Like Scott D said, shape of the study does not really reflect JT very well, i agree. I picked out a few ramdom things that I feel weren't exactly true. Campbell park for example, does not have a ball diamond any more like this study said. There is a few more food banks out there that weren't mentioned and a few more thing that were wrong. I am not sure if they really done their home work??.
As far as what Irmina mentioned about putting a end to the myth that the residents cannot speak or write english. The info I got from Statistic Canada said something different. Also the residents on Lansdowne would agree with me too. they done there own study. SEE BELOW
Statistic Canada:
Census#0098.00 when using my postal code M6P-3W3, living on symington ave south of wallace. The info I received and this covers an area of 9284.0 sq km. The sample they gave me with a Population of 6,666 people.
Mother tongue language spoke only the language, see below.
-2,455 spoke english only
-1,410 spoke portuguese only
-385 '' '' Spanish
-250 '' '' Italian
-250 '' '' Vietnamese
-205 '' '' Cantanese
-200 '' '' Tagalo
-75 '' '' Chinese
-------------------------------------------
-10 people can speak both F/E
-80 people speak French only
Irmina, there are many people who don't speak english or write english in the JT, better now then what it use to be. The Toronto Star just recently had a big write up in there paper about this exact issue and specifically speaken about the portuguese community. It's no secret Davenport riding has the highest , high school drop out rate and also a high illiteracy issues, specifically among the portuguese community. Believe me it's no myth?? JF
Most people speak English and use the internet and everybody knows that BUT the shape of the study does not reflect Junction Triangle very well as it includes upper High Park and the entire Glenlake area, both of which are not demographically the same as JT and probably tilt things in a different direction. This map is looking at the large effect on a major intersection of which JT is just a small part. I would have included at least to Lansdowne on the north end and would not consider the stats in this study to reflect the uniqueness of JT.
I'm quite surprised with the part of the report documenting the education of residents in our area:
Page 3:
Residents in the study area are more highly educated than the general public, with 44.6% having received a university certificate or degree, as compared to 37.4% across the City.
...the demographic information for the study area indicates that the area is home to a diverse and well-educated population comprised of young singles and couples, families with young children and seniors.
This should help put an end to the myth that the majority of Junction Triangle residents cannot speak or read English.
Thanks for posting that. I do hope that the candidates are (or will become) well aware of the contents of this document. I'll have to take a closer look myself.
One thing that makes our neighbourhood's location interesting is that we're in the north-western edge of Ward 18, so our local services have some major overlap with other wards in the city (Ward 14, Parkdale - High Park, Gord Perks; Ward 17, Davenport, Cesar Palacio; Ward 13, Parkdale - High Park, Bill Saundercook; and Ward 11, York South-Weston, Frances Nunziata).
There's some good stuff to discuss here over beers with the candidates :)
Last year the City of Toronto produced a report about community services and facilities located in the area. The study provides an excellent overview of everything from schools, daycare, libraries, parks and social services. It concludes with a number of recommendations about improvements including more non-profit daycare facilities, the expansion of parkland in the neighbourhood and community access to the pool and playing field at Bishop Morracco Secondary.
With the municipal election on the horizon, it would be interesting to learn if the candidates for councillor in Ward 18 have plans to make some of these good things happen? You can view the entire report at http://www.toronto.ca/planning/pdf/bloordundas_csf_assessment_may09.pdf
Shelley & Michael wanted to send a heartfelt thankyou to all of you who took the time to drop by Boo Radley's 3rd Anniversary Party Sat. nite. It was wildly successful and hopefully everyone had a chance to sample Oyster Boy's specialty!
Taking a chance and opening in an untapped area has been a wonderful struggle that has seen us operate at both ends of the spectrum, dead slow (then) and smokin' busy (now).
Thanks for supporting us at Boo's.
See ya soon!
M&S
Yes, the Ubisoft facility will be an ENORMOUS boost to the neighbourhood! Not only is the company obligated to create several hundred jobs, the spin-off sattilite business' will also bring increased numbers to our "Triangle". As a small business owner we welcome the increased client base. We also understand that changes of this magnitude put an added strain on area services such as traffic and parking. Thses are exciting times to be living and working in an area with so much untapped potential!
Thanks everyone. I've sent my letter today including my March emails with the TDSB. We were originally denied our spots at Regal PS for FI (it was later changed). They wanted to send us to Rawlinson PS, when we have 5 FI schools closer to our address. We obviously have a huge demand in our neighbourhood. I can't wait to see what happens.
A quick shout out of !CONGRATULATIONS! to all those parents who have already contacted the Superintendent and Trustee.
Score one for the general masses here folks!
Carla, Chair of the Parent Council at Perth PS, received a message from Superintendent Manon Gardner, this morning. Here is an excerpt:
"I’ve received a number of emails supporting a French Immersion program at Perth as well as an expansion to 7 and 8. I have shared that info with Maria Rodrigues. The addition of gr 7 and 8 has to go to a Central Feasibility committee made up of the Planning, Program and Facilities departments. They would look at the enrolment in the area, impact on current receiving schools, cost of the addition since gr. 7/8 would require a decent size gym and a science/tech lab. The French Immersion program would be somewhat similar and go through Central Feasibility also. The central coordinator of French would look again at the other schools in the neighbourhood offering the F.I program and verify their catchment addresses, look at the demand, the trend and the impact of closing or reducing another site. I totally understand why the parent community is looking at those possibilities and I applaud them for it. We want to ensure that the school offers viable and sustainable programs to a greater number of local students."
Let's keep going viral with the Pump Up Perth campaign. As a reminder, if you scroll part way up to the top of this web page, there is a pre-written form letter available for download. It's a .pdf file that you can either print out and snail mail to the TDSB (the address is already on it) OR one can input their information on the .pdf itself and email as an attachment to others.
There was an avenue study in 2002 that council approved in early 2003. Some of the area was studied again in the Dundas Bloor Avenue Study last year. We used to have a map or link to the Employment lands on this site and the employment land designation overruled any previous zoning changes or amendments as the City was in panic mode. I cannot find my copy so I cant recall if the Uhaul site was included or not.
The amendments spoken above to the TOP were a direct result of the 2002 study which among many things concluded that amendments were needed to get that and a few other undeveloped eyesore properties developed.
As usual the application was submitted on January 14 and I bet that nobody in the area has been informed---the usual Planning Department MO.
The property is designated mixed use in the Toronto Official Plan, which allows for the proposed residential use. There's also a site-specific by-law for the property (and a few other properties nearby) that set the height and density limits (30 metres and 4 times total density, respectively).
Jack, while we appreciate you trying to help Perth PS, the reality is this:
1. Unless YOU YOURSELF have a child that will ENROLL at Perth in the next few years, then unfortunately, your opinion does NOT count. As you know, it is a numbers game. The numbers being children available for enrollment in the next few years. I'm not sure if you and your wife are planning on giving your teenage son a new baby brother or sister anytime soon, but we need parents who have young children NOW.
2. Calling the Trustee and Superintendent and telling them that you think parents should discuss things with the Principal and Carla is just wasting everyone's time. The TDSB makes these decisions NOT front line school staff. The TDSB needs to hear from parents with children ready for enrollment.
3. Perth PS alumni getting involved with the school's expansion into French Immersion and grades 7/8 is only helpful if they have children ready to ENROLL into the school.
Carla, I did email and left a voice message for the trustee and also phone the Superintendent and Anita who works at the super's office, did say that parents and community members should speak to the Principal and you, the Chair of the parents council regarding this. Exactly what I was saying earlyer. I was told that I will get a call from the Superintendent today??
Anyhow, I think what I will do is pull back at bit and wait to see what happens. Keep me updated. Jack
You are going to confuse everyone that isn't already informed.
The PRINCIPAL and the TEACHERS have no control over this!
Did your discussion with the principal not clarify that "the principal has no control over this, She does not make these decisions?"
This is a board level decision and there are processes to make this happen.. Pls. inform yourself before you are just going to encourage parents to waste their valuable time and the teacher's valuable time.
FB is a great idea!
FYI:The BOARD isn't going to go on FB but nothing wrong with awareness.
IF the average parent isn't going to email or contact anyone chances are they are not going to go on FB.
Irmina, the average parent would not email or phone the trustee or the superintendent, which is the route you would want the parents to go.
The first contact parents have is with there child's teacher and principal. They trust and see them on a daily basis, It's just normal. People like yourself and others who are involved in the community might email the trustee or superintendent.
I personally feel Janice has an important role in all this, specially someone as caring and in support of the parents like she is.
Another idea that a parent and I had. This parent an alumni of perth with grown children, who had there children go to perth, is to start a face book page, Saving Perth from instinction and get anothers involved, maybe past alumni's who went to perth or even their children and get them involved. Explaining to others what is happening and the support you are looking for??? Just an idea. JF
Thank you for repeating the very things the rest of us have been saying since the beginning of this discussion. Yes, we all have a stake at having Perth PS succeed. With more voices speaking out, We will save our local public school from closure.
Edited to add:
Let us all please remember that these issues belong to Maria Rodrigues and NOT the Principal of Perth P.S.
Spoke to Janice Robertson Principal of Perth, Very nice person, a breath of fresh air, compared to past principals. I spoke to her about 2 things. Perth going from Jr-k to grade 8 and French Immersion.
The most important thing is the numbers. The numbers of students at the present time at Perth School is about 200. That is a lost of about 40 students, since my son was there about 4 yrs ago. Janice said that we don't want those numbers to get to low. She said with Kent School closing in a couple of years, she is not 100% about the actual closing date. With Kent closing and parents choosing not to send there kids to Carlton Village, that means they might send there child to St. Luigi or other schools, my next door neighbours kids go to Fern school.
The issue with French Immersion also depends on the numbers game, you need a least one or two classes of students before they might even consider it and this will be decided by the French Program people. Janice is game for a meeting with parents, trustee and even the councillor's office, because the amount of new people and new people with kids moving into our hood is important.
Personally I know many past alumni's who went to Perth like myself, who don't want to see perth closed. It will be a shame to see Perth closed. JF
Start Time: Tomorrow, May 31 at 6:30pm
End Time: Tomorrow, May 31 at 8:30pm
Where: Koffler House,569 Spadina Avenue, RoomKP108
I don't know if anyone would be interested. These are the people who were involved in the 'Prorogue' discussions. The message I got was sent yesterday, so it's a last minute organizing job, but it might be an interesting conversation.
I think it's really important for parents of younger children to make contact with the trustee and let her know what they'd like to see at Perth. I know some people have already started writing letters and I plan to do mine today. Perhaps we can all keep each other in the loop as far as how she responds to our requests and/or concerns. We've already heard from Irmina through the principal that we ourselves need to take up the issue with the trustee, so the more people Maria R. hears from, the better.
The Early Years Centres have nothing to do with the day care. The Early Years Programs are drop-in centre for parents of small children. It benefits the school by familiarizing the parents with their home school and lets the child get aquainted with the school that they would be attending. The program offers parents valuable information on a variety of childhood issues. This would benefit both the parents and the school. Why would you send them to a building that they would not benefit from?
Carla, When I speak to the Trustee's office regarding Kent School for the mayor's debate. I will ask her about what needs to be done in order to get French Immersion.
I have already been asking some people, even my next door neighbour about French Immersion who has two children who go to daycare and school in the Roncessvales area.
New action group to advocate for electrification of rail line
* LISA RAINFORD
* May 25, 2010 - 11:14 AM
MP Gerard Kennedy spearheading group
Parkdale-High Park MP Gerard Kennedy presented his 'Metrolinx Communities Action Group' to those who attended his monthly community council meeting on federal issues Wednesday, May 19, evening.
"I'd like to get your feedback on an arrangement I'm working on with 12 ridings, including the 905," Kennedy told his audience who had gathered in the cafeteria at Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton Catholic Secondary School.
The action group, Kennedy said, would provide a forum for representatives of all levels of government, including the school board, to support improved rail transit by Metrolinx that doesn't cause any negative health impacts to the neighbourhoods its trains travel through. And this includes the 905 region too, Kennedy said.
"I'm sure they don't want their kids chewing on diesel fumes either," he said.
Electric is a far healthier and greener alternative in terms of a carbon footprint and it's actually cheaper, the MP pointed out.
"We need people all up and down the line to work together. I will take responsibility to create a vehicle for this," said Kennedy. "Metrolinx has to contend with people in an organized fashion."
The action group's initial focus would be on the communities directly affected by the Georgetown line expansion in both the 416 and 905 regions. Its goals would include working with Metrolinx to ensure there are no barriers to electrification being accomplished in a timely and effective matter and encouraging the funding of fully independent health studies by Metrolinx.
More than 400 diesel trains are expected along the Georgetown corridor and the effects of the expansion on people's health has not been determined in significant detail, said Kennedy.
The group would assist in integrating transit improvements into a fully integrated regional transportation strategy and ensure that all three levels of government are contributing its share of funding for rail transit and overall transit expansion. It would ensure that a national transit strategy would fully take Toronto's needs into account. The city has not received its share of infrastructure money, said Kennedy, the infrastructure critic.
"My sense is that it's possible to do this, it's achievable," he said.
A Wright Avenue resident, who said he is within ear-shot of the trains, called Metrolinx's expansion project a detriment to local communities.
"I think that Metrolinx's plan as it stands is a neighbourhood killer," he said.
The key to electrification, according to the Clean Train Coalition's Keith Brooks, is political will.
"There has to be accountability at every level," said Kennedy. "Electrification is a better option. We have to work together as an informed community."
The Metrolinx Communities Action Group is a proposal to get people engaged and accountable, said the federal politician.
"I still remain hopeful this can get fixed," he said.
Twelve area MPs have agreed to participate in the Metrolinx Communities Action Group. They will reconvene in June, said Kennedy.
The Clean Train Coalition is hosting an information session at the Annette Street Library on June 1 at 7 p.m., said Manager Pam Mountain, followed by an information session by Metrolinx the following day at the library.
By Mike Rosenberg
San Mateo County Times
Posted: 05/27/2010 08:14:57 PM PDT
Caltrain officials have convinced federal safety authorities to allow quick European-style electric trains to zip from San Francisco to San Jose, a national first that paves the way for fast electric commuter and high-speed trains in the Bay Area and around the country.
Although common in Europe, the smaller electric trains are illegal in the United States because federal officials have long considered them too small, poorly designed and unsafe. But after three years of tests and research, Caltrain will become the first railroad in the nation to use the technology after being granted a waiver, a copy of which was obtained by the Bay Area News Group, on Thursday.
Caltrain will essentially be a pilot operation for the trains, called electric multiple units. If successful, commuter railroads and planned high-speed rail networks throughout the nation would have access to cheaper, greener and faster trains.
"People thought they could only get this level of service by having BART. This out-BART's BART." said Bob Doty, head of the joint Caltrain-high-speed rail program. "This tiny little streak of rust out here will be the first in the United States to allow mixed operations of service."
The waiver allows all passenger trains, whether diesel or electric, to run on the same tracks. Freight locomotives can continue to operate in the wee hours while passenger trains are parked.
Without the waiver, Caltrain would be unable to complete its
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$1.5 billion project to electrify, which is being teamed with the state's $43 billion high-speed railroad.
Officials called the waiver "a major boost of adrenaline" for an agency that has been on life support lately. Faced with losing huge chunks of funding over the next two years, Caltrain says electric trains are the only way it can survive without being gutted by half, or possibly shut down.
The sleek trains can start and stop more quickly, allowing for service to more stations and thus more revenue, and they are also cheaper to operate.
The waiver is equally big for the polarizing California high-speed rail project.
Although the state will need to apply for its own waiver, the bullet train rail car technology is nearly the same as Caltrain's, so the high-speed rail planners' effort should prove simple now that the groundwork for obtaining clearance has been laid, Doty said.
The Federal Railroad Administration said it would pull the waiver if the agency did not meet nine promises laid out in the application. For instance, Caltrain must conduct crash tests after the cars are built, construct rail bridges at several intersections and install a safety program that uses global positioning system technology to prevent trains from colliding.
Doty said the electric cars passed each safety test laid out by the FRA, which had never tested its assumption that the European cars were less safe.
"In every case, the equipment we wanted to bring in was equal to or better than what's running in the United States today," he said.
It is the first of two major hurdles that must be cleared before Caltrain and the state can build the electric railroad.
Money remains a major obstacle, with Caltrain still lacking 40 percent of its funding and high-speed rail lacking three-fourths. If the agencies can get the funding, the projects are expected to start in fall 2012 and finish later this decade.
We've had this discussion before about reading statistics tables:
https://www.junctiontriangle.ca/node/672#comment-1446
https://www.junctiontriangle.ca/node/672#comment-1448
https://www.junctiontriangle.ca/node/672#comment-1449
https://www.junctiontriangle.ca/node/672#comment-1451
https://www.junctiontriangle.ca/node/672#comment-1454
Moreover, please provide accurate links when you're discussing things that you're quoting from online.
Re: Scott's comment, I stand corrected. Thanks Scott.
Like Scott D said, shape of the study does not really reflect JT very well, i agree. I picked out a few ramdom things that I feel weren't exactly true. Campbell park for example, does not have a ball diamond any more like this study said. There is a few more food banks out there that weren't mentioned and a few more thing that were wrong. I am not sure if they really done their home work??.
As far as what Irmina mentioned about putting a end to the myth that the residents cannot speak or write english. The info I got from Statistic Canada said something different. Also the residents on Lansdowne would agree with me too. they done there own study. SEE BELOW
Statistic Canada:
Census#0098.00 when using my postal code M6P-3W3, living on symington ave south of wallace. The info I received and this covers an area of 9284.0 sq km. The sample they gave me with a Population of 6,666 people.
Mother tongue language spoke only the language, see below.
-2,455 spoke english only
-1,410 spoke portuguese only
-385 '' '' Spanish
-250 '' '' Italian
-250 '' '' Vietnamese
-205 '' '' Cantanese
-200 '' '' Tagalo
-75 '' '' Chinese
-------------------------------------------
-10 people can speak both F/E
-80 people speak French only
Irmina, there are many people who don't speak english or write english in the JT, better now then what it use to be. The Toronto Star just recently had a big write up in there paper about this exact issue and specifically speaken about the portuguese community. It's no secret Davenport riding has the highest , high school drop out rate and also a high illiteracy issues, specifically among the portuguese community. Believe me it's no myth?? JF
Most people speak English and use the internet and everybody knows that BUT the shape of the study does not reflect Junction Triangle very well as it includes upper High Park and the entire Glenlake area, both of which are not demographically the same as JT and probably tilt things in a different direction. This map is looking at the large effect on a major intersection of which JT is just a small part. I would have included at least to Lansdowne on the north end and would not consider the stats in this study to reflect the uniqueness of JT.
I'm quite surprised with the part of the report documenting the education of residents in our area:
Page 3:
This should help put an end to the myth that the majority of Junction Triangle residents cannot speak or read English.
Thanks for posting that. I do hope that the candidates are (or will become) well aware of the contents of this document. I'll have to take a closer look myself.
One thing that makes our neighbourhood's location interesting is that we're in the north-western edge of Ward 18, so our local services have some major overlap with other wards in the city (Ward 14, Parkdale - High Park, Gord Perks; Ward 17, Davenport, Cesar Palacio; Ward 13, Parkdale - High Park, Bill Saundercook; and Ward 11, York South-Weston, Frances Nunziata).
There's some good stuff to discuss here over beers with the candidates :)
Last year the City of Toronto produced a report about community services and facilities located in the area. The study provides an excellent overview of everything from schools, daycare, libraries, parks and social services. It concludes with a number of recommendations about improvements including more non-profit daycare facilities, the expansion of parkland in the neighbourhood and community access to the pool and playing field at Bishop Morracco Secondary.
With the municipal election on the horizon, it would be interesting to learn if the candidates for councillor in Ward 18 have plans to make some of these good things happen? You can view the entire report at http://www.toronto.ca/planning/pdf/bloordundas_csf_assessment_may09.pdf
Shelley & Michael wanted to send a heartfelt thankyou to all of you who took the time to drop by Boo Radley's 3rd Anniversary Party Sat. nite. It was wildly successful and hopefully everyone had a chance to sample Oyster Boy's specialty!
Taking a chance and opening in an untapped area has been a wonderful struggle that has seen us operate at both ends of the spectrum, dead slow (then) and smokin' busy (now).
Thanks for supporting us at Boo's.
See ya soon!
M&S
Yes, the Ubisoft facility will be an ENORMOUS boost to the neighbourhood! Not only is the company obligated to create several hundred jobs, the spin-off sattilite business' will also bring increased numbers to our "Triangle". As a small business owner we welcome the increased client base. We also understand that changes of this magnitude put an added strain on area services such as traffic and parking. Thses are exciting times to be living and working in an area with so much untapped potential!
Thanks everyone. I've sent my letter today including my March emails with the TDSB. We were originally denied our spots at Regal PS for FI (it was later changed). They wanted to send us to Rawlinson PS, when we have 5 FI schools closer to our address. We obviously have a huge demand in our neighbourhood. I can't wait to see what happens.
Great to see all this effort and energy being spent at the Boys & Girls Club. This new space will be fantastic when it opens.
A quick shout out of !CONGRATULATIONS! to all those parents who have already contacted the Superintendent and Trustee.
Score one for the general masses here folks!
Carla, Chair of the Parent Council at Perth PS, received a message from Superintendent Manon Gardner, this morning. Here is an excerpt:
Let's keep going viral with the Pump Up Perth campaign. As a reminder, if you scroll part way up to the top of this web page, there is a pre-written form letter available for download. It's a .pdf file that you can either print out and snail mail to the TDSB (the address is already on it) OR one can input their information on the .pdf itself and email as an attachment to others.
There was an avenue study in 2002 that council approved in early 2003. Some of the area was studied again in the Dundas Bloor Avenue Study last year. We used to have a map or link to the Employment lands on this site and the employment land designation overruled any previous zoning changes or amendments as the City was in panic mode. I cannot find my copy so I cant recall if the Uhaul site was included or not.
The amendments spoken above to the TOP were a direct result of the 2002 study which among many things concluded that amendments were needed to get that and a few other undeveloped eyesore properties developed.
As usual the application was submitted on January 14 and I bet that nobody in the area has been informed---the usual Planning Department MO.
The property is designated mixed use in the Toronto Official Plan, which allows for the proposed residential use. There's also a site-specific by-law for the property (and a few other properties nearby) that set the height and density limits (30 metres and 4 times total density, respectively).
Official Plan Map: http://www.toronto.ca/planning/official_plan/pdf_chapter1-5/18_landuse_a...
Zoning By-law Amendment: http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/bylaws/2003/law0297.pdf
Jack, while we appreciate you trying to help Perth PS, the reality is this:
1. Unless YOU YOURSELF have a child that will ENROLL at Perth in the next few years, then unfortunately, your opinion does NOT count. As you know, it is a numbers game. The numbers being children available for enrollment in the next few years. I'm not sure if you and your wife are planning on giving your teenage son a new baby brother or sister anytime soon, but we need parents who have young children NOW.
2. Calling the Trustee and Superintendent and telling them that you think parents should discuss things with the Principal and Carla is just wasting everyone's time. The TDSB makes these decisions NOT front line school staff. The TDSB needs to hear from parents with children ready for enrollment.
3. Perth PS alumni getting involved with the school's expansion into French Immersion and grades 7/8 is only helpful if they have children ready to ENROLL into the school.
Thanks for your understanding in this matter.
Carla, I did email and left a voice message for the trustee and also phone the Superintendent and Anita who works at the super's office, did say that parents and community members should speak to the Principal and you, the Chair of the parents council regarding this. Exactly what I was saying earlyer. I was told that I will get a call from the Superintendent today??
Anyhow, I think what I will do is pull back at bit and wait to see what happens. Keep me updated. Jack
Jack,
What are you DOING?
You are going to confuse everyone that isn't already informed.
The PRINCIPAL and the TEACHERS have no control over this!
Did your discussion with the principal not clarify that "the principal has no control over this, She does not make these decisions?"
This is a board level decision and there are processes to make this happen.. Pls. inform yourself before you are just going to encourage parents to waste their valuable time and the teacher's valuable time.
FB is a great idea!
FYI:The BOARD isn't going to go on FB but nothing wrong with awareness.
IF the average parent isn't going to email or contact anyone chances are they are not going to go on FB.
Irmina, the average parent would not email or phone the trustee or the superintendent, which is the route you would want the parents to go.
The first contact parents have is with there child's teacher and principal. They trust and see them on a daily basis, It's just normal. People like yourself and others who are involved in the community might email the trustee or superintendent.
I personally feel Janice has an important role in all this, specially someone as caring and in support of the parents like she is.
Another idea that a parent and I had. This parent an alumni of perth with grown children, who had there children go to perth, is to start a face book page, Saving Perth from instinction and get anothers involved, maybe past alumni's who went to perth or even their children and get them involved. Explaining to others what is happening and the support you are looking for??? Just an idea. JF
Thank you for repeating the very things the rest of us have been saying since the beginning of this discussion. Yes, we all have a stake at having Perth PS succeed. With more voices speaking out, We will save our local public school from closure.
Edited to add:
Let us all please remember that these issues belong to Maria Rodrigues and NOT the Principal of Perth P.S.
Contact Info:
Superintendent Manon Gardner (SW2 Region)
Phone: 416-394-2044
E-Mail: Manon.Gardner@tdsb.on.ca
Trustee Maria Rodrigues
Telephone: 416-397-3069
Email: maria.rodrigues@tdsb.on.ca
Spoke to Janice Robertson Principal of Perth, Very nice person, a breath of fresh air, compared to past principals. I spoke to her about 2 things. Perth going from Jr-k to grade 8 and French Immersion.
The most important thing is the numbers. The numbers of students at the present time at Perth School is about 200. That is a lost of about 40 students, since my son was there about 4 yrs ago. Janice said that we don't want those numbers to get to low. She said with Kent School closing in a couple of years, she is not 100% about the actual closing date. With Kent closing and parents choosing not to send there kids to Carlton Village, that means they might send there child to St. Luigi or other schools, my next door neighbours kids go to Fern school.
The issue with French Immersion also depends on the numbers game, you need a least one or two classes of students before they might even consider it and this will be decided by the French Program people. Janice is game for a meeting with parents, trustee and even the councillor's office, because the amount of new people and new people with kids moving into our hood is important.
Personally I know many past alumni's who went to Perth like myself, who don't want to see perth closed. It will be a shame to see Perth closed. JF
Start Time: Tomorrow, May 31 at 6:30pm
End Time: Tomorrow, May 31 at 8:30pm
Where: Koffler House,569 Spadina Avenue, RoomKP108
I don't know if anyone would be interested. These are the people who were involved in the 'Prorogue' discussions. The message I got was sent yesterday, so it's a last minute organizing job, but it might be an interesting conversation.
I think it's really important for parents of younger children to make contact with the trustee and let her know what they'd like to see at Perth. I know some people have already started writing letters and I plan to do mine today. Perhaps we can all keep each other in the loop as far as how she responds to our requests and/or concerns. We've already heard from Irmina through the principal that we ourselves need to take up the issue with the trustee, so the more people Maria R. hears from, the better.
The Early Years Centres have nothing to do with the day care. The Early Years Programs are drop-in centre for parents of small children. It benefits the school by familiarizing the parents with their home school and lets the child get aquainted with the school that they would be attending. The program offers parents valuable information on a variety of childhood issues. This would benefit both the parents and the school. Why would you send them to a building that they would not benefit from?
Carla, When I speak to the Trustee's office regarding Kent School for the mayor's debate. I will ask her about what needs to be done in order to get French Immersion.
I have already been asking some people, even my next door neighbour about French Immersion who has two children who go to daycare and school in the Roncessvales area.
See what happens???JF
New action group to advocate for electrification of rail line
* LISA RAINFORD
* May 25, 2010 - 11:14 AM
MP Gerard Kennedy spearheading group
Parkdale-High Park MP Gerard Kennedy presented his 'Metrolinx Communities Action Group' to those who attended his monthly community council meeting on federal issues Wednesday, May 19, evening.
"I'd like to get your feedback on an arrangement I'm working on with 12 ridings, including the 905," Kennedy told his audience who had gathered in the cafeteria at Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton Catholic Secondary School.
The action group, Kennedy said, would provide a forum for representatives of all levels of government, including the school board, to support improved rail transit by Metrolinx that doesn't cause any negative health impacts to the neighbourhoods its trains travel through. And this includes the 905 region too, Kennedy said.
"I'm sure they don't want their kids chewing on diesel fumes either," he said.
Electric is a far healthier and greener alternative in terms of a carbon footprint and it's actually cheaper, the MP pointed out.
"We need people all up and down the line to work together. I will take responsibility to create a vehicle for this," said Kennedy. "Metrolinx has to contend with people in an organized fashion."
The action group's initial focus would be on the communities directly affected by the Georgetown line expansion in both the 416 and 905 regions. Its goals would include working with Metrolinx to ensure there are no barriers to electrification being accomplished in a timely and effective matter and encouraging the funding of fully independent health studies by Metrolinx.
More than 400 diesel trains are expected along the Georgetown corridor and the effects of the expansion on people's health has not been determined in significant detail, said Kennedy.
The group would assist in integrating transit improvements into a fully integrated regional transportation strategy and ensure that all three levels of government are contributing its share of funding for rail transit and overall transit expansion. It would ensure that a national transit strategy would fully take Toronto's needs into account. The city has not received its share of infrastructure money, said Kennedy, the infrastructure critic.
"My sense is that it's possible to do this, it's achievable," he said.
A Wright Avenue resident, who said he is within ear-shot of the trains, called Metrolinx's expansion project a detriment to local communities.
"I think that Metrolinx's plan as it stands is a neighbourhood killer," he said.
The key to electrification, according to the Clean Train Coalition's Keith Brooks, is political will.
"There has to be accountability at every level," said Kennedy. "Electrification is a better option. We have to work together as an informed community."
The Metrolinx Communities Action Group is a proposal to get people engaged and accountable, said the federal politician.
"I still remain hopeful this can get fixed," he said.
Twelve area MPs have agreed to participate in the Metrolinx Communities Action Group. They will reconvene in June, said Kennedy.
The Clean Train Coalition is hosting an information session at the Annette Street Library on June 1 at 7 p.m., said Manager Pam Mountain, followed by an information session by Metrolinx the following day at the library.
If they did they would realize how behind the times they are. Note the bolded comment.
http://www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ci_15178764?nclick_check=1
Electric train plan granted key waiver
By Mike Rosenberg
San Mateo County Times
Posted: 05/27/2010 08:14:57 PM PDT
Caltrain officials have convinced federal safety authorities to allow quick European-style electric trains to zip from San Francisco to San Jose, a national first that paves the way for fast electric commuter and high-speed trains in the Bay Area and around the country.
Although common in Europe, the smaller electric trains are illegal in the United States because federal officials have long considered them too small, poorly designed and unsafe. But after three years of tests and research, Caltrain will become the first railroad in the nation to use the technology after being granted a waiver, a copy of which was obtained by the Bay Area News Group, on Thursday.
Caltrain will essentially be a pilot operation for the trains, called electric multiple units. If successful, commuter railroads and planned high-speed rail networks throughout the nation would have access to cheaper, greener and faster trains.
"People thought they could only get this level of service by having BART. This out-BART's BART." said Bob Doty, head of the joint Caltrain-high-speed rail program. "This tiny little streak of rust out here will be the first in the United States to allow mixed operations of service."
The waiver allows all passenger trains, whether diesel or electric, to run on the same tracks. Freight locomotives can continue to operate in the wee hours while passenger trains are parked.
Without the waiver, Caltrain would be unable to complete its
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$1.5 billion project to electrify, which is being teamed with the state's $43 billion high-speed railroad.
Officials called the waiver "a major boost of adrenaline" for an agency that has been on life support lately. Faced with losing huge chunks of funding over the next two years, Caltrain says electric trains are the only way it can survive without being gutted by half, or possibly shut down.
The sleek trains can start and stop more quickly, allowing for service to more stations and thus more revenue, and they are also cheaper to operate.
The waiver is equally big for the polarizing California high-speed rail project.
Although the state will need to apply for its own waiver, the bullet train rail car technology is nearly the same as Caltrain's, so the high-speed rail planners' effort should prove simple now that the groundwork for obtaining clearance has been laid, Doty said.
The Federal Railroad Administration said it would pull the waiver if the agency did not meet nine promises laid out in the application. For instance, Caltrain must conduct crash tests after the cars are built, construct rail bridges at several intersections and install a safety program that uses global positioning system technology to prevent trains from colliding.
Doty said the electric cars passed each safety test laid out by the FRA, which had never tested its assumption that the European cars were less safe.
"In every case, the equipment we wanted to bring in was equal to or better than what's running in the United States today," he said.
It is the first of two major hurdles that must be cleared before Caltrain and the state can build the electric railroad.
Money remains a major obstacle, with Caltrain still lacking 40 percent of its funding and high-speed rail lacking three-fourths. If the agencies can get the funding, the projects are expected to start in fall 2012 and finish later this decade.