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Junior School students canoeing during a school trip.
York School News
Starting the new school year with community and opportunity
“As we begin this year, I hope that you will feel the strength of our community and see the potential that we have to make this school and the world a better place. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together this year. Let’s make it one filled with connection, reflection and learning,” said Ms. Kathryn Barnes, our new Senior School Principal.
This week’s opening assembly for our Middle and Senior Schools was a chance for students, faculty and staff to gather in our auditorium to formally kick off the new school year.
At the beginning of the assembly, we learned that a faculty member who has played a key role in developing and leading our Middle School will be retiring in June 2025. Our Middle School Principal, Ms. Helen Gin, will be retiring from a 33-year career in education that has included 23 extraordinary years at York. We are deeply grateful for Ms. Gin’s visionary leadership and her deep commitment to our school community.
At the beginning of the assembly, we learned that a faculty member who has played a key role in developing and leading our Middle School will be retiring in June 2025. Our Middle School Principal, Ms. Helen Gin, will be retiring from a 33-year career in education that has included 23 extraordinary years at York. We are deeply grateful for Ms. Gin’s visionary leadership and her deep commitment to our school community.
This was also the first York School assembly for Ms. Kathryn Barnes, our new Senior School Principal. Ms. Barnes told us that there are many reasons for holding assemblies, but the most important one is to come together as a community.
“Assemblies remind us of the strength that we have when we stand united as a school, when we listen to one another and when we share the experience of being part of a community. We’re here to build each other up, to support one another and to create a space where every single one of you feels seen, heard and valued,” said Ms. Barnes.
“Assemblies remind us of the strength that we have when we stand united as a school, when we listen to one another and when we share the experience of being part of a community. We’re here to build each other up, to support one another and to create a space where every single one of you feels seen, heard and valued,” said Ms. Barnes.
Following Ms. Barnes’ remarks, we gave our new teachers a warm welcome and then turned the microphone over to our student leaders.
The Communications Directors made an exciting announcement. They will be launching a new show called “York This Morning” to broadcast announcements and other school news. They invited the community to submit story ideas or participate in a segment of the show.
The Co-chairs encouraged students to take advantage of opportunities to join clubs and leadership committees, and participate in volunteer placements. Our Student Directors created excitement for our Spirit House system by describing the ways the four Houses can earn points.
When the assembly ended, many of us were still thinking about Ms. Barnes’ words about the importance and power of community. “As we begin this year, I hope that you will feel the strength of our community and see the potential that we have to make this school and the world a better place. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together this year. Let’s make it one filled with connection, reflection and learning,” she said.
