Mar. 30th, 2011 – Jane Goodall Field Trip Details

YMCA Academy Experiential Learning, Updates

Dear Parent and Guardians,

I am writing to inform you about an exciting upcoming school trip.  We have had the honour of being invited to see Dr. Jane Goodall speak at the University of Toronto on April 1st.  In addition, a few of our students will be introducing Dr. Goodall.  The special chance to meet and hear her speak has been arranged by the educational branch of her institute, Roots and Shoots, with whom we did the Shoreline Cleanup in September. Our school has been invited as a “thank you” for our dedication in environmental stewardship and to inspire our students to continue to take action for the environment.

Please Note: This is a very exciting and unique opportunity to hear a talk from one of the great environmentalists and field-research academics – therefore, the whole school will be attending, and there will be direct course linkages both before and after the trip.  The trip fulfills mandatory expectations for most of the courses at the Academy, and impacts all students at the school; therefore, attendance is mandatory for all students.

This trip is directly linked to curriculum, is in the immediate area and relates to course curriculum.  Therefore, permission for this trip will be covered under the umbrella permission form that all parents/guardians/students have signed. You only need to reply if there is a particular issue with your child/ward attending.

Thank you for your support and cooperation.  Look for our Jane Goodall blog on the website after we attend the talk!

Mar. 10th, 2011 – Upcoming dates & events

YMCA Academy Events, Updates

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Just a few reminders about upcoming events/important dates:

  • Friday, March 11th is the last day of classes before we break for Mid-Winter Break (March Break) – students are expected to be in school on Friday and attendance calls/e-mails will be made if students are not here.
  • Monday, March 21st is Teacher Professional Day (no school for students)
  • The first day of classes back is Tuesday, March 22nd
  • Thursday, March 31st is the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test day.  A separate e-mail had been sent home earlier with more details.

Should you have any questions about any of the above, please don’t hesitate to contact us at the Academy.

Mar. 4th, 2011 – Summer plans getting started!

YMCA Academy Updates

Yesterday at our monthly VOICES assembly the Academy staff and students gathered to share ideas about summer plans and opportunities. Here are the highlights:

1) Get started on your 40 hours of community service…

Bonita shared the info now available on our website.
Visit the “LEARN” tab under “community service” and all necessary information and forms can be uploaded.
Or just Click Here

2) Think about a summer 2012 Eco-internships through the YMCA of Greater Toronto

Keep your eye on application deadlines for next year!
For more info visit The Academy website under the “LEARN” tab there is a summer jobs page.
Or just Click Here

3) Are you a Grad? Thinking about an internship before college?

Think about FYPSIP; the YMCA’s paid internship within the federal sector (government offices).
Deadlines are firm and posted on the FYPSIP Website

4) Are you presently in grade 10? Think you want to attend college?  Think about Scholarships!

The CIBC scholarship has been awarded to one of our own Academy students. Deadlines are in February.
For more information speak to Alexi
Or visit the CIBC Scholarship Website

5) Looking for summer or post grad adventure. Check out : Katimavik

This volunteer organization connects Canadians to long term volunteer positions within our wonderful nation.
Katimavik Website

6) Thinking about a gap year after The Academy and before college or the workplace.

Look at opportunities with:
Canada World Youth
Youth Challenge International

7) Summer employment

Need resume assistance? Speak to Malcolm anytime. Sooner is always better than Later…..
Looking for a summer job – use the Academy’s job crawler Here.

Mar. 4th, 2011 – Student Job Crawler Launched!

YMCA Academy Beyond the Classroom, Updates

To provide students with multiple, easy to use resources for finding part-time employment, the Academy has developed a “Student Jobs” Portal. Students can find a wealth of information in this portal including including:

  • an employment handbook
  • a list of employment websites
  • information on internships
  • volunteer opportunities
  • a “real-time” GTA job crawler

Students can check this page daily to see the most recent job postings broken down by category.

Check out the Student Jobs page!

Feb. 24th, 2011 – Academy Skating Trip Details

YMCA Academy Updates

Dear Parents / Guardians,

This Friday, February 25th, the Academy will be going skating at Evergreen at Brickwork.  The purpose of this excursion is to engage students in a healthy fitness and recreation activity in the winter … and this is also part of the “Brickworks Healthy Choices Program” that students have been participating on Mondays. 

All students who were at the Academy last term have already had their parents give consent to class related field trips within class time.  These field trips will be covered under the umbrella of that permission form.