Two Trent Excalibur Student Athletes Honoured with 2025 to 2026 Bonnie M. Patterson Award

Trent University Excalibur student athletes Natalie Fournier and Aly Saydam are being recognized with the 2025 to 2026 Bonnie M. Patterson Award for distinguishing themselves in competition, the classroom and the community.

photo courtesy of trent university, facebook.

Natalie Fournier, a dual-sport athlete in women’s volleyball and lacrosse, and Aly Saydam, a veteran setter on the men’s volleyball team, have each received the $2,500 award, which recognizes returning student athletes who demonstrate leadership, academic achievement and excellence in varsity sport.

Named in honour of former Trent president and vice-chancellor Bonnie M. Patterson (1998–2009), the award celebrates student athletes who reflect the values of commitment, teamwork and community contribution.

Psychology student Natalie Fournier (from Georgetown, ON.) has distinguished herself as one of Trent’s most accomplished dual-sport student-athletes, excelling at the varsity level in both volleyball and lacrosse while maintaining a strong academic standing.

A program leader and offensive force for the Excalibur women’s volleyball team, Fournier (Gzowski College) cemented her place in the record books this season, becoming the program’s all-time leader in both kills (542) and points (646). In 2025 to 2026 alone, the outside hitter recorded 126 kills, 151 points, 95 digs, 36 assists, eight blocks and 17 service aces, continuing to drive the team’s success with her dynamic and consistent play.

As a midfielder/defender with the women’s lacrosse team, Fournier played a key role in securing the 2025 OUA Championship, the program’s fourth championship title, and was recognized as an OUA All-Star, highlighting her versatility and ability to excel across two varsity sports in different seasons.

Off the field, Fournier is equally committed to serving her community. During the summer of 2025, she volunteered with Compass Community Services, supporting their Tele-Connect program, a phone outreach service that provides social connection and medication reminders for individuals navigating mental health challenges. She also gives back to the next generation of athletes by running youth secondary school clinics in both volleyball and lacrosse and volunteering at Trent-hosted high school tournaments for both programs.

Aly Saydam (from Ottawa, ON.), a fourth-year Kinesiology student, has been the steady hand guiding the Excalibur men’s volleyball program from the setter position while maintaining his academic standing on the honour roll and a renewable scholarship, earning him the title of OUA Academic All-Canadian.

During the 2025 to 2026 season, Aly recorded 405 assists, orchestrating the offence with poise and precision. He added 79 digs, 28 kills, 15 blocks, seven aces and 46 points, showcasing his well-rounded skillset and willingness to contribute in every facet of the game.

Saydam is a member of the team’s Leadership Group, fostering a positive culture within the program. He also served as Tournament Convenor for Trent’s Boys High School Volleyball Tournament, helping deliver opportunities for young athletes to compete at the university level.

In addition to his contribution to the volleyball community, Saydam is a Gzowski College ambassador, helping students navigate campus life and supporting college programming and events. He is also a member of the 1EX Council and the Trent Kinesiology Society, serving as the fourth-year representative. This year he volunteered for the East vs. West Charity Hockey Game, contributing to one of Trent’s long-standing campus fundraising initiatives through the Colleges.

Off campus, Saydam has extended his passion for kinesiology and community health through a placement with On the Move, a Peterborough-based program that offers community exercise classes for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease throughout the Kawartha region.

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Local Unions Call for Early Bargaining as Underfunding and Staffing Crisis Deepens at PVNCCDSB and TLDSB Schools

The Ontario School Board Council of Unions (OSBCU), CUPE 997 and CUPE 1453, representing education workers across the Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) and the Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB) are urging the Ford government and Education Minister Paul Calandra to begin collective bargaining with unions.

file photo.

CUPE-OSBCU is urging the government to come to the bargaining table prepared to increase staffing levels in schools across the province, improve supports for students and make necessary investments in publicly funded and publicly delivered education in Ontario.

“There can be no ‘business as usual’ while education workers and students bear the brunt of chronic underfunding,” said Joe Tigani, President of the OSBCU. “Early bargaining is critical to stabilizing our schools and addressing the staffing crisis before it becomes even more severe.”

School boards are already warning CUPE locals that thousands of education workers could be laid off for September 2026 following the expiry of the current collective agreement in August. These potential cuts come at a time when schools are already struggling to meet students’ needs due to years of inadequate funding and chronic understaffing.

“We need to begin bargaining as soon as possible because the staffing crisis in our schools is already causing real harm,” said Lianne Barley, President of CUPE 997, representing education workers at the Trillium Lakelands District School Board. “There is a ‘Plan B’ in place so that when staff are absent, they are generally not replaced until the fourth day of absence. The lack of replacement workers means employees are coming to work sick, workloads are piling up and violence in the workplace is increasing because schools are simply understaffed.”

The OSBCU, CUPE 997 and CUPE 1453 say they are ready to go to the bargaining table at any time. “Early bargaining is essential to provide certainty for students, parents and education workers, and to prevent yet another school year marked by a crisis of underfunding and understaffing of public education,” said CUPE in a press release. “Minister Calandra can issue a regulation to allow bargaining to start up to 180 days before the expiry of the current agreement at the end of August and as early as the beginning of March.”

“CUPE 1453 is ready to get to the table immediately, and we fully support the OSBCU’s call for the Ontario government to begin bargaining as soon as possible,” said Nora Shaughnessy, President of CUPE 1453, representing education workers at PVNCCDSB. “Right now, our schools are extremely underfunded, and it’s our students who are paying the price. Many are not getting the supports they need, and our staffing levels simply aren’t enough to meet growing demands. The chronic shortage of Educational Assistants has led to escalating physical and mental health issues among staff, many of whom are working through breaks and lunches just to meet the needs of students. Violence in schools is on the rise, and workers are telling us it’s becoming increasingly difficult to maintain safe, effective learning environments.”

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Province-Wide School Crossing Guard Appreciation Drawing Contest Now Open To Submissions

As part of School Crossing Guard Appreciation Week, the Ontario Traffic Council’s School Crossing Programs Committee is hosting a province-wide School Crossing Guard Appreciation Drawing Contest for children across Ontario.

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough, facebook.

This contest invites students to express their appreciation for School Crossing Guards through art, while helping schools and communities take part in the celebration in a meaningful and engaging way.

This year’s contest theme is Celebrating Our School Crossing Guards, and students aged 4 to 14 are encouraged to participate.

Winning drawings will be featured on official thank-you cards distributed during School Crossing Guard Appreciation Week from June 1 to 5.

The contest opened Feb. 2 and will close Mar. 31, with the winners announced on April 13. Artwork can be submitted via email.

For more information such as contest rules and artwork guidelines, visit the website.

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Upskilling Program at Trent University to Expand Registered Nurse Capacity in Primary Care

Trent University is launching a new Primary Care Nursing Upskilling Program to build primary care expertise among registered nurses working in or preparing to transition into primary care.

photo courtesy of trent university.

The professional online program includes emphasis on Indigenous, rural and community health to strengthen nursing practice in primary care.

“This upskilling program reflects Trent’s long-standing commitment to community-focused health education and addressing system-level challenges,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, President and Vice-Chancellor of Trent University. “By creating accessible advanced primary care education for registered nurses, we are helping strengthen care teams and improve access to healthcare services for people and communities across Ontario.” 

Trent University is leading one of four initiatives selected by the province to advance primary care nursing education and workforce capacity. Developed in collaboration between the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing and Queen's University, the program features online modules to equip RNs with interprofessional care expertise for working in team-based primary care models.  

The Trent program, starting at the end of March 2026, is supported with $1.1 million from the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Health as part of its Primary Care Action Plan.  

Over three years, funding awarded to Trent University will support the delivery of a 12-week, fully online postgraduate program. Faculty from the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing will contribute expertise in primary care, rural health, and Indigenous health, to deliver interprofessional learning experiences that bring together experts from across the health-care system. The funding will also cover tuition costs for Ontario registered nurses enrolled in the program. Up to 350 nurses are expected to complete the program over the initial three years, with the first cohort of 30 nurses beginning classes at the end of March. 

Graduates of this program will be equipped to provide care for patients across the lifespan, including well-child visits, chronic disease management, pre- and post-natal care and care for older adults. 

“Registered nurses are well positioned to provide care for patients and families within the primary care sector,” said Dr. Suzanne Braithwaite, assistant professor in the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing and past president of the Canadian Family Practice Nurses Association. “Primary care registered nurses provide a wide range of services, including well-child care, chronic disease management, health promotion and episodic care. Strengthening primary care nursing expertise through targeted upskilling education supports nurses in working to their full capacity, eases pressure on interprofessional care teams and improves access to care for patients across the province.” 

Registered nurses who complete the 12-week online program will be eligible for priority admission to the RN-prescribing program through the University of Windsor. Up to 70 per cent of those nurses will have their tuition fees covered, further advancing nursing capacity among the interprofessional primary care team.

As Trent works to implement the upskilling program, faculty in the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing are also developing plans to embed these topics and primary care competencies more deeply into their undergraduate nursing curriculum to build workforce capacity in primary care for the long-term.  

Registration for Trent’s new Primary Care Upskilling Program is now open.

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KPRDSB Director of Education Rita Russo Set To Retire This Summer

Rita Russo has announced her retirement after over five years as Director of Education with Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB).

photo courtesy of rita russo, linkedin.

Her career spanned over three decades, serving schools in Toronto, York Region and the Kawarthas.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to serve public education in KPRDSB and to have shared this journey with such a wonderful community of students, staff, families and partners,” said Russo in an Update for Families.

She highlighted that the “KPR spirit” both humbled and inspired her during her tenure as Director.

“Throughout years of challenge and change, I have remained in awe of our students,” Russo reflected in her final Annual Report. “Their passion, brilliance and energy are the heartbeat of our board; they are the reason we do this work and they continue to be my greatest source of inspiration.”

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Fleming College Launches Ontario’s First Immersive Veterinary Technician Program

Fleming College is expanding its School of Health and Community Services with the launch of a unique, accelerated Veterinary Technician (VT) program in partnership with the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS), driven by a province-wide shortage of veterinary professionals.

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The new program is the first in Ontario to provide students with on-site clinical learning starting in their first week of study, made possible through a strategic partnership with PHS. The accelerated format enables students to complete four consecutive semesters and enter the workforce much sooner than traditional delivery models.

Students begin training at PHS immediately and will use Fleming’s advanced simulation technologies to hone essential skills and refine techniques before administering care to live animals. This applied learning approach is furthered by a 150-hour placement in an animal care environment, allowing students to broaden their professional experience and master skills in real-world settings.

“Our new Veterinary Technician program reflects Fleming’s strategic commitments to providing innovative, career-ready education, addressing critical labour market needs, and enhancing student-centred learning through strong partnerships like the Peterborough Humane Society,” said Dr. Theresa Knott, Interim President. “We’re excited about the opportunity to provide students with an exceptional learning experience in the state-of-the-art veterinary clinic and animal shelter from day one. Combined with our leading-edge simulation technologies and industry placements, our graduates will emerge as highly skilled veterinary technicians that employers are actively seeking.”

Instruction is led by Doctors of Veterinary Medicine and Registered Veterinary Technicians, who bring current industry expertise and mentorship into the learning environment. Their lessons equip students with the fundamental knowledge required to excel across a variety of sectors, including private clinics, emergency hospitals, zoos, research laboratories and shelters.

Applications are now open for the Fleming’s first Veterinary Technician cohort beginning in September 2026. Prospective students are encouraged to apply before the equal consideration deadline on Feb. 1. Applications received after this date will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability.

For more information about the program or to apply, visit the Fleming College website.

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Professional Wrestler Cody Deaner To Guest Speak At Local Elementary Schools

Through a sponsorship with the Kiwanis Club of Peterborough, Chris Gray, known professionally as TNA Wrestling’s Cody Deaner, is doing his sixth guest speaker tour of several Peterborough schools this February.

photo courtesy of the kiwanis club of peterborough, facebook.

Gray will speak at St. Theresa Catholic Elementary School and Kawartha Montessori School on Feb. 2, and St. Catherine Catholic Elementary School and Keith Wightman Public School on Feb. 3.

“We’re very excited to bring Chris back to Peterborough for another tour,” said Kiwanis Club of Peterborough Past-President Jeff Westlake. “His previous tours have been tremendously popular with both students and staff. This will bring the number of schools we’ve visited to twenty.”

Gray is a recommended speaker with the Canadian Student Leadership Association, who’s mission is ‘to support and encourage student leadership in Canada.’

“I’m delighted to be returning to Peterborough next month”, said Gray. “The partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Peterborough has been outstanding these last few years, and I’m eager to inspire area kids with my stories and message of ‘Dare to Dream Big.’”

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New Micro-Credential at Trent University Teaches Realities of Public Leadership

Trent University is launching a new micro-credential through the Leadership and Democracy Lab, designed to help future leaders in government, non-profit and public service organizations strengthen their capacity and accountability.

Photo by Felicia Massey.

The Foundations of Public Leadership micro-credential was developed through Trent’s Leadership and Democracy Lab in the Create Centre for Entrepreneurship, and informed by Professor de Clercy’s research expertise on democratic governance, political trust, leadership in the public sector and policy engagement.

The suite of modules offers flexible, skills-based training tailored specifically to leaders in government, non-profit and public sector environments, areas where dedicated leadership education remains limited in Canada.

“People are often promoted into leadership roles in government or the public sector without receiving formal leadership training,” says Dr. Cristine de Clercy, Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership and professor of Political Studies at Trent University. “This micro-credential gives learners access to practical, targeted skills they can apply immediately, helping them become more effective, ethical, and confident public service leaders.”

Designed for individuals working in or preparing for leadership roles in government, non-profit and public service organizations, the micro-credential includes a suite of short, skills-based courses that may be taken individually or stacked toward a broader Public Sector Leadership credential. Courses such as Plain Language for the Public Sector and Facilitating Public Dialogue in Policymaking focus on core public leadership competencies, including ethical decision-making, inclusive governance, intercultural communication and clear communication in public-facing roles.

“When civil servant leaders are deeply informed about some of the key communication and ethical responsibilities they carry as public servants, they become leaders who are more responsive to citizen and stakeholder needs, more transparent and accountable, and better equipped to navigate complexity and do their jobs well,” continued Dr. Cristine de Clercy.

The Foundations of Public Leadership micro-credential is supported in part by funding from the RBC Foundation through the Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership.

For more information on this new micro-credential, visit the website.

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Fleming College Opens Winter 2026 Registration for Two Life-Saving and Workplace Safety Certifications

Registration is now open for Fleming College’s Winter 2026 First Aid/CPR and Mask-Fit Testing certification courses, announced Tuesday.

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The First Aid/CPR and Mask-Fit Testing certification courses are geared towards healthcare, trades, manufacturing, environmental and education sectors, and those interested in personal preparedness and community safety.

The first training dates available for both courses start as early as Jan. 19.

Standard First Aid with CPR Level C (Course Code: HLTH104)

• This certification course covers life-saving techniques for all age groups in emergency situations. Training combines self-paced, online learning with an interactive in-class session led by a Red Cross Certified Instructor.

Mask-Fit Testing (Course Code: HLTH292)

• This in-person course ensures participants can properly select, wear, and maintain respirators to protect themselves against airborne hazards and meet workplace safety compliance standards. Participants will undergo a Mask Fit test to determine personal equipment needs.

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Trent University Appoints New Vice-President of Research and Innovation

Trent University has appointed Dr. Tana J. Allen, an internationally recognized classical archaeologist, social historian and accomplished senior academic administrator as the University’s next vice-president of Research and Innovation, effective Sept. 1.

Dr. Allen holds a Bachelor of Arts from Amherst College, a Master of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin and a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Dr. Allen joins Trent from Memorial University, where she served as acting vice-president of Research and, previously, as acting associate vice-president of Research. Throughout her tenure, she worked with senior leaders to advance Memorial’s strategic research objectives and strengthen its international profile.

“Dr. Allen will be an outstanding addition to Trent University,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “Her track record as a senior research leader with demonstrated skills in facilitating collaboration across disciplines, and her appreciation for Trent’s range of engagement and productivity will elevate our reputation as a research-intensive university that tackles complex issues from multiple vantage points. She is the right leader to champion Trent’s research and researchers, advancing Trent’s focus on healthy and sustainable environments and communities.” 

Dr. Allen’s research explores ancient architecture, medical practices and the influence of Greek and Roman ideas on the modern world. She is widely known for her work on the interplay between health, society and place in the ancient world. Her academic scholarship includes numerous publications, international conference presentations, major editorial roles and extensive archaeological field experience across the Mediterranean.

In addition to her academic contributions, Dr. Allen has provided national leadership through roles such as chair of ACENET’s Board of Directors, executive roles with the Ocean Frontier Institute and the Health Research Ethics Authority, as well as being Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) leader for Memorial and other organizations spanning research and innovation across the arts and sciences.

“I am honoured to join Trent at this exciting moment as the University focuses on further advancing its research profile,” said Dr. Allen. “Trent has an extraordinary reputation for excellence across disciplines, and a strong focus on interdisciplinary research that resonates deeply with my own values. I look forward to meeting and working with the entire community. Students, faculty, staff and partners at Trent are engaged in excellent research and I can’t wait to share even more of that with Canada and the world.”

She takes over the role from Dr. Holger Hintelmann, who has held the position in an interim capacity since 2024.

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