Local St. Peter's Secondary School Student Signs Commitment to Virginia Women's Hockey Program

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Lynchburg, Va. is the next stop for 18-year-old St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School (SPCSS) student Ava Flint this September as she signed a commitment to Liberty University and their hockey program on Monday.

Ava Flint (middle) fresh off signing her commitment to Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. with her sisters Rhaea Flint (left) and Talia Flint (right) and her parents. She will be attending the university for the 2023-24 school year in September. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The signing was made at the SPCSS gymnasium in front of Flint’s family, friends and coaches.

“It's really overwhelming, it's been a long time coming,” explained Flint. “I've been playing hockey my whole life and this is what I always wanted to do, is go to university and play hockey.”

Flint has been playing hockey since she was three years old. She has played with the Central York Junior Panthers of the Ontario Women’s Hockey League for the past two seasons. She was a member of the Peterborough Novice Ice Kats up until Midget. In her final year (Midget) as an Ice Kat, she scored 13 goals and 17 assists in 59 games.

She plans to enroll in the University’s education program with being a physical education teacher as a possibility. She visited the campus in the fall and felt it was the best place to continue the educational and hockey phases of her life.

“I met with their team, all the players seem wonderful and I just think it'll be a great place to start my new pathway and I think it fits what's best for me,” explained Flint.

Flint is currently enrolled at SPCSS in Grade 12 on her victory lap.

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Environmental and Racial Justice Leader Named 2023 Ashley Fellow At Trent University

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Chúk Odenigbo, an equity leader at the forefront of racial and climate justice, has been named the 2023 Ashley Fellow at Trent University announced on Monday. 

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The 2023 Ashley Fellow is co-hosted by Trent University’s Lady Eaton College (LEC) and Peter Gzowski College, colleges that are home to living-learning communities that focus on Indigenous leadership and environmental sustainability and leadership and civic engagement, respectively according to a press release.

“Chúk has received national recognition for his work as a sustainability leader, a changemaker, and a keen representative of the Francophone community in Canada. His visit provides incredible opportunities for students in all colleges to learn and engage with new ideas,” said Dr. Melanie Buddle, Gzowski principal. 

As Ashley Fellow, Odenigbo will visit Trent’s Peterborough campus from Jan. 23 to Feb. 3. He will sit in on lectures, visit classrooms and offer mentorship sessions for students. During his visit, Odenigbo will also deliver two public lectures on social justice:

"When I think about Ashley Fellowship at Trent University, I think of the idea of acting as a future ancestor," said Odenigbo. "As a young person in Canada holding multiple intersecting identities, the Ashley Fellowship means a lot to me because it allows me to be visible for other young people who are still figuring themselves out. [It is] an honour, to have been given the opportunity to interact and share with the next generation of young changemakers."

A Franco-Albertan from Calgary, Odenigbo is passionate about the interactions between culture, health and the environment. This passion has led him to his current role as founding director and director of Ancestral Services for Future Ancestors Services Inc., a youth-led, Indigenous and Black-owned, social enterprise that advances climate justice and equity. 

Beyond his work with Future Ancestors Services, Odenigbo is also co-founder of The Poison and The Apple, a bilingual non-profit organization that seeks to change the ways that Canadians interact with nature and make the outdoors diverse and welcoming spaces for all. 

“An important quality for the Ashley Fellow to embody is a desire to learn and a passion to share knowledge,” said Dr. Christine Freeman-Roth, LEC principal. “Through his research into medical geography, Chúk will be able to shed light on public health policies and strategies and is looking forward to learning more about Indigeneity and amplifying Black knowledge.” 

Odenigbo is enthusiastic regarding the appointment and looking forward to leading discussions around the impact of linguistic justice on climate change and environmentalism; questions of race and equity; defining and valuing Black knowledge in the context of the spread of disease and public health; and environmental racism.

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Fleming College Holding Winter Orientations At All Three Campuses In January

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Winter orientation at all three of Fleming College’s campuses runs throughout January with events and information for new and returning students.

File Photo.

On Monday at the Sutherland Campus, new students can attend program orientation sessions, meet faculty and connect with Fleming’s Student Experience team.

Jan. 19 features a pancake breakfast at the Steele Centre at 9 a.m. Fleming SAC is hosting a skating rink open to all students at the Sutherland Residence Village from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Magician and comedian Wes Barker will be performing at the Steele Centre Pub from 2 – 3 p.m.

There are also Student Services Fairs at all three campuses:

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TUFA Agreement Ratified By Trent University Faculty Association Membership and University Board of Governors

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The Trent University Faculty Association (TUFA) and Trent University have announced that the University’s Board of Governors ratified a new collective agreement with TUFA following ratification by TUFA on Monday.

The agreement occurred when a majority of faculty voted in favour it. TUFA represents 295 full-time faculty, limited-term appointments and professional librarians at Trent University.

“We are extremely pleased to have been able to reach an agreement that achieves, among other things, mutually important goals that will enhance equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigenization within the ranks of faculty and academic librarians at Trent," said Dr. Susan Wurtele, chief negotiator for TUFA.

Highlights of the three-year collective agreement signed on Dec. 9 include:

  • A commitment to advance equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenization in personnel processes and the faculty ranks

  • Inclusion of standards to evaluate teaching, research and service for the purposes of promotion, tenure and merit processes

  • Enhanced recognition of service work to the University community

  • Improvements to health and dental benefit plans

  • Across-the-board increases to salaries in each year of the agreement

“This new collective agreement demonstrates the University’s commitment to the vital role that our faculty play in delivering world-class teaching, research and service that our students, sector and communities have come to expect,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “An investment in our faculty is an investment in the long-term sustainability of our institution.”

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Trent University Cancelling Thursday Exams Due To Inclement Weather

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Trent University exams scheduled for 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. for Thursday have been cancelled due to the winter storm.

File Photo.

The Peterborough and Durham GTA campuses remain open during that time.

Instructors will notify students on future plans for those affected by the cancellations. Friday’s exams expected to continue as scheduled according to Trent.

University officials are monitoring the weather while crews are clearing campus roads and pathways. Trent will provide an update regarding 8 a.m. exams on Friday on the school’s website and the University’s social media channels by 6 a.m. Trent advises campus visitors to exercise caution on pathways, parking lots, and stairways.

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Ontario Government to Modernize Computer Studies and Tech-Ed Curriculum For Future Careers

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The Ontario Government is updating high school courses in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to prepare students for jobs of the future announced at Magellan Aerospace in Mississauga on Monday.

(From left to right) Patrice Barnes, Ajax MPP; Hon. Victor Videli, Minister of economic development, job creation and trade; Hon. Stephen Leece, Minister of Education and Arti Javeri, Vice president, firSt partnerships at FIRST Robotics Canada at Magellan Aerospace in Mississauga. Screenshot.

The changes to the Computer Studies and the Technological Education curriculum also support the government’s plan to align curriculum changes with the province’s economic needs and place an emphasis on critical life and job skills, needed in the fast-growing skilled trades according to a press release.

“This change will provide students with hands-on experience with technology, expose them to real-life problem solving and enhance learning that focuses on giving young people the skills to think critically, dream boldly and chart new pathways forward for our economy,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. “Our focus is to ensure our students have the most up-to-date curriculum that strengthens life and job skills leading to rewarding careers in technology and innovation, including in the skilled trades.”

The two new curriculum changes to better prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow are:

  • A new Computer Studies curriculum, beginning with a new Grade 10 course to be implemented in September 2023.

  • A new Technological Education curriculum, beginning with revised Grade 9 and Grade 10 courses to be offered in September 2024.

The Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World course will replace the current Grade 10 Introduction to Computer Studies course which was last updated in 2008. Since then, there has been an emergence of significant technological innovations such as the advancement of smartphones and wearable technologies, connected and automated vehicles and the rise of social media.

The revised Technological Education curriculum — which has not been updated since 2009 — will reflect the advancements in automation across sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and construction. The sectors have increased the need for a highly skilled workforce. The Ontario Government assumes these revisions will help prepare students for high paying and rewarding careers in communications, the construction industry as electricians, plumbers and the manufacturing sector.

“Our government continues to foster innovation by growing Ontario’s world-class workforce,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of economic development, job creation and trade. “Every year, more than 65,000 students graduate from STEM related programs. By modernizing STEM and skilled trade-related courses, we’re ensuring our talent pool continues to grow and that Ontario businesses continue to innovate and thrive.”

These changes boost the Skilled Trades Strategy with a $4.8 million investment over two years to expand the Dual Credit program.

The revisions are also part of the next steps in Ontario’s Plan to Catch Up to further expose STEM to children as potential future careers. Other recent curriculum updates include:

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Trent University Welcomes Inaugural Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership

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Trent University has appointed Dr. Cristine de Clercy as the inaugural Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership to enhance the education of current and future leaders in government, politics and public service, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Professor de Clercy is an excellent addition to Trent’s interdisciplinary environment bringing a dynamic perspective, robust research background, and respected thought leadership on the Canadian political landscape,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “Through the support of the Jarislowsky Foundation and in collaboration with our university partners, we look forward to advancing the education of the next generation of political leaders.”

The new Jarislowsky Chair is part of a national network of scholars set to engage with the next generation of politicians and public sector leaders in ethics, democratic values and responsible governance, within the contexts of Canada’s diverse citizenship, democracy and commitment to meaningful Truth and Reconciliation according to a press release. Announced in June, this position is supported by a $2 million gift from the Jarislowsky Foundation.

Trent students can learn with partner universities through a combination of foundational courses and experiential learning opportunities that bring together students from across the country committed to addressing the challenges of 21st-century political leadership. 

“Trent is well-known for its strengths in the liberal arts – particularly in ethics and political theory,” Dr. Mark Skinner, dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, shared. “We are pleased to welcome Prof. de Clercy, with her outstanding reputation for astute political observation and insightful expertise that stands to reinforce the hallmarks of Trent’s student and scholarly experience.”

Prof. de Clercy is highly regarded for her work related to political leadership in fields of Canadian politics, comparative politics, political economy and women in politics. She comes to the inaugural Jarislowsky position July 1, 2023 having previously held the role of associate professor and director of the Leadership and Democracy Laboratory at Western University.

"The Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership at Trent University offers a unique chance to build and transform our knowledge of trust and political leadership, goals which I have been sincerely pursuing throughout my academic career,” shared Prof. de Clercy. “I am deeply honoured to serve as the inaugural chair, and look forward to working with students and colleagues at Trent, as well as the other four chairholders, and members of the media and surrounding community, in undertaking an innovative program of scholarship and community awareness that will expand knowledge and training in the ethical practice of politics, fiduciary responsibility and democratic governance."

Prof. de Clercy’s academic career spans more than 20 years with an impressive research track-record that has involved millions of dollars in grant funding. She has served as an expert witness and commentator on a number of government committees and is also sought-after by media nationally and internationally for her political expertise and commentary.

The network of Jarislowsky Chairs has been launched with the vision and generous support of prominent Canadian business leader, investor and philanthropist, Stephen A. Jarislowsky.

“This network of academics will be at the forefront of creating rigorous environments where reliable and ethical leaders can develop their skills and, ultimately, where democracy can thrive,” said Mr. Jarislowsky. “Through the Jarislowsky Chair, Prof. de Clercy and others in the chairholder network will be equipped to enhance training and mobilize knowledge to provide guidance through this defining chapter of Canadian and global history.”

This Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership at Trent University is supported by a $2 million gift from the Jarislowsky Foundation that will assist the development of an innovative program of scholarship, involving teaching, research, experiential learning, and the collaborative development of innovative programming and certification.

The national network of Jarislowsky Chairs in Trust and Political Leadership is made up of five endowed chairs at Acadia University, l’Université du Québec à Trois Rivières (in collaboration with l’École Nationale d’Administration Publique), Trent University, the University of Lethbridge, and Vancouver Island University. 

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Fleming College Nursing Student Receives $5,000 Through Cash for College Contest

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Fleming College awarded practical nursing student Kelly Cairns $5,000 through their Cash for College contest given on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Cash for College was open to any full-time domestic student who enrolled for the fall 2022 semester.

It is one of many financial support initiatives for students. Students in financial need can access up to $2 million in bursaries and scholarships through the college each year. 

Cairns was surprised mid-class by President Maureen Adamson with the news.

“This was such a great surprise. I am grateful to have won,” said Cairns.

The next contest is open to students who have already confirmed their attendance at Fleming College for the fall of next year. 

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CUPE Announces Potential Strike On Monday If Deal Not Struck With Ontario Government

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The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is set to strike again on Monday after rejecting the Ford government’s negotiation offers and citing that the proposed contract would “further harm” Ontario schools.

CUPE workers originally had a strike on Nov. 4 and continued on Nov. 6. Photo By David Tuan Bui.

Laura Walton, president of the CUPE school board’s bargaining unit, said the union has given its notice of a province-wide strike for Monday.

“From the beginning, we’ve been focused on improved jobs for education workers and improved services for students. For us, there is no one without the other,” said Walton. “It’s incredibly disappointing that the Ford government categorically refused to put money on the table to give students the type of learning environment they need.”

The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB) has Tweeted that they intend to strike Monday if a deal is not reached.

The School Boards Collective Bargaining Act requires that school board workers give five days’ notice before striking.

On Nov. 7, the Premiere Doug Ford said they would repeal Bill 28 which stripped the ability to strike and deem it illegal if the CUPE would cease all striking action. CUPE agreed to withdraw and go back to the bargaining table to renegotiate.

Schools had re-opened for students after two days from the CUPE strikes that consists of roughly 55,000 workers.

CUPE’s Ontario School Boards Council of Unions (OSBCU) central bargaining committee has been negotiating for 167 days. During this time, they have made progress on the wage front, having reached a reported “middle ground” with the Ford government and the Council of Trustees’ Associations (CTA) on wage negotiations.

CUPE workers had been advocating for a six per cent wage increase, down from their original ask of 11.7 per cent over four years. They are also seeking more full-time staff in schools.

Education Minister Stephen Lecce expressed “disappointment” that negotiations with CUPE have failed, noting that this strike notice was issued only a few days after talks restarted.

“We are disappointed that only a few short days after talks restarted, CUPE has filed notice to once again shut down classrooms. Since resuming talks, we’ve put forward multiple improved offers that would have added hundreds of millions of dollars across the sector, especially for lower-income workers,” he said in a Tweet. “CUPE has rejected all of these offers. We are at the table ready to land a fair deal that invests more in lower-income workers and keeps kids in class.”

Lecce says the government will remain at the bargaining table in hopes of reaching an agreement in time to avert what Walton said will be a “full strike.”

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Clarington Trustee Kevin MacKenzie Elected As PVNC School Board Chairperson

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Clarington trustee Kevin MacKenzie has been elected as Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board chairperson for the 2022-23 term during the inaugural meeting at the Catholic Education Centre on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of PVNC.

MacKenzie has served as a trustee for four years, having first been elected in the 2018 municipal election. He served as the board’s vice-chairperson from 2021 to 2022. 

“Since first being elected to the board of trustees in 2018, I have been consistently awed and inspired by what our students and staff can achieve when provided the opportunity to thrive,” said MacKenzie. “I am honoured to take on this new leadership role. I have long wished to serve and give back to my community and I look forward to working with my fellow trustees as we pursue the board’s mission to accompany our students and strive for excellence in Catholic education.”

During Tuesday’s inaugural board meeting, Peterborough County trustee Jenny Leahy was elected as the board’s vice-chairperson. Leahy, who retired from her 18-year career as an executive administrative assistant at PVNC in July 2021, joined the board of trustees in May 2022 as an appointee. She was re-elected to the position during this year’s municipal election on Oct. 24.

Newly elected trustees Mike Ayotte (Peterborough), Joshua Glover (Clarington), Mary Ann Martin (Kawartha Lakes) and Kathleen Tanguay (Northumberland) also joined the board table on Tuesday.  

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