Innovation Cluster Launches Program to Aid Student Entrepreneurs From Post-Secondary Institutions

The Innovation Cluster has launched the 2024 Slingshot Program to help accelerate student entrepreneurs from Trent University and Fleming College to enter the front lines of the startup world, announced on Monday morning.

pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

The program offers a seven-week course culminating in a pitch competition on July 4th. The winner will be awarded a $3,000 prize to aid their entrepreneurship. Applications are open until April 21.

The program offers a pioneering curriculum led by industry leaders, covering:

• Entrepreneurship Essentials: A deep dive into the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, equipping students with critical concepts and principles.

• Business Idea Development: Techniques to refine and market-validate business ideas.

• Business Model Analysis: Instruction on utilizing the Business Model Canvas for strategic venture development.

• Market Research and Marketing Plans: Training in conducting effective market research and crafting compelling marketing strategies.

• Pitching Skills and Competition: Opportunities to hone pitching skills and compete for a $3,000 prize.

Slingshot is open to university and college students or a graduate within the past six months.

Applications must meet the following criteria to apply:

• Must be in the region of Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes

• Must have a passion for entrepreneurship

• Must be beyond ideation (MVP ideal)

• Must have a business in innovation and technology (Social Innovation accepted)

An information session is scheduled for Wednesday at noon at the Innovation Cluster. It offers further insights into the program and its benefits. 

Potential applications are asked to RSVP for their information session.

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Trent University Reappoints Vice-President, Communications & Enrolment To Second Five-Year Term

Trent University and president Leo Groarke have reappointed Marilyn Burns to a second five-year term as vice-president of Communications and Enrolment at Trent University, effective July 1, 2025, announced on Tuesday. 

Burns oversees 65 staff members across Communications, undergraduate domestic Recruitment, domestic and international Admissions and Trent’s five Colleges. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Marilyn has been a driving force behind Trent’s rising reputation, impressive strides in recruitment, and the University’s renewed commitment to its collegiate system – positioning Trent as a leader in higher education,” said Groarke. “The remarkable progress we've seen in communications and enrolment under Marilyn's leadership is just the beginning. Her expertise and dedication will be instrumental in continuing to guide the University through its next phases of growth and innovation, including the opening of Gidigaa Migizi College – the University’s sixth college.”

Burns joined Trent in 2001 and has served in several roles over her 20+-year career at Trent. They include associate vice president of Communications & Recruitment, executive director of Marketing & Communications, Recruitment & Admissions, and director of Marketing & Communications.  

She was appointed vice-president, communications & enrolment in July 2020. Enrolment at the University has increased 53 per cent across Trent’s two campuses in Peterborough and Durham GTA since 2014 according to a press release.

As chair of the Champlain Committee, she led the Champlain Report, which resulted in several recommendations including the naming of Trent’s sixth college: Gidigaa Migizi College. 

“I am honoured and excited to continue in my role, building on our successes and facing new challenges head-on. I’d like to thank my team for their focus on Trent’s distinctive qualities, like the Colleges which alongside strong recruitment and enrolment strategies have been key to our rising reputation,” said Burns. “I look forward to further enhancing the Trent experience for our students, faculty, and the broader community, especially as we expand our presence in Durham and welcome the new Gidigaa Migizi College.”  

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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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