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Category: Featured Articles

  • Exploring Diverse Family Structures: An Inclusive Approach

    Exploring Diverse Family Structures: An Inclusive Approach

    By Rabia Khan

    Everyone is raised differently and that’s what makes them unique. You often grow up to be how effectively your childhood shaped you. Parents are our direct and first leaders, they inspire us and strive us to become our individual selves later in life. Growing up in inclusive households makes a big difference in this world to live in. There are many reasons why our renowned world leaders are calling for inclusivity since there are only visible benefits to it. This is the only proven and effective way to eliminate biases against others around us. Inclusivity begins from the four walls of our homes.

    Family is a union of oneness and togetherness. Without the support from the family, we cannot lead a successful life. It is within our households, that we can strive in whatever to do best we can. An inclusive approach to livelihood creates an excellent family structure in the long run.

    The head of the family sets the base for their children and after they become adults, the foundation set in early childhood becomes their living reality. Cultivating a diverse family structure at a young age opens doors to many opportunities. You’re lucky to learn and explore a whole new world ahead of you.

    Getting familiar with a wide range of cultures can foster a safe environment for young adults as well as for those who just stepped into the real world. Exploring diversity brings a lot of meaningful experiences in life, at the same time it makes sure that you enjoy all the benefits when it comes to intertwining various cultural backgrounds and races.

    Those who become acquainted with different cultures can excel academically and at work. They possess high emotional intelligence because of the exposure, They also tend to respect communities from different socio-econimic backgrounds which makes their personality highly admirable.

    Spreading awareness about diverse cultural and religious aspects can make your children better human beings and Increase their tolerance levels in the most complex environment settings.

    After growing up in an inclusive household, you surely learn to respect people from all communities, races, religions and genders. Facing challenging situations with patience becomes a key part of your development and progress. There is plenty of opportunity to become more welcoming of opposing ideas and support others along the way.

    To thrive in today’s society, living your life beyond the definition of inclusivity adds value and what’s better to add that value to your children’s lives when they are in their primitive years? Exposing your children to a healthy and inclusive enviornemt will definitely eases up their fears and anxiety of worldly affairs when they turn adults.

    Diverse family structure fosters beliefs of equality and healthy bonds among young people and meet their emotional needs when it comes to interaction between various communities.

  • How To Become an Electrician in Ontario

    How To Become an Electrician in Ontario

    Almost every building has electricity, and these homes, schools, and offices need someone to connect and maintain the electrical connections. Becoming an electrician is a good choice for people who are precise and able to work with their hands.

    Electricians work with wiring, fuses, and other equipment to make sure that everything works properly. Faulty wiring can cause fires, and it is important to be precise and accurate as an electrician. Being able to read well and to do basic mathematical calculations is important in this career. High school courses in these areas, as well as anything related to construction or similar fields, can be useful. Some employers require a high school diploma, but a Grade 10 education is enough for other employers.

    After high school, many electricians begin apprenticeship training. In Ontario, most electricians begin with formal training, which normally involves 840 hours of in-class training at a trade school or community college. Often, the first step is to find an employer willing to sponsor an apprentice. Electricians can work for construction companies, but many people choose to work for small companies or to work on their own for people who need help with electricity in their homes or offices.

    Wages for apprentice electricians start at about $15 per hour. When people progress to being a journeyperson, their wages can rise to $40 per hour. With benefits, wages can reach $60 per hour. Jobs are easier to find in large cities than in small communities, but even a village requires an electrician. Having a second source of income can be helpful.

    Electrical work needs to be very precise, and people in this trade need to keep their knowledge current. Taking upgrading courses or reading articles about new techniques and materials can help electricians understand the best ways of doing the work. Electricians might sometimes need to work very quickly or work long hours when a job needs to be finished, but many electricians can choose their hours at least to some extent.

    Like in most trades, working as an electrician can be physically demanding, but it can also be mentally tiring. Electricians must concentrate on what they are doing to be able to get the work right and avoid potential disasters. Some electricians work with other people, but they frequently complete projects alone. However, being able to consult with builders, carpenters, and other tradespeople is important for getting the job done well.

    Good eyesight with or without glasses is important in this job since electricians need to be able to see small wires and to attach them correctly. Steady hands are also necessary to avoid knocking things over or touching the wires to other objects. Electricians should also have a good knowledge of building codes and safety issues. Being familiar with the kinds of wiring common in older buildings or in special kinds of architecture can be helpful.

    Electricians are important for keeping buildings running properly. Working in this trade could be a good choice for you if you have the qualities necessary for the job.

     

    Bibliography:

    Electrician Authority. “How to Get an Electrician Apprenticeship in Ontario.” https://www.electricianauthority.com/electrician-apprenticeship-ontario/

    Indeed.com. “How to Become an Electrician in Ontario (with FAQs).” https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-electrician-in-ontario.

    Ontario Colleges. “Electrician/Electrical.” https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/programs/professions-and-trades/electrician-electrical.

    Skilled Trades College of Canada. “How To Become an Electrician.” https://www.skilledtradescollege.ca/resources/become-an-electrician.

  • Language Learning Opportunities in Ontario High Schools

    Language Learning Opportunities in Ontario High Schools

    Learning a language takes time, energy, and the right opportunities. In Ontario, students have many chances to learn languages of all kinds, depending on what they want to speak.

    Like other areas of Canada, schools in Ontario offer high school courses in languages such as French and German. French is useful for getting jobs in many government departments, tourism, and other types of work. German can also be useful in certain communities, and languages like Italian or Spanish can be good for maintaining ties with family or friends living in other countries.

    Besides many of these spoken languages, Ontario has opportunities to learn American Sign Language (ASL) and Langue des signes quebecoise (LSQ). These languages have their own grammar and can be difficult for students to learn, but they can be very useful for speaking with deaf classmates or relatives. Many high schools in Toronto and other cities have opportunities to learn these sign languages.

    During the pandemic, two teenagers from Richmond Hill, Ontario decided to help people who are deaf communicate with those who hear. Jin Schofield and Sarvnaz Ale Mohammad invented a device called the ConchShell bracelet, which translates American Sign Language into speech. That way, people who are deaf can more easily communicate with others. For people who like solving problems, working on translation devices could be useful for helping to overcome communication barriers.

    Students in Ontario come from many different countries and speak over one hundred different languages. Learning English is a priority for them because they must know the language for school and tasks such as asking for directions or helping with shopping, filling out forms, and anything else their family and friends need. English as a Second Language classes help to get students to the point where they can function at school and elsewhere.

    Learning a second or third language can be very useful. English is very useful in most areas of Canada, and French is useful in Quebec, as well as other areas of the country. Besides government departments, social agencies or other organizations often prefer to hire people who know at least two languages. Sometimes, even jobs in libraries or schools can be easier to find for people who can use both French and English.

    In some situations, knowing other languages can be equally important. Since Ukrainians started arriving in Canada in large numbers, for example, their language has become a very useful one to learn. Before that, Arabic was important for helping refugees from Syria. Meanwhile, many other languages have been good for working with refugees and other immigrants as they begin their own language learning.

    Sometimes, people need extra help. For in-person classes outside high school, Berlitz courses are available in Ottawa, Toronto, and Vaughan. Berlitz is a worldwide language-teaching agency with courses at a variety of levels. Although many of the classes are intended for adults, the school also has classes for children and teenagers.

    Learning a language takes time and effort. Regular practice is important, both in reading and speaking. Finding a study group or a few friends to practice the language with is important.

    Ontario has many opportunities for language learning in high schools. If you want to start learning, you can check with your teachers for the best way to begin.

     

    Bibliography:

    Berlitz. “Language School in Ottawa.” https://www.berlitz.com/en-ca/language-schools/ontario/ottawa

    CBC Kids. “Profile—These 2 Teens Built a Sign Language Translator During the Pandemic.” https://www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/post/profile-these-2-teens-built-a-sign-language-translator-during-the-pandemic.

    The Ontario Curriculum Grades 9 to 12. “Classical Studies and International Languages.” https://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/secondary/classiclang912curr.pdf.

    The Ontario Curriculum Grades 9 to 12. “English as a Second Language and English Literacy Development.” https://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/secondary/esl912currb.pdf.

    Ontario Newsroom. “Ontario Offers New Sign Language Courses to Secondary Students.” https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/60652/ontario-offers-new-sign-language-courses-to-secondary-students.

    Toronto District School Board. “High School.” https://www.tdsb.on.ca/High-School.

  • The Role of School Libraries in Fostering Reading in Ontario

    The Role of School Libraries in Fostering Reading in Ontario

    Most people read, whether for school assignments, work, or recreation. School libraries can have an important role in fostering, or encouraging, reading in Ontario.

    Reading is everywhere, from learning how to make a recipe to finding information about animals, countries, people, or all kinds of subjects. Even mathematics problems require the ability to read, since students must know what to add, subtract, multiply, or divide before solving the problem. Every course involves at least some reading, besides the classes such as language arts that depend entirely on reading.

    Improving your reading is very important for whatever you choose to do in the future. At some point, you will probably need books or other resources that are not available at your home. Often, libraries have the money and space to get materials that might be too expensive for families to buy, such as the most recent edition of an encyclopedia or a dictionary. For students, school libraries are the best places to look for these types of materials.

    School libraries have several advantages over public libraries. One of the most important benefits is that school libraries usually have a teacher librarian in charge. Teacher librarians are people who have training in both education and librarianship. That helps them to understand how to help students find the information they need for their projects and assignments.

    Research has shown a connection between school libraries with professional staff and how well students learn and complete their work. School libraries can be very useful even without professional staff, but it helps to have people who know both the teaching and librarianship sides of the work.

    Suppose that a student came into the library and asked for information on France or Spain. A teacher librarian might know the exact topics that the student is studying and be able to find the right materials. A student in a cooking class might need French or Spanish recipes, but another one might want language learning materials or history books. A teacher librarian is also likely to know the student’s level of reading and to be able to find materials that are challenging but not too difficult.

    Another advantage of school libraries is that they are convenient for students. If you and your friends want to meet there to work on a project, you can do that more easily than at a library across the city. That way, you are more likely to use it more often than if you must travel far to get to the library.

    Most school libraries have a mixture of fiction and nonfiction materials. Fiction is good for practicing your reading skills, but it can also be useful for teaching you about people and the world. Even joke books can be good for teaching students about the hidden meanings of words or just for relaxation. Other forms of information or entertainment can also be helpful for building vocabulary or for encouraging people to learn how to analyze language, to see hidden meanings, and to understand others better.

    School libraries might seem old-fashioned in the age of the Internet, but they have useful resources and can be helpful for students of all ages. If you haven’t already gone to your school’s library, you should visit it soon.

     

    Bibliography:

    Ameline, Judy; Judy Chyung; and Emily Thompson. “Structured Literacy and the Science of Reading.” https://journal.canadianschoollibraries.ca/structured-literacy-and-the-science-of-reading/

    People for Libraries. “Libraries.” https://peopleforeducation.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/P4E-libraries-2016.pdf.

    Ontario Library Association. “Exemplary School Libraries in Ontario.” https://accessola.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/2006-Exemplary-School-Libraries-in-Ontario.pdf.

    Ontario Library Association. “School Library Advocacy.” https://accessola.com/school-library-issues/.

  • Top-Paying Trade Jobs in Ontario

    Top-Paying Trade Jobs in Ontario

    Finding a good job with a decent salary is difficult these days. Although low-paid jobs are often still available, high-paid jobs are hard to find. However, certain trades still pay good salaries and can be good choices for people in Ontario.

    Sometimes it seems that workers are getting paid less and less, and that is true for many people. According to Statistics Canada, the percentage of people working for minimum wage doubled between 1998 and 2018. At those kinds of wages, it can be difficult to get ahead or even to pay for the basics like food and housing.

    The best way of dealing with this problem is to choose a high-paying job, especially in the skilled trades. Although the job market changes frequently, opportunities are likely to be better in the trades than in most other fields because people still need electricity, plumbing, and other services in their homes and offices. Some of these skilled trades pay very well, even if the salaries depend to some degree on the location and changes in the economy.

    Elevating device mechanics are people who work with elevators, escalators, and other devices that lift people or objects from one level to another. This kind of work is useful in apartment buildings, offices, restaurants, and other places with more than one floor. Elevating devices need frequent maintenance and can break down as they age or if a part is badly installed or breaks for another reason. Salaries for people in this trade tend to be about $80,000 per year, although some people earn less, and others earn more.

    One of the highest paid skilled trades is senior electrician. These people must work their way up from low-level work to the higher levels, but some of the best-paid electricians can earn over $91,000 per year. At that point, the work might involve supervising other workers, but it could still include installing wiring in buildings, checking connections, and other practical tasks.

    Steamfitters and pipefitters earn less than elevating device mechanics or electricians, but they can still earn over $70,000 per year. Much of this work is in factories and refineries, and this trade is part of the Red Seal program. That way, people who gain this qualification can work anywhere in Canada without having to retrain.

    Industrial electricians are also often well paid. Much of the work in this field tends to be in factories or refineries, but jobs are also available in construction. The job can be difficult because of noise from the machines running in the area and because of the need to be extremely precise, but it can be a good choice for many people. In Ontario, median, or middle, salaries are about $62,400.

    Millwrights and heavy-duty equipment technicians can also earn good wages in Ontario, often about $54,600 to $58,500. The work might be in factories or even in mines, but a variety of jobs are available around Ontario. An ability to repair equipment is necessary for both of these careers, which can be part of everything from manufacturing to wastewater treatment.

    Although these trades are some of the highest-paying ones in Ontario, other careers also have high salaries. For example, cooks can often be well paid, depending on their skills and where they work. Delivery truck drivers and machine tool operators are also well paid.

    Finding a good job is very difficult these days, but some of the top-paying trades can be good choices. One of them might be right for you.

     

    Bibliography:

    Arnold, Chris. “The Highest Paying Trades in Canada.” 2023.

    https://www.coursecompare.ca/highest-paying-trades-in-canada/.

    Government of Canada. “Follow Your Passion. Find Your Skilled Trade.” https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/skilled-trades.html

    Immigration.ca. “Here Are The 10 Most-In Demand Jobs in Ontario.” https://www.immigration.ca/here-are-the-top-10-most-in-demand-jobs-in-ontario/.

    Kong, Stacie Lee. “These Careers Pay Solid Salaries, Even While You’re Training.” https://macleans.ca/work/high-paying-jobs-and-careers-in-skilled-trades/.

  • How to Avoid Overspending During the Holidays

    How to Avoid Overspending During the Holidays

    Christmas vacation can be an expensive time. You may have gifts to buy, charities you donate to, parties to attend, special dinners and activities planned with family friends. There’s usually a lot going on over the holidays, and unfortunately, it costs money. Most students are on a tight budget, and find it a difficult time of year financially. Overspending during the holidays can often be a problem for people of all ages. So how do you avoid becoming one of these people? The easiest way is to spend within your means.

    Make a budget and stick with it. If you have some free time you could always get a part time job. A lot of companies hire extra staff for the holidays. Or you could sell baked goods, seasonal crafts or try cleaning or wrapping gifts for a reasonable rate.There are a number of other ways to save money and have fun at the same time over the holidays.

    Here are a few tips to help you get more but spend less over the holidays:

    • Make homemade gifts when possible; cookies, squares, paintings, knitted items, magnets, bookmarks, photo frames and albums, key chains and ornaments- the list is endless. Make use of the time you spend on the internet and look for projects that fit your special talents.

    • Shop at second hand stores, flea markets or craft fairs. You can get items that are lightly used and priced well below department stores. Items such as: books, CD’s, movies and TV shows on DVD, record albums, coffee mugs and glass ware, toys (for the younger kids in your life), board games, jewelry and ornaments are often reasonably priced and in good condition.

    • Instead of going to the theatre to see a movie invite friends over for a viewing party. Get each person to bring a snack and a movie. You could even have a theme: Christmas movies, 80’s movies, horror flicks, sci-fi, comedy, chick flicks etc.

    • Do more activities that are free: go sliding, have a snowball fight, bake, have a PJ party, organize a game night, have a winter bonfire and make s’mores and hot chocolate, go hiking, snowshoeing or cross country skiing.
    • Check out some of the free activities being offered in your area, like free skates at a local rink or free swims at an indoor pool.

    • Volunteer your time at a soup kitchen or other non-profit organization in your area.

    • Take in local minor sports, music and theatre. The ticket prices are often much cheaper than professional events and in some cases they are free.

    • Have a pot luck meal with family and friends. This way it will not cost one person a lot of money, or time cooking. Everyone can enjoy each other’s company and recipes.

    • Take a day or two to visit friends and relatives you may not see a lot. This is especially fun for students away at school. Sometimes not doing anything can be extremely fun. Talk, reminisce, and laugh. Enjoy the time you get to spend with those you love- that is what the holidays are all about.

    No matter how you spend the holidays, try not to let the commercialism and pressure of the season get to you. Sure, it’s nice to give and receive expensive gifts and participate in all that’s going on around you, but the season doesn’t need to revolve around money. Keep it simple. Get back to the true reason for the season… family, friends, love, laughter and memories.

  • Style Tips for a Fashionable Winter

    Style Tips for a Fashionable Winter

    As you head out to brave the cold this winter, keep in mind that you don’t have to sacrifice style for warmth. There are several tricks you can use to keep yourself looking chic, even with temperatures plunging downwards.

    1. Invest in a Statement Coat

    Even if you find yourself stuck with boring sweats, you can still give your outfit a bit of life with an awesome coat. You can play around with pops of colors instead of resorting to the neutral tones that are often worn during the winter. The material of your coat can also give your outfit a bit of spice. Materials like faux fur and leather can take your otherwise bland outfit to the next level with a bit of mixing and matching.

    2. Play it up with Your Bottoms

    Consider using your bottom pieces to make a splash this season. There’s no need to stuff yourself in a pair of bland jeans everyday. You can turn heads with a funky pair of patterned leggings or your favourite bright trousers. The trick is to use unconventional colors, patterns, and materials to give your audience something to look at. Even if the rest of your outfit is plain, your statement bottom piece will provide a bit of flavour.

    3. Layer it up

    One of the easiest ways to add complexity to your winter attire is to mix and match some of your pieces and layer them on top of one another. Besides keeping you warm, this technique allows you to create unique combinations that are unlikely to be seen on anyone else. The key to layering is to use contrasting colors and materials that still complement one another. It may be difficult to get a working combination at first so it’s important to keep blending until you find something that works well. As a general rule of thumb, you should try to avoid mixing more than 3 colors and 3 materials. Although a variety is nice, you don’t want something that’s too chaotic.

    Bonus Tip: If it’s not too cold out, consider wearing your coat open or unzipped so that you can see the complexity of the layers beneath. You can throw on a scarf and a funky hat in case there’s a bit of a cool breeze.

    4. Strap on Some Funky Boots

    With winter boots being offered in hundreds of colors, shapes and styles, you can easily make a splash this winter with eye-catching boots.  Your feet are almost always visible so even if you’re bundled up from head to toe, you can still indulge your style cravings with something that demands appreciation. Don’t be afraid to try experimenting with something on the wilder side. If this is the one place you decide to make a statement, make it loud! 

  • The Winter Blues: An Overview

    The Winter Blues: An Overview

    As autumn is now here in full force, winter is just around the corner. Campus life can become grim in the winter season, especially during exam time. If you’ve ever heard of the winter blues, it something of a mild depression accompanied by low energy levels and lack of motivation because of the darker days and long, cold nights. Fortunately, there’s a lot that can be done as students to prevent the winter blues from occurring:

    1. Get enough exercise.

    Although it might not be motivating to go for a run in the winter, there are other ways you can exercise to stay healthy during the cold season. It’s also a great way to reduce the stress from studying for exams. Most of all, the effects of exercise works wonders to pick up your energy and leave you feeling good for the rest of the day. It’ll also increase your metabolism for all that feasting you’ll be doing during the holiday season.

    2. Complement exercise with a healthy diet.

    What you eat and when you eat can really take a toll on your body and mood throughout the winter. Refined and processed foods can often leave us feeling bloated and slow from the lack of nutrients. Instant food and the frozen aisle may sound convenient as a student, but it can lower your energy levels immensely. Try your best to incorporate more complex carbohydrates and nutrients into your diet to stay physically healthy and avoid the winter blues.

    3. Soak up the sun when you can!

    You might not be getting enough Vitamin D in your diet, but you can sure try to make it up by making the effort to bask in the sun when you can. Although the winter doesn’t often offer up many opportunities to be in the sun, make the effort to leave the indoors to soak up the sun when it’s around. The days becoming shorter are one of the many reasons for winter blues. Similar to the effects of exercise, soaking up the sun can affect your mood greatly. If the sun is not where you are, try changing the light bulbs in your dorm to something that’s warm and cozy to mimic natural light in the winter.

    4. Get up and work towards your goals.

    Studies have shown that healthy behaviours like goal setting prevent depression in the long run. For example, people that exhibit commitments to exercise and good sleeping habits tend to have less sad or mildly depressed days throughout the year, meaning they are less likely to experience the winter blues. Although these research results are not conclusive to everyone in all regions, the results are likely to be mood boosting wherever you are.

    Good luck beating the winter blues!

  • Dulcy Arden – Montessori Teacher

    Dulcy Arden – Montessori Teacher

    Susan Huebert talks with Dulcy Arden, a Montessori teacher.

  • The Future of Fraternities and Sororities

    The Future of Fraternities and Sororities

    By Natasha Cooper

    “Greek life” on college and university campuses has a long history in North America. In the United States, the first Fraternity was founded in 1776, and in Canada, 1869. Fraternities, or “frats” and sororities are social organizations often associated with their tight knit nature, extreme party culture, and exclusive allure.  When young people are away from home for the first time, and hit with the stressful pressure of post-secondary academia, it only makes sense for some to seek out clubs or communities.  With frats and sororities promising a certain status, and brotherly or sisterly like bonds, it is understandable why so many students join them every year.

    Additionally, it seems that being involved in these social clubs can have enduring benefits well after graduation and into their members careers. While only roughly 2% of Americans are involved in “Greek life,” 76% of US senators, 85% of Supreme Court Justices and almost all U.S. Presidents except for two were at one point in a fraternity or sorority.  Yet, there is a certain elitism that accompanies these entities, as it is estimated that roughly 70% of students involved in them come from wealthy backgrounds, perhaps giving them an economic advantage to both getting into said frats, and within their studies and careers.  Exclusion tied to elitism in Greek life has been increasingly criticized, along with their initiation and hazing rituals, and extreme party life, which can foster both alcohol abuse and situations involving harassment and overall inappropriate behaviour. Factors like social media and society’s growing intolerance of various forms of harassment and discriminatory behaviour has shed light on the centuries of misconduct in fraternities and sororities.

    While some call for an outright end to these student associations many others say it is about time for serious change. In Canada, a variety of measures have been taken to change the toxic culture of “Greek life.”  Universities like Queens and University of Toronto have distanced themselves from these student organizations since the 1930s on the basis that they are exclusionary.  While they are officially not affiliated with any frat or sorority group, these organizations do however still run, and recruit new members.  British Columbia seems to have the most prominent “Greek life” in their provinces universities, and in recent years have begun implementing new policies and training programs where members must learn about matters of consent, or even considering making frats coed.

    The North American Interfraternity Conference came out with a list of new suggestions and measures to implement that ensures that fraternities and sororities can continue in a safe and progressive manner. The necessity for more adult leadership within frats was one of the main goals outlined.  The NIC also stated that adapting to cultural and campus shifts will be integral to ensuring fraternities’ survival.  In terms of recruitment, fraternities and sororities will also try to focus more on accepting new members based on shared values, rather than social factors.  Holding students accountable for their actions and educating them on leadership through different training programs is another change that the NIC says can be expected.

    Whether or not these goals come to fruition is still up for debate, however in the meantime frats and sororities will continue to run while hopefully keeping these new methods in mind.