Updates

With summer half over, it seems a good time to bring everyone up-to-date on what we’ve been doing at The YMCA Academy, and changes you can expect for the new academic year.

When we start in September, there will be some small but noticeable changes to some of our office assignments, as we reorganize for a more efficient use of space.  These changes will involve the office beside the front desk, as well as the three offices in the admin area.

More important changes involve Academy staff.  Julie Barrett, Nicole Klement and Mitchell Curci will not be with the Academy at the start of the next term and we wish them all well in their future endeavours. We are delighted that Todd Harrison and Rein Tammemagi will be part of the team welcoming students this September.

Since Julie Barrett handled much of the financial and admissions contract work, she is a familiar face to you all and her general organizational acumen will be difficult to replace. Nicole Klement, has accepted a position of responsibility at Havergal College and while I’m thrilled for her, I’m also very sorry to lose her wisdom and support at the school.  If there are any questions, please contact me directly as I will be overseeing the admissions duties at the school.

As part of our staff changes, I am pleased to announce that Susan Couprie has accepted a newly-created role of Teacher/Special Education Supervisor.  Susan’s expertise in the area of special education is well respected, and she will forge ahead with work around IEPs, accommodations, assistive technologies and so on in support of student learning and teacher development.

Similarly, Kaili Glennon has accepted a newly-created role of Teacher/Guidance Supervisor.  Kaili’s experience in running our co-operative education program, as well as her mentorship background, are important qualifications for this position.  She will be responsible for student transitions to post secondary or workplace situations in addition to continuing to teach and run co-op.

We have hired two familiar faces to full time teaching positions.  Todd Harrison returns to The Academy after a year away at Greenwood College School.  Todd previously spent a year volunteering at our school, so we know he will be a great asset.

Rein Tammemagi, who taught here on a part-time basis last year, and who is also a long-time volunteer at the school, has also accepted a full-time position as a teacher at the school.  We’re glad to have Rein back in an expanded role!

With new teachers, comes new expertise, and our timetable has more variety than ever.  We’re looking forward to classes which are interesting for the students and faculty alike!  As always, each student’s individual learning needs will be met in every class.

Looking forward to seeing everyone in the new academic year!

Don Adams, Head of School