Annual Career Day Event

YMCA Academy Beyond the Classroom, Community, Events


On Thursday, April 29, YMCA Academy students attended our annual Career Day event. Seven rooms were set up, each themed around a different field: youth work, media and creative industries, trades and hands-on work, toy making, emergency services, health care, and health and fitness.

The day began with students gathering in the cafeteria to review the schedule, set expectations, and explore what a “career” really means. While a career can be understood as a long-term professional journey made up of connected roles and experiences, it’s also about how someone spends their time working, learning, and contributing to the world. It involves balancing many factors—money, health, meaning, learning, creativity, and rest. Students were also reminded that no two career paths are the same. Each person has unique interests, ways of learning, and needs, which shape their individual journey. Paths are often non-linear, and while there may be challenges along the way, resilience and support can help us move forward.

We were fortunate to welcome fourteen generous guests, including acclaimed writer and musician Dave Bidini, who shared their time and experiences with our students. Throughout the morning, students heard from four different speakers. Guests shared about their roles, paths that led them there, skills required, the most rewarding and challenging aspects of their work, and advice they would give their high school selves. Students also had the chance to participate in hands-on activities, such as using a thermal camera, practicing using assistive tools like dressing aids and exploring a variety of super cool toys designed and engineered by the toy makers.

The final half hour was dedicated to networking! Students could connect more deeply with a guest who interested them or meet speakers they hadn’t yet heard from. Some students even requested guest email addresses to stay in touch or in case they had further questions. The centre space was lively, and it was great to see students introducing themselves and asking thoughtful questions like, “How did you find yourself in this job?” and “What can I start doing now to get there?”.

Overall, the morning was a great success. We’re very grateful to all our guests for sharing their insights and inspiration, and we look forward to next year’s event!

School is closed – Monday January 26th

YMCA Academy Events

Due to significant snow fall and wind, which pose a safety and travel risk to our school community, the YMCA Academy is closed Monday, January 26. Please do not send your student to school.

As high school exams begin on Tuesday, January 27, high school teachers will be available online to support students with their culminating assignments. Please see the below timetable for online support sessions.

  • Period 1 – 09:30 AM to 10:00 AM (30 Minute Session)
  • Period 2 – 10:10 AM to 10:40 AM (30 Minute Session)
  • Period 3 – 10:50 AM to 11:20 AM (30 Minute Session)
  • Period 4 – 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM (30 Minute Session)

Students will be able to access online support sessions via Google Classroom, where teachers will post links and instructions on how to join. We encourage students to check their course pages for updates and join any available support opportunities.

All Middle School classes are cancelled for the day. They will resume when school re-opens on Tuesday.

Thank you for your understanding and stay safe.

Annual Cedar Glen Trip

Zareh Demirdji Community, Events, Experiential Learning

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.

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

Album One | Album Two

Spirit Week

YMCA Academy Community, Events

The first Spirit Week of the school year was so much fun! Thank you everyone for your participation! Our team-building assembly was a great way to connect at the start of this school year!

We began the week with an assembly that brought students and staff together in a fun and meaningful way. Throughout the week, students showed their creativity and school spirit by dressing up for each day’s theme, from musical icons and sports team pride to Western wear, vintage fashion throwbacks, and beloved characters from pop culture. The halls were filled with laughter and connection as the entire school community embraced the fun. We’re already looking forward to the next one!