Community Learning
Meaningful action and reciprocal growth
Being a Yorkie is a journey of self-discovery—which includes growing to know yourself and your impact on the world around you. York House exists Not for Ourselves Alone, empowering our students to be caring, confident global citizens. Community Learning isn’t a singular experience. It’s the active process of making meaningful, intentional connections in our community and beyond. Yorkies explore new perspectives and build relationships in an ongoing cycle of understanding, action, and reflection.
Local Partnerships
Through partnerships and engagement with fellow non-profits, Yorkies from Junior and Senior Schools connect their learning in and out of the classroom with their community and the world.
- Vancouver Food Runners
- Canuck Place Children’s Hospice
- The Terry Fox Foundation
- Connecting with elders through Seniors for Seniors
- Clothing drives
- The Reading Bear with local schools
- Toy and hamper drive with Union Gospel Mission
- Food Frenzy with Greater Vancouver Food Bank
- Backpack drive
- Holiday boxes for the Downtown Eastside Women’s Shelter
Student-Led Community Initiatives
Students also organize school initiatives and meaningful causes that resonate with their identities and interests.
- Annual food drives for Ramadan benefitting the Downtown Jamatkhana
- Downtown Eastside pet supply drive with the BC SPCA
- The Aboriginal Mother Centre Society
- New Fountain Shelter
Global OPPORTUNITIES
A host of activities and experiences opens doors beyond the classroom to develop the knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to live and lead well. International excursions integrates environmental education and interdisciplinary learning. Students learn by doing, building the capacity to:
- Know themselves
- Investigate the world
- Recognize, understand, and value diverse perspectives
- Take informed and ethical action
Yorkies engage in student-led clubs including First Responders and Green Club, mentor youth through programs like Each One Teach One, and action ideas through the design-thinking process in the Incubator for Social Innovation. They explore the mountains, forests, and waters of British Columbia through Outdoor Education, and embark on international exchanges to destinations like Australia and the United Kingdom—connecting with peers in different cultures and broadening their understanding of our complex world.
Spark Day
In January 2025, Senior School hosted Spark Day—the first of what promises to be many vibrant, immersive events. Students discovered future career opportunities with speed networking and workshops by guests from various industries, engaged with non-profit organizations off-site, and attended workshops with community partners on campus.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award - Canada
This globally recognized program is a framework for personal growth, skill development, and adventurous exploration. Students set SMART goals for activities they’re passionate about that also have a meaningful, positive impact on the well-being of our planet and its people. Through developing universal and transferable skills, increasing their fitness levels, cultivating a sense of adventure and volunteering in their community, the Award inspires young people to take control, make their own choices and build their own unique programs, helping them to find their purpose, passion and place in the world.
