Apr. 3rd, 2012 – Eco-Ambassador Program Update

YMCA Academy Community, Environmental Stewardship, Experiential Learning

Statefarm’s Eco-Ambassador Program begins Segment Three:  “Urban Ecology”

Our Statefarm funded Eco-Ambassador program is in full-swing. This week we began Segment Three: Urban Ecology. Evergreen staff, Stuart and Liz, visited the Academy and provided an introduction to the concept of Urban Ecology. We spent much of our time setting up a values system for our end of program project: Greening the FDC childcare space.



Last year the Academy began greening the childcare space. We had little idea what would be suitable – but we worked hard. As the snow melted and the ground became visible, at the FDC, we were eager to see last year’s survivors. With Evergreen’s expertise and our hard work – we look forward to an amazing space!

FDC Child Care space before greening transformation

Mar. 9th, 2012 – Invite to Online P.D. on LDs

YMCA Academy Events

The YMCA Academy is hosting a series of free Professional Development workshops for Guidance Counselors and Special Education Teachers

A live online session on supporting learning disabilities in the classroom

 

Hosted by
Dr. Don Adams, Head of School.

 

Wednesday, March 28 at 8:00pm
online with Blackboard Collaborate at
http://bit.ly/zQ4pWc

Mar. 9th, 2012 – March Break reminder & details

YMCA Academy Updates

Dear Parents / Guardians,

Just a reminder that Friday – March 9th is the last day of classes before March Break.

Monday, March 26th is a PD day, the first day of classes after the break is Tuesday March 27th.

Mar. 8th, 2012 – YEC Cold Weather Workshop

YMCA Academy Beyond the Classroom, Experiential Learning

On Wednesday March 7, 2012, the YMCA Academy students who will be participating on the Youth Exchange Canada program to Ouje-Bougoumou, Quebec trekked to Mountain Equipment Coop, MEC for short, for a mini workshop on how to stay dry and warm in colder weather climates.  The workshop was lead by one of MEC’s super-employees, Darryl Fraser, an avid outdoor photographer who knows first hand what it takes to stay dry and warm in cold climates.

During our visit Darryl discussed the importance of layering in cold climates.  We learned about the importance of moisture control with the base layer so that the skin stays dry, the insulation the mid layer provides, and the many types of outer layers from waterproof-breathables to rain-wear and soft shells.  It was especially interesting to learn about the amazing properties of Merino wool such as being able to absorb three times its weight in moisture and being very “stink” resistant.

Check out the rest of the pictures on our Facebook Page!

Visit the Youth Exchanges Canada Website

Visit the Mountain Equipment Co-op Website

Mar. 6th, 2012 – Ontario Court of Justice Trip

YMCA Academy Community, English and Humanities, Experiential Learning

Thanks to the Ontario Justice Education Network (OJEN) Courtrooms & Classrooms program, the YMCA Academy grade 11 English class had the chance to visit the Ontario Court of Justice at 311 Jarvis Street. On Wednesday, February 29th, the students were given a tour of the facility, observed court in session, and had the opportunity to meet with a Justice of the Peace. The excursion made many of the events of the novel Monster come to life, and served as an excellent introduction to the upcoming debate unit, during which students will explore issues related to youth criminal justice.