yorkschool.com/support-us
