School-wide assemblies have always been an important part of the senior school culture here at YHS. Having all the other grades surround us, getting to know new people, and seeing our Student Executive present various school events (and we can't leave out Mr. P's athletic department updates). Adjusting to COVID-19 has been difficult for all of us, and it has especially taken a toll on these meaningful assemblies we used to have so trequently. The new live-streamed assemblies have proved challenging, but our community has adapted well to the new features.

This year, the Student Executive team has been hard at work with many different initiatives to keep our student body bonded and engaged amidst the pandemic. The Community Service Captains, Shoshana Pollock and I, have been given the incredible opportunity to run the senior school assemblies that mean so much to all of us. While running for our positions, Shoshana and I both emphasized the importance of social justice and maintaining York House's commitment to equity and inclusion. That's why, we've taken this opportunity to run social justice centered assemblies, working alongside Dr. Skelding.

This February, we have had the pleasure of speaking to the student body about Black History Month, and the importance of recognizing Canada's active role in upholding racist institutions throughout history, including the slave trade. We spoke about how Black women, especially, have historically been some of the most impactful freedom fighters and advocates for women's rights, as well as racial justice. We also had the pleasure of speaking with YHS' own Sophie Kuah in grade nine, who gave a beautiful TedX Talk about the pain of being torn between cultures and coercive assimilation. YHS originated as a school designed to empower women - we must rethink that narrative and adapt it to maintain our commitment to empowerment, by simultaneously recognizing the diversity in race, gender, and identity that exists within our student body. Our assemblies have helped us begin to spread that message.

It does not stop here; there are many more assemblies and important messages to look forward to! International Women's Day, pride month, and Juneteenth are all upcoming, and Shoshana and I look forward to creating impactful presentations to inform and empower students.