JA-NEO and CPD Partner To Launch Accessible Welding Program at Fleming College

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Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) and the Council for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) have launched the Accessible Welding Program in partnership with Employment Ontario and Fleming College on Tuesday morning.

Photo courtesy of JA-NEO.

The program is aimed at creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities to pursue careers in the skilled trades according to a press release.

The initiative aims to address the underrepresentation of individuals with disabilities in the trades by providing accessible training and support.

“We are thrilled to launch this innovative program in partnership with the Council for Persons with Disabilities, Employment Ontario and Fleming College,” said John McNutt, JA-NEO president and CEO. “By fostering inclusivity and accessibility in the skilled trades, we can unlock the potential of individuals with disabilities and strengthen our workforce.”

The specialized curriculum will have tailored support services for the participants as they will gain the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the welding profession.

“We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to pursue their career aspirations, regardless of disability," said Rachel Quilty of CPD. “Through the Accessible Welding Program, we aim to dismantle barriers and create pathways to success for individuals with disabilities in the trades.”

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Holy Cross Secondary School Brings Literature to Life With Production of 'Shakespeare In Love The Play' For Three Shows

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The students of Holy Cross Secondary School in grades 9 to 12 are putting on the production of 'Shakespeare In Love The Play' for three dates on Feb. 28, 29 and March 1.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

The play is based on the screenplay by Marc Norman, and Tom Stoppard was adapted for theatre by Lee Hall.

It is being produced by Holy Cross teacher Serena McKenna as it is her 24th production.

“There are a number of staff members and students involved behind the scenes which speaks to the supportive relationships that exist at Holy Cross,” she said. “Shakespeare said a good heart never changes and I see this in the staff and students here. We can always count on each other.”

Ella Doris is taking the female lead in playing the role of Viola DeLesseps.

 “Having been involved in the previous productions at Holy Cross, I am very excited to see how this show is evolving and being involved in a performance of this size is an overwhelmingly tremendous experience,” she explained. “I am looking forward to opening night and feel proud and grateful of the work that has been put in by the cast and crew.  This has been a great experience to have in my Senior year.”

Only one Grade 9 student has an acting role in the production as this play is Xy Pascual's first-ever time taking the stage.

“Being the only Grade 9 in this play is a bit stressful but thankfully I have formed a new relationship with my castmates and I have been made more comfortable in stepping out of my comfort zone,” she said “I am already excited to be involved in the next Holy Cross Production.”

The play is open for the public to watch for all three dates with ticket prices at $20 for adults and $15 for students at the door.

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Trent Unveils Crest For University's Sixth and Newest College, Gidigaa Migizi

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During a special sold-out feast at the 48th annual Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering, Trent University unveiled the new crest and colours for its sixth college, Gidigaa Migizi College.

With an anticipated opening of 2028, Gidigaa Migizi College will be built on the east bank of Trent’s Symons Campus in Peterborough and will include as many as 700 new beds for first-year students as well as classrooms, faculty offices, collegiate and student spaces. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The name is in honour of beloved elder, alumnus and former assistant professor Doug Williams. 

The crest is intricately designed by First Nations artist Jared Tait using a traditional Anishinaabeg woodland art style. It captures the essence of Gidigaa Migizi, whose name means spotted eagle in Anishinaabemowin. It reflects the deep-rooted First Peoples’ values and knowledge and the traditions of Trent and the University’s collegiate communities.

“The unveiling of the Gidigaa Migizi College crest, a masterful creation by First Nations artist Jared Tait, marks a significant addition to Trent’s vibrant colleges,” said Marilyn Burns, Trent vice president of Communications & Enrolment. “This new emblem is rich in symbolism and deeply connected to the legacy of Gidigaa Migizi, the namesake for our sixth college. It reinforces the University’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and dynamic learning environment that especially recognizes the First Nations of this territory and the complexities of our shared history.” 

The crest features elements deeply symbolic to Gidigaa Migizi, incorporating his colours – deep blue, green and turquoise – and featuring the spotted eagle, related to his name and a pike, representing his clan, Maashginoozhe.

A human profile within the spotted eagle symbolizes ancestral connections, while a portal, an element in First Nations art, represents the link to culture and tradition. Artist Jared Tait drew inspiration from his heritage and the profound impact of Doug Williams-ban on the local Indigenous community. 

“An important aspect of selecting Jared Tait for this crest was solidifying that his creative vision aligned with the college's foundational values and embodied the Anishinaabeg's rich traditions,” said Jack Hoggarth, chair of Anishinaabe Knowledge and Trent assistant professor from the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies. “This choice reflects a thoughtful consideration of how art can perpetuate language and culture, ensuring the crest of Gidigaa Migizi College will be a meaningful tribute, honouring its namesake and the broader mission of Trent University.”  

A special scarf featuring the new crest was created and presented to the elders and members of Doug Williams-ban' family at the unveiling. This symbolic gesture honours them as the first members of the new College. 

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St. John Paul Elementary II School Reopened After Suspicious Object Discovered; No Threat to Public, Kawartha Lakes Police Say

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Students and staff of St. John Paul II Elementary School can breathe a sigh of relief as their school reopened after a faculty member discovered a report of a suspicious object on Monday morning.

Photo courtesy of St. John Paul’s Catholic Elementary SChool.

The object was discovered at roughly 8:30 a.m. at the Lindsay school.

Kawartha Lakes Police were contacted and had the school evacuated for safety precautions.

After a thorough search of the school and grounds, the police concluded that the object did not threaten the public.

Police say there is absolutely no threat to public safety. Therefore, the scene has been released and the school has been re-opened.

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Trent University Hosting Feeding Our Spirit: 48th Annual Elders Gathering This Weekend

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Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples will come together at Trent University in Peterborough and Durham filled with learning, community and connection as part of the 48th annual Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering, hosted by the First Peoples House of Learning (FPHL) and the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies from Friday to Sunday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Every year, the Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering brings together elders, knowledge holders, community members, students and allies for a weekend of learning and renewal,” says Dr. Dawn Memee Lavell-Harvard, director of FPHL. “This year’s theme centres on the importance of land-based learning and cultural connection through teaching, performance arts and traditional foods. The Elders Gathering is a celebration of First Nations, Inuit and Métis vibrancy and resiliency.” 

The Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering allows attendees to share in First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultural knowledge through workshops, presentations, and performances. This year’s theme is focused on culture and land-based reclamation. 

Keynote Addresses 

This year’s Gathering features keynotes from high profile Indigenous leaders, including: 

  • Niigan Sinclair, assistant professor from University of Manitoba, popular media commentator on Indigenous issues, and son of Senator Murray Sinclair; 

  • Tony Belcourt, founding president of both the Native Council of Canada and the Métis Nation of Ontario; 

  • Albert Marshall, elder from the Mi’kmaw Nation who coined the phrase Two-Eyed Seeing/ Etuaptmumk as a principal for cross-cultural collaborative work; 

  • Dr. Sylvia Maracle O.C., former executive director of the Ontario Federation of Friendship Circles and Trent honorary degree recipient; and, 

  • Jessica Outram, citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario, author of the newly released middle-school novel Bernice and the George Bay Gold, grade school educator and an instructor in Trent’s School of Education. 

  • Trent’s Durham campus in Oshawa will host the Gathering on Friday, with an address by Dr. Sylvia Maracle, fire teachings and a drum circle, along with an Indigenous vendors market.  

Performances 

Performance art takes centre stage throughout the weekend with opening ceremony highlights on Friday night including: 

  • Drum group Medicine Sky with pow wow dancer Kelli Marshall 

  • Inuit throat singers Heidi Langille and Lynda Brown 

  • Métis fiddler Alicia Blore and Métis jigger Auriele Diotte 

  • Fashion show by Anishnaabe designer Ocean Kiana 

  • Film screening in partnership with ReFrame Film Festival.  

On Saturday evening, Michi Saagiig artist Mr. Sauga will perform in the Great Hall of Champlain College. 

Workshops 

Interactive workshops to be held throughout the weekend include Inuit throat singing, Métis fiddling and jigging, language lessons, Inuit Elder teachings with Sheepa Papatsie, and smoking fish, among many others.  

A special highlight of the weekend is a sold-out feast on Saturday evening, which will feature the unveiling of the crest and colours of the University’s newest college, Gidigaa Migizi College, named in honour of beloved alum, professor and community leader, Doug Williams ’69.  

All Elders Gathering activities, except the sold-out feast on Saturday, are open to members of the community. Admission is $30; free for Elders, students, and youth under 24. All tickets include lunch, admission to all keynotes and workshops, and access to the vendor market.  

Indigenous Insights, the Elders Gathering pre-conference sponsored by the Provost’s Lecture Series for Reconciliation, will be held on Friday, February 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in collaboration with Trent University, Peterborough Public Health, Fleming College and Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre. Dr. Darrel Manitowabi, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, will deliver the keynote, Fostering Mino-Bimmaadiziwin: Indigenous Health in the 21st Century, followed by a panel of Indigenous health and cultural experts. 

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Trent University Appoints New President Vice-Chancellor

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Trent University’s Board of Governors has appointed Dr. Catherine ‘Cathy’ Bruce as the ninth President and Vice-Chancellor who will assume the role on July 1.

Dr. Bruce holds a Ph.D. and M.A. from the University of Toronto, as well as a B.A. and B.Ed. from York University. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“We sought a leader who profoundly understands the unique qualities of Trent University,” said Debra Cooper Burger, board chair. “Dr. Bruce embodies this spirit, bringing an impressive track record of excellence here at Trent and beyond. She is indeed the right person to build upon Trent’s successes and propel the University into an exciting new chapter.”

Bruce's 35-year career in education includes over 20 years in higher education and has been with Trent since 2003. Bruce served as a professor, director of graduate programs, founder of the Centre for Teaching and Learning, dean of Trent’s School of Education and vice president of Research and Innovation.

She has established the Early Career Researcher Awards and created a Trent-specific Research Grant Incentive Program.

“I am honoured to serve as Trent’s ninth president, ushering the University forward into our next period of strategic growth and sustainability,” said Bruce. “This is a pivotal moment for Trent as we undertake some major projects including the development of the Seniors’ Village, new colleges and residences, the Trent Research Farm, and continued expansion of the Durham campus in Oshawa.”

Bruce has received numerous accolades, including the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations Teaching Award. With a focus on teacher and student efficacy, Dr. Bruce’s career has focused on exploring productive pathways to learning complex concepts and ideas, particularly in mathematics. Her most recent research has examined the role of spatial reasoning in mathematics learning, for which she has been nationally and internationally recognized. Dr. Bruce has co-authored multiple books and has a solid peer-reviewed publication record. Her lab (the Trent Math Education Research Collaborative), hosts a federally funded research program that enables collaboration with educators and administrators from both Public and Catholic school districts across Ontario, all with the support of the lab research team.

Her leadership and service extends from the local community as a member of the board of Peterborough’s regional Innovation Cluster, to the provincial community as a member of the Executive of the Ontario Council on University Research, and nationally as a past president of the Association of Canadian Deans of Education. On the broader stage, Dr. Bruce is a member of the International Program Committee for the International Commission on Mathematical Instruction for Advances in Geometry (ICMI 26).

“I am extremely pleased with the selection of Dr. Bruce as Trent’s next president,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor. “Having worked closely with Cathy, I've witnessed firsthand her leadership and commitment to the University. Her blend of academic insight and administrative acumen positions Trent well for the future. I am happy to pass the Presidency on to someone with the passion and innovation that have been the hallmark of her work since she arrived at Trent.”

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Trent University Seeking Nominations For 2024 Alumni Association Awards

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Trent University is seeking nominations for their 2024 Alumni Association Awards for any graduate making a difference in their communities.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The following are the categories available for nominations:

  • Distinguished Alumni Award - presented based on a person's achievement and leadership in business, industry, a profession or in public life.

  • Spirit of Trent Award - presented to an alum who has made a difference, through contribution to the university, or their community.

  • Young Leader Award - presented to young alumni who have shown outstanding leadership throughout their first 10 years of alumni status either in their professional career and/or community, public or humanitarian service and are 35 years of age or younger.

  • Paul Delaney Award for Outstanding Young Philanthropist - presented to a student or a recent alum whose work sowing seeds of friendship and a spirit of philanthropy makes them an outstanding model for Trent students to emulate.

    The David Glassco Prize - recognizes a student who has demonstrated outstanding generosity of spirit in a range of activities outside the classroom, including music, athletics, or theatre, in the Trent and Peterborough communities.

  • The Robert W.F. Stephenson Prize for Excellence in Student Governance -recognizes an outstanding student leader and underscores the Alumni Association’s high regard for student leadership contribution to the overall mission of Trent University. 

The following are the nomination forms:

Nomination deadlines end at 11 p.m. on March 7.

Nominees must be Trent University alumni with self-nominations are not accepted. Any Alumni currently sitting in political office are not eligible while in that role.

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Renowned Professional Wrestler Cody Deaner To Guest Speak At Local Elementary Schools Through Sponsorship Tour

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Through a sponsorship by Kiwanis Club of Peterborough, Chris Gray better known as professional wrestling/speaker Cody Deaner is doing a fourth tour of several Peterborough schools announced on Tuesday.

The Kiwanis Club of Peterborough is celebrating 103 years of service to the Peterborough community. It is part of a global membership of over 550,000 in 80 countries. Photo courtesy of Kiwanis Club of Peterborough.

The Total Nonstop Wrestling star will speak at Edmison Heights Public School on Feb. 12 and St. John’s Catholic Elementary School and Adam Scott Intermediate School on Feb. 13.

Gray also launched a top rated podcast in 2023: Wrestling is Life is Wrestling.

“We’re very excited to bring Chris back to Peterborough for another tour”, said Jeff Westlake, Kiwanis past-president. “His previous tours in 2019, 2020 and 2023 were tremendously popular with both students and staff.”

“I’m delighted to be returning to Peterborough next month,” said Gray. “The partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Peterborough has been outstanding these last few years and I’m eager to inspire area kids with my stories and message of ‘Dare to Dream Big’”.

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Métis Change Advocate Named 2024 Trent Ashley Fellow Visiting Scholar

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Bridget Larocque, a change advocate from the Northwest Territories, is bringing expertise in Indigenous knowledge to Trent University as the school’s 2024 Ashley Fellow as a visiting scholar, announced on Thrusday morning.

The Ashley Fellow is a visiting scholar hosted each year by one of Trent University’s Colleges. The fellowship is funded by a bequest from the late Professor C.A. Ashley, long-time friend of Trent University and an enthusiastic proponent of the role that informal contacts of college life can play in the academic pursuits of the University. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Larocque has a distinct worldview from her Arctic upbringing, Métis lifeways and lived experiences in Western Education systems according to a press release.

“Traill is honoured to be the host college for this year’s Ashley Fellow,” says Dr. Michael Eamon, Trent principal of Catharine Parr Traill College. “Bridget Larocque is the embodiment of the ideals on which the fellowship was founded upon, bringing a wealth of lived experience and her unique northern perspective to Indigenous relations.”

Larocque promotes both her Indigenous worldview and holistic philosophy when addressing circumpolar issues in various roles, such as the network co-lead and chair of the Northern Advisory Board of the North American and Arctic Defence and Security Network (NAADSN). Her career also includes working as a policy advisor and researcher with the Arctic Athabaskan Council (ACC), executive director of Gwich’in Council International (GCI) and managing her consultant business, Weaving Wisdoms as stated by Trent.

A strong supporter of Larocque’s application was Dr. Whitney Lackenbauer, Canada Research Chair in the Study of the Canadian North and professor in the School for the Study of Canada. Professor Lackenbauer’s recommendation highlights her tireless advocacy for young leaders and her holistic worldview that combines traditional knowledge with contemporary research methods, a combination of skills and experience that align well with the values of the fellowship.

During her residency from Feb. 4 to 18, Larocque will carry out Indigenous knowledge transferring through a North @ Trent lecture at Traill College on socio-economic challenges faced by Métis women and a roundtable on gender and Arctic security with the NAADSN. She will also be involved in workshops with students at Symons Campus and Traill College, and participate in the Elders’ Gathering at the First Peoples House of Learning before capping off her residency with a traditional College dinner with students, faculty and community members. 

“I am incredibly blessed with knowledge transfer responsibility and nurturing gift,” said Larocque. “This upcoming fellowship provides a wonderful opportunity to enlighten and nurture young scholars about my homeland, lived experiences, and lifeways.” 

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Fleming College President Says the International Student Cap Is a 'Rash Decision'

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After the Canadian Federal government announced a two-year cap on international student visas on Monday, Maureen Adamson, Fleming College president released a statement calling the legislation a ‘rash decision’ on Tuesday afternoon.

Photo by keegan Beekers.

The government made the following amendments to the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program as stated by Immigration Minister Marc Miller:

  • Starting Sept. 1, international students who begin a study program part of a curriculum licensing arrangement will no longer be eligible for a post­graduation work permit upon graduation. Under curriculum licensing agreements, students physically attend a private college that has been licensed to deliver the curriculum of an associated public college. These programs have seen significant growth in attracting international students in recent years, though they have less oversight than public colleges and act as a loophole regarding post-graduation work permit eligibility.

  • Graduates of master’s and other short graduate-level programs will soon be eligible to apply for a three-year work permit. Under current criteria, the length of a post­graduation work permit is based solely on the length of an individual’s study program, hindering master’s graduates by limiting the amount of time they have to gain work experience and potentially transition to permanent residence.

This announcement has an immense adverse human and economic impact on the region and created a great deal of uncertainty for Fleming students, staff, faculty, businesses and the broader community, said Adamson.

“I want to be very clear that the international students currently enrolled in Fleming at all our campuses including Fleming College Toronto are not affected by this announcement,” she said. “However, the new international students that have applied for spring and fall 2024 sessions will be impacted by this announcement.”

Adamson continues to state that international students are an integral part of adding to the local economy.

“It is important to recognize the relationship between international students and our local economies. The implementation of international student caps poses a threat not only to the educational experiences of all of our students but also to the vitality of our regional economy,” she explained. “The economic impact of a 50 per cent reduction of international student enrollment will be a staggering loss to our communities: Peterborough, Lindsay and Haliburton.”

The cap directly affects various services with the most impact on Early Childhood Education, Personal Support Workers and Practical Nursing according to Adamson’s statement.

“International students that come to Ontario are essential to bringing in top talent for key sectors of the workforce, here in our area and across the province,” she said. “They usually come with a diploma or degree and are ready to move quickly into the labour market.”

She continues to highlight that many international students bring top talent to key workforce sectors, both locally and across the province.

“Our college graduates contribute to help close some of the largest labour market gaps in Ontario’s key sectors – health care and social assistance, accommodation and food services, automotive, mining, trades and construction, advanced manufacturing and others,” said Adamson.

“We cannot adequately emphasize the gravity of this rash decision on the people; students, our college, community and local businesses and partnerships,” concluded Adamson.

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