Apr. 26th, 2011 – Earth Day Cleanup Photos

YMCA Academy Environmental Stewardship, Experiential Learning

In celebration of Earth Day on April 21, students from the Academy took to the local parkettes, looking like enviro super heros, with their arms full of garbage bags, and donning protective gloves in an effort to thwart litter.  We worked our way down through the park system as we cleaned our way to Metro Central HFR on Grosvenor St. to clean the park at our future school site.  It was a chance to think about the importance of taking responsibility for our neighborhood, and to reinforce our role as stewards in doing our part for our local ecosystem.  We ended our clean up with a tour of our future school, as we tried to imagine what our new school will look like (it is still office area, and has yet to be renovated).  Well done Academy students, and Happy Earth Day!


Check out the great panorama shot! Using Photosynth and iPhone

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

Apr. 26th, 2011 – Parent Teacher Interview Details

YMCA Academy Updates

Dear Parents / Guardians,

Just a reminder that Parent / Teacher Interviews are happening this week on Wednesday April 27th (for Grade 9’s & 10’s) and Thursday April 28th (for Grade 11’s & 12’s).  If you are still interested in coming in for an interview but have not yet made an appointment, please do so as soon as possible by calling us at 416-928-0124 ext. “0”.  There are only a couple of times left on Wednesday however, there are still several available times on Thursday.  Call as soon as you can to ensure you get the day and time you desire.

Please note: To accommodate Parent / Teacher Interviews, both days will operate on a shortened schedule so that all classes will finish at 12:10pm.  See schedules below.

Wednesday April 27th
09:30am – 10:45am   Period 1
10:45am – 10:55am   Break
10:55am – 12:10pm   Period 2

Thursday April 28th
09:30am – 10:45am   Period 3
10:45am – 10:55am   Break
10:55am – 12:10pm   Period 4

Also, just a reminder that Full Disclosure is Wednesday, April 27th.. If withdrawal is to take place, the Academy needs to be informed by Wednesday, April 27th, 2011.  After that time, the regulation will come into effect, and the transcript will reflect this, one way or another.  There is nothing that we will be able to do to circumvent this requirement, as informed by our Ministry of Education inspector during our most recent inspection.

On a different note, just a reminder that The YMCA Academy Re-registration Form is due May 31st.  If you have it ready, we’d like to suggest that you bring the completed form with you to your Parent / Teacher Interview appointment next week.  If you require financial assistance, please complete the Tuition Assistance Application fully and provide the required supporting documentation and return to us with your re-registration form.  All returning students requiring tuition assistance must re-apply for assistance yearly.

Should you have any questions or concerns about any of this information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Apr. 20th, 2011 – Fun with Optical Illusions

YMCA Academy Experiential Learning, Science and Math, Student Spotlight

Optical Illusions had the attention of the Grade 10 science class today. With the Optics unit nearly complete students were asked to use their new knowledge to tackle some eye benders.

Did you know there is a glass public washroom in a town square in Switzerland? Reflection is used to make it one-way. No one can see you in there, but when you are inside, it looks like you’re sitting in a clear glass box.

We built a model to “experience” one way reflection.

Ever wonder how science and art mix? Check out the Chevreul illusion and issues of optical perspective.

Ever wonder how the hobbits in Lord of the Rings look so small? We built an Ames room to understand.

Did you know that your eyes have different sensors to see contrast vs. colour. We tested our rods and cones and got interesting results!

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

Apr. 18th, 2011 – The Green Living Show Trip

YMCA Academy Community, English and Humanities, Experiential Learning

On Friday, students form the Environment class went to check out the Green Living Show at the Direct Energy Centre.  It included booths about green energy, home products, green businesses, home and garden, food and health.

Academy students at the Green Living Show, Friday April 15th.

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

Apr. 15th, 2011 – The Shape of Power Workshop

YMCA Academy Updates

The Shape of Power Workshop, details below: