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Wednesday, 15 June 2016 18:06

Prince Charles Relay for Life

Prince Charles Public School in Verona held their 8th annual Relay for Life fund-raising event last Friday, June 10, under the brilliant late spring sunshine.

Cam Whalen, who co-ordinates student relay events for the Canadian Cancer Society in eastern Ontario, was on hand for the opening of the event.

He said that Prince Charles is one of only two elementary schools in the entire region that holds an event, along with Winston Churchill in Kingston.

He told the students that over eight years they have raised over $15,000 to go towards cancer research.

“While it takes millions to find a cure, sometimes small grants have big results,” he said, and talked about a new treatment that will soon be available that uses a virus that eats cancer cells but is benign otherwise.

“The original grant for that project was for $25,000,” he said, “so the money you have raised really does lead to cures.”

Prince Charles principal, Peter Dendy, said that at the kickoff assembly for relay this year, before the pledge sheets were handed out and students were told how to go about getting sponsors, he asked the students to raise their hands if they knew of anyone in their family who had been affected by cancer.

“Ninety-five percent of you raised your hands,” he told the students, “so you all know what this is about.”

Before the students started to walk around the school’s track for the afternoon, a Survivors’ lap was completed by Joyce Dendy, Peter's mother, and Doug McIntyre, who is a very popular crossing guard at Prince Charles.

The students all joined in after the first lap. Over 100 students participated in the rally.

The tally of the amount raised has not been completed yet, but will be available within a week.

Published in SOUTH FRONTENAC
Wednesday, 15 June 2016 17:43

Mark Quattrocchi's 2 Year Bicycle Oddysey

When Dorothy Quattrocchi, who is originally from Sharbot Lake, made a presentation in February to elementary students at Granite Ridge Education Centre about her son Mark's two-year bicycle odyssey around the world, she promised she would ask him to stop by the school on his way through at the end of the trip.

Last Thursday, June 9, after peddling through the rain 150 kilometres from Peterborough the day before, Mark made good on the promise.

It helped that his mother had booked a room for him at the Sharbot Lake Country Inn - certainly a step up from the daily ritual of finding a place to stay or to pitch a tent in parts of the world he was visiting for the first time in his life.

In the past two years, Mark travelled north and east from the island of Hainan, in China, across China before turning south to go through India, and then north and east before crossing the Mediterranean from Italy. He then travelled due south through East Africa to Capetown, South Africa, after which he flew to Argentina and made his way northwards until he reached Rideau Ferry last Saturday, about 23 months and a shade under 35,000 kilometres after he set out on July 7, 2014.

Why did he do it? He describes it on his website oneadventureplease.com in this way: “A journey of grand proportions. One of personal designation and infatuation with our spinning world. To share and experience the road less travelled. One of the glorious unknown.”

It was not the first adventure for Mark, who had spent two years teaching English in Hainan but was looking for something different.

The trip was partly about adventure and self-discovery and partly a fund-raising campaign. The element of self-discovery was exemplified in Mark's periodic blogs from the diverse countries and communities he visited. When asked by the students at GREC which was his favourite country he did not hesitate, naming Kyrgyzstan, the second country he travelled through after a long cycle through China. He met some of the last of the world's nomadic peoples there, and was taken with the level of hospitality he received there.

“They welcome you in for ‘chai’ at any meeting and often ask you to spend the night in their home. The simple offerings mean more than just fresh bread, noodles, mutton and tea. Islamic teachings mixed with nomadic kindness is a vibrant combination. Pride and hospitality. It is the way of their world,” he wrote in his blog at the time.

The insights he gained from the Kyrgyzstanis was also captured: “Life can take us in a spaghetti bowl of lines. It is up to us to figure out which strands of life we connect with the most. To follow the lines that make ourselves and those around us feel the happiest. Life has no one set purpose, but is made up of a multitude of layers. The freedom of this reality is ours for taking. It is never too late. As terrifying as it may seem. Follow those dreams.”

The fund-raising element of the trip was based on Mark's determination to visit projects of Free the Children, a charity founded by Canadian's Craig and Marc Kielburger. He wanted to mark his visits to the projects by raising $50,000 to build schools for five different projects: in China, India, Kenya, Ecuador and Nicaragua. As his voyage was coming to an end, one of the schools was already built; three were under construction; and he was still working on raising the last few thousand dollars needed for the fifth school, in Nicaragua.

At GREC, Mark talked about his trip, what it taught him about himself and about the world, and then he asked the students if they had any questions.

Hands shot up. The questions were about the food he ate, the dangers he faced, the hardest day on his trip, the best day on his trip. There was not enough time to answer them all before he was scheduled to head over to St. James Catholic School to talk to students there.

His mother Dorothy was with him, happy to have him home safe and sound, and visibly proud of her renegade son as well.

What's next for Mark Quattrocchi?

Another adventure of one kind or another, no doubt.    

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC
Wednesday, 15 June 2016 17:40

NAEC features art at Bon Echo

For the first time, 10 North Addington Education Centre photography students will be featuring their photography and graphic art in the Bon Echo Art Exhibition and Sale. Students have been collecting photos they’ve taken in and outside of their photography class to submit for this show. The photos range from beautiful perspectives of our Canadian landscape, to abstract light graffiti pieces.

This is not the first time NAEC students have had their art displayed for the community to see. Thirteen students had 18 photographs of 50 entries from all participating schools selected for the Students’ Spring Art Exhibition 2016 at the Lennox and Addington County General Hospital, in Napanee.

"It is an amazing opportunity for us to be able to show off our photography," said Terri-Lynn, "I am thrilled that I can show my photographs to the community!"

Come visit their booth at the Bon Echo Art Exhibition and Sale on July 22, 23 and 24!

Published in ADDINGTON HIGHLANDS
Wednesday, 15 June 2016 17:37

Loughbrough Public School

Actors in the production of an original play, the Inspector General, performed it for school mates and their parents last Friday, September 10.

The play was written by dramatist Christine Harvey and the Not So Amateur Amateur Theatre from Inverary, who spent a week at Loughborough working with the students.

The play is loosely based on Nickolai Gogol's satirical play, The Government Inspector, a Russian masterwork originally published in 1836. Amazingly enough, a tale of municipal corruption from old Russia was easily understandable not only by the actors from the intermediate grades, but even students in the audience who were in primary grades seemed to understand. Under Harvey's constant encouragement, the actors delivered their lines with verve, and the audience response was enthusiastic.

Published in SOUTH FRONTENAC
Wednesday, 01 June 2016 18:33

NAEC student Designing for the Ages

On May 26, Natalie Reynolds was recognized for her outstanding design of the Clarendon and Miller Community Archives logo. Brenda Martin, the chairperson for the CMCA, awarded Natalie with a booklet of samples of the logo on brochures, buttons and an image of the logo on the official sign in Plevna. Reynolds’ logo is also being used on the CMCA website. This logo was created for the ten-year anniversary and was unveiled at the anniversary event. The CMCA and community are very excited about this new logo as it captures what they want to represent; the preservation of history in Clarendon and Miller. Reynolds, a grade 11 Graphic Arts student at North Addington Education Centre, also won gold for Graphic Design Presentation at this year’s Limestone District School Board Skills Competition and went on to compete provincially in Waterloo. Check out Natalie’s logo at http://www.clarmillarchives.ca.

Published in ADDINGTON HIGHLANDS

The Sydenham High School School to Community class qualified for the provincial school championships, which is put on by Special Olympics Ontario each year at this time.

The team, which is coached by teacher Pietro Cutrona, won a tournament in Kingston two weeks ago and heard last week that they have been invited to compete at the provincial championships, along with 600 other athletes from schools across Ontario. In addition to soccer, competitions in bocce ball, floor hockey, basketball, and track and field will be contested at the three-day event, which takes place in Oshawa this week.

“The students are very excited about going to Oshawa. We are going by train and for some of them it is the first time they have taken the train. Also there are opening ceremonies at the games, which will be exciting, and then there is the competition,” said teacher Karl Hammer, who will be accompanying the students to the games.

After losing out to Regiopolis at the Kingston Area Secondary Schools Athletic Association (KASSAA) final in a 5-4 squeaker on May 19, the Sydenham High School senior girls soccer team regrouped, and less than a week later they were crowned champions of the AA Eastern Ontario Secondary School Athletics Association (EOSSA) soccer championship.

This week, the team is headed to North Bay for the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) finals, which run from today (June 2) until Saturday.

The SHS girls will play at 11 this morning and 3:30 this afternoon, and at 11am and 2:30pm on Friday.

If they survive the round-robin round, they will play in the medal round on Saturday.

EOSSA track and field medalists

A number of SHS athletes finished on the podium at the EOSSA track meet in Kingston last week.

Among the medals there was some gold. Gold medalists included Shirley Hughes in the ambulatory 100 metre dash; Brianna Clow in the I&D 100 metre dash; Simon Cook in the 100 metre men’s midget hurdles event; Jaden Collier in midget men's high jump; and multi-gold medal winner Liam Sands in the Junior men 100 and 300 metre hurdles events.

SHS is sending eight individual athletes and two relay teams to the OFSAA track meet.

SHS EOSSA medalists

Junior women 80 metre hurdles: Brianna Burgess, 3rd 13.09

Junior women 300 metre hurdles: Brianna Burgess, 2nd 49.41

Junior women 4x100 metre relay 3rd 54.48

Ambulatory women 100 metre dash: Shirley Hughes, 1st 17.87

I&D Disabilities women 100 metre dash: Brianna Clow, 1st 16.37

Midget men 100 metre hurdles: Simon Cook, 1st 15.31

Midget men 100 metre hurdles: Nick Vankoughnett, 3rd 15.96

Midget men high jump: Jaden Collier, 1st 1.80 metres

Junior men 100 metre hurdles: Liam Sands, 1st 14.40

Junior men 300 metre hurdles: Liam Sands, 1st 41.65

Junior men 4x100 metre hurdles, 3rd 46.91

Junior men high jump junior: Matt Caird, 2nd 1.65 metres

Senior men 800 metre run: Brady Robertson, 3rd 1:57.50

Senior men 4x100 metre relay: 2nd 44.68

Open men 4x400 metre relay: 3rd 3:31.44

Combined team events: Junior - 3rd place

Combined team scores: Ambulatory - 1st place

Published in SOUTH FRONTENAC
Wednesday, 25 May 2016 20:33

Tall Tails at NAEC

NAEC has started a program called “Tall Tails: Stories with Chiclet”. Students will meet with Therapy Dog Chiclet and her handler, Mrs. Decou, for approximately 15-20 minutes per week to read stories aloud.

Chiclet is a 4-year-old Newfoundland dog, which has passed an intensive assessment process to become a Certified Therapy Dog with St. John Ambulance. As well as having professional qualifications, Chiclet has a sweet, gentle personality. Students read aloud to Chiclet in a safe, relaxing and non-judgemental environment. This is particularly suitable for students who are self-conscious about reading aloud in front of their classmates. As they progress, their reading improves because they are practicing their skills, building self-esteem, and associating reading with something pleasant.

Chiclet has all her vaccinations, and is clean and well-groomed. She is also in a location in the school where anyone with allergies or anxieties will never even see her. Chiclet has been participating in the program since just after Christmas, and students are really enjoying their time reading to her.

Published in ADDINGTON HIGHLANDS
Wednesday, 25 May 2016 20:26

Limestone Student Achiever Awards

The Limestone District School Board honoured 14 dedicated and compassionate young people with Limestone Student Achievers Awards for their outstanding achievements. The 2016 honorees have made significant contributions and accomplishments throughout their high school careers, both in their school and throughout the broader community. Congratulations to all recipients.

16 21 limestone adamsNick Adams - Sydenham High School

Nick Adams is a true leader, a visionary and an all-around excellent young man. He broke two school records in Track and has medalled at KASSAA and EOSSA for both cross country and track. Nick has always been a strong student academically and athletically but it’s in other, less recognized ways, that Nick truly shines. He is a modest yet effective leader at Sydenham High School. He is known for taking initiative to seek out areas that need improvement, constructing plans to address these needs and seeing these plans to successful completion. Nick is always the first choice to be the master of ceremonies for school assemblies and events and he does so with wit and charm and a commanding presence. He will happily and effectively be another student’s campaign manager in the race for Co-President of Student Council. Nick is always looking to fix problems and to help others. He is always working on plans and strategies to help those less fortunate in food drives or fundraising for Syrian Refugees. When some of our students were in an accident this year, Nick was the first one at the hospital offering support in any way he could. Nick is also an integral member of the school’s Red Cross team, which works to prevent bullying and create a positive school climate. When asked to peer tutor other students he always agrees and is the most patient, clear and empathetic teacher to his fellow students.

16 21 limestone teal

 Riley Teal - Granite Ridge Education Centre

You have all heard, “It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s Superman!” Let us introduce you to Granite Ridge Education Centre’s Superman. His name is Riley Teal and although he cannot fly, his personal qualities make him heroic to a number of people in the classroom, on the court or field, and in the community. Academically speaking, Riley excels in all subject areas. His strong work ethic propels him to the front of the class. Like Clarke Kent, his demeanour in class may seem reserved and quiet, but do not let his mild manner mislead you, as he possesses superior learning skills. Riley is very diligent with his work. He takes initiative in what he is doing and is very thorough in all of his assignments. He may not be able to leap buildings in a single bound, but he did complete an entire week’s worth of math homework in Grade 9 in one single night. Riley sets an extremely high standard for other students in his grade. When receiving their results for the OSSLT, his classmates would ask, “Was I close to Riley?” This young man has received numerous subject awards and was the recipient of the proficiency trophy in Grade 9, 10 and 11: Riley has his sights set on attaining this for Grade 12 as well. Riley is conscientious, and a creative problem-solver. He can work in any group and can bind any team. The reference to a superhero is not accidental. A spectator can easily spot Riley on the court as he wears his trademark superman socks during the volleyball and basketball games. Given the opportunity, he would wear them during soccer, track and hardball games, as he is actively involved in all aspects of athletics. Last year, he organized three-pitch softball intramurals at lunch for the secondary students. For each team, he is a dedicated and competitive player while respecting the rules and players of the game. He is extremely coachable, winning four coach’s awards during his three years as a Gryphon. He leads by example on the court and on the field. His leadership skills extend beyond athletics and encompass the entire school and community. Riley is an active and dedicated member of the District #4 Recreation Committee and a dependable participant/volunteer for the Relay for Life. He has submitted over 200 community volunteer hours.

16 21 limestone tryon

Andre Tryon - North Addington Education Centre

At North Addington Education Centre, we are fortunate enough to watch as small children grow into capable young adults prepared to face the future. Andre Tryon is a wonderful example of our good fortune. If there is something happening at NAEC, you can expect to find Andre working behind the scenes or upfront directing the action. As a leader and a role model, Andre’s experiences are far-reaching—literally. Last year, Andre became interested in an exchange with a student from Italy. Andre had to take an extra course load last year to ensure he would graduate this year; he did this with no reservation. While Illya visited Canada, Andre was a wonderful ambassador, and while on exchange, Andre shared his experiences in a weekly on-line forum with our Writers’ Craft class—this became a valuable learning experience for everyone. In the area of athletics, Andre has not only shown himself as a skilled and recognized hockey player outside of school, he is also a hard-working, capable athlete on the volleyball court where, this year, he served as our captain. In addition to his own skills, he is committed to helping provide athletic opportunities for others. Andre helps organize a weekly volleyball evening so students can be active all year, and led a lunchtime program aimed at developing athletes in the elementary part of our school. Oftentimes, Andre would play alongside our young athletes as he modelled good sportsmanship, a positive attitude and a genuine commitment to having fun. Andre is also committed to our school as a whole. This year, he is co-president of our students’ council; last year he was the council’s vice president. Andre often makes us wonder how he finds time and energy for everything. His work with our local volunteer fire department has led him to participate in numerous courses and certifications. This, in addition to school, athletics and a part-time job make Andre a very busy young man. Andre’s efforts are not limited to helping others. He has maintained a high academic average throughout high school and has been recognized with numerous proficiency awards. Andre has also participated in the Limestone Skills Competition. His gold medal win in Kingston allowed him to represent Limestone at the provincial level. The scope of his abilities is almost limitless.

Published in General Interest
Wednesday, 18 May 2016 16:45

NAEC students attend sweat lodge

A group of 22 NAEC students and 4 staff went to a Sweat Lodge ceremony in Inverary at the home of Bernard and Tammy Nelson, on April 29. There was no cost for this trip, as it was paid for by NAEC’s “Speak Up” grant. The Sweat Lodge ceremony is a First Nations ceremony designed to promote personal and spiritual well-being. It combines story-telling, prayer and steam in a holistic approach. The students and staff were educated on the background of the Sacred Fire and the Sweat Lodge. The Sacred Fire is started several hours before the ceremony, and watched over by the fire keeper. The stones, which are placed in the Sweat Lodge and given water to drink (which creates steam), are called the Grandfathers and Grandmothers. They were introduced by the fire keeper, Burk Donio, and Lucas Parks accepted them and placed them in the centre of the lodge.

By a strange twist of fate, one of the students, Emma Fuller, realized that she was in the former home of her great grandfather and great grandmother. This added a layer of meaning to the ceremony, which honours family members.

As well as participating in the Sweat Lodge ceremony, the student helped prepare a feast. Because of Emma Fuller’s connection to the location, she was asked to prepare the Spirit Plate. This consists of a small sample from each dish, sprinkled with tobacco and offered to the Sacred Fire.

Published in ADDINGTON HIGHLANDS
Wednesday, 18 May 2016 15:59

NAEC loses a valuable community partner

The North Addington community is saddened by the passing of Chris Curtis. Chris was the operator of Curtis Trailers in Kaladar and passed away due to injuries sustained in an unfortunate fire at his place of business. He has been a supporter to our local youth by employing cooperative education students from North Addington Education Centre since he started operating Curtis Trailers. In the past eight years alone, Chris has employed eight of our students. Because of Chris, some of our students are working in welding and other related trades.

Chris Curtis was definitely a teacher at large in our community. He believed in the success of each student and did everything in his power to make sure they had the needed resources and support. He was always willing to help out, and Chris never hesitated when asked if he would take a co-op student. The answer was always “Yes, when can they start?”

In addition to co-op, Curtis provided expertise to our welding and manufacturing classes, and assisted in obtaining material for projects and classes. He never overlooked an opportunity to help his alma mater.

Chris Curtis was a valuable community partner to North Addington Education Centre's cooperative education and technology programs and he will be greatly missed.

Published in ADDINGTON HIGHLANDS
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