School spotlight

December 6, 2021—This September, the Sophiasburg Central School Grade 7/8 class received new ukeleles through the fund-raising efforts of their school council. Weeks later, music teacher Misu Burns registered the class to participate in the CBC Music Class Challenge performing Ginalina’s “Small But Mighty”.

Enlisting support from Grade 3/4 teacher Sam Hirst and student father Caleb Hutton at Back 40 Productions, Burns’ small team took on the large job of creating a video entry for the contest, while following all necessary COVID-19 safety protocols.

Hirst also taught her class sign language, which accompanies the singers in the video. Burns taught the other participating classes a combination of singing, playing ukulele and movement.

“Learning Ginalina’s Small But Mighty for the CBC Music Class Challenge was indeed a challenge,” shared Burns, “but it also proved to be very rewarding, as the students improved with each class and all their hard work really paid off. Our school may be small but we are mighty in heart and spirit!”

The CBC Music Class Challenge 2021 Top Tens in all categories will be announced on Tuesday, December 7. Winners will be declared on Tuesday, December 14.

November 22, 2021–At 6:00 PM on Thursday, November 25, Centennial Secondary School is hosting a virtual information night about the CSS Arts Program. All are welcome to attend to learn more about the program.

Centennial Secondary’s Arts Program is an enriched program for young artists who want to be surrounded with like-minded thinkers to further develop and pursue a variety of arts skills. The Arts Program is a unique, full-year program that integrates multiple arts: Drama, Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, and Visual Arts. Students will focus on one of the four arts disciplines, which will be deemed their “Major”, and will have the opportunity to experience all four arts disciplines, culminating with an integrated, collaborative project.

Virtual Information Night: Thursday November 25th @ 6 PM  meet.google.com/ket-xase-yqy

October 21, 2021—Eastside Secondary School is hosting a virtual information night for families interested in learning more about the Foundations and International Baccalaureate Programmes offered at the school. Both programs offer enriched courses that combine classroom and experiential learning.

• The Foundations Programme is for students in Grades 9 and 10
• The International Baccalaureate Programme is for students in Grades 11 and 12

The virtual information night takes place Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at 6:00 PM on Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/new-qsgu-trf

September 22, 2021

On Tuesday, September 28 at 6:00 PM, HPE Schools families are invited to participate in a virtual information session to uncover the importance of destreaming and how it will impact secondary school students. While the information session is targeted to Grade 9 students, any families wishing to learn more about destreaming are welcome to attend.

The information session features a special guest host, Jason To, a high school mathematics teacher, who serves as a Coordinator of Secondary Mathematics for the Toronto District School Board supporting inclusive math education with a focus on destreaming. In the virtual information session, Jason will explore the new Ontario Grade 9 destreamed math curriculum with families and answer their questions.

To receive a link to the information session, please RSVP by September 26 at https://bit.ly/3tDLtxo

September 7, 2021—The start of a new school year is always filled with anticipation and excitement. This year that is especially true for students, families and staff in Central Hastings communities.

On September 7, 2021 the newly-named Central Hastings School opened as a K-12 school. This revitalized learning environment amalgamates two schools: Madoc Public School, which closed at the end of June 2021, and Centre Hastings Secondary School, which served students in Grades 9-12. CHS enrolment is presently at 800 students.

“We are pleased and excited to be able to start our new school year in this beautifully renovated space. The staff of CHS are ready to welcome students back to in-person learning in our new K-12 school,” said Katherine MacIver, Director of Education.

In March 2018, HPEDSB received $5.8 million in Ministry of Education funding, with an additional $2.7 million in April 2020, to consolidate Madoc Public School and Centre Hastings Secondary School to create a K-12 school. 

• Three major construction/renovations projects approved

The project involved constructing a two-room Kindergarten addition, as well as renovations within the school and improvements to the school grounds. 

Principals Kim Reid and Dayna Scaletta, both of whom were at the two schools previously and are well-known in the community, will share responsibility for leading this school year. 

All CHS staff are excited to work together to support students from the Central Hastings area in the new and improved school.

Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board (HPEDSB) serves approximately 14,700 students each day at 39 in-person schools (32 elementary, two K-12; four 7-12, one secondary) and a K-10 virtual school. Supporting student achievement is the goal of approximately 1,800 teaching and support staff who, in addition to the contributions of caring volunteers and community partners, share their passion for teaching and learning. The district covers a geographic area of 7,220 square kilometres bordered by Maynooth to the north, Deseronto to the east, Prince Edward County to the south and Quinte West to the west.

For more information, please contact Kerry Donnell, Communications and Privacy Manager, 613-966-1170, extension 62354, or 613-847-0696, or [email protected]

June 10, 2021

Many secondary student artists from across our school board will be celebrated next week for their outstanding creations this school year. 

Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board (HPEDSB) will host the first ever Virtual Secondary Arts Show, titled “Art in the Pandemic” on Thursday, June 17 at 6:30 PM. The traditional Secondary Arts Show would have seen its 32nd annual gallery event last spring, with a showcase of exceptional student artwork displayed at the John M. Parrott Art Gallery in the Belleville Public Library. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was unfortunately cancelled. 

This year, in an effort to get ahead of the uncertainty of pandemic restrictions, a small committee decided early in 2021 to plan for a virtual arts show this year. The theme “Art in the Pandemic” was chosen to encompass both artwork that is directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic, but also includes artwork that was created during this unique school year. This year’s virtual event will be livestreamed on the board YouTube channel, showcasing student artwork in a video format.

We extend an open invitation to our HPEDSB community members and hope that you can join us as we celebrate and appreciate the outstanding artwork of our secondary student artists!

When? Thursday, June 17 at 6:30 PM

Where? https://bit.ly/VirtalArtShow

May 19, 2021—Matt Ronan, Teacher and Guidance leader, is this year’s recipient of the Ontario Guidance Leadership Association‘s prestigious Joanne Twist Award.

The award was established in honour of Joanne Twist and is presented annually to an Ontario educator who best exemplifies contributions as an advocate for Guidance programming in secondary schools. Joanne Twist provided many years of important leadership in the field of Guidance in Ontario. She demonstrated the vision that a skilled, informed, compassionate Guidance teacher can have the most profound effect on both the student and the education system. She modeled principled leadership based on coordinating and facilitating, always focused on team contributions, bringing together and motivating people with her expertise, sincerity, passion and energy.

Matt Ronan has been an advocate for student success throughout his career in a variety of roles, including classroom teacher, teaching at SHAPE (alternative education program that assists students to attain credits when the traditional high school setting is not working for them), collaborating with Loyalist College to establish dual credit programs, and Head of Guidance at several high schools.

Most recently, Ronan took on the ambitious role of guidance leadership to support the roll-out of a new HPEDSB virtual school. His vision and implementation of Guidance work with the creation of the virtual school was invaluable. When learning new platforms, instituting new practices, implementing new curriculum or guiding documents, Ronan collaborated across the school system, connecting with other Guidance leaders to seek advice and provide support.

Congratulations, Matt, on this incredible accomplishment and thank you for your dedication to HPEDSB students!

For more information, please contact:
Kerry Donnell, Communications Manager, 613-966-1170, extension 62354, or 613-847-0696, [email protected]

May 13, 2021

After being cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Skills Ontario Competition was held virtually this year, with students competing in various categories from mid-April to May. Today, the awards and closing ceremonies marked the end of the 2021 competition. Although no awards were taken home this year, students from two HPEDSB secondary schools participated in the competition and are recognized for their efforts and dedication, performing admirably despite the challenges of preparing for the competition during the suspension of in-person learning.

From Bayside Secondary School, under the guidance of teacher Mark Adams:

• Raina Bernard & Addyson Stewart – 2D Character Animation team of 2
• Alicia Cannon & Ashdenn Mitchell-Bingley – 2D Character Animation team of 2
• Joey Clark – Graphic Design Presentation
• Alexander Collins – Photography
• Olivia Luong – Photography

From Prince Edward Collegiate Institute, under the guidance of teacher Hillary Ann Clarke:

• Tekla Petit – Photography

Congratulations to the teachers and students who participated in this year’s Skills Ontario Competition. We’re proud of you!

The Virtual Skills Ontario Showcase and Closing Ceremonies will be available to view for the next 90 days on the Skills Ontario website.

QRSTF Press release (pdf) 

Welcome to the Quinte Regional Science and Technology Fair 2021, Virtual Edition!

Students have uploaded videos explaining their work along with slide shows, pictures and
graphics all displayed in a slick interface that allows easy access to all elements of their projects.
In addition, they were each interviewed by telephone.

And it was a real test of perseverance to not only complete a science project but also to
navigate a cranky new registration system. So… accolades go to all who managed to complete
and upload their great displays. Congratulations also to Youth Science Canada for the provision
of the truly great online platform used by the participants.

This year we had a large pool of experienced enthusiastic judges, including his Worship Mayor
Mitch Panciuk, examine the projects. They had difficult decisions to make.
There were a lot of prizes and special awards that were available due to the generosity of local
individuals and businesses. They continue to provide opportunities for our amazing students to
display their creativity and brilliance. Projects can be viewed at
https://projectboard.world/ysc/regional and select Quinte.

The results of this Saturdays judging follow:
Best in Grade 4: Free Fall Balloons, Ares Worsley, Bird’s Creek Public School, Grade 4
Best in Grade 5: Masking More Than Just Germs, Emily Hudacin, Harmony P.S. Grade 5
Best in Grade 6: Snowbot Surya Narayan Santhakumar – HPE Virtual School Grade 6
Best in Grade 7: The Study of How Students Learn Best – Luisa McGilly, Taguen Tsokos – St. Paul Catholic S.S. Grade 7
Best in Grade 8: MENTAL LOOP: Mental Health during the Pandemic -Emma Cribby – St. Joseph Catholic School Grade 8
Best in Grades 9-12: The Increased Concussion Risk of the Dehydrated Brain – Jay Solomon – Eastside Secondary School – Grade 10
Best in Fair Junior: Snowbot Surya Narayan Santhakumar – HPEDSB Virtual School Grade 6
Best in Fair Intermediate: MENTAL LOOP: Mental Health during the Pandemic -Emma Cribby – St. Joseph Catholic School Grade 8
Best in Fair Senior: The Increased Concussion Risk of the Dehydrated Brain – Jay Solomon – Eastside Secondary School – Grade 10

“The students continue to impress us every year”, stated Scott Berry, co-chair of QRSTF, “with their well-done projects and scientific research. We look forward to our in-person science fair next year at Loyalist College.”

Five students from our area will compete in this years Canada Wide Science Fair to be held virtually this year. From May 17-21 there will be a series of activities culminating in a competition for almost one million dollars in prize money. The Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF) is the country’s largest annual youth science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) event, bringing together top young scientists and their projects, selected from our national network of over 100 regional STEM fairs in every province and territory.

The students who are competing at the CWSF this year are:

1. The Increased Concussion Risk of the Dehydrated Brain   –  Jay Solomon  – Eastside Secondary School – Grade 10
2. Fire Feuds – Fire vs Liquids  –  Nina Graciano  – HPEDSB  Virtual School – Grade 8
3. The Study of How Students Learn Best –-Luisa McGilly, Taguen Tsokos – St. Paul Catholic S.S. Grade 7
4. MENTAL LOOP: Mental Health during the Pandemic  – Emma Cribby – St. Joseph Catholic School Grade 8

Our awards presentation was displayed online on our social media platforms and on our website at www.qrstf.ca

We would like to thank all our sponsors, teachers, parents, judges, participants and the QRSTF committee for putting on an overwhelmingly successful science fair.

QRSTF Committee

April 6, 2021

In a recent media literacy unit, the Grade 4 class at Madoc Township Public School studied advertising and media strategies, with a focus on the images of people used in promotions. As students thought critically about the content, they began to draw connections between those depictions and themselves. The concept for the #perfectlyoriginal project began when a 9-year-old student asked, “Why don’t we use everyday people or regular people in the media?”

After further thought, she continued, “They are all regular people and editing makes them not regular.”

These ideas launched a deeper examination of how the media’s idealized portrayal of people negatively impacts the self-esteem of viewers who feel they are not as perfect as the images they see. What began as an analysis of how people are portrayed in the media, evolved into something much bigger than a simple lesson; students’ desire to share the message of loving yourself for who you are.

The class spent some time examining The Dove Real Beauty Pledge, a campaign by Dove, the personal care products company. Dove’s website states, “At Dove, we believe no young person should be held back from reaching their full potential. However, low body confidence and anxieties over appearance stop young people from being their best selves, affecting their health, friendships and even performance at school.”

This statement prompted another student to ask, “Aren’t we perfect just the way we are?”

The class agreed that the student was 100 percent correct. We are all perfect just the way we are. Keeping this in mind, they enthusiastically began a fun, unique project to promote positive self-esteem, individualism and the belief that there is nothing wrong with being yourself.

Teacher Angela Burr asked local professional photographer Shannon Cassidy, from Brome & Timothy Photography, to visit the classroom and photograph each student #editfree. Students took time to consider the features they found beautiful about themselves. With these thoughts as guidance, they designed their own photo shoot using props and handwritten cards with #hashtags they felt best represented them. Students felt vulnerable but also strong and empowered, as they saw themselves through a different lens being “#perfectlyoriginal”.

“Our project was a great learning experience, reinforcing that we can always accept ourselves as being perfect just the way we are,” said Burr. “We hope that others will enjoy the beauty of our #editfree photos and share their own pictures to build on the message that each of us is #perfectlyoriginal,” she added.

When asked what they took away from the project, students shared the following statements about their learning and new outlook:

“I am perfect just the way I am, and I feel good about who I am without being edited.”

“I learned about my true natural self.”

“Everyone is beautiful just the way they are.”

“I don’t need to change one thing about me.”

“Don’t judge yourself; you just need love yourself.”

“I am proud of what I see.”

“I learned I should love myself just the way I am.”

“Don’t be scared to be different; it’s good to be different.”

“I am beautiful just the way I am, and I do love myself. It’s true, I love my inside and out.”

Madoc Township Public School serves approximately 140 students from JK-Grade 8. It is situated in the picturesque, rural community of Madoc Township, and is surrounded by fields, farms and wetlands. It has a large playground, with a running track, soccer fields, ball diamonds and play structures. The school motto, “Friendship and Learning” is apparent every day in an environment where the focus is on high expectations for student learning and the HPEDSB Growing with Character attributes of caring, cooperation, honesty, humour, integrity, respect, responsibility and trustworthiness.

Contacts

• Angela Burr, Grade 4 Teacher, Madoc Township Public School, [email protected]
• Tera Brough, Principal, Madoc Township Public School, [email protected]

March 2, 2021 – Adult Education Students: Get a head start on college by doing a dual credit! Earn a high school credit AND a college credit from Loyalist College.

Course: Portfolio for Lifelong Learning – The portfolio for lifelong learning has many benefits, such as better adaptation to change and improved opportunities for employment and personal enrichment. This course will introduce learners to reflective practices as they relate to portfolio development and lifelong, life-wide learning. Learners will also develop an understanding of the various types of portfolios, their uses and the process for developing them.

Course runs March 23 to May 18, 2021

Tuesday and Thursday → 6pm to 9pm

Benefits of taking a dual credit: 

• Get a sense of expectations of a college credit, ease transition
• Access to learning sessions around pertinent topics such as OSAP
• Fee for college application is waived
• No cost to students

For more information, please contact Christine at [email protected]

February 19, 2021 – Parents/guardians and students are invited to attend a virtual information session about the Primary and Junior Adventure Class at Queen Victoria School for the 2021-2022 school year on Thursday, February 25 from 6:00-7:00 PM. Event link: http://bit.ly/QVS_AdventureClass

About Adventure Class

The Adventure Class is a unique education program where students in Grades 1-6 learn with the shared support of teachers, families and community.

Older students helping younger students, parents sharing their skills, hands-on activities, community outings and a focus on real-life learning and discovery. The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board’s Adventure Class at Queen Victoria School delivers standard Ontario curriculum in an innovative and alternative format. The program emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning, real life discovery and integrated life skills. A lively mix of ages, academic levels, skills and interests is further enriched by family and community involvement. The Adventure Class has now entered its third decade. The program offers a warm, family-like learning environment with an emphasis on sharing, cooperation and mutual support.

Adventure Class Brochure (pdf)

Find out more and get answers to your questions at the virtual Adventure Class Information Session on Thursday, February 25 from 6:00-7:00 PM. Event link: http://bit.ly/QVS_AdventureClass

February 3, 2021—The Student Leadership Program (Pdf) is for students in Grade 7 and 8 to gain valuable leadership skills through inquiry based learning. The SLP challenges students to develop their leadership skills on a school community and global platform.

Parents and students are invited to a virtual information night.

EVENT DETAILS 

DATE: Tuesday, February 16 , 2021
TIME: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

http://bit.ly/HPE_Leaders_QE 

About the Student Leadership Program
The Student Leadership Program is for students in Grade 7 and 8 to gain valuable leadership skills through inquiry based learning.

The SLP challenges students to develop their leadership skills on a school community and global platform. The SLP students will enhance their skills and knowledge by participating in a variety of workshops and certificate programs.

Learn more about the Student Leadership Program. Registration is required by Friday, February 26, 2021.

Program and registration questions:

• Principal at Queen Elizabeth School, 613-968-9173, queeneb.hpedsb.on.ca

February 3, 2021—The Destinations Program (Pdf) is for Grade 7 and 8 students who are innately curious and passionate about learning.

Parents and students are invited to an information night.

EVENT DETAILS

Queen Elizabeth School Information Night 

DATE: Tuesday, February 16, 2021
TIME: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
http://bit.ly/HPE_Destinations_QE

Susanna Moodie Elementary School Information Night

DATE: Tuesday, February 16, 2021
TIME: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
http://bit.ly/HPE_Destinations_SM

About the Destinations Program
The Destinations Program is for Grade 7 and 8 students who are innately curious and passionate about learning and leadership in the local, national and global contexts.

Deep learning experiences build on learner strengths and needs, create new knowledge using real-life problem solving, focus on digital fluency, and help all students identify their talents, purpose and passion.

Students will have opportunities to become active and responsible citizens who are globally minded and technologically savvy. In the Destinations classroom, students inspire and motivate each other to become life-long learners and proficient digital navigators. The program develops students who take steps to create a better and more peaceful world.

Learn more information about the Destinations Program. Registration in the program is required by Friday, February 26, 2021.

For more information, please contact:

Program and registration questions:

• Principal at Queen Elizabeth School, 613-968-9173, queeneb.hpedsb.on.ca
• Principal at Susanna Moodie Elementary School, 613-966-8186, smoodie.hpedsb.on.ca

January 25, 2021

Foxboro Public School received the following notice last week that students who participated in the Skills Ontario Paper Glider Competition 2020-21 won Silver in the Eastern Region competition and will be advancing to the Championship round in February. Congratulations to all the students and staff who worked on this project!

Excerpt from Skills Ontario letter to Foxboro PS:

Congratulations! On behalf of Skills Ontario, we are pleased to inform you that the submission from your school, FOXBORO PUBLIC SCHOOL for the Skills Ontario Paper Glider Competition 2020-21 has won the SILVER medal at the regional level of the competition from Eastern Region. All winners were announced on Thursday Jan 21, 2021. To view the announcement, visit: https://youtu.be/Jt3kVA1OlDw.

The team will now be advancing to the Championship round and compete against medalists from all the regions at elementary level. In this round, the submissions will be graded on how much weight their plane can hold. We are now tasking the students to test their plane’s strength by adding coins to their glider as weights. They are free to use their existing plane OR make a new one.

• • Team Member Registration Deadline: Feb 24, 2021 at 4:00pm
  • Championship Round Submissions Due: Feb 24, 2021 at 4:00pm
  • Championship Round Winners Announcement: March 11, 2021

More details on this announcement will be communicated closer to the announcement date.

Bayside Secondary School will be hosting two virtual Grade 8 information night for Bayside families.

Wednesday, January 13 at 7:00 PM (online) – English Program Information Night for Stirling PS, Frankford PS and other feeder school families.

Wednesday, January 20 at 7:00 PM (online) – French Immersion Program Information Night for Bayside PS and Harry J. Clarke families.

If you are interested in attending either of these information sessions via Google Meet, please email Jessica Francis at [email protected] to register. The sessions will also be recorded and posted on the school website.

Eastside Secondary School will be hosting a Virtual Grade 8 Parent’s night on January 13 at 6:00PM to provide families information about the school and Grade 9 registration. Please use the following the link to join that night. http://meet.google.com/wvf-jqji-hhs

December 7, 2020 – On Wednesday, December 16, Centre Hastings Secondary School is hosting an online grade 8 information night and virtual school tour from 6:00 – 7:00 PM. During the information night, there will be the opportunity for parents and students to ask questions using Google Meet.

For those unable to make the December meeting, a recording of the virtual tour and parent information are available on the school website.

CHSS information night flyer

November 4, 2020—On Thursday, November 26, 2020 at 6:00 PM, Eastside Secondary School is hosting a virtual session to share information about the Foundations and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.

All are welcome to participate in this Google Meet virtual session at 6:00 PM on Thursday, November 26, 2020.

To learn more before attending the information session, please watch the video created by Eastside Secondary students to get an overview of the IB program and the reasons they recommend it to other students.

For information, contact:
Janeen Ferriss, [email protected], 613-962-8668

November 2, 2020—November 2-6, 2020 is recognized as Treaties Recognition Week.

During Treaties Recognition Week, schools are encouraged to connect learning to this important part of history. Although most will see the connections in the Social Studies, History and Geography curriculum areas, many other subjects connect, such as Science, Math, Art, Computers and literacy areas.

Check out this online presentation to learn more.

In 2016, the Government of Ontario declared the first week of November as Treaties Recognition Week.

September 18, 2020—A big thank you to community partners Belleville Youth Centre and Quantum for donating water bottles to Belleville schools.

Wanting to do something for youth who are returning to school during the pandemic, the agencies showed how much they care by purchasing the water bottles using their limited financial resources.

“We decided to purchase water bottles, knowing that every student is required to bring one. Our budget doesn’t allow us to give one for every student. These can be used as an emergency supply for schools to keep on-hand and give out as needed,” said Peter Gabriel, Quantum Supervisor.

Ten schools each received 50 water bottles.

Below: School administrators are pictured with Quantum staff Vicky MacDonald and Holly Read-Fleming, Youth Workers and Peter Gabriel, Youth Services Coordinator.

Water Bottle Presentations at Belleville Schools

June 29, 2020—Congratulations to Amy Hookimaw, a student at Trenton High School who is one of five recipients of the Public Property Assessment Network Scholarship through the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association.

The $1,000 scholarship is being awarded to one recipient in each of OPSBA’s five regions, for three school years: 2019-2020, 2020-2021 and 2021-2022.

Scholarship recipients are students of strong character, leadership skills and potential, who care deeply about their communities and furthering their own learning.

More information about this scholarship

The funds were established from an organization with a core purpose to determine values for properties, which is the foundation for our property tax system in Ontario. This scholarship is to provide financial assistance to students who are pursuing an apprenticeship in the trades, more particularly the building trades, such as HVAC, carpenter, plumber or other property building trade.

Interested students should write a brief statement on why they are pursuing the building trades as an area of study, how the funds would assist them in pursuing this career and how they intend to give back to the community.

Contact
Kerry Donnell, Communications & Public Relations Manager, [email protected], 613.966.1170, extension 62354

June 25, 2020—Congratulations to Jessie Ritter, a Grade 12 student from North Hastings High School received one of the best gifts ever: an $80,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship to study Computer Science and Mathematics at the University of Toronto–Mississauga.

Ritter was selected by for her outstanding academic achievements and is the first NHHS student to receive Schulich Leader Scholarship.

Given the unparalleled current disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a much greater need for students to get financial support in order to pursue post-secondary education. This year, The Schulich Foundation awarded an additional 50 scholarships, for a total of 100.

The scholarship is a game-changer for Ritter. “This changes everything for me. I wasn’t going to go to university in the fall for financial reasons. Now I can actually go and I don’t have to stay behind and work to make enough money to go to university.  It was wonderful to find out this news! I got the news by email, and I thought that it was a mistake. I had to email them back to ask a couple of questions and they told me that it was in fact, very real. My parents are also very excited about this news. This scholarship will give me the financial means to get an education at one of the best universities in Canada and I for this I feel truly blessed,” said Ritter.

The NHHS principal, Wayne Stewart agrees. “This is absolutely wonderful news for Jessie and her family, as well as for our school and the community. It shows our students that if you work hard, and you are committed and passionate about learning, great, life-changing, positive things can happen. Jessie is an absolutely exemplary student which is the number one reason she won this scholarship. She is also a wonderful person and is liked by everyone. At NHHS, we are so proud of what Jessie has accomplished and we are excited to see what the future will bring for this remarkable young woman,” said Stewart.

North Hastings High School is  located in Bancroft, Ontario and serves approximately 500 students in Grades 7-12. NHHS offers specialized 4-credit courses which allow students to learn principles of resource management and environmental studies, which help them to gain employment in resource-based careers.

Contact
Kerry Donnell, Communications & Public Relations Manager, [email protected], 613.966.1170, extension 62354

June 5, 2020—It’s music to their ears at Stirling Public School! It was awarded a $5,000 grand prize to purchase guitars through the OTIP School Projects and Initiatives Program.

Watch this short YouTube video of the submisison.

According to Susan Carleton-Maines, Principal, “This is something that Lisa Hill started when she taught guitar to students last year one period a week. She had a class set of guitars and the students loved it. Now, we can carry on what she started!”

The intention is for interested staff members to be able to access these guitars to teach basic skills to their class and even learn alongside them!

CONTACT
Kerry Donnell, Communications & Public Relations Manager, extension 62354, [email protected]

June 5, 2020—Students at Prince Edward Collegiate Institute care about their community and are demonstrating their entrepreneurship.

The PECI Make Poverty History Club is selling Panther Pride fabric (non-medical) face masks as its latest #OneTeam fundraising project. Their efforts are to help to flatten the local COVID-19 infection curve, protect vulnerable people in our community and raise money for the local food banks.

Masks are $15  or two for $25. They are Canadian-sourced, made of anti-microbial, hypoallergenic microfibre and feature an around-the ear design, with a soft polyester lycra binding and a comfortable fabric area 5” x 7” in size. All masks are colour sublimated in PECI garnet and feature the distinctive Panther logo.

Historically, the Make Poverty History Club has raised funds to support a range of initiatives, from  helping Kenyan villages to become self-sustainable, to raising awareness about equity issues worldwide. Working in concert with the PECI Environment and GSA clubs as The Justice League, their goal is to promote social and environmental justice at home and abroad. This is no small task, but these Panthers are up to the challenge!

This year, that challenge has a local focus. Club mentor and teacher Marian Moon said, “With or without the need for volunteer hours, this core group is driven to serve its community—to make a difference. Given the current situation with the pandemic, it just made sense for us to address food security issues here in The County for this year’s keystone project.”

Teacher Janet Curran added, “PECI is, and always has been, a community school. It’s more important than ever that our students have a sense of agency, that they know they are not helpless in the face of a crisis. Through this project, they have the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding that community means more than a physical building where our classes take place.”

All profits will be donated to the Wellington Storehouse and Picton United Church Food Banks. Delivery is expected within the next few weeks and orders are being taken now.

To place an order for one or more PECI Panther #OneTeam face masks, please contact Marian Moon, [email protected]

CONTACTS

• Marian Moon, Staff Mentor PECI Make Poverty History Club, [email protected]
• Janet Curran, Staff Mentor PECI Justice League, [email protected]

May 12, 2020—Grade 12 students, if you’re graduating in June 2020 and going into the trades, consider applying for the OPSBA Public Property Assessment Network Scholarship.

The Public Property Assessment Network Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded to one recipient of the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association’s (OPSBA’s) Eastern Region. Scholarship recipients are students of strong character, leadership skills and potential, who care deeply about their communities and furthering their own learning. Read more in this PDF.

Please send your package in PDF format to David Shields, Eastern Regional Chair at [email protected] by June 1, 2020.

More information about this scholarship

The funds were established from an organization with a core purpose to determine values for properties, which is the foundation for our property tax system in Ontario. This scholarship is to provide financial assistance to students who are pursuing an apprenticeship in the trades, more particularly the building trades, such as HVAC, carpenter, plumber or other property building trade.

Interested students should write a brief statement on why they are pursuing the building trades as an area of study, how the funds would assist them in pursuing this career and how they intend to give back to the community.

February 18, 2020—Tomorrow, February 19, 2020, is I Read Canadian Day and several HPEDSB schools are participating.

I Read Canadian Day is a national day of celebration of Canadian books for young people.  This is a day dedicated to reading Canadian and encourages schools, libraries and organizations to host local activities and events within the week.

HPEDSB schools are hosting author visits and putting Canadian books on display in libraries. All are challenged to read Canadian for 15 minutes.

HPEDSB participating schools

• Bayside Secondary School
• Centennial Secondary School
• Eastside Secondary School
• Foxboro Public School
• Frankford Public School
• Harry J. Clarke Public School
• Prince Charles Public School (Trenton)
• Madoc Public School
• Marmora Public School
• Queen Elizabeth School (Belleville)
• Queen Victoria School
• Sir John A. Macdonald Public School
• Sophiasburgh Central School
• Susanna Moodie Elementary School
• Tyendinaga Public School
• V.P. Carswell Elementary School

For more information, please contact
Kerry Donnell, Communications Manager, extension 62354, [email protected]

February 13, 2020—It didn’t take long for James Flanagan and students to spring into action with an idea for a book drive. Flanagan is a teacher at Centre Hastings Secondary School and wanted to do something to help the people in quarantine at CFB Trenton due to coronavirus.

His first idea to donate used books needed a bit of adjustment due to the possibility of contamination. That didn’t stop him. He contacted Chapters (Belleville) to explore options.

The result? A donation of 91 books for all ages. Flanagan picked them up and delivered on February 12, 2020.

Thank you to James and Chapters (Belleville) for their caring actions.

For more information, please contact:
Kerry Donnell, Communications Manager, 613.966.1170 or 1.800.267.4350, extension 62354, [email protected]

January 20, 2020—With Family Literacy Day just around the corner (it is recognized on January 27 each year), students at Prince Charles Public School in Trenton are getting ready for the Picture Book Challenge.

Planned by Library Technician Andrea MacDonald, this event involve students in K-6 as a way to celebrate literacy and introduce students of all ages to a variety of texts in the library.

MacDonald selected the 16 books and has paired them up to be voted on. The Elite 8 will be narrowed down to the Final 4 and ultimately to our Finalist for PCT Picture Book of the Year.

Guest readers will be at the school on Family Literacy Day, Monday, January 27, 2020 to read with students.

For more information, please contact:
Kerry Donnell, Communications & Public Relations Manager, 613.966.1170 or 1.800.267.4350, extension 62354, [email protected]

January 20, 2020—What do animals, wildfires and a bake sale have in common? They led to Grade 5 students raising money to make a difference for animals in Australia.

Students in Andrea Bird’s class at Harmony Public School heard about the devastation and wanted to make a difference. They held an in-school bake sale, complete with koala-decorated cookies, cupcakes and brownies and made 130  koala bookmarks.

The entrepreneurial students raised $1,273.25 during their lunch time which will be donated to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Worldwide Foundation.

Read more online at The Intelligencer.

For more information, please contact:
Kerry Donnell, Communications & Public Relations Manager, 613.966.1170 or 1.800.267.4350, extension 62354, [email protected]

The Foundations Programme and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme provide an enriching education environment that stimulates curiosity and fosters a spirit of discover and an enjoyment of learning.

EVENT DETAILS
DATE: Thursday, January 30, 2020
TIME: 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Eastside Secondary School, 275 Farley Avenue, Belleville
REGISTER: https://tinyurl.com/rno4l7c

The Foundations Day (Pdf) is geared toward Grade 7 and 8 students interested in exploring the Foundations Programme and the International Baccalaureate Programme. Some of the activities of the day will include Science Olympics, 3D printing, history exploration, languages, math challenges and theory of knowledge.

All Grade 7 and 8 students are welcome to attend. Please note that transportation is not provided for this event.

For more information, please contact:
Kerry Donnell, Communications & Public Relations Manager, 613.966.1170 or 1.800.267.4350, extension 62354, [email protected]

December 9, 2019—At the Annual Board Meeting this evening, Kaina Andrews, Superintendent of Education, introduced Gavin Foster, Teacher and Choir Director, Harry J. Clarke Public School. Over 20 students in the Junior Choir sang three songs (Jingle Bell Rock, Feliz Navidad and A New Year Carol), followed by three more with everyone in the room joining in (Santa Claus is Coming to Town, We Wish You a Merry Christmas and Jingle Bells). Gavin also sang one on his own, A Child Just Like You,  as a tribute to students.

Thank you to teachers Gavin Foster and Sharon Richardson, and students: Alyssa Barnes, Lyla Bessin-Holt, Marley Bessin-Holt, Liam Brinklow, Emma Cooney, Raelyn Davidson, Chloe Dunlop, Isabella Eigenbrood, Lena Geitner, Addison Harrow, Ella Harrow, Marlie Hannah, Lila Impey, Maelyn Jin, Isaak Keuning, Karlee Lounsberry, Elissa McIsaac, Lana McKeown, Iris Michell, Addi Moyles, Mackenzie Norton, Savannah Paige, Dylan Phillips, Brooklynn Shulga, Isaac Smith, Daisy Sprung and Bailey Stewart. Principal Jennifer Slater and Vice-Principal Teri Cook were also present.

For more information, please contact Kerry Donnell, Communications Manager, extension 62354, [email protected]

Updated December 9, 2019 with a new date

December 5, 2019—Calling music fans of all ages and interests—check this out.

Trenton High School’s rock band Muzikwerx will perform an evening concert for the public.

EVENT DETAILS
DATE: Wednesday, December 12, 2019
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Trenton High School, 15 Fourth Avenue, Trenton

The band and school choir will perform a wide range of music—from modern hits by the Jonas Brothers and Lil Nas X, to eighties tunes like Take On Me and Video Killed the Radio Star, as well as classic songs by Queen and The Beatles.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students (under age 10 is free), available at the door.

All are to support music at Trenton High School.

For more information, please contact:
Trenton High School, [email protected] or 613.392.1227

November 26, 2019—How strong is a cardboard boat? How is one built using only duct tape? Will it float with weight in it? Those are some of the questions secondary school students explored recently.

Students from Bayside Secondary School and Centennial Secondary School participated in the Skills Canada/Ontario Cardboard Boat Races.

Leading up to the November 26th competition, Grade 12 Physics students researched, designed, test-built and test-floated prototypes. On competition day, they transposed the small designs into full-scale models using only cardboard and duct tape as building materials. They had two hours to complete the build.

Teams of four are provided all the necessary materials to build a boat in just two hours. Students must use their problem-solving, teamwork and design skills as they create a seaworthy structure

Teams were judged on the quality of construction, planning and design, safety and cleanliness, teamwork and team spirit, visual appeal and essential skills knowledge. Then they took to the pool for speed and a weight challenges.

The competition took place at the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre.

For more information, please contact:
Kerry Donnell, Communications Manager, 613-966-1170 or 1 800 267-4350, extension 62354, [email protected]

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November 15, 2019—Students and their parents/guardians are invited to an information session (Pdf) to learn more about the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Foundations programs.

October 21, 2019–This week is Local Government Week in Ontario and students at Prince Edward Collegiate Institute are eager to participate.

Two Grade 5 classes will visit the Prince Edward County municipality office, known as Shire Hall, on Thursday, October 24 for a hands-on learning experience.

In the morning, they will hear from municipal staff and participate in a Council-led activity. At 1:00 p.m., the students will present at the Committee of the Whole meeting to share their ideas about preparing for climate change and making the County a more livable community.

Watch the live stream online.

For more information, please contact:
Kerry Donnell, Communications Manager, 613-966-1170 or 1 800 267-4350, extension 62354, [email protected]

October 21, 2019–Harvest Festival (Pdf) is an annual traditional celebration for Mohawk people. It takes place at Eastside Secondary School.

This event begins with the recognition of Onkwehonwe (original people) through a thanksgiving of all things in creation.

The morning wraps up with a social celebration through traditional dancing and songs led by a singing group from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.

DATE: Wednesday, October 23, 2019
TIME: 8:45 – 11:50 a.m.
LOCATION: Eastside Secondary School, 275 Farley Avenue, Belleville

September 25, 2019—Hermon Public School students are getting a glimpse into their future through a visit to Fleming College in Peterborough.

This stems from a unique practice that happens at the school every day. Every morning all, students and staff meet in the gym in a circle and talk about why they have come to school. Their answers are always that we are all here to work, learn and grow.

This year, they will be broadening their horizons to look beyond the school borders and community in order to see what might be waiting for students down the road. In support of this, students in Grades 4-6 will be participating in tours of various college and university campuses.

The first visit will be to Fleming College on October 1, touring the entire campus with a special tour of the new Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre where students train in carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing and welding trades.

More visits will be scheduled during the school year.

For more information, please contact:
Kerry Donnell, Communications Manager, 613-966-1170 or 1 800 267-4350, extension 62354, [email protected]

June 28, 2019—Congratulations to Jay Noack, a teacher at Trenton High School who was the recipient of $5,000 from the McDougall Family Fund Contest.

Noack has already secured several thousand dollars for the school through his ‘creativitis’ approach to teaching and learning. He has entered various contests by submitting videos illustrating his work with students and his ideas still to come.

June 4, 2019—Students at Bayside Secondary School are caring citizens who are taking action as part of a national initiative.

On May 24, 2019, approximately 80 students took part in the nationally recognized “Project of Heart,” an inquiry-based, hands-on project that reveals truth about the history and legacy of Canada’s Indigenous people.

Students painted wooden tiles to commemorate the thousands of Indigenous children who died as a result of their experiences at  Indian residential schools after being taken from their homes, many as young as five years old. The edges of each tile are painted black to represent the mourning of children who lost their lives during this tragic time in history. Each tile projects a word or a symbol to offer healing and reconciliation to the families and communities to whom these children belonged.

Students from six English classes, plus a group of Grade 12 students who took Indigenous Studies last semester, engaged in this painting project with meaning and purpose, many feeling compelled to explain the significance of their tiles and paint more. Project of Heart has definitely contributed to enriching the school culture at Bayside Secondary School, as well as furthering students’ understanding and creating empathy for the devastating history of Indigenous people.

This hands-on project has allowed students to become a part of the reconciliACTION process which calls Canadians to action, through social justice endeavors, to change our present and future history collectively. With over 500 tiles painted, this beautiful mosaic will form a new tabletop in the BSS parlour, a meeting place where people come together to solve problems and resolve and reconcile differences on a regular basis.

On May 31, 2019, students attended a presentation by Tanya Maracle-King, Odawa, Crane Clan and member of Wikwemkoong First Nation. Maracle-King is a legacy, a child of IRS survivors, who has given numerous presentations around the topic of residential schools and is well versed in many areas involving First Nations people. Students took part in a smudging ceremony to begin the morning, and had an opportunity to ask Maracle-King questions and hear her stories before they presented her with their tiles as a gift of recognition.

For more information, please contact:
Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, 613-966-1170 or 1 800 267-4350, extension 62354, [email protected]

May 24, 2019—Students in the Grade 12 Theatre Production class at Bayside Secondary School are ready to perform for the community.

EVENT DETAILS

DATE: Thursday, May 30, 2019
TIME: 7:oo p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
LOCATION Bayside Secondary School, 1247 Old Highway 2, Belleville
COST: $5 at the door, proceeds going to the school and two local charities

The students wrote, produced and are starring in a drama performance called “Here We Are — Below the Surface.” This one-hour production is a series of vignettes that flow together to share the issues facing today’s teens, ranging from depression to social media, mental health, gender identity and sexual assault.

Theatre arts can be such an important vessel for students, that sometimes with our busy lives and focus on the larger picture, we do not realize what an impact it has to the students culture and high school experiences.

For more information, please contact:

Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, 613-966-1170 or 1 800 267-4350, extension 62354, [email protected]

May 22, 2019—This Friday, over 350 elementary and secondary students will participate in the Quinte Arts Council Plein Air Painting Festival.

EVENT DETAILS

DATE: Friday, May 24, 2019
TIME: Between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Various, see below

Plein air painting is experiencing painting in the landscape. The practice was made into an art form by the French Impressionists and their desire to paint light and its changing qualities. Artists paint “en plein air,” which is the French expression for “in the open air.”

Each student has been provided with a stamped canvas, plus colour palettes, paint and brushes. According to the Rules and Regulations of Plein Air Painting, paintings must be completed outside and must be direct paintings of the scene surrounding the artist.

Mentors and community partners are a big part of this event because they provide experiential learning to students. These Visual Arts experiences play a valuable role in helping students to achieve their potential as learners and to participate fully in their community. The Arts provide a natural way for students to explore and express themselves, and through which they can discover and interpret the world around them.

Experiential learning allows students to expand their understanding of the industries and career options they may want to pursue in the future. Learning beyond the classroom allows students to see how their in-class learning can be applied in to the world of work.

In collaboration with the Quinte Arts Council, the J.M. Parrott Gallery and the City of Belleville, the 5th Arts en Plein Air Painting Festival will take place in Belleville and the Quinte Region from Thursday, May 23 to Saturday, May 25, 2019.

All canvases will be entered into a juried competition and will be on display at the Quinte Arts Council from May 27 – June 6, 2019.

For more information, contact:
Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, 613-966-1170 or 1 800 267-4350, extension 62354, [email protected]

April 26, 2019—It is not often that someone gets to perform live on-air and yet students experienced that today.

The vocal class from Prince Edward Collegiate Institute was on 99.3 County FM and sang three songs: “Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper; “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen; and “This is Me” from “The Greatest Showman.”

The performance was part of the station’s annual radiothon as it celebrates five years on the airwaves. The students were invited to join 34 other acts that will be performing live during the 4-day event.

Teacher Andrew Cranshaw jumped at the chance for his Grade 10-12 students to be involved.

Student Cori Goodman, in Grade 11, said, “I’m so thankful to 99.3 County FM for inviting us to do this. They not only gave us the chance to come in and let us perform, but they cheered and encouraged us, as well. I’ve been on the radio as a solo performer before, but they put that extra effort in to ensure we had the space for 10 singers and our pianist/teacher Mr. Cranshaw. There’s nothing more important than music and the people here at 99.3 have supported us in every way.”

The station also supports the school by airing PECI Panthercast every Monday from 8:00-9:00 p.m.

Listeners donated $300 during the students’ performance and requested that the funds specifically support school initiatives.

For more information, contact:
Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, 613-966-1170 or 1 800 267-4350, extension 62354, [email protected]

April 26, 2019—If poodle skirts, malt shoppes and jive dancing bring back fond memories, read on . . .

Students at Centennial Secondary School invite you to their production of “Happy Days, A New Musical.”

EVENT DETAILS
DATES: May 14, 15 and 16, 2019
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Centennial Secondary School, 160 Palmer Road, Belleville
TICKETS: $15 for adults, $12 for seniors

This show will take you back to 1959: a time of poodle skirts, malt shoppes, jive dancing, and rock and roll. You’ll sing along with Richie Cunningham, Joanie and Chachi and of course, The Fonz! The show is suitable for all ages.

For more information, contact:
(media) Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, 613-966-1170 or 1 800 267-4350, extension 62354, [email protected]

(show specific information) Carol Wheatley, Guidance Teacher, Centennial Secondary School, 613-962-9233