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This was more than just a networking event; it was a celebration of success

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Photo Credit: Slickshot Studios

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

As I walked into Dymon Wine Cellar, I was immediately enveloped by an atmosphere of sophistication and elegance. The soft hum of polished conversations mingled with the clinking of crystal glasses, creating a harmonious backdrop for the evening. Men and women, impeccably dressed, stood in small, animated clusters, each group radiating a sense of purpose and ambition.

The men wore tailored suits that fit them like a second skin, the fine fabrics and meticulous cuts showcasing their attention to detail. Crisp white shirts, accented with silk ties, or pocket squares, added a touch of flair to their ensembles. Shoes gleamed under the chandelier lights, each step they took exuding confidence and poise.

The women, equally striking, glide through the room in an array of stunning attire. Chic cocktail dresses in a spectrum of rich colours and luxurious textures caught my eye. Each outfit was perfectly complemented by exquisite jewelry that sparkled and caught the light, and sophisticated hairstyles and makeup that enhanced their natural beauty.

As I moved further into the room, the warm, golden glow of the ambient lighting bathed the scene, highlighting the intricate decor and the opulence of the surroundings. Servers in crisp uniforms wove through the crowd with trays of gourmet canapés and glasses of fine wine and barreled whisky, offering guests a taste of luxury. The aroma of delicately prepared hors d’oeuvres wafted through the air, enticing me to indulge.

I could feel the energy and excitement in the room – a collective anticipation of new: connections, opportunities, and collaborations. Everywhere I looked, there were smiles, handshakes, and the exchange of business cards, as conversations flowed seamlessly from introductions to deeper discussions about ambitions and visions.

This was more than just a networking event; it was a celebration of success, ambition, and the shared journey towards greater heights. As I took it all in, I couldn’t help but feel inspired and ready to make my mark amidst this gathering of the best and brightest.

Collaboration is key in today’s interconnected world, and it is why networking is vital for several reasons. The art of networking involves creating a lasting impression, fostering relationships, and opening doors to opportunities. Networking can lead to partnerships, joint ventures, and innovative solutions to challenges.

For job seekers, networking is invaluable. Many positions are filled through referrals and personal connections. A strong network can provide job leads, recommendations, and career advice. For entrepreneurs, networking is crucial for finding investors, customers, and mentors. It’s about telling your story and finding those who believe in your vision. Mentorship is another significant benefit of networking. Experienced professionals can offer guidance, support, and wisdom, helping you navigate your career path more effectively. Beyond professional gains, networking builds a sense of community. It creates a support system where you can share successes, seek advice, and celebrate milestones together.

So, how do you master the art of networking?

I had the pleasure of being invited to the exclusive networking event at Dymon Wine Cellar on Thursday July 18th, 2024. The illustrious Business Card Soiree, hosted by the charismatic Anthony Love and the visionary Adoch B Acemah (Founder of Made by Adoch) was a vibrant gathering of elite minds and business gurus from all sectors, coming together to share invaluable business tips, exchange innovative ideas, and, of course, savor some exquisite wine. DJ Dave Rankin kept the atmosphere lively with his beats, while the Dymon Wine Cellar team went above and beyond to make everyone feel exceptionally welcomed and at ease.

I had a chance to catch up with co-host Anthony Love, and he shared how he felt about his first ever networking event.

“I wanted something that people could come together with purpose. I don’t like going out anymore, because it is about drinking, spending money, and at the end of it there is not much accomplished. With the Business Card Soiree it was about networking, money to be made, and bringing a mix of people to the venue.”

“I have gotten some great feedback, and the one thing that rang true was that for many of the guests, it felt exclusive, they thought it was a great venue, and they want to know when we are going to do this event again. I just have to deal with the semantics and figure out what I have to add to it to make it different.”

“I have never been to a networking event. Usually, I just network with people. I enjoy engaging in great conversations, and after sitting down and speaking with Adoch, she gave me the motivation to do it. She was a great help, and such a support throughout this.”

“The challenge I had was of course people. Many were buying tickets late, RSVPing at the last minute, and Eventbrite suspended the account.  I couldn’t get to see the list of people who purchased tickets, and I didn’t get the pay-out. They didn’t respond to emails, so I had to create another link for our guests to register and pay for the event. I am so thankful that one of my friends helped me create a website for a link to send to people so that people could pay for tickets.”

What I learned that night was that networking is not just about what you can get, but also about what you can give. Offer your help, share your knowledge, and be a connector for others. In the modern world, networking is an essential skill. It’s not just about exchanging business cards or making small talk; it’s about building meaningful connections. The art of networking is a journey. It’s about building relationships that enrich your professional and personal life. Embrace it, and watch your opportunities flourish.

We, as humans are guaranteed certain things in life: stressors, taxes, bills and death are the first thoughts that pop to mind. It is not uncommon that many people find a hard time dealing with these daily life stressors, and at times will find themselves losing control over their lives. Simone Jennifer Smith’s great passion is using the gifts that have been given to her, to help educate her clients on how to live meaningful lives. The Hear to Help Team consists of powerfully motivated individuals, who like Simone, see that there is a need in this world; a need for real connection. As the founder and Director of Hear 2 Help, Simone leads a team that goes out into the community day to day, servicing families with their educational, legal and mental health needs.Her dedication shows in her Toronto Caribbean newspaper articles, and in her role as a host on the TCN TV Network.

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Community News

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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