Astronaut to help celebrate the grand opening of Julie Payette Public School in Whitby
May 16th, 2012 | Comments (0)
From outer space, to Whitby. Julie Payette will be on hand to celebrate the grand opening of her namesake school, Wednesday. The astronaut has been to space twice, and served as Chief Astronaut for the Canadian Space Agency. Payette says it’s important to get kids excited about their education at a young age and firmly believes that with will and passion, young people can meet their dreams. Julie Payette Public School on Garden Street, first opened its doors to students this fall. It’s now home to 690 kids and 50 staff. The school’s motto is “Dream. Aspire. Become.”
Members of the public asked for their input on the DDSB budget
May 14th, 2012 | Comments (0)
As the Durham District School Board prepares to present its draft budget, the public is being invited to give its input. Chair of the Education Finance Committee, Carolyn Morton says the DDSB is facing a challenge, which most boards across the province are also facing, and that is declining enrolment. The drop in the number of students also drops the amount of funding given to a board. Morton says the public can give deputations on May 30th. To make an appointment, contact Joanne Batho at 905-666-6402. The board is expected to pass the budget in mid-June.
Durham College students recognized at Ontario Technological Skills Competition
May 9th, 2012 | Comments (0)
A Durham College student received top recognition at the 23rd annual Ontario Technological Skills Competition. Ryan Voscek received gold in the Plumbing category, Mike Wade received gold in the IT Network Systems and Security Administration category, Ben Martin received silver in the Graphic Design – Studio Production category and Alistair Belyea received silver in the IT Network Systems and Security Administration category. The competition, hosted by Skills Canada, is the largest skilled trades competition in Canada, with more than 1,900 competitors and 30,000 spectators.
Oshawa kids welcomed to Kindergarten
May 8th, 2012 | Comments (0)
In just a few short months, a slew of young people will enter the classroom for the first time. On Wednesday, May 9th, 50 preschoolers will be welcomed to Kindergarten orientation, at Dr. C.F. Cannon Public School, in Oshawa. School trustee Larry Jacula will be among those to welcome the children and parents. Kids will receive bags full of books and other school supplies and parents will take part in activities devised to get the whole family ready for Kindergarten.
Parents and kids encouraged to say thank you on ‘Crossing Guard Appreciation Day’
May 7th, 2012 | Comments (0)
Monday is the day to say thank you, to the hundreds of crossing guards in Oshawa and Clarington. The two municipalities are recognizing this, ‘Crossing Guard Appreciation Day’, and officials say these people provide an invaluable service to their communities, working in all kinds of weather, helping our kids stay safe.
Brampton students fight against Ontario ban on junk food in school cafeterias
May 7th, 2012 | Comments (0)
The fight against Ontario’s ban on junk food in school cafeterias has been taken to YouTube. Samuel Battista and Brian Baah from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Brampton have posted a video that outlines how students are frustrated about the lack of food choices they are being given. Another problem that’s noted is how schools are losing money because students are walking to nearby fast food establishments. The video, which you can view by clicking here, has been viewed over 13,000 times.
Ontario school boards taking proactive approach to concussions and head injuries
May 6th, 2012 | Comments (0)
The Ontario Public School Board Association has unveiled new brain injury guides, to help teachers, parents and teens recognize and deal with possible concussions. The issue of head injuries has been a hot topic over the past number of years, with several pro athletes being sidelined with concussions. President of the OPSBA, Catherine Fife, says one of the biggest questions asked is how school boards can better help students who’ve suffered a brain injury. For more information including concussion symptoms, and how they should be treated click here.
Durham College/UOIT professors honoured for excellence in nursing education
May 1st, 2012 | Comments (2)
A pair of professors from Durham College/UOIT’s Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing program have been honoured by the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario and the Council of Ontario University Programs In Nursing. Founding faculty member Kathy Cummings was named the recipient of both the 2012 COUPN Award for Excellence in Collaborative Education and the RNAO award for Leadership in Nursing Education. Meanwhile, Professor Mary Cochrane received the RNAO Award of Merit. The duo received the awards during a ceremony held in Toronto on April 25th.
Pine Ridge H.S. poised to host seventh annual Proud of Pickering celebration
May 1st, 2012 | Comments (0)
Pine Ridge High School in Pickering will once again be promoting acceptance and individuality, with their seventh annual “Proud of Pickering” event. Students from across the Durham District School Board will be on hand for a two hour celebration on Tuesday, May 8th starting at 9:00 am, with musical performances and projects demonstrating Character Education on tap for those in attendance. The theme of this years event is a continuation of the schools wildly successful “ I Am Who I Am” campaign, which raised more than $15,000 in the fight against bullying.
Students at Danforth Tech still using alternative sites following last week’s fire
May 1st, 2012 | Comments (0)
Alternative sites will continue to be used for students at Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute. Officials with the Toronto District School Board say damages from last week’s fire are still being assessed, and so students will continue to take classes at Eastern Collegiate Institute and Monarch Park Collegiate Institute. Anyone in need of more information, can click here.
New senior kindergarten survey poised to be handed out by school boards across Durham region
April 29th, 2012 | Comments (0)
A new survey by the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services will be picking the brains of parents with children currently enrolled in senior kindergarten. The eight page survey, in conjunction with McMaster University, will be trying to get a grasp on just what sort of experiences kids are having in their first year of full time education. Early Learning Program Manager at the Region of Durham, Lisa McIntosh, says the surveys will be handed out region wide in the very near future.
Several people fall ill at east end Toronto catholic school
April 27th, 2012 | Comments (0)
A catholic school in east-end Toronto will be thoroughly cleaned overnight Thursday, and re-opened Friday, after several people became ill. Authorities say two staff members and six students at St. Thomas More Catholic School came down with flu-like symptoms and one of the students was taken to hospital. Officials say none of the reported illnesses are believed to be serious and testing at the school turned up nothing unusual.
