Dear Parents / Guardians:
Our second presentation in our Parent Speaker Series is next month. Please see the attached flyer for details. We hope you are able to join us. It promises to be an interesting and informative presentation. Please contact us as soon as possible to reserve your place.
Thanks,
This week at Brickworks, we learned that people can get around without relying on a GPS (no, seriously!) as we gained outdoor orienteering experience! We learned about mapping skills and how to use a map and compass, as we roamed and explored all of the trails and habitats around the Brickworks valley ecosystem. It was a lovely day to walk around and explore the area, as we marked native trees, waterways, animals and plants on our maps. We discovered that spring has truly sprung, as we spotted the first wild tulips of the season.
(Note: The following part works best when read with David Attenborough’s accent.) We also spotted a rare variety of the “scampering teenager” as we traversed the slopes of the old Brickworks pit in search of the ultimate feast of “trail mix”. The young males of the species often go head to head in an effort to secure the energy necessary to make the long trek home. Alas, today was a peaceful struggle, and the pride of students returned safely to their migrational pattern.
Check out the rest of the pictures on our Facebook Page!
On Tuesday, April 5 and Wednesday, April 6 The Academy was host to a film crew of twenty volunteers. Headed up by Bernard van Speyk of CareerCrate, the school and Metro Central were transformed into sets, complete with cameramen, lights, make-up artists, and sound technicians, all who volunteered to assist in the production of a TV commercial promotional piece for the school.
We would like to thank all those who donated time, materials, equipment, catering and expertise. We are grateful for your support.
Academy teacher Melissa O’Leary has written a short article on “Green” initiatives being taken at the Academy. You can find the article below, or read it on the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s website here.
By Melissa O’Leary, Teacher
At the YMCA Academy, we strive to create an authentic learning environment where our students are challenged to think for themselves and problem solve. We leave the classroom as much as possible — to get students to think outside the box, it helps to literally take them out of it!
Environmental stewardship
The YMCA Academy has developed significant volunteer partnerships within the community, many with an environmental focus. In our closest partnership, we are one of Evergreen’s core stewardship schools. We visit Downsview Park twice a year to plant trees and engage in other essential environmental activities, such as building a native species nursery.
Last year, Academy students visited the Brick Works daily for three weeks to construct a barefoot path for the Children’s Garden. This year students visit Brick Works every other Monday as part of the Healthy Choices Program. They learn more about the environment, doing their part, and eating local and healthy food.
Earth Day cleanup
Students will lead a cleanup of the local park system on April 21 at 1 p.m. We’ll be working our way down through the parks from Charles Street to the Metro-Central YMCA to help reinforce the idea of taking responsibility for our neighborhood. Think globally and act locally!
Today The Academy staff and students gathered to discuss our “NEW HOME”!!!!
Yes – The Academy is building a new facility in the existing Metro Central YMCA location.
Students investigated the latest floor-plans, discussed possible physical changes to the school’s set up and generally agreed that we are EXCITED to make the move.
For updates and information on the move please visit our websites “transitions page” easily accessible from the Academy’s landing page. Or click below!
