Fleming College Hosting Skills Ontario Summer Camp This Week
/Until Friday, Fleming College will host 18 elementary school students from across the Peterborough region for the Skills Ontario Summer Camp.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Peterborough Blogs
Trent Farm Research Centre Expands Its Agricultural Research and Training Capacity With First Facility
/Trent University is increasing its role in Ontario’s agriculture sector with the official opening of the Lightbody Drive Shed, the first building at the Trent Farm Research Centre (the Farm), announced on Wednesday.
Photo courtesy of Trent University.
“This new facility builds on more than a decade of research and hands-on learning in sustainable agriculture at Trent,” says Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “With the development of this tremendous land asset and the support of generous donors through our Momentous Campaign, we are entering a new phase in sustainability research and innovation – positioning Trent to lead in adaptive agriculture practices, soil science, and new carbon capture techniques. It is so exciting to grow the Farm in order to provide students with concrete farming and research experiences and to create a living lab for faculty. Outreach in the region, and beyond, will also feature large in the growing Trent Farm work ahead.”
Named for the late Bob and Margie Lightbody, the shed the first building on the Farm and provides essential workspace and storage for faculty, students and community collaborators conducting fieldwork according to Trent. The Lightbodys, students in Trent’s founding class of 1964, were also farmers themselves and made a legacy gift to support the development of this space. Trent says the drive shed is a catalyst for Trent to provide regionally relevant insights to farmers and food producers.
Trent says approximately 40 per cent of farmers are expected to retire in the next 10 years, while demands for locally and sustainably produced food are increasing amid more unpredictable weather and shifting growing conditions.
Research projects underway at the Farm include:
Climate and weather monitoring in partnership with Environment and Climate Change Canada
Natural fertilizer innovation in collaboration with V6 Agronomy, supported by funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council
Soil carbon sequestration research with the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, supported by NSERC
Student-led no-till mulch and luffa production trials supported by the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario
Indigenous food sovereignty initiatives, pollinator gardens, and food forest installations developed with students and community partners
“The Trent Farm Research Centre is a vital part of our students’ learning experience,” says Dr. Karen Thompson, director of the Farm and associate professor in the Trent School of the Environment. “Students learn by applying theory and ideas from the classroom here in the field, working directly with faculty, industry, and community collaborators to tackle important challenges to our local, regional, and global food security. The research and teaching conducted here at the Trent Farm is building the capacity of the next generation to lead in agriculture, food systems, and community development.”
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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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Fleming College Starts Real Estate Salesperson/Broker Program
/Fleming College has marked the official start of its Real Estate Salesperson Program and Real Estate Broker Program for this month, announced on Wednesday.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The courses are offered online in an asynchronous format and developed by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO)
According to Fleming, the program ensures that graduates are well-prepared to work with buyers and sellers in smaller towns and rural areas—a key advantage for those planning to work in Peterborough and the surrounding regions.
It is designed for working professionals and those seeking a career change. Both programs offer flexible start dates, allowing individuals to set their own learning pace, according to Fleming.
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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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Trent University Launches Create Centre for Entrepreneurship
/Trent University has opened the doors to the Create Centre for Entrepreneurship, a space that provides an inclusive entry point for students to explore problem-solving, leadership and collaboration, on Monday.
The fourth floor is known as the Moore Innovation Hub made possible through Dr. David Moore '93 (hon) and Joan Moore. The University also plans to expand the Create Centre for Entrepreneurship programming to Trent University Durham GTA. Photo courtesy of Trent University.
“The Create Centre for Entrepreneurship reflects the spirit of Trent – collaborative, student-centred and deeply engaged with the world around us,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “Our goal is to challenge the conventional ideas around what entrepreneurship means, allowing every student to think differently and take risks, and make a meaningful impact.”
The new Centre shares space with the Leadership and Democracy Lab. Dr. Cristine de Clercy, Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership, leads it.
The new building serves as a connector between students and faculty, existing programming and services at Trent, as well as the business sectors in both Peterborough and Durham according to a press release. In addition to skill-building and mentorship, students will gain access to networking opportunities, hands-on experiences and curated programming.
“Create embodies the powerful engine of human progress at this seminal moment in the human journey,” said Gavin Marshall, Trent’s Momentous Campaign leader. “In a time when digital interaction often replaces human connection, this model emphasizes collaboration, shared problem-solving and real human leadership. Whether our students go on to launch a company, work in the non-profit sector or lead public policy reform, or however they do the essential work of tomorrow building, Create (Centre) will help them understand that big change never happens in isolation.”
The Centre’s physical space is in Bata Library on the fourth floor.
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Trent University Breaks Ground On Its Latest College, Gidigaa Migizi
/Trent University has officially broken ground on Gidigaa Migizi College and the new Otonabee College residence as staff and faculty celebrated the occasion on Thursday afternoon.
Staff and faculty head the groundbreaking ceremony of Gidigaa Migizi College just behind Otonabee College. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The new college is considered one of the largest infrastructure developments for both the University and the Peterborough area since Trent’s founding in 1964.
“We are about to embark on a defining chapter at Trent University,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “Gidigaa Migizi College and the new Otonabee residence will offer modern, inclusive spaces where students live, learn, and form lasting connections. It’s our most ambitious campus project yet. This new project will contribute tremendously to Trent’s vibrant learning and living environment.”
Gidigaa Migizi College is projected to open in the fall of 2028. It covers 700,000 square feet and is situated on the East Bank of the Symons Campus.
According to a press release, Trent University’s Housing Strategy, approved by the Board in 2019, is a long-term plan to modernize on- and off-campus housing, improve its accessibility, support the University’s growth and the City’s housing needs.
Trent is positioned to contribute up to 32 per cent of the City housing target of 4,700 new homes by 2031, through the addition of 1,300 beds between Gidigaa Migizi College and the new Otonabee residence, as well as other strategic and creative housing solutions, including the addition of a 224-bed long-term care home on campus.
“Today’s groundbreaking marks a major milestone in our journey to create a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable campus,” said Tariq Al-idrissi, Trent vice-president of finance and administration. “These buildings will meet the needs of a growing student body while reflecting Trent’s vision for education and community placemaking.”
@ptbo_canada Trent University has officially broken ground on Gidigaa Migizi College and the new Otonabee College residence. #ptbocanada #ptbo #peterborough #journalism #journalist #news #fyp #education ♬ Rockin - Chris Alan Lee
Gidigaa Migizi College is named in honour of the late Elder, alumnus, and professor Doug William. The professor, elder, and community leader was known for his dedication to Trent students and for protecting Anishinaabe's treaty rights.
The decision to select an Anishinaabe name for the new college was a recommendation of the University’s Champlain Report to honour the treaty and traditional territory on which Trent University sits. Meaning ‘spotted eagle’ in English, the name Gidigaa Migizi College was recommended by the University’s Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers Council and approved by Trent’s Board of Governors.
The new residence will house more than 600 beds and include indoor connections to existing dining facilities. Signature red metal accents will pay tribute to the original college, while its pedestrian-friendly design and outdoor communal quad will create new spaces for connection and reflection.
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Fleming College Expecting Nearly 4,800 Students In 58th-Annual Convocation
/Fleming College will see roughly 4,800 students from over 100 programs walk across the stage at the school’s 58th annual convocation at the Peterborough Memorial Centre this Tuesday and Wednesday.
Photo courtesy of Fleming College.
“Convocation is one of the most meaningful moments in the academic journey—it’s a celebration of hard work, resilience and achievement,” said Al Lambert, acting co-president.
Students are graduating from programs in the School of Health and Community Services, School of General Arts and Sciences, Haliburton School of Art and Design, School of Business and Information Technology, School of Environmental & Natural Resource Sciences, and School of Trades and Technology.
“We are incredibly proud of our graduates and the dedication they have shown throughout their time at Fleming. As they take their next steps, we know they will continue to make a difference in their communities and beyond,” said Dr. Theresa Knott, acting co-president.
A schedule of the two-day event, a link to watch the live stream and more is available on Fleming’s convocation website.
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2025 Convocation Expects Largest Graduating Class In Trent University History
/Trent University is celebrating its largest graduating classes in history this year, with 3,755 graduates during 16 convocation ceremonies taking place in Peterborough and Durham from June 3 to 13.
Photo courtesy of Trent University.
Peterborough sees a record-breaking 2,657 graduates, while 1,098 graduates of Trent University Durham GTA – the campus’s largest ever cohort – will be celebrated during three ceremonies on June 12 and 13 at the Tribute Communities Centre.
“Each graduate has dedicated tremendous time and effort to reach this moment. Graduation is a major milestone that marks a path of accomplishment and success. That path has led to deeper and broader knowledge, the formation of lasting networks, and the building of a toolkit of skills with purpose. It is wonderful to see our graduates striding across the stage,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “In its 60th anniversary, Trent has a record number of students graduating—and our global alumni community has grown to well over 65,000. It is remarkable to see how the Trent network is expanding locally and across the globe.”
This year marks the inaugural graduating cohorts from three of Trent’s new programs: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Criminology, Master of Management (Peterborough), and Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Aging Studies.
Each year, Trent University bestows honorary degrees to those demonstrating leadership in their fields and around the world. The 2025 honorary degree recipients are Claudette McGowan, an internationally recognized cybersecurity leader; Alice Olsen Williams/Minaajimokwe ’69, a globally renowned Indigenous artist and activist and Zabeen Hirji, a celebrated workforce equity advocate.
Indigenous traditions are part of this year’s continued annual convocation ceremonies. Each ceremony is led by Trent’s Eagle Feather, gifted by Curve Lake First Nation, symbolizing the University’s relationship with the community. According to Trent, the Eagle Staff, representing the strength and honour of First Nations Peoples, is also present and carried by a member of a local First Nation. Nibi (water), drawn through ceremony from the Otonabee River, is carried in a copper pot and returned following convocation. Faculty processions are led by the Condolence Cane, a gift from the Trent Aboriginal Education Council, symbolizing the Haudenosaunee governance structure.
Each year, Trent University awards accomplished students with special medals and honours that recognize the highest academic achievements and overall standing in undergraduate and graduate studies in Peterborough and Durham. Renowned Canadian sculptors and Indigenous artists designed several of the medals.
This year’s recipients are:
The Governor General’s Academic Gold Medal:
Dylan Stone, Materials Science.The Governor General’s Academic Silver Medal:
Caden Drover, Mathematical Physics.The President's Medal:
Madison Moore, Cultural Studies; Sasha Newar, Environment & Life Sciences; Jacob Van Haaften, Canadian Studies & Indigenous Studies.
The Symons Medal:
Karolina Wawrzyczek, Psychology; Cassandra Haydock, Computer Science; Lora Vassiliadis, Chemical Physics; Dhan Shivekam Nagra, Business Administration.The Bagnani Medal:
Maeve Benedict, Computer Science; Lexy Jindrich, Indigenous Studies.The Muldoon Medal:
Michelle Hunt, Psychology (Honours) and Shahzan Tariq, Computer Science (General).
The ceremonies can be viewed live on Trent’s website.
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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.
