MESSAGE FROM DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

CONOR JONES

Welcome to York on Yonge MagazineFocus on The Arts

Welcome to the third edition of York on Yonge Magazine. In this edition, we highlight ‘The Arts’ at York and some of the wonderful opportunities andactivities taking place within our community.

Music, visual art, crafts and theatre—The York School offers it all. This edition gives an idea of the breadth of experience happening in the Artsat York. We have stories about the Upper School drama production and theLower School knitting club; we explain how graffiti at the Brick Works inspiredour Diploma theatre class to create their own play and how our students turnold magazines into new hope in the fight against Aids; we profile a parentwho has authored a children’s book and an Alumna who is traveling to Pragueto pursue theatre. We also say farewell to Robin Fulford, a beloved English and Theatre Arts teacher, who is retiring after fourteen years at The YorkSchool. And this is just a taste of the Arts at York!

You also have the opportunity to read about our first annual—andextremely successful—Spring Market. This event was organized by our ParentAssociation and featured over thirty vendors, a silent auction and performancesby many of our school musicians.

These pages provide a glimpse into the excitement of the Arts at The York School—with such talented students, faculty, parents and Alumni,every day is an artistic inspiration.

Enjoy,

Conor Jones,Director of Advancement

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LOWER SCHOOL ART BLOG

The students love to see their work up on the blog. We have a lot to be proud of.” —Joanne Spadafora-Schwindt

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In January of 2011 JoanneSpadafora-Schwindt, Lower School Art teacher, created a Lower School Art Blog to showcasethe work that our Lower School students produce.

The blog is updated biweekly and is a window into the colourful and creative world of the Lower School art room and beyond!

Projects featured on the bloginclude: the Collaborative Art Piecewhich was generously funded by theBender Family, illustrations for the Just Imagine It Unit of Inquiry, creatingan original Sponge Bob character anddrawing and sculpting human figures for

the Our Growing Bodies Unit of Inquiry.“The students love to see their

work up on the blog. We have a lot to be proud of,” said Spadafora-Schwindt.The excitement and creativity in the artroom cannot be contained and the blogshows our community how hard workand the use of technology can create beautiful things.

For a more in depth look at the blog please visit: http://blogs.yorkschool.com/lsart

ALUMNI PROFILE

DOMINIQUEMCCULLOUGH-MURRAY ’08by Marika Motiwalla

Dominique McCullough-Murrayhas loved drama since she played the Duck in Peter and the Wolf ingrade one. Although she is now a third-year university student shestill holds the same passion shehad at a young age. This summershe heads to the Czech Republicon a research grant.

Dominique is the recipient of a 16-weekresearch grant as part of the Project forUndergraduate Research Experience(PURE). To complete her research she willgo to Prague, Czech Republic and attend

the Prague Quadrennial, the majorinternational theatre designers’ exposi-tion that occurs there every four years.

Dominique’s research is based onthe exploration of non-digital projectionin theatre which applies directly to JohnMighton’s Possible Words—a Canadianplay that deals with the concept thattechnology is developing faster than we can understand it.

“I hope to make a statementagainst this technology by using non-digital projectors.”

Once in Prague, she will presentsome of her past work to the interna-tional community, see presenters from

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other countries and participate in aworkshop on non-digital projection led by Eli Kaplan Wildmann (a Greektheatrical designer known for his workin lighting design).

She plans to include everythingfrom the Magic Lantern, a projector usedin the 17th Century involving a candleand mirrors, to overhead projectors andreel-to-reel film projectors to solidify herresearch. Her research will conclude twomonths after she returns from Pragueand will culminate in a 10-day exhibit ina gallery at the University of Calgary anda presentation of her research to theacademic community in Calgary.

Innovation and taking chances are not foreign concepts to Dominique.A graduate of The York School’s class of2008, Dominique took IB Theatre Artsand excelled in this subject. At the endof her grade 12 year, Alison Hunter, Chairof English and Theatre Arts suggestedthat she enter the Tarragon Theatre’sSpring Training Program in the summer.

“That program and her supportgrounded me in a place where studyingtheatre was a viable career choice. Itopened doors for me as well in terms of a connection to one of Canada’sfounding theatre companies.”

Hunter often felt working withDominique was a collaboration and she

enjoyed every minute of teaching her.“Dominique has deep and

abiding interest in all aspects of the art form. She is an ideal member of acast ensemble, not only because she isso committed to developing an authen-tic performance, but because she is sosupportive of everyone else in achievingthat goal as well,” said Hunter.

Dominique is now a full-time stu-dent at the University of Calgary major-ing in drama with a focus on technicaltheatre and is pursuing a minor in English.The stream of drama she is studyingincludes set design, costume designand backstage work. Dominique willcomplete her degree in 2012. She hasalready been offered a costume con-struction position with Stage West andanother position working as a scenicartist on film. Although she is unsure inwhat capacity, she plans on working inthe Calgary community for a few yearsbefore heading back to Toronto to workas a theatre and film designer.

Adamantly committed to her craft,even when it results in some long nightswith little sleep, Dominique says that itis all worth it and that the arts are theultimate freedom for a student.

“I love every minute of it.”

ALUMNI Q&A

WILSONVERHEYEN ’06

What have you been up to since your days at York?I ended up going to York University,where I got accepted into both the musicand graphic design programmes. Afterquite a tough decision I chose graphicdesign. It is not easy being a musicianto say the least, and I figured there wasmore of a future for me in graphic design.That being said I was able to take quitea few music courses on the side anywayso in the end I got the best of both worlds.

What did your years at York teach you?The IB diploma taught me a lot. In particular, it taught me about what Iwas interested in, what I wanted to do

and it prepared me well for university.What I remember most from York is notnecessarily what it taught me, but theexperience that I had, as far as the feelof community goes and the opportunitiesthat a small school like York has to offer.Two examples that come to mind werethe opportunities in music that I was ableto pursue as well as being the editor ofThe Stand, our school newspaper. Notto sound terribly clichéd, but maybeexperience really does teach.

What were your experiences with the arts at York?I had great experiences with the arts atYork, especially with the music program.

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Playing in the concert band as well asthe jazz band was a lot of fun for meand definitely helped influence me tokeep pursuing music in the future. Inaddition, taking music for the IB diplomain the last two years at York gave me agreat understanding of the many differentstyles of music as well as the process ofcomposing music. Of course, I also haveto give credit to the many great teachersI had in music at York. It definitely madeall the difference.

What would you say is your greatestaccomplishment so far?My greatest accomplishment so far isdefinitely having put out an album andother than that having finished univer-sity, of course. As far as the album goes,I wrote it more for myself, and didn’t setout with the idea of writing somethingthat would do well per se, but rathersomething that I would be happy with.It’s a great accomplishment for me.

Why did you pursue music?I wanted to put together an album for a long time, ever since I graduated fromYork back in 2006. In the last two yearsof high school I had already beenrecording some pieces for guitar that I wrote. I think IB music was really whatgot me interested in writing music tobegin with. Anyway at the end of high

school I already had several ideas ofwhat I would want on an album but I felt that my music wasn’t at a highenough level. During the last year ofhigh school I started to listen to a lot of Spanish flamenco guitar music and I became very interested in it. At thetime I didn’t even really think of studyingflamenco guitar, I didn’t think I’d everbe able to play at that level. But as luckwould have it the music department atYork University actually offers some fla-menco guitar courses, so I just had totake them. Four years later here I am, witha flamenco guitar album. I’m personallyvery happy with the result and I’ve alsoreceived a lot of very positive responsesfrom people about how much they enjoymy music, I’m still surprised whenever I hear that, it’s almost surreal, but it’scertainly great hearing that feedback.

What’s next? I’m going to concentrate on my graphicdesign for a while, get my career going,keep up my guitar playing, and thenhopefully put out another album. I already have several ideas that I’vebeen working on. Other than that I’llsee where life takes me!

If you’re interested in Wilson’s album,check out www.wilsonverheyen.com

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New drum kitThe York School’s Music Department is having a custom-made drum kitmade for the jazz programme. Eachdrum will have a different design on the shell, incorporating pictures of old Toronto and reflecting our place in the city. This unique drum kit is beingbuilt by percussionist Jon Fedorsen.

Fedorsen is a freelance drummerand educator in Toronto. He is equallyat home playing jazz as he is rock or popmusic. His band, Crash Parallel, was featured on CTV’s Canada AM in February.

Fedorsen’s innovation and technique will be reflected in this very special addition to the York School’sinstrumental department.

This custom drum kit was fundedby generous donations and proceedsfrom the York Spring Market which washeld in April 2011.

LEFT: These historic Toronto scenes willdecorate the new custom-made drum kit

SHAKESPEAREWITH A TWIST

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This year the Upper School put on a production of GoodnightDesdemona (Good Morning Juliet).Each student involved gave first-rate performances—squeezingevery laugh out of the text andcaptivating the audience in every scene.

This play was written by Toronto authorAnne-Marie Macdonald. GoodnightDesdemona (Good Morning Juliet)was awarded the Governor General’sAward for Drama, the Floyd S. ChalmersCanadian Play Award, and the CanadianAuthors Association Award. The playwas written with the intention of fiveactors playing all of the roles. The YorkSchool, with generous permission fromthe author, adapted the play in such a way that the maximum number ofstudents possible could experience and participate in this wonderful work.

Here is what the faculty and studentshad to say about the experience ofbeing part of the Upper School play:

“I chose this play because I loved it from the first time I read it. It is our firstplay by a local playwright, and it is ourfirst play since I’ve been here that waswritten by a woman and I really wanted to do that as well.”—Alison Hunter, Co-director and Chair of English and Theatre Arts

“It is a great opportunity to meet people in other grades and experienceteamwork and theatre in ways thataren’t possible during the normalschool day. It can also help build confidence in younger students whomay be shy otherwise.”—Emma Thompson-Murphy, Grade 12(Desdemona)

“I love the arts and have participated in our school productions in some wayor form since Grade 8. The performancenights are absolutely thrilling and I lovebeing a part of the whole experience. I knew it would be a huge responsibilityto take on in my Grade 12 year, but I am a strong believer in a proper balance between academics and fun.”—Kathryn Fotinos, Grade 12 Student (Constance Ledbelly)

The most rewarding thing was getting up on stage and seeing somany people sitting in the audience.It felt like all the hard work reallypaid off because for all three nights the house was packed.” —Yashna Lakhani, Grade 10 Student (Juliet)

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Singing can be a fantastic confidence booster. I believe that everyone can sing.” —Lisa Yorke, Music Teacher

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THE LOWER SCHOOL AFTER 4

GLEE CLUBby Lisa Yorke, Music Teacher

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In the junior Glee Club, we engage in ensemble and solo singing.

I choose repertoire from the televisionshow “Glee” (where appropriate, ofcourse!), musical theatre, Disney andgeneral popular music the students areparticularly fond of. The students oftenmake suggestions too. We look at thesesuggestions together and decide if a song would work for us.

If the tuning isn’t there, it’s mainly because the ear isn’t internalizing

the pitch. With practice, this can be corrected. Over the years, I have seensome students start out in choir, barelyopening their mouths to let the soundout. As they practice vocal techniqueslearned in class or choir and begin torealize that they are making a pleasantsound, they want to let the world hearit. Before you know it, they are beggingto sing solo.

We have a talented and eagergroup of children in our Glee Club and it is a great option for children whowant something a little less traditionalthan choir.

SPRINGMARKETThe York School’s Social Event

THE PARENT GUILD 2010-11

Deborah AberRonnie AltshulerMary Ellen AronoffJennifer BallSusan BedfordMercedes BenayonBarbi Benjamin-LevittNadereh BineshIlena BorinskyKathryn BowenAnn BradtTammy BrownDafna CarrDan CarrBarbara CernyElizabeth ChassonLinli CheeKorinne CollinsLaurel-Ann CorneliLisa DinnickMelanie EdwardsMaria Dolores EguiarteDenise EllisKimberly Emerson

ThorsteinsonDeanne FarrarJoel FeldbergWendy Forney RoddeyGiulia FotinosJoanne FoxChris FraserLeslie GillerAnn Glazier RothwellCarole GliklichJane GoldbergAlonna GoldfarbRenita GreenerJane Gutcher

Cathy HampsonBarbara HendersNicole IrwinTracy KayTracey KernahanNargess KhosrowshahiMira King KralikHania KuzbariElayna LatskyLinda LazzamJennifer LeitchJulie LevinKerstin LueckCaro MacdonaldJennifer MackintoshMarcus MacraeValery Macri-PascoloAlessandra MaglianoMary MarcuzziJane MarroneMary MartinMariette MatosLiza MauerSimone MayerCatherine McHughVanessa Melman YakobsonAllison MenkesHailey MeslinRebecca MeyerChristy MoorheadCristiana MoretzsohnLilliane MosesKathrin MurmannNancy NashGrace NealPenny NobleAlison NormanIvana Novaes

Karel O’BrienCatherine O’Brien ScarlettLiz O’DwyerLisa OliverChristina PaapLeslie PaceEdita PageNico PaulMartha PedersenDawn PerlmutterJodi Peterson-CooperMahween RahmanValerie SantoroCristina SavaLiz SchadLili Shalev ShawnAlison SharmaJeanine SheridanMaureen L. SimpsonJackie SklenkaSandi SollMary Ann StallingsSofie StergianisRobin StorferAnnette StramagliaKim SurchinLaura ThomasMary Pat TillmannDaniela TixiLisa VogelClaire WarrenBeth WeingardenKaren WeinsteinArlene WililamsKeddy WilliamsOlivera Zatezalo

The school year is almost at an end. Over the course of this year theParent Guild has hosted over 14 events, which have included activitieslike Parent Parties, Fun Fairs and the Spring Market. These events represent an immeasurable number of volunteer hours, hundreds ofvolunteer positions and the active participation of our parent communitywho have generously volunteered their time and efforts over the courseof this school year. On behalf of The Parent Guild, The York School and all the students, we would like to thank the following:

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ANNUAL FUND UPDATE

Upper School FundSupporting the Upper School campus at1320 Yonge St., this fund will continue toserve the needs of students’ experience,by providing them with enhancements thatare not included in our operating budget.

Student resources continue to be anarea of improvement at the Upper SchoolCampus. This summer, our facilities teamwill be hard at work improving the campuswith enhancements to student classroomsand common areas.

Lower School FundThe fundraising priority for the LowerSchool this year has been the Lower SchoolPlayground; please refer to the New LowerSchool Playground article in this magazinefor more information.

Arts FundThis issue of York on Yonge is featuring the school’s artistic accomplishments andachievements throughout the year. The students have all benefited from this fund;they are provided with an educationaladvantage in the area of arts, by allowingthe school to facilitate and showcase all ofthe students’ artistic ambitions.

Athletic FundPromotes and encourages the students’health and physical education by providingresources like the Fitness Centre and specialized athletic coaching. At the UpperSchool, the Fitness Centre is currently inthe process of expansion. You will now find a water station and more equipmentin the facility; a complete set of barbellsand rack, a chin-up and pull-up matrix barand an iPod dock music system.

It is not too late to make a contribution to this year’s Annual Fund. Any donationsreceived by June 30, 2011 will be repre-sented in our 2010-2011 Annual Report.

Thank you for your continued supportand generosity to The York School.

Thank you to everyone who has participated in this year’sAnnual Fund. Parent participation has increased to 42% ofall families making a contribution this year.

THE NEWLOWER SCHOOLPLAYGROUND

In September 2011, the Lower Schoolwill be home to a new playground.Through working with parents, students, consultants and architects,the vision for our children’s playgroundhas been developed with a focus onconnecting to nature. It is our goal tohave a beautiful natural playgroundwhere children can engage in safe and educational play during recessand before and after school.

The York School chose BienenstockNatural Playgrounds to design thisspace because of their understandingof a child’s development and relation-

ship to the natural world. This award-winning, interdisciplinary team ofdesigners have quickly establishedthemselves as leaders of green spacedesign and construction. We are confi-dent and excited that this partnershipwill result in a wonderful new play-ground for the Lower School.

The playground will feature asports play area, a flower and vegetablegarden and much more. The outdooramphitheatre will offer opportunitiesfor teachers to spend lessons outdoors,but still on the school property. Largenative trees will be planted for shade,and giant logs and boulders will provide

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a limitless canvas for the students’imaginations. The art panels on thefence are an opportunity to bring culture and nature together, designedby students. All of the features will be created using natural and durablematerials, and will be fully accessible,functional and inclusive. Overall, thenew playground will be a hub of activityfull of learning opportunities for ourLower School students.

With the vision for the playgroundnow complete, all we now need is tofinish raising the funds to build it!

With the support of generousdonors and parents, we have already

raised $275,000, and the plan is to openthe children’s playground in September2011. You can help us complete theplayground by buying a brick. For a tax-deductible gift of $1,000, you have theopportunity to inscribe your family’sname or a message on one of the bricks.

If you haven’t already done so,please join the York School communityby showing your support and buying abrick in the playground. A sample brickwill be on display at the End of YearCarnival on June 16, and you will havethe opportunity to make a donation onthat day. Or, you can donate online atwww.yorkschool.com/playground

When drama students saw the graffiti-covered walls at the BrickWorks—inspiration struck. Studentswere given the challenge to createtheir very own play as a part of the IB Drama curriculum and coming upwith a concept was just the first step.

While attending a workshop on actingand writing, the students looked aroundat the Brick Works and saw graffiti onthe buildings. The designs inspiredthem and from there Welcome ToParadise, an original play, was born.The process of developing a scriptincluded writing different monologues,creative writing pieces from different

perspectives and finally dialogues. “We have had to bring different

characters in and take different charac-ters out and incorporate them togetherand make them have connections,”said Gillian Piltz, Grade 11 student.

The students are in charge of their own destiny when it comes to thisplay. Each of them is assigned a certainresponsibility. These range from writing,acting, gathering props, coordinatingmusic and sound, organising lightingand creating costumes.

The process has taught each student that everyone has to have theirown part and there are no small partsin acting.

ME, MYSELF & IB DRAMA

A FACULTY FAREWELL

ROBIN FULFORDby Marika Motiwalla

After fourteen fulfilling years RobinFulford, long-standing English andTheatre Arts teacher, is retiring. Wewish him well and extend a heartfeltthank you for all his years of outstand-ing commitment to teaching. But, as he says farewell he is filled withmixed emotions.

As he moves on from The York School,Fulford plans on spending quality timeworking on his writing—plays, proseand poems. He is looking forward tomeeting with people who are of interestto the plays he wants to write as well asresearching topical issues which inspirethese original plays. At the moment,Fulford is working on a piece about theG20 Summit which took place Torontoin June of 2010.

Fulford has been writing and producing plays for over three decadesmany of which have been turned intoperformances at Platform 9 Theatre,which he started with his friend anddirector Ken McDougall.

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Fulford has remained at the forefront of artistic expression with playsthat were highly theatrical but dealtwith social concerns. Steel Kiss, a playwhich tackled the issue of homophobiaand violence and Whitewash, a playwhich delved into the stories behindthe Ipperwash crisis and death ofDudley George, are just two examplesof Fulford’s pioneering efforts to bringsocial issues to the theatre.

He was also a pioneer duringYork’s early years. Fulford taught the firstgraduating class at York the InternationalBaccalaureate English curriculum at theDiploma level in 1998. But, his style ofteaching and mantra of developingmutual respect between students andteachers has proven timeless.

“For Robin, it was all about thestudents, and their ability to expressthemselves—in writing and on stage.Tireless hours were spent puttingtogether each year’s literary journal,‘Shout’, reflecting with students on theirwriting, and encouraging actors fromthe director’s chair. We will all missRobin’s gentle nature and creativegenius, not to mention his endlessstore of bow ties!” said David Hamilton,Principal of Upper School.

Fulford’s favourite memories atthe school come from his participation

in the Conference of IndependentSchools’ Drama Festivals (CISDF). He has taken 12 groups of students to perform 12 originally written plays overhis years at York.

“The connection between my professional theatre and my school theatre is very close,” Fulford says.

Ideas that are developed throughschool productions are taken andsometimes expanded in Fulford’s pro-fessional theatre life and vice versa.

Although he studied maththroughout university before decidingto switch to English, Fulford has foundhis passion in writing. He guides andencourages his students to become betterwriters and believes that anyone whowants to can learn to be a better writer.

“In English and theatre it is allabout giving people the ability to com-municate in a clear and more forcefulway and give them more confidence.It’s all about the opportunity.”

Without a doubt, Fulford hasgiven countless students at York theseimportant opportunities.

It seems that with extra timeavailable to Fulford the sky will be thelimit once retired.

“I can sleep all day and party all night, or the other way around,” he says with a smile.

I’m really looking forward to the freedom but I’ll really miss the kids—that’s why we’re here.” —Robin Fulford

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ART FOR AIDSby Effie Balomenos, Chair of Visual Arts

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This year’s Grade 10 art class raised$1,690 for the international Art forAIDS project. Students participateannually in a creative art workshopled by visiting artist HendrikusBervoets in which they learn abouthow the AIDS pandemic affectspeople in many countries in Africa.

Through the creation and sale of international portfolios of limited editionprints, Bervoets and his fellow artistsfrom around the world have raised sub-stantial funds to help children who areaffected by the AIDS pandemic. ArtistsInternational Direct Support has alsopartnered with the Nelson MandelaChildren’s Fund and the Rotary Club.

In bringing this important initiativeto The York School, Bervoets has allowedthe students to gain an appreciation ofhow it is possible to make a differencetowards benevolent initiatives throughthe making of art. After learning aboutthe AIDS pandemic and its devastatingimpact in Africa, the students create a

series of collages to reflect their feelings,thoughts and perspectives on thisimportant issue.

A selection committee identifiesbetween fifteen to twenty of the strongestcollage designs to form The York School’sArt for AIDS annual portfolios. Each ofthe selected collages is reproduced professionally into a series of 25 limited-edition signed prints.

A set of the first signed prints fromeach student is framed and displayedduring the December, Grades 9 to 12,Arts Night. Framed and unframed printsare available for sale. The York School is glad to contribute to this outreachprogram in which proceeds from thesale of our students’ art can make a difference in the lives of others in theglobal community.

“We are all very excited about the results from this year’s Art for AIDSand about the continued relationshipbetween Art for AIDS and the YorkSchool,” said Bervoets.

Thank you for supporting this outreach program.

PARENT STORY

THE ODYSSEY COMES TO THE YORK SCHOOL

Four years ago Patrick Bowman set out on a journey to make ancientGreek mythology more appealing toyoung readers. Today, as an accom-plished author of Torn From Troy, it seems he was successful.

Bowman is a parent of two York Schoolstudents Anitra, in Grade 4, and Kathleen,in Grade 9. He spent most of his life as a software engineer but has alwaysthought of himself as a writer. Torn FromTroy is his first book and the first of atrilogy covering Homer’s Odyssey andthe trials and tribulations of Odysseusas he returns home from war. The booksaim to make the epic tale of Odysseus’

journey home accessible and enjoyableto read for children and teenagers.Bowman has made this story his ownby adding a main character Alexi, whois a slave boy at the service of Greekwarriors. Bowman hopes young readerswill appreciate the character’s age,vitality and sense of adventure.

“I hope they walk away with thesame sense of wonder and the samesense of ‘wow’ that I had reading Greekmythology. In particular I hope thatsense of ‘wow’ is reinforced because it is based on an adventure story,”Bowman said.

Torn from Troy follows the plot ofthe Odyssey very closely only omitting

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scenes where Odysseus isn’t present.This book aims to make Homer’s language and story less daunting toreaders, according to Bowman. Readingshould be enjoyable and Bowman wrotethis book so young people could enjoy a legendary classic.

“There is so much pleasure to behad from books. Movies are fun to watchbut… you’re stuck with the moviemaker’sdecisions about what things look likewhereas in a well-written book you aregiven only enough detail that yourimagination takes over and providesthe rest of a picture,” Bowman said.

To exemplify this idea Bowmanuses the example of the Cyclops.

He said that if he asked ten differentchildren what they imagined it to looklike he would get ten different answers—and he thinks that is a great thing.

Bowman gave two readings at The York School in April and enjoyedthe process of reading out loud from his book. “There is nothing like readingout loud to find out if your book is anygood,” said Bowman. Covering the trials and tribulations of Odysseus hasbeen an invigorating experience forBowman and he hopes that his readerswill be taken away on this journey—and learn something in the process.

Part Two of the trilogy will be outin the Spring of 2012.

KNITTINGTying children and charity together

Clara Meyer, Julia Murmann,Abigail Nash, Katie Rothwell andSophia Sheiner, Grade 3 girls atYork, love to knit—and now theyare teaching fellow students to do the same.

When these five friends saw each otherknitting in the playground at recess theythought it was a great idea to start a club.Surely if they liked to knit and make theirown hats, scarves, purses, braceletsand skipping ropes, others would loveit too. It turns out they were right.

Now, twice a week at recess agroup of Lower School students gettogether and knit under the supervisionof teachers, Megan DeMarinis andVanessa Emer. The five girls teach theirpeers (in Grades 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) how tofinger knit, two-finger knit and needleknit. The outcome of all their hard workand creativity are beautiful woven piecesthat are both decorative and practical.

But the innovation and excitementdoesn’t stop there. On Monday, April 18these young knitters decided to sell allthe goodies they made and raise moneyfor Camp Oochigeas, a camp for childrenwith cancer. They generously worked onover 80 items to sell. They raised $207!

These girls and all the other knit-ters are perfect examples of experienceteaching and how The York Schoolencourages innovation and creativity at all levels.

Congratulations to our LowerSchool knitters!

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This year is unfolding to be the most successful and inspiringyear of university/college placement for our graduates.

The Grads of 2011 have submitted anunprecedented 488 individual applica-tions to post-secondary institutionsaround the world, including over 135individual applications that were sentto universities in the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe. TheGraduating Class of 2011 has set a newstandard of ambitious post-secondaryaspirations.

According to the AcademicRanking of World Universities Index

(www.arwu.org), our graduates havebeen admitted to several of the top-ranked universities in THE WORLD! In Canada, our graduates are againbeing admitted to the most competitiveprograms in our nation’s universities.Students and parents are invited to loginto their Naviance/Family Connectionsaccount and investigate The York School’sCollege/University Acceptance history.Simply log into your account—choosethe Colleges Tab and click AcceptanceHistory. You will see where our gradshave chosen to attend since 2005.

Congratulations to the TYSGraduates of 2011 for the successesthey have achieved and the universitychoices they can now make.

GRADUATINGCLASS ADMITTEDTO THE WORLD

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University of AberdeenAcadia UniversityAmerican University of RomeBoston UniversityBrandeis UniversityUniversity of British ColumbiaBrown UniversityBucknell UniversityUniversity of CalgaryCarleton UniversityCarnegie Mellon UniversityUniversity of ChicagoClaremont McKenna CollegeClark UniversityCornell UniversityDalhousie UniversityUniversity of EdinburghGeorgetown UniversityGrinnell CollegeUniversity of GuelphHuron University CollegeUniversity of King’s CollegeLesley UniversityUniversity College LondonMacalester CollegeMcGillMcMaster UniversityUniversity of MichiganNortheastern UniversityOccidental CollegeOntario College of Art & Design (OCAD)

University of OttawaUniversity of PennsylvaniaQueen's UniversityRyerson UniversitySkidmore CollegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of St. Andrews (Scotland)St. Francis Xavier UniversitySwarthmore CollegeSyracuse UniversityUniversity of TorontoUniversity of Toronto (Trinity college)University of Toronto

(University of St. Michael’s College)Tufts UniversityUniversity of VirginiaWake Forest UniversityUniversity of WaterlooUniversity of Western OntarioUniversity of Western Ontario

(Huron University)Wheaton College MAWilfrid Laurier UniversityCollege of William and MaryYork UniversityCanterbury Christ Church

University CollegeEmily Carr University of Art + DesignImperial College of Science,

Technology, and Medicine

Below is a selection of some of the schools to whichour graduates have already been admitted:

TEDx IB@York

Passion,Purpose &PerspectiveTEDX IB@York is a one-day event for adults and IB Diploma students taking place at The York School onFriday, November 18, 2011.

Talks are from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.followed by an Evening Gala.

Registration & Info at tedxibyork.com

x = independently organized TED event