PVNCCDSB Recognizes and Honours Student Leadership

As part of Catholic Education Week, Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB) honoured 36 students with a Catholic Student Leadership Award during a ceremony at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School in Peterborough on Wednesday.

(Back from left) Director of Education Stephen O’Sullivan, Peterborough Trustee Loretta Durst, Leigha Cheng (St. Patrick CES), Lyla Mahoney (St. John CES), Andrew Iammancini (St. Peter CSS), Blake Ferguson (St. Paul CES) and Superintendent Jeannie Armstrong.

(Front from left) Aabish Ali (Holy Cross CSS), Sophie Lemoire (Immaculate Conception CES, Joy Davis (Monsignor O’Donoghue CES), Gracie-May Hermer (St. Alphonsus CES), Alivia Friesen (St. Anne CES) and Sonny Gillis (St. Catherine CES). Photo courtesy of PVNCCDBS.

One student was selected from each elementary and secondary school and winners were presented with a special medallion. Award recipients were nominated by principals, teachers and, in some cases, fellow students.

PVNCCDSB says that each student demonstrated outstanding qualities in Catholic leadership, family commitment, involvement in school affairs, involvement in community activities and dedication to a difficult situation or task.

“In celebrating our student leaders during Catholic Education Week, we are reminded of the vibrant role faith plays not only in education but in shaping individuals who are committed to making a difference in their communities,” said Kevin MacKenzie, board chairperson. “These students, recognized for their exemplary leadership and dedication, illustrate the profound impact of our Catholic values in action. Their achievements reflect a dedication to service, community, and a deep-rooted belief in the power of faith to inspire positive change. It is with immense pride that we honour their contributions and look forward to the continued influence they will have on their schools and beyond.” 

The following is a complete list of students who were recognized:

• Elliott Banville, St. Michael CES, Cobourg

• Brett Mather, St. Teresa CES, Peterborough

• Gracelynn Gilbank, St. Dominic CES, Lindsay

• Mya Benson, St. Joseph CES, Cobourg

• Sophie Surerus, St. Paul CES, Lakefield

• Alexis Sultan-Khan, St. Joseph CES, Bowmanville

• Joy Davis, Monsignor O’Donoghue CES, Peterborough

• Benjamin Humphries, St. Elizabeth CES, Bownmanville

• Gracie-May Hermer, St. Alphonsus CES, Peterborough

• Chloe Williamson, St. Joseph CES, Douro

• Abigayle Jennings, St. Luke CES, Downeyville

• Leigha Cheng, St. Patrick CES, Peterborough

• George MacDonald, St. John Paul II CES, Lindsay

• Faith Mullin, St. Mary CES, Grafton

• Tyler Young, St. Martin CES, Ennismore

• Lilyan Stewart, Notre Dame CES, Cobourg

• Sophia Jilesen, St. Anthony CES, Port Hope

• Blake Ferguson, St. Paul CES, Peterborough

• Ivan Black, St. Mary CES, Lindsay

• Stella Maria Nekkers, Good Shepherd CES, Courtice

• Lyla Mahoney, St. John CES, Peterborough

• Sophie Lemoire, Immaculate Conception CES, Peterborough

• Alivia Friesen, St. Anne CES, Peterborough

• Mason Doucette, St. Mother Teresa CES, Courtice

• Tyson Chisholm, Holy Family CES, Bowmanville

• Jolene Payne, St. Paul CES, Norwood

• Jazmine Pereira, Monsignor Leo Cleary CES, Courtice

• Madyson Shea, St. Francis of Assisi CES, Newcastle

• Sonny Gillis, St. Catherine CES, Peterborough

• Raegan Larcombe, St. Mary CES, Campbellford

• Aabish Ali, Holy Cross CSS, Peterborough

• Samantha Tungcol, St. Stephen CSS, Bowmanville

• Reagan Lusted, St. Thomas Aquinas CSS, Lindsay

• Andrew Iammancini, St. Peter CSS, Peterborough

• Elijah Deryaw, St. Mary CSS, Cobourg

• Isabella Ciancone, Holy Trinity CSS, Courtice

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Hometown PTBO: Rebekha Hall Asking the Public to Help Raise $175,000 For a New Playground At Chemong Public School

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with Rebekha Hall about raising $175,000 for a new playground at Chemong Public School in Bridgenorth, upcoming events to help raise money and some good eats in the area.

Click the link to help donate to Chemong Public School’s School Cash Online fund: http://kprdsb.schoolcashonline.com/

For more information, email Aleisha Robbins-Lee at atrobbins-lee@hotmail.com or call 705-312-7260.

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PVNCCDSB Students and Staff Kick Off May By Celebrating Asian Heritage Month

As May is celebrated as Asian Heritage Month, Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic School Board (PVNCCDSB) staff and students embraced the various cultures with a ceremony at Holy Cross Secondary School on Wednesday morning.

Caitlyn Chan Reynolds displays her art piece before pvnccdsb students and staff at Holy Cross Secondary School. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The celebration’s theme was “Stories of Determination,” representing the strides made and the challenges Asian communities have overcome to thrive in Canada over the last two centuries and beyond.

“With the increasing diversity in our student population and in our communities, it is so important to allow voice for our students and families to really honour who they are and all of use to acknowledge the pieces of history that brought us to where we are,” said Dr. Cynthia Chan Reynolds, PVNCCDSB psychologist and manager of student services. “We need to honour all of our students so acknowledging the heritage pieces of our students is really key.”

There was an opening ceremony that featured cultural performances, an art exhibit by a local student and a display of traditional Asian attire from students.

Several speakers shared their lived experiences of immigrating to Canada or being born as first-generation with Asian descent. They also talked about initiatives against anti-Asian racism.

Reynolds adds that this assembly is all about awareness and allowing those with Asian heritage to fully embrace their authentic selves without judgment.

“That's part of the pieces in terms of Asian culture. We are brought up in a space of compliance and respect,” explained Reynolds. “The people-pleasing piece aspect of many of our 'model-minorities,' it is assumed that compliance and agreement is safety. I think we have to open up what safety means in terms of being able to be our authentic self.”

The staff, students and guests were treated to varieties of Asian cuisine following the ceremony.

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Fleming College Recognized As One of Canada’s Greenest Employers

Fleming College's awareness of the environment was evident as it landed a spot on Canada’s Top Green Employers list for 2024.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The college was able to integrate sustainable practices across its campuses and curriculum to appear on the list.

Employers were graded on several factors: unique environmental initiatives or programs, success in reducing their environmental footprint, employee involvement with green programs and whether those environmental initiatives have become linked to the employer’s public identity, attracting new employees.

Fleming was the only Peterborough organization to crack the list.

A full list can be found online.

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Fleming College Makes Changes to Program Offerings Amid International Student Cap

Changes to Fleming College’s program offerings for Fall 2024 were approved by the Board of Governors on Tuesday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“As a result of the recent federal cap on international students coming to Ontario and the elimination of educational private partnerships, we have made difficult, but necessary, evidence-based decisions about program continuation and suspensions,” according to a statement made by Fleming.

Current students are not affected by these decisions. Fleming says their priority will be to enable program completion of any student who is currently enrolled in any of the suspended programs.

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Fleming College's Open House to Run Sunday

Prospective students can meet their future professors, ask questions and learn more about Fleming College during their Spring Open House running this Sunday.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

The Open House will be held at the Sutherland, Frost and Haliburton Campuses from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Each campus will have information about financial aid, residence, off-campus housing, and post-secondary life in its communities.

Visitors to the Sutherland Campus can check out the vast array of services available to students, from accessibility to diversity and inclusion services. A self-guided tour of the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre is available and attendees can chat with current students about their experiences in various programs.

At the Frost Campus, Arboriculture students are putting on a tree climbing demonstration while the Fleming Phoenix Loggersports team will showcase their talents. Visitors can also check out insect, wildlife and fish displays. Guests can enter a contest and win a chance to blow up dozens of watermelons during an explosive demonstration of Fleming’s Blasting Techniques program.

The Haliburton School of Art + Design encourages all visitors to participate in live demonstrations and interact with Fleming’s students and instructors during Open House. Future students can check out the student art exhibit in the Great Hall and walk along the adjacent Sculpture Forest Trail.

Those interested in pursuing a career in firefighting can visit the Eastern Ontario Emergency Training Academy in Norwood and talk to the faculty, staff and students who make up Fleming’s Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program.

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Fleming and Trent Partner With SpacesShared to Support Peterborough’s Student Housing Needs

To support Peterborough’s student housing needs, Fleming College and Trent University have partnered with SpacesShared to increase safe, affordable housing solutions for students.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

The partnership also fosters community engagement and support for the adult and older adult population in the region according to a press release.

“Trent’s commitment to safe and affordable housing, community support, and aging studies makes our partnership with SpacesShared a strong match,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “Together with our community partners, Trent is proud to be creating housing opportunities that are mutually beneficial for students and homeowners in Peterborough and the surrounding areas.”

“This new agreement with SpacesShared will give our students more options when it comes to finding safe and affordable housing in our campus communities,” said Maureen Adamson, Fleming president. “Connecting students with our community while supporting local homeowners is an invaluable step forward.”

“We are committed to ensuring a mutually beneficial experience for both hosts and students. Working with Fleming College, Trent University, and Age-friendly Peterborough, we aim to support a thriving community in the city,” said Rylan Kinnon, SpacesShared CEO and co-founder. “Our platform is a fully self-contained system further enhancing convenience, that facilitates the entire process from listing details of the property and having a conversation with the host to drafting the rental contract, processing monthly payments, and submitting regular feedback, all within the platform’s secure environment.”

To further advocate for this partnership and encourage older adults in the city to sign up for the program as hosts, SpacesShared and the two postsecondary institutes are joining forces with Age-friendly Peterborough. This collaborative initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for older adults by addressing their needs and fostering a supportive community.

“The Age-friendly Peterborough Community Action Plan stresses the importance of celebrating multi-generational opportunities to build a strong community for all. SpacesShared empowers two key groups to meet and learn from each other: older adults and a younger generation,” said Dawn Berry Merriam, Chair of Age-friendly Peterborough.

“The development and maintenance of intergenerational relationships is a protective factor against social isolation not only for older adults but crucially also for students,” explains Jackie Tanner, SpacesShared CXO and co-founder. “But the feeling of safety must be there for it to work. This is where SpacesShared strives to cover the gap and ensure home sharing becomes a rewarding experience for both hosts, as well as students.”

Fleming College, Trent University, Age-friendly Peterborough and SpacesShared invite those interested in exploring home sharing to a free information session about the program on May 30, between 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Lions Community Centre, 347 Burnham St., Peterborough.

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Fleming College to Display Annual Welding Showcase Tuesday

Fleming College’s skilled trades students will be on display during the annual Welding Showcase on Tuesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This event celebrates Fleming’s renowned welding programs: Welding Techniques and Welding and Fabrication Technician. Roughly 100 students graduate from these two programs annually.

The Showcase features their capstone projects and demonstrates the skills and techniques students have learned at Fleming.

Welding Techniques is an entry-level two-semester welder program. The Welding and Fabrication Technician program offers extra training in various subjects, including math, layout and fitting, stainless and aluminum welding, and metallurgy.

Welding industry experts, business owners, union representatives and sales and safety representatives will visit students, inspect their projects and discuss their career aspirations.

This is also an opportunity for students to get guidance on future job prospects. Local high school students are also invited to attend to see what Fleming’s program offers and learn more about the welding trade.

The Showcase begins at 1 p.m. in the Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre at Fleming’s Sutherland Campus.

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Fleming College Honours First Athletic Season of Student-Athletes As Phoenix With Awards Banquet

Fleming College had a night of celebration and recognition of their Phoenix athletes during the annual varsity athletic award banquet on Friday night.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

During the College’s 51st athletic banquet, it was the first as the Fleming teams and student-athletes were recognized, marking the end of the first season for the newly branded Phoenix that was introduced.

More than 125 Fleming students participated in seven varsity sports, including soccer, volleyball, loggersports, curling, men’s basketball, cross country running and women’s rugby sevens.

In addition to the presentation of awards for athletic success, 30 student-athletes were also recognized for their academic successes after achieving an honours-level grade point average (GPA) while competing.

The following awards were presented:

Erin O’Rourke Memorial All-Around Athlete: Presented to a male and female athlete who performed at a high level while demonstrating leadership, commitment and dedication.

• Montana Rank – Women’s Volleyball

• Scott Morris – Men’s Volleyball

Jack Barley Memorial Athlete of the Year: Presented to a male and female athlete who performed exceptional achievements within their sport while maintaining academic eligibility.

• Sarah D’Hondt – Loggersports

• Ben Perreault – Men’s Volleyball

Rachel Spearing Award: Presented to a women’s rugby player who demonstrated heart, spirit, sportsmanship and dedication on the field.

• Chloe Bender – Women’s Rugby Sevens

Kris Starr and Adam Evans Award: Presented to a loggersports athlete who shows heart, spirit, dedication, and love of the sport.

• Blake Fellman – Loggersports: Kris Starr Award

• Rory Lauckner – Loggersports: Adam Evans Award

All-Academic Award: Presented to the athlete with the highest academic average who achieved a balance in their sport and in academics.

• Suzanne Mooser – Loggersports

Fred Batley Coach of the Year Award: Presented to a coach driven by the passion they have for their sport, who goes above and beyond to create a positive atmosphere and ensure their student-athletes have the best possible experience.
· Jordan Ross – Men’s Volleyball

OCAA Academic and Athletic Excellence Award: Presented to OCAA athletes who achieve an honours GPA at their college as well as receiving an OCAA honours award.

• Hollie Phillips – Women’s Rugby

Team Awards: The following athletes were recognized by their individual teams as either the most valuable player (MVP) or rookie of the year.

• Hollie Phillips – MVP, Women’s Rugby

• Sydney Hudson – Rookie of the Year, Women’s Rugby

• Brook Parcels – MVP, Mixed Curling

• Miranda Jensen – Rookie of the Year, Mixed Curling

• Alexander Clark – MVP, Cross-Country

• Jessica Lehman – Rookie of the Year, Cross-Country

• Gabriel Nadeau – MVP, Men’s Soccer

• Tobias Hartley – Rookie of the Year, Men’s Soccer

• Emma Twohey – MVP, Women’s Soccer

• Jordyn Brown – Rookie of the Year, Women’s Soccer

• Kaden Bulmer – MVP, Men’s Loggersports

• Thomas Switzer – Rookie of the Year, Men’s Loggersports

• Sarah D’Hondt – MVP, Women’s Loggersports

• Darian Carpenter – Rookie of the Year, Women’s Loggersports

• Jesean Wilson – MVP, Men’s Basketball

• Paul Molay – Rookie of the Year, Men’s Basketball

• Sam Deschenes – MVP, Men’s Volleyball

• Justin Van Luit – Rookie of the Year, Men’s Volleyball

• Kristen Hacker and Taylor Penny – MVP, Women’s Volleyball

• Kendra Keyes – Rookie of the Year, Women’s Volleyball

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Trent University Reappoints Vice-President of Human Resources to Another Five-Year Term

Trent University has reappointed Stephanie Williams to a second five-year term as vice president of Human Resources, effective July 1, 2025.  

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“The broad functions within Stephanie’s purview have thrived under Stephanie’s leadership,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor. “Her accomplishments include a highly effective COVID pandemic response, the transition of Trent’s pensions to the newly created University Pension Plan, and the adoption of equity, diversity and inclusion recommendations. Personally, I have greatly valued her role as a strategic advisor to me as president, the Board, and the entire leadership team.”  

Williams has worked in progressively responsible roles at the University for over two decades. Appointed to her first term as vice president of Human Resources in July 2020, she oversees Human Resources and Student Services. Her role has expanded to encompass Campus Safety, Risk Management, equity, Diversity, and accessibility and Environmental Health and safety. 

Williams has been instrumental in driving significant initiatives and improvements across the University throughout her tenure according to a Trent press release. Her leadership has been pivotal in enhancing Trent’s financial stability and employee benefits, typified when the University became the fourth University to join the multi-employer, jointly-sponsored University Pension Plan Ontario (UPP). The move saw the Trent University Faculty Union successfully transition to the UPP in January 2022 and initiate the process for employees represented by OPSEU Local 365 and exempt administrative staff to convert to the plan by January 2025.  

She has fostered positive relationships and successful collective agreements with unions by focusing on collaboration and mutual respect. In the realm of equity, diversity, and inclusion, she led the appointment of Trent’s inaugural director of EDI, advancing the University's mission to create a more inclusive campus. 

VP Williams has led enhancements in mental health strategy and Indigenous student support through her leadership of the Student Affairs portfolio, which includes the First Peoples House of Learning, Health Services, Counselling, Student Conduct, and Spiritual Affairs. Notably, her Human Resources efforts have focused on new initiatives and on continuing traditions that strengthen the Trent community, such as the annual Heart of the Trent event, which celebrates the contributions of staff, faculty, and retirees. 

VP Williams was also pivotal in Trent’s safe and effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to navigate shifts between remote and in-person work and learning, overseeing and developing vaccination and screening protocols and managing the COVID Case Management team. 

“I am honoured to be reappointed to this position,” said VP Williams. “After more than 20 years at Trent, this has been the most rewarding role I have held. I am excited about the future of the institution and what we will accomplish in the years ahead with our exceptional team. I look forward to playing a key role in supporting the incoming President with the rest of the leadership team, especially as it relates to managing growth opportunities and other areas of my expanded portfolio.” 

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