House Tradition

York House School was founded in 1932. In 1936, with a student population of 69, the school decided that every student in grades five through twelve should belong to a House to encourage a friendly spirit of competition, cooperation and responsibility through academics, sportsmanship, discipline and social service. 
 
At this time, a merit system was also started, whereby each student was granted merits for her house through academic achievements, sports and deportment. Demerits were imposed for breaking rules and other misdemeanours such as improper uniforms, rudeness and slouching during annual “Posture Week”.

In 1937, house pins in the shape of a canoe and in the three house colours - yellow, red and blue - were adopted to distinguish each House’s members. 
 
A fourth house was added to the original three Houses in 1961 due to increased school enrolment, and was assigned the colour green. The demerit system was discontinued in 1970 by then-Head of School, Bryan Peet, to foster an atmosphere where students gained points through contributing to community activities and helping others. 

Over time, concerns about the names of the Houses emerged and in 2016, the House Captains led a shift to refer to the houses by colour, and no longer use the original names. Please see here for the YHS Statement on House names, and the school's rationale for its formal change at this time.

The House system and House events promote school spirit and encourage relationships and camaraderie among different grade levels. Every student from grade three to grade twelve is a member of one of the four houses. Each day, students spend time with fellow House members during the daily TAG (teacher advisory group) sessions, which are an informal way to connect with one another.

Houses participate in whole school events such as Sports-a-Rama, which is a high-energy tournament with relay games. Students compete for their houses in other annual fun events, such as the pumpkin carving and costume contests at Hallowe’en, and games, scavenger hunts, and the House breakfast and pyjama day during Spirit Week. House points are earned by winning tournaments, such as the Junior School’s annual “Food Bank Frenzy”, and volunteering at the school. At the end of the year, the House that earns the most points in the Junior School is presented with the House Shield, while the House with the most points in the Senior School wins the House Trophy.