Why Is Wellbeing and Belonging So Important?

We know that a fundamental precondition for learning is a sense of safety. At The York School, we are deeply committed to fostering a strong sense of wellbeing and belonging, and to celebrating the diverse backgrounds of our community members. Our overarching goal is to ensure all community members feel valued, respected, and supported. Our curriculum reflects diverse perspectives and texts which centre a variety of voices. Our homeroom and advisor programs are designed to promote meaningful discussions on a range of topics including identity, current events, and self-management strategies. Our wellbeing and learning strategies team is available for individual support and for collaborative opportunities to optimize learning and growth. The Leigh Family Centre for Wellbeing is a dedicated hub that brings all of this together in a warm and student-friendly atmosphere.
Fostering Wellbeing and Belonging at TYS


We are Guided by our Values
  • Nurture curious learners to become globally minded leaders with integrity and purpose
  • Challenge ourselves and one another to reach our fullest potential
  • Foster a strong sense of belonging and community for all students, staff and families

Commitment to representation and retention
  • Hire and recruit outstanding staff and students supported by diverse and equitable practices

Creating a strong culture of belonging and inclusivity
  • Model high expectations for all students
  • Promote respect for student differences
  • Collaborate with families and local community
  • Communicate in linguistically and culturally responsive ways
  • Create safe and affirming spaces for both students and staff
  • Engage the expertise of social workers to promote student wellbeing and inclusion
  • Create physical spaces that respect gender and identity
  • Recognize and redress bias in the system




Curriculum and Pedagogy
  • Bring real world learning into the classroom
  • Draw on students’ culture to shape curriculum and instruction
  • Foster service learning and civic engagement
  • Cultivate compassionate and intelligent student leadership
  • Optimize the use of homeroom teachers and advisors to foster meaningful discussions on identity
  • Ensure curriculum materials represent diverse perspectives, voices and viewpoints and close gaps where they exist
  • Host full school assemblies and learning opportunities with a range of guest speakers, both internal (TYS) and external (community members) to explore issues of identity and belonging

Learn more about our wellbeing program at Junior School, Middle School and Senior School.