Kenner Students Sink Their Teeth Into Apples For School Nutrition Awareness During 'Great Big Crunch'

Roughly 180 Grade 7 and 8 students from Kenner Intermediate School students and staff crunched into apples in sync at the ‘Great Big Crunch’ to highlight the need for sustainably funded school food programs across Canada on Thursday morning.

(From left to right) Easton Howard, 12; Savannah Amos, 12; Mona Abokhashref, 12 and Zoey Tremblay, 12 were one of 180 Kenner students crunching into apples at Kenner’s auditorium. As one trivia question asked at the assembly, Macintosh is Canada’s national apple. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Food For Kids, a student nutrition program, provides nutritious food for 51 Peterborough City and County schools (elementary and high) including Kenner.

Students can arrive hungry to school for several reasons such as long bus rides, rushed mornings and skipped meals.

“I think it's really important, — especially as kids are growing and teenagers like to eat a lot — to be aware that in this day and age when food is so very expensive,” said Tania Lamond, Kenner principal. “We've got many households with food insecurities that we're very fortunate to have Food For Kids fund our nutrition bins so we have healthy food and snacks for our students every morning.”

Kenner had an assembly welcoming the Food For Kids representatives and Peterborough Public Health to briefly teach nutrition and hold trivia before chomping into Ontario-grown apples. The apple-biting measured 94 decibles which is considered roughly the equivalent to a belt sander.

“You could see that all the kids were engaged and really excited to crunch on our apples,” said Lamond. “But I think the most important message today was to bring awareness to the fact that we do have this amazing food program that provides the food here for our students that depend on it.”

This was the 20th year that Kenner’s nutrition program has been in place.

The apples were provided by Peterborough Wholesalers Ltd. and were washed and distributed by the students.

Kenner is openly accepting donations and sponsorships to help continue their food program.

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Peterborough Transit To Provide Grade 8 Transit Quest Program During March Break

Peterborough Transit has partnered with Active School Travel Peterborough to provide the Grade 8 Transit Quest program from March 8 to March 17.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

The program encourages students to use public transit by providing a free transit pass during March Break.

The Quest’s purpose is to increase students’ familiarity of the Peterborough Transit system as they begin to travel independently. Peterborough Transit alos wants a goal of making transit a mode of transportation that is both normal and accessible for local youth. Children aged 12 and under ride transit free year-round.

As incentive, students will receive a destination passport along with their transit passes which features free or discounted travel destinations.

“This is a great program to encourage kids to get familiar with Peterborough Transit routes,” said Ashley Burnie, GreenUp program coordinator. “Transit is an ideal transportation option for students to get to part-time jobs, shopping or seeing friends across town.”

Active School Travel Peterborough will be distributing the Grade 8 Transit Quest destination passports and free transit passes to Grade 8 classes in the City of Peterborough this week.

Ten destinations are featured in the Transit Quest destination passport including the Sport and Wellness Centre, the Public Library, the Museum and Archives and the Art Gallery of Peterborough, among other local businesses. Participants are encouraged to post to social media with #PTBOTransitQuest to share their journey and return their passports to their teacher to be entered into a class raffle.

New to the program are on-bus orientations for classes upon request.

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Fleming College Offering Free Tax Clinic For Eligible Residents During March

Fleming College is offering free tax clinics to any eligible persons this March.

Administered through a program with the Canada Revenue Agency, the community tax clinics are supervised by Accounting program instructors and organized with the help of Enactus Fleming College’s Keys to Me program. Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The clinics are open to eligible community members and Fleming students. Accounting students provide the clinics as a hands-on learning experience in their chosen field.

Clinics take place each Monday from March 4 to April 1 from noon to 4 p.m. in the Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre at Fleming’s Sutherland Campus.

To be eligible for the free clinics, individuals must:

• Have an income of $35,000 or less for individuals

• Have a combined income of $45,000 or less for a couple

• Have a combined income of $47,500 or less for a family of three

• Have a combined income of $50,000 or less for a family of four

Students will not prepare returns for anyone self-employed, for those who have capital gains or losses, employment expenses or have filed for bankruptcy.

Eligible residents can make an appointment at the clinic by emailing taxclinic@flemingcollege.ca, or registering online. Walk-ins can also be accommodated depending on availability.

Free parking is available for residents travelling to the Sutherland Campus for the tax clinic. Fleming requests that anyone coming to email the clinic in advance with your licence plate information and date of arrival to qualify for the free parking.

Anyone attending the clinic is asked to bring the following information:

• Social Insurance Number

• T2202A Tuition Receipt (if applicable)

• Rent Receipts for rent paid in Ontario in 2023 (if applicable)

• Medical expense receipts

• T4 Statement of Income (provided by your employer if you worked in Canada in 2023)

• Any other tax related slips you may receive in the mail, like a T5 or a T3 slip (for investment income)

• International students and new Canadians filing a tax return for the first time will need to provide their date of arrival in Canada

Fleming also welcomes eligible residents to drop off their tax information.

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Fleming College Business Students Benefit In New Partnership With Peterborough & Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce

Fleming College and the Peterborough & Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce have partnered to create a student membership program where business students can attend the latter’s monthly events and access its resources, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Students in Fleming’s International Business Management and Global Business Management programs can take advantage of the opportunity.

The Chamber’s multiple networking events allow students to engage with local entrepreneurs, tour local businesses, meet the region’s industry leaders and establish connections in the business community.

Fleming students can also access and attend Chamber-hosted webinars and seminars. Access to the Chamber’s job board, newsletter subscription and online Knowledge Hub is also included.

The Chamber will also host two events at Fleming College, bringing the region’s business community members to the Sutherland Campus.

This new membership program is available to first-semester students in the Winter 2024 and Fall 2024 semesters.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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