News Clippings
April 16-23, 2013
Produced by the
Communications & Community Relations Department
Music education takes a hit in elementary schools, report finds: fewer teachers, less acces... Page 1 of 2
Your Toronto / Schools
Music education takes a hit in elementary schools,
report finds: fewer teachers, less access, especially for
poor kids
A People for Education survey finds less than half of Ontario schools have a music specialist.
CARLOS OSORIO / TORONTO STAR
A Grade 4 music class at Dewson Street Public School during a gamelan lesson. A gamelan is a traditional
musical ensemble from Indonesia. People for Education has released a report that shows Ontario schools now
have fewer music teachers than at any time in the past decade, and less access to bands/choirs for kids.
By: Kristin Rushowy Education Reporter, Published on Mon Apr 22 2013
Students who come from affluent homes are more likely to take part in a choir or band at school,
says a new report by People for Education that raises troubling questions about access to arts
programs.
The advocacy and research group surveyed more than 1,000 schools across the province, and
found that among students whose families earn the highest incomes, 75 per cent are in an
orchestra, band or choir and 78 per cent either take part in a performance art or say their art is
showcased.
Among those who come from families earning the lowest incomes, just 55 per cent are in band or
choir and 68 per cent take part in a performance.
The report cites the end of a grant that helped boost arts programs in schools.
“In schools that can fundraise more, and schools where parents’ incomes are higher, students are
offered more chances to perform, to learn an instrument and to see live performances,” says the
survey.
http://www.thestar.com/yourtoronto/education/2013/04/22/fewer_music_teachers_in_ontar... 4/23/2013
Music education takes a hit in elementary schools, report finds: fewer teachers, less acces... Page 2 of 2
It also found that just 44 per cent of schools across the province have a specialist music teacher,
and that one in three schools has neither a specialist teacher nor access to what is called an
“itinerant” — a musician who travels from school to school teaching students or training staff for
the demanding music curriculum.
Just last week, the Toronto District School Board issued notices to 23 itinerants that they may be
laid off in the fall. The hours of some 83 others — who teach strings, band and steel pan — could
also be reduced because of budget cuts.
Gen-Ling Chang, the board’s chief academic officer for teaching and learning, said the system now
in place varies across the city and that staff are looking at training more teachers in music by staff
from its own music department, through 10 half-day sessions.
The goal is to make sure “the allocation and opportunities are more even,” she said, noting that the
roving music strings and steel pan teachers have served the same schools for 16 years, because
schools that have good experiences will reapply.
The Toronto board has 437 teachers who specialize in music, and board staff are determining how
many actually teach music for some or part of the day, and also asking principals who have such
specialists if those teachers could be teaching more music throughout the day, she added.
http://www.thestar.com/yourtoronto/education/2013/04/22/fewer_music_teachers_in_ontar... 4/23/2013
Mississauga
Page 1 of 1
Music teachers vanishing
Torstar Network
April 22, 2013
ONTARIO — Less than half of Ontario schools have a music teacher, says a new report by People for Education.
The advocacy and research group surveyed more than 1,000 schools across the province and found that just 44
per cent have a music teacher.
It also found that one in three schools has neither a specialist teacher nor access to what is called an “itinerant,”
a musician who travels from school to school teaching students or training staff for the complex music
curriculum. That person may or may not be a certified teacher.
Just last week, the Toronto District School Board issued notices to 24 itinerants that they may be laid off in the
fall. The hours of some 83 others could also be reduced because of budget cuts.
The potential cuts drew the attention of some high-profile musicians like Canadians Anne Murray and k.d. lang,
and in the U.S., former Guns N' Roses drummer Matt Sorum.
The instructors have also started an online petition.
If the job cuts go ahead, recorder, vocal music and Orff instrumental programs at elementary schools would be
at risk.
Cuts to the class time of others would affect strings, band and steel pan.
Staff proposed the music cuts to help battle the board’s $27-million deficit — strings instructor David Spek
estimates they might save $2 million.
Under the provincial curriculum, elementary teachers must cover some form of instrumental music between
grades 5 and 8. As it’s difficult to teach the recorder or read music without training, the board hires the 24
musicians to coach teachers side-by-side in class over two years as a form of “staff development.”
People for Education, which released their report at Dewson Public School in Toronto, also found that principals
in both elementary and secondary schools charge students fees for visual and music courses.
Students living in wealthier areas — where parents fundraise more money — “are much more likely to have the
opportunity to participate in a band, choir and orchestra,” the report says.
This article is for personal use only courtesy of Mississauga.com - a division of Metroland Media Group Ltd.
http://www.mississauga.com/print/1608246
4/22/2013
Mississauga
Page 1 of 1
Students put in day’s work in Cawthra Bush
Jan Dean
April 22, 2013
MISSISSAUGA — An unusual class project drew
more than two dozen senior students from St.
Paul Secondary School to the Cawthra Bush
behind their school on Friday.
Under the guidance of John Mondelli, the
construction teacher who heads up the school’s
tech department, the students installed
sections of boardwalk over the wettest sections
of the trail.
The City of Mississauga provided the lumber.
"We started a kind of assembly line at school
putting these together," said Mondelli.
The construction was completed in November
but it was decided spring was a better time to
put the pieces in place.
Bush boardwalk . Students from St. Paul Secondary School's
The idea for the boardwalk came from Sarah
Construction Technology Workshop were installing a boardwalk in
Jane Miller, a forest technologist technician who
Cawthra Bush today under the guidance of teacher John Mondelli. In
has worked for the City for nine years and is
front, from left, are Oskar Krupinska, Max Szeliga and Mondelli. Staff
responsible for Cawthra Bush.
photo by Fred Loek
"The boardwalk sections will make the path
more accessible," said Miller, "and it'll stop
people going off the path."
Cawthra Bush is home to the Jefferson
salamander, an endangered species.
During spring and fall when the weather is wet, sections of the woods seem more like a swamp. It’s when
people walking around the waterlogged path could destroy sensitive plants.
As it was, the student crew was plagued by wet and windy weather. They had to wade into ankle-deep mud and
water to install the walkway.
Victoria Pen, 18, lives beside Cawthra Bush so she walks it in all kinds of weather.
"It's kind of fun to do this and it will be rewarding at the end," she said. "I've always been into nature since I
was little, so this is worthwhile to protect the salamanders and plants."
Oskar Krupinski is a Grade 12 student doing a Specialist High Skills Major diploma in construction. The
boardwalk was all in a day's work for him.
Daniel Dinis has the same major but sees construction as his backup plan if becoming a police officer doesn't
pan out.
Dogwalker C.J. Lusby didn't care why the students were doing it — she was just thrilled they were. She walks
her dog through the bush often.
"This is a magical place to me," said Lusby. "I've met so many great people walking here and the boardwalk will
make it that much better."
jdean@mississauga.net
This article is for personal use only courtesy of Mississauga.com - a division of Metroland Media Group Ltd.
http://www.mississauga.com/print/1608218
4/22/2013
BramptonGuardian
Page 1 of 2
Former football player looks to help others
By FRANK JUZENAS
April 21, 2013
A former Brampton high school football player is
the founder of a scouting service that has
helped other players land professional
opportunities.
Richard Olumogba founded InstantScouting in
2011 and said the company has already helped
a number of players earn spots in the
professional ranks. The former Notre Dame
Secondary School student is also planning to
hold a unique combine on May 11 for
prospective pros.
The location has yet to be determined (he said
either in Toronto or Brampton) but this combine
will be streamed online and he said that should
make it accessible to more coaches who might
not be able to travel to the GTA.
“Coaches will be able to watch from the comfort
Scouting. Richard Olumogba attempts to match football players with
of their office,” said the 28-year old.
teams that could use their talents. He will be running a combine, that
The combine is geared to players who did not
will be streamed online, on May 11. Submitted photo
attend the NFL or CFL draft combines. While the
majority of players will be in their early to mid
20’s he said he recently was able to find a
professional spot for a player from Toronto who
is 31.
He said he has developed a long list of contacts and can help players fulfill their dreams. He said
InstantScouting has 214 clients and has placed 37 players with teams from the National Football League to the
Australian American Football Federation. Others have wound up in the Canadian Football League, Arena
Football, the United Football League and the European Federation of American Football.
Among athletes who recommend InstantScouting are wide receiver Kwame Osei, from St. Francis Xavier
University who joined the Toronto Argonauts and Cody Pearcy a wide receiver from Huntingdon College, who
wound up with the NFL Atlanta Falcons.
They are among the athletes who have written testimonials that the association with Olumogba has given them
exposure they wouldn’t likely have gotten otherwise. Last year InstantScouting joined forces with Frontline
Scouting which assists pro prospects competing for roster spots.
Olumugbo said InstantScouting has received plenty of positive reaction and has more than 5,000 Facebook
friends and 4,300 followers on Twitter. After leaving Notre Dame Olumogba played football at Austin Peay
University in Tennessee and with the Western Mustangs. However a knee injury while at Western put an end to
his hopes of playing professional football.
He completed a degree in criminology and media studies and did graduate studies at the University of Toronto
before launching his business.
More information can be obtained through the website at instantscouting.com. He can be emailed at
info@infoscouting.com.
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Mississauga
Page 1 of 1
Fitness frenzy at St. Alfred Catholic School
Jason Spencer
April 20, 2013
MISSISSAUGA — Glenforest residents were
sweatin' to a flurry of aerobic activity during
last night's second annual Aerobathon at St.
Alfred Catholic School.
Some 100 limber participants of all ages filled
the school's gymnasium, as they worked out in
a variety of styles, including high/low aerobics,
zumba, cardio kickbox and yoga.
Aiming to promote fitness and health among
the community and its youth, organizer Julia
Jaksa said the broad range of genres hopefully
serves as a helpful introduction to an active
lifestyle.
"(Participants) may just end up really loving
(one of the styles) and get excited about
St. Alfred Aerobathon. Residents of all ages came out to St. Alfred
fitness," said Jaksa, who teaches kindergarten
Catholic School's second annual Aerobathon on Friday. Jayson Mills
at the school.
Michelle Canasa-Sammut, owner of Parivartan
Mississauga, headed the evening's yoga class.
"As we age, we need to remain physically active," notes Vicki Jaksa, who took part in the 90-minute workout.
On top of the exercise, Jaksa's mother also wanted to support the fundraising aspect of the Aerobathon, which
aimed to raise $1,000 to purchase equipment, such as tension bands and steps, for the school's girls-only,
extracurricular group Fitness Femmes.
Grade 6 student Victoria Soboniak helped Jaksa lead the high/low cardio session. The 11-year-old said that she
had been working hard on the routine with the Fitness Femmes group.
"I (was) a couch potato, so I decided to get active, be healthy and stay fit," Soboniak said of her decision to join
the group two months ago.
The program, she said, has given her the exercise bug, as she now practises the workouts at home.
Last year the event raised $500 for Fitness Femmes and saw 50 participants.
jspencer@mississauga.net
This article is for personal use only courtesy of Mississauga.com - a division of Metroland Media Group Ltd.
http://www.mississauga.com/print/1607826
4/23/2013
Church teachings on sex
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Church teachings on sex
Written by Angela Serednicki, Catholic Register Special
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5 7 COMMENTS
Friday, 19 April 2013 16:25
MISSISSAUGA, ONT. Catholics need to realize that
being pro-marriage does not mean you are antigay, an Office of Catholic Youth forum was told.
The archdiocese of Toronto’s Office of Catholic
Youth hosted In Truth and Love: The Catholic
Stand on Same-Sex Attraction to educate youth
on the Church’s teachings on same-sex marriage
and sexual identity.
“The Church is not anti-gay. We are all cherished
sons and daughters of God and we are not antianybody,” Fr. Frank Portelli, director of the OCY,
told dozens of young adults. Everyone is created
in the image and likeness of God and the Church
is a place of welcome and acceptance, he said.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that
Fr. Robert Mignella and Fr. Frank Portelli
the origins of homosexuality are largely
unknown, and so people are called to reach out
and show support and compassion to those with same-sex attractions. Catholics should always strive
to love one another and not judge the heavy crosses of others, said Portelli.
“God created all of us good, and we seek to love all people, no matter who they are and what they are
doing. That doesn’t mean that we can’t have clear ideas about what we support politically,” he said.
The Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church, or YouCat, teaches that the Church can’t approve
homosexual practices because men and women are designed to need the other’s complementary traits
to enter into a mutual relationship and give life to children.
Portelli said that there are three tiers of homosexuality: same-sex attraction (a crush), homosexual
orientation (persistent and consistent same-sex attraction) and gay identity. He advises youth who are
attracted to a person of the same-sex to wait until they are older before they self-identify as gay
because the teenage brain is not fully developed.
“Homosexuality is not a psychological disorder, rather, it is not ordered toward the good of marriage,”
said Fr. Robert Mignella, associate pastor at Merciful Redeemer parish.
In other words, the desire of attraction is geared towards the union of marriage, a covenant made
between a man and woman who are open to procreation. According to Church teaching, Mignella says
those who experience same-sex attraction are called to a life of chastity.
“Channel the God-given, instinctual urge that He made good, to develop giftedness and true talent that
is not identified through sexual orientation,” he said.
While sensitive topics like homosexuality can be difficult to discuss, LifeTeen, a high school ministry
that OCY partnered with for the event, provides a safe environment for youth to ask questions and
learn more about their faith.
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Christine Murad, a first-year computer science student at the University of Toronto, is happy that these
types of discussions can clear up the misconceptions she’s had on some of the Church’s controversial
issues.
“Sometimes Catholics like ourselves don’t even know the true views and the teachings of the actual
Church doctrine,” Murad said.
(Serednicki, 19, is a first-year journalism student at Ryerson University in Toronto.)
Readers Speak Out
Write to The Editor:
http://www.catholicregister.org/youth/ysn-news/item/16181-church-teachings-on-sex
4/23/2013
Ontario needs to fix another full-day kindergarten mess: Editorial
Page 1 of 2
Opinion / Editorials
Ontario needs to fix another full-day kindergarten
mess: Editorial
Jurisdictional warfare hits plans to introduce full-day daycare in Toronto schools.
ANDREW WALLACE / TORONTO STAR
Dr. Charles Pascal releases his report on full-day learning at Queen's Park in 2009.
Published on Thu Apr 18 2013
It’s another classic case of good intentions, bad execution. The Ontario government’s ambitious
plan for full-day kindergarten is creating turmoil for daycare centres in Toronto schools because,
as usual, nothing unfolds as it should.
For some daycares, the financial and operational complications created by the new before-andafter-school care — for four- and five-year-old kindergarten students — have made the program
almost impossible to provide. For parents, it means higher costs, lost hot lunch programs and
ongoing uncertainty about whether the programs will run during summer months when working
parents need help the most.
It wasn’t supposed to be this way. The original concept by educator Charles Pascal envisioned a
seamless day of enriched child care provided by the schools (not daycares).envisioned a seamless
day of enriched child care provided by the schools (not daycares). Learning could begin as early as
7:30 a.m. and when the 9 a.m. bell rang, the kindergarten kids would march to their class for the
day. The same students could remain in the after-school program until 6 p.m., turning schools
into day-long vibrant communities.
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Ontario needs to fix another full-day kindergarten mess: Editorial
Page 2 of 2
Volumes of research show that early childhood education benefits kids in many lasting ways. As
Pascal wrote in a 2009 report, “Investing in early learning provides a remarkable return in better
outcomes for children and a healthier and more prosperous society for everyone.”
Former premier Dalton McGuinty rightly embraced the plan but, all too predictably, this fine
concept fell apart during the implementation. The province didn’t provide the money needed for
the before-and-after school programs and the Toronto District School Board (which chose the
most expensive model) refused to take responsibility. Last summer, the province caved in,
allowing boards to use daycare centres.
As the Star’s Laurie Monsebraaten reported this week, many daycare administrators in Toronto
schools say the system is so flawed that they don’t want to run the programs. Toronto daycares are
already at risk due to severe underfunding. Now, staff say they are losing subsidies, struggling to
find space that meets daycare licensing requirements, and can’t find staff willing to work split
shifts.
In fact, roughly a third of the 88 daycare centres that currently offer the before-and-after
programs say they face intense pressure from City of Toronto staff to run them even though
they’re losing money.
As Jane Mercer of the Toronto Coalition for Better Child Care says, “The province has downloaded
this program onto school boards who have side-loaded it to community-based child care and said,
‘here, you do it’.”
It’s a sorry drama. Right now, 1,900 of roughly 23,000 Toronto children in full-day kindergarten
are in before-and after-school care programs. Increasing demand means that next year a total of
199 daycare programs are expected to operate, so the daycare dilemma will only grow.
To solve this, all of the parties need to step out of their respective sandboxes and work toward a
solution. Ultimately, it’s the province that must lead. The education ministry now oversees both
schools and daycare — it’s time to review the problems and fix them.
After all, the Liberal government was supposed to create an enriching day-long learning
experience for little kids, not turn adults against each other.
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Mississauga
Page 1 of 1
High school teachers approve deal
The Canadian Press
April 18, 2013
Public high school teachers and support staff have voted 84 per cent in favour of a recently negotiated
agreement with the provincial government.
The Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation says the agreement amends components of the working
conditions imposed in January by Bill 115.
OSSTF President Ken Coran says the agreement respects the fiscal parameters defined by the Ontario
government and "problematic" issues in the imposed contract that were identified by members.
Under the new agreement, teachers will get improved maternity leave and sick day benefits, as well as fewer
unpaid days off.
The changes reduce unpaid days from three to one for teachers, while support staff won't have to take any and
can't be laid off unless enrollment declines, the government cuts funding for a specific program, or "catastrophic
events."
Premier Kathleen Wynne has said no additional money will be spent to improve the contract, but opposition
members have said they believe there will be extra costs.
PC education critic Lisa MacLeod says the Liberals need to "come clean" with how students will be affected by
the deal with the high school teachers.
"School boards across the province are having difficulty covering basic costs for things like music programs,
libraries and computers," MacLeod said Thursday.
"The Liberals need to be upfront with parents on which programs will be cut to be pay for this money-moving
scheme that rewards unions and punishes students."
Education Minister Liz Sandals said she was pleased that OSSTF members voted in favour of the agreement.
"Our government and OSSTF have come a long way toward rebuilding our relationship in a collaborative
approach which reaffirms our commitment to delivering excellence in our secondary schools for Ontario's
students," Sandals said.
This article is for personal use only courtesy of Mississauga.com - a division of Metroland Media Group Ltd.
http://www.mississauga.com/print/1607089
4/23/2013
BramptonGuardian
Page 1 of 1
STA stages own rendition of Godspell
April 18, 2013
Drama arts majors at St. Thomas Aquinas will
present their rendition of John Michael
Tebelak’s musical comedy Godspell at the
school’s Brian Dunn Theatre May 1 to 3.
This student interpretation centres around
Stephen Gardener, a new volunteer at the
Toronto Covenant House, as he encounters and
ultimately guides a set of haphazard, homeless
youths to a brighter path. The musical features
such widely known numbers as Day By Day and
Bless the Lord. The musical numbers are
choreographed by the school’s dance majors
and music will be performed by Instrumental
Music Majors, making this a truly cooperative
experience
This interpretation is aimed at bringing
attention to homelessness on Toronto’s streets,
Godspell. St. Thomas Aquinas drama majors stage their own
11,000 of which are youth under the age of 25.
rendition of the musical comedy Godspell May 1 to 3.
On any given night there are an estimated
1,500 – 2,000 homeless youth. The students
wish to reach out to their school community
and the greater community at large to exercise
their commitment to relevant social justice issues. The seriousness of the issue being represented is enhanced
with laughter and pop culture references that will make this an entertainment experience not to be missed, says
the school.
This production is presented by the Fourth Year Drama Majors as part of their second annual theatre season
which has been designed to engage the students in a well-rounded authentic theatrical experience. Godspell
follows their first very successful production of the season The Odd Couple female version, which filled the
studio theatre with the laughter of the delighted audiences.
Tickets can be organized by emailing john.thomas@dpcdsb.org (please put GODSPELL tickets in the subject
line). Tickets are also sold at the door. Ticket prices are $12 for adults and $8 for students.
There will be a matinee performance Friday, May 3 at noon which is open to guest schools who wish to attend.
The cost for the matinee is 5$ per person and space is limited. Additional matinees will be held depending on
the demand for tickets.
This article is for personal use only courtesy of BramptonGuardian.com - a division of Metroland Media Group Ltd.
http://www.bramptonguardian.com/print/1607018
4/22/2013
BramptonGuardian
Page 1 of 1
Ward named top athlete
April 18, 2013
The University of Ottawa has named St.
Marguerite d’Youville graduate Warren Ward as
its male athlete of the year.
A graduating basketball player, Ward capped
off his five-year career leading the Gee-Gee’s to
a bronze medal at the nationals, the first
national medal in program history. He also set
OTTAWA GEE-GEE'S.
a record for points in one game, when he
scored 43 during one contest this season.
Ward was also selected MVP on the men’s
basketball team. He finished his career as the
second-leading scorer in Gee-Gee’s history with 1,479 career regular-season points, averaging 15.9 per game
over five seasons.
He also graduates as one of only two Ottawa players with more than 1,000 career points and 500 rebounds.
This article is for personal use only courtesy of BramptonGuardian.com - a division of Metroland Media Group Ltd.
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Mississauga
Page 1 of 1
Cardinal shares secrets of the conclave with
Mississauga students
Jan Dean
April 18, 2013
MISSISSAUGA — It's one of the greatest
honours in the world … and no one wants it.
"Reporters think it's like a political convention,
but it's a strange election that nobody wants to
win," said Cardinal Thomas Collins, Archbishop
of Toronto, of the heavy responsibility placed
on a new pope. "The room where the chosen
man changes his clothes is called the Room of
Tears."
The Guelph-born Collins was at St. Joseph
Secondary School yesterday to share his insider
view of selecting the Catholic church's new
spiritual leader, Pope Francis, with Grade 7 to
10 students gathered for the Mississauga South
Family of Schools Catholic Education
Cardinal. Cardinal Thomas Collins was at St. Joseph Secondary
Conference.
School for the Grade 7-10 Mississauga South Family of Schools
Wearing the traditional regal black cassock,
Catholic Education Conference. After his address, he was joined by
zucchetto (red beanie) and red sash, and
Ward 6 & 11 Trustee Peter Ferreira (left) and St. Joseph's vice
impressing the student's with his witty manner,
principal Sharon Bolger (right) in a group photo. Staff photo by Fred
Collins told the students being one of the 115
Loek
cardinals inside the conclave was "an amazing
experience".
Collins said when each ballot was filled out, the
voting cardinal carried it to a scrutineer sitting in front of a fresco of the Last Judgement.
"As you hand over your ballot, you say, 'Before Jesus Christ who will judge me…'" explained Collins. "That really
makes you think."
Collins said the cardinals talked a lot about the Adopt a Cardinal program that had people around the world
choosing a cardinal to pray for on the internet.
He said each pope is different from the last because every person is different, and no pope can be everything to
everyone.
"It's like flipping a diamond to see which facet is showing," said Collins.
He said he is pleased with the conclave's choice.
"Pope Benedict is a holy, holy man," he said. "He is an intellectual and an introvert. Pope Francis is a pastor. It
was sad when Pope Benedict stepped down, but also very courageous because he realized he wasn't strong
enough to continue."
Collins, whose grandfather, a teacher, started the first Catholic school in Guelph in 1852, stressed to the young
crowd the importance of Catholic education. He also encouraged anyone who was thinking about becoming a
priest, brother or sister to talk to their chaplain about it.
"I was inspired by the priests in my parish," said Collins.
jdean@mississauga.net
This article is for personal use only courtesy of Mississauga.com - a division of Metroland Media Group Ltd.
http://www.mississauga.com/print/1606714
4/23/2013
Mississauga
Page 1 of 1
Catholic board looks for budget input
Roger Belgrave
April 17, 2013
PEEL — The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is offering parents and other supporters in Mississauga
several ways to offer input into its budget plans for 2013/14.
Public consultation on the upcoming operating budget will be done at scheduled meetings in May and through
online submissions.
Parents and others can provide written input through the Board's website at www.dpcdsb.org. Comments
received through this channel will be considered part of the overall budget deliberations, Board officials say.
Residents can also make a five-minute presentation to trustees by appearing as a delegation at the May 13
Administration and Finance Committee meeting or the May 28 Board meeting.
Delegations must register and provide copies of their presentation to the Board at least five business days prior
to the meeting date. Each presenter will have five minutes to speak.
To register to delegate, call 905-890-0708, ext. 24433.
Parents and community members can also contact school board trustees to offer comment or input.
Contact information as well as an outline of current issues and budget pressures is available on the Board's
website.
Last year, the Board approved more than $834 million in operating expenditures and almost $90 million in
capital spending.
The last few years, the Board has organized a special public meeting and issued an open invitation to members
of the community and other stakeholders to offer comment on budget plans. However, attendance has been
sparse.
This article is for personal use only courtesy of Mississauga.com - a division of Metroland Media Group Ltd.
http://www.mississauga.com/print/1606356
4/18/2013
BramptonGuardian
Page 1 of 1
Catholic board looks for budget input
April 17, 2013
The Catholic school board is offering parents
and other supporters in Brampton several ways
to offer input on its budget plans for
2013/2014.
Public consultation on the Dufferin-Peel Catholic
District School Board’s upcoming operating
budget will be done at scheduled meetings in
May and through online submissions.
Parents and others can provide written input
through the board website at
http://www.dpcdsb.org/cec. Comments
received through this channel will be considered
as part of the overall budget deliberations,
board officials said.
Residents can also make a five-minute
Budget input. Public consultation on the Dufferin-Peel Catholic
presentation to trustees by appearing as a
District School Board’s upcoming operating budget will be done at
delegation at the May 13 Administration and
scheduled meetings in May and through online submissions.
Finance Committee meeting or the May 28
board meeting.
Delegations must register and provide copies of
their presentation to the board at least five
business days prior to the meeting date. Each presenter will have a maximum of five minutes to make their
presentation. To register to delegate, call 905-890-0708, ext. 24433.
Parents and community members can also contact school board trustees to offer comment or input.
Contact information as well as an outline of current issues and budget pressures is available on the board
website at www.dpcdsb.org. The board is encouraging interested community members to read the outline prior
to delegating or providing a written submission.
Last year, the board approved more than $834 million in operating expenditures and almost $90 million in
capital spending.
The last few years, the board has organized a special public meeting and issued an open invitation to members
of the community and other stakeholders to offer comment on budget plans. However, attendance at the
meetings have been sparse.
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Mississauga
Page 1 of 1
Spreading the word with silence
Jan Dean
April 16, 2013
MISSISSAUGA — Jessica Peters says it isn't
easy to go without speaking for 24 hours, but
the Grade 12 student at St. Aloysius Gonzaga
Secondary School has been doing just that for
Free the Children's We are Silent event the past
four years.
This Thursday, she'll do it again as she heads
up the fundraising and awareness-heightening
day at her school. Participants give up their
voices for a day — symbolizing how children
living without access to clean water or
education are rendered voiceless.
"People who know me find it hard to believe I
Silence. Jessica Peters, a Grade 12 student at St. Aloysius Gonzaga
can stay quiet for 10 minutes, let alone a whole
Secondary School, runs the We are Silent Day to raise awareness
day," said Peters, 18. "Friends will try to make
and money for children in developing countries who lack access to
you laugh or break you, but they're really super
clean water and education. This year, the event, started by Free the
supportive."
Children, is taking place Thursday. Supplied photos
Peters says the first time she did the We are
Silent event was when her class did it in Grade
8. Since then she's been running the event at
her high school.
Peters said meeting Craig Keiburger, the Toronto youth who founded the Free the Children charity at age 12,
changed her life.
She started a Minga club at Gonzaga — an Ecuadorian term that translates loosely as "people helping just
because." It's completely student-driven and draws 40-50 students to its weekly meetings. Each month they
choose a different initiative to pursue. They've had initiatives about bullying, and how to eat healthy to avoid
cancer.
"Minga draws like-minded students together," said Peters, "but we always support Free the Children."
Students participating in the We are Silent fundraiser at Gonzaga wear white T-shirts signed by their pledge
sponsors.
"In our white T-shirts, we stick out like sore thumbs," said Peters. "We're the only students not in school
uniform that day."
The shirts also let teachers know what is going on.
Peters said the hard part is making all your arrangements ahead of time and wondering if the person you asked
will remember to pick you up after school.
This year it will be a bit easier because for the first time participants will not only be allowed to use social
media, they're encouraged to use it to spread the word about what they're doing.
Peters plans to study business at university, but says for sure she'll be working in the non-profit sector.
jdean@mississauga.net
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http://www.mississauga.com/print/1605773
4/23/2013
Mississauga
Page 1 of 2
Action and dialogue critical in combatting
cyberbullying, experts say
The Canadian Press
April 16, 2013
TORONTO — With digital technology and social media increasingly used by bullies to taunt their targets, it's
never been easier for harmful messages and images aimed at tormenting victims to be spread to the masses.
The recent suicide of 17-year-old Nova Scotia student Rehtaeh Parsons came following months of bullying after
a photo of her alleged sexual assault was circulated within her school community.
In the U.S., the tragic case has been dubbed "Canada's Steubenville" for its similarities to a high-profile sexual
assault south of the border. Two members of the Steubenville, Ohio, high school football team were recently
convicted in the rape of a drunken 16-year-old girl, an incident recorded on cellphones by students and
gossiped about online.
While some youth may be unsure of how to stop the chain of cyberbullying, experts say that simply remaining
idle is not the answer.
"If a child receives a photo circulated through social media there are many things that he or she can do.
Perhaps the most important thing is to let someone know and not be part of the problem, but part of the
solution," said Debra Pepler, scientific co-director of PREVNet, a national authority on research and resources for
bullying prevention.
"Being part of the problem is sending that on to other people, writing derisive comments about it; in some way
joining the bullying rather than indicating dissatisfaction and displeasure with it."
PREVNet (Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network) has several tips on its website geared
towards teens on how to deal with cyberbullying.
Among them: talk to a trusted adult; "pause and think" before sending messages; don't ignore instincts if
seeing or receiving messages which seem aggressive or over the line; and let the sender of an offending
message know you're not OK with cyberbullying.
Teens are also advised to make a copy of the message before deleting it.
On some social media outlets like Facebook, there are ways for individuals to report on posts they find
offensive, Pepler added.
Faye Mishna, dean and professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto,
said if youngsters are to be encouraged to come forward, there also needs to be an atmosphere that's
conducive to having kids speak out.
"It can't be a one-off. It has to be an ongoing education and climate where the message is: 'We don't accept
this. And if this happens and we see this, we're going to report it, because we want to protect others,'" said
Mishna.
"If that's the climate, it's going to be easier for that child to do it. If that's not the climate...it's going to be
much harder and it's going to take a very special kid to be able to do that and that's the problem.
"We need to set up an environment at home and in school where you don't have to be a very special, one-in-amillion kid that can do it; you want to make it so that it's easier for all of them to do that."
Pepler said discussions that parents have with kids about bullying should be a conversation, not an
interrogation, adding that it's important to listen to kids and aid them in making wise decisions to help them
"find and maintain a moral compass."
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Mississauga
Page 2 of 2
She suggested drawing on cases of bullying in the headlines as an opening for discussion on how kids would
cope under similar circumstances.
"You can ask those kind of questions and not questions that make the youth feel defensive....(such as): 'Has
this happened to you? Have you done it?' But more curiosity questions about: 'How does this happen? Why
would young people do that? Why do they feel they need to pass it on? What don't they understand about how
hurtful this is?'"
Mishna said parents can take preventative measures in engaging their children in wider discussions surrounding
technology. Having kids demonstrate a new app or another aspect of their gadget can be a jumping-off point for
talking about the benefits and risks of digital tools, she noted.
"I think it's good to start (the dialogue) in a non-threatening way — not just about the fears and the dangers,
but just about the reality of it," said Mishna.
"At the same time, there has to be open communication, so that the child knows that it's important that they
tell their parents something really difficult, like they just saw something on a cellphone. That they can trust that
their parent won't just get mad or react, but they'll actually help them sort it out."
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BramptonGuardian
Page 1 of 1
Grits report grad rate increase
By ROGER BELGRAVE
April 16, 2013
Ontario’s Liberal government reported the
province’s high school graduation rate continues
to rise.
Last year, 83 per cent of Ontario high school
students graduated, according to the Ministry of
Education. This is the eighth consecutive year
graduation numbers have shown an increase in
the province.
The Liberals noted the latest figures represent a
15 per cent jump from the 2003/2004 rate of 68
per cent— when the party was first elected to
power under former premier Dalton McGuinty.
The government believes this translates into
115,500 more students graduating than would
have been the case if the rate remained
unchanged from the 3003/2004 level.
“The increase in the graduation rate represents
Grad increase. Ontario’s Liberal government reported the province’s
115,500 lives that have been changed for the
high school graduation rate continues to rise. Last year, 83 per cent
better,” remarked Education Minister Liz Sandals
of Ontario high school students graduated, according to the Ministry
in a news release. “These are students who are
of Education.
in a better position to succeed today because
they have graduated, and I am proud of the
efforts that teachers, principals, support staff
and parents have made to help these students
succeed.”
The Grits also insist this rise in diploma achievement is validation of the government’s Student Success strategy
that includes programs such as the Specialist High Skills Majors, which allows students to focus courses and
training towards a particular post-secondary or career path.
Ontario’s Liberal government had originally set a target to have 85 per cent of the province’s high school
students graduating by the end of the 2010/2011 school year. They continue to express a commitment to
achieving that provincewide graduation rate, but have discarded any target date for reaching that goal.
The Progressive Conservative Party continues to criticize the Liberals for missing the graduation target promised
and for reporting graduation rates based on five years of high school, when the system was changed to a fouryear diploma model in 2003.
According to the Ministry of Education, last year’s graduation rate, based on the four-year high school career,
was actually 74 per cent.
Starting next September, to encourage school boards to get students graduated and on to post-secondary
studies, apprenticeships or the workforce in four years, the government will begin to limit funding for students
who return to high school to upgrade or earn additional credits after receiving a diploma.
Peel District School Board administrators recently expressed disappointment with this government push to
graduate high school students before some may be ready the transition and the decision to reduce funding for
those who return to earn more than 34 course credits.
Last year, according to the Peel board, 89 per cent of its high school students graduated after five years.
This article is for personal use only courtesy of BramptonGuardian.com - a division of Metroland Media Group Ltd.
http://www.bramptonguardian.com/print/1605453
4/17/2013
Teachers must do their part to preserve Catholic education
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Teachers must do their part to preserve Catholic education
Written by Evan Boudreau, The Catholic Register
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9
Saturday, 13 April 2013 11:19
MISSISSAUGA, ONT - Teachers need to know that
beyond their value of passing along Catholic
teachings, they have a key responsibility in
ensuring the very survival of the Catholic
education system, says an American educator.
On April 3, Fr. Tony Ricard told teachers with the
Dufferin- Peel Catholic District School Board that
they play a vital role in Catholic education.
“I focused on why parents send their children
into Catholic schools,” said the development
director and director of campus ministry at St.
Augustine High School in New Orleans in an
interview with The Catholic Register.
“It’s mainly because they want their child to be in
an environment where they’re surrounded by
faith. Their child is able to express their faith,
they’re able to hear adults expressing their faith
and they don’t have to feel ashamed because
they want to be in a presence where Christ is the
overwhelming feeling.
Fr. Tony Ricard told Catholic teachers that they must
help in preserving the Catholic education system.
- Photo courtesy of Fr. Tony Ricard
“So I reminded teachers of the fact that when parents put their child in a Catholic school they want their
child to be able to be in an environment where they are free to express their love for God.”
According to Ricard, even though many students in Ontario’s Catholic schools aren’t Catholic, or even
Christian, the majority of their parents send them to Catholic school for the environment of free faithexpression.
Ricard, who’s given talks in Canada more than 20 times since being ordained in 1995, spoke at St.
Edmund Campion Secondary School. Originally his talk was to be directed towards parents but when
the turnout proved to be dominated by educators he shifted his focus slightly to address the
responsibility of teachers.
“God has put those teachers in those classrooms for a very specific reason,” he said. “If we stand aside
and knowingly allow someone to hurt the faith development of a child because they are dealing with
their own issues I fully believe that we are going to have to account for that when we get to the
kingdom of heaven.”
Ricard says harm to faith development occurs through oppression of expression, lack of engagement
and the rejection of exploratory questions. He said the root cause of this is fear of straying from what
is considered politically correct by the secular masses.
“The biggest threat is a lack of courageous teachers, …. faith- filled courageous teachers that are
willing to stand up on behalf of the children and say what needs to be said,” Ricard said.
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“We are all so worried about everybody’s feelings that sometimes they’re afraid to just say what they
need to say.”
Ricard did sympathize with today’s teachers, especially those here in Ontario, who are constantly under
tighter restrictions and burdened with greater expectations from school boards, government and
parents.
This was echoed by Mary Connor-Brooks, a 32-year Catholic educator and current chaplaincy leader at
St. Edmund Campion, who welcomed Ricard’s blunt reminder.
“Any of our roles in life, whether it is parenting or teaching or whatever our role is, I think we need a
little bit of a reminder every once in a while, a little bit of a shake up, because we get very caught up in
our day- to-day expectations of ourselves and the kids we work with,” said Connor-Brooks. “We have
to remind ourselves that aside from the curriculum, we have a very different role in education in
Catholic schools. He certainly very very bluntly reminds us of that message.”
http://www.catholicregister.org/news/toronto-gta/item/16149-teachers-must-do-their-part-t... 4/16/2013
Teachers must do their part to preserve Catholic education
She also noted that while some may think Ricard himself is only adding additional expectations onto
teachers, Connor-Brooks feels that he doesn’t expect anything of Catholic teachers that he doesn’t
expect of himself.
And if you are a Catholic school teacher unwilling or unable to meet those expectations Ricard has the
solution for you — get out.
“If they’re teaching in a Catholic school then they need to want to teach in a Catholic school,” he said.
“If a teacher doesn’t want to do that then literally I say get the hell out of our school because you are
not focusing on Jesus. You are bringing about the power of the devil and what is the devil but the
power of hell, so get the hell out of our schools.”
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1 comment
Saturday, 13 April 2013 12:45
posted by Liam
Comment Link
I am nearing retirement, but am watching many younger teacher colleagues struggling to
enter this vocation, and notice that little heed is paid to Catholicity when hiring. The
emphasis is on sports and on filling coaching positions, even to the neglect of academic
http://www.catholicregister.org/news/toronto-gta/item/16149-teachers-must-do-their-part-t... 4/16/2013