Jun. 7th, 2011 – Water Exhibit at the ROM

YMCA Academy Experiential Learning, Science and Math

On Wednesday June 1st, the grade 9 and 10 science classes along with the grade 11 environment class walked over to the Royal Ontario Museum for a viewing of the limited time water exhibit.  The grade 9 class learned about the effects water can have on ecosystems, the grade 10 class about the role of water in the regulation of Earths climate and the grade 11 class about the role of water in the environment at large.  The exhibit also allowed for many hands on and interactive experiences, giving the students an opportunity to learn about the many interesting facts about water beyond the curriculum expectations.  During the end of the visit we also got the pleasure to experience the Edward Burtynsky Oil Exhibit.

Water Exhibit at the Royal Ontario Museum

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May 31st, 2011 – Academy Spring Play Rehearsal

YMCA Academy Arts, Experiential Learning, Student Spotlight

A group of tiny visitors descended upon the Grade 9 Integrated Arts class’ rehearsal of the Academy spring play.  The students have adapted Beatrix Potter’s beloved story “The Tale of Benjamin Bunny” for an audience of daycare children at the 42 Charles Street YMCA building.  For this pre-show event, each student drew an outlined version of their characters and invited the children to learn about them through colouring and chatting.  The students hoped that this fun activity would allow the children to recognize the characters at the performance next week.  Thanks for spending time with us, daycare kids, and we hope you enjoy the play!!!

May 26th, 2011 – Ubisoft visits the Academy!

YMCA Academy Community, Experiential Learning, Science and Math

The grade 11 media art class, grade 9 information tech class and grade 10 careers class gathered to listened to an engaging presentation by video-gamer extraordinaire Rick Hoskinson from UBISOFT in Toronto.  He spoke about his illustrious career in the gaming industry and the many popular games that he has worked on over the years.  He also gave students some guidance around post-secondary programs in a variety of jobs the technical, artistic and business sides of things.  Best game of the year:  Barbie Horse Adventures!!!  Thanks, Rick, and keep up the good work.

May 24th, 2011 – Evergreen Stewardship Pictures

YMCA Academy Community, Environmental Stewardship, Experiential Learning

On Friday May 20, The YMCA Academy celebrated its third anniversary of stewardship with Evergreen’s Downsview Park!  Staff and students alike enjoyed our first warm sunny day in weeks as we worked together to weed, plant trees and mulch our hearts out.  We were able to entirely weed a native plant nursery (the one that we helped prep last fall), and to plant 60 trees.  As a further sign of our good fortune, an ice cream truck appeared like a mirage at lunch time, ensuring that everyone enjoyed a well deserved treat break after enjoying delicious Breakfast Club sponsored sandwiches.  What began three years ago with two classes has now evolved into a whole school fall and spring outdoor ritual of environmental stewardship. We now converge upon Downsview en masse twice year as part of our YMCA Academy commitment to service learning, community partnership, authentic learning and environmental leadership.  As always, well done last Friday on everyone’s part – you did us proud once again!

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May 17th, 2011 – Safe bike riding at Brickworks

YMCA Academy Community, Environmental Stewardship, Experiential Learning, Healthy Living

Yesterday, we participated in a Bike Workshop as part of our Healthy Choices Program.  We learned about safe riding (including helmets and bike checks), hand signaling and did some safety drills.  We then took the bikes out on the Rosedale Ravine trails for a bit of a muddy tour of the surrounding area.  We not only got out into our environment – it also got all over us!  It’s a good reminder for city folks that we don’t have to go far to experience real nature.  Thanks to Shah and Brian for a great workshop and ride.

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