Ten Local Women Facing Employment Barriers Complete Welding Training at Fleming College

Through a training and program-delivery partnership with the Canadian Welders Bureau (CWB) Foundation, 10 local women facing barriers to employment have successfully completed eight weeks of hands-on welding and computer training at Fleming College.

photo courtesy of fleming college.

The training is part of CWB’s free 16-week WeldHER+ pre-employment program, which also includes an eight-week paid placement with one of Fleming’s placement employers.

With the first WeldHER + cohort recently completing the program, each participant has now taken their next steps towards meaningful, skilled trades careers. Eight participants gained full-time employment with their placement employer and two chose to advance their professional skills through full-time studies in the Welding and Fabrication program.

Fleming College delivered a technical training experience, led by welding faculty in the Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre. Through the program, the women had the opportunity to earn up to eight CWB welding qualifications and become well prepared for apprenticeships and immediate employment. Employers affirmed this high-skill-level training, consistently reporting strong performance, job readiness, and strong growth among WeldHER+ participants.

Applications are now being accepted for the next WeldHER+ pre-employment program intake. In-class sessions at Fleming College run from May 19 to July 3, followed by a placement opportunity from July to September. Community members, referral agencies and employer partners are encouraged to connect early to support participation and placement opportunities.

For more information or to apply, reach out via e-mail.

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Fleming College Launches Entrance Scholarships to Support Student Success and Workforce Needs

Fleming College has announced the launch of its first-ever Entrance Scholarships program, a new initiative designed to reduce financial barriers for incoming students while supporting enrolment in high-demand program areas aligned with workforce needs.

photo courtesy of fleming college.

Beginning in the 2026 to 2027 academic year, Fleming will invest $100,000 in entrance scholarships, benefiting 50 full-time domestic students. The scholarships will provide $2,000 awards across five key student groups: mature learners, students entering the new Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography program, skilled trades students, applied health students and Fleming alumni returning to study.

This initiative builds on Fleming’s long-standing commitment to student support through bursaries, awards, and scholarships, while introducing a strategic approach to enhancing recruitment, improving conversion and supporting priority program growth. It is being launched at a critical time as institutions consider how to address gaps in student support due to recent changes to the OSAP program.

“These entrance scholarships represent a meaningful investment in our students and in the future of our communities,” said Dr. Theresa Knott, Interim President of Fleming College. “By reducing financial barriers at the point of entry, we are helping more students access education in high-demand fields while strengthening the talent pipeline for critical sectors like healthcare and skilled trades.”

The scholarships are made possible through a combination of donor contributions, including the Fleming Forward Fund, private donors and TD Insurance Affinity program revenue.

The program directly supports Fleming College’s strategic priorities, including expanding applied health programming, growing skilled trades education and enhancing student recruitment and retention.

“This initiative demonstrates how philanthropy can directly impact student success and institutional growth,” said Katie Pezoulas, Executive Director of Advancement and External Relations. “We are proud to work with our donors to create opportunities that not only support students financially but also align with the evolving needs of our communities and economy.”

Entrance scholarships will be automatically awarded based on academic achievement and eligibility criteria. They are available to full-time domestic students who accept their offer of admission by May 1, with recipients selected based on academic performance.

By targeting key demographic groups and program areas, the initiative is expected to improve enrolment conversion among highly qualified applicants while supporting sectors identified in Ontario’s Strategic Mandate Agreement, including skilled trades and applied health.

For more information about entrance scholarships at Fleming College, visit the website.

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Fleming College Invites Prospective Students to Annual Spring Open House Event

Aspiring post secondary students and their families are invited to Fleming College’s annual Spring Open House event on April 11.

file photo.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. across Sutherland (Peterborough), Frost (Lindsay) and Haliburton campuses, Fleming will showcase its industry-recognized programs and experiential learning opportunities that open doors to rewarding careers. Each campus will offer guided tours, information sessions and hands-on demonstrations. Visitors can also meet faculty and current students and learn about the many services and resources that support student success.   

At the Sutherland Campus in Peterborough, visitors will learn about programs related to health, community services, trades and technology, business and information technology, and general arts and sciences. Workshop or information sessions will be held at noon for the Hairstyling, Carpentry and Renovation Technician, Welding and Paramedic programs. 

At the Frost Campus in Lindsay, visitors will learn about programs related to environmental and natural resources sciences and learning labs like the pollinator garden, arboretum, fish hatchery, bird conservation, insectary and Parnham Training Centre for Drilling and Blasting. Workshop or information sessions will be held at noon for the Resources Drilling Technician, Blasting Techniques and Fish and Wildlife programs. 

At the Haliburton School of Art + Design, visitors can tour the art studios and enjoy a walk along the adjacent Sculpture Forest Trail that features 40 installations by Canadian and International artists. During a one-hour workshop at noon, prospective students can create a stunning fabric brooch.  

Fleming’s primary firefighter training facility in Norwood, the Eastern Ontario Emergency Training Academy, is also open for tours. Pre-Service Firefighter education and training program faculty and students will answer questions and show visitors training areas like the burn tower and rescue maze. Visitors can attempt forceable entry through a steel door or operate a firehose from one of our onsite pump trucks. 

Prospective students and families interested in learning about Fleming’s Veterinary Technician program can tour the Peterborough Humane Society and new labs every hour starting at 10:30 a.m.  

The Kawartha Cardiology Clinic in Peterborough is also open to visitors interested in learning about Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography, a post-graduate program for nursing professionals.   

Fleming Campus agendas are available on the College’s Open House webpage.

Whether you’re a first-time post-secondary student or a mature learner transitioning to a new career, Fleming College is ready to welcome you to its Peterborough, Lindsay and Haliburton Campuses to explore its exceptional programs, services and surroundings.  

Register for Fleming’s Spring Open House today at the website. 

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Football Ontario Announces Intercollegiate Flag Provincial Championship to be Held in Peterborough

In partnership with Fleming College, the Fleming Phoenix, the City of Peterborough and the Detroit Lions, Football Ontario has announced that the 2026 Intercollegiate Flag Provincial Championship will be held at Fleming College in Peterborough for a second consecutive year.

Photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.

“We’re pleased to welcome the Intercollegiate Provincial 5v5 Non-Contact Flag Football Championship and Adult Flag Football Circuit back to Peterborough for a second year,” said City Councillors Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk, Community Services co-chairs. “The event is an ideal fit for our community and highlights our sports facilities and reputation for leading postsecondary athletics. We value our partnership with Fleming College and look forward to hosting athletes, coaches, and fans again.”

The Intercollegiate Flag Provincial Championship presented by the Detroit Lions will take place April 2 yo 3 at the Fleming Sports Complex, bringing together top collegiate teams from across Ontario to compete for the provincial championship. The top teams will earn a coveted spot at the Football Canada Collegiate Championship to be held in May in Regina, Saskatchewan.

“Fleming College is excited to welcome student-athletes from across Ontario back to campus for this championship event. In addition to exciting competition, we are pleased to support initiatives like the women’s networking breakfast, which creates meaningful opportunities to connect, mentor, and celebrate women in sport.” says Joanne Spicer, Associate Vice President of Student Experience at Fleming College.

The event promises to showcases top-tier flag football competition and athletes and highlight the sport's rapid growth.

"Football Ontario is thrilled to bring the Intercollegiate Flag Provincial Championship back to Peterborough in partnership with Fleming College, the Detroit Lions and the City of Peterborough. This event provides student athletes with a platform to showcase their skills at the highest level. Working alongside the City of Peterborough, we are excited to create a memorable experience for athletes, coaches, and fans," says Tyler McNicholl, Director of Operations with Football Ontario.

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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.

file photo.

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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