TASSS Students Make Clintonia Park Greener With Tree and Shrub Planting

Grade 11 students from Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School (TASSS) of the Outdoor Leadership program have made Peterborough a little greener with Otonabee Conservation as they planted shrubs and trees at Clintonia Park on Thursday.

The students planted 64 red osier dogwood, fragrant sumac and potentilla shrubs. In addition, they planted 17 trees including white spruce, hackberry, honey locust, freeman maple and serviceberry.

These native species of trees and shrubs were planted to increase diversity and habitat, protect water quality and stabilize the shoreline along a tributary of Curtis Creek, which runs through the park.

“This project is part of the overall revitalization of Clintonia Park,” said Elana Arthurs, CAO at the Township of Douro-Dummer. “We are excited to work with so many partners to plant trees and shrubs that will benefit wildlife, naturalize the park, and enhance the Donwood area.”

TASSS Student Ella Perritt gathers the used tree-planter pots the shrubs were contained in. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The students said the tree-planting session was a great alternative hands-on learning experience from being in the classroom.

“Stuff like this makes school more enjoyable instead of sitting in the classroom all day,” said Ella Perritt, grade 11 student.

TASSS student Gideon Botting aiding in tearing down the silk fence before planting the shrubs. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Others want to pursue this line of work after graduating from high school.

“I actually want to be doing this in the future as well,” said Gideon Botting, grade 11 student. “I’m hoping to get into being a park warden. I just love being out in nature. It’s where I feel at peace and at home.”

Lilah Hotrum, TASS Grade 11 student, rolls up the silk fence that was taken down by the TASSS students before planting the shrubs and trees. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Otonabee Conservation has been getting students to plant trees for the last 60 years while focusing more on high school students this year for the Pathway to Stewardship and Kindship program for nurturing healthy and engaged children and youth.

“It’s so important to get students outside,” said Meredith Carter, of Otonabee Conservation. “This way, they get some hands-on experience, they can see it and they can touch it so this is a critical part of the experience and fits in well with the goals of the Outdoor Leadership program.”

Christopher Nadeau-Lavalee, grade 11 student, planting his shrub after digging up hole. Students were given a demo on hole-digging before they went to work. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The fall plantings were a collaboration with funding from Tree Canada, U-Haul, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, Township of Douro-Dummer, students from TASS Outdoor Leadership Program (KPRDSB) and Otonabee Conservation.

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Fleming College Offering Free Work and Academic Upgrading Program

Fleming College offers a free work and academic upgrading program called “Skills on Demand” to help anyone gain the skills needed to achieve their educational and career goals.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The free program allows anyone who meets the pre-requisites to join any time where students set their own timetables and schedules. It is well-suited for those who want a refresher course before pursuing post-secondary education or work.

Courses in a variety of subjects —including math, computers, communications and sciences — can help you move forward with goals such as entry into post-secondary, employment, apprenticeship, or refreshing and gaining the essential skills required for today’s in-demand careers.

• Self-paced Learning – in their adult environment, you can set your own deadlines with your student advisor

• Start Anytime – their programs have year-round continuous intake

• Pick Your Schedule – attend full or part-time, day or evening (as available) - schedule around your work and family responsibilities

• Online Learning – some advanced courses are available in an online format

• Targeted Training – ask us about short-term flexible courses that are specifically designed for employment goals

• Fleming’s classrooms are small and provide one-to-one individual attention from instructors

• Study Options - choose a combination of in-class, from home and online study

• With the support of Fleming College's Work and Academic Upgrading team, they can help you create a new path regardless of your challenges or previous barriers

“Our program is designed for anyone who is looking to upgrade their skills for job or seeking to enter post secondary school,” said program manager Michael Andrews. “This program is completely built around the needs of the learner, they are supported every step of the way by our support staff and our instructors.”

Fleming’s services are available at campuses in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton.

Work and Academic Upgrading courses are free to take, they can also provide financial help for transportation and child-care expenses for those who qualify.

Skills on Demand - Work and Academic Upgrading may be for you if you fit any one of the following criteria’s:

• Are 19 years of age or older

• Didn't finish high school

• Have been out of school for a while and need to refresh your academic skills to prepare for college

• Have your high school diploma but are missing prerequisites that you need for a college program or apprenticeship

• Want to refresh your Math, Communications or Computer skills before re-entering the workforce

• Need your "Grade 12 Equivalency" to improve your career prospects

People learn in different ways and they are committed to working with you to help you reach your goals. Our non-traditional classroom allows for teacher support in a relaxed environment with other adult learners.

In addition to academic assistance, the program provides:

• Career and educational counselling,

• Time management, goal setting and other learning strategies tips

• Help with applications to college and apprenticeship programs when you finish your academic upgrading

• Referrals to community services and resources that can help you move your plans forward

• When you complete your studies in the program, you will be prepared to reach your personal goals: further education, training, or a new career. You will have acquired new confidence, new skills and enhanced learning abilities all that will serve you well wherever you go and in whatever you do.

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Kawartha Lakes Trustee Resigns After 11-Year Tenure

After more than 11 years of service to the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board, Kawartha Lakes Trustee Michelle Griepsma has moved out of the Board’s jurisdiction and has resigned from her role announced Wednesday.

Griepsma, a mother of four, was first elected as a trustee in 2010 and served as Board Chairperson for seven years from 2013 to 2020. Having relocated outside of the Board’s jurisdiction, Griepsma is no longer eligible to serve as a trustee. The Board accepted her resignation during the Sept. 28, 2021 Board meeting.

“It has been a wonderful journey serving in this role. I hope I have been able to contribute to the betterment of the Board and the Catholic Education of our students,” said Griepsma. “I want to thank all the Trustees and board administrators, the students, and dedicated staff and educators that I have worked with throughout my time on the Board. I wish the Board the greatest success moving forward.”

Board chairperson David Bernier has served alongside Griepsma for the duration of her time as a trustee and said he was impressed with her leadership skills from the beginning.

“I was so excited in 2010 when Michelle was first elected as Kawartha Lakes Trustee. I knew then what she brought to the table, a love for Catholic Education and strong leadership skills that she quickly put into use,” Bernier said. “PVNC Catholic has benefited from Michelle’s dedication and passion to see that our board delivers excellence in Catholic Education and that the needs of all students are being met. We will miss Michelle’s wisdom and leadership at this table. We all wish Michelle the very best as she moves on.”

During her time as a trustee, Griepsma also held leadership roles with the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA), first as a regional director before being elected OCSTA Vice-President in 2018 and serving for two years in that role.

“Michelle has invested so much time and energy in service to our board and to the promotion of Catholic Education at the provincial level,” Director of Education Joan Carragher said. “She came to board and committee meetings prepared, was diligent in her leadership roles and always participated or chaired meetings with the utmost level of professionalism and always with the best interest of our students and staff at heart. We thank Michelle for her dedication and wish her the best as she enters this new chapter in her life.”

PVNC is now seeking candidates to fill the vacancy on the Board of Trustees and to represent separate school ratepayers for the City of Kawartha Lakes. The appointed trustee will serve with the Board of Trustees until Oct. 24, 2022, when the next Municipal Election determines a successful candidate for the Dec. 1, 2022 – Nov. 30, 2026 term of office.

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Trent Tops Undergraduate University Rankings in Ontario for Eleventh Consecutive Year Now 3rd in All of Canada

Trent University has topped the charts as the number one undergraduate university in Ontario for the eleventh year and moved up to number three in its category in all of Canada in the 2022 Maclean’s University Rankings.

File Photo.

“These rankings reaffirm Trent’s position a leader in the postsecondary sector in Canada,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor. “For eleven years in a row, we have been ranked as Ontario’s top undergraduate institution. This year’s rankings shine a further spotlight on our growing reputation, which is squarely founded on our faculty and staff commitment to a transformative student experience.”

The rankings also position Trent as an institution committed to student satisfaction and success, ranking as the top primarily undergraduate university in Canada for academic advising staff, and number one in Ontario for scholarships, administrative staff, course instructors, student services and extracurricular activities.

Trent ranks number one in Canada for promoting Indigenous visibility, number one in Canada for academic advising staff and number two in Canada for student satisfaction. St. Francis Xavier ranked first in student satisfaction.

To view the complete list of university rankings click here.

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Fleming To Host Third Annual FemSTEAM Summit

In celebration of International Day of the Girl, Fleming College will host the third annual FemSTEAM Summit to encourage women to pursue careers in science, technology and trades, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) on Wednesday.

Photo Courtesy of Fleming College.

FemSTEAM was started by three local businesswomen three years ago to encourage young girls in the region to consider STEAM fields and skill-oriented careers through mentorship, events, education and outreach activities. Fleming College and Trent University alternate hosting the annual summit, with Fleming organizing the first one on campus in 2019, followed by a virtual event last year by Trent. Due to the pandemic restrictions, this year’s event will be virtual.

“It is expected that 50 per cent of jobs in society will be related to fields of STEM study,” states Rhonda Barnet, a FemSTEAM founder and president and COO, AVIT Manufacturing. “Women in North America make up 48 per cent of the workforce. Yet they make up less than 30 per cent of STEAM graduates and only 23 per cent of science and technology workers around the world. In response to these staggering statistics, FemSTEAM’s mission is to move the dial on girls in Canada entering post-secondary studies in STEAM.”

Teachers and students from local school boards are invited to attend the event. Fleming President Maureen Adamson and Cathy Bruce, Vice President of Research and Innovation at Trent University will provide the welcome remarks. The agenda for the morning includes keynote addresses by Nicole Verkindt, founder of OMX Offset Market Exchange, and Jamie McMillan, founder of Kickass Careers, virtual tours of Fleming College and Trent University, and a panel featuring current students and graduates from both institutions.

Panellists include:

• Krista Scaldwell, vice-president of communications and public affairs, Canada Life

• Joanne Dereta, principal and managing director, CI Private Wealth

• Sarah Aftergood, director of environmental permitting, Orsted Onshore North America

• Mackenzie Barclay, Welding & Fabrication Technician student

• Emma Tozer, Electrical Engineering Technician student

• Rebecca Yaxley, Carpentry Apprentice

“Our goal at Fleming is to provide equal opportunities for women to pursue and thrive in STEAM careers,” said Pam Stoneham, Dean, School of Trades and Technology at Fleming. “The female enrolment in trades and technology programs at the College is currently around nine per cent. We believe initiatives like the FemSTEAM Symposium and Mentor Mondays will contribute to our goal of doubling that number by 2026.”

“At Trent University, we have many state-of-the-art and renowned facilities and over 100 academic programs–all accessible by our students so they can get hands-on experience in the fascinating fields of the sciences, technology, engineering, the arts, and math,” notes Cathy Bruce, vice president of research and innovation at Trent University. “As a mathematician and mathematics educator, I know first-hand how transformational it can be for students to study alongside renowned professors who are also leaders in their fields. Trent University takes those student experiences very seriously.”

More than 600 students are expected to watch the event from the Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic School Board. Students from the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board will also participate. This year’s virtual event will reach more than 1,000 grade seven and eight students in the area.

The virtual FemSTEAM Summit on Wednesday, Oct. 13 begins at 9:30 a.m. For more information and to join the live stream, please visit www.femsteam.ca.

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Holy Cross Celebrates Grand Opening Of New Sport Complex

After three years of construction, the next era of athletics for Holy Cross Secondary School (HCSS) is here as a new sports complex with an artificial turf field has officially opened on Tuesday.

City members, Holy Cross student athletes and staff celebrate on the artificial turf that is also available for use by the community. The Holy Cross’s football team began in 2003. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The project cost $3.7 million and sports such as field hockey, football, track and field, rugby and more are played at the complex.

Upgrades include an artificial turf field converting from natural grass. Night lighting, improving track and field features, such as high jump, long jump, and resurfacing the eight-lane track surrounding the field. New pathways and upgraded spectator seating improve the accessibility of the facility.

“To have the field here for all our rugby practices and games, it's awesome,” said Sophie McLean, Grade 11 student and girls’ rugby player.

“For my whole high school career, it's always been at a different school because our field has been at work,” said Eli McColl, HCSS senior student trustee and HCSS quarterback. “It finally feels amazing to be stepping at home and bring our teams here and show them what Holy Cross really is.”

@ptbo_canada

This is what $3.7 million dollars looks like! Awesome new field you have Holy Cross Secondary School!

♬ Rock 'n' Roll (Part 2) - Gary Glitter

The joint project was led by the city and Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB).

Mayor Diane Therrien, Councillor Leslie Parnell and school board officials were in attendance to briefly speak on the official opening.

“We have been watching the construction of this new state-of-the art track and field at Holy Cross CSS with much excitement,” said Joan Carragher, PVNC Director of Education. “We are thrilled that the track is now officially open and we look forward to seeing students and staff using these facilities to the fullest this upcoming school year and for many years to come.”

“Being a father of four daughters who are all involved in athletics, I know that some of the greatest lessons are learned on the sports field,” said David Bernier, PVNCCDSB Chair.

“The new artificial turf field and track amenities are top-notch. This is an exciting project that will greatly improve sports and recreation facilities for the Peterborough community, PVNC students. Artificial turf fields allow us to expand the sports season and add to our “sport’s hub” for sports tourism and local tournaments,” said Parnell. “Artificial fields present savings in terms of annual operating costs as they only need to be raked once weekly and do not need watering or fertilizing.”

Mayor Diane Therrien was one of several speakers that attended the ceremony. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The artificial turf also has safety advantages that the coaches and players have experienced on other fields.

“You're getting consistency in turf like this. It is an aggressive surface. It moves faster but there are no potholes for you to fall into,” said Geoff McKinley, HCSS boys football coach. “Things that we're working on with the athletes are acceleration and deceleration to make sure that they're minimizing injuries but you're not dealing with things that you can't control that can happen on a grass field and the maintenance that goes with that.”

“It gives you the opportunity to cut in and out, make those runs and those passes that you need to make,” said McColl. “It gives you the opportunity to shine as an athlete and shows your full potential as well.”

The facility was available to permit beginning July 19 with community sports groups using it throughout the summer and on evenings and weekends in the fall.

Holy Cross CSS has been using the facility since the beginning of the school year. Community sports teams can contact 705-742-7777 ext. 1829 for current permit information.

The first game played on the field since its opening was girls’ rugby as the Holy Cross Hurricanes hosted the Campbellford District Flames on Tuesday.

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Wilfred Laurier University and Fleming College Renew Diploma-Degree Pathway for Environmental Studies Students

Wilfrid Laurier University is renewing its partnership with Fleming College to continue offering its “2+2” pathway for students interested in earning both a diploma and degree in four years.

File Photo.

Under the agreement, graduates of six Fleming College programs can enter directly into the third year of Laurier’s Honours Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies, offered on Laurier’s Waterloo campus, allowing them to complete their degree in only two years.

The pathway option is available to students in Fleming College’s two-year (technician) and three-year (technology) diploma programs in the School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences. Including Environmental Technician and Technology, Ecosystem Management Technician and Technology and Fish and Wildlife Technician and Technology.

“Increasingly, students are finding this pathway to Laurier’s Environmental Studies program and we are pleased to work with a highly motivated group of excellent students,” said Mary-Louise Byrne, professor and chair in Laurier’s Department of Geography and Environmental Studies. “They will be uniquely prepared to enter the workforce with the combination of skills and environmental knowledge needed to work in environmental management at this critical time as climate change unfolds.”

Fleming graduates in Laurier’s degree program will be required to take core Geography and Environmental Studies courses such as environmental theory, hydrology, geographic information systems and research methods to expand their knowledge and skills.

The pathway program has been renewed from September 2021 to September 2023.

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Lindsay Student Awarded $8,000 From Province-Wide Bursary

Lindsay’s Henry Stephenson was selected for the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA)-Dairy Farmers of Ontario bursary for $8,000 as one of five high school graduates announced on Friday.

Photo courtesy of OMHA.

The bursary is awarded for students who achieved academic excellence and made a big impact in their schools and in their communities in the 2020-21 school year.

Maintaining a 98 per cent average is challenging enough yet deciding to learn Mandarin on top of Stephenson’s regular academics proved to be no issue.

Not only did he excel academically but he also played hockey with Lindsay Minor Hockey, was a cross-country provincial finalist. He was also a member of the soccer, rugby, tennis and badminton teams during his time in high school. Additionally, he is a Level 10 piano player with the Royal Conservatory of Music.

He also put together recorded musical recitals for seniors’ homes in the area and was a regular volunteer at the local food bank.

“Henry’s on a different path than most. He’s an elite young man and he’s going to do amazing things. It wouldn’t shock me if one day we’re all working for him,” said Trevor Catherwood, Stephenson’s hockey coach. “He’s an excellent kid to coach.”

Stephenson is in his first year studying Bioengineering at McGill University.

“I really like that I’ll have the opportunity to solve problems that might not have come up before,” he said.

“We are extremely proud of the five recipients chosen for the Dairy Farmers of Ontario Bursary this year,” said Ian Taylor, OMHA Executive Director. “Their desire to give back during a challenging year in hockey and their excellence in the classroom shows their leadership as people and players. I am confident these five great athletes and students will continue to shine in their post-secondary education.”

Applications for the 2022 Bursary Program will be announced in the coming weeks.

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Canadian Canoe Museum Completes Purchase of Johnson Property and Signs Construction Contract

The Canadian Canoe Museum (CCM) has completed the purchase of the Johnson Property from the City of Peterborough announced on Wednesday.

File Photo

The Johnson Property, located at at 2077 Ashburnham Dr., is the site where the CMM will build its new world-class museum slated for completion in 2023.

City Council approved the direction to proceed with the sale of the land in January this year. The sale was subject to a number of conditions including rezoning, project validation and confirmation of site appropriateness, all of which have been met to the satisfaction of both CCM and the city.

CCM paid $1.575 million for the five acres of land.

“I am pleased to see the completion of this transaction for the property that will be the future home of The Canadian Canoe Museum. I am very much looking forward to the building of this exciting project in Peterborough’s Ashburnham Ward,” said Councillor Gary Baldwin, City Council’s representative on The Canadian Canoe Museum Board.

CCM intends to sell its current property at 910 Monaghan Rd. to help fund the project in addition to a fundraising campaign that has raised just over 82 per cent of the $40 million needed to complete the overall project.

“Canadian Canoe Museum is thrilled to have completed these critical milestones so that we may commence with construction as planned in October,” said Carolyn Hyslop, CCM, executive director. “Our project team is working at lightning speed to stay on schedule so that we may be ready to open the new museum in 2023.”

Having completed project validation, CCM is now moving into a contract for continued design and construction of the new facility. The Museum marked the occasion by signing a CCDC30 Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) contract on Monday with Chandos Construction Ltd. and Lett Architects Inc., valued at $27,363,383.00.

This agreement allows for the commencement of design services and construction work associated with the building of the new museum on the Johnson Property.

Project partners include:
Architect: Lett Architects Inc., Peterborough, ON
General Contractor: Chandos Construction Ltd, Toronto, ON
Structural Engineering: LEA, Markham, ON
Mechanical Trade Partner: Kelson Mechanical, Sharon, ON
Mechanical and Electrical Engineering: DG Biddle & Associates, Oshawa, ON
Electrical trade partner: Lancer Electric, Peterborough, ON
Civil Engineer: Engage Engineering, Peterborough, ON

The new museum will enable CCM to house 100 per cent of its collection in a building that meets Class A conservation standards, directly on the water, which allows for increased on-water and in-person programming.

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New Canadians Centre Launches Children's Book Inspired by Newcomers to Peterborough

Author and illustrator Casandra Lee has brought six children’s stories to life in her new book, “Building a Home” during a book launch at the New Canadians Centre (NCC) on Monday.

Jorge Escalera (far right), poses with his family at Monday’s book launch. Escalera is one of six children whose story inspired Building a Home. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

The book draws inspiration from children experiencing new cultures for the first time after immigrating to Canada.

Bhisham Ramoutar, NCC communication and engagement specialist, had the idea for a book two years ago when a newly immigrated family was served pizza for the first time.

“We got thinking about all the big things and the small things that children have to face when they come to a new country,” said Ramoutar. “We wanted to find a way to share those unique experiences.”

When Lee began volunteering at the NCC, Ramoutar knew he had found the perfect candidate to bring his idea to life.

Lee met with the six children that were from Syria, Kazakhstan, Mexico and Pakistan. They currently live and attend school in Nogojiwanong–Peterborough.

“Writing ‘Building a Home’ was really a dream come true for me,” she said. “Working directly with children and then translating that into a written, illustrated children’s book was really special.”

Casandra Lee reads Building a Home at the launch on Monday. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

Over the course of five weeks, Lee met with the children over Zoom. They spoke about shared experiences they were faced with when coming to Peterborough. A recurring theme was their love for their mothers cooking, opposed to new foods they were offered in Canada.

Jorge Escalera, 11, came to Canada from Monterrey, Mexico in 2016 when he was six after his father received a job opportunity at Quaker Oats Peterborough. He was one of the six children that shared his story.

“I was very excited when my mom told me I could participate,” said Escalera. “I was so happy, it felt amazing.”

There are free 400 copies of “Building A Home” available from the David Goyette & Victoria Pearce Arts Fund at the United Way of Peterborough and District. Copies can be ordered here and picked up at the NCC office in Peterborough and Cobourg. A digital copy of the book is available for free online.

Educators are invited to book a reading of “Building a Home” by Lee or other newcomers associated with the New Canadians Centre depending on the timing of the reading. To book a reading email bhisham@nccpeterborough.ca.

“Building a Home” is available in English, Arabic, Bengali, French, Korean, Mandarin and Spanish.

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