York School News

York Students Learning to be Mindful

Mindfulness is a key component of The York School's wellness programme, starting as early as JK. It has also been the theme at the Middle Senior School this month. 

Instead of morning assembly this week, students, staff and faculty gathered together and started their days with a mindful activity of their choice. Through mindful activities, the York School community was able to slow down, be mindful and enjoy the moment. 

Students, staff and faculty participated in a variety of mindful activities within the school and in our surrounding neighbourhood including:

A Winter Walk: a leisurely walk through the neighbouring reservoir. Mindful walking is an active practice that requires one to be consciously aware and moving in the environment. This practice brings us closer to nature and our bodies. It also helps strengthen concentration, makes us more aware, and connects us to the present moment

Run like the Wind: a winter run through the Beltline focusing on breath and the beauty of the outdoors. Running mindfully means being in the present moment while running and concentrating only on what you are doing at exactly that moment. Each step, each breath, and each heartbeat can be the focus. This is where you exist and is where your focus should be.

Mindful Photography: From seeing into being. Explore the ravine to capture mindful images. How can we be more present when capturing these moments? Bring mindfulness into photography by taking a closer look at colour, texture and the faces being captured.

Yoga: Discover how breath can ease the mind and help deepen one's connection with their body. Yoga is not just about working out, it’s about a healthy lifestyle. The practice of yoga allows us to find stillness, peace and tranquillity.  
 
Singing for your Soul: Free your mind through breath and song by singing along with friends. 

Origami: Fold your way to calm. Experience a meditative journey while transforming paper into a three-dimensional sculpture.

Read & Relax: Escape into the pages of a really good book with quiet, uninterrupted reading time.

Zen Chess: Lose yourself in the strategic game of chess which helps to develop decision-making, strategic planning and logical thinking skills.  
 
Guided Imagery: Guided imagery increases awareness of the present moment, reduces stress, and promotes relaxation. This drama exercise is an imaginary journey. Sit or lay quietly with your eyes closed and experience the "story" of the exercise on a deep sensory level.

Beaded Bracelets: Engross your mind in the task at hand and focus your attention. Be there, don't let your mind wander to stressful thoughts. While you are creating, really take notice of what you are touching, seeing, hearing.
Mindful Colouring: When totally immersed in a creative endeavour you may find yourself in a meditative state where you temporarily push aside your worries.

It was a successful way to start the day and a wonderful reminder to be mindful in our every day lives. 
 


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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