Councillor Perruzza and the DUKE Heights BIA put on a Socially Distanced Backpack Drive for Families in Need

September 26, 2020 Ayesha Khan

Some members of the team and residents pose for a photo in front of the tent. (Photo credit: Rashed Mahmud)

On September 3, the office of Ward 7 City Councillor and the Duke Heights Business Improvement Area teamed up to put on their annual back-to-school backpack drive for some of the Jane-Finch and surrounding neighbourhoods’ vulnerable families at Fountainhead Park. The backpacks were stuffed with school supplies and treats, as well as a new necessity in the 2020 pandemic: child-sized printed masks.

School start with COVID proves tough choice for parents

September 23, 2020 Matias de Doviitis

Front yard of Elia Middle School. (Photo credit: Matias De Dovitiis)

With the start of school there are always jitters and changes for students and for parents. This year has been compounded by the biggest pandemic in several generations: COVID-19. In fact, at the time writing this, there are still shifting dates for online courses that are making the process even more complicated for parents. Schools are scrambling to do in a couple of weeks, what normally takes the whole summer: assign teachers, create classes and organize curriculum changes.