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Peeks Toronto Caribbean Carnival gets ready to heat up the Toronto streets

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BY: LEANNE BENN

The weather is warm and the streets are alive, this can only mean we’re entering one of the most fun seasons of the year, Carnival season of course. This year marks the 51stcelebration of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival in Toronto. With its second year under the headline sponsor of Peeks Social, the Peeks Toronto Caribbean Carnival is back with more lively dancing in the streets, intricate and colourfulMas costumes and genuine togetherness.

Opening remarks by Toronto Mayor, John Tory and Toronto City Council Joe Mihevc at the media preview day for the festival emphasized just how much Carnival does for the city of Toronto; it’s a fusion of culture and celebration.

“This started off as a gift to immigrants and it has become rooted in our culture of what it means to be a Torontonian,” Mihevc remarked. Mihevc has spent over 21 years supporting Toronto Caribbean Carnival as the official council liaison and this year a proposed $625,000 is going to council towards fundingof Toronto Carnival.

However, Carnival is more than just an economic anchor for the city, it is also a cultural powerhouse that brings communities together. From parents to kids, you can find communities working together, for instance at different Mas costume camps across the city that make costumes for the adult and kid-friendlyevents associated with carnival. This all-inclusive affair is truly one major street party, where all are welcome to partake in classic Caribbean vibes.

Chief Executive Officer of the Festival Management Committee, Denise Herrera Jackson is marking another year on board with the festival and highlighted the importance of the sponsors for the festival, the bandleaders and the creative arts directors for each band.

This year, approximately 12 bands so far are set to hit the road: Venom, E.P.I.C Carnival, Tribal Carnival, Toronto Revellers Cultural Assoc. Louis Saldenah Mas KClub, Fantazia Carnival, Concept Costumes Creators, D’New Regulars, Atlantic Mas, Sunlime Canada, Allure Carnival and Carnival Nationz which will feature the 2018 and nine-time reigning Queen of Carnival, Joella Crichton. Each band will offer an exciting theme to accompany the beautiful costumes and sections within their group. From Birds of Paradise to themes of Wonderland and Love, the costumes reflect the dedication and hard work that many commit to making this festival come alive through the arts. This is why the scientific aspect of costume design is recognized, by the Ontario Science Centre, where they will award the Innovation In Mas Award, focused on the design and engineering of costumes on August 2, to one creative band designer.

With all the events scheduled to happen, Toronto Carnival will be three weeks of enjoying Caribbean culture as many will have a chance to take part in the delicious food, the dancing, the music, and the arts. With Peeks Social as the headline sponsor, this organization is spending their second year committed to broadcasting live coverage available around the world. Due to the innovative culture and technology available at Peeks, those that want to be in tune with Carnival can follow along closely through the Peeks Social App. Other Media sponsors for the festival include CTV and CP24 which will be celebrating their 10thyear of television coverage of the festival. Contributing and corporate sponsors include Caribbean Airlines, Grace Foods, The Ontario Science Centre, OLG, Exhibition Place, Woodbine Mall Holdings, Radisson Hotel, El Dorado Rum and new to the list this year, Flow Hydration, to make sure you’re properly hydrated while dancing in the warm sunshine.

In terms of the schedule of events, the official launch of this year’s festival will take place on July 10th at Nathan Phillips Sq. from 11 AM to 2 PM and will showcase three major artistic groups associated with Carnival: The Toronto Mas Bands, the Organization of Calypso Performing artists and The Ontario Steelpan Association.

The Junior Carnival King and Queen Showcase and the Junior Carnival Parade will take place on July 15th and 21th respectively. There will be an elegant Carnival Ball on July 27th at the Beamsfield Centre at Exhibition Place. The adult King and Queen Showcase will be onAugust 2nd and a new event this yearwill be a Friday Night Mas onAugust 3rd at Ontario Place from 9 pmto midnight which starts the lively party before the grand parade on August 4th starting at 8 AM. There are many more events all leadingup to the grand parade including a newly added breakfast party, a traditional church service and the lighting of the CN Tower. To get the full list of events and the official map route, visit Peeks Social online, download their app or visit #GoTOCarnival. Also,remember to #respectthemas and #respectthedance but most importantly have fun!

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Junior Contributors

To make education better, teachers need to change how they connect with students

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BY KAHA GEDI

Teaching isn’t just about giving information; it’s about creating learning experiences that students find interesting and useful. When teachers try new ways to connect with their students, learning becomes more exciting and not to mention meaningful. Here are five essential tips for schools and educators to support students.

Introducing Michigan Virtual, or LANSING, Mich, who unveiled a bold 2025-2030 Strategic Plan for transforming education. They are a leader in learning innovations and are sharing key tips for educators and schools to build off their new 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. This ambitious plan accentuates three strategic priorities: driving educational change, broadening student pathways, and powering professional learning. These efforts aim to address Michigan’s urgent need for educational talent development and provide innovative, technology-driven learning solutions for students and educators alike. These efforts aim to address Michigan’s urgent need for educational talent development and provide innovative, technology-driven learning solutions for students and educators alike. Other regions, including Toronto, Ontario can also learn from these strategies and use them to improve their own educational systems too.

To support both students and educators, schools should look to:

  • Adopt new learning models: Schools should explore innovative educational measures like virtual training and project-based learning to meet diverse needs. These models allow students to engage in hands-on experiences that relate to real-world problems, helping them develop important skills like teamwork and critical thinking.
  • Expand career pathways: Focus on integrating flexible, real-world learning experiences to prepare students for life beyond school. This could include: job shadowing, internships, or partnerships with local, or small businesses, giving students a chance to explore different careers and understand what skills are needed. I think this is a great idea because it diversifies students’ experiences and helps them get ready for the real world. It shows them how what they learn in school can be used in real-life situations. By taking part in these opportunities, students can make important connections and learn more about their future careers.
  • Prioritize professional development: Investing in flexible learning opportunities to keep up with trends in education technology is crucial. Providing teachers with ongoing training helps them learn new tools and techniques, which they can then use to enhance their teaching and better support their students.
  • Foster collaborative networks: Engaging with partners such as Michigan Virtual to introduce and attain system-wide transformations. Collaboration allows schools to share resources and best practices, creating a stronger support system for educators and students alike. By working together, schools can implement new ideas more effectively.
  • Leverage technology: Use AI and other tech tools to create personalized, high touch learning environments that enhance student engagement. Technology can help make lessons to fit individual student needs, making learning more enjoyable and effective. For example, virtual reality experiences, which can be provided with a higher budget, and can be used once in while during classes, can definitely make lessons more interactive.

In conclusion, to make education better, teachers need to change how they connect with students. By trying new learning methods, offering real-world experiences, supporting teacher training, working together with partners, and using technology, schools can create meaningful learning experiences. Michigan Virtual plan shows that these ideas can help students and teachers today and prepare them for the future. By using these strategies, schools can improve learning and help students succeed.

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The Poetic Word

Would I Still Love You

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BY GLORIA O’KOYE

In faith,

Would the love that  gets publicly

Professed be like

Clanging cymbals when things don’t

Go exactly as they were prayed.

 

Where every detailed fine print of wants

Instead of needs are not fulfilled,

Will the tongue curse more than counting

All the unspoken grace.

 

Would the thank you shape shift

Into why me and hate you.

Would I love you transition into I wish

I never believed in you.

 

Was the spiritual connection

A one way relationship scandal.

In love

If all the materialistic things disappear

Or prenup

Would it survive till death due us part?

 

Would the physical qualities dim down

Like day and night

Be the reason to set sail to foreign lands

To conquer, forgetting what home was

About.

 

In parenthood,

Would the love be tainted if the bloodlines

Was not solely yours?

Would it be unconditional if challenges

Arise?

 

Would gentle or traditional ways help

Resolve conflicts as first words turn

To power struggles as the babies

Grow, would the love not be tested

By time?

 

Would love be the solution

Like how romanticize society made it to be

Like it answers all.

Is Love without action and only fairytale

Filled words truly mean love?

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Junior Contributors

6 Essential tips for mastering college productivity

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BY AMARI SUKHDEO

Balancing college classes, assignments, part-time jobs, and personal life can be challenging, especially when everything feels like a top priority. Between study sessions, deadlines, and social commitments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

However, developing effective productivity habits can help you: stay organized, reduce stress, and even carve out more time for the things you enjoy. Here are six essential tips to help you stay on top of your responsibilities without sacrificing your well-being.

Use a calendar to organize your time

Start by organizing your schedule using a calendar or planner, whether it’s digital or paper based. Set aside time for classes, study sessions, and any other commitments, making sure to include travel time, meals, and breaks. Having a clear view of your week ahead can help prevent missed deadlines and last-minute stress.

Make a focused to-do list

Every week, create a to-do list that includes both large and small tasks. Estimate how long each one will take, then prioritize them based on deadlines and difficulty. A well-organized list can help you stay focused and makes it easier to work through your day without feeling overwhelmed. Re-evaluate your list as the week goes on, moving completed tasks off the list and adding any new ones to keep everything up to date.

Tackle tasks during your peak hours

Everyone has certain times of the day when they’re most alert. Identify your peak productivity hours, whether morning, or late night and schedule your hardest work for those times. Experiment with different times of day to discover what works best for you, and be flexible; sometimes schedules shift, so having a backup plan can be useful when you need it.

Eliminate distractions

Staying focused is key to getting things done efficiently. Find a study spot where you can work without interruptions, and turn off phone and app notifications during study sessions. Using a timer to work in focused blocks, such as 25 minutes with a short break afterward, can keep your mind on track and prevent burnout. If you’re easily tempted by social media or browsing, consider apps that temporarily block distractions, or allow access to them only during breaks.

Take regular breaks to recharge

Taking breaks might seem counterproductive, but they’re essential for maintaining focus over time. If you feel mentally exhausted, or start losing concentration, step away for a short walk, do some stretching, or grab a snack. Breaks help recharge your mind, allowing you to return to tasks with renewed energy. You might also want to include “micro-breaks,” where you pause for a minute, or two to stretch, or breathe deeply, especially during longer study sessions.

Remember self-care

Your well-being directly impacts your productivity. Make time for sleep, eat balanced meals, and find ways to manage stress, like: deep breathing, exercise, or meditation.

While self-care might feel like another “task” on your list, it’s crucial for staying healthy and keeping up with the demands of college life. Building these habits now will pay off in better focus, higher energy, and greater resilience over time.

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