On Wednesday May 15th from 4:00 – 5:30pm, The YMCA Academy welcomes Dan Lambert from Bikes on Wheels. He will be demonstrating bike maintenance and showing Academy students how to tune-up their bikes in preparation for the summer.
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May 132013
On Wednesday May 15th, from 3:00 – 3:45pm The Academy welcome’s Markus Pukonen.
Markus is a member of the Ocean Adventure Rowing and Education team who recently attempted a crossing of the Atlantic ocean using only human power. The ocean rowboat capsized on day 73 and the crew could not get it upright. Markus will speak with to our school community about his expedition and the important oceanographic data and documentary footage he was collecting.
On May 15th from 2:30 to 3:00pm The YMCA Academy welcomes Justin from Share the Road Ride and Drive with Care.
The Ride and Drive with Care program is administered through Share the Road Cycling Coalition, with support from the CAA and funding from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. It is a program that targets both drivers and cyclists, and encourages them to use the road responsibly together.
The program aims to foster healthy behaviours, and create a healthy relationship between cyclists and drivers. The program is composed of a few key elements, and is set to be delivered this May and June.
The program has two elements:
1) School wide assembly on bike safety
2) A pledge to commit to a number of actions, including riding predictably and being highly visible and communicative while on a bike, and giving cyclists the room and respect they deserve when behind the wheel. The pledge can be signed either physically, using pledge cards that we will supply, or online, through our Ride and Drive with Care website. Once the presentation is done and the pledges are signed, that’s when the real fun begins!
May 062013
On Thursday May 2nd, The Central YMCA’s programs gathered in support of the Family Development Centre’s participation in this year’s YMCA Strong Kids Walk-a-thon event.
Out in large numbers were The YMCA Academy’s staff and students. The Academy high school benefits from funding generated through the Strong Kids campaign and students demonstrated their gratitude and support when they volunteered to assist in all aspects of the walk.
From pushing strollers, holding hands & setting up obstacle courses to teaching preschoolers how to “whirlwind slam dunk”, Academy students were in the center of the action.
Thanks to all for supporting the Strong Kids Campaign 2013!
Check out the rest of the pictures on our Facebook Page!
Spring Open House Saturday April 20th 2013, 11:00am – 1:00pm
Academy faculty and students will be available for tours and introductions to our facility, programming and community. Please drop in for refreshments and a visit.
This year we are combining our Open House dates to coincide with our TEDxYMCAAcademy events. TEDxYMCA Academy will be providing lunch during our Open House hours to allow families to attend both events.
The YMCA featured at the Green Living show
For the second year in a row, the YMCA of Greater Toronto is showcasing its work in health, wellness, and the environment at the Green Living Show. From April 12-14th at the Direct Energy Centre, visitors will be able to learn all about the different projects the YMCA is up to in the area of environmental sustainability. Not only will the Y have its own exhibitor booth, we will also be engaging visitors in hands-on presentations and workshops for adults and kids.
The Green Living Show is North America’s largest eco-consumerism trade show and welcomes over 30,000 visitors every year. It features a broad range of exhibitors from grassroots artisans selling fair trade products, to auto companies offering test drives in their electric vehicles. The YMCA of Greater Toronto is proud to be part of the successful Green Living Show again. We hope to see you there.
YMCA programmed events at this year’s Green Living Show
On the Sweat Equity Yoga and Fitness Pavilion, join YMCA instructor Abdou in a 30 min. Hatha Yoga demonstration on Saturday April 13 at 10:30am. On Sunday, April 14 at 12:30pm, YMCA instructor Julieta will be leading a Zumba Class.
On Sunday, April 14 in the Health and Wellness Pavilion, the YMCA will be doing another Hatha Yoga demonstration from 11:45am – 12:45pm.
The YMCA will also have a presence in the Kids Zone with presentations on Amazing Animals with the Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre, Camp Fun with Camp Pinecrest, and Camp Fire Songs and Animal Parts.
The YMCA Academy’s Green Initiatives!
As a school run by the YMCA, The Academy will showcase its Green initiatives at the YMCA booth. Here’s a small taste of Green programming offered at The Academy alternative high school.
Community work
- Great Canadian Shoreline clean-up:
- http://www.ymcaacademy.org/?p=3882
- http://www.ymcaacademy.org/?p=4105
- http://www.ymcaacademy.org/?p=1744
- Earth Day Clean-up: http://www.ymcaacademy.org/?p=2581
- Earth Hour at the Academy (shows power use): http://www.ymcaacademy.org/?p=2492
Whole – school projects
- Pickle Farm Blog Launch: http://www.ymcaacademy.org/?p=4073
- Pine Crest (enviro lessons) http://www.ymcaacademy.org/?p=2924
- Eco Ambassador Final Project: http://www.ymcaacademy.org/?p=3626
- Shovel and Spoon program : http://www.ymcaacademy.org/?p=3075
- Worm Composting program : http://www.ymcaacademy.org/?p=3636
Evergreen Partnership:
- Evergreen Partnership: http://www.ymcaacademy.org/?p=3992
- Evergreen Fall Stewardship, Downsview Park planting: http://www.ymcaacademy.org/?p=3913
- Evergreen Statefarm Cheque Granting: http://www.ymcaacademy.org/?p=3057
- Evergreen Eco-Ambassadors: http://www.ymcaacademy.org/?p=2969
- Evergreen Fall Stewardship: http://www.ymcaacademy.org/?p=2904
- Evergreen Spring Stewardship: http://www.ymcaacademy.org/?p=2678
- Evergreen Tree Planting (Downsview): http://www.ymcaacademy.org/?p=1818
- Enviro Stewardship Details: http://www.ymcaacademy.org/?p=1805
Last year’s Green Living Show Trip: http://www.ymcaacademy.org/?p=2558
The Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario held their 6th annual Corporate Breakfast and Auction this past Thursday at the Sheraton Centre Hotel. Seven Academy students and two staff members sat at a table generously sponsored by Heathbridge Capital Management. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast, watched a live auction take place and were mesmerized by the keynote speaker Patrick McKenna. An actor, professional speaker and comic, Patrick spoke about his experiences with ADHD and offered advice to audience members who had questions. It was great to be a part of this event and to support the LDAO.
Visit the LDAO Website
Rubin “Hurricane” Carter. Rosa Parks. Robert Johnson. Three African American people who have contributed to society and the world in positive ways were celebrated yesterday in the YMCA Academy’s drama class production of The Black History Month Project. Students performed a tableau and mime play that depicted pivotal events in the lives of the middleweight champion boxer, the civil rights activist and the blues musician. Our fourth floor shared space was transformed into a theatre complete with black backdrop and lighting. Our performance was a success! We might take it on the road : )
Check out the rest of the pictures on our Facebook Page!
Dear Academy Parents, Guardians and Students:
I am writing to update you about our progress in preparing our students for the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). As you know, your child/ward is on the list to write the mandated and standardized Provincial Literacy Test on Thursday April 11th, 2013.
Student Preparation
The English department at The Academy has created an Edmodo site (an on-line resource) with lessons and activities in preparation for the test. Students have access to this site through their Edmodo platform.
Parent Preparation
To ease parental use of OSSLT preparation materials, we have made resources available on the school’s website. Please visit the site over the mid-winter break to access these preparation materials: http://www.ymcaacademy.org/?page_id=4189. We encourage you to work on some practice problems at home over the break.
Teacher Supported Workshops
As promised, we will begin holding our twice-weekly workshops for students writing this test. Although attendance and participation in the workshops are not mandatory, I hope that you will encourage your child/ward to partake in the workshops that will be held after school. Our plan is to host instructional workshops from 4-5pm until the day of the test. Please refer to the following schedule for detailed information about each weekly session.
Please keep in mind students who are not successful in writing the OSSLT will have an opportunity to re- write the following year, or to enroll in the Ontario Literacy Course (OLC). If a student is unsuccessful a second time writing the test, he or she must enroll in the OLC course offered in the senior panel at The YMCA Academy.
Secondary school diplomas will only be awarded to students who successfully complete this test or pass the Ontario Literacy Course as this is a mandatory requirement.
Please see the following resources to help prepare for the OSSLT
“Strengthening Families for Parents and Youth 12-16 (SFPY) is an evidence-based approach to improving parent-teen relationships, to helping teens build resiliency factors that support good decision-making and mental health”.
Do you want to create stronger family connections? The YMCA of Greater Toronto is hosting a 9 week pilot program in which parents and youth (ages 12-16) improve family relations by:
· Effective communications
· Negotiating family rules
· Working together to solve problems
When: 9 Tuesday evenings (6:00-8:30 pm) starting Tuesday March 26th through to Tuesday May 21st – Starts with light dinner served from 6:00-6:30 and then 2 hour program to 8:30.
What: Each session consists of 3 parts: Light supper with all families and facilitators followed by one hour facilitated sessions with youth and parents separated, followed by concluding session with families together. Each evening will present a topic dealing with a different dimension of personal development for youth and effective family functioning.
Where: Vanauley Street YMCA Centre, 7 Vanauley St. Toronto ON M5T 2V9 (just west of Spadina St and just north of Queen St)
Cost: Free! Plus free child-care, TTC tickets, Graduation Certificates, Small gifts for participating
Sponsored by: PAD (Parent Action on Drugs and The YMCA of Greater Toronto)
For more information or to register contact: Mike Dodds, YMCA of Greater Toronto 416-928-3362 ext 22498 or email: mike.dodds@ymcagta.org
*Note: There are limited spaces and families need to register by March 19th.