The York School 2024/25 Year in Review - Donor Spotlight: Lesley David, Lena Koke and Robert ‘35

Lena Koke and Lesley David researched a number of independent schools in Toronto when they were looking for the best learning environment for their son, Robert ‘35. The York School’s midtown location, co-ed classes and global perspective made the school a strong contender. When they attended an open house, they discovered an inclusive environment that welcomes all types of families. They were also happy to learn that York “looks at the individual, not just from an academic perspective, but as a person first. The school offered an education in the broader sense, understanding that everyone has different strengths and weaknesses,” says Lena.

“We really liked York’s values and the community, and those won us over,” Lesley says.
Robert, now in Grade 3, is a curious boy who loves learning – and he’s been thriving since he came to York two years ago, say his parents. “He’s very happy and often skips to school. He loves his teachers and classmates. York is fostering his creativity, whether it’s drawing pictures, writing stories or creating a new invention from a cardboard box,” says Lena. 

In York’s IB Primary Years Program (PYP), Robert and his classmates are exploring transdisciplinary themes like: Where we are in place and time, How the world works, and How we organize ourselves. The curriculum framework allows teachers to introduce concepts that go beyond traditional subject boundaries. For example, in Grade 2 when Robert learned about the provinces and territories that make up Canada, he also learned about the importance of our transportation and health-care systems. “I didn’t learn that until much, much later,” says Lena.

Supporting More Great Spaces, the facility upgrade plan for the Junior School, was a way for Lena and Lesley to help ensure that our students have the smartly-designed spaces they need to flourish physically, cognitively, artistically and socially-emotionally. It was also an opportunity for them to show their appreciation for the role York’s teachers and staff are playing in Robert’s development as a person.

“Choosing a school is a tough thing to do. Teachers and schools have a huge impact on your child’s educational experience. The York School has been amazing. They’ve given our family a lot of personalized help. So when this project came up, it was natural to say, ‘If we can do something to help support the facility that makes the overall education experience better, why not do it?’ This was really a way of contributing and giving back,” says Lesley.
Back