MPP Peter Milczyn visits Civics class

YMCA Academy Community, English and Humanities, Experiential Learning No Comments

Etobicoke-Lakeshore MPP Peter Milczyn paid a visit to the Academy’s Civics and Careers classes to share the story of his journey in politics, and inspire students to get involved in their local communities. MPP Milczyn began his career in the private sector after graduating from the University of Toronto’s architecture program, but his passion for urban issues led him to a life in politics. He talked to students about the experience of running in elections — first as a member of Etobicoke and later Toronto City Council, and then as a member of Ontario’s government.

Interacting with guests like MPP Milczyn is a vital and exciting learning experience for our students. Through these visits, Academy students strengthen connections between their lessons and the real world, and derive inspiration to take their work to the next level.

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Silk screening with Kingi Carpenter

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Our fashion class recently visited the legendary Kingi Carpenter, owner of Peach Berserk, at her west-end home and studio for a silk screening extravaganza. We made our own screens, learned about the application of light-sensitive coatings, created individual art work and made our own t-shirts, sweaters and bandanas with our designs. It was a full day of hard work, but the final products were amazing and we proudly wear them to school and beyond. Thanks, Kingi, for your awesome hospitality and the chance to try out this unique type of hands-on fashion!

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Grade 12 History students push back against their teacher to simulate Boudicca’s Rebellion

Brandon Stewart English and Humanities, Experiential Learning No Comments

The YMCA Academy’s Adventures in World History course experienced the discipline needed to work as a single unit in the Roman Infantry. With shields at the ready the would-be Legionnaires cooperated to overcome uneven terrain and push back the opposing force.

By taking the Historical Perspective of Roman Soldiers and British Iceni Warriors the students determined that in the conflict of Boudicca’s Rebellion, the Iceni tribe had the offensive advantages of manoeuvrability over many terrain types, and could employ guerrilla tactics. The Romans, on the other hand, had the defensive advantages of a solid shield wall, and immovable block formations, making them a difficult enemy to overcome.

Just as the teacher couldn’t hold back the students in formation during the pushing match, the Iceni couldn’t hold back the inexhaustible numbers, and relentless discipline of the Roman Empire. Even though she was able to win many battles, Boudicca’s Rebellion did not end the Roman occupation of Britain.

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Governor General visits the Academy

YMCA Academy Academics, English and Humanities, Experiential Learning, YMCA of Greater Toronto No Comments

On Friday, The YMCA Academy welcomed a very special guest: Canada’s Governor-General, the Right Honourable David Johnston, visited the school while on a tour of the Toronto Central Grosvenor Street YMCA Centre.

The Governor-General visited a Civics class and chatted with the students about Canada’s government, his memories of school days, and a recent trip to Alert, Nunavut.

Unique experiences like these have a discernible impact on learning; the Civics students are still buzzing about the Governor-General’s visit, and Monday’s class was filled with insightful questions about the structure of Canada’s government.

Grade 9 English – Y News

YMCA Academy English and Humanities, Experiential Learning No Comments

As part of their culminating assignment, the Academy’s Grade 9 Locally Developed English class created “Y News” — a student-created newscast.

Students used their research, planning, writing, editing, speaking, and collaboration skills to create the finished product. They were rightly proud of what they achieved; presenting a creative challenge is a great way to reach new heights as a learner. “I learned how write a newscast and to speak better,” said one student newscaster. “I learned that not too speak fast. I also learned about ideas that came into my head, and I found that I became more creative for the newscast.”

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