C.H. Best’s CyberArts Program highlights art Exhibit

Art work from various Toronto District School Board schools will be on display until April 2 at the Metro Hall Rotunda at 55 John Street, which is located at the southeast corner of King and John Streets, two blocks east of Spadina Avenue. One of the most striking contributions is a Geodesic Dome from C.H. Best Middle School’s Grade 7 CyberArts program. I am told that project integrates language, math, science and technology, visual art and history. Congratulations to the team at C.H. Best Middle School!





View Larger Map

The Argos ’ anti-bullying program Huddle Up comes to Ward 5

Here I am at Faywood Arts-based Curriculum School (Faywood ABC School), from left to right: Taylor Robertson, Offensive Lineman, Huddle Up Bullying Prevention Program, Toronto Argonauts, Kathy Trajkovski, Principal, Faywood ABC School, Trustee James Pasternak, Ward 5, Jason Colero, Huddle Up Bullying Prevention Program, Toronto Argonauts.

When I was elected, I assured parents that I would do everything possible to reduce and eliminate bullying in Ward 5 schools. Bullying is destructive and hurts our efforts to create a safe and comforting learning environment at the TDSB. In order to keep this commitment, I met with the Toronto Argonauts Football Club community outreach group last summer to bring their anti-bullying Huddle Up program to Ward 5. Working with my constituency assistants David Horowitz and Danny Pivnick and superintendent Gen Ling Chang, we are bringing Huddle Up to ten Ward 5 schools. I owe a great deal of thanks to all participating principals and to the Argonauts’ Jason Colero.

Appreciation for your Support

I want to take this opportunity to thank all the residents of Ward 5 who supported me in the municipal election. I also want to offer my best wishes to the other candidates who put their names forward in Ward 5 (York Centre). It was a hard fought campaign but as a team we were able to obtain over 50% of the votes cast. I also want to thank friends, relatives, and supporters outside the ward who came to help. Over the next 4 years my goal is to listen to your needs and work together to make York Centre a stronger and safer community. You can reach me anytime at james.pasternak@tdsb.on.ca or 416-395-8406.

Celebrations: In memory of Aleisha Ashley and Monique McKnight. Fundraising gathering on April 5 at Downsview Secondary School

In those dark days when young people have to grieve for a loved one, the organization Celebrations: In memory of Aleisha Ashley and Monique McKnight, steps-in to provide our youth with bereavement support services in the Jane-Finch community and surrounding community. The organization was established by Cleoni Crawford, the sister of Aleisha Ashley and the two families whose aim is to “inspire, educate and support youths in our community.” Celebrations has partnered with the Bereaved Families of Ontario-Toronto to implement its three services:


* Celebrations Scholarship Fund in memory of Aleisha and Monique

The scholarship fund is awarded to graduating high school students whom are attending Downsview Secondary School , Westview Centennial Secondary School and Emery Collegiate Institute. And two fundraisers are also organized: The Gospel, Arts N PRAIZE that is a gospel concert and presentation of the arts by high school students and youth from the Jane-Finch community, and Celebrations Charity Auction and Dinner to raise funds for the program.

* Celebrations Youth Bereavement

The Celebrations Youth Bereavement is absolutely free and provides one-hour sessions at its Spot Youth Centre located at Yorkgate Mall. Two trained staff from the Bereaved Families of Ontario-Toronto is there to counsel and guide the youth attending the program.


* Celebrations Youth Online Information Guide

You can find the guide on the web at www.c-virtue.com (link found on the menu bar) that will provide you with a wealth of information about its youth services, programs, and the businesses and organizations that serve the youth throughout the GTA.