Mar 4th, 2013 – Storyteller Jim Adams Visit

YMCA Academy Community, English and Humanities, Experiential Learning, Native Studies

The grade 10 English and the grade 11 Aboriginal Voices classes hosted storyteller Jim Adams this week to celebrate the traditional winter storytelling practice of Canada’s Indigenous peoples.  Jim wowed us all with ancient and personal tales, a beautiful song with his drum, hands-on and experiential activities with rocks and an information-sharing question and answer period that shed light on many topics.  His warmth, generosity and humour were greatly admired and we all took away much more than we came with.  Each of us still has our own rock in our pocket, on our desk or in some special place.  Thanks so much, Jim, and please come back soon!

IMG_5333

Feb 26th, 2013 – YMCA Megathon this Saturday!

YMCA Academy Community, Updates, YMCA of Greater Toronto

megathon2013

megathon_hero

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi everyone!
As you know the MegaThon is fast approaching! This is our annual fundraising event and it will take place this

Saturday – March 2nd at the Central Y!

We hope to raise $50,000 in one full day of activities!

We are looking for volunteers to assist with a wide variety of tasks including :

– Set up & decorations (8:30am – 11:00am)
– Tear Down (3:00pm – 4:00pm)
– Registration & Sign In (10:30am – 1:30pm)
– Attendance at the doors of events (various times)
– Water runners (various times)
– Station monitors (1pm – 3pm)
– And more!

It will take a team to see this event through. If you are interested to volunteer for a single hour or even the whole day, please email or call me and I’ll book you in. If you coordinate a youth group, we would also be happy to take on a team of volunteers!

Thanks very much for your consideration!

Click for more details

Feb 14th, 2013 – YMCA Strong Kids Bake Sale

YMCA Academy Community, Events, Updates, YMCA of Greater Toronto

The second annual YMCA Academy Valentines Bake Sale, in support of the Strong Kids Campaign, was a huge success!  The front foyer of the Central Y was an explosion of pink and red on Tuesday with over ten student volunteers selling a variety of baked goods to the excited public.  Much thanks goes out to all our student volunteers, all families and staff who donated goodies, and all individuals who supported the sale by buying delicious treats.  Special thanks to our volunteer Peggy for coordinating the decorative wrapping of donations.  Happy Valentines Day!

IMG_5167

IMG_5200

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

Feb 7th, 2013 – Strong Kids / Valentines Bake Sale

YMCA Academy Community, Events, Updates, YMCA of Greater Toronto

Dear Parents / Guardians and Students,

Valentines Day is approaching and The YMCA Academy is gearing up for our exciting Valentines Bake Sale in support of the Strong Kids Campaign!

The bake sale will take place on Tuesday, February 12 from 3 – 5pm.  Students will be selling baked goods and other offerings in the front foyer of the Central Y.

We welcome any donations that we can sell, including baked goods, chocolate, candy, store bought cookies, handmade cards or any other ideas.  All proceeds will be donated to the Strong Kids Campaign which directly supports students at The YMCA Academy.

Thanks,
Bonita

Jan 23rd, 2013 – Sprout Harvest and Tasting

YMCA Academy Community, Environmental Stewardship, Experiential Learning

The Academy had a chance to enjoy our first in-school harvest of sprouts from our Pickle Farm prototype design. The Grade 10 Learning Strategies class picked freshly sprouted pea shoots and sunflower seed sprouts in order to create a delicious appetizer consisting of fresh bakery bread, sprouts (of course!), fresh tomatoes and Boursin cheese. The class used this activity as part of their lesson on identifying and describing personal lifestyle strategies that enhance health and wellness and improve one’s readiness to learn – in this case – making nutritious food choices!

IMG_4616

IMG_4691

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