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100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women book inspiring young black girls to achieve the unimaginable

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BY: JELANI GRANT 

Quite literally presenting the tremendous impact black women have on Canadian advancement, the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women held their second gala at the Woodbine Banquet Hall. In addition to their book launch, the gala celebrated the successes of 100 black women across Canada who have made historic achievements, impacting the communities they work in.

The first gala was held in 2016, recognizing another 100 black women who are still doing their part to improve Canadian communities. “We did 2016 and it was so successful we said we had to do it again…Black Canadian women are resilient, hard-working, committed and contributors to Canadian society,” said the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine.

The project continues to spotlight the accomplishments of black Canadian women who are from different walks of life and regions across Canada. The book, created by Dr. Augustine, Dauna Jones-Simmonds, and Dr. Denise O’Neil Green, was made with the intention of acknowledging the accomplishments of black Canadian women from various industries not limited to but including government, not-for-profits, financial, legal, real estate, health, education, entertainment, and fine arts professions.

Emcees for the night were two black women who deserved recognition for their own accomplishments. A Different Booklist co-owner Itah Sadu and PACE Canada President Sandra Whiting orchestrated the night, entertaining guests while proving that the list of honourees needed to be at least 102 black Canadian women.

More than 40 volunteers assisted with seating guests, serving food, selling the 100 ABC book, and organizing the 100 honourees into groups to be presented on stage. Co-authors of the book stood on stage to congratulate each woman who has done their part to contribute to their respective industries. Honourees included Dr. Lynn Jones, Chair of the Nova Scotia Chapter of the Global African X Congress, whom recently wrote a children’s ABC book about reparations. The first of its kind and written by children in Nova Scotia, the book is currently scheduled to be released in 2019.

Supporting Toronto’s leading health technology businesses, Dr. Linda Maxwell is recognized for founding the Biomedical Zone, a first-in-class, a hospital-embedded business incubator for emerging health technology companies. Since it’s inception in 2015, the Biomedical Zone has supported more than 160 innovators, facilitated for start-up companies in excess of $15 million in private investment and engaged in 25 hospital innovation projects. She also works with black youth as old as 30 in the Community Empowering Enterprises Centre for Young Black Professionals.

Aina-Nia Ayo’dele has made history as the Project Lead and Consultant for the Toronto Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism, the first initiative of its kind operated through the City of Toronto. Ayo’dele is also the founder of the Sacred Leadership Training which focuses on self-love and self-knowledge in encouraging successful graduates of the program to reach their full potential.

Noreen Callender’s volunteer work has been consistently impactful for more than 30 years. She has broken barriers by becoming the first female general manager of the Scarborough Caribbean Sports Club. Callender has produced masquerade bands with Jessie Matthews and volunteered with steel bands and bandleaders as a member of the Board of the Festival Management. Notably, her largest volunteering passion is directed at the Church of Nativity in Malvern, where she is known for leading the first youth group, organizing retreats, meetings, and events.

Also recognized for her mentorship and developing the musical talents of youth for decades, Yvonne Francis was another honouree highlighted during the gala. Chair of Dance Immersion and co-founder of Toronto’s famed youth-oriented Ngoma Drum and Dance Ensemble, Francis created a space for youth interested in African drum & dance before it became as highly regarded, in the city, as it is now. Dance Immersion has supported dancers of the African Diaspora since 1994. These are just a few of the women who continuously contribute to their communities through strong leadership and passionate commitment to their cause.

Representing TD Canada as the Platinum sponsor, Karen Richards spoke on the importance of 100 ABC Women recognizing accomplished figures from so many different fields. “This is a bunch of stories from role models that these young women can look up to and be inspired by whatever path they choose to pursue. Representation in every industry means the choir of voices expands which means opportunity for new ideas and new solutions,” Richards said.

Talented artists such as Ken Lewis, Lee-Anne Lyon-Bartley, and the Pan Fantasy Steel Band provided musical entertainment. Eddie Bullen and his son Quincy also provided musical accompaniment throughout the night and during the presentation of the honorees. The night concluded with a dance party instrumented by DJ Courtjester.

The gala also honored a number of posthumous ‘Sheroes’ including the former Executive Director of the Harriet Tubman Community Organization Andria Christine Walcott who passed away Feb. 28, 2017. Also known as Ekua Akala by the community, Walcott was instrumental in the creation of the Matanga Festival, which celebrated African culture through music, yoga, healing circles and workshops.

Each honoree was chosen through a nomination process. After submitting their nominations electronically, individuals were able to nominate others. It was also made possible for women to self-nominate. “For me, black women are trailblazers, sheroes, innovators, and caring of their communities…[they] have to survive in an environment where there are challenges almost on a daily basis,” Simmonds said.

The 100 ABC Women book has been acknowledged by Prime Minister Trudeau as, “An admirable initiative worthy of respect and recognition” and has become a milestone for young black Canadian girls to strive for in only a few years since its inception. For anyone who was unable to purchase the book during the gala, the book can still be ordered online through the 100 ABC Women website.

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Record entries for JCDC FiWi Short Film Competition

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Winner of the 2023 staging of the JCDC FiWi Short Film Competition ,Joel Miller, (third from left), shares a moment with representatives of the Jamaica Cultural |Development Commission (JCDC), organizers of the event. From left are Shaun Drysdale – Drama and Theatre Arts Development Specialist, Andrew Brodber – Director, Arts Development and Training and Executive Director, Lenford Salmon.

BY RUSHANE FERRON

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has received an unprecedented number of submissions for this year’s FiWi Short Film Competition. Launched earlier this year, the competition drew an impressive 47 entries. Currently, 17 shortlisted films are available for public viewing on the JCDC’s YouTube channel, with winners set to be announced on October 24th.

Executive Director of the JCDC, Mr. Lenford Salmon, expressed pride in the competition’s growing success, stating, “This record number of entries reflects how Jamaicans are embracing the programmes offered by the JCDC. While the Commission is well known for preserving and showcasing our culture, we also recognize the importance of using technology to engage, particularly with our youth. The FiWi Short Film Competition is a perfect example of how we can bring our culture to life in the digital age. The fact that it’s four years old and already experiencing this level of growth is a promising sign for the future.”

Drama and Theatre Arts Development Specialist at the JCDC, Mr. Shaun Drysdale, attributes this year’s spike in entries to the increasing interest in filmmaking, fueled by the proliferation of social media platforms that support storytelling through visuals.

We are living in a digital age. Filmmaking is now in the hands of the average person on the street via his, or her cell phone. Add to that the inherent creativity of Jamaicans and you are left with a potent combination, which when given the correct environment, can reap tangible rewards. That is what we are experiencing at this time,” Mr. Drysdale said.

The JCDC FiWi Short Film Competition seeks to promote Jamaican culture through the production of films ranging from 3-5 minutes in duration. The films must be based on set criteria, and primarily centred around a Jamaican proverb.

This year’s proverbs are: “Sweet mout fly follow coffin go a hole”; “Puss nuh hab han, but him tek him foot wipe him face”; “Keep clear a ole house, les dem fall dung pon you”; “Rockstone a riber bottom nuh feel sun hot”; and “Finger tink, yuh cyan cut eh trow ‘wey”.

In addition to the proverbs, participants were also given two special themes around which to build the treatment of their films, based on concepts provided by two sponsors. These are: “SEAS IN FOCUS: Uniting for marine managed areas”- National Conservation Trust Fund of Jamaica (NCTFJ) and “Need a passport quick, Get it with just a click”- Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA).

Mr. Drysdale further noted that this year’s shortlisted films represent a variety of the possible genres with eleven dramatic works, two animation films, one comedy, one documentary and two science fiction films. Three of the participants are from the youth category, which is for filmmakers between 12-18 years old and the remaining 14 from adult category.

In addition to viewing the short films online, the public will have an opportunity to view at a special screening to be held on National Heroes’ Day, Monday, October 21st, 2024, as a feature of JCDC National Heritage Fest and Family Fun Day being held on the south lawn at Devon House in St Andrew.

The FiWi Short Film Competition was started by the JCDC in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The competition is the brainchild of the JCDC’s Drama and Theatre Arts Unit and encourages Jamaican amateur filmmakers to examine selected Jamaican proverbs and based on their interpretation create the treatment for a short film.

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York Catholic is leading the province in educational achievement

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BY PAUL JUNOR

The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO), which administers the Grade 3, 6 and 9 assessments across Ontario and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), recently released the 2024 results. For many schools across the province, EQAO results are a snapshot of how students are doing compared to their peers in other schools at the same grade level.

The York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) has maintained a high level of consistency with respect to the outstanding performance of its students on the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). In a media release on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, details were revealed about the positive achievements and exemplary accomplishments of its students.

EQAO results were released on September 26th, 2024. The focus was, “Mathematics Achievement Remains an Area of Focus but Sees Gradual Growth Over Time with Some School Boards Showing Significant Increases; Literacy Achievement Remains High but Shows Some Decline.” The data was based on the 2023-2024 school year during which over 570,000 students wrote the EQAO assessments at the elementary and secondary levels on the English and French-language school systems.

For students who wrote the Grade 3 Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics:

  • 71% met the provincial standard in reading compared to 73% in 2022-2023, and 73% in 2021-2022.
  • 64% of Grade 3 students met the provincial standard in writing, compared to 65% in 2022-2023 and 65% in 2021-2022.
  • 61% of Grade 3 students met the provincial standard in mathematics, compared to 60% in 2022-2023 and 59% in 2021-2022.

For students who wrote the Grade 6 Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics:

  • 82% met the provincial standard in reading, compared to 84% in 2022-2023 and 85% in 2021-2022.
  • 80% met the provincial standard in writing, compared to 84% in 2022-2023, and 84% in 2021-2022.
  • 50% met the provincial standard in mathematics, compared to 50% in 2022-2023 and 47 % in 2021-2022.

For students who wrote the Grade 9 Assessment in Mathematics:

  • 54% met the provincial standard, compared to 54% in 2022-2023 and 52% in 2021-2022.

For students who wrote the Grade 10 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT):

  • 85% of first-time eligible students were successful, compared to 85% in 2022-23 and 82% in 2021-2022.
  • 52% of previously eligible students were successful in 2023-2024, compared to 63% in 2022-2023 and 85% in 2021-2022.

John De Faveri, Interim Director of Education of the YCDSB writes, “We are always looking for ways to provide a better school experience, but today is a time to celebrate our students and staff for their excellent academic achievement. I want to particularly highlight the incredible work that is being done in mathematics, which we see in these results. Mathematical literacy is such an important life skill and we are happy to share a love of numbers with our students.”

Results from the Grade 3, 6 and 9 EQAO Mathematics results show improvement in Mathematics compared to 2023. In addition, with respect to reading and writing results for Grade 6 there has been a consistent steady upward rise in the performance of students as 89% and 90% of students met or exceeded provincial standards when compared to the province’s average of 82% and 89%.

Elizabeth Crowe, Chair of the Board of Trustees for YCDSB states, “EQAO results are just one of the ways we see how York Catholic is leading the province in educational achievement. As a Catholic learning community, we want to see every child succeed and EQAO results help us measure our progress toward that noble goal.”

Overall, the percentage of students who participated from YCDSB in Grade 3 and 6 EQAO were 97% and 98%, respectively. For Grade 9 Math assessment there were 93% of eligible students and 97% in the OSSLT.

Any parents or guardians interested in learning about the 2024 EQAO and OSSLT results and individual school results for their children can check the EQAO’s website: https://www.eqao.com/results/.

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York Catholic District School Board plans open house for future high school students

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Credits: Pch.Vector

BY PAUL JUNOR

There is: planning, preparation, and organization that parents, guardians and caregivers must make in York Region as they prepare their children for high school. For those who chose to send them to a high school at the Catholic board, there are open houses planned to make this process easier to navigate.

In a press release on Thursday, October 10th, 2024, details were revealed about these open houses. It notes, “The open houses will highlight key aspects of each school, including administration, programs, graduation requirements, uniforms, school structure, student opportunities and more. In addition, information about the registration process, including registration dates, deadlines and documents needed to enroll, will be discussed.

The media release mentioned the seven regional programs, and ten Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM) programs. They include:

Advanced Placement

Programs with an extended and enriched curriculum allow students to earn credits or advanced standing at most universities.

English as a Second Language

(ESL) and English Literacy Development (ELD)

English as a Second Language and English Literacy Development programs assist English language learners from diverse linguistic and education backgrounds in attaining English language proficiency.

French Immersion (FI)

Students who completed the Elementary French Immersion programs, or equivalent can continue with the immersion program to earn a French immersion certificate upon graduation.

High Performer Athlete (HPA)

An academic-based program for student-athletes participating in competitive-level athletics. Students benefit from a flexible timetable to help balance their academic and athletic commitments and earn high school credits for the work they put into their training.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

A rigorous and intellectually challenging pre-university course of study that allows students to earn an IB Diploma upon graduation, recognized in Canada and abroad.

Regional Arts (RAP)/Integrated Regional Arts Program(iRAP)

Students specialize in drama, dance, visual arts, digital media arts, instrumental music, or vocal music- while obtaining their high school diploma. In the iRAP, students experience their learning through an integrated model where the curriculum is explored in relation to the interconnectedness of the individual, the community, and the world.

STREAM Program

Students explore real-world challenges and use the design thinking process to develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills, guided by the traditional Catholic social teachings. This academic program uses an interdisciplinary approach to inquiry and problem-based learning.

Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)

Students can obtain a diploma with a specialist in either: Arts and Culture; Aviation and Aerospace; Business; Health and Wellness; Hospitality and Tourism; Information and Communication Technology; Justice, Community Safety and Emergency Services, Manufacturing; or Non-Profit. Every YCDSB school offers a SHSM program.

Parents or guardians who live in York Region and are interested in any programs can check: Website: www.ycdsb.ca

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