May 13th, 2013 – Upcoming Event: Share the Road

YMCA Academy Beyond the Classroom, Community

On May 15th from 2:30 to 3:00pm The YMCA Academy welcomes Justin from Share the Road Ride and Drive with Care.

The Ride and Drive with Care program is administered through Share the Road Cycling Coalition, with support from the CAA and funding from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. It is a program that targets both drivers and cyclists, and encourages them to use the road responsibly together.

The program aims to foster healthy behaviours, and create a healthy relationship between cyclists and drivers. The program is composed of a few key elements, and is set to be delivered this May and June.

The program has two elements:

1) School wide assembly on bike safety

2) A pledge to commit to a number of actions, including riding predictably and being highly visible and communicative while on a bike, and giving cyclists the room and respect they deserve when behind the wheel.  The pledge can be signed either physically, using pledge cards that we will supply, or online, through our Ride and Drive with Care website. Once the presentation is done and the pledges are signed, that’s when the real fun begins!Ride_Drive_Care_01

http://www.sharetheroad.ca

May 6th, 2013 – YMCA Strong Kids Walk-a-thon

YMCA Academy Beyond the Classroom, Community, YMCA of Greater Toronto

On Thursday May 2nd, The Central YMCA’s programs gathered in support of the Family Development Centre’s participation in this year’s YMCA Strong Kids Walk-a-thon event.

Out in large numbers were The YMCA Academy’s staff and students. The Academy high school benefits from funding generated through the Strong Kids campaign and students demonstrated their gratitude and support when they volunteered to assist in all aspects of the walk.

From pushing strollers, holding hands & setting up obstacle courses to teaching preschoolers how to “whirlwind slam dunk”and his comment is here in which it is noted that the academy students were in the center of the action.

Thanks to all for supporting the Strong Kids Campaign 2013!

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Check out the rest of the pictures on our Facebook Page!

April 15th, 2013 – YMCA at the Green Living Show

YMCA Academy Beyond the Classroom, Environmental Stewardship, Events

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

April 8th, 2013 – LDAO Annual Corporate Breakfast

YMCA Academy Beyond the Classroom

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.

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Visit the LDAO Website

April 8th, 2013 – Black History Month Project

YMCA Academy Arts, Beyond the Classroom, Student Spotlight

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 : )

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Check out the rest of the pictures on our Facebook Page!