Fleming College President Says the International Student Cap Is a 'Rash Decision'

After the Canadian Federal government announced a two-year cap on international student visas on Monday, Maureen Adamson, Fleming College president released a statement calling the legislation a ‘rash decision’ on Tuesday afternoon.

Photo by keegan Beekers.

The government made the following amendments to the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program as stated by Immigration Minister Marc Miller:

• Starting Sept. 1, international students who begin a study program part of a curriculum licensing arrangement will no longer be eligible for a post­graduation work permit upon graduation. Under curriculum licensing agreements, students physically attend a private college that has been licensed to deliver the curriculum of an associated public college. These programs have seen significant growth in attracting international students in recent years, though they have less oversight than public colleges and act as a loophole regarding post-graduation work permit eligibility.

• Graduates of master’s and other short graduate-level programs will soon be eligible to apply for a three-year work permit. Under current criteria, the length of a post­graduation work permit is based solely on the length of an individual’s study program, hindering master’s graduates by limiting the amount of time they have to gain work experience and potentially transition to permanent residence.

This announcement has an immense adverse human and economic impact on the region and created a great deal of uncertainty for Fleming students, staff, faculty, businesses and the broader community, said Adamson.

“I want to be very clear that the international students currently enrolled in Fleming at all our campuses including Fleming College Toronto are not affected by this announcement,” she said. “However, the new international students that have applied for spring and fall 2024 sessions will be impacted by this announcement.”

Adamson continues to state that international students are an integral part of adding to the local economy.

“It is important to recognize the relationship between international students and our local economies. The implementation of international student caps poses a threat not only to the educational experiences of all of our students but also to the vitality of our regional economy,” she explained. “The economic impact of a 50 per cent reduction of international student enrollment will be a staggering loss to our communities: Peterborough, Lindsay and Haliburton.”

The cap directly affects various services with the most impact on Early Childhood Education, Personal Support Workers and Practical Nursing according to Adamson’s statement.

“International students that come to Ontario are essential to bringing in top talent for key sectors of the workforce, here in our area and across the province,” she said. “They usually come with a diploma or degree and are ready to move quickly into the labour market.”

She continues to highlight that many international students bring top talent to key workforce sectors, both locally and across the province.

“Our college graduates contribute to help close some of the largest labour market gaps in Ontario’s key sectors – health care and social assistance, accommodation and food services, automotive, mining, trades and construction, advanced manufacturing and others,” said Adamson.

“We cannot adequately emphasize the gravity of this rash decision on the people; students, our college, community and local businesses and partnerships,” concluded Adamson.

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TASSS Students Bringing 'Mean Girls' High School Drama In Theatrical Production For December

The famous film and book ‘Mean Girls’ is being brought to life by the students of Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School (TASSS) in a theatrical production slated for four December dates.

Hannah-Marie Toll (left) and Mattie Davies (right) rehearse for TASSS’s upcoming production of the popular film/book, ‘Mean Girls.” The production is slated for four shows on Dec. 7, 8 and 9 (twice). Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Director Jessica Sisson and music director Michaela Hetherington have been preparing for the production since June — and informed the students then — and have worked diligently to prepare the production for December.

The students have worked equally as hard according to both Sisson and Hetherington.

“We have a certain standard here that we like to meet each year. We help support students and push them towards meeting that standard and they have not disappointed,” said Hetherington. “They give up lunches, after schools, they've given up their evenings; there are some upcoming weekend rehearsals that they're going to have to attend and participate in.”

“For many of them, this is their first time doing something like this so they're learning curve is so substantial,” said Sisson. “For me, that makes it even more rewarding because to watch them go from never having sung on stage to belting out a number as a lead is pretty incredible to watch.”

Twenty-five cast members will receive two course credits for being involved in the production —vocal and acting/dance — and are mainly comprised of Grade 11 students. The workload of acting in a play and juggling other courses teaches time management to the actors and actresses, including grade 11 student Kelly Hoang, who plays Cady Heron as one of the lead roles.

“A lot of it comes down to planning my time and knowing when everything is,” she explained. “If I have an English essay due tomorrow, then maybe I should focus more on that rather than focusing on this which has a further deadline.”

The production has several musical numbers and choreographed dances. Any funds raised from ticket sales and concessions fund the school’s next theatrical production. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

More than 70 students in other grades are contributing to the school’s production.

Grade 12 students are aiding in the play’s development in a production class. Behind-the-scenes work such as stagehands, dressers, ushers and front-of-house concessions are done by Grade 9 and 10 volunteers.

Dance students aided in choreography, the construction class helped create set pieces, those studying fashion did costume design and anyone in media aided in the technology aspect.

“As much as it’s a class that we teach, it is a whole school journey that happens to bring it to the stage,” explained Sisson.

With only eight days away from the first show, the numerous rehearsals and heavy workloads have helped the students bond and create chemistry to provide genuine quality theatre.

“It's been phenomenal,” exclaimed Emma Robertson, Grade 12 student playing Glenn Coco. “We're always complimenting each other which is awesome. I feel very comfortable with the team.”

“We all support each other and cheer each other on,” added Hoang.

Performances are scheduled for the following dates and times:

• Dec. 7: 7 p.m.

• Dec. 8: 7 p.m.

• Dec. 9: 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased for $20 through School Cash Online or at the door at TASSS (cash only).

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Peterborough County Launches 'Warden for a Day' Campaign For Grade 9-12 Students

In celebration of last week (Local Government Week), Peterborough County is inviting youth in grades 9 – 12 to enter the ‘Warden for a Day,’ contest running until Nov. 3.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This initiative aims to inform students in the local community about the Warden's responsibilities, the services Peterborough County provides for its residents and the various career and elected office opportunities within local government according to a press release. The County says it aspires to raise awareness among young people about the significance of engaging in their local government.

The winner will be invited to participate in the Nov. 22 Peterborough County Council meeting and will join Warden Bonnie Clark at the County Courthouse for a lunch, a tour of County facilities and prizes

To enter, students must answer two questions in the format of a 60-second video:

1. What do you love about living in Peterborough County?

2. What is one thing that you would do as Warden?

The online submission form can be found online with the deadline on Nov. 3 at midnight.

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Hometown PTBO: SPSS Student-Athlete Valedictorian Grace Murphy About Her Sports Tenure with SPSS and Going to Queen's University

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with SPSS student Grace Murphy about her athletic tenure with the school, her affiliation with the Electric City Football Club and her goals as she sets off to Queen's University in Kingston.

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Rotary Club of Peterborough Celebrates Top Spellers of Rotary Spelling Bee with Celebration Lunch

The Rotary Club of Peterborough hosted the Rotary Spelling Bee Celebration Lunch on May 29, honouring the achievements of the top spellers from the County-wide Spelling Bee Event held on May 13 at Fleming College.

The winners and representatives from their schools From left to right, back row: Murray Shadgett, Joy Meehan, Greg Wilson, Heather Robertson, Tracy Hall.
From left to right, front row: Kaiden Surphlis, Arthur Zadro, Olivia Jones, Noah Hofman, Sonny Gillis, Crepe Cochrane. Photo courtesy of the rotary club of Peterborough.

The Celebration brought together the winners, their educators, parents and sponsors to recognize their remarkable spelling abilities and dedication to literacy.

The Rotary Spelling Bee Celebration Lunch was a momentous occasion filled with excitement and pride. The winners from each division were acknowledged for their exceptional performance:

Junior Division (Grades 4-6):

1. Olivia Jones - St. Catherine

2. Arthur Zadro - Our Lady of the Wayside Academy

3. Kaiden Surphlis - James Strath

Intermediate Division (Grades 7-8):

1. Noah Hofman - Kenner Intermediate

2. Sonny Gillis - St. Catherine

3. Crepe Cochrane - Adam Scott Intermediate

In recognition of their achievements, $3,500 in Literacy Funding was presented to the winning schools for their literacy programs. The first-place school in each division received $1,000, second place received $500, and third place received $250. Additionally, the first-place schools were presented with plaques as a token of appreciation for their commitment to education and literacy.

"The success of the Rotary Spelling Bee is a testament to the power of collaboration," said Catherine Legault, chair of the Spelling Bee. "The teachers' and principals' involvement in the Bee program has inspired countless young hearts and minds, leaving a lasting mark on their educational journey. Rotary is immensely proud to have worked with such devoted educators who understand the importance of empowering our youth and providing them opportunities to succeed.”

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9th Annual Rotary Club of Peterborough Celebrates Spelling Bee Winners

The Rotary Club of Peterborough announces that the 9th Annual School Spelling Bee on May 13 was an overwhelming success; granting the first, second and third place winners with prizes from Camp Kawartha, Trent Excalibur Camp, The Art School of Peterborough and iPads from Your TV.

Junior Division Top Three (from left to right) Kaiden Surpllis, Arthur Zadro, Olivia Jones. photo courtesy of the rotary club of peterborough.

On Saturday, May 13, some of the top spellers in the city from Grades 4 to 8 competed in the Regional Spelling Bee Final. The group of over 60 students divided by grade (Grades 4-6 in the junior challenge, Grades 7-8 in the senior challenge) was whittled down from over 4,200 students from all over the county who competed in mini spelling bees at their schools.

Third place finalists in each division, Kaiden Surphlis of James Strath Public School in the junior division and Crepe Cochrane of Adam Scott Intermediate School in the senior division, won an iPad courtesy of YourTV and $50 to use toward youth programs at the Art School of Peterborough.

Second Place Finalists in each division, Arthur Zadro of Our Lady of the Wayside Academy in the junior division and Sonny Gillis of St. Catherine Elementary School in the senior won a Trent Excalibur Ultimate Camp session and $100 toward a youth program at The Art School of Peterborough.

First Place Finalists in each division, Olivia Jones of St. Catherine Elementary in the junior division and Noah Hofman of Kenner Intermediate School in the senior division won a Camp Kawartha Overnight camp Session, a family photo shoot from Miranda Studios and $225 to use toward youth programs at the Art School of Peterborough.

Senior Division Top Three (from left to right) Crepe Cochrane, Sonny Gillis, BUZZ the Spelling Bee mascot, Noah Hofman. photo courtesy of the rotary club of peterborough.

The finalists’ schools’ also received $250, $500 and $1,000 respectively to use toward literacy programs and materials.

The Rotary Club of Peterborough says they are grateful to all teachers, principals, parents and guardians for organizing the mini-spelling bees at their schools and within their home schooling community, and thank them for supporting young people in the community and The Rotary Club of Peterborough’s Literacy Committee’s goal of promoting literacy and a love of reading and writing.

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Local Students Mentored In World of Choices Program To Explore Future Career Options

Over 200 local students learned from over 25 mentors at the Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) World of Choices program about career paths at Living Hope Church on Thursday.

Ja-NEO held a similar event in early March with the Peterborough Petes at the Peterbrorough Memorial Centre. All photos by Samantha Bianco.

Students ranged from grades 8 to 10 from schools such as St. Martin’s, Adam Scott, Monsignor O’Donoghue and more. Each student listened to five different mentors to gain first-hand insight into career options, benefits and career challenges. Peterborough Fire Department, Peterboro Matboards and RBC were some of the many mentors present.

WOC is a career exploration event aimed at helping students discover new career choices and learn from local industry professionals. Students had the opportunity to get familiar with potential educational paths and grasp a better understanding of the day-to-day duties of several careers.

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Fleming College and EaRTH District Consortium to Develop Sustainable Technology Sector

Fleming College has joined a leading consortium of post-secondary institutions to help develop the region’s clean, green sustainable technology sector.  

Photo courtesy of EaRTH District, website.

The Environmental and Related Technologies Hub (EaRTH) District is made up of five institutions within the eastern GTA, including Fleming College, Trent University, The University of Toronto Scarborough, Ontario Tech University and Centennial College.  

The goal of EaRTH District is to advance green solutions to fuel sustainable communities and help combat the adverse effects of climate change through clean technology.   

“This consortium is a natural fit for Fleming College, given our research and teaching expertise in areas of the environment, conservation and sustainability in our School of the Environment and Natural Resources,” said Fleming College President Maureen Adamson. “Fleming is looking forward to working within this group to leverage that expertise and create a positive economic impact for the businesses and industries within our region.”  

Fleming’s main area of contribution will include its three world-renowned research centres.  

The Centre for Innovative Aquaculture Production (CIAP), based out of Fleming’s Frost Campus, has been a leading researcher in the investigation, analysis, and development of sustainable aquaculture production. Initially launched as a way to study the restoration of wild fish populations, CIAP is now leading applied research for both commercial and sustainable aquaculture development.  

Fleming’s Centre for Advancement in Water and Wastewater Technologies (CAWT) has been tracking and researching wastewater challenges around the globe. CAWT’s state-of-the-art analytical laboratories are equipped with an exceptional range of equipment capable of everything from microbial analyses to large, big-picture projects.  

The Centre for Advancement in Mechatronics and the Industrial Internet of Things (CAMIIT) is the leading regional hub for industrial and academic research projects. Scientists, faculty researchers, engineers and technologists at CAMIIT work in both the public and private sector to develop innovative solutions to create a smarter and more sustainable world.  

An EaRTH District study projects that the eastern GTA will generate $8.4 billion in total output, $1 billion in taxes and create more than 4,000 jobs over the next two decades.  

For more information on the EaRTH District, visit the website.

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$1.2 Million Gift to Double Number of Trent Students Participating in Community-Based Research

A $1.2 million gift to Trent University – announced immediately after the launch of the new $100 million Campaign for Momentous Change – will support Trent’s community-based research by doubling the number of students and community organizations able to participate in the program.

photo courtesy of trent university.

This four-year commitment to the Trent Community Research Centre (TCRC) will develop training for students and employers, enhance hands-on learning opportunities, provide funds for primary research and cover travel and other expenses for students to complete research. 

“Momentous change happens when students are not just motivated, but supported, to do outstanding work with local organizations, deepening the connection between Trent University and local communities,” says Julie Davis, vice-president External Relations & Development at Trent University. “This generous donation, from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, benefits both the community and students.”

For more than 25 years, the TCRC has facilitated community-based research projects in Peterborough City and County, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Durham Region and Northumberland County.

Community-based research brings together the research expertise of Trent University faculty and students with the knowledge and research needs of a wide range of community groups and organizations including municipalities, social service agencies, conservation authorities and interest groups.

“Thanks to this generous donation, even more students will become engaged in local causes that fuel their passions, and in many cases, shape the trajectory of their life and career,” said Kevin Whitmore, director of Careerspace at Trent. “Community-based research showcases the power of collaborative learning and the value of work-integrated opportunities for students to make a positive difference in their community.”

TCRC recently hosted its annual Celebration of Community-Based Research where more than 50 Trent students presented their groundbreaking research projects and showcased the impact of research partnerships between students, faculty and community partners including Five Counties Children’s Centre and the Brain Injury Association of Peterborough Region.

Learn more about Trent’s community-based research and the Campaign for Momentous Change.

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Cabinetree Peterborough Presents $21,000 To Women in Trades and Technology Programs at Fleming College

Cabinetree Peterborough presented a cheque for $21,000 to Fleming College’s Building Bridges for Women in Trades & Technology program April 6.

photo by felicia massey.

The Building Bridges program encompasses both financial support and mentoring for women wanting a career in male-dominated sectors. Designed to address the gender gap in skilled trades, the program is a part of Fleming’s goal to double the enrolment of women in the School of Trades and Technology.  

Carpentry & Renovation Technician Semester 4 students Zoe Hopewell and Julianna Bruni have each received the scholarship from Cabinetree.  

“This scholarship has enabled me to be focused on school and not worry about working. Building Bridges had opened a lot of new opportunities,” says recipient Zoe Hopewell. “It has given me the opportunity to volunteer at Habitat for Humanity every Friday, where I have gained new experiences and knowledge and is a great addition to my resume. Thank you for you support of women in trades.” 

Cabinetree, a custom cabinet making company in Peterborough, has funded two scholarships for Carpentry & Renovation Technician students who identify as female. Cabinetree also pledged a further $14,000 over the next two years toward the Building Bridges program.  

Cabinetree dedicated an employee, cabinet maker Jessica Downes, to mentor one of the successful scholars.

“This scholarship allowed me to be able to commit my time to school without the worry of not being able to pay for my education. Which in turn, has taken a load of stress off my shoulders and for that I am so grateful,” says recipient Julianna Bruni. “It has also made an impact on me as it has shown me that people want to see me succeed and believe in me. I am so thankful for your support.”

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