Student Citizenship & Leadership

Student Citizenship
Demonstrating our total commitment to experiential learning, we aim to bring the IB program to life by developing complementary learning opportunities that extend outside the classroom and encourage our students to be active community members at school and beyond.

Through citizenship activities and opportunities, students from JK - Grade 5 build on their growing independence, discover their passions, strengthen social and leadership skills, and learn about the world around them. Our weekly assemblies often recognize student-initiated actions and involvement in student life which further inspires our students to make a difference and stand up for change whenever they can. 

Student Leadership
Leadership skills are woven into all aspects of student life from JK to Grade 12.

York School students have many opportunities to assume leadership roles and to have an active voice in student affairs. Students learn responsibility, decision-making, cooperation and self-awareness through various leadership roles such as Student Council, Morning Announcements, Hall & Cubby monitors and Captains within our House System, which runs throughout the Junior, Middle and Senior School.

House System

House System
The York School’s Spirit House system provides exciting opportunities for students of all ages and grades to socialize and build relationships. House events also foster the development of leadership skills.
 
Spirit House competitions are held from time to time, and students can earn points for their Houses by enjoying a variety of activities within the school setting.
 
This system was developed in 1982 and has provided a structure for school spirit and fun competition ever since. In September 2023, we introduced new names and logos for our Spirit Houses. The new names correspond to the four elements – Earth, Air, Fire and Water – and each one is a symbol of the contributions that Spirit House members make to our community. 
 
Earth represents the strong foundation of our community. It keeps us grounded and encourages our growth.

Air is the connection between our physical and mental states. Air is what brings mindfulness and balance to our community.

Fire is the passion within our community and the spark of curiosity that inspires us to embrace new opportunities and challenge ourselves to take risks.

Water represents what connects all members of our community. Water is the undercurrent that binds us together and sustains our relationships.

Our new Spirit Houses will help us build even stronger relationships across the York community!

About the York School

The York School is a gender-inclusive JK to Grade 12 independent school located in the heart of Toronto. The York School was founded in 1965 and is the first English speaking school in Canada accredited to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) from junior kindergarten (JK) to university entrance. As an IB World School, The York School's motto is Experience Teaches.

Contact Us

Junior School (Grades JK-5) 1639 Yonge Street Toronto, Ontario M4T 2W6 
 
Middle School (Grades 6-8) & Senior School (Grades 9-12) 1320 Yonge Street Toronto, Ontario M4T 1X2 | Tel: 416.926.1325
 
Mailing address: 1320 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario M4T 1X2
Attendance:
Junior School: 1639attendance@yorkschool.com
Middle & Senior School:

1320attendance@yorkschool.com

Admission:
admission@yorkschool.com

General Questions:
reception@yorkschool.com