Six Fleming College Alumni Nominated For the 2023 Premier's Awards
/Fleming College graduates are making their school proud as six alumni have been nominated for the 2023 Premier’s Awards announced on Thursday.
Photo courtesy of Fleming College
Peterborough Blogs
Trent Ranked #1 Ontario Undergraduate University For 13 Straight Years
/Trent University takes top honours, ranked number one as Ontario’s number one undergraduate university in the 2024 Maclean’s University Rankings.
Photo courtesy of Trent university.
“Trent’s enduring streak as Ontario's top undergraduate university reflects our ongoing commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and delivering a transformative experience for all students,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor. “These rankings are the latest in a series of news highlights and developments that continue to showcase Trent as a renowned teaching and research university in Canada, as well as globally.”
2024 Maclean's University Rankings Highlights: Primarily Undergraduate Category
#1 undergraduate university in Ontario 13 years in a row
#1 in Ontario for highest quality
#1 in Ontario for faculty awards
#2 in Ontario for most innovative
#2 in Ontario for developing leaders of tomorrow
#2 in Ontario for student services
Top 20 in all of Canada ranking for Trent’s Education program – the only undergraduate university program on the list
The rankings compare 50 universities from across Canada. Trent continued to rank among the top undergraduate institutions in Ontario in several key categories, including number one in Ontario for highest overall quality and faculty awards and number two in Ontario for being the most innovative and developing the future leaders of tomorrow. Trent also ranked number two in Ontario for student services.
The Trent School of Education received special recognition as the only primarily undergraduate institution named among the top 20 education programs in Canada across all categories.
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Photos: Kawartha Montessori School Hits the Ground Running Again With Return of Its Cross-Country Run After a Three-Year Hiatus
/Students of Kawartha Montessori School got their feet moving as they hosted their cross country meet at their institution on Friday, an event they have not been able to participate in the last three years.
Kendalwood Montessori & Elementary School, Uxbridge Montessori School, Whitby Montessori & Elementary School and Peterborough’s Rowan Tree Children's School were also a part of the event held by Kawartha Montessori totalling roughly 150 students in the event. Grades 1 to 8 ran in the meet, the first time Kawartha hosted in several years.
“Certainly, Covid got in the way,” said Carrie O’Toole, Kawartha Montessori vice-principal. “We've also in the past participated in the Catholic board but this year, they weren't not accepting other schools outside of their board so it was a way for us to give a cross-country running experience to our other schools who were not a part of those boards.”
Students began training for the meet at the start of the school year as part of their physical education curriculum.
“They would have included learning some running skills and build up their stamina for the event,” explained O’Toole.
Races were divided by gender and grade. The children ran varying distances on a figure-eight-like track depending on the category. During the races, parents, faculty and students cheered on the runners throughout the day.
“That is a big part of our school, building that grace, courtesy and community,” said O’Toole. “That's something that we pride ourselves in, building that community and building that teamwork.”
During the winter, students are taught sports and activities such as basketball, volleyball, tennis, pickleball, downhill and cross-country skiing.
In the spring, students get to learn track and field. Grade 8 students also participate in rowing and mountain biking as part of their curriculum.
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Photos: St. Peter's and Holy Cross Secondary School Unite For Terry Fox Rally Fundraiser For Cancer Research
/Roughly over 1,800 students and faculty from St. Peter’s Secondary School (SPSS) and Holy Cross Secondary School (HCSS) came together to walk for the Terry Fox Rally to raise money for cancer research on Thursday morning.
Both institutions walked in a circuit, starting from St. Peter’s on Medical Drive before convening at the school’s football field.
“To see the love and the effort here to support such a cause in Terry Fox, I know that cancer has affected each of our lives so to be here today and to have the energy, it's such a beautiful feeling,” said Natalie Bittner, HCSS principal.
HCSS aimed to raise $15,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation. Their most significant fundraising method was selling dress-down tickets to allow students to dress casually rather than in their uniforms for a week. The school did face painting and nail decorations and sold Terry Fox apparel to help with the fundraiser.
SPSS had a more ambitious goal of $70,000. Students registered with the Terry Fox website to raise money independently. They also had dress-down days and ran community events to raise funds.
“Last year, we finished third overall in Canada for raising the most,” said Shannon Brady, SPSS principal. “Last year, we raised $60,000 so we’re bumping it up to $70,000 this year.”
All proceeds from the snack and concession stands —sold by both schools on-site — went towards the schools’s respective fundraiser totals.
The two schools also held their annual football game against each other, with both the junior and senior teams playing, following the walk in the afternoon. The game is known as the ‘Catholic Bowl’ or ‘Holy Bowl.’ since it is the city’s only two Catholic high schools. It started in 2003 when Holy Cross began its inaugural football program.
Fleming Student Administrative Council Seeking Sponsors To Aid Student Food Insecurity
/Fleming Student Administrative Council (SAC) is seeking sponsors for their monthly ‘Lunch Grab&Go’ initiative to help combat student food insecurity.
Photo courtesy of Fleming SAC.
The program provides free lunches for Fleming students especially to those who struggle to afford food daily according to a Fleming SAC representative.
“Times are tough right now and every little bit helps,” according to a Fleming SAC statement. “Help feed Fleming students so they can focus on school and no\tw where their next meal is going to come from.”
Sponsors will have their logo on display to SAC’s marketing to create brand awareness for the event in exchange for sponsorship.
Potential sponsors can e-mail info@flemincsac.ca for more information.
Trent University Honours Faculty In First-Ever Celebration of Excellence in Humanities and Social Sciences Awards
/Trent University hosted its first-ever Celebration of Excellence in Humanities and Social Sciences awards ceremony by bringing together department chairs and distinguished donors to celebrate exceptional faculty and students.
Award winners from the inaugural Humanities and Social Sciences Award Ceremony gather together on the Symons Campus. Photo courtesy of Trent University.
“The Humanities and Social Sciences are the heart of any university, leading the way in challenging the way we think, especially in challenging times, by inspiring students and alumni to think critically and creatively about how we can better understand and improve the world around us," said Dr. Mark Skinner, Trent dean of Humanities and Social Sciences. “This awards ceremony symbolizes not only a celebration of our students' remarkable achievements but also the enduring culture of academic excellence that thrives within Trent’s Humanities and Social Sciences departments. We are honoured to recognize the dedication of our students and to showcase the profound impact of our outstanding faculty.”
A full list of the awards and recipients follows:
Alexander Nielsen (Lady Eaton College), Anthropology Faculty Prize — Awarded to a student with the highest overall standing in the introductory course in Anthropology from the previous year, provided they continue as an Anthropology or Archaeology major and earn the top mark in any of our first-year Anthropology courses.
Isla Gole ‘18 (Catharine Parr Traill College), Andrew Wernick Essay Prize — Awarded to a Cultural Studies major or joint-major for the best essay of a critical or theoretical nature related to the subject areas of the Cultural Studies program, submitted to a juried competition held by the department.
Samantha Paolucci, Department of English Literature Scholarship — Awarded annually to the highest achieving student entering the fourth quarter of the Honours program in English Literature.
Mady Rodrigues-Raby (Lady Eaton College), W.L. Morton Essay Prize in History — Named after the distinguished Canadian historian, an early member of the Trent History Department, and the first principal of Champlain College, this prize is awarded to the third-year student writing the best essay.
Sasha Jones ‘19 (Peter Gzowski College), Alan Wilson Prize — Named in honour of the founder of the Trent History Department and the Canadian Studies Program, this prize is awarded to the Honours student achieving the highest record in the fourth year.
Avery Shortland (Peter Gzowski College), International Development Studies (IDST) Fundraising Trust Award — Awarded annually to the student with the highest standing in the first year of IDST.
Lucas Skolseg (Champlain College), The Mary's Fund Scholarship — Awarded annually to an outstanding student entering the final year of the Honours program in Philosophy. Established in honour of Mary Margaret (Stewart) Beattie and Mary Marjorie (Murphy) Beattie.
Lindsey Russell ’19 (Champlain College), Outstanding Graduating Sociology Student Award — Awarded annually to a top graduating student at each campus. Sponsored by the Canadian Sociological Association.
Jack Carey (Peter Gzowski College), Carolyn Sarah Thomson Scholarship — Awarded annually in recognition of the Canadian Studies student with the highest average entering their second year at Trent.
Jasmine Boisvert ‘19 (Catharine Parr Traill College), Swiss Embassy Award/Prix de l'ambassade de Suisse au Canada — Awarded to the graduating student with the highest overall average in recognition of credits acquired in the study of the French language.
Alex Bruneau (Lady Eaton College), George S. Henry — Awarded annually to the student that achieves the highest combined grade average in the two introductory courses, POST 1011H and POST 1002H.
Carly Walker (Lady Eaton College), ROMA Humanities and Social Sciences Award — Established by the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA), this award is granted annually to an exceptional student enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts program in the Humanities and Social Sciences.
Sophie Medeiros (Lady Eaton College), ROMA Humanities and Social Sciences Award — Established by the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA), this award is granted annually to an exceptional student enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts program in the Humanities and Social Sciences.
Dean Howley ’06 (Peter Gzowski College), School of Business, Decanal Award for Teaching Excellence — Awarded to exceptional faculty member who has made a profound impact on student success through teaching and mentorship.
Dr. Antonio Cazorla-Sánchez, Trent History Department — Recognized for recent election as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.
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Fleming College Organizing Week-Long Events To Recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
/In recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Fleming College has organized a week’s worth of events and activities to honour the day on their campuses beginning on Monday.
A children’s shoe collection will be on display at Sutherland, Frost and Haliburton Campuses from Monday through Friday, recognizing, remembering, and honouring Indigenous Children who were lost to Residential Schools.
Nish Tees, a local Indigenous business, will be selling orange shirts throughout the week at scheduled times. All proceeds will be donated to the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
A full schedule of events can be found below:
Sutherland Campus:
Orange shirts will be on sale from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Shirts are $20 each for students, $25 for the rest of the Fleming community.
Monday, Sept. 25:
Welcome and Drum Opening: Main Foyer, 10 – 11 a.m.
Orange Shirt Beading: Main Foyer, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 26:
Reading of “Phyllis’s Orange Shirt”: Main Foyer, 10 – 11 a.m.
Screening of “The Secret Path”: Whetung Theatre, B3 100, 1 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 27:
Orange Rock Painting: Steele Centre Patio, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 28:
Reading of “Phyllis’s Orange Shirt”: Main Foyer, 1 – 2 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 29:
Rock Painting and Orange Shirt Beading: Main Foyer, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Frost Campus
Thursday, Sept. 28 and Friday, Sept. 29:
Reading of “Phyllis’s Orange Shirt”: ISS Lounge 180A, 12 – 12:30 p.m.
Orange Rock Painting: ISS Lounge 180A, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Haliburton Campus
Wednesday, Sept. 27:
Orange Shirt Sales and Orange Rock Painting: The Great Hall, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
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John Connolly Appointed to Serve In Trustee Role for City of Peterborough
/The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board has selected John Connolly as a new trustee to fill a vacancy on the board.
Photo courtesy of PVNC.
Connolly filled the vacancy following a special public Board meeting held on Tuesday at the Board office where six candidates were heard from.
Connolly holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Geography (Environmental Management and Urban Planning) from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) and a Master’s Certificate in Public Sector Management from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (now Ontario Tech University).
He has served more than 16 years in senior management roles providing professional leadership and expertise in community building, housing, land use planning and economic development for all levels of government and the private sector. He has extensive leadership experience serving on executive boards in the Peterborough area including the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Aid Society, the Peterborough Utilities and the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.
Connolly is currently Executive Director, Planning, Building and Economic Development for the Township of Cavan Monaghan. He and his wife have lived in the Peterborough area for more than 25 years and raised their family of three children, all of whom were educated in PVNC Catholic schools.
“In all aspects of my life, I believe that I not only have an obligation but a personal responsibility to contribute to my community through public service. I have done this through my chosen career path as well as through my volunteerism and family commitments,” said Connolly. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in the role of trustee and help PVNC Catholic succeed in its mission to accompany students and to educate students in faith-filled, loving, safe, inclusive schools.”
The Board began advertising for interested trustee candidates in mid-July following the resignation of Peterborough trustee Mike Ayotte.
“We heard presentations from six strong and passionate candidates and we were impressed by the quality of candidates who put their names forward to serve Catholic Education in this jurisdiction,” Kevin MacKenzie, board chairman said. “We are happy to welcome John and I know we will all benefit from his experience and passion for service at the Board table.”
Connolly begins his role effective immediately.
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Trent University Announces Decanal Awards For Teaching and Mentorship
/Trent University has announced is recipients for its 2023 Decanal Awards for Teaching Excellence and Outstanding Graduate Mentorship to recognize its exceptional faculty members who have made a profound impact on student success in various academic fields on Monday.
The awards (now in its second year) honour Trent University faculty members, spanning the Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Education, Trent University Durham GTA, School of Nursing and the School of Graduate Studies.
“Trent’s annual Decanal Awards celebrate excellence in teaching and graduate mentorship across the University,” said Dr. Kristy Buccieri, Trent Teaching and Learning acting associate dean. “This year’s recipients have been nominated by students, for the passion, innovation, and dedication they bring to their discipline,”
Recipients of the 2022-2023 Decanal Awards:
Decanal Award for Teaching Excellence in Education: Dr. Kelly Young, School of Education
Professor Young is recognized for her consistent development of highly effective teaching strategies and her demonstration of exemplary pedagogical skills. Nominators cited her transformative teaching style, characterized by its supportive and uplifting nature, which fosters exploration and active learning within the classroom.
Trent Durham GTA Award for Teaching Excellence: Dr. Brenda Smith-Chant, Psychology
Professor Smith-Chant is celebrated for her ability to offer positive and constructive feedback, her innovative approach to creating learning materials, and her aptitude for elevating student participation and engagement.
Decanal Award for Teaching Excellence in Nursing: Kinza Malik, Trent/Fleming School of Nursing (TFSON)
Instructor Malik is renowned for her thorough assessments, adept use of concept maps, and an overarching pedagogical approach that not only inspires but also greatly facilitates student learning. She excels in devising innovative and imaginative approaches to course design, particularly in the realm of instruction and assessments.
Decanal Award for Teaching Excellence in the Humanities and Social Sciences: Dean Howley, Trent School of Business
Professor Howley is recognized for his commitment to nurturing student learning, his enthusiasm for teaching, and his remarkable capacity to captivate and motivate students, inspiring them to establish meaningful connections between course content and real-world scenarios. Through the inclusion of pragmatic and engaging assignments, Prof. Howley empowers students to embark on journeys of self-discovery as aspiring entrepreneurs and prospective business proprietors.
Decanal Award for Teaching Excellence in the Sciences: Dr. Wesley Burr, Mathematics
Nominations for Professor Burr spoke to how he makes himself available to students and supports their academic growth. Prof. Burr’s innovative teaching methods and supportive pedagogical approach, alongside his mastery-based learning and availability to students, ensure that all students putting in the work to succeed can understand course concepts and do well.
School of Graduate Studies Award for Outstanding Graduate Mentorship for New Mentors: Dr. Kateryna Keefer, Psychology
Graduate students highlighted Professor Keefer’s dedication to sharing her passion for supporting student learning, nurturing critical thinking, and guiding students to become proficient scholars. The nominations also celebrated her generous commitment of time and expertise as a mentor, along with her encouragement for students to further explore and enhance their own abilities. She is recognized as a supervisor who seamlessly integrates theory and practical application.
School of Graduate Studies Award for Outstanding Graduate Mentorship for Senior Mentors: Dr. David M. K. Sheinin, History
Professor Sheinin is acknowledged for his distinctive mentorship style, characterized by genuine support for students, enabling them to develop self-assurance in their abilities and pursue academic endeavours both within and outside of Trent University. He is widely regarded as an outstanding mentor who inspires self-discovery and self-confidence, empowering those he mentors to embark on their professional journeys with newfound independence.
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'Fleming Phoenix' Unveiled As New Mascot For Fleming College
/During a celebration at Fleming College’s Sutherland Campus, the Fleming Phoenix was unveiled ‘Fleming Phoenix’ as the new athletics brand and mascot.
Photo courtesy of Fleming College.
