Student Leadership
Developing the capacity to lead with integrity
We’re preparing future-ready leaders by immersing students in the complexities, challenges, and beauty of the real world. From more traditional roles in student government to the equally important responsibilities of honouring cultural holidays or peer-to-peer tutoring, leadership can take many different forms. Grounded in our values and the motto Not for Ourselves Alone, Yorkies build the self-awareness and agency to lead with courage and empathy.
Junior School Leadership Roles
| Co-Head Students |
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Elected by their teachers and peers in June of Grade 6, the Head Student and Vice-Head Student step into the responsibilities of student government in Grade 7. In this vital role, they speak at key events and collaborate with House Leaders on memorable Junior School House events—and at the end of the year, represent their class as the valedictorians of Grade 7 graduation. |
| House Leaders and Officials |
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Each of the four Houses is championed by two Yorkie House Leaders chosen by Grade 7 teachers to inspire and organize. They run monthly House meetings for Grades 3 to 7, plan and lead Junior School House events—including Track & Field Day—and take part in a leadership development program throughout the school year. They’re the voice of their Houses at assemblies, keeping everyone informed on competition standings and upcoming events, and volunteer to referee and facilitate the weekly House games. |
| Playground Pals and Leaders |
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Grade 6 Playground Pals proudly don their pink vests to watch over Grade 1 to 4 Yorkies, offering minor first aid, resolving conflicts, and building friendships across grades. Playground Leaders organize games and activities for their younger peers. Not only do these mentors and supervisors make recess and lunch breaks safer and more fun, they’re fostering better communication and empathy for themselves and others. Other Leadership Roles in Junior School:
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Senior School Leadership Roles
| Student Executive Council |
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Twelve students are elected to lead the Senior School community every year:
These council members represent the York House student body at events on- and off-campus in their striking Blackwatch sashes or formal gold blazers, and provide mentorship for younger YHS Class Presidents, Heads and Vice-Heads. |
| Head Student |
| The Head Student embodies our core values while providing leadership to the Senior School student body. This position involves representing students at school events, collaborating with administration, advocating for student needs, and coordinating community-building initiatives. The Head Student works closely with the Student Executive Council to foster an inclusive school environment while setting a positive vision for the academic year. |
| Vice-Head Student |
| The Vice-Head Student works in close partnership with the Head Student, providing essential leadership support to the York House School community. This role includes deputizing for the Head Student when needed, representing the school at various events, and maintaining detailed records of Executive meetings. The Vice-Head collaborates with administration, coordinates student-led initiatives, and fosters connections with other schools. As a key member of the Executive Council, the Vice-Head champions student voices while upholding the school's core values and contributing to a healthy, inclusive community environment. |
| Community Service Captains |
| Two student leaders elected by the student body serve as Community Service Captains each year and inspire and support other students to get involved inthe community. |
| House Captains |
| Elected by their respective Houses, these Grade 12 students foster school spirit and team-building with students and staff through events like Spirit Week, Sports-a-rama, and holiday activities. As Houses participate throughout the year, they earn points towards the coveted House Trophy—awarded at the annual Bravo! Event to the House with the highest score. |
| Class Presidents |
| These role models are a link between their grade, the student government, and the entire York House community. They organize grade events, lead meetings, and advocate for student views to drive the student-led initiatives that align with our values. |
| Student Heads |
| Teachers choose students with proven leadership experience and genuine interest in the subject to represent different departments. Working with their teachers to plan events and activities, Student Heads show younger Yorkies the exciting real-world applications of the subjects they’re learning. |
| Student Ambassadors |
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These dedicated students welcome prospective and new families to York House—giving informative tours, organizing our Open House, telling our story on social media, and being supportive buddies that make new students feel right at home. |
| The Duke of Edinburgh Award |
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Young people from more than 140 countries embrace personal development and the spirit of service in this dynamic program. Explore your interests and become a well-rounded leader in the journey to a gold, silver, or bronze award. |
| Outdoor Education |
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Adventurous Senior School students can actively lead in the Outdoor Education program—joining Junior School students on overnight excursions to scale new heights together. |
