PVNC Board Selects New Trustee to Fill Vacancy

The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board has selected a new trustee to fill a vacancy on the board until the 2022 municipal election, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of PVNC.

The board of trustees selected Peterborough resident Loretta Durst to fill the trustee vacancy following a special in-camera Board meeting held Monday night. Trustees heard presentations from nine candidates who applied for the position.

Durst holds a Bachelor of Education from Trent University and she has worked in various administration roles at the university throughout her career.

She is currently the manager of finance and administration at Trent University’s library and archives, a role she has held since 2012. Durst served as a Board member for Trent University from 2015-2017 as an elected staff representative.

“I am deeply committed to Catholic education. Our own four children attended Catholic schools here in Peterborough. It was a wonderful experience being a partner with the teachers and schools to support our children in their education and be part of their faith journey,” Durst said. “I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the PVNC Catholic District School Board as a trustee until October 2022.”

The board began advertising for interested trustee candidates in mid-October following the resignation of Kawartha Lakes trustee Michelle Griepsma, who moved out of the Board’s jurisdiction after serving 11 years as a trustee.

“We were happy to see such a strong interest in this trustee vacancy. We were impressed by the quality of candidates who put their names forward to serve Catholic Education in this jurisdiction,” said Dave Bernier, PVNC Board Chairperson. “We are happy to welcome Loretta and I know we will benefit from Loretta’s experience at the Board table.”

Durst will begin her new role on Nov. 23 at the regular board meeting, until the October 2022 municipal elections.

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Peterborough Museum and Archives Receives Grant From Canadian Heritage

The Peterborough Museum & Archives (PMA) has been awarded a grant of $6,500 by the Department of Canadian Heritage.

The grant was provided through the Museums Assistance Program Exhibition Circulation Fund, in support of the of The Ones We Met: Inuit Traditional Knowledge and the Franklin Expedition, currently on display until Dec. 5.

This exhibition, produced by the Canadian Museum of History in partnership with the Inuit Heritage Trust, explores the role of Inuit oral history in solving the mystery of the Franklin expedition.

“The Ones We Met” features photographs, illustrations and an animated map of routes chartered by Europeans looking for a northwest passage 350 years before Franklin’s expedition. Visitors can also listen to recordings of the late Inuit historian Louie Kamookak, including his reflections on the ongoing importance of oral histories.

“An important part of the PMA’s mandate is to present exhibitions that are of interest to our community. Funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage allows us to share Canadian and globally relevant stories with visitors of all ages,” said Councillor Lesley Parnell, Council representative on the Museum and Archives Advisory Committee.

Visit www.peterborough.ca/museum to learn more.

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Sam Alfano of the Petes named OHL Academic Player of the Month

The Ontario Hockey League announced on Friday that Sam Alfano of the Peterborough Petes has been named the OHL’s East Division Academic Player of the Month for October.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Alfano holds a 96% average in five Grade 12 U/M level courses at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School and posted the highest grade in the class with a perfect 100% on his Grade 12 University Data Management midterm.

He is described by his teacher as a hard worker, well-mannered and very interactive with the students while balancing a busy hockey schedule.

The 17-year-old forward was drafted by the Petes 23rd overall in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection out of the Southern Tier Admirals U16 program and has scored one goal over his first eight OHL games.

The Cayuga, Ont. native was named OMHA-SCTA Player of the Year in the 2019-20 season with 63 points over 32 games with the Admirals.

“It’s been awesome. The transition coming from my hometown to Peterborough has been made easy with the support of my parents, the Petes staff and our Academic Advisor Shannon Fife,” said Alfano.

Owen Beck (Mississauga Steelheads; Central Division), Cal Uens (Owen Sound Attack; Midwest Division), and Bronson Ride (Windsor Spitfires; West Division) were also named Academic Players of the Month for October.

A total of 343 graduates utilized their OHL Scholarship at post-secondary institutions across North America during the 2020-21 academic year, with a total contribution by teams of over $3.1 million. Over the past 10 seasons, OHL Scholarship payments have totalled more than $25 million.

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James Strath Intermediate Students Got Hands on Experience with Take TECH! Week

Intermediate students at James Strath Public School participated in Take TECH! Week, a program that encourages youth to explore careers in tech, on Thursday.

Students work together to build an outdoor chalk board. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

19 schools in the Kawartha Pine Ridge School District applied to participate in Take TECH! Week, presented by the Pathways Team, and three were chosen.

Prior to ‘Build Day’ on Thursday, students at James Strath identified a need in their classroom or school, brainstormed ideas to help meet that need, then built a prototype.

On Thursday, with the help of construction teachers from high schools in the board, the parking lot at James Strath was transformed into a construction zone.

Students brought their prototypes to life on a full-size scale, using drills, power sanders, table saws and some elbow grease.

Their creations included a compost cart to wheel between classrooms, outdoor first aid kit boxes, water bottle holders and outdoor chalk boards.

“We’re learning how to be resourceful,” said grade eight student Akshila Amarasinghe. “Every moment is a moment where we’re learning, whether it’s math, tools or just how to be a good team.”

Students learned how to scale up their prototypes into life sized creations, used fractions when measuring and cutting wood as well as angles when creating joints.

“Usually at school it would be getting the textbooks and then listening to what the teachers says. Teachers often say that math is really important but we never see that, we never see math in real life so correlating that into building has really helped us see why math is really important and I think it’s also really helped us understanding it better than just using a text book.”

A student from each class was chosen to be the media person and take pictures at Build Day, which will later be uploaded to a website. Students will vote on the winning creation.

“This is a fantastic opportunity,” said Eric Bloomke, a construction teacher with KPR. “We need to expose more of our students to the skilled trades, there’s a skilled trade shortage in North America and the sooner we can introduce the thought of skilled trades as a viable career the better.”

Photo by Angela O’Grady.

Take TECH! Week was funded by the Ministry Expansion Funds.

When students reach grades 11 and 12 they have the option to take a Specialist high Skills Major Course, which allows them to focus on a specific industry like construction, transportation, computer science and more.

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J. Tuzo Wilson Medal Awarded to Leading Canadian Hydrologist at Trent University

Dr. Jim Buttle from the Trent School of the Environment is being recognized for his cumulative academic achievement as the 2021 recipient of the prestigious J. Tuzo Wilson Medal.

Photo courtesy of Trent University

The national honour is awarded annually to recognize scientists who make outstanding contributions to the advancement of knowledge in any research area of the Canadian Geophysical Union.

Professor Buttle, who has dedicated more than 30 years to the study of water in changing natural landscapes, is the first faculty member at Trent University to receive this award.

“I can think of no one more deserving of this award than Dr. Jim Buttle who is a world expert in hydrology and has worked tirelessly to promote Geography at Trent University,” said Dr. Shaun Watmough, director, Trent School of the Environment. “This award recognizes his career achievements as a modest, globally-recognized scientist whose achievements are far-reaching.”

Prof. Buttle is revered as an expert in forest hydrology. He began his teaching and research career at Trent University immediately after completing his Ph.D. and to-date has published more than 100 papers. Most recently, Prof. Buttle has studied the consequences of changes in land use and changes in land cover on water. In particular, he has examined the consequences of forest harvesting and forest restoration, and what that means for amount and timing of stream flow, which has major implications for water supply and aquatic ecology.

“This award is named after the most important earth scientist this country has ever produced. John Tuzo Wilson was fundamental in advancing the whole field of plate tectonics. He was a legend so to have my name affiliated with his is hard to get my head around,” said Prof. Buttle. “I have always taken the work seriously, so I am happy that it speaks for itself, and I am grateful to be at a place like Trent that has allowed me to pursue research that I find intellectually interesting.”

In addition to recognizing Prof. Buttle’s research contributions, this award honours his commitment to training the next generation of Canadian geoscientists. He has supervised more than 35 M.Sc. and Ph.D. students, who have gone on to senior positions in the provincial and federal governments and on to academic careers in university.

“As an instructor, I have tried to model myself on the people who impressed me when I was a student,” said Prof. Buttle. “My professors showed me how to excite students, how to get them engaged, how to challenge them intellectually. Over time, I found that I could help students engage with the subject material by appealing to their sense of humour. Seeing students walk out of my classroom having learned something, seeing the light go on when they grasp a key concept, it’s one of the most gratifying parts of the job.”

Almost four decades into his career, Prof. Buttle is now working with researchers across Canada studying issues related to drinking water quality.

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Fleming Offers Free Construction Program For Sutherland Campus

A new free construction program is available at Fleming College’s Sutherland Campus in Peterborough beginning in November and the application deadline for the next intake is approaching fast.

Photo Courtesy of Fleming College.

The program is being offered by the Eastern Ontario Colleges Consortium through SkillsAdvance Ontario (SAO). The two sessions begin on Nov. 8 and Jan. 10 in Peterborough.

The construction industry in Peterborough, Haliburton, and Northumberland County continue to grow. They need trained workers to grow with them. Take advantage of this free Job Seeker Training program, which includes multiple certificates and can open up new employment opportunities within the construction industry.

The program builds your skills progressively for entry-level jobs with four weeks of hands-on training followed by a two-week paid placement.

Photo Courtesy of Fleming Colllege.

Construction skills

• How to handle basic construction tools

• How to handle and move construction materials

• How to use power tools

• Framing walls

• Installing and removing roof shingles

• Installing vinyl siding

Health and safety training

• Personal Protective Equipment and Personal Safety

• WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System)

• Propane Handling

• Aerial Platform

• Confined Spaces

• Construction Site Safety

• Working at Heights

• First Aid / CPR

• Lockout/Tagout

• Hoisting and Rigging

Essential workplace skills

• Succeeding in the workplace – resilience, conflict resolution, personality types

• Job search preparation and strategies

• Job search strategies

• Preparing for the workplace

• Getting ready to give a great interview

Throughout the six-week program, participants will maintain contact with their designated Employment Consultant including one-on-one meetings and performance reviews.

Employment transitions may include job trials, job placements or direct job matching. Job retention activities including placement monitoring will be ongoing based on identified level of participant need.

Participants must be:

• 18 years of age or older

• Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident

• Residents of Ontario

• Currently unemployed or under-employed (less than 20/hrs a week);

• Not currently in education or training

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Son of Former MPP Elected As School Board Vice-Chairperson

Peterborough Trustee Braden Leal, son of former MPP Jeff Leal, has been elected as vice-chairperson of the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB) on Wednesday.

Braden ran uncontested municipal election in the Peterborough city municipal elections in 2018 Photo Courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

The decision was made following the board’s meeting Tuesday night.

Braden was an elected trustee in the 2018 municipal election, replacing Kawartha Lakes trustee Michelle Griepsma, who resigned after moving from the jurisdiction. He will serve in the vice-chairperson role until the annual Board meeting on Dec. 1.

Former Kawartha Lakes Trustee Michelle Griepsma served with the PVNCCDSB board for 11 years before her resignation earlier this month. Photo Courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

The Holy Cross Secondary School alumnus studied environmental science at Trent University and has served the school board since Dec. 2018.

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TASSS Students Make Clintonia Park Greener With Tree and Shrub Planting

Grade 11 students from Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School (TASSS) of the Outdoor Leadership program have made Peterborough a little greener with Otonabee Conservation as they planted shrubs and trees at Clintonia Park on Thursday.

The students planted 64 red osier dogwood, fragrant sumac and potentilla shrubs. In addition, they planted 17 trees including white spruce, hackberry, honey locust, freeman maple and serviceberry.

These native species of trees and shrubs were planted to increase diversity and habitat, protect water quality and stabilize the shoreline along a tributary of Curtis Creek, which runs through the park.

“This project is part of the overall revitalization of Clintonia Park,” said Elana Arthurs, CAO at the Township of Douro-Dummer. “We are excited to work with so many partners to plant trees and shrubs that will benefit wildlife, naturalize the park, and enhance the Donwood area.”

TASSS Student Ella Perritt gathers the used tree-planter pots the shrubs were contained in. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The students said the tree-planting session was a great alternative hands-on learning experience from being in the classroom.

“Stuff like this makes school more enjoyable instead of sitting in the classroom all day,” said Ella Perritt, grade 11 student.

TASSS student Gideon Botting aiding in tearing down the silk fence before planting the shrubs. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Others want to pursue this line of work after graduating from high school.

“I actually want to be doing this in the future as well,” said Gideon Botting, grade 11 student. “I’m hoping to get into being a park warden. I just love being out in nature. It’s where I feel at peace and at home.”

Lilah Hotrum, TASS Grade 11 student, rolls up the silk fence that was taken down by the TASSS students before planting the shrubs and trees. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Otonabee Conservation has been getting students to plant trees for the last 60 years while focusing more on high school students this year for the Pathway to Stewardship and Kindship program for nurturing healthy and engaged children and youth.

“It’s so important to get students outside,” said Meredith Carter, of Otonabee Conservation. “This way, they get some hands-on experience, they can see it and they can touch it so this is a critical part of the experience and fits in well with the goals of the Outdoor Leadership program.”

Christopher Nadeau-Lavalee, grade 11 student, planting his shrub after digging up hole. Students were given a demo on hole-digging before they went to work. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The fall plantings were a collaboration with funding from Tree Canada, U-Haul, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, Township of Douro-Dummer, students from TASS Outdoor Leadership Program (KPRDSB) and Otonabee Conservation.

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Fleming College Offering Free Work and Academic Upgrading Program

Fleming College offers a free work and academic upgrading program called “Skills on Demand” to help anyone gain the skills needed to achieve their educational and career goals.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The free program allows anyone who meets the pre-requisites to join any time where students set their own timetables and schedules. It is well-suited for those who want a refresher course before pursuing post-secondary education or work.

Courses in a variety of subjects —including math, computers, communications and sciences — can help you move forward with goals such as entry into post-secondary, employment, apprenticeship, or refreshing and gaining the essential skills required for today’s in-demand careers.

• Self-paced Learning – in their adult environment, you can set your own deadlines with your student advisor

• Start Anytime – their programs have year-round continuous intake

• Pick Your Schedule – attend full or part-time, day or evening (as available) - schedule around your work and family responsibilities

• Online Learning – some advanced courses are available in an online format

• Targeted Training – ask us about short-term flexible courses that are specifically designed for employment goals

• Fleming’s classrooms are small and provide one-to-one individual attention from instructors

• Study Options - choose a combination of in-class, from home and online study

• With the support of Fleming College's Work and Academic Upgrading team, they can help you create a new path regardless of your challenges or previous barriers

“Our program is designed for anyone who is looking to upgrade their skills for job or seeking to enter post secondary school,” said program manager Michael Andrews. “This program is completely built around the needs of the learner, they are supported every step of the way by our support staff and our instructors.”

Fleming’s services are available at campuses in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton.

Work and Academic Upgrading courses are free to take, they can also provide financial help for transportation and child-care expenses for those who qualify.

Skills on Demand - Work and Academic Upgrading may be for you if you fit any one of the following criteria’s:

• Are 19 years of age or older

• Didn't finish high school

• Have been out of school for a while and need to refresh your academic skills to prepare for college

• Have your high school diploma but are missing prerequisites that you need for a college program or apprenticeship

• Want to refresh your Math, Communications or Computer skills before re-entering the workforce

• Need your "Grade 12 Equivalency" to improve your career prospects

People learn in different ways and they are committed to working with you to help you reach your goals. Our non-traditional classroom allows for teacher support in a relaxed environment with other adult learners.

In addition to academic assistance, the program provides:

• Career and educational counselling,

• Time management, goal setting and other learning strategies tips

• Help with applications to college and apprenticeship programs when you finish your academic upgrading

• Referrals to community services and resources that can help you move your plans forward

• When you complete your studies in the program, you will be prepared to reach your personal goals: further education, training, or a new career. You will have acquired new confidence, new skills and enhanced learning abilities all that will serve you well wherever you go and in whatever you do.

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Kawartha Lakes Trustee Resigns After 11-Year Tenure

After more than 11 years of service to the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board, Kawartha Lakes Trustee Michelle Griepsma has moved out of the Board’s jurisdiction and has resigned from her role announced Wednesday.

Griepsma, a mother of four, was first elected as a trustee in 2010 and served as Board Chairperson for seven years from 2013 to 2020. Having relocated outside of the Board’s jurisdiction, Griepsma is no longer eligible to serve as a trustee. The Board accepted her resignation during the Sept. 28, 2021 Board meeting.

“It has been a wonderful journey serving in this role. I hope I have been able to contribute to the betterment of the Board and the Catholic Education of our students,” said Griepsma. “I want to thank all the Trustees and board administrators, the students, and dedicated staff and educators that I have worked with throughout my time on the Board. I wish the Board the greatest success moving forward.”

Board chairperson David Bernier has served alongside Griepsma for the duration of her time as a trustee and said he was impressed with her leadership skills from the beginning.

“I was so excited in 2010 when Michelle was first elected as Kawartha Lakes Trustee. I knew then what she brought to the table, a love for Catholic Education and strong leadership skills that she quickly put into use,” Bernier said. “PVNC Catholic has benefited from Michelle’s dedication and passion to see that our board delivers excellence in Catholic Education and that the needs of all students are being met. We will miss Michelle’s wisdom and leadership at this table. We all wish Michelle the very best as she moves on.”

During her time as a trustee, Griepsma also held leadership roles with the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA), first as a regional director before being elected OCSTA Vice-President in 2018 and serving for two years in that role.

“Michelle has invested so much time and energy in service to our board and to the promotion of Catholic Education at the provincial level,” Director of Education Joan Carragher said. “She came to board and committee meetings prepared, was diligent in her leadership roles and always participated or chaired meetings with the utmost level of professionalism and always with the best interest of our students and staff at heart. We thank Michelle for her dedication and wish her the best as she enters this new chapter in her life.”

PVNC is now seeking candidates to fill the vacancy on the Board of Trustees and to represent separate school ratepayers for the City of Kawartha Lakes. The appointed trustee will serve with the Board of Trustees until Oct. 24, 2022, when the next Municipal Election determines a successful candidate for the Dec. 1, 2022 – Nov. 30, 2026 term of office.

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