The idea of holding a social event to bring together Junior School parents, students, teachers and staff originated with mom Lani Levy. Her family joined York during the pandemic when her son, Xander ‘34, entered Junior Kindergarten. Covid restrictions meant that she didn’t have many opportunities to meet parents whose kids were in other classes. When other parents shared similar sentiments with her, she was confident that holding a carnival would help build relationships and generate more enthusiasm for our outstanding school.
 

“We wanted to make sure that parents feel the same kind of gratitude and love for the school that our kids do. My kids come home really happy every single day with new skills,” says Lani.

When Lani started sharing with other parents her vision for a Junior School community event that would include children together with their parents, a group of “really capable, savvy, hardworking moms” organically formed a “spirit committee.” With the green light from York’s senior leaders, along with support from faculty and staff, the spirit committee began meeting weekly to brainstorm and strategize for an end of year carnival.

In addition to planning carnival logistics, the committee wanted the event to build greater awareness, enthusiasm and funds for More Great Spaces, the game-changing renovation that will create a second gym, a larger cafeteria, and space for two Grade Six classes at the Junior School. Mom Molly Watsa volunteered to organize a silent auction that raised more than $40,000 for the renovation.

Inviting incoming families to the carnival was another unique aspect of the event. New families who attended would now see familiar faces in the playground, hallways and classrooms in September.

Middle and Senior School students contributed to the carnival’s success by taking on various volunteer roles during the event. One student, Max Balzer ‘26, went above and beyond by designing the silent auction catalogue and merchandise, giving the committee insights into students’ interests and preferences, and volunteering at the merchandise table during the event. “Max hit it out of the park on so many levels,” says Molly.

The carnival was a resounding success, with committee members receiving positive feedback from community members during and after the event. “This was an extended period of time where parents could enjoy themselves and get to know one another better, and their kids were entertained. We helped build our community and everyone had a great time – and that was our goal,” says committee co-chair
Jessica Diamond.