Free Summer Concerts Hitting Outdoor Amphitheatre For Trent University's Music on the Hill Series

Trent University’s Catharine Parr Traill College is hosting its Music on the Hill series of free summer concerts at the Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre. 

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The concerts begin on June 13 and are held every second Thursday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. They are open and free to the public.

The William and Nona Heaslip Music on the Hill series features six summer concerts featuring an eclectic mix of jazz, classical, and folk-rock music.

“We think it’s a great way for the family to come and hear some great music at a great venue,” said Dr. Michael Eamon, Catharine Parr Traill College principal.

Explore the life of a young J.S Bach through stories and musical interludes in J.S. Bach’s Long Walk in the Snow, presented by CBC’s Tom Allen on July 11.  Enjoy a homecoming of sorts of Trent alumni playing folk-rock – think Mumford and Sons – in I, The Mountain on July 25. Or take in a performance of more than 50 local musicians in the Peterborough Concert Band on August 8. 

“We like to think of it as a nexus, a community gathering place,” said Eamon. “Where the local community meets the University to experience music and culture.” 

Many of the concerts feature performers from the Peterborough community, Trent alumni, and even some Trent staff and faculty. The William and Nona Heaslip Foundation, which supports the arts and education, provided funding for the series. 

Rounding out the program are Carpe Noctem, featuring a local jazz group, on June 13; a chamber ensemble from the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra Chamber Ensemble, on June 27; and a two-part concert featuring musicians from the Peterborough Concert Band including Clarintella, a clarinet quintet, and Manorhill, a jazz quartet, on Aug. 22.

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Trent University to Expect Largest Graduating Class In School's History For 2024 Convocation

Degrees are being handed out more than ever as Trent University expects over 3,100 graduates during its 2024 convocation, the largest graduating class in school history across its Peterborough and Durham Greater Toronto Area campuses from June 4 to 14.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

A record 2,664 undergraduates and the largest class of graduate students, including 504 Ph.D., masters and diploma graduates, will be celebrated over 13 ceremonies, according to Trent. Peterborough ceremonies will occur June 4 to 7 and June 10 to 11 on the Symons Campus.

Trent University Durham GTA convocation ceremonies will occur on June 14, at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa. The ceremonies will celebrate the accomplishments of 765 graduates, the largest graduating class in Trent Durham history. 

A record number of convocation ambassador volunteers will support ceremonies including 195 staff, students, faculty, retirees, and alumni from both campuses who will be on-site to direct students and greet and assist guests. 

This year’s ceremonies give honorary degrees to four social changemakers recognized for their extraordinary contributions to society.  

In Peterborough, honorary degrees will/have be bestowed upon:  

• Dr. Audrey Kobayashi (June 5 – 2 p.m. ceremony) Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, globally recognized scholar of feminist geography, and human rights advocate  

• Harvey McCue (Waubegeshig) C.M. (June 6 – 2 p.m. ceremony) member of the Order of Canada, celebrated scholar, co-founder of Trent’s Indigenous Studies department, and expert on Indigenous self-government 

International children’s rights activist and member of the Order of Ontario Cheryl Perera will be presented with an honorary degree at the Trent University Durham GTA convocation ceremony on June 14 at 2 p.m. 
 
Dr. Leo Groarke will deliver the convocation address during the afternoon ceremony on Monday in Peterborough and the morning ceremony on June 14 in Durham.

These will be his last convocation ceremonies as Trent’s eighth president and vice-chancellor when his second term as president concludes at the end of June.

Dr. Stephen Stohn ‘66, chancellor of Trent University, will also address graduates at the convocation. 

During the 2024 Peterborough convocation ceremonies, Trent will honour several of its most accomplished students with special awards:

• The Governor General’s Academic Medal to reward scholastic merit was established in 1873 by the Earl of Dufferin, who served as Governor General of Canada from 1872 to 1878. The Silver Medal, presented to the undergraduate student with the highest academic standing, is awarded to Tovan Lew, B.Sc. Honours Biomedical Science. The Gold Medal for highest academic standing in graduate programs is awarded to Amanda Orr, Ph.D. Environmental & Life Sciences. 

• The President's Medal, established in 2009 to reward academic excellence and achievement at the graduate studies level, will be awarded to three graduate students who achieved academic excellence: Helen Knibb, Ph.D. Canadian Studies; Andrew Hoyt, M.A. History; and Justin Lockhart, M.Sc. Environmental & Life Sciences. 

• The Symons Medal, established in 1972 in honour of Trent’s founding president T.H.B. Symons, will be awarded to four undergraduate students in the honours program who achieve high overall standing on graduation: Khubaib Khan, B.Sc. Honours Biology; Maggie Chalk, B.Sc. Honours Biomedical Science; Shannon Harrison, B.Sc. Honours Mathematics; and Alexis Laplante, B.Sc. Honours Anthropology. 

• The Bagnani Medal, established in 1986 to honour the late founding faculty member Professor Gilbert Bagnani, will be awarded to two students in the general program who achieve high overall standing on graduation: Claire Johnston, B.Sc. Biology; and Carolyn King, B.A. Indigenous Studies. 

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Trent University Reappoints Dr. Michael Khan As Provost and Vice-President Academic

Trent University has reappointed Dr. Michael Khan to a second five-year term as provost and vice-president Academic, effective Aug. 1, 2025, announced on Wednesday.

Khan grew up in Trinidad and Tobago. He holds a Ph.D. in Human Kinetics from the University of British Columbia, an M.A. in Kinesiology from the University of Western Ontario, and a B.Sc. in Geophysics from McGill University.  Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Michael has been instrumental in steering Trent University towards new heights of academic excellence and innovation,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “His leadership has been pivotal in developing a robust Academic Plan, launching new interdisciplinary programs, and fostering a collaborative environment that has significantly contributed to our enrolment growth and institutional reputation. We are thrilled to have him continue in this key role as we navigate future opportunities and challenges.” 

Since joining Trent in August 2020, Dr. Khan has overseen the planning, budgeting, development, administration, quality assurance and integrity of the University's academic affairs according to a press release.

During Khan's Trent tenure, he led the development of an integrative Academic Plan, guided by 12 overarching academic guiding principles central to the University's strategic growth and academic priorities.  

The University says it has introduced numerous new undergraduate and graduate programs, postgraduate certificates, and paid co-op opportunities under Khan.

HE has also played a crucial role in strategic growth and expansion at Trent's Durham campus in the Greater Toronto Area, as stated in a press release. He has ensured a steady increase in the number of domestic and international students through developing professional master’s, postgraduate certificates, and innovative undergraduate degree programs at Trent Durham. 

“I am honoured to continue my role as provost and vice-president Academic at Trent University,” said Khan. “Trent’s collegial and proactive approaches to academic programming and student success has enabled us to make remarkable strides in enhancing our academic offerings, supporting our faculty and students, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment. I am excited to build on this foundation and continue working with our exceptional team to drive further innovation and excellence at Trent.”

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Three Fleming College Skilled Trades Students Bring Home the Hardware From Annual Skills Ontario Competition

Three Fleming College’s Skilled Trades students took home hardware during the annual Skills Ontario competition from May 6 to May 8 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Skills Ontario takes trades and technology students in the province in a competition in multiple skilled trade categories encompassing everything from aesthetics to plumbing.

Seventeen Fleming students competed and three made it to the podium:

• Carpentry student Dylan Waddle brought home the gold medal in the Individual Carpentry competition.

• Liam Sands captured a gold medal in the Arborist category.

• Welding student Joseph Brownson nabbed a bronze medal in the Welding category.

Fleming’s students were not only recognized for their hard work and creativity at Skills Ontario. Their high-traffic booth received a third-place nod for its creativity, interactive displays, focus on trades and technology and educational value for the many prospective students who stopped by to see what Fleming College offers.

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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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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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