PVNC Concludes Naming Consultation; No Change to Board Name

After several months of public consultation, the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board has decided not to proceed with a name change, announced on Thursday.

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The consultation invited thousands of students, families, staff and community members to share their perspectives on whether the Board’s name should change. After consideration, no single name got enough support to proceed

The consultation process was conducted as part of the Board’s broader multi-year strategic planning process. No additional costs were incurred.

“We committed to a transparent process and took the time to listen to our communities,” said Stephen O’Sullivan, Director of Education. “What we heard was a deep pride in Catholic education and strong connections to our Board’s identity. We may not have reached consensus on a new name, but the feedback we received was thoughtful and sincere, and the engagement from our communities was deeply appreciated.”

“We were encouraged by the number of people who engaged with this process and by the passion they shared from every part of our Board,” said Kevin MacKenzie, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees. “It’s clear that our communities care deeply about Catholic education and the future of PVNC Catholic. We want to thank everyone who took the time to participate.”

Despite maintaining the name, PVNC states that a visual brand refresh—including a new logo—will occur in the months ahead as part of the Board’s ongoing strategic planning efforts.

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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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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.

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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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PVNCCDSB Raises Nearly $60,000 During Annual United Way Campaign

The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB) has raised $59,893 for its 2024 United Way campaign to support the latter’s four organizations serving local communities, announced on Wednesday.

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Funds were raised through payroll donations and school fundraising initiatives. They included as pumpkin carving contests, soup sales, dress-down days, put-your-principal-to-work raffles and more.

“Housing, food insecurity, domestic violence - these are the types of issues that often keep our staff up at night because they see the need firsthand in our schools and communities,” said Galen Eagle, the Board’s United Way campaign chair. “It’s incredibly empowering to witness the way our staff rally together to address these challenges through our annual United Way campaign. Their dedication to supporting United Way programs is a reflection of their deep care for our students, families, and neighbours.”

“The generosity of our staff speaks volumes about the social justice spirit that defines our Catholic schools,” said Stephen O’Sullivan, director of education. “Rooted in Catholic Social Teachings, our school communities embrace the call to care for the vulnerable and build a just society. This campaign is a testament to the compassion and faith-driven commitment of everyone at PVNC Catholic.”

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Clarington Trustee Re-elected for Third Term As PVNC Catholic Board Chairperson

Clarington trustee Kevin MacKenzie has been re-elected as chairperson of the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board for the 2024-2025 term during their annual meeting at the Catholic Education Centre on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

MacKenzie has been a trustee since 2018. He previously served as vice-chairperson from 2021 to 2022 before being appointed chairperson for the 2022-2023 term.

Peterborough County trustee Jenny Leahy was also re-elected vice-chairperson for a third consecutive year. Leahy joined the Board in May 2022 as an appointee and was later elected in the October 2022 municipal election.

For Peterborough trustee Loretta Durst, the meeting marked three years since her November 2021 appointment to the Board. Durst was re-elected during the October 2022 municipal election.

Tuesday’s annual meeting marked the two-year milestone for trustees Joshua Glover (Clarington), Mary Ann Martin (Kawartha Lakes), and Kathleen Tanguay (Northumberland), all of whom were elected in 2022. 

This annual meeting also marked the second for trustee John Connolly (Peterborough), appointed to the Board in September 2023.

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St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School Unveils New Accessible Playground

It’s been a long time coming for everyone at St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School in Douro but they finally have a new accessible playground to play, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

Construction began in the late summer for the playground. It was made possible after years of fundraising, securing grants and community support to secure its costs for $154,000, according to Sarah Bass, St. Joesph’s School Council parent and member.

“In 2021, after our existing structures started having age-related safety concerns, the children at the school implored the staff at the school and their parents to look at options for replacement,” she said. “Our parents, local businesses and people who call Douro home, raised funds through a community yard sale, sponsorships, Fresh from Farm, quilt raffles and Christmas craft sales.”

There was $8,000 raised from a community yard sale as well as sponsorships from local businesses. The project also received a federal grant for enabling accessibility totaling $70,000 and $10,000 from the AgriSpirit Fund.

“The excitement was palpable when construction began in August, and the joy is still on full display at recess and beyond. Thank you to everyone who supported this project,” said Bass.

The playground can be enjoyed year round.

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St. Anne Catholic Elementary School to Celebrate 75th Anniversary On Sept. 19

St. Anne Catholic Elementary School will celebrate a huge milestone, commemorating the institution’s 75th anniversary on Sept. 19.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

The event invites current and former members of the school community to share artifacts and memories as part of the celebration.

To mark the occasion, an in-school celebration will occur before the school opens its doors to the community for an open house filled with memories, stories and shared history.

To prepare for the festivities, the school’s anniversary committee is reaching out to the broader community for contributions.

The school would like to hear from former school community members who:

• Have an artifact or piece of history related to the school to loan for the occasion

• Have a special memory or quote to share

For those interested in sharing artifacts and/or memories, applicants can fill out the application online. Contributions may be printed and displayed throughout the school during the celebration.

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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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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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Clarington Trustee Kevin MacKenzie Re-Elected as PVNC Catholic Board Chairperson

Clarington trustee Kevin MacKenzie has been re-elected as the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board chairperson during their annual meeting at the Catholic Education Centre on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

MacKenzie is serving for the 2023-2024 term. He has served five years as a trustee, having first been elected in the 2018 municipal election. He served as the Board’s vice-chairperson from 2021-2022 and chairperson from 2022-2023.

“Serving as chairperson has been a profound honor, and being re-elected is a responsibility I accept with both pride and humility,” said MacKenzie. “The past term has shown me the incredible capabilities of our students and staff, a testament to our commitment to excellence in Catholic Education. In my second term, I am committed to deepening our collective efforts, ensuring every student flourishes in an environment that values faith, learning, and community.”

Simultaneously, Peterborough County trustee Jenny Leahy was re-elected as vice-chairperson in her second year. Leahy joined the Board of Trustees in May last year as an appointee and was re-elected to the position during the Oct. 24, 2022 municipal election.

Peterborough trustee Loretta Durst had her second anniversary appointment to the Board. Durst won re-election in the Oct. 24, 2022 municipal election.

Trustees Joshua Glover (Clarington), Mary Ann Martin (Kawartha Lakes) and Kathleen Tanguay (Northumberland) marked one-year anniversaries at the Board table.

Tuesday was the first annual meeting for trustee John Connolly (Peterborough), appointed to his position in September.

During Tuesday’s annual board meeting, trustees were appointed to standing and ad-hoc Board committees.

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