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!
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!
Civics in Action
As the Civics and Citizenship course comes to a close, students have been reflecting on memorable moments and activities from the course.
One of the most memorable activities was an election simulation where students formed political parties, wrote platforms, and ran campaigns. Along the way, students learned every part of the electoral process, from identifying their own political beliefs to marking a ballot correctly. As one student reflected, “It’s important for me to learn how to vote because I am 15 now, and in a few years, I’ll have the responsibility to vote.” Through this project, students also practiced communication skills like deliberating effectively, collaborating within their parties, and graciously accepting election results.
Another course highlight was our visit to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, where we met Kristyn Wong-Tam, MPP for Toronto Centre. (Fun fact: Kristyn Wong-Tam was instrumental in the creation of our beloved Dr. Lillian McGregor Park across the street!) A memorable part of our field trip was sitting in the gallery while the House was in session, watching MPPs conduct their official business. Inspired by what they saw, students brought some of the issues discussed on the floor back to class for our own debates. Everyone, including teachers, had to hand in their phones for the duration of the field trip, and an unexpected lesson was that students realized they could go without their phones for an entire hour and a half!
Finally, students practiced making their voices heard by providing feedback on the municipal budget and creating petitions about issues they care about. One student shared, “Making my petition was so fun and heartwarming. Getting teachers’ and family members’ support for harm reduction policies made me feel so validated and like I was doing good for my province.” Students enjoyed the chance to engage in civic action and practiced the art of perspective-taking and relating to one another with understanding.
Team-building during our first Advisory Groups day!
We had a great time at our first Advisory Groups day on Wednesday afternoon. Students completed challenges and team-building activities such as Face the Cookie, a tower-building challenge and a Rock, Paper, Scissors tournament to help foster their sense of community as we begin a new school year. Students eagerly participated and cheered each other on throughout the activity!
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.