Category: News

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Pushing boundaries and finding micro-mentors: Natasha (Hudda) Jeshani ‘01

Natasha (Hudda) Jeshani from the Class of 2001 recently published a book called “The HR Insider” and to find out more, we caught up with her in her office downtown.

Natasha, your career journey is inspiring to all women who want to make that scary step into running their own business. Tell us how you got there. 

Thank you for the kind words! My career in HR and Recruitment began very organically and my transition into running my own firm began more as a side hustle than anything. 

During my transition back into the workplace after my first maternity leave, I found myself working at my previous company part time after an internal error. I had to get creative with how I was going to supplement that time and income, and that is how TAFA was born. 

I took this misfortune as an opportunity to see if entrepreneurship, business and consulting was something I’d ever want to do full time. I realized within a few months that I had more responsibility, autonomy and overall job satisfaction in this new consulting role that I had created and owed it to myself to see if I was able to build a sustainable business. After a few years of ensuring I had built the right foundation, gained enough experience and had the ability to attract the right clients, I decided to move into consulting full time. 

The firm quickly grew and we scaled it to the point that we are now. TAFA Consulting has now merged with Career Contacts & Employment Unlimited, I knew that in order to grow, I had to partner with amazing recruitment, HR and business professionals. 

What advice do you have for our alumnae considering a similar move?

People may hire you for your expertise, but they will stay with you because of the relationship you build and how much you invest in them.

My other piece of advice would be to do your research and ensure that you have a market for the service or product that you are offering, and if the answer is yes, to take the time to pay your dues. You must first be able to do, before you are able to teach. 

For me, that meant doing agency recruitment, internal recruitment, internal HR generalist work and eventually growing to the Management and Director level, before attempting to advise clients on their HR and Recruitment needs. 

What is a typical day like for you now?

The beautiful thing about what we do here is that there is no typical day.  Our clients may need short term temporary staff, full time permanent staff, HR consulting support, or something completely unexpected.  We support our clients with general labour, accounting and finance, administration support, sales, engineering, high tech, etc. As a generalist firm, we are sourcing, screening, and interviewing all levels of candidates with varying backgrounds and industry experience. 

I am also passionate about supporting individuals who are entering (or reentering) the workforce, and providing webinars and workshops on everything from interview prep courses to resume clinics to salary negotiation classes.

Tell us a little bit more about your involvement with the Young Women in Business organization. 

I was asked to speak at a Young Women in Business event last year and was immediately dedicated to supporting their message.  Since first connecting with them, I have joined as a marketing partner, a mentor for their mentorship program, and spoke at their Beyond Conference in November. 

Although I am a mentor and love when they reach out for advice or support, I am learning much more from these young women and have seen some amazing entrepreneurs ideate, develop business plans and execute those plans, all within the last year.

You mention in the introduction of your book “The HR Insider” about having great mentors and how you are truly inspired by the ones that shaped you. How important is it to have mentors in your life?

I believe so strongly in having people around you that support you. I have had so many mentors and micro-mentors in my life that have changed the overall trajectory of my career and I could not be more grateful to them. If you don’t have a mentor, I’d strongly encourage you to reach out to someone and ask – you’ll be surprised how many individuals are willing to support someone’s passion. 

I think there is a misconception that a mentorship needs to be a formal partnership. Micro mentors are a wonderful way to gain some insight or clarity on one small piece of your career path, and they may only be there for a moment, but that moment will be one that can significantly impact you. 

You graduated from YHS in 2001. What are your favourite memories?

Some of my favorite memories of my time at York are the way our class really did push the boundaries. We worked together for causes, were a team in classes and were so proud of our school. 

York House also encouraged us to get out of our comfort zone and try (many) new things; whether it was sports, debate or starting a club of our own and I know this contributed significantly to my career path. 

 

 

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2018 YHS Alumnae Special Achiever Kirsten Sutton (Koopman-Osterreicher) ’83: Let Everyone Hear Us Roar

L-R Head Girl, Ava Grade 12; Alumnae Association Director at Large, Ishita (Kalia) Hayer ’98, 2018 Alumnae Special Achiever, Kirsten Sutton (Koopman-Osterreicher) ’83; Kirsten’s daughter, Olivia, Grade 8; and Alumnae Association President, Joanne Lee-Young ’90.

This year’s Alumnae Special Achiever, Kirsten Sutton (Koopman-Osterreicher) ’83, describes herself as “an unconventional tech leader.” From a professionally trained chef, Kirsten has navigated a significant career pivot to become one of Vancouver’s most celebrated tech execs. As she commented in a recent interview with Business in Vancouver, “I really love cooking: I love feeding people, which isn’t so different really to what I enjoy now at work: that collaborative environment, working together, creating things that are brand new.” Kirsten is also a mother and her daughter, Olivia in Grade 8, attends York House.

SAP is a global software company with 95,000 employees in 160 countries around the world. In her current position as Vice President and Managing Director of SAP Labs Canada, Kirsten is one of only two female Managing Directors within the global SAP Labs Network where she inspires innovation within the Canadian development organization and manages 3000 employees in SAP’s four research and development hubs across Canada.

Kirsten Sutton (Koopman-Osterreicher) ’83 at SAP Labs Canada’s headquarters in Yaletown

She is also the Global Head of Engineering for SAP Jam, leading a multinational development team working on a cutting-edge cloud collaboration software with over 51 million subscribers. Her role gives her a prominent voice in the technology industry. This year, she was recognized as one of Business in Vancouver’s Influential Women in Business and as a YWCA Woman of Distinction, which honours individuals whose outstanding activities and achievements contribute to the well-being and future of our community.

Kirsten actively promotes gender advancement at her company and generously provides both formal and informal mentorship to younger women interested in the technology sector. An advocate for girls in tech, she supports education initiatives like Templeton STEM and GIRLsmart4tech. Last June, Kirsten hosted a “Yorkies in Stem” evening at SAP Labs Canada’s headquarters in Yaletown, an invaluable networking opportunity for YHS alumnae. On YHS Alumnae Day, she participated in the “Breaking the Mold” panel discussion, offering practical steps to confidently navigate and push boundaries.

Kirsten, front row, far left, hosting “Yorkies in Stem” at SAP Labs Canada’s headquarters in June 2018

As a leader in promoting diversity, Kirsten has led the way for SAP Canada’s adoption of Autism@Work, an SAP initiative to hire and integrate 650 individuals on the autism spectrum into the workplace globally. Under her leadership, SAP Labs in Vancouver was recently awarded the Rick Hansen Foundations’ Certified Gold accessibility accreditation, making it the first business in Canada to be recognized. Outside of SAP, Kirsten gives her time as a Director of the Board of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and Science World British Columbia, and as chair of the Minerva Foundation, which provides leadership development programs for women and girls, and partners with organizations to advance gender parity in BC.

In her Founders’ Day address to students, staff, and alumnae as this year’s Special Achiever, Kirsten, proudly wearing her YHS blazer, attributed her success to following an unconventional path. Before enrolling in university for a degree in linguistics and creative writing, she already had 24 diverse job experiences to draw from, including private investigator, retail clerk, instructor of Business English and computers, actor, playwright, stage manager, bartender, chef and technical writer. “YHS had and continues to have tremendous influence on me and was key to who I am and how I succeed today. I didn’t appreciate it then and maybe today you don’t either. The years you will spend here are truly transformative.”

2018 Alumnae Special Achiever Kirsten Sutton (Koopman-Osterreicher) ’83 speaking at Founders’ Day Assembly

York House, was not only the place where she lived (her family home was formerly located on the school grounds where the gymnasium is now), but a place where she had been able to thrive as her unique self, to express her passion for questioning the status quo and why things had to be a certain way. She always had the insatiable desire to “break the mold,” to be a disruptor, and spin wild ideas. At the time, this was not always so well received as demonstrated from a few report cards, suggesting that she had potential and the ability to be successful, if she avoided the temptation of being easily distracted and spending time objecting to what was happening in class.

Today in her professional life, the Kirsten from 1983 isn’t much different from the Kirsten of 2018. She is championed as a disruptor, who inspires creativity and innovation, and leads her team to think differently, pushing them out of their comfort zones. Kirsten shared the 3 most important lessons she learned at York House:

“1. Be Unique: We are all Tigers (YHS Sports team) here and no two tigers have the same pattern of stripes. Every tiger in the world is unique. Being at an all-girls school wearing a uniform everyday, with everyone looking the same, studying the same subjects, competing in the same sports, engaging in the same shared experiences, you have no choice but to figure out what makes you stand out.

2. Be Yourself: Often girls feel that they have to present themselves in a certain way, like certain things or downplay their talents. To be your best self you have to be your true self. York House was a safe place for me to be me and is a safe place for you to be you.

3. Be Ferocious: We all have fears. It’s what you do with those fears that matters. At YHS you have the chance to try many things you may be afraid of. This is your time to experiment. Sink your teeth in, give it a try and be ferocious. When a tiger wants to be heard, you’ll know it, because you can hear them roaring as far as three kilometer away. Let everyone hear us roar!”

In closing, Kirsten expressed her gratitude for her time at York House and “the unique ferocious tiger that was brought out in me.” She encouraged teachers past and present, “to entertain the innovative, disruptive ideas of your students, as you never know where they may end up and the influence they may have thanks to your influence today.” Based on the spontaneous clapping and laughter of the audience of staff, alumnae and our Golden Alumnae, and students, Kirsten’s inspiring words and great sense of humour, clearly resonated with all who attended this Founders’ Day. Congratulations Kirsten on yet another achievement!

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Public Health, Nutrition and FED: Q+A with Saba Marzara ‘07

 

You graduated from YHS in 2007. Where did your post-YHS journey take you?

After graduating from York House I went straight to UBC. I wasn’t too sure what I wanted to do, but knew I wanted to study a field related to science and food. In my 3rd year I took an International Nutrition course which got me interested in Public Health, specifically looking at the immense impact nutrition can have on health at a population level. After finishing this course I knew I wanted to work in Public Health. I decided to get my Masters in Public Health Nutrition in The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), where I focused primarily on epidemiological research methods, statistics, and policy. As part of the LSHTM curriculum, I took a position with the International Potato Centre (CIP) where I worked with the sub-Saharan Africa team in Kenya on a unique Bill & Melinda Gates funded project, which was looking at the effects of providing new agricultural techniques on the health status of pregnant women.  From there I stayed in Europe for the next 4 years and worked for the World Health Organization in Geneva and The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations in Rome. At FAO I was involved in the nationwide integration of a new indicator: the Minimum Dietary Diversity Women (MDD-W) in the national survey of Tajikistan. We helped build awareness around the importance of eating a varied diet and nutrient dense foods, especially for women of a reproductive age.

Now I’m back in Vancouver and I’ve co-founded Fed, a nutrition startup that produces ready to eat meals. Our meals provide 100% of all your daily nutrients through real food! Fed has allowed me to bring together my passions in health and nutrition, and apply them in a fast-moving startup. Our vision is to improve people’s health at a micro and macro level—all through real food.

What are your fondest memories of York House?

My fondest memories of York House would have to be our yearly camp trips. Every year starting in Grade 5 the whole class would go to a different campsite in BC. Having a sense of independence at such a young age was so exciting and being able to experience that with your closest friends is something I’ll cherish forever.

With your background in nutrition, can you give us three top tips for good health?

  • Don’t restrict yourself or follow any “rules” or diets when eating, just eat what makes you feel good. Try to avoid eating processed foods and too much meat. Its best to eat more vegetables and fruit. Also try and stick to the 80-20 principle, eat clean 80% of the time and allow for a few more “fun foods” 20% of the time.
  • Drink lots of water!
  • Variety is key! Switch it up every day and eat a variety of different foods. It will help you get different nutrients throughout the day.

You moved back to Vancouver from Italy and set up a business? Can you tell us a little about that?

Working at the UN, especially FAO was a great experience! But I felt like I needed to be in a more challenging setting in order to grow as a professional and work on a project that can demonstrate measurable impact in people’s daily lives. While in Rome, I got a call from an old friend at UBC who was thinking about a specialized meal concept, focusing on nutrition and taking a food as medicine approach and he asked me if I want to help. I decided to take a risk and leave my job in Rome; I moved back to Vancouver and we started Fed. That was 2 years ago. We now have a team of 10 people and an entire operation set up from our industrial kitchen to our delivery system. It has definitely been a challenging experience and one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had thus far.

What is your five year plan?

Over the next five years, I’ll continue working on making our vision for Fed a reality. Our goal is to be in five cities in five years, and to have a number of specialized offerings for those dealing with a variety of diet-related diseases such as diabetes.

 

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Irene (Triandis) Harvalias ’52 awarded 2018 Alumnae Lifetime Achievement Award

Irene (Triandis) Harvalias ‘52, was nominated for the Alumnae Association’s Lifetime Achievement award by her class of 1952. For their nomination, they prepared an amazing handwritten book, including many photos of Irene at work in the community and of her exquisite handmade quilts.

When Irene arrived in Vancouver in 1948 from Greece after World War II, she knew no English beyond “hello”, “good-bye”, “please” and “thank you”, and “my name is Irene.” Before starting Grad 9 that September, she recalls having 10 lessons with Miss Langridge. From the beginning of her time at York House, Irene showed remarkable determination and by the end of the school year, she was well on her way to speaking, reading and writing in English and very much involved in school activities.

Irene Triandis Harvalias ’52

By graduation she was Vice-Prefect of Iroquois, President of the Drama Club, and was the YHS Chronicle’s Language editor as she excelled in languages. Her remarkable determination was not forgotten by her classmates. Irene attributed her success to the smaller classes, and her wonderful teachers. Her all-time favourite was one of the founders, Mrs. Gerhardt-Olly – Mrs. G.O. as she was called. “She was the best teacher in all my years of schooling, and that includes university.”

 

Throughout her life, Irene has always striven towards furthering her education and it was heartbreaking to have to return to Greece and not continue on to university. When she was able to return to Vancouver, she attended night school, while her children were little, then went to UBC when they were in school to reach her goal of becoming a teacher. “I taught in three different schools, then went back to UBC and got a Diploma in teaching children with learning disabilities. I taught everything from K to Grade 5, and French to Grade 7. I LOVED teaching and adored my students. I am proud to say that I am still in touch with many of them today.”

L – R Beverley (Graham) Hurd, Bobbi (Pritchard) Coates, Ann (Paterson) Bostock, Irene (Triandis) Harvalias, Marilyn (Pipes) Cassady, the late Pam (Rose) Metal, and Penny (Bell-irving) Wilson.

It was only after Irene retired that she was introduced to quilting. ‘I became an avid quilter and have made hundreds of quilts in the last 23 years.”  Irene soon found herself back in the classroom teaching students how to quilt. Her daughter, who was teaching in an inner-city school asked her to teach in her class too, which eventually led to the Maywood Mom’s Monday group of 25 ladies from all over the world. This group is now in its 12th year. Much of the finished work of the students is donated to hospitals, homeless shelters and other deserving places. Through her love of quilting and education, Irene has not only lived the school motto, Not for Ourselves Alone, but also shared it with people from all over the world.

Nirmala Mehta, Irene Harvalias’ quilting student 2018

One of Irene’s students, Nirmala Mehta in India, sharing her joy at being able to create a stall of items to raise funds for those in need. Nirmala has been in Irene’s quilting group for three years and has deep gratitude for her ability to make a difference through quilting.

Irene commented, “Sharing my love of quilting has been a great joy to me, and being able to do what I do with my “Maywood Moms” gives me a very good reason to get up and get going every Monday morning. This has been a real “gift” for me, and I am SO grateful that I can still do this little bit.  My giving has been my gift to myself!” Congratulations Irene, you are an inspiration to us all!

 

 

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Founders’ Day and the Golden Alumnae Luncheon 2018

Student executives ready to welcome the Golden Alumnae.

On Founders’ Day, alumnae from 1942 – 1968 came back to school and were met by student executives before being led on a fun school-wide tour by Laura Edwards ’74, Executive Director Advancement and Gillian Smith ’81, past YHS Parents’ Association President.

Alumnae gathered by founding Head of School, Mrs. Lena Clarke’s portrait, for a tour of the school.

The Golden Alumnae luncheon began with the melodious tones of Ragazza, the YHS Senior choral group, led by music teacher Benila Ninan, in the singing of the old YHS assembly hymn Unto the Hills and a glorious rendition of Blue Skies. Head of School, Julie Rousseau welcomed the Golden Alumnae, YHS Legacy Society members, and guests.

Ragazza singing the old YHS assembly hymn, Unto the Hills and Blue Skies.

“This is a very special day, one that honours our seven founders, trailblazing women, for whom I am truly grateful, who in 1932 had the bold vision to establish this wonderful school for girls.” Mary Raikes-Tindle, niece of founder Gladys (Morden) Jopling, who attended the luncheon commented, “This echoed my sentiments that these seven women, were way before their time and were very courageous and strong to take on such an endeavour.”

Julie introduced this year’s Alumnae Day theme, “Breaking the mold, overcoming obstacles, dismantling barriers and creating opportunities for both ourselves and others. Our founders clearly broke the mold as I am sure they surmounted many challenges along the way to making their dream a reality, this wonderful school for girls that continues to represent excellence in girls’ education, 86 years later.”

Nancy Gibson ’67, past YHS Foundation Trustee; Gail Ruddy, retired Head of School; Barbara (Sanderson) Armstrong ’55, YHS Legacy Society Founder; Catharine (Walwyn) Turner ’84, past YHS Foundation Chair; Margaret (Shepard) Walwyn ’55, Alumnae Class Rep; Pat Sexsmith, past Parent’s Association President; Bill Sexsmith, past YHS Board of Governors Chair; Julie Rousseau, Head of School; Derek Francis, husband of the late and beloved teacher Joanne Francis; and Gillian (White) Smith ’81, past Parents’ Association President.

Stevie (Bryson) Mitchell ’61, YHS Foundation Chair, led grace in the words of founding Head of School, Mrs. Lena Clarke, and the first course was served, an aromatic squash soup with yam, apple and nutmeg, quite different from the meals recalled by York House boarders. 50th through 70th reunions were celebrated with the sharing of a myriad of memories from earlier times. A member of the class of 1958 commented, “What a wonderful day we all enjoyed. The tour of the school was very impressive and the speeches and luncheon outstanding….it was such great fun chatting with classmates.”

Members of the Class of 1958 celebrating their 60th reunion with YHS staff and friends.

After the luncheon, Joanne Lee-Young ’90, Alumnae Association President, announced the 2018 Alumnae Lifetime Achiever, Irene (Triandis) Harvalias ’52, who has truly lived the school motto, Not for Ourselves Alone, throughout her life and was nominated by her class of 1952. For their nomination, they prepared an amazing handwritten book, including many photos of Irene tirelessly at work in the community and of her exquisite hand-made quilts, as well as those of her many students. Much of the finished work of the students, completed on donated sewing machines, is given to hospitals, homeless shelters and other deserving places.

Irene (Triandis) Harvalias ’52, the 2018 recipient of the Alumnae Lifetime Achiever award.

The nomination book is currently on display in the Museum & Archives display case in the Gail Ruddy foyer as part of a 1950s – 60s Alumnae Special Achiever display. Samples of her quilts are hanging in the Alumnae Art Gallery on the 3rd floor of the Senior School.

Sophia, Junior Vice Head Girl and Jessica, Junior Head Girl speaking on Breaking the Mold.

Jessica and Sophia, Junior Head and Vice Head girls, shared their thoughts about the Founders’ Day theme, Breaking the Mold, “Mme Curie, Rosa Parks or more recently Malala Yousafzai and Serena Williams. All of these women are connected by a common thread – they broke the mold. These important women have inspired many people here and around the world to act with courage, persevere when times are tough, and be willing to break through barriers that limit us. We too, each and every one of us, can Break the Mold.”

Their passionate address was followed by a lively performance by the Grade 2 girls, who sang I’m a York House Girl to a rapt audience.

Grade 2 students performing I’m a York House Girl.

Following the much-anticipated delivery of York House chocolates by the youngest Junior students, YHS Head Girl Ava, Grade 12, welcomed the Golden Alumnae on behalf of the student executive and shared a few experiences from her time at the school. Joanne Lee-Young, Alumnae Association President, encouraged all to attend the Founders’ Day assembly after the luncheon.

Junior students delivering Yorkie chocolates.

The highlight of the assembly was the presentation of the 2018 Alumnae Special Achiever award to Kirsten Sutton (Koopman-Osterreicher) ’83. As VP & Managing Director, SAP LABS Canada, Kirsten is one of only two female Managing Directors within the global SAP Labs Network. She is also the Global Head of Engineering for SAP Jam, leading a multinational development team on a product with over 51 million subscribers.

Ava, Head Girl, Grade 12; Ishita (Kalia) Hayer ’98; Kirsten Sutton (Koopman-Osterreicher) ’83, Alumnae Special Achiever 2018; Kirsten’s daughter, Olivia, Grade 8; and Joanne Lee-Young ’90, President, Alumnae Association.

As an unconventional tech leader and executive, Kirsten is also an advocate for girls in tech, and supports education initiatives like Templeton STEM and GIRLsmart4tech and has led the way for SAP Canada’s adoption of Autism@Work, an initiative to hire 650 individuals on the autism spectrum globally. Kirsten was recognized in 2018 as one of Business in Vancouver’s Influential Women in Business and a YWCA Woman of Distinction. All were inspired by her address to the whole school.

Barbara (Lawson) Lecky ’58 and granddaughters, Lauren, Grade 12 and Julia, Grade 6.

Other highlights included the presentation of Alumnae pins, which were given to Grade 12 students. This was an especially memorable moment for alumnae in attendance, who had the chance to give the pin to their sisters, daughters, nieces, or granddaughters.

Winkie (Bucholtz) Steele ’61 with her granddaughter, Olivia, Grade 12.

New on the Founders’ Assembly agenda this year, was the presentation of two new YHS Foundation Awards in memory of two outstanding alumnae, Caroline Anne (Sexsmith) Trausch ’84 and Katherine Manders ’96.

Pepi, Grade 12, our first recipient of the Caroline Anne Sexsmith Trausch award.

The Caroline Anne Sexsmith Trausch Award was presented to Pepi, Grade 12 and the Katherine Manders award, to Grace, Grade 12.

Grace, Grade 12, our first recipient of the Katherine Manders award.

The Grade 4 student’s energetic performance of the YHS School March and the singing of the school song all together by alumnae, students, staff and guests, stirred up many memories, which will remain with those who attended this special day of celebration.

Grade 4 students singing the YHS March.

 

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Staff, Students, and Alumnae Come Together for a Game of Classic Yorkie Hoops

We usually think of alumnae as being connected to the school’s past. It is true we are the holders of history and tradition. However, alumnae are also very much part of the school’s present and we have an important role in building a community for its future.

This year’s Alumnae Day culminated in an inaugural staff, students, and alumnae basketball match. Players from all generations of Yorkies answered a call for them to be in the gym.

There were two teams, each captained by alumnae, Lisa ‘05 and Jess ‘10. They were leaders in their time at the school and both stepped up early to say they would participate. Other players included alums from a range of graduating years between 1991 to 2017. There were also current teachers and parents, some of whom are alums, as well as current Tigers players in Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12.

Even though it was billed as a fun, exhibition game, it was also as intense and competitive as any Tigers game.

In a display of true Yorkie spirit, at halftime, Head of School Julie Rousseau rallied players and spectators together for a shooting competition and skills demo.

It was so great to see families of alumnae, including parents who gave much of their time and care to the school in a variety of positions in years past, come to watch.

Derek Francis, husband of the late Joanne Francis, a former Phys Ed teacher who was at the school between 1979-2001, delighted in seeing some of the up and coming Yorkie players. Gail Ruddy, former Head of School, cheered as loudly as ever.

The coming together of this event really highlighted how YHS admin, staff, teachers and coaches–especially those who are considered honorary alumnae for their long years of service to the school—stay in touch with and cheer on our alumnae.

Commenting on the game, Amanda de Faye, Class of 2010 said: “It was so much fun to see everyone, meet the girls who are current students and to play in the gym that was a second home to so many of us. Thank you as well for grouping players from the same year. Playing with Jess ‘10 again was magic. I already can’t wait for next year!”.

Thank you from the Alumnae Association to everyone who was part of this. Plans are already afoot for next year’s Alumnae Day basketball game. We’d love to see you there!

 

 

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Alumnae Day: Breaking the Mold

This year’s Alumnae Day was a jam-packed event that engaged our alumnae in meaningful discussions, gave classmates time to reconnect, and even asked them to step out of their comfort zones and try something completely out of the ordinary.

Our day started with both a mindfulness session with school counsellor Ly Hoang and recent grad Leah John, Class of 2018, as well as a yoga class with current parent Dr. Genieve Burley.  Afterwards, alumnae gathered in the Gail Ruddy Foyer for gourmet coffee hosted by Caffee Umbria owned by parent Peter Lee and his barista assistant, Joyce.

“Breaking the Mold” panel discussion

A lively discussion on “Breaking the Mold” followed with Class of 1983 Special Achiever Kirsten Sutton (Koopman-Osterreicher), Salima Remtulla ‘00, and past parent and SFU Chancellor Anne Giardini. Moderated by Head of School, Julie Rousseau, the panellists brought humour, insight, and real-life scenarios to the table and it was both refreshing and inspiring.

STEAM workshop

After lunch, one group attended a STEAM workshop hosted by Junior School teacher, Jen Sharpe, while another group participated in the improv workshop hosted by two grads of 2018, Anna Everett and Andrea McMinigal. Everyone else went on a tour of the school led by Laura Edwards ‘74.

Alumnae, Staff, and Students Basketball Game

The basketball game in the gym brought our alumnae back together for the afternoon and what an exciting and intense game it was. Teachers, past teachers, alumnae, honorary alumni, parents and past parents all joined together to cheer on the players and the enthusiasm was palpable.

Opening reception of the “Breaking the Mold” exhibit

The day ended on an artistic note with the opening of this year’s alumnae art exhibit on the 3rd floor of the Senior School. Co-curated by Brittne Potter, Class of 2012, and our own YHS curator, Julie Grundvig, the exhibit features five alumnae artists from a variety of classes and embraces the theme of “breaking the mold” through its exploration of a variety of mediums. We hope you will come up to see the exhibit – it’s well worth it!

Thank you for all who attended and made this Alumnae Day one of the best yet!

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Register for Alumnae Day

You are invited back to York House for an inspiring day to connect with fellow Yorkies, meet new members of the community, celebrate reunions, learn something new and more.

A Breaking the Mold panel of speakers, moderated by Julie Rousseau, new Head of School and innovative educator and leader, will include current YHS parent, Kirsten Sutton (Koopman-Osterreicher) ’83, Vice-President and Managing Director, SAP LABS CANADA, Anne Giardini, SFU Chancellor, lawyer, corporate director, author and past YHS parent, and Salima Remtulla ’00, Vice President, Operations & Corporate Strategy at Leith Wheeler Investment Counsel.

Fun hands-on experiential activities will follow in the afternoon with a chance to push boundaries and to see things through a different lens. There will also be tours of the school, the Alumnae Art Gallery exhibit, the Museum & Archives as well as yoga with Dr. Genieve Burley and mindful meditation with Senior School Counsellor Ly Hoang to start the day. Join us for an exciting alumnae versus students basketball game arranged by the YHS Alumnae Association. Come cheer on the teams! The day concludes with the opening reception of the Alumnae Art Gallery Breaking the Mold exhibit. Visit yorkhouse.ca/alumnae day for session descriptions, speaker bios, and to register.

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Save the Date for Alumnae Day on October 13th

Save the date for Alumnae Day on Saturday, October 13, 2018! You are invited back to York House for an inspiring day to connect with fellow Yorkies, meet new members of the community, celebrate reunions, learn something new and more.

A Breaking the Mold panel of speakers, moderated by Julie Rousseau, new Head of School and innovative educator and leader, will include current YHS parent, Kirsten Sutton (Koopman-Osterreicher) ’83, Vice-President and Managing Director, SAP LABS CANADA, Anne Giardini, SFU Chancellor, lawyer, corporate director, author and past YHS parent, and Salima Remtulla  ’00, Vice President, Operations & Corporate Strategy at Leith Wheeler Investment Counsel.

Kirsten and Anne were both among the honorees who received the 2018 Influential Women in Business Awards on March 8 from Business in Vancouver, and Salima, who drives organizational change at work and is passionate about new experiences, was selected as one of Canada’s young leaders to attend the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference last year, will have much to share and discuss with you from their wide range of work and life experiences.

Fun hands-on experiential activities will follow in the afternoon with a chance to push boundaries and to see things through a different lens. There will also be tours of the school, the Alumnae Art Gallery exhibit, the Museum & Archives as well as yoga with Dr. Genieve Burley and mindful meditation with Ly Hoang to start the day.

Join us for an exciting alumnae versus student basketball game arranged by the YHS Alumnae Association. Come cheer on the teams! The day concludes with the opening reception of the Alumnae Art Gallery Breaking the Mold exhibit. More information and full schedule can be found here: yorkhouse.ca/alumnaeday.

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Class Notes

Dianne Whelan ’83 is back on the Path of the Paddle with her paddling partner for her first week, artist, Wanda Wilson. Dianne posted that the “trail is in great shape. High five to the trail keepers. The Path of the Paddle has six connected trails that comprise 1200kms of the Trans Canada trail in Northwestern Ontario from Thunder Bay to Whiteshell Park in Manitoba. One of the gems of the great trail.” It is over 3 years ago since Dianne began first walking, then biking, canoeing, snowshoeing and skiing her way across the Great Trans Canada Trail. To follow Dianne journey on Facebook: 500 Days in the wild: hiking the Great Trail

 

Page Samis ’63, who has been a professional artist for 27 years, has been selected in the Harmony Arts Festival Group Exhibit. The opening reception will be on Friday August 3, 6-7pm at 1564 Argyle Avenue, West Vancouver. This eclectic exhibition, which features a diversity of media and approaches, is held in an outdoor tent along the West Vancouver waterfront and is one of the long-time highlights of the festival. The exhibit will be open until 9pm August 3 – 12. For more information visit: https://harmonyarts.ca/art/group-exhibition
For more about Page Samis’ art visit here.

 

Natasha (Hudda) Jeshani from the Class of 2001 recently published a guide to finding the job of your dreams and keeping it.  It’s called The HR Insider and is packed with information about all matters relating to finding a job. Natasha is based in Vancouver and is the Founder and Managing Partner of TAFA Consulting Corp, a human resources and recruitment consulting business.

 

 

Congratulations to Natasha Klein ’93, her husband Geoff and big sisters Mackenzie and Macey on the birth of Hudson Richard Scales. He was born February 2, 2018 weighing 8lbs 3oz.

 

 

 

Chi Lo ’02, her husband Harry and big brother Bodhi are thrilled to announce the arrival of Mila Mae Lauer into the world at 12:18am on March 17, 2018.  Mila measured 7lbs 15oz and 19 inches.

 

 

Stephanie (Lang) Young ‘01 and her husband, Andy, welcomed Paige Elizabeth Lila Young on March 10, 2018 in Ottawa. Paige measured 7lb 13oz and has promoted Bailey (3) to the role of big brother.