Joan Carragher, PVNC Catholic Director of Education Announces Retirement

Joan Carragher, Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board director of education, has announced her retirement from the position effectively on Aug. 31.

Photo courtesy of PVNC.

Carragher held the position since December 2020.

“This has truly been an inspiring role. Every day I am amazed by the abilities and passions of our dedicated staff in schools and at the board office and I have had the pleasure of working on behalf of our students who give me so much optimism for the future,” said Carragher. “I sincerely thank the Board of Trustees who entrusted me with this important work. I did not take this privilege lightly and I am grateful to have had the opportunity.” 

“Joan’s steadfast leadership was instrumental in leading the Board through some of the most challenging periods of the pandemic and into recovery,” said Kevin MacKenzie, board chairperson. “Joan also led the development of the Board’s current multi-year strategic plan, which will continue to guide the Board’s direction for years to come. We thank Joan for her leadership, her mentoring, her calm demeanor in the face of many challenges and her unwavering commitment to our students, staff, families and school communities.”

Carragher was born and raised in Prince Edward Island and moved to Ontario in 1990 to begin her career in Catholic Education at the Toronto Catholic District School Board. She joined PVNC Catholic as a teacher in 1999, served as vice-principal and principal before becoming a superintendent in 2012. She served roles as superintendent of schools/special education and superintendent of learning/leadership and human resources. The Board of Trustees hired Carragher as Director of Education in December 2020.

Carragher plans to return to P.E.I. with her husband Michael following retirement. They have two daughters Charlotte and Emma, who are both PVNC Catholic graduates. 

The Board of Trustees has begun the process to fill the director’s role, making a job posting.

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Photos: St. John C.E.S Students Get a Taste of French Culture at Delectable Fine Foods

France came to grade 4-8 students from St. John’s C.E.S as they received a French culture and history lesson from Delectable Fine Foods owner Christel Rumgay at her store on Monday and Tuesday.

Eleven-year old Marcus Alldread (left) gets a peek at a uniquely-looking tricoloured gouda from Christel Rumgay, Delectable Fine Foods owner (right).All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Students learned the origins of cheese, its making process and how it impacts French culture, all while receiving food samples.

The trip to the local artisanal store is part of St. John’s French learning curriculum based on the French Enriched School Environment Funding grant (up to $500).

The grant allows schools to explore unique experiences for learning about the French beyond its language.

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Exploring Sustainability at Lakefield College School

Lakefield College School’s (LCS) outdoor-oriented curriculums encourage students to take environmental responsibility and respect the Earth through learning and growing outside the classroom.

photo courtesy of Lakefield college school.

“Our main campus is over 150 acres and our Northcote Campus is just over 160 acres,” said Outdoors Every Day manager Garret Hart. “We have a philosophy in the school that is ‘Outdoors Every Day’ which is why we have our students out in the woods and on the lakes canoeing, swimming, hiking and exploring year-round.”

Hart says one of the College’s main goals is to teach students how to enrich their relationship with the Earth.

“Sustainability for us is really about the connection for students to the broader, natural world, and some more concrete things like food systems. There’s a disconnect, people think that meat comes on styrofoam trays and apples come in a plastic bag,” continued Hart. “Giving kids the opportunity to plant a potato and come back to harvest it in the fall and see this bounty that they’ve created, it’s a pretty important step.”

Through sustainability classes in every grade, LCS looks at themes such as Leave No Trace camping, regenerative agriculture and carbon emission reduction.

“There’s so much that we can use just outside of our door to help students understand the impact that they have on the environment, and the impact the environment can have on them,” said Assistant Head of Sustainability Janice Greenshields. “We really hope that students leave here understanding how to be more responsible for the environment as well as how they can use the environment for healthier lifestyles for the rest of their lives.”

Lakefield College School senior Esme Campbell is in charge of sustainability on campus, working with the environmental club the Lakefield Environmental Action Force (LEAF.)

She says part of her role involves working with her teachers to make LCS more sustainable.

“(This role) was a really good way for me to get more involved with the school community. We ran a thrift store to promote shopping sustainability, a clean plate challenge to focus on food waste, and we also did a holiday market where we worked with local vendors from Peterborough and Lakefield to promote shopping locally,” said Campbell.

The school’s current initiatives for sustainability encompass themes of land, water, waste and climate anxiety; they'll focus on these initiatives more intensely throughout Earth month this April.

“I think it’s really beneficial to have the opportunity to work outside. We went to Northcote and fermented carrots, where we learned about how the fermentation process works which was really interesting. With the hands-on approach we were really able to (stay) engaged which made it a lot more interesting than working and learning from the textbook,” continued Campbell.

Students and parents interested in learning more about sustainability and exploring enrolment at Lakefield College School can visit the website and the Summer Academy Seed to Table programs. There are three to choose from.

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Trent University Welcomes Minister of Colleges and Universities to Peterborough Campus

University leaders spoke with the Honourable Jill Dunlop about career opportunities for students, expertise in aging and world-class water quality research at Trent’s Peterborough Campus on Monday.

Members of the Careerspace at Trent University team meet with The Honourable Jill Dunlop, minister of Colleges & Universities. Left to right: Sabrina Kuipers, Co-op Coordinator; Ryan Sisson, Manager of Community + Workplace Partnerships; Minister Jill Dunlop. photo courtesy of trent university.

Trent University welcomed Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities, to the Peterborough campus where Trent leaders shared details about career-ready skills development, world-class water quality research and a new university-integrated seniors’ village.

“It was a pleasure to welcome Minister Dunlop back to Trent,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “During the visit, we were able to showcase research and student learning opportunities that are quintessentially Trent – highlighting interdisciplinary thought, leadership in aging, work-integrated learning and environmental research.”

Before embarking on a campus tour, several members of Trent’s senior administration, including President Groarke, Provost Michael Khan and Julie Davis, Trent’s vice-president of External Relations and Development, met with Minister Dunlop, who was accompanied by Peterborough MPP and Trent alumnus Dave Smith ’91.

Dr. Cathy Bruce, vice-president of Research & Innovation at Trent, guided Minister Dunlop and MPP Smith on a tour of the campus, highlighting Careerspace, the University's career services centre, the Trent Centre for Aging and Society (TCAS) and the Water Quality Centre.

While at Careerspace, staff spoke about ways Trent continues to innovate to deliver guaranteed career-ready skills development opportunities for students. Representatives from Careerspace shared news about 23 new paid co-op streams for Trent students, virtual learning strategies and the Community Concierge program, which has created partnerships with more than 70 local employers to talent needs in City and County of Peterborough and City of Kawartha Lakes.

“It was such a pleasure to be back at Trent University’s Peterborough campus to see the vibrant student community in action and to learn about how the University is prioritizing student success, research and innovation,” said Dunlop. “From delivering career-ready skills development opportunities through its Careerspace, to the community impact of projects under its Centre for Aging and Society – and everything in between – Trent is doing incredible work preparing students for the workforce. Thank you, President Groarke, for showcasing the talent and work happening all over campus.”

At TCAS, Drs. Mark Skinner and Elizabeth Russell highlighted Trent’s reputation for outstanding thought-leadership on the study and celebration of aging. They also highlighted the international impact of TCAS’s interdisciplinary aging research, the new Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Aging Studies, the community impact of projects including the long-term care home being developed in collaboration with peopleCare communities and Seniors’ Village project to be located on Trent lands.

The tour concluded at Trent’s world-class Water Quality Centre (WQC), the most comprehensive mass spectrometry facility in Canada, where Canada Research Chair in Environmental Archaeology Dr. Paul Szpak showcased key equipment and research. In the WQC, students in Trent Master’s programs also shared with Minister Dunlop opportunities they have had to build specialized skills and experience working with state-of-the-art equipment.

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Mass Casualty Incident Simulation Puts Hands-On Learning To The Test at Fleming College

Students in multiple Fleming College programs put their hands-on learning to the test in a Mass Casualty Incident simulation at the Sutherland Campus on Tuesday.

photo courtesy of fleming College.

The exercise started at 9:30 a.m. and lasted into the early afternoon, led by students in the Paramedic, Pre-Service Fighter Education and Training and Pre-Health Sciences programs.

The stimulation had emergency vehicles on site, and the exercise involved students and volunteers dressed up to appear distressed or injured.

Multi-Casualty Incident exercise taking place at Fleming College today! Our paramedic, pre-service firefighter and pre-health students are putting their hands-on learning to the test at the Sutherland Campus. pic.twitter.com/By8isHlVAJ

— Fleming College (@FlemingCollege) March 14, 2023

Fleming says the simulation is a valuable, hands-on learning experience for students to apply their knowledge in a realistic scenario.

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Trent University Hosting Peterborough Campus Open House For March 17; Durham Date For March 11

The campus is free to explore for prospective students as Trent University is hosting its open house on March 17 in Peterborough and March 11 for the Durham campus.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Visitors can tour the campus, learn about paid co-op streams and accept an offer to Trent on the spot during their visit.

“Our March Break Open House events provide future students with an inside sneak peek at life as a Trent student – with opportunities to explore programs and guaranteed career experience, tour campus and residences, and learn about supports and services," said Marilyn Burns, vice president of Communications & Enrolment. “Campuses will be fully open for all guests to explore. Connecting one-on-one with leading professors and current students gives guests the chance to immerse themselves in the full Trent experience.”

Students who have received accepted their offer to Trent can get in their process and get a celebratory photo. On-the-spot applications can also be taken with several programs still accepting applications for fall.

A career experience, selection of paid co-op streams are being showcased at the event, along with an academic and student services fair, mini-lectures and program sessions. Campus and student residences are also available at the open house.

All students who attend for Open House are entered in a draw to win free first-year tuition. A full open house schedule is available online.

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Trent's 20th Anniversary of Seasoned Spoon Celebrated With Fundraiser Event On March 18

Trent University’s café ‘Seasoned Spoon’ is celebrating its 20th anniversary with an event featuring live music, activities, raffles and food to raise money for a cargo trike on March 18.

The Seasoned Spoon’s grand opening was on Feb 25, 2003 in the Cat's Ass Pub in Otonabee College before being moved to Otonabee College. Photo courtey of Trent University.

The event is at the Seasoned Spoon and runs from 5 p.m. to p.m. with tickets at $10. Children’s admission is free.

The trike will aid Trent Vegetable Gardens in making deliveries and will cost anywhere from $2,750 and upwards to purchase.

The Seasoned Spoon's first opened on Feb. 25, 2003, at Otonabee College. It relocated to the former Champlain Junior Common Room in the spring of 2003 and officially opened in that space on Nov. 18 of the same year.

In 2006, the eatery partnered with the Trent Vegetable Gardens, a volunteer-run group that provides the majority of the café’s produce. The café relocated again in 2009 to the downstairs of the Champlain Senior Common Room.

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Hometown PTBO: Anita Erskine and Her Trent University Saga and Being an International Media Icon

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with Anita Erskine about coming to Peterborough and Trent University, becoming the Trent School of Business 2023 CEO-in-Residence and being an international media icon.

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Innovation Cluster Launches the LEAPZONE @KPRDSB Entrepreneurship Program

Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas (ICPK) announces new partnership with Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB) to foster entrepreneurial skills among secondary students through the creation of the LEAPZONE @KPRDSB Entrepreneurship Club.

photo courtesy of innovation cluster.

As part of the KPR Pathways Initiative, the LEAPZONE @KPRDSB Entrepreneurship Program is designed to allow students to develop entrepreneurial skills and encourage innovation and creativity. The club will offer four sessions on Ideation and Creativity, Business Fundamentals, Marketing and Brand Development. The program is open to Grades 9-12 students and equips them with the skills to plan, fund, start and run a business or social enterprise.

At the end of the program, selected students from the KPRDSB will have the opportunity to represent their school board at an Ontario-Wide Showcase and Networking Event. This event brings together students from different school boards across Ontario who have participated in similar entrepreneurship programs. The event provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn from each other, share ideas and expand their networks.

"We are thrilled to bring this opportunity to students and introduce them to the exciting world of innovation and entrepreneurship! This learning experience will help students build foundational knowledge and skills and empower them to leap out of their comfort zone and turn their ideas into something great," said principal of Teaching and Learning K-12: Secondary Focus Charlotte Filip.

The Cluster recognizes entrepreneurship's pivotal role in driving economic growth and development, creating job opportunities and promoting social and environmental sustainability. As such, the organization provides a broad range of programs and services tailored to support entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey, including high school, college and university students looking to advance their entrepreneurial endeavours.

"I’m confident the new Leap Zone Program will have a positive impact on young entrepreneurs from KPRDSB. These students will discover the resources available to them to start businesses in our region, and our sessions will help them build the entrepreneurial skills they need for success in the years to come. It’s exciting to think that these students will represent our region's next generation of entrepreneurs, and I can't wait to see what businesses they will launch in the future with our support,” said Senior Innovation Specialist & FastStart Program Manager Lindsey Irwin.

For more information on the LEAPZONE @KPRDSB Entrepreneurship Club, interested parties can visit KPRDSB's official website.

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Haliburton School of Art and Design Launches Summer Course Calendar

Discover a new passion and embrace creativity this summer with 55 new classes and workshops at the Fleming College Haliburton School of Art + Design (HSAD).

photo courtesy of fleming college haliburton school of art + design, facebook.

The new Summer 2023 course calendar for HSAD is out and features new courses, plus the return of some of HSAD’s most popular programs. Featuring 55 new classes and workshops, programs cover everything from Art as Activism, Contemporary Rug Hooking to Forging-Damascus Steel Construction.  

HSAD says they are also excited to welcome more than two dozen new teachers to the campus this upcoming summer to both inspire and teach students. Juno Award winning artist Susan Aglukark is hosting two four-day workshops in August, and other instructors include Julie Moon, Naomi Smith, Daniel Scott Tysdale and Lisa Barry, part of the team behind Homestead Pottery. Barry will be teaching an evening class on Wheel Throwing and Hand Building in the spring.  

There are day camps for children and teens and week-long workshops for adults yearning for an artistic getaway in the Haliburton Highlands.  

Join HSAD as they open the doors to the community through lectures, live music and a chance to get a first-hand look at what’s going on at the Haliburton Campus this summer.  

Art Talks run Wednesdays from July 5 to Aug. 9 in the Great Hall, featuring discussions on topics ranging from Mad Comics to the Story of Seedbeads. All are welcome to attend a Walk About at the campus Thursday afternoons, and there will also be free live music in the Great Hall Thursday evenings from July 6 to Aug. 10.

Summer program registration begins on March 1. Find the full catalogue by contacting the College by phone (ext. 4) or email to order a 2023 summer program.  

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