YORK HIGH'S
SERVICE
Overview
At York High, the value of service is deeply ingrained in our school’s ethos, and it plays a crucial role in shaping our learners into compassionate and responsible individuals ready to make a positive impact on the world. Through various community service initiatives and extracurricular programs, our students learn the importance of giving back, empathy, and civic responsibility.
These experiences not only enrich their character but also provide practical skills in teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. By instilling a sense of service, York High prepares its learners to be not only academically proficient but also socially conscious, equipping them with the tools they need to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader global landscape.
First Aid
We take immense pride in the First Aid team at York High School, which has been diligently serving our learners and visiting schools for an impressive 18 years. Starting with just 5 members, the team has flourished into one of the largest, now comprising 37 dedicated members in 2023.
All team members are not only qualified but also registered with SETA, ensuring a high level of professionalism. Our younger learners hold a level 1 First Aid qualification, while the older students have obtained an Advanced First Aid certification.
Our overarching vision is to utilize our professional knowledge and skills to provide top-notch care at our school, maintaining calmness and swift reactions in critical situations. First Aid is an indispensable life skill that extends beyond our school walls, empowering individuals to confidently handle emergencies at home and assist at accident scenes, truly embodying the essence of life-saving proficiency.
Control Panel
Learners at York High are expected to be on time. This simple discipline is central to the effective management of a school in its effort to achieve excellence in a wide range of areas.
Staff Care Committee
The Staff Care Committee, led by senior York learners, is a dedicated service club focused on boosting staff morale through acts of kindness and special events. We aim to foster compassion among our fellow learners and create a positive, supportive environment for our school staff. The committee’s four portfolios cater to administrators, teachers, grounds staff, and hostel staff, providing targeted support. Through our members’ efforts and fundraising initiatives, we turn our vision into a meaningful reality.
Safety & Security
The panel offers a unique platform for personal growth, fostering the development of essential social skills, the acquisition of new responsibilities, and the cultivation of leadership qualities. Moreover, it plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the well-being of students during school events and functions.
RCL
The Representative Counsel for Learners was established historically to give learners a platform to have a say in their education. We believe that York High Learners are stakeholders in our school. They help to create the current culture that exists at York, as well as lay the foundation for the future generations that will pass through our blue doors.
Each Grade at York votes democratically for 4 learners to represent them for the year. This collective council meets weekly to serve as a communication channel from their grade to management and visa versa. The main purpose of the RCL is to work together with the learners and management to ensure that we are actively making York an inclusive and welcoming environment for all learners. The RCL constantly review the schools’ policies to ensure that they are up-to-date and effective.
The Chairperson and the Vice Chairperson, as voted by the rest of the RCL, sit on the school’s Governing Body as a representative arm for the learners. They are entitled to a vote each, just like all other GB members. At York High, we take great pride in the work our RCL members do. We believe that our learners should have a voice as without them, we are just a building.
Sound and Lighting
Welcome to the behind-the-scenes world of technical excellence at York High School. While the spotlight often shines on our talented actors, singers, and dancers, there is a dedicated team working tirelessly to ensure that every school production dazzles with impeccable sound, lighting, and technical finesse.
What do we do?
- Sound Engineering: Our team takes pride in delivering good sound quality. Whether it’s a dialogue-heavy play, a musical extravaganza, or a dance performance, we ensure that the audience doesn’t miss a beat.
- Lighting Effects: Our team’s creative vision transforms the stage into a captivating world of color, mood, and ambiance. From subtle nuances to dramatic effects, our lighting designs enhance the audience’s emotional connection to the performance.
- Technical Support: Our dedicated team of unsung heroes ensures that everything on stage and behind the scenes operates flawlessly. They work tirelessly to set up, troubleshoot, and dismantle intricate stage setups.
The Sound & Lighting Panel is the backbone of our exceptional productions. Without their dedication, expertise, and love for the craft, our shows would not be the same. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the crew for their unwavering commitment to making our school’s productions truly extraordinary. The next time you attend one of our performances remember that behind every memorable moment on stage, there’s an incredible team making it all happen.
Knitting and Crochet Club
The knitting and crochet club was initiated late in 2022 by JC Papenfus and Abida Jappie. Mrs Cilliers agreed to be in charge of the club. Mrs du Toit is now overseeing the club and its activities.
The members meet every Monday and Wednesday from 14:15 to 15:15 in Room 504. Anybody is welcome to join us. Many of the members were taught at the club how to knit and how to crochet. It is really awesome to see everybody at a meeting busy socializing with wool and needles. Multi-tasking at its best!
Quite a number of projects have been completed this year. Tiny beanies and vests have been crocheted and knitted in collaboration with JCC. All these little garments (for premature babies) have been officially handed over to the George Hospital. Furthermore, we also join forces with the interact club. And last, but not least is our knitted bunny project for the animal club. A busy bunch, this lot!