May 26th, 2011 – Ubisoft visits the Academy!

YMCA Academy Community, Experiential Learning, Science and Math

The grade 11 media art class, grade 9 information tech class and grade 10 careers class gathered to listened to an engaging presentation by video-gamer extraordinaire Rick Hoskinson from UBISOFT in Toronto.  He spoke about his illustrious career in the gaming industry and the many popular games that he has worked on over the years.  He also gave students some guidance around post-secondary programs in a variety of jobs the technical, artistic and business sides of things.  Best game of the year:  Barbie Horse Adventures!!!  Thanks, Rick, and keep up the good work.

May 26th, 2011 – Academy: Behind the Scenes

YMCA Academy English and Humanities, Student Spotlight

The grade 10 English class is hard at work on their personal documentaries, taking the roles of cinematographers, directors and editors. Today’s shoot involved the class members, a world record, and many delicious junior mints. The red carpet premiere is slated for next week- stay tuned!

May 24th, 2011 – Evergreen Stewardship Pictures

YMCA Academy Community, Environmental Stewardship, Experiential Learning

On Friday May 20, The YMCA Academy celebrated its third anniversary of stewardship with Evergreen’s Downsview Park!  Staff and students alike enjoyed our first warm sunny day in weeks as we worked together to weed, plant trees and mulch our hearts out.  We were able to entirely weed a native plant nursery (the one that we helped prep last fall), and to plant 60 trees.  As a further sign of our good fortune, an ice cream truck appeared like a mirage at lunch time, ensuring that everyone enjoyed a well deserved treat break after enjoying delicious Breakfast Club sponsored sandwiches.  What began three years ago with two classes has now evolved into a whole school fall and spring outdoor ritual of environmental stewardship. We now converge upon Downsview en masse twice year as part of our YMCA Academy commitment to service learning, community partnership, authentic learning and environmental leadership.  As always, well done last Friday on everyone’s part – you did us proud once again!

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

May 19th, 2011 – Evergreen Stewardship Details

YMCA Academy Events, Updates

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Just a reminder that the YMCA Academy – Evergreen Stewardship Day at Canada Forest at Downsview Park is THIS FRIDAY (May 20th).  Students will be leaving the Academy at 9:30am and will be dismissed at the end of the school day.

The purpose of the excursion is to engage the entire student population in a day of service related to the YMCA’s core values of respect and health for this academic year.  The YMCA Academy is one of Evergreen’s Environmental Stewardship schools, and we will be fulfilling our commitment to this environmental service project.  Specific curriculum expectations related to the field trip will be addressed by individual course teachers – this trip fulfills curriculum expectations at each grade level, and is a mandatory school trip.

Requirements for Participants:

Activity Cost:  TTC fare x 4 (home to school; school to Downsview Park; Downsview Park to school; school to home)

Food/snacks:  Bring a brown bag lunch, snacks, and water

Transportation Cost: TTC fare x 4 (home to school; school to Downsview Park; Downsview Park to school; school to home)

Clothing and equipment:  Seasonal outdoor clothing and sturdy outdoor shoes.  Please be aware that we will be physically working outdoors in the forest.  Students should dress in layers, and be prepared for cooler weather, rain or hopefully warm sunshine.  Students should be dressed appropriately, apply SPF and wear a hat or other protective clothing if needed.

Permission forms have been e-mailed home last week, which require your signature prior to their participation.  You may also email your permission directly to the school to bonita.ip@ymcagta.org

Should you have any questions about the field trips, please don’t hesitate to contact us at the Academy.

May 17th, 2011 – Safe bike riding at Brickworks

YMCA Academy Community, Environmental Stewardship, Experiential Learning, Healthy Living

Yesterday, we participated in a Bike Workshop as part of our Healthy Choices Program.  We learned about safe riding (including helmets and bike checks), hand signaling and did some safety drills.  We then took the bikes out on the Rosedale Ravine trails for a bit of a muddy tour of the surrounding area.  We not only got out into our environment – it also got all over us!  It’s a good reminder for city folks that we don’t have to go far to experience real nature.  Thanks to Shah and Brian for a great workshop and ride.

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