Students Make a Splash At Peterborough Children's Water Festival

The Peterborough Children’s Water Festival (PCWF) saw students in Grades 2-5 participating in more than 35 interactive learning centres designed for children to explore concepts of water conservation at the Riverview Park and Zoo.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The two-day event saw over 700 students on both days. There were 67 classes from over 29 schools that participated in the event.
 
“Pipe Patrol is a new activity centre offering a unique and engaging learning experience. Kids will dive into the fascinating world of urban infrastructure and discover how sewers are maintained,” said Patricia Skopelianos, Chair of the PCWF Organizing Committee. “They'll learn all about how the city is using cutting-edge CCTV cameras for inspection and powerful vacuum trucks for cleaning. It's a great way to foster an early understanding of essential community services and environmental responsibility.”
 
The PCWF is one of 25 water festivals taking place across the province this year. Since 2001, it has reached more than 31,000 elementary students and 6,500 teachers and parent helpers from across Peterborough City and County according to Skopelianos.
 
”We are very fortunate to once again have tremendous community support for this year’s Peterborough Children's Water Festival. Although local businesses and individuals have always made generous financial contributions, over 10 new supporters have come on board this year to help us make an impact,” she explained. “Our community helps make this Festival happen for so many classes across the region and offers this experiential opportunity to 140 high school volunteers.”

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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.

Zain Kailsli, 12 (left), gets a hands-on quilling lesson from Sandra Moore of Creators Gifts Fabric & Art (right). All Photos by David Tuan Bui.

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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Fleming College’s Academic Upgrading Program Moves to Cobourg

Fleming College has moved its Academic Upgrading classes to Cobourg at Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre, located at 739 D'Arcy St., announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Fleming says the move offers students a bright, open and welcoming space equipped with modern amenities and convenient access.

“Our Work and Academic Upgrading courses in Northumberland County are now better positioned to serve the community,” said Kate McIntosh, Fleming College Student Experience Vice President. “Being based out of Venture13 allows us to connect more directly with local businesses, creating opportunities for organizational assessments and customized skills training. It also gives our learners the chance to network and gain exposure to potential employers, which can inspire their career paths.” 

“The Town of Cobourg is pleased to host Fleming College’s Academic Upgrading program at the Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre,” said Mayor Lucas Cleveland. “This program aligns with Venture13’s vision as a community learning hub and supports greater opportunity for Cobourg youth and adults looking to upgrade their education and improve their employment prospects.”

Fleming’s Academic Upgrading program is free with training in English, math, science and computer literacy. It is meant to prepare students for post-secondary studies, apprenticeship programs or employment. 

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Trent University Gives $900,000 In Grant Funding to Youth-Led Community Impact Projects

To foster youth leadership and equip young Canadians with meaningful life skills and experiences, Trent University’s new Impact Microgrant Program has distributed $900,000 in grant funding from the Government of Canada’s Canada Service Corps (CSC) to support student—and youth-led projects that address community needs across Canada.

Intending to award 180 microgrants by spring 2027, the Impact Microgrant Program has already distributed nearly $40,000 in support of youth-led initiatives. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

This joint initiative is led by the Office of Student Affairs and Careerspace at Trent, the Impact Microgrant Program. It is for Trent students, non-Trent students and community members aged 15-30 to receive up to $5,000 to help them lead small-scale, innovative community service projects they conceive. 

“The Impact Microgrant Program is a catalyst for social innovation and long-term civic engagement, empowering young people to work in partnership with local organizations to bring fresh, community-focused ideas to life,” said Glennice Burns, associate vice-president of Trent International and Careerspace. “We look forward to supporting diverse and meaningful projects that will emerge from this program, creating positive and visible change across our region and growth for the individuals who lead them.” 

Early projects feature efforts to empower black children in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, foster cultural connectivity within Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and create inclusive outdoor spaces in Peterborough.

Successful program participants will also complete 15 hours of coursework to earn a complementary micro-credential in leadership and project management from Trent.

This program is a new iteration of Trent’s previous Impact Leadership Program, which facilitated hundreds of students' volunteer community service placements with organizations such as Special Olympics, United Way and the Kawartha World Issues Centre.

“When young people are given the chance to make a difference, they gain more than experience. They develop confidence, compassion, and sense of purpose that will serve them well in their academic, professional, and personal lives, while also enriching the communities they serve,” said Lawrence Lam, associate vice-president, Students.

Applications for the program’s next intake are being accepted until May 26. 

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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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Fleming College Takes Home Five Gold Medal At Skills Ontario 2025

Fleming College showcased itself at the 2025 Skills Ontario Competition, bringing home five gold medals and two bronze medals, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

This annual competition challenges post-secondary students to compete in various hands-on challenges.

The following are the medal winners in their respective categories:

Gold medal winners: 

• Shane Loranger – Welding 

• Paul Grosse – Restaurant Service 

• Aeden Ball – Cybersecurity 

• Liam Deneve – Arborist

• Dylan Waddell – Carpentry 

Bronze medal winners: 

• Gavin O’Rourke – Carpentry 

• Cory Hughes – Heating Systems Technician 

Loranger and Waddell qualified to compete at the Skills Canada National Competition later this spring.

Fleming College received the Best Large Booth award at the Skills Ontario Competition.

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Two Trent Professors Receive King Charles III Coronation Medals

Trent University professors Dr. Stephen Hill and Dr. Naomi Nichols have been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal – a national honour recognizing their leadership in climate policy and social justice, announced on Thursday.

(From left to right) Dr. Naomi Nichols, Dr. Cathy Bruce and Dr. Stephen Hill. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The medals were presented at Trent’s annual Heart of Trent celebration. They acknowledge their work in environmental action, housing advocacy and community engagement.

“The King Charles III Coronation Medal is an important and meaningful honour, and it’s no surprise that two members of the Trent community have been selected,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “Dr. Hill and Dr. Nichols are changemakers. Their work on climate policy, housing, and social innovation reflects the very best of what Trent stands for: scholarship that is grounded in collaboration and driven by real-world impact.”

Awarded by the Government of Canada, the King Charles III Coronation Medal recognizes Canadians whose outstanding service, leadership or actions have contributed meaningfully to building a better Canada through long-standing volunteerism, professional excellence, or impactful community engagement.

Hill is the director of the Trent School of the Environment. As one of the University’s leading experts in climate and energy policy and community-based sustainability, his research bridges climate change mitigation, environmental science, policy and Indigenous perspectives, all through a local-first lens according to Trent. Hill also has roles on Trent’s Nature Areas Committee and with organizations like Sustainable Peterborough.

Nichols is an associate professor and graduate director in the Sociology Department at Trent University. She is also an award-winning researcher and director of the Research for Social Change Lab. She collaborates closely with community organizations and marginalized populations to champion issues like youth homelessness and systemic inequality.

While the Coronation Medals marked a national spotlight on Trent’s academic leadership, the Heart of Trent celebration also recognized dozens of faculty and staff whose everyday contributions continue to shape the University’s culture, community, and success.

A full list of award winners at Heart of Trent follows:

Eminent Service Award: Dr. Rita Bode and Professor David Newhouse
Presented to individuals distinguished by a track record of outstanding contributions to University life that go beyond the performance of their job or role, awarded at the culmination of their careers at Trent.  

Dr. Rita Bode
Dr. Rita Bode has made lasting contributions to Trent University, particularly at the Durham campus where she began her tenure as an assistant professor of English Literature in 2003. From 2009 to 2011, she served as the first associate dean at Trent Durham, playing a pivotal role in relocating the campus to its current Thornton Road South location. Renowned as a mentor and leader, Professor Bode’s impressive career spans award-winning research, distinguished teaching, and tireless service to the profession, including a leadership role as chair with the Northeast Modern Language Association. A respected scholar of North American and Transatlantic literatures, she is the editor of Wharton’s Novellas and currently serves as editor of the prestigious Edith Wharton Review. Her co-edited collection L.M. Montgomery and the Matter of Nature(s) won the 2018 Gabrielle Roy Prize for the year’s best work in Canadian literary criticism.

Prof. David Newhouse 
Professor David Newhouse has been a transformative educator and researcher at Trent University since joining in 1992. As chair of the Indigenous Studies program and inaugural director of the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies, he has been instrumental in expanding Indigenous academic programming and strengthening cross-University collaboration. A visionary leader, Dr. Newhouse played a key role in establishing the First Peoples House of Learning and has led efforts to Indigenize Trent’s policies, research ethics, and academic structures – ensuring Indigenous Knowledge, guided by Elders and Knowledge Holders, is respected and embedded across the institution. His contributions have shaped not only Trent, but the broader academic landscape in Canada, advancing the University’s mission while empowering future generations of students and scholars.

Nancy E. Simmons Smith Staff Award of Excellence: Leslie Spooner, Assistant Director Customer Engagement & Operations, Trent University Athletics & Recreation
Recognizes non-academic staff members who demonstrate excellence and exceptional commitment to Trent.

Team Innovation Award: Library Services Team
Recognizes a team, unit, or department at Trent University whose innovative contributions have impacted the strategic objectives of the University.   

Trent Community Leadership Award: Sumiko Polacco, Academic Skills Instructor, and Prof. Sarah Jamieson, Assistant Professor, Biology
Awarded to faculty and staff who make exceptional contributions to the local community in Peterborough or Durham regions.    

Trent University Research Impact Award: Dr. Thomas Hossie, Assistant Professor, Biology
Honours Trent researchers or research teams stewarding original and impactful research that has contributed significantly to society on a local, regional, national or international scale.

Emeritus Awards: A. Haroon Akram-Lodhi, Rita Bode, Victoria de Zwaan, Cyndi Gilmer, Brendan Hickie, David Newhouse, Erica Nol
The honorific title ‘Emeritus’ is bestowed upon eligible retiring members of the Trent University Faculty Association and librarians for their service and contributions to the University.

Provost’s Award for Support Staff: Trish Pearce, Academic Administrative Assistant Coordinator
Awarded annually to a support staff member who plays a key role in student engagement and retention and who makes a difference through their performance at Trent.

Jackie Muldoon Award for Faculty Service: Dr. Alba Agostino, Associate Professor and Chair, Child & Youth Studies
Awarded in recognition of faculty who have served with distinction in institutional governance roles, provided collegial and effective service to committees, departments, and colleges, led program and department renewal efforts, achieved advancements in administrative responsibilities, and advanced the role of faculty in contributing to the academic and overall success of the University and the profession at large.

2025 Long Service Awards:  

• 40 Years: Stephen Brown, Marisa Scigliano

• 35 Years: Charmaine Eddy, Joel Markle, Alan O’Connor, Andreas Pickel, Jacquie Slater, Elaine Stavro

• 30 Years: Sherry Booth, Fiona Harris-Stoertz, Sharon Hepburn, Brendan Hickie 

• 25 Years: Robert Ballarin, Robert Dack, Sean Daniels, Raymond Dart, Lynne Davis, Neil Emery, Wenying Feng, Tara Harrington, Lori Johnston, Holly Kuin, Lisa Ropertz, Laura Summerfeldt  

“At the Heart of Trent are the people who make this university more than a place to study or work,” said Bruce. “Through national honours, years of dedicated service, or quiet acts of leadership, the individuals recognized at this year’s celebration embody our shared commitment to meaningful change, grounded in academic excellence and community engagement.”

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Photos: Monster Truck Makes Monster Visit to Keith Wightman Public School

As part of Edge Entertainment’s Monster Madness Tour, they brought their Sabotoge monster truck to the staff and students of Keith Wightman Public School on Friday morning.

All Photos by David Tuan Bui.

The visit promoted their tour, as Kawartha Downs is a stop for one of their shows this Saturday afternoon. Students from junior kindergarten to Grade 6 were invited to explore the truck, meet the drivers and have their pictures taken.

While the monster truck was inoperable during the visit, the children could touch it, play with it and ask the drivers questions.

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Applications Open For 2025 Steve Montador H.O.P.E Bursary For High School Students With Sports-Related Injuries

Applications for the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) H.O.P.E. Bursary in honour of former NHL defenceman Steve Montador are open with the deadline on May 2 at midnight.

(From left to right) Vince Bierworth (GPHSF), Amanda McInnes (St. Peter’s Secondary), Laura Kennedy (H.O.P.E.) Jack Crawford (last year’s recipient) and Dave Crawford. Photo courtesy of Susan Owen and GPHSF.

The bursary is for high school students who have a reduced academic workload due to the suffering effects of sports-related injuries and are transitioning into college or university.

A committee comprising H.O.P.E., Team 55, GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation, and the Canadian Mental Health Association will review all applicants. Applicants will be notified of their status by May 20.

To be considered for the Bursary, you need to be:

• A student at a Peterborough City/County-based high school and registered in a first-year program at college/university

• Suffering from post-concussion syndrome sustained from a sports-related injury

• Be in satisfactory academic standing

• Have financial need

Students can apply for the bursary by downloading the registration form online and submitting it via email to Vince Bierworth at Vince@GPHSF.ca.

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Fleming College's Respiratory Therapy Program Receives Accreditation With Condition Status

Fleming College’s Respiratory Therapy Program has officially received accreditation with condition status from Accreditation Canada’s EQual program.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The status allows graduates to write the Health Professionals Testing Canada (HPTC) exam which is a step to becoming a registered member of the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO).

Launched in 2023, the Respiratory Therapy program at Fleming prepares students to become skilled healthcare professionals specializing in the treatment of respiratory, cardiac, and pulmonary conditions according to a press release.

The accelerated two-year program emphasizes hands-on, practical learning, enabling students to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate safe and effective cardio-respiratory care.

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