Last week, we kicked off Spirit Week with a burst of energy and creativity! We started on Monday, February 10th with PJ Day, where everyone rolled out of bed and came to school in their favourite pyjamas. Tuesday, February 11th was Sports Day, and students proudly represented their favourite teams. On Wednesday, February 12th, Fancy Fits Day had everyone dressed in their most elegant outfits, while Thursday, February 13th celebrated Hat Day, with fun and creative headgear making an appearance. Finally, on Friday, February 14th, we wrapped up the week with Red, Pink & White Day alongside our All-School Valentine’s Day Event (MS Fun Palooza). Organized by our middle school students and teachers, the event from 2:10 to 3:30 featured a lively dance, engaging games, and delicious snacks. It was a fantastic week full of school spirit, and we’re thrilled to share these moments with you!
Annual Skating Trip
On Wednesday February 5th, Staff and Students of the Academy made our annual walk down Bay Street towards Nathan Philip Square for our annual skating trip. Experts, novices and those with skills in between hit the ice in unison. Skaters of all levels had fun while on the ice, and so did those who chose not to skate. We even had our fearless Head of School throw on a pair of blades and show us a move or two. As always, boxes of timbits and hot chocolate made their way over to su, and after taking our group picture, everyone was treated to some sweets. After consuming the treats, everyone made their way home, another successful skating trip in the books
Check out the rest the rest of the pictures on our Facebook page!
Cyber Incident Notice
I want to share an important update about a cyber incident involving PowerSchool, an application used by the YMCA Academy and many independent schools and school boards across North America to store a range of student information. You may have seen or heard news coverage about it this morning as many independent schools and school boards have also been impacted.
On the afternoon of Tuesday, January 7, 2025, PowerSchool notified us and other independent schools and school boards in Ontario and across North America that on December 28, 2024 they became aware of a data breach and immediately implemented cybersecurity response protocols.
Our cybersecurity team is actively working with PowerSchool to understand the nature of the incident and specifically what personal information may have been affected. At this point in time, PowerSchool has confirmed that both staff and student information was involved, we are still determining the exact types information that may have been accessed or exported. PowerSchool has indicated it does not anticipate the data being shared or made public, and the company believes it has been deleted without any further replication or dissemination.
If it is determined that any personal information has been impacted, we will let you know as soon as possible.
We are also advising the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.
We know this news may be concerning and are doing all we can to learn more from PowerSchool about what occurred and will share that information with you.
Sincerely,
Tim Seabrook
Head of School
Team Unbreakable Bold and Cold 5K
On November 30, the YMCA Academy Run Club, joined by friends and family (and even Tim!), participated in the Team Unbreakable Bold and Cold 5K.
Running 5 kilometers is no small feat, especially outdoors at the end of November! We are incredibly proud of our achievement and thrilled to have raised over $3,000 for Team Unbreakable, an organization dedicated to supporting youth mental health through physical activity.
The YMCA Run Club will be going into hibernation for the next few weeks. We’re grateful for the beautiful weather we enjoyed this session, and, like the trees around us, we look forward to shifting our energy inward and resting during this festive and busy season. Run Club will return in February—stay tuned for updates!
CONGRATULATIONS, RUNNERS!
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.