The City of Peterborough Launches Project SEARCH Internship Program
/The City of Peterborough celebrated the official launch of Project SEARCH at the Peterborough Public Library on Friday.
Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.
Peterborough Blogs
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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Royal Canadian Legion Names Peterborough Woman 2025 National Silver Cross Mother
/The Royal Canadian Legion has named Peterborough’s Nancy Payne a recipient of the 2025 National Silver Cross Mother, announced on Monday.
Payne grew up in Peterborough and has graduated from St. Peter Catholic Secondary School and St. Anne Catholic Elementary School. Photo courtesy of PVNC.
With the honour, Payne represented all Canadian mothers who have lost a son or daughter in military service during the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa on Tuesday.
She laid a wreath at the National War Memorial on behalf of all bereaved military families. She will continue to serve in this role throughout the year, attending national events that honour the Fallen.
Her son, Corporal Randy Payne, was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2006.
“I just want people to know about him, and I don’t want people to forget him,” she said.
Corporal Randy Payne. Photo courtesy of PVNC.
Her husband, David, and eldest son, Chris, also served with the Canadian Armed Forces. Military service is a long family tradition for her, dating back to the First and Second World Wars.
Born and raised in Peterborough, Mrs. Payne attended St. Anne CES and St. Peter CSS. She became a hairstylist and then a personal support worker and activity director in Gananoque.
For nearly two decades, Mrs. Payne has honoured her late son’s memory through the ‘Captain’s Award,’ presented each year to a Gananoque Secondary School student who demonstrates leadership, athletic ability and academic excellence — qualities her son embodied as a beloved hockey player and team captain according to the Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic School Board.
As the 2025 National Silver Cross Mother, Payne says it is a privilege to represent families who have experienced such profound loss.
“Never forget what they did for us,” she explained. “They gave their lives, we can’t forget that… we have what we have because of them.”
She and her husband reside in Lansdowne. Her hobbies include quilting, knitting and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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Ontario Teacher Pleads Guilty to Sex Crimes Involving Minors
/Warning: This story depicts graphic descriptions of sexual misconduct involving minors.
Ontario Grade 8 teacher Kelly-Anne Jennings has pleaded guilty to luring and child pornography charges after a court in Peterborough on Thursday morning.
Photo courtesy of the Port Hope Police Service.
The former teacher was arraigned on six charges from incidents in 2023. These included child luring, creating child pornography and distributing sexually explicit material to a minor. Teenage boys who were Jennings’ students were named as the victims.
The 41-year-old was first charged with one count each of sexual interference and sexual assault on Aug. 21 last year. This occurred after police stated that a male student told his mother about inappropriate physical contact with a teacher during a class trip. An additional three complainants came forward, leading to further charges, according to Port Hope Police.
On Sept. 4, she was given several additional charges:
Distributing Sexually Explicit Material to a Person Under 16 years of age x3
Luring a Person Under 16 years of age by means of Telecommunication x7
Access any Child Pornography x2
Invitation to Sexual Touching under 16 years of age x2
Makes, Prints, Publishes or Possesses for the Purpose of Publication any Child Pornography x2
A statement in an e-mail was released to parents and guardians following the Sept. 4 charges:
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are reaching out to share some extremely difficult news regarding a situation that we know will be deeply concerning for our school community.
Late this afternoon, Port Hope Police Services issued a media release indicating that Grade 8 teacher Kelly-Anne Jennings has been arrested and charged with a number of serious charges related to former students.
We understand how upsetting this information is for our students, parents/guardians and staff. Please know that the safety and well-being of our students is always our top priority. We take all allegations of staff misconduct very seriously, and Board staff have been cooperating fully with the police throughout their investigation.
As the matter is now before the courts, and because the allegations involve minors, we are unable to provide any specific details about the nature of the charges.
However, we can confirm that Ms. Jennings has been removed from all Board workplaces and prohibited from any contact with students indefinitely.
Port Hope Police Services is encouraging any further victims or witnesses to contact the Port Hope Police Service in person, via phone at 905-885-8123 or via email at phps@phps.on.ca.
We know that situations like this can be distressing, and we want to assure you that additional mental health support will be available at the school this week and for as long as necessary for any student who may need it.
We also encourage you to have conversations with your children about respecting the privacy of potential victims and witnesses and being cautious about sharing unverified information online or through social media.
To support you during this time, the Board’s mental health team has recommended the following resources:
How to talk to children about difficult news: Guidance from the American Psychological Association on discussing sensitive topics with children.
https://www.apa.org/topics/journalism-facts/talking-children
How do you know if you should be concerned about your child’s mental health: A tip sheet from School Mental Health Ontario to help parents identify signs of distress in their children.
https://smho-smso.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Tip-Sheet-How-Do-You-Know-If-You-Should-Be-Concerned.pdf
Protecting children through education and prevention: Resources from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection on safeguarding children.
https://protectchildren.ca/en/resources-research/#resources
In addition, we would like to remind you that Northumberland Hills Hospital offers a walk-in counselling option for children, youth and adults (aged seven and up) on Tuesdays, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at NHH’s Community Mental Health Services office located at 1011 Elgin Street West, Suite 200, Cobourg.
24/7 support is always available through the Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or by texting CONNECT to 686868.
Please feel free to reach out to me directly at the school by phone (905) 885-4583 or contact126@pvnccdsb.on.ca if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we work together to maintain a safe and caring environment for our students.
Jennings was released with strict conditions and a surety on Sept. 5 last year. One of the conditions was not to attend a public park or public swimming area where persons under the age of 16 years are present or a daycare centre, school ground, or community centre.
Following an investigation from Port Hope Police, they determined that Jennings had failed to comply with her release order and was held in custody on Oct. 25, pending a bail hearing.
The Crown has recommended a four-year prison sentence. Jennings’s defence attorney requests that she get no jail time but a conditional sentence of two years less a day, followed by probation.
On Nov. 27, Jennings is expected back in court.
CUPE Education Workers Raise Concerns Regarding PVNCCDSB Staffing Cuts
/CUPE 1453 stated that they expressed deep concerns over the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB) escalating staffing issues, which would result in the reduction of at least 23 educational assistants (EA) for the next school year, as reported on Thursday.
CUPE workers protesting in front of Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith’s Action Centre formerly located on Water Street in 2022. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The union representing over 700 education workers at PVNCCDSB. The latter’s board stated that they are implementing staff reductions despite already facing a severe shortage of support staff, according to CUPE.
The move is unacceptable and will only exacerbate the already dangerous conditions in PVNCCDSB schools, according to Nora Shaughnessy, President of CUPE 1453.
“I am deeply concerned about the ongoing understaffing of Educational Assistants within our schools,” she said. “This chronic shortage places an immense strain on our workers, leading to significant mental and physical health challenges. Our EAs are being pushed to the limit every day—and now the Board plans to cut even more of them? It’s completely unacceptable.”
CUPE says the chronic shortage of EAs has led to escalating physical and mental health issues among staff, many of whom are working through breaks and lunches to meet the needs of students. According to a CUPE survey of Local 1453 education workers, over 96 per cent of EAs say they face violent or disruptive incidents at work and half say it happens every day. Overburdened and unsupported, EAs are facing burnout and an increased risk of workplace injury.
“Our members are forced to manage growing caseloads with fewer resources,” said Shaughnessy. “They’re running on empty—and students are paying the price,”
CUPE says this not only affects the workers but also the students. With fewer EAs in classrooms, students who rely on one-on-one or specialized support are being left behind. Classrooms are frequently evacuated due to violent episodes, disrupting the learning environment and putting both students and staff at risk.
CUPE continues to state that simultaneously, rising enrolment is adding new classrooms but without a corresponding increase in custodial staff. This means these spaces are not being properly cleaned or disinfected, compounding health and safety concerns for everyone in the school community, continued Shaughnessy.
“The Board continues to ignore the very real consequences of understaffing,” she explained. “Despite raising these issues repeatedly at health and safety and labour-management meetings, PVNC Catholic refuses to even acknowledge the workplace violence crisis unfolding in its schools.”
CUPE 1453 stresses that workplace safety must be non-negotiable and urges PVNC Catholic trustees and management to take immediate action.
PVNC says they are not reducing the number of special education workers.
They provided a statement rejecting that claim:
“The 2025–2026 budget includes funding for 300 Special Education Workers—an increase from 289 in the 2024–2025 budget. Special Education Workers include Educational Assistants, Autism Spectrum Disorder Workers and Itinerant staff.”
According to PVNC, this year’s draft budget also includes:
An increase of 3.2 full-time equivalent Special Education Teachers
Maintained staffing levels in Social Work, Speech-Language Pathology and Psychological Services.
In 2025–2026, PVNC Catholic says they are projected to support 1,972 pupils identified as exceptional, up from 1,921 in the current year. They claim their staffing decisions are informed by a careful analysis of student needs, enrollment trends and available funding.
PVNC also states that they recognize that the number of staff in place at the start of the school year is often lower than the number working by the end of the year. This is a regular and well-established part of PVNC’s staffing process, as each fall, as enrollment is confirmed and individual student needs are reviewed, additional positions are allocated to ensure appropriate levels of support across the system, according to Stephen O’Sullivan, Director of Education.
“Educational Assistants and support staff are essential to creating safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments for all students,” he said. “We are grateful for their ongoing dedication, and we remain committed to investing in the support our students need to thrive.”
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PVNC Catholic Literacy Team Given 2025 Dyslexia Canada Educational Excellence Award
/The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board has been awarded Dyslexia Canada’s 2025 Educational Excellence Award for its outstanding commitment to evidence-based literacy practices, announced on Wednesday.
Photo courtesy of PVNC.
The award recognizes the leadership of Superintendent of Learning Sheila Piggott, Literacy Consultant Lindsay Bowen, and Reading Coaches Maggie Sullivan, Sarah Hurley, Kate Keating, Kathleen Laroque and Dan Chronowic. It also honours the broader team of coaches and expert advisors from 2022 to 2025.
“We’re honoured by this recognition from Dyslexia Canada. It reflects the thoughtful, collaborative work of so many—reading coaches, educators, principals, and central staff—who have embraced change with a shared commitment to doing what’s best for students,” said Sheila Piggott, superintendent of learning. “This work continues to evolve, but we’re encouraged by the progress we’ve made together in building a stronger foundation for early literacy across PVNC Catholic.”
The team’s work is rooted in the recommendations of Ontario’s 2022 Right to Read report, according to a press release.
PVNC Catholic established a central literacy team and funded seven reading coach positions, supporting over 170 classrooms across 30 elementary schools.
Throughout the 2023–2024 school year, the Board expanded training for all K–6 educators, Special Education staff and principals, embedding structured literacy practices system-wide.
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Photos: PVNC Students Get Hands-On Experience With Indigenous Skilled Trades Day
/Around 215 Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic students from 26 schools got their hands-on learning experience at the Indigenous Skilled Trades Day at Trent University on Wednesday.
There were 30 tradespeople vendors, with nearly half as Indigenous, showcasing their respective trades. These including quilling, hide scraping and more. Other trades were present at the event that included framing, carpentry, welding and others.
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36 Students Recognized With Catholic Student Leadership Awards
/The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board has recognized 36 students at the annual Catholic Student Leadership Awards ceremony at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School in Peterborough on Wednesday.
The ceremony occured In celebration of Catholic Education Week (May 4 to 9). Photo courtesy of PVNC.
The event honoured one student from PVNC Catholic’s elementary and secondary schools. Each recipient was presented with a commemorative medallion, symbolizing their outstanding contributions to their school and community.
Students were nominated by school principals, teachers, and, in some cases, their peers. PNVC says each award winner has demonstrated exemplary Catholic leadership, a strong commitment to family values, active participation in school life, meaningful community involvement, and remarkable dedication in facing challenges.
“As we celebrate our student leaders during Catholic Education Week, we’re reminded of the vital role faith plays not only in education, but in shaping compassionate, committed individuals,” said Kevin MacKenzie, PVNC board chairperson. “These students exemplify what it means to lead with purpose and heart. Their actions reflect the strength of our Catholic values, service, community, and faith and the meaningful impact those values can have in the world. We are incredibly proud to recognize their achievements and excited to see the difference they will continue to make, both within their schools and far beyond.”
“Our 2025 theme for Catholic Education Week, ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ invites us to reflect on what it means to journey together in faith. Our student leaders are showing us the way. They are living witnesses to hope — honouring human dignity, caring for creation, serving in solidarity, and building peace in their communities,” said Stephen O’Sullivan, PVNC director of education. “These young people remind us that leadership is not just about excellence — it’s about empathy. It’s about lifting others up. And it’s about living out our Catholic values with integrity and purpose.”
The following is a full list of all recipients:
Elena Jacob - Good Shepherd CES, Courtice
Julianna Taylor - Monsignor Leo Cleary CES, Courtice
Paige Sexton - St. Mother Teresa CES, Courtice
Addison Burge - St. Francis of Assisi, Newcastle
Keira Humeniuk - St. Elizabeth CES, Bowmanville
Koi Alcindor-Ojara - St. Joseph CES, Bowmanville
Marc Najera - Holy Family CES, Bowmanville
Georgia James - Immaculate Conception CES, Peterborough
Hana Lee - Monsignor O’Donoghue CES, Peterborough
Jola Adeniji - St. Alphonsus CES, Peterborough
Laura Wicks - St. Anne CES, Peterborough
Claire Sehn - St. Catherine CES, Peterborough
Charlotte Coulter - St. John CES, Peterborough
Mackenzie Edge - St. Patrick CES, Peterborough
Ruby Hale - St. Paul CES, Peterborough
Aaren Gomes - St. Teresa CES, Peterborough
Faith Hickey - St. Joseph CES, Douro
Cleodora McDonald - St. Martin CES, Ennismore
Charlie Stone - St. Paul CES, Lakefield
Kaitlyn Doherty - St. Paul CES, Norwood
Finley Sedgwick - St. Anthony CES, Port Hope
Nicholas Riccio - Notre Dame CES, Cobourg
Elizabeth Maurice - St. Joseph CES, Cobourg
Mary Katherine Marsden - St. Michael CES, Cobourg
Gordie Gilders - St. Mary CES, Campbellford
Abigail Chute - St. Mary CES, Grafton
Caine Lucas-Mark - St. John Paul II CES, Lindsay
Peyton O’Leary - St. Dominic CES, Lindsay
Nora Woychesko - St. Mary CES, Lindsay
Eli Kerr - St. Luke CES, Downeyville
Henry Arteaga - Holy Trinity CSS, Courtice
Talia Pudlik - St. Stephen CSS, Bowmanville
Holly Heuchert - Holy Cross CSS, Peterborough
Madison Nolan - St. Peter CSS, Peterborough
Ava Liao-McDonell - St. Mary CSS, Cobourg
Rachel Goodhand - St. Thomas Aquinas CSS, Lindsay
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PVNC Concludes Naming Consultation; No Change to Board Name
/After several months of public consultation, the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board has decided not to proceed with a name change, announced on Thursday.
File Photo.
