Mar. 1st, 2011 – Outdoor Session at Brickworks

YMCA Academy Community, Environmental Stewardship, Experiential Learning

Yesterday, part of the school went to Brickworks as Part of the Healthy Choices program, and participated in our first outdoor session.  We had an invigorating afternoon outside learning about some of the native plant species on site, and learning how to make an outdoor fire – even in slushy, wet and wintery conditions.  Brian and Michelle took us into the woods to collect appropriate firewood, showed us how to prep wood to make it usable for a fire, and how to build both a log-cabin and teepee style fire.  We soon discovered that we had a few survivor men in our midst, as they worked diligently to start a fire despite the brisk breeze.  Our afternoon was capped off with a warm cup of delicious cedar tea.  Thanks to Brickworks for another great day!

Academy students learning about native plant species.
Academy students learning how to make an outdoor fire in wet conditions.
Students warming up delicious cedar tea over an open fire.

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Feb. 28th, 2011 – Pictures from Skating Field Trip

YMCA Academy Beyond the Classroom

On Friday February 25th the YMCA Academy embarked on their second annual skating trip.  The inaugural trip was the brain child of an alumni of the Academy and took place at Nathan Phillips Square.  This year, in light of a new addition of an outdoor rink, the trip took place at Evergreen Brickworks.  With the up and down nature of the weather leading up to the trip, there was a potential that the trip would be hindered by warm weather.  In the end, thankfully, mother nature presented us the best of both worlds.  On the day of the trip the weather was cold enough to keep the outdoor skating rink open while at the same time sunny and warm enough to allow several of the students to skate without a jacket.

The rink, like nature, was organic in its shape, design and flow which allowed for a different skating experience, unique from the more common skating in a circle we are use to at a traditional rink.  Students and teachers alike skated their hearts out.  Those with greater skill helped along those with less skill which led to a great and positive atmosphere.  Some students wowed everyone with their speed and skills on the ice while other super trooper students where on the ice the entire trip.  Overall the experience was everything we could have hoped for and was a true reflection of what the Healthy Choices Program the Academy at Evergreen Brickworks is all about.

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Feb. 24th, 2011 – Academy Skating Trip Details

YMCA Academy Updates

Dear Parents / Guardians,

This Friday, February 25th, the Academy will be going skating at Evergreen at Brickwork.  The purpose of this excursion is to engage students in a healthy fitness and recreation activity in the winter … and this is also part of the “Brickworks Healthy Choices Program” that students have been participating on Mondays. 

All students who were at the Academy last term have already had their parents give consent to class related field trips within class time.  These field trips will be covered under the umbrella of that permission form.

Feb. 17th, 2011 – Academy Adjective Graffiti Day!

YMCA Academy English and Humanities, Experiential Learning

In an attempt to make our school environment more descriptive, the grades 9 and 10 English classes brainstormed a plethora of adjectives for a variety of nouns.  People, places and things were transformed to helpful, sleep-deprived people, bustling, peaceful places and warm, fuzzy, multi-coloured things.  Try this at home to make your life more interesting!

Check out the full gallery on our Facebook page!

Feb. 11th, 2011- Bake Sale a great success!

YMCA Academy Updates

The YMCA Academy Valentine’s Bake Sale was a great success! Thanks to all who came and supported the Strong Kids Campaign!

YMCA Academy Valentine's Bake Sale in support of Strong Kids Campaign