The YMCA Academy kicked off another great school year with an incredible guest, storyteller Jim Adams. Jim shared interesting and moving stories from various First Nations, answered questions about political and historical issues and invited participants to choose rocks from a pile as a way to connect with a story. Jim’s warmth, humour and talent was appreciated by all present. Thanks, Jim, and please come back again soon!
Sep. 13th, 2013 – The Academy’s first Spirit Day!
This past Friday, YMCA Academy students transformed into construction workers, outdoor adventurers, cartoon characters, historical warriors, baseball superstars, cool crooners, and animals of every shape and size. Yes, on Friday we wore many hats — literally, I mean, since we were celebrating “Wear Fun(ny) Hats or Headgear Day,” our first Spirit Day of the school year.
The event was a big success: students turned up in all kinds of cranial adornments, and we had a student-run hat-making station in the reception area for anyone in need of some last-minute headgear. Best of all, it was a chance for our new students to engage further in our school community. And there’s more where that came from; the day before Hat Day (Hat Eve, if you will), we brainstormed during TAPS — our monthly small-group sessions that run as part of the Academy’s dedication to Mindfulness practices — and came up with a plethora of fantastic ideas for spirit days to come. Stay tuned!
— Todd Harrison
Sep. 6th, 2013 – Invite to Parent Social
You are invited to The YMCA Academy’s Parent Social
Wednesday September 25th, 2013
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
The YMCA Academy, Fireplace Lounge 2nd Floor
Please join us for a wine and cheese reception honouring our alumni, current and prospective parents.
RSVP by phone 416-928-0124 Ext 0 OR email: bonita.ip@ymcagta.org
Aug. 29th, 2013 – School Starts Tuesday Sept. 3!
It’s my pleasure to welcome you to the new year at The YMCA Academy. School starts on Tuesday, September 3. It will be important to be here a bit early to receive your schedule, locker assignment, and other vital information! Plan on being here by 9:00. We will begin our school assembly at 9:30, followed by20 minute classes. Dismissal is 11:30 a.m.
See you Tuesday!
Don Adams, Head of School
Aug. 19th, 2013 – Summer Preparations
With summer half over, it seems a good time to bring everyone up-to-date on what we’ve been doing at The YMCA Academy, and changes you can expect for the new academic year.
When we start in September, there will be some small but noticeable changes to some of our office assignments, as we reorganize for a more efficient use of space. These changes will involve the office beside the front desk, as well as the three offices in the admin area.
More important changes involve Academy staff. Julie Barrett, Nicole Klement and Mitchell Curci will not be with the Academy at the start of the next term and we wish them all well in their future endeavours. We are delighted that Todd Harrison and Rein Tammemagi will be part of the team welcoming students this September.
Since Julie Barrett handled much of the financial and admissions contract work, she is a familiar face to you all and her general organizational acumen will be difficult to replace. Nicole Klement, has accepted a position of responsibility at Havergal College and while I’m thrilled for her, I’m also very sorry to lose her wisdom and support at the school. If there are any questions, please contact me directly as I will be overseeing the admissions duties at the school.
As part of our staff changes, I am pleased to announce that Susan Couprie has accepted a newly-created role of Teacher/Special Education Supervisor. Susan’s expertise in the area of special education is well respected, and she will forge ahead with work around IEPs, accommodations, assistive technologies and so on in support of student learning and teacher development.
Similarly, Kaili Glennon has accepted a newly-created role of Teacher/Guidance Supervisor. Kaili’s experience in running our co-operative education program, as well as her mentorship background, are important qualifications for this position. She will be responsible for student transitions to post secondary or workplace situations in addition to continuing to teach and run co-op.
We have hired two familiar faces to full time teaching positions. Todd Harrison returns to The Academy after a year away at Greenwood College School. Todd previously spent a year volunteering at our school, so we know he will be a great asset.
Rein Tammemagi, who taught here on a part-time basis last year, and who is also a long-time volunteer at the school, has also accepted a full-time position as a teacher at the school. We’re glad to have Rein back in an expanded role!
With new teachers, comes new expertise, and our timetable has more variety than ever. We’re looking forward to classes which are interesting for the students and faculty alike! As always, each student’s individual learning needs will be met in every class.
Looking forward to seeing everyone in the new academic year!
Don Adams, Head of School