School Spirit

The House tradition and its roots at York House 

Originally established in 1936, the House system is an enduring thread connecting generations of students. These close-knit groups within the larger York House community deepen the camaraderie and school spirit across grade levels. Yorkies engage in friendly competition and work together to earn House points through academics, athletic endeavours, character development, and Community Learning.

Every staff, alum, and Grade 3 to Grade 12 Yorkie is a member of either Arbutus (Blue), Cypress (Yellow), Maple (Red), or Pine (Green) House—named for neighbourhood streets lined by the stately trees that watch over Yorkies passing below. The trees symbolize growth, wisdom, and knowledge. They root us in our commitment to sustainability and our home in Vancouver. 

Since before these streets were named or the trees were planted, long before York House was founded, these have been the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations. The names of our Houses open meaningful conversations about the First People who have lived here since time immemorial.

Community and Participation

The House tradition fosters a balance of good-natured rivalry and consistent connection. Senior School Students build bonds through informal daily Teacher Advisory Group (TAG) sessions with their fellow House members. House points are earned through volunteering at York House and winning tournaments such as the annual Junior School Food Bank Frenzy. School spirit comes alive as Yorkies compete for their Houses at fun events throughout the year, from Halloween costume contests to scavenger hunts to Spirit Week Pyjama Day, or at whole-school House events like the Sports-a-Rama and Fun-a-Rama relay game tournaments. At the end of the year, the House with the most points earned by the Junior School receives the House Shield, while the House with the most points in the Senior School is presented with the House Trophy.