Yorkgate Mall in partnership with the Downsview Advocate, held its 1st Annual Countdown to Class! School Supplies Drive in support of The Children’s Breakfast Clubs.
Read moreDownsview Airport Lands: Open House and Next Steps
As Northcrest Developments continues planning for the revitalization of the Downsview Airport Lands, their team continues to meet with residents and community partners to further refine their vision for the city’s next cultural hub.
Read moreCommunity Organization Highlight: The Children’s Breakfast Club
Children require various supports and new experiences to reach their full potential and youth in Ontario are no exception. However, many lack these key opportunities and resources to explore their communities and maximize their potential. The Children’s Breakfast Club (TCBC) is a non-profit and non-governmental organization that has been serving thousands of Ontario youth for over 30 years through more than 27 program divisions across the province
Read moreLocal schools getting overdue care and attention
In some of the schools in the area, you still see the old North York School Board logo, a relic from before amalgamation, when smaller boards operated local schools. The school boards have changed over time, but the public system we have is one of the oldest in the world.
Read moreLocal Councillor hosts public safety meeting in Shoreham Court
The meeting was requested by residents in response to a shooting , where an adolescent male was critically injured. Violence in the local complex is an ongoing issue, with multiple instances of shots being fired in past years, and a climate of fear growing among local residents.
Read moreDonate School Supplies & Help Kids Start the School Year Off Right!
Yorkgate Mall in partnership with the Downsview Advocate, has officially launched its 1st Annual Countdown to Class! School Supplies Drive in support of The Children’s Breakfast Club.
Read moreJane Finch Tennis Program Spotlight: After-School Program
Jane Finch Tennis brought the community together on several occasions this summer through tennis tournaments, fitness workshops, and socials. As families prepare for school, Jane Finch Tennis is excited to begin supporting students through their various programs!
Read moreJane Finch Tennis is about more than tennis
BY: miwako chang
Jane Finch Tennis is about more than tennis. This local organization aims to build communities and support at-risk youth through academic and recreational programming, education, mentorship, personal and professional development, and employment opportunities. Their core values of community, inclusion, health, wellness, education, and employment are maintained in their initiatives.
Jane Finch Tennis offers youth tennis programming for various age groups, march break camps, after-school programs, instructor certification programs, and girls’ tennis and leadership programs. Children begin their involvement with the program through tennis programming, followed by volunteerism to foster community engagement. Employment opportunities within the organization are the final step. This three-step model fosters youth development.
Jane Finch Tennis is supported by various community partners including Tennis Canada, Jumpstart, Ontario Trillium Foundation, and MLSE. This past September, Jane Finch Tennis received a $68,400 grant and $47,600 fund from the Ontario Trillium Fund for a youth pilot project and the organization’s operational costs.
Jane Finch Tennis plays a fundamental role in our community. Their 2019 Annual Report reported more than 600 hours of tennis programming and 192 hours of academic support utilized by 337 participants with the help and availability of 44 employment opportunities and 55 volunteers.
There are several methods to support Jane Finch Tennis. Non-profit organizations appreciate donations to support their operations. Community members can host fundraisers to raise funds through events such as socials and tennis tournaments. Volunteers play a key role in their organization and are encouraged to participate.
For more information, visit janefinchtennis.ca.
Local politicians sit down with students from Stanley P.S. to discuss environmental issues, plans for the future
BY: Jasleen Kambo
On January 24, 2023, Member of Provincial Parliament for Humber River-Black Creek Tom Rakocevic, as well as Ward 4 Toronto District School Board Trustee Matias de Dovitiis sat down with local Grade 5 students at Stanley Public School to discuss the future of Ontario’s environmentally protected areas.
The meeting arose after a few civically engaged students wrote thoughtful letters to their local MPP, when they heard that the Ontario Greenbelt was in danger of being developed over due to Bill 123, the More Homes Built Faster Act, as well as in response to other environmental concerns.
When MPP Rakocevic read these letters, he knew he wanted to connect with the students on a deeper level and teach them how decisions are made in local politics. Being impressed by the students’ initiative, he wanted to discuss their concerns.
“Your letters matter.” said Rakocevic to students. “We win by working together…to convince the government not to develop on the greenbelt.”
Local Toronto District School Board Trustee, Matias de Dovitiis, was happy to attend the meeting as well to engage with the curious students.
“Very intelligent, well written, and eloquent letters.” de Dovitiis complimented the students. “Be environmentally conscious. Think about where your food comes from and how its grown. Think about where your clothes come from, where the materials come from, and how your clothes are made.”
Trustee de Dovitiis also expressed the importance of writing letters to the government, citing how one of the first anti-slavery movements occurred through writing letters to the government in the name of abolitionism.
Through the letters as well as at the meeting, students shared their thoughts, hopes and worries. The discussion was lively, and students were able to ask questions directly to their elected officials.
Grade 5 student Kim’s letter was researched, detailed, and thoughtfully written.
“This issue concerns me as the Greenbelt is a valuable part of our society and the removal of 7,400 square acres of it will affect our country greatly. Even if the Provincial Government will add another 9,000 square aces to the Greenbelt, it won’t be that simple. If the Provincial Government could just “add more” to the Greenbelt, why don’t they just build more housing there?” Posited Kim.
The students demonstrated critical thinking, logical reasoning, and perhaps most importantly, the capacity to create solutions—something increasingly being demanded of the next generation who will inherit many social and environmental challenges.
Grade 5 Student Andrea expressed a more local concern.
“I have been noticing more trash lately when I go for walks, there are many cigarette butts and coffee or soft drink cups. I went online to read news articles about pollution because of this, and as a result, I now know that pollution has been rising in the riding I live in. I would prefer it if Toronto had less pollution because it is already located in a region with a higher level of pollution than most.” Wrote Andrea.
The environmental issues were tackled from many angles. Additionally, Grade 5 Student Akshaya shared her concern for the human element of the impending development, as well as for local wildlife.
“As we start building on the Greenbelt I am worried about the farmers losing their farmlands and leading up to quitting and us losing more opportunities to get fruits and vegetables in our local community.” Opined Akshaya. “I am concerned about the animals losing their habitat and being frightened by the construction machines.”
TDSB Teacher Maria Grossi was happy to facilitate this engaging dialogue between students and their elected officials. She expressed a deep pride for their empathy, and willingness to try to make change.
Unfortunately, Mrs. Grossi informed the local representatives that she did receive a response from the office of the Premier which thanked the class for their letters but informed them that they were moving ahead with their plans to develop the greenbelt.
Despite the saddening news, Mrs. Grossi was inspired by the work and creativity that went into her students’ letters.
“I’m so proud of them, they really took to the issue on their own and I’m so proud of how socially aware they are, especially on such an important issue like this one. It’s a great opportunity for them to speak out on such a pressing issue.” Shared Grossi.
In closing, students appreciated being given the direct opportunity to connect with their civic representatives, and while the answer from the government of the day may not have been what they had hoped for, they at least understood that their voices were heard.
“If I want you to remember anything from today, it’s not that your MPP or Trustee visited your classroom, but how you felt when you wrote your letters.” MPP Tom imparted upon the class. “I hope the motivation to care about the environment, and about social issues stays with you forever.”
17 Years of Community Service: Winters Community Art Club
If you’re looking for a safe space where your child can foster friendships and thrive creatively, then look no further than Winters Community Art Club (WCAC). Specializing in empowering youth through their after-school visual-art and drama programs, WCAC aims to amplify youthful imagination and expression, while still being educational.
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