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Convocation Day at Algonquin College

The following is an excerpt from the President Claude Brulé’s October 28 address at the 2020 Convocation; learn more about Algonquin College first virtual convocation here. As your President, I am both humbled and honoured to have this opportunity to celebrate your resilience and success. Amidst the events reshaping our global reality, be they the […]

Office of the President

Photos:

November 4, 2020
Revised: November 4, 2020 10:37am

The following is an excerpt from the President Claude Brulé’s October 28 address at the 2020 Convocation; learn more about Algonquin College first virtual convocation here.

As your President, I am both humbled and honoured to have this opportunity to celebrate your resilience and success.

Amidst the events reshaping our global reality, be they the pandemic, climate change, the fight for social justice and equality, or automation and the world of Artificial Intelligence, we come together to celebrate your incredible achievement, which is all the more remarkable given these extraordinary times.

In this age of great uncertainty, I can be certain of one thing…. The steadfast determination you have displayed will serve you well in the new environment being shaped so rapidly before us.

The world you are entering, upon graduation, looks nothing like the world from even a year ago. Yet, along with the challenges that lay ahead, the future holds promise and opportunities the likes of which have not been presented to any generation for a long time.

The door is open for you to really change the world, and not in a clichéd sense, but in real and tangible ways, emboldened with fresh ideas and new perspectives.

It also stands ready for your generation’s champions of social justice, to address issues of inequity, and the lack of diversity and inclusion that recent events have brought to the forefront in ways that can no longer be ignored.

Whatever your path forward, you will have the opportunity to help lead a true transformation –

to recalibrate the socio-economic inequities for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour on a scale never seen before. And to reshape the modern workforce and break new ground in your chosen field.

Embracing our community will hopefully be one of the enduring legacies to emerge from these times, and you will be the ones to pass this on to the next generation.

Education, in its many forms, is a significant touchstone. It helps form the solid ground beneath our feet. It allows us to adapt, pivot and anticipate rather than merely react when change inevitably challenges our lives.

The knowledge and skills you have acquired here at Algonquin College are now part of your “tool kit”, helping to “future-proof” your career.

I want to borrow now from my colleague, Ron (Deganadus) McLester, Algonquin’s Vice President – Truth, Reconciliation & Indigenization. He often uses the metaphor of arrows in a

quiver. An arrow on its own will snap easily, however when they are bundled together, they are strong and resilient. Having many arrows in your quiver provides strength, and will enhance your confidence when faced with the many challenges set to come your way.

So … going forward … be inspired to learn new things and develop new skills. Fill your quiver with more arrows and make your mark.

Everything of value starts with an idea. What ideas are you preparing to share with the world? What script are you about to write?

It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of the author, Neil Gaiman, and I’d like to borrow what I think is an appropriate quote from his book, Art Matters: “It is easy to pretend that nobody can change anything, that society is huge and the individual is less than nothing. But the truth is, individuals make the future, and they do it by imagining that things can be different.”

So, when you think about your future, where does your imagination take you? The world needs your creativity, your energy and your resiliency more than ever before. It needs you to dream big dreams, and to go forward and be fearless.

Be unafraid to fail and to learn from your missteps. To borrow again from Neil Gaiman: “Now go, and make interesting mistakes…Make glorious and fantastic mistakes. Break rules. Leave the world more interesting for you being here.” History is filled with the stories of entrepreneurs and leaders in every field whose ideas met with initial dismissal, failure, and seemingly insurmountable odds before they achieved success.

So let opportunity be what defines you. I know you already possess the determination, imagination and innovative spirit to overcome any obstacles in your path.

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Claude Brulé

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Taking care of one’s own mental health should be top priority

The Fall term has always been a time of excitement – but also of increased responsibility and stress within our College community. Amidst the pandemic, I know many of us are struggling with additional feelings of anxiety and isolation this year. That’s why I call on each and every one of you to make mental […]

Office of the President

Photos:

October 14, 2020
Revised: October 15, 2020 6:54pm

That’s why I call on each and every one of you to make mental health your top priority.

Six years ago, the Mental Health Commission of Canada released a report highlighting how post-secondary student populations across the country are at a higher risk of mental health issues.

The report detailed how half of all lifetime cases of diagnosable mental illness start by 14 years-of-age, and 75 per cent by the age of 24. Half of all Canadians will have, or will have had, a mental illness by the age of 40.

In the intervening years since that report, Algonquin College has taken many steps to enhance its support networks and resources to help our learners and employees look after their mental health.

That work continues with an even greater sense of purpose today, as we now face new personal challenges brought upon us by the COVID-19 pandemic. With a return to normal still on the horizon, taking care of ourselves has become even more critical.

Algonquin College takes pride in being an inclusive, caring community. We strive each day to support and respect one another – to show kindness and empathy. By doing this, we break down the old and harmful stigmas around mental health.

Building awareness is crucial, and I encourage every learner and employee to take the time to reflect on how they are feeling and coping during these unprecedented times. Part of being aware is accepting that it is okay to be vulnerable. Asking for help is a sign of strength not weakness. Never hesitate to reach out when in need. In addition to the resources referenced above, there are also many apps and online tools available to you, and excellent resources offered by Ottawa Public Health.

One of the recent developments in our continuing efforts around mental health is the expanded partnership Algonquin College has with The Royal. This summer, thanks to a $250,000 contribution from RBC Foundation, more of our learners in need will be able to meet online with a psychiatrist from The Royal and get the support they need through a customized treatment plan.

We also offer a complete range of counselling services and general supports in an effort to cater to the individual needs of every learner, understanding the broad range of challenges and lived experiences across our student population. These services are provided by professionals who can accommodate you virtually from the comfort of your own home.

Like everyone, I am looking forward to the time when we can all safely be together again, enjoying the vibrancy and energy of being on campus. Until then, please know you are not alone. We want you to turn your dreams into lifelong success and are committed to helping you on the journey.

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Campus groups prepare for fall spike in sexual assaults

Groups are working to address and prevent instances of sexual violence, with fall typically seeing more.

Claire Donnan

Photos: Claire Donnan

September 17, 2024
Revised: September 17, 2024 4:17pm

Photo: Claire Donnan

Stephen Smith is the coordinator of security investigations, and wants students to know risk management is here for them. As Marelic said, "his door is always open."

Algonquin College’s risk management and health and wellness employees might be hard at work this month as they support students who are victims of sexual violence on campus.

Johanne Marelic, the sexual assault and violence investigator for Risk Management, says she sees a higher volume of reported instances of sexual assault in the fall, when students first return to school.

“I think it’s a combination of students being away from home for the first time, COVID probably has not helped, age, maturity and alcohol (and) drugs,” said Marelic.

This increase coincides with a time referred to as “the Red Zone.” The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network’s research determined that students are at a higher risk of being sexually assaulted in their first few weeks at a post-secondary institution, with half of all assaults occurring from August to November.

While Marelic and Stephen Smith, coordinator of security investigations, had not heard of the Red Zone themselves, they agreed instances of assault were higher in the fall.

Currently, they work to help students who have experienced sexual assault on campus, including in the residences or on field trips. While they cannot investigate instances that happen off-campus, they still provide resources and support to students struggling, if students request it.

Also on campus, Project Lighthouse in the Student Health and Wellness Centre is working to support students on campus who may have experienced sexual violence, and they’re constantly evolving.

“There’s a really great Ottawa-based organization called WISE … I’m hoping to partner with them,” said Hollie Sabourin, the culturally inclusive sexual health education coordinator with Project Lighthouse. “They aim to promote women’s safety…through offering personal safety workshops.”

The partnership with WISE will teach participants how to protect themselves psychologically, emotionally and physically, and how to recognize red flags in relationships. It would join Project Lighthouse’s list of existing programs, including support groups, activities and their online sexual violence prevention training.

“We’ll always, first of all, believe the victim, and respect their autonomy and how they want to approach going forward,” said Sabourin.

In Risk Management, Marelic and Smith are following the victim’s lead, too.

“We’re here really to support any survivors of sexual assault or sexual violence,” said Smith. “They can report it anonymously if they want, or they can make a full report so that we conduct an investigation.”

Risk Management also helps victims seek medical attention, and offers resources to staff to help them support students. Additionally, victims can choose to report and leave their case with Risk Management until they are ready.

“We will do our report, we will put it aside until if and when they’re ready to come forward,” said Marelic.

Those reports are kept forever.

Ultimately, Risk Management and Project Lighthouse agreed that it’s key to support victims and to keep the conversation going.

“I think it’s an important thing to be talking about (it),” said Sabourin. “We all have a role to play.”

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Claire Donnan

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Women’s soccer Wolves beat Fleming 5-0 in home opener

The Wolves dominated the Fleming Phoenix, thanks to a strong offence and four goals scored by striker Olivia Lambert.

Shaun Klepko

Photos: Shaun Klepko

September 16, 2024
Revised: September 16, 2024 11:07am

Photo: Shaun Klepko

Wolves striker Olivia Lambert scored four goals against the Fleming Phoenix during the Wolves' Sept. 14 home opener.

The Algonquin Wolves women’s soccer team won 5-0 against the Fleming Phoenix in their Sept. 14 home opener.

From the start of the match, the Wolves’ game was fiercely offensive, keeping the ball mostly on the Phoenix’s side of the field. Throughout the game, the Phoenix struggled to push the ball into Wolves territory.

Wolves striker Jordan Blades-McHenry scored the first goal of the match, ending the first half with a 1-0 lead for Algonquin.

“We got a bit frustrated that we didn’t shoot well in the first half,” said assistant coach Steve Ball after the game. “But in the second half, we opened them up a bit.”

Keeping up the offensive pressure, the Wolves dominated the Phoenix in the second half. In the final 20 minutes of the game, Wolves striker Olivia Lambert scored four goals.

Lambert credits this performance to good nutrition and her team’s strong camaraderie.

“I had a really good breakfast,” said Lambert. “Eggs, bacon, ketchup and feta. But just the atmosphere in the change room really gets you. We got music going. We’re cheering. We’re dancing. We are a pumped-up team this year. We’re playing for each other. It’s a team atmosphere that makes you play good.”

Despite the Wolves’ victory, head coach Basil Phillips feels the team still has room for improvement.

“It was a good performance overall,” said Phillips. “We’ve just got to be more decisive with our finishing. Too many of our shots just didn’t hit the target.”

Wolves midfielder Kassandra Da Cruz was of the same opinion.

“Our shots were a little bit terrible,” said Da Cruz. “But by the second half, we were in it. At the end, we picked it up and did really well.”

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Humber Hawks rout Algonquin Wolves in men’s rugby home opener

Conditioning, size, and experience helped a dominant Humber squad take home victory against a young Algonquin team.

Tyler Reis-Sanford

Photos: Tyler Reis-Sanford

September 16, 2024
Revised: September 16, 2024 11:10am

Photo: Tyler Reis-Sanford

The Humber Hawks forwards frequently overpowered the Wolves' pack.

The Humber Hawks men’s rugby team defeated a young Algonquin Wolves side in an overwhelming 84-0 victory on Sept. 14 at the Twin Elm Rugby Park.

The Wolves’ season didn’t start as planned after a dominant performance from the Hawks. After an early score from the Hawks, the Wolves looked to keep the game competitive with a methodical drive that brought them within 10 meters of the Hawk try zone, but a costly turnover led to an end-to-end score from the Humber outside centre.

The field-flipping try seemed to suck the life from the young Algonquin side on a hot September day, and the more experienced Humber team kept their foot on the gas for the rest of the match.

“We’ve got good leaders…one of our guys said it best,” said Wolves head coach Geoff Tomlinson. “Remember this feeling. We don’t ever want to feel like this again.”

Tomlinson said he had a lot of faith in the team to make the most of a hard-learning experience.

“A lot of these guys don’t have men’s league experience, getting that contact in the summer makes a big difference. At some point you become a man, in age sure, but on the pitch you become a man through taking those hits, feeling those losses,” added Tomlinson.

On a day where temperatures reached 30 C, and often felt like 35 C with humidity, both teams were required by officials to stop for water twice each half. Despite these measures, both teams felt the exhaustion early on in the match, leading to broken plays, mismatched defensive lines and unforced errors.

Wolves hooker Dylan Gilmore gets a cold spray of water while waiting for a line out. Photo credit: Tyler Reis-Sanford

When asking Level 1 welding and fabrication student and first-year flanker Dakota Reitsma what the team could do to improve, he was quick to point out their fatigue.

“Cardio,” said Reitsma. “We need to keep our legs under us… we can’t let them bring us down in the mud.”

The Wolves’ side boasted only a few veteran players from last year’s roster, but the Hawks had most of their team returning from 2023’s silver medal run. Their size and experience showed, especially in the forwards, who dominated scrums and rucks all game.

“In college things change a lot, so we weren’t sure what we were in for today,” said Hawks’ coach Darryl Snider. “We knew it would be physical, and it was.”

Snider also said playing summer rugby was a prerequisite to joining the highly competitive Hawks roster, and every single player played some level of club rugby before the season.

“It’s only a 10-week season, you need to be conditioned for contact,” said Snider. “We’ve been on the other side of it before, and to give (Algonquin) credit they never backed down, and when they had the ball they were moving forward.”

The Wolves travel to face the Conestoga Condors on Sept. 21 and look to have more success than they did during their home opener.

Tyler Reis-Sanford

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Alcohol sales expanded around the corner from Algonquin College

Reactions from students and patrons

Linda Verreault

Photos: Linda Verreault

September 16, 2024
Revised: September 16, 2024 9:25am

Photo: Linda Verreault

Nina Cortez an Algonquin College student in the architectural program, outside the Circle K.

Alcohol sales expanded to over 4,100 locations across Ontario on Sept. 5 to include convenience stores and big box retailers.

Outside the Circle K located at 1827 Baseline Rd., at the corner of Navaho Drive, Algonquin College students shared their thoughts about alcohol being sold at the corner stores between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.

“I don’t mind. I think it’s just easier accessibility so that if people ever wanted it, they could have access a lot better than having to possibly go farther,” said business accounting student Mya Watson, 25.

“I don’t mind. I think it’s easier accessibility,” said Mya Watson, 25, a business accounting student.

Algonquin College students who already had access to the LCBO and the Beer Store within walking distance will now be able to purchase their alcohol after hours.

“It doesn’t affect me personally because I don’t really drink a lot, so it’s just fine,” said Nina Cortez, a 27-year-old architectural student.

“From the point of view for business, I think it is a good idea and it will be more convenient for people who drink alcohol. For those who don’t consume that like me, for them it does not matter,” said Kavish Sangwan, 19, a business technician student.

This has been a controversial issue for years with doctors and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health speaking out against this increase in access. They feel the government is choosing convenience over the well-being of Ontarians.

Charles Brandon, a business owner who is not a student, said buying alcohol at corner stores in Quebec is convenient.

“I just think that the inevitable and the casualties of this will be underage people getting their hands on alcohol, either through just having buddies work at the store or unqualified convenience store workers,” said Brandon, 39.

Store owners believe it is long overdue. They have been handling age restricted products such as tobacco and lottery tickets for years.

“Convenience stores are responsible retailers. We have an unrivaled record when it comes to checking ID and ensuring that age restricted products are not sold to minors,” said, Kenny Shim, owner of Busy Bee Mart and industry leader, in a statement released by the Ontario Korean Businessmen’s Association in August.

This change comes about a year and a half earlier than anticipated at a cost of $225 million dollars to taxpayers. These funds are allocated to protect Beer Store employees and front-line workers. Ontario Premier Doug Ford pledges an additional $10 million over five years to address public health concerns related to expanded access to alcohol.

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Students attend the Career Planning Workshop step-by-step guide for their careers

Students begin the school year by creating goal-based career plans.

Isabella Disley

Photos: Isabella Disley

September 13, 2024
Revised: September 13, 2024 3:11pm

Photo: Isabella Disley

Jessica Andrews, a Career Advisor, speaking at the Career Planning Workshop in C126.

The Co-op and Career Centre hosted a workshop in Room 126 of the C-building, from 9:30 -11 a.m. on Sept. 11.

This 1 1/2-hour workshop is ideal for first-years but is open to all students via registration.

Jessica Andrews, a career advisor, presented a PowerPoint to students including resources, tips and tricks for making connections.

Each student received a “Career Action Plan” worksheet prompting an illustration of goals for gaining experience, building connections and developing career readiness.

Tom Truong, a first-year paralegal student, agreed the workshop provided many resources.

“I decided to participate in this event because I was hoping that I would get some resources to see what I can do for my next steps, career-wise. It allows me to see what kind of resources are available online and how welcoming and supportive the college is,” said Truong.

Truong mentioned that this workshop is a good starting point.

“I think it’s important because, when you’re a new student at college or you start anything new. It allows you to have a starting point so that everything won’t be coming at you all at once,” said Tuong.

Tom Truong reads the “Career Action Plan” worksheet at the Career Planning Workshop in C126. Photo credit: Isabella Disley

Fiona Ang, a first-year computing programming and analysis student, agreed that this workshop is helpful for other students.

“Other students should participate in it because it provides lots of information about how other activities we did can actually influence our career choices. The event gave me some insights into how our current efforts can directly relate to our own future goals no matter what,” said Ang.

Ang also found this workshop to be informative.

“I participated in this event to get to know what other activities and opportunities that I can do in the school and outside the school that can be related to my career path.”

Andrews mentioned that there is no specific answer to what the most important step is for planning a career. However, taking a step, big or small, is always meaningful.

“I think it can be very daunting to work towards a career goal. I think this is a good way to help you get prepared and get ready early so that by the time you finish your program, you will hopefully have some experience and connections, and it’ll be easier to find a job once you graduate,” said Andrews.

“Hopefully, by the end of the workshop, students will have a few steps or suggestions or ways to kind of move towards their career goal,” said Andrews.

More information on upcoming events can be found in the events calendar of the Student Support Services website.

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Accomplished actor brings his expertise to the performing arts program

Two-time Gemini Award nominee Robert Bockstael started teaching the performing techniques course at AC on Sept. 9.

Shaun Klepko

Photos: Shaun Klepko

September 13, 2024
Revised: September 16, 2024 2:29pm

Photo: Shaun Klepko

Robert Bockstael teaches the performing techniques course to his performing arts students on Sept. 11, 2024.

He’s been a cop, a pastor and even Rumpelstiltskin. For his latest role, Robert Bockstael is a new professor at Algonquin College. Bockstael has almost four decades of acting experience and is now sharing that expertise with students in the performing arts program.

Professor Teri Loretto, coordinator of the performing arts program, had previously worked with Bockstael in the Canadian theatre industry. She welcomed him to the position of professor on Sept. 6.

“We were looking for someone who had experience in teaching but more importantly in acting and performance,” said Loretto. “I was leading a scriptwriting workshop at the DIGI 60 Summer Accelerator program and Robert was leading the acting stream. It reminded me of how great he was and it went from there.”

On Sept. 9, Bockstael started teaching the performance techniques course, which covers a holistic approach to acting at Algonquin College’s Woodroffe campus.

“He is a fabulous and experienced instructor with many years of work under his belt,” said Loretto.

Bockstael has coached students and taught workshops at other institutions, including St. Lawrence College, Laurentian University and Canterbury High School.

“He mentioned that he’s taught before on the side,” said Nina Ashly, a first-year performing arts student. “But to think he’s worked professionally so much has me really excited.”

Bockstael has been nominated twice for the Gemini Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role, thanks to his role as Brian Fletcher in the Canadian television series North of 60. He has also played Macbeth, Sailor Moon’s love interest and Santa Claus’ liaison to the US Army.

In addition to his acting career in television and theatre, Bockstael has written for television, theatre and radio, and he published the novel “Willow’s Run” in 2022.

Though he is originally from Winnipeg, he is currently based in Ottawa, where he says he is focused on teaching at Algonquin College.

“I have a very special place in my heart for this school,” said Bockstael. “It is very welcoming, very calm, very positive. I have many colleagues who have taught here. Friends and family have gone here, and have gone on to very successful, happy lives.”

Bockstael’s son Henry even attended the college, graduating from the academic assistance for adults with developmental disabilities program in 2016.

“When this teaching opportunity came up, I was pretty excited about it,” said Bockstael. “I’m really interested to see how this progresses and evolves throughout the year.”

After many years of working in the performing arts, he says he is very passionate about supporting students in the performing arts program.

“There’s students here who want to be singers, dancers, voice-over actors,” said Bockstael. “That’s what I hope to encourage: that a life as an artist is a desirable one if you follow your passion. I can’t say that I’ve been disappointed in my career or life path at all.“

Many of Bockstael’s students were not aware of their professor’s extensive work experience.

“I kind of had a bit of a clue,” said first-year performing arts student Liam Komocki. “They said one of our teachers was off filming something, but I didn’t know how big he was.”

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New AC card arrives with long lines and transit troubles

Card combining student card and U-Pass causes frustration and complaints from students in first week of fall term.

Nathalia Lencioni

Photos: Nathalia Lencioni

September 10, 2024
Revised: September 10, 2024 3:30pm

Photo: Nathalia Lencioni

Johnny Woolsey (left) and Lathen Trojana exiting the AC card service centre in D-building on Sept. 5 with their brand new cards.

Johnny Woolsey stepped out of the AC Card Service Centre on Sept. 5 and breathed a sigh of relief. The long journey to have his new AC Card issued had ended and his first semester as a student in the music, media and film foundations program could begin.

“Oh man, this has been a whole process,” said Woolsey. “I’ve been having a terrible time. I’ve been here three days in a row and new hurdles just kept happening.”

Woolsey said he was unable to submit a photo prior to getting in line for the AC Card due to technical issues, and for that reason, was removed from the line multiple times over the past three days.

“Algonquin College, the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, and the City of Ottawa have been working together for the past two years to eliminate the blue U-Pass card and merge it onto each institution’s student card,” said Roch Lafond, Algonquin College’s manager of Parking, Lockers and Card Services.

The new card will be automatically activated at the start of the winter term and grant students access to many campus services, including borrowing library books and using campus printing services.

Students standing in the zig-zagging line inside the AC card service centre in D-building on Sept. 5. Photo credit: Nathalia Lencioni

Woolsey said he had a frustrating experience when members of staff tasked with managing the long lines gave him conflicting instructions. That miscommunication resulted in confusion and hours of standing in line waiting for his AC Card.

“Just now, I got my meal plan,” said Woolsey. “I’ve had to sustain myself off of crumbs basically for a couple of days now.”

In the future, students may not even need a card at all.

“We are always looking to improve our services and have started discussions on moving to a digital card,” said Lafond. “We are in the exploratory phase with this idea.”

Students were vocal about their frustrations with the long lines that sometimes reached past the length of the D-building Marketplace cafeteria.

Some students even reported having issues accessing OC Transpo with their new AC Card.

Justine Markhauser, a Level 1 student in the esthetician program, said her new card had not worked as of Sept. 5, despite seeking assistance from the card services counter in E-building.

She said she has been met with hostility from some bus drivers.

“Some of them have been nice and accommodating. And then some of them were just the opposite,” said Markhauser. “They said things like, ‘Why isn’t it working? I can’t let you on this bus if you can’t pay.'”

Justine Markhauser waiting for the 88 bus outside of the Student Commons building on Sept. 5. Photo credit: Nathalia Lencioni

Lafond said the number of technological integrations implemented made this project highly complex. The OC Transpo technical team is working to solve the validation issues.

“OC Transpo has identified the underlying cause of the validation issue and is now working on an update,” said Lafond. “This update will fix the ‘Not activated’ error message that some students are seeing when trying to board OC Transpo routes.”

Not all students experienced the new card headaches.

Lathen Trojana, a Level 1 student in the music, media and film foundations program, said it could not have been easier to pick up his new AC Card.

“I had kind of the opposite end of the stick,” said Trojana. “I found out that if you submit a photo before Aug. 27, once you show up the card will be ready. So my experience was kind of good, especially in comparison.”

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Nathalia Lencioni

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Rock climbing a favourite at Algonquin’s youth summer camp

Algonquin Wolves Sports Summer Camp offers activities for kids aged 7 to 14

Angel Belair-Poirier

Photos: Angel Belair-Poirier

September 5, 2024
Revised: September 5, 2024 4:12pm

Photo: Angel Belair-Poirier

Lisa Hartill, recreation attendant (left), and Eleonore Brunelle, camp counsellor.

Volleyball, basketball, dodgeball, badminton, pickleball, indoor curling, bean bag toss, scooter hockey, flag football, bowling, soccer and rock climbing are all on the menu at the Algonquin Wolves Sports Summer Camp.

Now in its second year, the camp is at the Algonquin Varsity Gym and the sports turf near Z-building. The camp offers more sports than most other camps.

“This is the best sports camp Ottawa has to offer. The facilities makes this all possible here at Algonquin College,” said Lisa Hartill, an athletics and recreation attendant at the college.

Most weeks of the camp are sold out. Children are organized into four groups based on age: Pups (age 7-8), Delta (9-10), Gamma (11-12) and Beta (13-14). There are 25 spots in each group per week.

“The activities are good… locker rooms are small. It needs more chairs to sit,” said Zakarerya Tantawy, age 8. “I like rock climbing a lot. We need more harnesses so more people can go at the same time.”

“I like it but it needs more space, more stuff, more teachers,” said Akram Rouiha, age 8. “The bowling balls are too heavy.”

The camp was created last year by Jenny Duval, manager of athletic operation facilities at the Algonquin Students’ Association, with the support of fellow manager Jori Ritchie, and Stephanie Rheaume, the campus recreation coordinator.

The camp runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A five-day week costs $250-$300, depending on the week. The Students’ Association takes the proceeds.

“This year we offer four weeks of camp and next year we hope to increase the camp to five weeks. We do not intend to increase [to] more than five weeks, because the gym is being rented for other events,” said Rheaume. “The first year, we started with three weeks.”

Once a week, Algonquin’s wolf mascot comes out to say hi to the kids and give positive reinforcements.

“I don’t believe the mascot has a name yet,” Rheaume said. “The Students Association is working on rebranding.”

The kids start the day with scheduled sports, then have lunch inside the Athletic and Recreation Centre with their respective age groups. After that, there’s free gym time until 2 p.m., then more activities. The weekly schedule is posted on a corkboard for parents to see. Parents also meet the camp coordinators while dropping off and retrieving their children.

Most parents are pleased with the services. “The facility is new, clean and very well organized,” said Noha Elmaghraby. The only negative feedback has been the time spent on the rock climbing wall. Each age group gets two hours twice a week, but the activity is very popular and some parents and kids have asked for more. Rheaume said that this is not possible due to needing to preserve time for the larger student body.

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Angel Belair-Poirier

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Algonquin students drop the mic at the Rainbow Bistro

ACPR students #ShattertheSilence with performers at the Rainbow Bistro for the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre

Steven Dalloo

Photos: Steven Dalloo

September 5, 2024
Revised: September 5, 2024 4:07pm

Photo: Steven Dalloo

Featured performer Monique Messier on the Rainbow Bistro stage.

Mic Drop the Silence, the fourth and final event of the ACPR students #ShattertheSilence fundraising campaign was held on July 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Rainbow Bistro.

Various artists lent their voices to shattering the silence around mental health and to promote the Royal, Ottawa’s main mental health care centre, for an audience of more than 50 people.

Ottawans were invited to express their mental health experiences creatively and build community solidarity.

The event also featured a drink called the Royal Drop, in both alcohol and non-alcohol versions, with a dollar of the price of each drink sold donated to The Royal.

ACPR level 2 student Lois Caracas thinks the younger generation is responsible for making up ground. The support needed for mental health research is particularly lacking.

“We are 100 years behind in research in the field of mental illness compared to other medical issues,” said Caracas.

“I commend Algonquin students for breaking the silence,” said Birdie White, an Algonquin college alumna. White is one of the many who took to the stage to rock the interior of the Rainbow Bistro.

“It was absolutely amazing, a lot of passion in the room tonight,” said Hannah Smith community partnership and coordinator at The Royal.

The Royal was satisfied with the efforts of Algonquin students. “i think the campaign has been a successful on all levels,” said Smith

Ottawans took to the stage in the latter half of the event to shatter the silence and promote mental health awareness.

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Steven Dalloo

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Yoga, smoothies and student wellness

Students find inner peace amidst exam stress with a relaxing outdoor yoga session

Aicha Chamor

Photos: Aicha Chamor

September 5, 2024
Revised: September 5, 2024 4:02pm

Photo: Aicha Chamor

Students practise yoga in the sunshine.

Algonquin College hosted an outdoor yoga event, offering students a chance to de-stress and connect with nature.

The event, held on August 13 in the horticulture garden of the M-building, featured two sessions, each led by experienced yoga instructor Ro Nwosu, owner of Union 108 yoga studio in Arnprior.

The first session took place from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., followed by a second session from 12 p.m.to 12:45 p.m.

With 15 years of experience guiding people towards a deeper connection with themselves, Nwosu is known for her calming presence and encouraging demeanour. She emphasizes the importance of movement in general, highlighting yoga as a powerful tool for self-awareness.

“Yoga is another form and it does give so many great spaces to learn more about yourself, learn more about your connection to your breath and your connection to your mind, and your connection to your body,” said Nwosu.

The event drew in a diverse group of around 10 students, eager to experience the benefits of yoga in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Xiaojun Ma, a web development and internet application student from China, said, “I love yoga but I’ve never been into outdoor yoga. I think it’s a great chance to just experience it. I would definitely try that again.”

The event provided a unique opportunity for students to connect with nature while practising yoga. The serene garden setting, with its lush greenery and calming atmosphere, provided a welcome respite from busy campus life.

“I love the fountain. It’s so beautiful, and seeing it during the poses made the experience even more special,” said Priya Patel, a student in the computer engineering technology program.

Rebecca Lafontaine, events program coordinator with the AC Hub, said that the event was born from a desire to support student well-being. “We know how stressful exam season can be,” she said. “So we wanted to offer students a chance to de-stress, reconnect with themselves, and prioritize their health.”

The team researched popular student interests, ultimately deciding on an outdoor yoga session as a way to promote mindfulness and self-care in a beautiful and accessible setting.

Nwosu offered advice for those new to yoga: “Bring someone. I think it’s always great to bring a friend with you to connect in that space. Ask all the questions and make sure that the place you’re going to or the person you are going with really speaks to you and it’s something that you actually want to jump into. Start small, like it’s a journey and exploration, and it takes time.

The event offered a variety of smoothies, including a refreshing pineapple mango flavour and a berry blast containing yogurt and milk to help participants refresh and cool off.

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