New Temporary Exhibit For Peterborough Museum and Archives

The Peterborough Museum & Archives is hosting a new temporary exhibit, curated by students from Fleming College’s Museum Management and Curatorship program, beginning on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

‘Collecting Memories: Objects that Define Us’ explores a fresh perspective on storytelling through objects. According to press release, the exhibit encourages visitors to think about why objects on exhibit at the Peterborough Museum & Archives (PMA) are part of the permanent collection, and why those objects were donated, accepted, treasured and preserved.  

“Every year Fleming College's Museum Management and Curatorship students work collaboratively as a team to research, write, plan and design a new exhibit for the Peterborough Museum & Archives,” said Dr. Amy Barron, Fleming College program coordinator of heritage programs. “This year's exhibit captures the very meaning of why these students are inspired to learn to work in museums, because it is in the objects that we all cherish and keep that a community's collective memories are told.”

The exhibit is on display in the Heideman Gallery until June 15. An official opening will take place on April 17, from 2 to 4 p.m., with speeches starting at 2:30 p.m.

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Trent University Introduces One of First Forensic Anthropology Degrees In the Nation

Trent University has launched a new Bachelor of Science in Forensic Anthropology, considered one of Canada's first standalone programs, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

According to Trent, the program helps address the demand for professionals trained in the field for various career applications, including criminal investigations, disaster response and human rights inquiries.

The University recognized a growing need for specialists who can recover and analyze human remains. Examples include coroners’ offices, forensic units within police services, and medical examiners. Trent says the following occupations are facing shortages of trained personnel who can interpret skeletal evidence and assist in death investigations. Around the world, organizations such as the Red Cross need these skills for mass grave recovery and disaster victim identification.

The program offers students a unique opportunity to study human remains in a medico-legal context.

“Combining the investigative rigour of forensic science with the analytical depth of anthropology will equip graduates with the foundational skills needed for these in-demand careers. This degree provides a critical foundation of skills and hands-on experience to take that next step in graduate studies to become a practicing forensic anthropologist or to apply expertise in a variety of related fields,” said Dr. Joel Cahn, Trent director of the leading Master of Science in Forensic Science program.

This interdisciplinary and applied science program integrates coursework from the Department of Anthropology and the Department of Forensic Science, two of Trent University’s most prominent and leading academic programs.

Trent’s Department of Anthropology features subfields of archaeology and biological anthropology, sociocultural anthropology, and linguistic anthropology, and among the faculty is the Canada Research Chair in Archaeological Science, Dr. Paul Szpak. Trent’s Forensic Science program features leading faculty researchers and forensic practitioners. It provides students with an understanding of investigative techniques, skeletal biology, crime scene analysis, and bio-chemical testing through the Forensic Crime Scene Facility, a first-of-its-kind facility in Canada.

“Forensic anthropology is about science in action,” said Cahn. “It’s where analytical thinking meets real-world applications. If you have a strong sense of duty and a mind for investigation, this program is an exciting way to channel those skills.”

At Trent’s Forensic Crime Scene Facility, students will engage in laboratory work, case studies, and seminars to develop the technical and interpretive skills needed. This 4,100-square-foot facility includes modular crime scene spaces, an integrated surveillance system for case analysis, a dedicated forensic lab and an outdoor evidence recovery area.

Advanced courses will include scene recovery techniques, osteological identification and forensic genetics, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for multiple career paths. Students will gain practical experience in real-world investigative techniques, from processing skeletal remains to analyzing forensic evidence in controlled crime scene environments. This cutting-edge facility ensures graduates enter the workforce with applied skills that set them apart.

“Trent is providing a home for students with a passion for forensic anthropology,” said Cahn. “For those who have always been fascinated by this field but struggled to find a clear academic path or left to build one on their own, we’re saying: we’ve got you covered.”

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Peterborough & the Kawarthas Home Builders Association Launch Women In Trades Programs

The Peterborough & the Kawarthas Home Builders Association (PKHBA) has launched two Women in Trades programs with a networking event at the Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region Lakefield ReStore on Wednesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan bui.

Roughly 30 women in skilled trades and construction attended as PKHBA marked the occasion by announcing new programs designed to promote and support women in skilled trades and construction.

PKHBA had launched was the Ambassador Program in partnership with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPR), Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNC) and Fleming College. Its goal is to encourage more women to pursue careers in skilled trades.

The event had representatives from these school partners speak about the programs available for women in skilled trades:

• Johanne Denley (PVNC) highlighted the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), the Young Women’s Conference hosted by Skills Ontario in Toronto, and partnerships such as Junior Achievement for FemSTEAM programs.

• Danielle Moher (KPR) discussed the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs, teacher and guidance training to support students interested in trades, the new Grade 9 Tech curriculum, and opportunities for high school students to gain hands-on experience at job sites.

• Mary MacLeod (Fleming College) spoke about the Building Bridges, dual credit programs and the college’s partnerships with local schools. She noted that over 1,400 high school students had the opportunity to work with tools—some for the first time—sparking an interest in hands-on careers.

The Mentorship Program was also launched as it provides women in construction with guidance and support from experienced industry leaders within the PKHBA membership. It covers four key topics: entrepreneurship, workplace culture, systems and processes and sales and marketing.

“The power of women supporting each other is unmatched,” said Andria Cowan, ACM Designs owner and PKHBA Women in Trades Committee Chair. “By coming together, we can create positive change, open new doors, and inspire future generations of women to explore rewarding careers in the skilled trades.”

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Future Post-Secondary Students Invited to Trent University's March Break Open House Friday

Future students will have the chance to sit down with Trent’s academic leaders at Spring Open House in Peterborough to discuss the University’s programs, career pathways, generous entrance scholarships and unique learning environment this Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

New this year is a Meet the Deans drop-in session offering to allow future students and guests to ask questions, hear directly from the leaders shaping Trent’s academic experience and learn about studying at Trent. Dr. Mark Skinner, dean of Humanities & Social Sciences; Dr. Sarah West, dean of Sciences; Dr. Fergal O’Hagan, dean of Education and Dr. Hugo Lehmann, dean of Nursing will be in attendance.

Students considering transferring to Trent can also participate in a new dedicated session for transfer students, designed to help those considering a new postsecondary path explore their options and learn how Trent can help with transfer credits. A dedicated session for Grade 10 and 11 students will introduce younger visitors to Trent’s programs, student life, and the path to university.

“Open House is about more than just seeing the spaces where you’ll study—it’s about meeting the people who will be part of your university experience,” said Marilyn Burns, vice president of Communications & Enrolment at Trent University. “The chance to have real conversations with deans, faculty, students, and staff is what makes Trent’s Open House such a valuable experience for our guests, providing the best insight into what makes Trent unique—our academic options and career pathways, student supports, and generous scholarships. There’s no better way to see if Trent is the right fit.”

Trent’s Spring Open House features student-led campus tours, offering a look inside lecture halls, Bata Library, the Student Centre, and residence spaces.

Professors also lead information sessions on programs, research opportunities and career pathways, while enrolment advisors are on hand to discuss paid co-op and flexible degree options—including Trent’s Exploration Year, which allows students to customize their first year before choosing a major.

Students can also explore Trent’s entrance scholarships, including full tuition for those with a 95 perc ent average or higher, apply for guaranteed residence and accept an offer or apply on the spot. 

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Fleming College Welcomes All At Spring Open House On March 22

Fleming College invites everyone to discover their future at its annual spring Open House on March 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

File Photo.

Attendees can explore Fleming’s campuses and learn about the diverse programs and exceptional student resources. 

Visitors can tour the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre at the Sutherland Campus in Peterborough, meet with faculty and chat with students about their experiences in Fleming’s wide range of programs. Information about accessibility, student experience, athletics and diversity and inclusion services will also be available. 

The Frost Campus in Lindsay will offer a variety of hands-on activities and demonstrations. Guests can enter a contest to get a chance to press a detonator and blow up dozens of watermelons during Fleming’s Blasting Techniques program demonstration.  

At the Haliburton School of Art + Design, attendees can speak with students and instructors, tour the art studios and walk along the adjacent Sculpture Forest Trail. 

Those interested in firefighting careers can visit the Eastern Ontario Emergency Training Academy in Norwood, where faculty, staff, and students from Fleming’s Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program will be available to answer questions and provide insight into the program. Firefighters will be on location from surrounding communities, training for situations they encounter regularly, a moment not to be missed. 

Registration to attend Open House is available online.

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Fleming College's Haliburton School of Art and Design to Offer Courses During March Break

Fleming College’s Haliburton School of Art + Design is offering courses for kids, youth and adults to have fun this upcoming March Break, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Young artists (ages five to nine) can get their hands dirty and creative in Kids Art Camp: Wild About Clay. According to Fleming, participants will explore three-dimensional art through various hand-building techniques such as pinching, coiling and slab work as they create unique clay masterpieces. They will find natural objects to press into clay and sculpt their favourite animals.

Teens and adults (ages 17 and up) can engage in Canadian winter through Painting the Winter Landscape. Participants will paint in real-time or work from photographs, drawing inspiration from Haliburton’s scenery, including the Sculpture Forest.

Artists are guided by the techniques of artists such as Tom Thomson, Lawren Harris, Doris McCarthy and Kim Dorland to develop their own interpretations of the winter landscape.

These courses run daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Haliburton Campus from March 10 to 14. 

Registration is now open and can be done online.

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All PVNC Buildings Closed Due to Forecasted Weather For Thursday

Due to extreme snowfall and weather forecasted to develop across regions of the Board throughout Wednesday evening and tomorrow, all PVNC Catholic schools, buildings, and worksites, including the Catholic Education Centre, will be closed on Thursday to students and staff.

File Photo.

Before and after-school programs will be cancelled.

Full-day childcare programs that operate within our schools will message families independently.

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Trent University Appoints Interim Vice President

Dr. Mark Skinner has been announced as Trent University’s interim provost and vice-president, effective June 1, as Dr. Michael Khan takes on a new role as president of Saint Mary’s University in July.

Dr. Mark Skinner, new interim VP, Academic. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Since 2018, Skinner has served as dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, overseeing Trent’s most prominent academic division and playing a pivotal role in faculty renewal, program development, and interdisciplinary growth according to Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor.

“Dr. Skinner’s extensive experience and commitment to advancing Trent’s academic excellence make him ideal to lead as Provost and VP Academic,” she said. “As a leader, researcher, and educator, he has long been a champion for student success, faculty scholarship, innovative programming and community engagement. We look forward to his leadership in this interim role as we continue to build on Trent’s strong academic foundation.” 

Since joining Trent as a geography professor in 2006, Dr. Skinner has held various leadership positions, including founding director of the Trent Centre for Aging & Society and Canada Research Chair in Rural Aging. As dean, he has worked with Dr. Khan to strengthen Trent’s academic offerings in the humanities, social sciences and business. His contributions to University initiatives include Trent’s sector-leading Indigenous course requirement and the research and teaching agreement that is pivotal to the University’s future Seniors Village.

“I love the Trent community and believe strongly in the values that nurture and sustain our exceptional student learning experience,” said Dr. Skinner. “I look forward to leading and supporting our inspiring faculty as we continue to create opportunities for students to explore their interests, expand their horizons and succeed in building meaningful and impactful careers.”

Dr. Michael Khan, new president, Saint Mary's University. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Dr. Khan has served as Trent’s provost and vice president of academics since 2020. While at Trent, Dr. Khan spearheaded the development of the University’s Academic Plan, guided by 12 core principles to strengthen academic programming, research and student success.

“Dr. Khan has made a lasting impact on Trent’s academic landscape,” said Bruce. “His leadership has strengthened our program offerings, expanded student opportunities, and contributed to a thriving and inclusive academic community. We are grateful for his many contributions to Trent and wish him success in his next chapter.” 

“My time at Trent has been a tremendous experience,” said Dr. Khan. “I feel privileged to have worked with exceptional colleagues at an institution that is so agile in its academic planning that we could respond to the changing needs and interests of both students and the professional sector and launch innovative programs. Connecting with students to learn about their goals and aspirations is what drives my work, and I hope the work that we have done here will be as meaningful for today’s and tomorrow’s Trent students as it is for me.”

Plans for a formal search for Trent’s next provost and vice-president, Academic, are in development. 

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Trent University and PRHC Partner For Healthcare Advancement In Peterborough

Trent University and Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) are partnering to advance healthcare with a new agreement outlining plans to enhance interdisciplinary research activity, leadership training, applied learning and career opportunities and student volunteer opportunities, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“This agreement strengthens Trent University’s collaboration with PRHC, creating new opportunities to engage in research, share expertise, and drive meaningful impact in healthcare,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “The collaboration is about more than formalizing our work together—it’s about opening doors to new longer-term projects, securing critical funding, expanding hands-on learning for students, and scaling innovations that will help shape the future of healthcare in our region and beyond.”

“At Peterborough Regional Health Centre, we’ve made a strategic commitment to building our teaching and research focus, and our long-standing partnership with Trent University is key to moving this work forward,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC President and CEO. “By cultivating our research and innovation partnerships, PRHC will strengthen the patient care and support we offer at our regional hospital for years and decades to come, and offer expanded and enhanced educational opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare and related fields.”

As outlined in a new memorandum of understanding (MOU), Trent and PRHC will work together on various initiatives highlighting the two institutions' strengths, including research, leadership development and experiential learning for post-secondary students, according to Trent.

Key areas of collaboration include:

• Research collaborations to tackle pressing health issues – including diabetes and seniors’ care – and expand eligible funding sources for both Trent and PRHC

• Development of data infrastructure and data governance to support seamless and secure knowledge exchanges between healthcare professionals and academic researchers

• Undergraduate and volunteer experience in the hospital for Trent students

• Development of micro-credentials on healthcare leadership

• Adjunct teaching opportunities PRHC staff to serve as adjunct instructors and clinical mentors at Trent

• Sustainability and energy initiatives that help both institutions progress toward reduced environmental footprints

“This is just the beginning of this new avenue of collaboration, and we look forward to sharing more stories and outcomes from the work we do together in the coming months and years with the Peterborough community,” said Julie Davis, vice president, External Relations & Development.

"When strong partners such as PRHC and Trent University work together, supported by their community donors, so much more becomes possible. This is an exciting new example of collaboration and collective efforts fuelling innovation and progress that will help us reimagine what healthcare looks like in our region and create a healthier, stronger community for all,” said Lesley Heighway, president, PRHC Foundation.

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Peterborough Lakers Partner With Fleming College Students For Business and Marketing Consultation

As a final project for 39 Fleming College students, they are providing business and marketing consultation for the Peterborough Lakers in a partnership announced at the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame on Friday morning.

Pete Dalliday (right) addresses the Fleming Students during a Q&A session. Photo by David Tuan bui.

The students are from the General Business program within Fleming College’s School of Business and IT Applied Projects class. The collaboration will run until April for the undergraduate students.

“This collaboration project is to build awareness and sales for the Peterborough Lakers,” said David Swales, program coordinator and professor. “The project itself is to create the strategy and identify deliverables; we’re acting like consultants.”

Students are responsible for conducting research to create a consulting package on how to raise ticket sales and gain sponsorships for the Lakers. Pete Dalliday, Lakers director of community engagement, laid out an overview of the organization’s current status and goals of what they are looking to achieve.

Swales says the students are well-equipped with the tools to effectively help the Lakers reach their goals.

“So many of them have such great social media skills so there’s a lot of expertise they can bring,” he explained.

After the Q&A session, the students were given a tour of the facility and treated to briefly watch an ongoing hockey game at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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