Civics in Action

As the Civics and Citizenship course comes to a close, students have been reflecting on memorable moments and activities from the course.

One of the most memorable activities was an election simulation where students formed political parties, wrote platforms, and ran campaigns. Along the way, students learned every part of the electoral process, from identifying their own political beliefs to marking a ballot correctly. As one student reflected, “It’s important for me to learn how to vote because I am 15 now, and in a few years, I’ll have the responsibility to vote.” Through this project, students also practiced communication skills like deliberating effectively, collaborating within their parties, and graciously accepting election results.

Another course highlight was our visit to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, where we met Kristyn Wong-Tam, MPP for Toronto Centre. (Fun fact: Kristyn Wong-Tam was instrumental in the creation of our beloved Dr. Lillian McGregor Park across the street!) A memorable part of our field trip was sitting in the gallery while the House was in session, watching MPPs conduct their official business. Inspired by what they saw, students brought some of the issues discussed on the floor back to class for our own debates. Everyone, including teachers, had to hand in their phones for the duration of the field trip, and an unexpected lesson was that students realized they could go without their phones for an entire hour and a half!

As the Civics and Citizenship course comes to a close, students have been reflecting on memorable moments and activities from the course.
Students with Kristyn Wong-Tam

Finally, students practiced making their voices heard by providing feedback on the municipal budget and creating petitions about issues they care about. One student shared, “Making my petition was so fun and heartwarming. Getting teachers’ and family members’ support for harm reduction policies made me feel so validated and like I was doing good for my province.” Students enjoyed the chance to engage in civic action and practiced the art of perspective-taking and relating to one another with understanding.

Team-building during our first Advisory Groups day!



We had a great time at our first Advisory Groups day on Wednesday afternoon. Students completed challenges and team-building activities such as Face the Cookie, a tower-building challenge and a Rock, Paper, Scissors tournament to help foster their sense of community as we begin a new school year. Students eagerly participated and cheered each other on throughout the activity!

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.

Students participate in the Shoebox Project

Over the month of November the YMCA Academy embraced the spirit of giving and once again participated in the Shoebox Project for Women. Our community went above and beyond and was able to put together 38 gift-filled shoe boxes this year!

The Shoebox Project for Women operates throughout Canada and the United States, delivering shoebox gifts to women in need. In Toronto the shoeboxes are distributed to women accessing a variety of services such as the YMCA Women’s Shelter, CAMH, Native Women’s Resource Centre, Covenant House etc. The aim of the project is to remind women that they have not been forgotten and that they are a valued and respected member of their community. This initiative aligns with the YMCA core values and provides an opportunity to foster empathy, practice civic engagement and collaborate with peers in a meaningful way.

Students attended an assembly to learn about how people, and women in particular, are impacted by homelessness in Toronto and Canada. This helped to put the project into context and to provide students with information about the housing crisis and other issues that Canadians face. In advisory groups, students brainstormed what gifts might help women feel special and devised a plan of who would purchase each item. Then the day came to bring together all the gifts and create the boxes. Each group decorated and filled at least one box and made sure it included everything on the list. Students also wrote thoughtful messages in a card for the recipient. Once all the boxes were ready to go they were taken to a drop off location to be distributed in time for the holidays.

Here is what some of our students had to say about participating in the project:

“I really enjoyed the project. It teaches kids about privilege and gives them a better understanding of the world around them.” – Maiko

“It was a relaxing activity to make the boxes while we listened to music and snow was falling.” – Kelly

“It was a great time. I had a lot of fun hanging out with my friends.” – Jack

“We wanted to make the boxes to deliver to women in need who could use the stuff to comfort them.” – Griffin

“‘I felt the shoebox project was a great way to share joy over the holiday season to people who need the support” – Chloe

12 Principles of Animation

In the Communication Technology class Animation Unit, students recently undertook a project centered around the 12 Principles of Animation. The objective was to create animation that effectively showcased their understanding of these principles. The students demonstrated their creative skills and knowledge in basic 2D Animation. The project was an opportunity for students to put what they had learned into practice and explore the captivating realm of animation. All animations are then put into one collage which can be watched here in our school’s official YouTube page!