Lakefield Literary Festival Presents Book Launch and Bell Let’s Talk Day Mental Health Event “Inspiring Hope”

The Lakefield Literary Festival to host a Bell Let’s Talk Day and book launch event with author and psychotherapist Kate Robson and Chief Medical Officer of Health for Peterborough Dr. Thomas Piggott Jan. 21 at the Showplace Performance Centre.

Photo courtesy of the lakefield literary festival.

Robson will launch her new book Something to Hold Onto: Simple Metaphors, Images, and Practical Tools to Transform Your Life in a conversation with Piggott, moderated by international best-selling author and Kate’s sister Jennifer Robson.

The book “offers metaphors to reframe our thinking and explore while encouraging us to be curious, attentive and intentional as we adopt new and creative ways to navigate discomfort and adversity,” said the Lakefield Literary Festival in a press release. “She asks us to consider the value in deciding that which we should hold tight and what could be let go.”

During their moderated conversation, Kate and Piggott will discuss what they have learned through their training, research, writing and interactions with the community and beyond regarding mental health. A question-and-answer period will follow the conversation.

The Lakefield Literary Festival is in its 31st year of presenting established and new Canadian authors in its events and festival each July.

Tickets for Inspiring Hope are $30, available online. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to mental health organizations in the community.

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Former Fleming College Leader Named President and CEO of Colleges Ontario

Maureen Adamson has been appointed the next president and CEO of Colleges Ontario, following an eight-year tenure at Fleming College.

Adamson’s previous roles include Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Deputy Minister responsible for the Status of Women, CEO of the Michener Institute and CEO of Cystic Fibrosis Canada. She has also served in senior governance positions, including Chair of the Scarborough Health Network and Vice-Chair of the Toronto Transit Commission. Photo courtesy of Colleges Ontario.

“Maureen’s tenure has been defined by strategic vision, steady leadership and a deep commitment to student success,” said Don Gillespie, Fleming College board of directors chair. “Under her guidance, Fleming achieved several significant milestones that strengthened the College for the future.”

According to Colleges Ontario, Adamson’s role is to lead the organization representing Ontario’s 24 public colleges amid significant financial pressure, rising demand for applied training and growing competition for skilled talent.

Over the past year, Adamson has served in the same role at Colleges Ontario on an interim basis. Her permanent role is effective on Jan. 1.

During her interim tenure, Colleges Ontario says Adamson helped unify member colleges around shared priorities and supported more coordinated advocacy at Queen’s Park.

“As I transition into this role, my priority is to advocate for our public colleges and build a deep understanding of the value colleges bring to our communities, our economy and our province,” said Adamson. “That means advocating for sustainable funding, advancing workforce development and ensuring institutions continue to deliver the skilled graduates our communities rely on.” 

“Maureen has been a steady hand and a unifying voice throughout her interim term. Her experience, integrity and collaborative style will continue to strengthen the college sector,” said Glenn Vollebregt, Colleges Ontario's former chair and St. Lawrence College president and CEO.

“Maureen’s appointment is welcome news for our sector and comes at an important time. She brings the clarity, steadiness and vision we need as we navigate a rapidly changing landscape,” said Ann Marie Vaughan, Colleges Ontario chair and president and Humber Polytechnic CEO. “Maureen is an exceptional leader who understands what colleges require to support students, employers and communities. Her ability to bring people together around shared priorities has already made a meaningful impact and I'm confident that her continued leadership will guide our sector forward in the years ahead.”

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Trent University Ranked Top Undergraduate University In Canada For International Grants

Trent University has been recognized as one of Canada’s top 50 research universities in the Research Infosource 2025 rankings.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Trent earned three distinctions among undergraduate universities for growth in research funding from international government funders and for strengths in publishing research on natural sciences and climate change.

“Trent’s research community continues to distinguish itself by building meaningful international collaborations that deepen interdisciplinary understanding and expand multinational perspectives on global issues,” said Dr. Holger Hintelmann, interim vice-president, Research & Innovation. “These collaborations strengthen Canada’s role as an innovative, forward-looking nation—attracting talent, investment, and new opportunities. Research is about discovery. The progression from ideation to innovation fuels economic and social development in ways that benefit communities here at home and around the world.”

In the past year, faculty in Trent’s School for the Study of Canada and the Trent School of the Environment, including Canada research chairs, received several research grants from Norwegian agencies in support of collaborative projects focused on the Arctic. These funding achievements earned Trent Research Infosource’s Winner’s Circle distinctions among undergraduate universities in all three categories related to international government research income.

Trent has also expanded global research collaborations in the past year with support from programs such as the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships.

This grant supports connections between faculty and students at Trent with international partners through the International Institute of Environmental Studies to study and address shared natural resource and climate challenges.

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PVNC Catholic Sees Significant Gains From EQAO Math and Literacy Scores

The Education Quality and Assessment Office (EQAO) released its results for school boards in Ontario for the 2024-2025 school year and the Peterborough Victoria and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB) has shown significant progress.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

The results showcase the vastly improved results in literacy and mathematics across multiple grade levels at PVNCCDSB.

According to Stephen O’Sullivan, director of education, the results reflect the Board’s ongoing commitment to using the science of learning, rooted in explicit, high-impact instructional strategies, to support students in both literacy and mathematics and empower classroom teachers to grow in their content knowledge and pedagogical practices to address learning gaps head-on. 

“We are extremely proud of the growth our students and educators have achieved in literacy and mathematics this year,” he said. “These results reflect the hard work, dedication, and innovative teaching strategies that our staff have implemented to close learning gaps and boost student confidence in literacy and mathematics. We will continue to provide opportunities for educators to build their content knowledge, and to grow in their confidence and efficacy with respect to both instructional and assessment practices to support continued student academic growth.”

Results: 

• Grade 3 Math: Students exhibited tremendous gains of 6.2 per cent, with 62.9 per cent of students now meeting or exceeding the provincial standard - outpacing the provincial year-over-year increase of 2.3 per cent.
   

• Grade 6 Math: Results reflect a slight increase of 0.4 per cent, raising the success rate to 44.7 per cent, and reflecting a total gain of 6.4 per cent since 2021-2022.

• Grade 9 Math: PVNC Catholic students’ success rate in relation to the provincial standard improved to 53.7 per cent, reflecting a total gain of 3.8 per cent since 2021-2022.

• Grade 3 Reading and Writing: Reading proficiency grew to 71.2 per cent, an increase of 2.2 per cent from last year. Similar gains were realized in writing, with a result of 61.1 per cent, which marks a 2.3 per cent year-over-year increase.

• Grade 6 Reading and Writing: PVNC Catholic students continue to excel in reading, while also demonstrating marked gains of 3.4 per cent, with 85.3 per cent achieving or exceeding the provincial standard, in line with the provincial average of 86%. Writing results also exhibited tremendous gains, with 84.5 per cent meeting the standard, marking an increase of 6.6 per cent. 

• Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT): 78 per cent of first-time eligible students passed the test, close to last year’s result of 80.4 per cent.

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Fleming College Soars In Canada’s Top Research Colleges Ranking; Named #1 In Industry Research Income Growth

Fleming College has climbed in the annual Top 50 Research Colleges in Canada rankings, climbing from 31st to 17th overall and is first in Research Income Growth, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Research Infosource Inc. releases the list, highlighting the postsecondary institutions driving innovation and industry impact across the country.

“Our rise in the national rankings underscores the growing trust industry partners place in Fleming’s expertise,” said Dr. Theresa Knott, Fleming College acting co-president. “This is a testament to the strength of our research teams, the innovation happening across our campuses, and the value our partners see in collaborating with us.”

Fleming College is home to three specialized applied research centres:

• The Centre for Advancement of Water and Wastewater Technologies (CAWT), which assists companies in developing innovative water and wastewater solutions that strengthen sustainability and environmental protection

• The Centre for Applied Machine Intelligence and Integration Technologies (CAMIIT) drives advancements in artificial intelligence, embedded systems, and printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing.

• The Centre for Innovative Aquaculture Production (CIAP) supports the growth of sustainable aquaculture and food security across the country.

“Through our research centres and faculty-led initiatives across diverse fields such as healthcare, environmental conservation, policing, and community services, Fleming continues to strengthen its role as a trusted partner in applied research and innovation,” said. Knott. “We’re proud to play a vital role in advancing innovation and supporting communities across our region.”

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Photos: Students Gain Understanding Through Council For Persons With Disabilities ‘A Day in My Shoes' Event

Over 160 Kaawaate East City Public School students gained understanding, inclusion and respect for people of all abilities as they attended the Council for Persons with Disabilities’ (CPD) ‘A Day in My Shoes’ event at the YMCA on Wednesday morning.

Alexandra Clay (left) with her guide dog Oliver, putting on a demo for Grade 6 student Jaja Might (right). All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Students in grades 5, 6 and 8 participated in hands-on activities that simulate the daily experiences of people with disabilities.

The event’s goal is to encourage empathy, awareness, and respect for individuals of all abilities according to Cody McIntyre, CPD Chair.

“As someone who grew up with a hearing loss and who started wearing hearing aids at the age of 6 that meant I would sit closer to the teacher in the classroom, watch mouth for cues and worked harder to follow every word that was being said,” he said. “By educating and opening conversations with the students of Kaawaate East City Public School about what it is like to live with a disability we are creating a more inclusive and respectful environment at their school and for the entire Peterborough community.”

The students participated in realistic simulations that engaged them in meaningful discussions about mobility, vision, hearing and inclusion.

@ptbo_canada To experience daily life of having a disability, students took on challenges such as trying to toe a shoe with oven mitts. #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp #internationaldisabilityday ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

The event coincides with International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which the City of Peterborough recognized.

“On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we reaffirm our commitment to building a community where everyone is included, valued and able to participate fully in daily life,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. This day reminds us of the importance of removing barriers, both seen and unseen, and of working together to create a city that is accessible to all.”

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Fleming College Creates New Bursary Program After $1.5 Million Gift

Fleming College is establishing its largest-ever endowed fund for student tuition assistance after a $1.5 million gift from The Joyce Family Foundation, announced on Thursday.

(From left to right)  oanne Spicer, Associate Vice President, Student Experience, Fleming College; Katie Pezoulas, Executive Director, Advancement and External Relations, Fleming College; Linda Ricker, Director of Finance, The Joyce Family Foundation; Maureen Adamson, President of Fleming College and Interim President and CEO of Colleges Ontario; Maureen O’Neill, Executive Director, The Joyce Family Foundation; Nick Stone, Associate Vice President, Health, Fleming College; Chris Jardine, Associate Vice President, Marketing and Advancement, Fleming College. Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

This gift provides 11 annual bursaries of $5,000 each for students who face financial or other barriers to accessing post-secondary education.

“This historic gift, which establishes our largest fund for student tuition assistance, is a meaningful investment in Fleming College and in the young people of our region,” says Maureen Adamson, Fleming College president. “We are deeply grateful to The Joyce Family Foundation for their commitment to reducing barriers and supporting Canadian youth as they pursue education that enables them to reach their full potential and contribute to their communities.” 

The Program will disburse $55,000 annually to support young people in the Peterborough and Kawarthas region.

“This extraordinary gift from The Joyce Family Foundation demonstrates the profound impact philanthropy can have on students’ lives,” says Katie Pezoulas, Fleming executive director of advancement and external relations. “At a time when inflationary pressures are making education increasingly difficult for families to afford, this investment will be transformational. It will open doors for young people who might otherwise be unable to pursue post-secondary education and ensure they have the support they need to succeed.” 

The Joyce Family Foundation is a private family foundation created by the late Ronald V. Joyce, co-founder of the iconic Tim Horton’s coffee franchise and a champion of philanthropic causes. 

“Ron Joyce believed in the power of education to change lives, and he held great respect for the role colleges play in preparing young people for meaningful careers,” said Rob MacIsaac, Joyce Family Foundation board chair. “This bursary program reflects his steadfast commitment to empowering Canadian youth facing barriers, ensuring they have every opportunity to pursue education and build brighter futures.” 

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Student Transportation Services of Central Ontario Appoint New CAO

Kevin Forrest has been appointed the new Chief Administrative Officer of Student Transportation Services of Central Ontario (STSCO), effective Dec. 1, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCSDB.

Forrest has nearly three decades of experience in student transportation and community service in the role, including two decades within STSCO according to a press release. He has served in a variety of positions since the consortium was established in 2005, beginning as a Transportation Route Supervisor, a Transportation Safety Lead and most recently as Manager of Operations.

Before joining STSCO, Forrest worked as a Transportation Route Supervisor for the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board from 2003 to 2005. His career in transportation began in 1997 at Trentway-Wagar Inc., where he later advanced to Manager of the Peterborough School Bus Division for Coach Canada. Before that, he served his community as a civilian radio operator with the Ontario Provincial Police.

“I am honoured to take on the role of Chief Administrative Officer for STSCO,” said Forrest. “Having spent many years working within this organization and alongside our community partners, I believe that student transportation is a community effort. I am grateful for the ongoing partnership between STSCO and the families of our students, the local bus and taxi operators and their staff, our school boards, trustees and school teams, as well as many other local agencies. By working together, we can continue to support safe, dependable travel for our students each and every day.”

He succeeds Roy Wierenga, who is retiring from the position.

Wierenga served as STSCO’s CAO since 2023 and has been involved in Ontario student transportation for over 35 years. His early work involved Trentway-Wagar Bus Lines and roles with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, STSCO in 2005 and leadership positions with both the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority and Student Transportation of Peel Region.

Wierenga played a role in provincial student transportation initiatives including the implementation of Ontario’s amber warning light system and contributing to committees within the Ontario Association of School Business Officials and the Canadian Standards Association.

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PVNC Clarington Trustee Acclaimed As Chairperson For 2025-2026 term

Clarington trustee Kevin MacKenzie has been acclaimed as chairperson of the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board for the 2025-2026 term after the Board’s annual meeting on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of PVNC.

MacKenzie was first elected as a trustee in 2018, served as vice-chairperson from 2021 to 2022 and was elected chairperson in 2022.

“The past several months has had the spotlight on the role of a trustee. I look at it as a blessing. Months ago, many of our constituents did not know what we did or the value we brought. Now, I think they know the advocacy we bring and help we provide,” said MacKenzie. “Every term brings new challenges and new things to celebrate. The hard work and dedication of everyone at PVNC Catholic doesn't go unnoticed.”

Peterborough County trustee Jenny Leahy was also acclaimed as vice-chairperson. She holds this title for a fourth consecutive year. Leahy joined the Board in May 2022 and was later elected in the October 2022 municipal election.

This year’s annual meeting also marked several milestones:

• Loretta Durst (Peterborough) – four years since her appointment in November 2021. She was re-elected in the 2022 municipal election.

• Joshua Glover (Clarington), Mary Ann Martin (Kawartha Lakes), and Kathleen Tanguay (Northumberland) – three years since their elections in 2022.

• John Connolly (Peterborough) – his third annual meeting since being appointed in September 2023.

Following the meeting, Bishop Daniel Miehm held Mass with trustees and staff.

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Trent University French Studies Professor Given Governor General’s Literary Award For Translation

Trent University’s coordinator and professor of French Studies, Dr. Sylvie Bérard, has been awarded the Governor General’s Literary Award for Translation for her translation of The Tiger Flu by Larissa Lai, a science fiction novel reimagined in French as Les Sœurs de la Muée, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Sylvie exemplifies the intellectual and creative excellence that is fostered at Trent,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “Her achievement reflects the power of language and imagination to connect cultures and ideas, a remarkable contribution to Canada’s bilingual and literary landscape.”

The Governor General’s Literary Awards, presented annually by the Canada Council for the Arts, celebrate the best in Canadian literature across seven categories in both English and French. Professor Bérard shares the award for translation (English to French) with her partner and long-time collaborator, Suzanne Grenier, marking the duo’s eighth translated work together.

“I feel like I am floating on a cloud. To be seen and heard by peers at this level is profoundly affirming,” said Bérard. “It also gives this wonderful book and its ideas a new life and visibility in French. The universe created by Larissa Lai in The Tiger Flu is quite unique, so this is the kind of translation that really benefits from teamwork.” 

This is Prof. Bérard’s second nomination for the Governor General’s Literary Award for Translation. She received her first nomination for her translation of another Larissa Lai novel, Salt Fish Girl (Le fruit de la puanteur). She is also the recipient of a Trillium Book Award for Poetry in 2018 and a Trillium Book Award nomination in 2021, further solidifying her standing among Canada’s most versatile literary voices. 

The award-winning translation, completed over two years, required both scholarly research and artistic creation. Set 120 years in the future, Les Sœurs de la Muée demanded the creation of new terms, including the noun ‘Muée’ in the translation’s title and cultural references that feel authentic to French readers while remaining faithful to the English original. 

“When you translate science fiction, you don’t just translate the words. You translate the history of ideas, the imagined future, and the nuance of worlds that another writer has created,” said Prof. Bérard. “Translation is about recreating an entire universe so that readers in another language can inhabit it naturally. We don’t want people to feel like they are reading a translation. We want people to feel like they are reading a great book, and that requires a love for the work that you’re translating and needing to immerse yourself in the author’s original work.”

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