Toronto Island Trip


Along with lush green foliage and warmer weather, June ushers in the Academy’s yearly trip to the Toronto Islands. In a slightly different angle, staff, students, and a few parents embarked on the annual pilgrimage on June 10th, a Wednesday, in place of our usual Friday departure. Despite forecasts of potential rain, the school met up at the Jack Layton Ferry Docks and traversed the water on a cloudy, but precipitation free morning. After disembarking, we walked over to our usual spot by the water. The first part of the day had students participating in an island wide scavenger hunt prepared by the Jack Club. After teams were given their prizes, students were dismissed for lunch and given time to explore and enjoy the island, though everyone inevitably makes their way to Centreville. At 1:00 pm, the traditional staff vs. students bumper cars kicked off, bringing laughs and memories of another successful trip. With the visit over, everyone boarded the Ferry to make our way back home. Looking forward to see what next year brings.

Annual Cedar Glen Trip

With the memories of last year’s snow-filled adventures still in our collective memory, The Academy headed back to Cedar Glen for its 2025 edition, albeit during our more traditional late October timeframe. As usual, the bus rolled onto the beautiful 263 acre property on a late morning October day. After unloading bags and organizing on the field, staff and students were briefed on the rules and expectations of the trip. The fun (as it always does) began after lunch, but this year a bit out of order.

With a lot of rain scheduled for Thursday and Friday, we decided to run the Academy Games on the first day this year in order to get the most out of Wednesday’s great weather. This annual competition—part regatta, part Amazing Race had Navy and Maroon teams racing through a mix of physical challenges, and teamwork-based events. Laughter echoed across the fields as strategies unfolded, friendly rivalries reignited, and cheers erupted for every hard-fought victory. In the end, for the FIRST TIME EVER in Academy games history, we had co-winners with Maroon and Navy sharing the victory! The rest of the day had students choose various indoor and outdoor activities.

Thursday morning began with a dark and cloudy sky, but with no signs of rain (yet). With the weather on our side, students spent the morning doing some art in nature before finally getting some personal down time before lunch. After refueling in the dining hall, students played a variety of indoor games run by the Cedar Glen staff. Although all of the mini games are fun, everyone always looks forward to the pinnacle of the challenges, “How well do you know your teachers?” Once completed, half the students (despite a bit of rain having started) braved the weather and worked on outdoor shelter building while the other half created bracelets as part of a Jack Club organized activity. Dinner came and went and students began preparing for the evening’s Halloween dance. After singing and dancing in various costumes, our second day came to an end.

By Friday morning, after one last round of activities; animal survival games or some more spirited indoor activities, bags were packed, friendships strengthened, and memories made. As the bus pulled away from Cedar Glen, The Academy left with hearts full, minds recharged, and plenty of stories to tell back at school.

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Album One | Album Two

Annual Skating Trip

On Wednesday February 5th, Staff and Students of the Academy made our annual walk down Bay Street towards Nathan Philip Square for our annual skating trip. Experts, novices and those with skills in between hit the ice in unison. Skaters of all levels had fun while on the ice, and so did those who chose not to skate. We even had our fearless Head of School throw on a pair of blades and show us a move or two. As always, boxes of timbits and hot chocolate made their way over to su, and after taking our group picture, everyone was treated to some sweets. After consuming the treats, everyone made their way home, another successful skating trip in the books

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Level Up! Trades Fair

As a first for our school, six senior senior students interested in pursuing trades after high school attended the Level Up! Trades Fair. The Mississauga International Centre had 144 different trade vendors spread across Hall 2, ready and eager to talk about their trades. Students had a two hour slot to walk around and explore a multitude of trades and vendors. Most of the vendors had fun, hands-on opportunities for students to engage with. From learning how to lay bricks and patch drywall to welding pipes, braiding hair and applying make-up, there was no shortage of tactile experiences for students to explore. There was even a mini helicopter and full sized TTC buses to explore. Whichever trade a student is interested in, the Trades Fair had something for everyone. This is a trip worth returning to next year with even more students.

Annual year end Centre Island trip

On Wednesday May 29th, staff and students boarded the Ferries to attend our annual year end Centre Island trip to celebrate another great year. This was our first time heading to the small and self contained archipelago in May, but the weather could not have been more perfect. The sun was shining across a bright blue sky, and there was enough of a breeze so that it was never too hot and never too cold.

Upon reaching our usual set-up site, students embarked on an hour long scavenger hunt created and run by our very own Jack Club. After satiating our bellies, students had the option to explore the island, visit the animal farm, or hang back at our base of operations where they could choose from several activity options. This year we had the pleasure of hosting several parents on the trip who had fun of their own. We always enjoy our day on the island and can’t wait until we return again next year.