Spring Open House Saturday April 20th 2013, 11:00am – 1:00pm
Academy faculty and students will be available for tours and introductions to our facility, programming and community. Please drop in for refreshments and a visit.
This year we are combining our Open House dates to coincide with our TEDxYMCAAcademy events. TEDxYMCA Academy will be providing lunch during our Open House hours to allow families to attend both events.
As more families and education professionals come to know about The YMCA Academy, I am increasingly asked the question: “How did The Academy come to be?” This is a question that I have answered in several ways – most recently in an interview with the amazing Sara Winter from Squag — a curated, online experience for kids on the autism spectrum! (read it here).
Every bit of what we do at The Academy is absolutely intentional. From the constructivist-based pedagogy, to the experiential opportunities we provide, to the use of a variety of assistive technologies, to the sizes of the classrooms and the physical layout of the school, everything is done with an unswerving eye toward better serving a wide variety of learning styles and challenges.
At the same time, there is something serendipitous about the coming together of such an amazing staff – who share an unending passion and energy for serving our students! And it’s the mixture of intentionality and serendipity that underlies an aspect of the learning culture we wish to create here. We are intentional in how we serve students who learn differently – teach a person how to learn, and they’re immediately hungry to learn more. That allows students to be open to surprises, to the serendipitous, as founding teacher of The Academy, Peter Skillin, puts it in his blog, “so that beneficial communications and connections are more likely to occur.”
In short, we intentionally enable our students to experience the delightful coincidences in life!
Don Adams, Head of School
The YMCA featured at the Green Living show
For the second year in a row, the YMCA of Greater Toronto is showcasing its work in health, wellness, and the environment at the Green Living Show. From April 12-14th at the Direct Energy Centre, visitors will be able to learn all about the different projects the YMCA is up to in the area of environmental sustainability. Not only will the Y have its own exhibitor booth, we will also be engaging visitors in hands-on presentations and workshops for adults and kids.
The Green Living Show is North America’s largest eco-consumerism trade show and welcomes over 30,000 visitors every year. It features a broad range of exhibitors from grassroots artisans selling fair trade products, to auto companies offering test drives in their electric vehicles. The YMCA of Greater Toronto is proud to be part of the successful Green Living Show again. We hope to see you there.
YMCA programmed events at this year’s Green Living Show
On the Sweat Equity Yoga and Fitness Pavilion, join YMCA instructor Abdou in a 30 min. Hatha Yoga demonstration on Saturday April 13 at 10:30am. On Sunday, April 14 at 12:30pm, YMCA instructor Julieta will be leading a Zumba Class.
On Sunday, April 14 in the Health and Wellness Pavilion, the YMCA will be doing another Hatha Yoga demonstration from 11:45am – 12:45pm.
The YMCA will also have a presence in the Kids Zone with presentations on Amazing Animals with the Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre, Camp Fun with Camp Pinecrest, and Camp Fire Songs and Animal Parts.
The YMCA Academy’s Green Initiatives!
As a school run by the YMCA, The Academy will showcase its Green initiatives at the YMCA booth. Here’s a small taste of Green programming offered at The Academy alternative high school.
Community work
Whole – school projects
Evergreen Partnership:
Last year’s Green Living Show Trip: https://www.ymcaacademy.org/?p=2558
The Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario held their 6th annual Corporate Breakfast and Auction this past Thursday at the Sheraton Centre Hotel. Seven Academy students and two staff members sat at a table generously sponsored by Heathbridge Capital Management. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast, watched a live auction take place and were mesmerized by the keynote speaker Patrick McKenna. An actor, professional speaker and comic, Patrick spoke about his experiences with ADHD and offered advice to audience members who had questions. It was great to be a part of this event and to support the LDAO.
Visit the LDAO Website
Rubin “Hurricane” Carter. Rosa Parks. Robert Johnson. Three African American people who have contributed to society and the world in positive ways were celebrated yesterday in the YMCA Academy’s drama class production of The Black History Month Project. Students performed a tableau and mime play that depicted pivotal events in the lives of the middleweight champion boxer, the civil rights activist and the blues musician. Our fourth floor shared space was transformed into a theatre complete with black backdrop and lighting. Our performance was a success! We might take it on the road : )
Check out the rest of the pictures on our Facebook Page!
