Fleming College Ready For First In Person Orientation Since The COVID-19 Pandemic Began

New Fleming College students are set to experience a spirited, fun-filled first day of class as the Fleming Knights Orientation (KO) returns this September.

Students play bubble soccer at 2015 orientation.File Photo.

It is the first in-person Orientation Fleming has hosted since the COVID-19 pandemic began.  

Fleming KO includes games, activities and information sessions designed to help new students get a great start on their post-secondary journey. Events are taking place at the Sutherland, Frost and Haliburton Campuses.  

Orientation for Sutherland Campus students takes place Tuesday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Fleming Knights are holding two exhibition games, with the women’s team taking the field at 6 p.m. followed by the men’s team at 8 p.m.  

Orientation at the Frost Campus in Lindsay takes place on Wednesday. Games, activities and a barbecue will be held outside near the Discovery Trail and the Auks Lodge from 4 - 6 p.m. along with a Student Services Fair. 

A Student Services Fair takes place at the Haliburton Campus Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

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Stroll Through 120 Years Of Quaker Oats History With Heritage Walks This September

Lakefield Heritage is will be hosting four heritage walks celebrating Quaker Oats' 120 years in Peterborough on Sept. 17.

Photo by Luke Best.

Walks will begin at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. each one will be under one hour long.

Tours begin at the Quaker Parkette at the northwest corner of Hunter St. E. and Driscoll Terrace.

On the walks participants will learn about Quaker and the Hunter Street bridge development, the impact Quaker Oats had on Peterborough’s economy during World War One and much more.

Parking will be permitted by the Kawartha Credit Union, at their two north parking lots off Driscoll Terrace.

For more information email lkfd_her@cogeco.ca

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Fleming College Offering Additional Intake To Paramedic Program To Meet Growing Need

Fleming College is adding another intake of students to its in-demand and highly successful Paramedic program.  

File Photo.

The program begins in January and will run for four consecutive semesters. Students can apply now.  

Paramedic program students learn in classrooms, laboratories, clinics, and alongside medical professionals in a real-world setting.  

The program also prepares students to write the Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant examination (AEMCA). The AEMCA is a provincial test required for all Paramedic graduates who wish to seek employment in the field.  

Last year Fleming students had a 100 per cent pass rate in the AEMCA exam with scores 4 per cent above the provincial average.  

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One City Peterborough Introduces 'Community University' Offering Pay What You Can Workshops For Community Advocates

One City Peterborough has launched their Community University, which will offer pay what you can workshops to any individual wanting to learn more about advocacy and community action.

Photo by Luke Best.

The fall semester will feature five different workshops.

Making Space to Hold Space: Self-regulation in the Presence of Trauma

This three part workshop will focus on learning how trauma and stress affects brains and bodies, and how regulation can help to prevent trauma, heal trauma, and work towards living a life with integrity.

This workshop focuses primarily on doing this work within ones self, and how being in a state of regulation can assist when supporting others who are experiencing distressing events. This training has been adapted from Eric Gentry’s Forward Facing Trauma Therapy Course to fit our needs as nontherapists.

This workshop is aimed at volunteers, helping professionals, and anyone interested in exploring what it can mean to live with intention and alignment to your principles.

Meaningful Flag Making: Reclaiming flags towards Community Transformation

Led by Jeff Macklin of Jackson Creek Press, participants will learn about the historical use of textiles and flags in activism, explore messaging, colour, and composition, and utilize lino printing, stamps, sewing, and painting to work on their own piece.

Nonviolent Communication Basics

This workshop builds upon the course Making Space to Hold Space, however it is not a requirement to have completed that course.

Nonviolent communication is an approach that looks to move past the defensiveness that so often divides us to a place of connection where we can share our feelings and needs and be open with each other on how we would like those needs to be met. The purpose of this workshop is to learn a way of communication that can assist in our ability to listen and share with one another. It's a form of communication that seeks to move from domination to connection. This is useful in de-escalation, support relationships and personal relationships.

This workshop is aimed at volunteers, helping professionals, and anyone looking for a different way to communicate.

Listening Rather Than Force: Techniques for De Escalating Potentially Violent Situations

This course offers techniques that can be used to de-escalate situations that could become violent, in a way that instead builds connection.

Transforming My Community: Using Kingian Nonviolence as a Framework for Social Change

This workshop studies the principles and practices of Kingian Nonviolence, and imagines how they might be used to make change in our own communities.

This workshop is aimed at advocates, activists, volunteers, helping professionals, and anyone looking to make change in their community.

More information regarding location, dates and time, or to register, visit https://www.onecityptbo.ca/communityuniversity

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Lindsay Woman Donates $50,000 To Fund Fleming College Bursary To Honour Her Late Husband

A new bursary will help Fleming College students for years to come thanks to a $50,000 donation from Lindsay resident Shirley O’Neill.   

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The Paul and Shirley O’Neill Student Bursary is open to financially eligible students enrolled in the Practical Nursing, Personal Support Worker, Heavy Equipment Techniques and Resources Drilling Technician programs. 

Shirley wanted to make the significant donation to honour her late husband, Paul. Shirley also wanted to make a contribution that would ensure the great work of future nursing and PSW graduates at Fleming College continues.  

Paul and Shirley O’Neill, both born in Lindsay, met as teenagers at a local dance hall. They married in 1962.   

The couple spent most of their working years in Oshawa, devoting much of their 30-year careers to Oshawa Hydro and General Motors. They returned to the Lindsay area after retirement.  

Paul passed away in 2013.   

At 88 years old, Shirley is an avid sports fan and counts both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Blue Jays among her favourite teams.   

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Wedding Bells Are Ringing At Lang Pioneer Village As They Present Tying The Knot: Early Wedding Traditions

Lang Pioneer Village will take visitors back in time with Tying the Knot: Early Wedding Traditions, as they explore wedding traditions of the 19th century and the origins of practices then and now, on August 14.

19th century wedding. Photo courtesy of Lang Pioneer Village.

The Museum’s best and most fashionable costumes will be on display throughout the village. Visitors may spot a few brides getting ready for their big day.

While strolling through the village, visitors can find out what would be in a traditional trousseau and experience a shivaree in the Fitzpatrick House.

They can learn about courting traditions such as love spoons at the Carpenter Shop and courting candles in the Blacksmith Shop.

Those what kind of wedding gift might you receive in the 1800s can find out at the Milburn House. While there, they will see demonstrations of bobbin lace making.

The day will also feature wedding folklore and superstitions as well as 19th-century bachelor and hen parties in the Keene Hotel.

There will be various events like live music and a tea party happening throughout the day.

Visitors are encouraged to dress up for the occasion in their old wedding gown, bridesmaid frock, suits and suspenders.

Tying the Knot: Early Wedding Traditions, will take place on August 14 from 10 am to 4 pm at Lang Pioneer Village Museum.

Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors (60+), $7 for youths (ages 5-14) and free for children under 5. Family admission is also available for $40 and includes 2 adults and up to 4 youths (ages 5-14).

Visitors may purchase admission in advance via the Museum’s online shop, but advance purchase is not required. For more information visit www.langpioneervillage.ca.

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President And CEO OF PRHC Foundation Lesley Heighway Spends Week As Volunteer Instructor At Association for Healthcare Philanthropy

President And CEO OF Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation Lesley Heighway recently spent a week volunteering at the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy's prestigious Madison Institute at the University of Wisconsin’s School of Business.

Photo courtesy of PRHC.

The institute is well-known for offering healthcare fundraisers the chance to learn and share best practices in healthcare philanthropy.

Heighway is a two-time graduate of Madison and says she was incredibly honoured to have been asked to teach, according to a social media post by PRHC.

“Teaching at Madison was such a rewarding and affirming experience,” she said. “As a believer in life-long learning, it was a pleasure to share my skills and experience. But the best part was the chance to get to know and learn from my students - who came from all over North America - all of whom were as passionate about our cause as we are".”

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Fleming College Creates New Post-Secondary Pathway With Brock University

Students interested in achieving a degree in Adult Education can now do so through a new articulation agreement between Fleming College and Brock University.

File Photo.

The agreement creates a streamlined route from Fleming’s General Arts and Science-University Transfer program to Brock’s Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Adult Education program. Eligible students will receive five credits toward a 15-credit BEd degree, making it possible for full-time students to complete the program in two years instead of three. The program is also offered part time.  

 The pathway is available to alumni of Fleming’s transfer program who graduated as far back as 2004.   

“Supporting students is our priority, whether they are furthering their education immediately after graduation or pursuing a new adventure years after leaving us to enhance their careers,” said Fleming College President Maureen Adamson. “We are proud to be working with Brock University to offer our students more opportunities to achieve a degree.”  

 Brock’s Adult Education courses are offered online. Those with a certificate or degree in Adult Education can work in corporate training, college and post-secondary institutions, and health-care and management programs. Others may be developing their knowledge and skills in workplace settings such as teaching, coaching, mentoring, training, and adult skill development.  

“Brock University is always looking for ways to enhance program options for students, whether they’re in the beginning stages of their academic journey or returning to further develop their skills in support of their career,” said Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Lynn Wells. “Through our partnership with Fleming College, we’re pleased to offer this new pathway to expand opportunities for Brock learners.” 

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School Board Chairperson Braden Leal Not Seeking Re-Election

Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board Chairperson Braden Leal has announced he will not be seeking re-election in the upcoming municipal election.

Photo courtesy of PVNC.

“With the municipal election fast approaching, I have been reflecting upon the next phase of my journey. I have decided that I will not be running for a trustee position in October. Instead, I will be looking at new opportunities,” said Leal.

Leal has served as PVNC chairperson since Dec. 1 last year. He was elected as a first-time trustee for the City of Peterborough in the 2018 municipal election. He served as vice-chairperson from October to December 2021 before being elected as chairperson.

“It has been an honour to serve in this leadership role, to have the opportunity to represent the school board in which I was educated,” Leal said. “I am grateful for the learning, the leadership experiences, and the relationships that we have built over my tenure.”

“Braden took on the top leadership position in the most challenging of times,” Joan Carragher, PVNC director of education. “As a proud PVNC graduate, he has been a steadfast champion for our schools and Catholic Education in our region.”

Election Day in Ontario municipalities is Oct. 24 The deadline to file a nomination to be a school trustee candidate is Aug. 19 at 2 p.m.

Braden is the son of former MPP and mayoral candidate Jeff Leal.

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Ontario Launches Its "Plan to Catch Up" After Two Pandemic-Disrupted Years of Education

After COVID-19 disrupted the last two years of education, the Government of Ontario launched its ‘Plan to Catch Up’ for the 2022-23 school year to return students to a full curriculum and experience announced on Monday.

Ajax MPP Patrice Barnes (left) with Perth - Wellington MPP Matthew Rae (right) as Hon. Stephen Leece, Minister of Education at Viola Desmond Public School’s library. Screenshot.

In attendance to make the announcement were Ajax MPP Patrice Barnes, Perth - Wellington MPP Matthew Rae and Minister of Education, Hon. Stephen Leece at Viola Desmond Public School in Ajax.

Students can engage in extracurriculars like clubs, band and field trips with the plan according to Leece.

“Our government is looking ahead as we remain squarely focused on ensuring students receive the best stable learning experience possible and that starts with them being in class, on time, with all of the experiences students deserve,” said Lecce. “We have a plan for students to catch up including the largest tutoring program in Ontario’s history, a modernized skills-focused curriculum to prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow, and enhanced mental health supports.”

Ontario’s ‘Plan to Catch Up’ is comprised of five key components:

1. Getting kids back in classrooms in September, on time, with a full school experience that includes extra-curriculars like clubs, band and field trips

2. New tutoring supports to fill gaps in learning;

3. Preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow;

4. Providing more money to build schools and improve education; and

5. Helping students with historic funding for mental health supports.

According to a press release, the government has made key investments that students and educators are already benefiting from, including:

• More than $26.6 billion in funding for the 2022-23 school year, the highest investment in public education in Ontario’s history.

• Investing more than $175 million for enhanced tutoring support programs delivered by school boards and community partners, with a focus on reading, writing and math.

• $304 million in time-limited funding to support the hiring of up to 3,000 frontline staff, including teachers, early childhood educators, educational assistants, and other education workers.

• Investing $14 billion to build state-of-the-art schools and classrooms and renew and repair existing schools, including $2.1 billion for the 2022-23 school year.

• Allocating $90 million for mental health initiatives and supports for students, a 420 per cent increase from 2017-18.

• Additional funding to support students with exceptionalities through a $93 million increase in funding for the Special Education Grant and over $9 million in funding to support the new de-streamed grade nine program, with an emphasis on supporting students most at risk including students from racialized, Black, immigrant and Indigenous communities.

“With almost 50,000 children benefiting from Ontario’s tutoring investments every week, and summer learning programs underway province-wide, Ontario’s plan is getting students back on track,” said Lecce. “With an emphasis on getting back to basics, our government is focused on strengthening life and job skills in the classroom, so that students graduate as financially literate, technologically savvy, emotionally intelligent leaders, ready for the jobs of tomorrow.”

The full ‘Plan to Catch Up’ can be found online.

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