 By Staff
May 9th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Please register HERE
 If it is alive, how do we deal with it? Or – how does it deal with us? Renowned the world over for his vivid investigations of the natural world and our connection to it, award-winning author and scholar Robert Macfarlane visits on publication of his enthralling new book Is a River Alive?
“…a beautiful, wild exploration of an ancient idea: that rivers are living participants in a living world. Robert Macfarlane’s astonishing telling of the lives of three rivers reveals how these vital flow forms have the power not only to shape and reshape the planet, but also our thoughts, feelings, and worldviews. Is a River Alive? is a breathtaking work that speaks powerfully to this moment of crisis and transformation.” –Merlin Sheldrake
Jason Allen, esteemed broadcaster, publisher, and fellow environmental advocate will lead the conversation.
 By Sidsel Nørgaard
May 9th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Across Burlington, the movement towards tobacco-free alternatives is reshaping community health initiatives. Residents are increasingly exploring options like nicotine pouches, aligning with local regulations that support public well-being. This shift highlights both the evolving preferences of individuals and the community’s commitment to healthier living.
The preference for tobacco-free products is gaining momentum, driven by awareness of health benefits and regulatory changes. As residents seek out alternatives to traditional smoking, platforms like gotpouches.com offer access to nicotine pouches and other tobacco-free options. These changes are impacting personal choices and contributing to broader public health goals within the community.
Local regulations and tobacco-free products
Municipal bylaws are playing a crucial role in shaping the availability and use of tobacco-free products within the community. These regulations encourage healthier lifestyles by limiting the use of traditional tobacco products, thus promoting alternatives that pose fewer health risks. Understanding these bylaws is essential for residents who wish to transition away from smoking towards safer options.
The enforcement of these regulations has facilitated an environment where tobacco-free choices are more accessible than ever before. This accessibility ensures that individuals seeking to quit smoking can easily find suitable alternatives that comply with local laws. Moreover, it underscores the importance of being informed about these regulations to make educated decisions about personal health.
For those interested in exploring these alternatives, it is important to recognize how these policies reflect a broader commitment to public health. By reducing barriers to access and promoting awareness, local authorities are actively supporting the community in making healthier lifestyle choices. This dynamic illustrates a proactive approach to reducing smoking-related health issues.
Impact on community health
 Decreasing secondhand smoke exposure a major social benefit. The rise in popularity of tobacco-free products aligns with ongoing community health initiatives aimed at reducing smoking rates and improving public well-being. Nicotine pouches, for instance, present a viable alternative for those looking to reduce their dependence on traditional cigarettes. They offer a smokeless option that mitigates exposure to harmful substances typically associated with tobacco smoke.
This transition is beneficial not only for individual users but also for the larger community by decreasing secondhand smoke exposure. As more residents opt for these alternatives, there is potential for significant improvements in overall public health outcomes. The shift towards nicotine pouches and similar products represents a collective step forward in achieving healthier communities.
The benefits extend beyond physical health, as they contribute to economic advantages by potentially reducing healthcare costs associated with treating smoking-related illnesses. Embracing these alternatives supports a healthier population, which is an essential component of sustainable community development strategies.
Accessing resources
Accessing reliable sources for tobacco-free products is paramount for those considering a switch from traditional smoking methods. Online retailers play a significant role in this regard, offering convenient access to nicotine pouches and other alternatives. By ensuring that residents have easy access to these resources, communities can better support individuals’ efforts to make healthier choices.
Platforms such as gotpouches.com provide an array of options tailored to varying preferences, helping residents navigate their journey towards a tobacco-free lifestyle without compromising on quality or selection. These resources empower individuals with the information needed to make informed decisions about their health while adhering to local regulations.
As you explore these options, it is crucial to rely on trustworthy platforms that prioritize consumer safety and product integrity. This approach not only facilitates personal well-being but also reinforces communal efforts aimed at reducing tobacco use across the board.
Educational content
Understanding how nicotine pouches function is key for anyone curious about making the switch from traditional smoking. These pouches deliver nicotine without combustion, thereby eliminating harmful smoke inhalation risks. This feature makes them an attractive option for those seeking a safer way to satisfy nicotine cravings.
For individuals contemplating this transition, guidance on choosing suitable products can be invaluable. Information available through reputable websites aids consumers in making decisions that align with their specific needs and preferences. By doing so, you ensure that your journey towards a smoke-free life is both informed and effective.
The availability of educational resources enhances your ability to discern which products best suit your lifestyle and health goals. Leveraging such information promotes informed decision-making while supporting broader public health objectives within your community.
 By Staff
May 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Day two of Education Week in Ontario.
The Halton District School Board is devoting today to Mental Health & Well Being – using the statement:
The Halton District School Board believes that healthy children and youth are more engaged learners.
 Totally focused while solving a problem. This makes it important to create conditions at school that lead to good health and enhanced learning. Healthy schools have learning environments where children and youth are supported by their school communities, enabling them to make healthy lifestyle choices. The HDSB works closely with Halton Region Public Health Department to identify, communicate and prevent health issues that may arise in our schools and communities.
The HDSB will showcase how schools are providing caring and supportive environments that create a genuine sense of belonging to support students in their pursuit of academic excellence.
Follow up on what the Board is doing through this LINK
By Pepper Parr
May 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board joins school boards across Ontario in celebrating Education Week from May 5-9, 2025. This week provides an opportunity to showcase the meaningful work taking place across HDSB schools and workspaces, and to recognize the achievements and contributions of students, staff and the broader school community.
 Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board.  Amy Collard, Chair of the Halton District School Board. “It has been inspiring to witness the incredible progress and achievements of our students across every aspect of their learning,” says Amy Collard, Chair of the Halton District School Board. “From academic milestones to personal growth, our students are continuously demonstrating their creativity and passions. These successes are not only a reflection of their hard work, but also the dedication and support from our educators, families and community.”
“Education Week provides an opportunity to reflect on and share the many success stories of academic growth and achievements that are happening across HDSB schools,” says Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board. “These stories remind us that learning is not only about what happens in the classroom, but also about how we care for one another and grow together.”
Throughout the week, the HDSB will share stories and initiatives that demonstrate how the 2024–2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) is shaping learning environments and supporting student success and well-being.
Monday, May 5 – Spotlighting the 2024–2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan: To begin the week, the HDSB will share how the commitments in the MYSP, launched in the fall, are being put into practice through meaningful actions across HDSB schools and workplaces to support positive outcomes for students and staff.
Tuesday, May 6 – The role of Mental Health and Well-Being: As Education Week aligns with Mental Health Week, on Tuesday, the HDSB will showcase how schools are providing caring and supportive environments that create a genuine sense of belonging to support students in their pursuit of academic excellence.
Wednesday, May 7 – We are HDSB: The HDSB will spotlight the recently launched video series, We are HDSB, that shares the voices and experiences of students, staff and families across HDSB school communities. This series showcases the many ways people are building connections, demonstrating kindness and contributing to a strong sense of community. Each video provides a glimpse into the day-to-day experiences within schools, celebrating student success and the people and moments that help make HDSB schools and workspaces safe, welcoming and supportive places.
Thursday, May 8 – Celebrating Student Achievement: On Thursday, the HDSB will recognize the success of 108 students at the 41st annual Celebration of Student Excellence event. Friends and family are invited to celebrate virtually by viewing the livestream of the event which will be available on the HDSB website at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 8. The HDSB will also share student success stories from across HDSB schools that highlight how students are thriving in their academic journeys.
Friday, May 9 – Recognizing Kindness, Connection and Community: To conclude Education Week, the HDSB will focus on its commitment to Kindness, Connection and Community, as outlined in the 2024-2028 MYSP, and how it supports the success of students. Highlights will be shared from a recent Director’s Panel session where students and staff discussed how this commitment is being brought to life in schools.
 By Harold Dickert
May 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
By Way of Introduction. There are environmentalists who do there part day in day out – they know that climate change is taking place and there is a lot of work to be done. Then there are the really hard core environmentalists. Vince Fiorita (and it if don’t know Vince, you are not a real environmentalist) and then there are the really hard core types. Harold Dickert is one of those. He lives on a 6 acre piece of land in Kilbride and probably has a nickname for every tree on his property. Don’t ask for half an hour of his time – you will end up talking to him for several hours.
A Soil So Magical, It Might As Well Be Wizardry
 This isn’t just dirt. It’s a carbon-hoarding, crop-boosting, water-hugging powerhouse – soil with serious staying power. Picture this: a soil so rich, so fertile, so ridiculously good at its job that it makes modern industrial farming look like a toddler trying to build a sandcastle with a teaspoon. This isn’t some lab-grown, corporate-patented monstrosity—it’s Terra Preta, the legendary Amazonian “Black Earth.”
Ancient civilizations whipped up this soil cocktail long before carbon footprints were even a thing. The recipe? A mix of local earth, bio-char (basically charcoal, but don’t you dare call it ash), nutrients, and enough beneficial microbes to send a scientist into happy convulsions. The kicker? It’s still in Amazonian soil 3,000 years later, still making crops go gangbusters. That’s right—it’s soil with serious staying power.
Why Should You Care?
Because the planet is having a bit of a meltdown (literally), and Terra Preta is the comeback story we need. This isn’t just dirt. It’s a carbon-hoarding, crop-boosting, water-hugging powerhouse that can:
✅ Multiply Crop Yields – Up to eight times higher. That’s not a typo.
✅ Lock Away Carbon – Basically the underground vault of the climate world.
✅ Fight Climate Change – Because if we don’t, who will?
✅ Turn Invasive Plants into a Goldmine – More on that below.
The Mess We’re In
 Terra Preta. It’s the ultimate Swiss Army knife of agriculture—restoring soil, capturing carbon, boosting food security, and turning invasive plants into a resource instead of a headache. Ah, the modern world. So many innovations, so many terrible side effects. Here’s what we’re dealing with:
❌ Dead Soils – Industrial farming sucked the life out of them. Oops.
❌ Toxic Runoff – Fertilizer pollution creating oceanic “Dead Zones.” Not great.
❌ Invasive Plants on the Rampage – Like a botanical zombie apocalypse.
❌ Droughts, Floods & Angry Farmers – Mother Nature is Not Amused™.
❌ Global Food Shortages – Because “progress” should not equal “less food.”
Enter Terra Preta. It’s the ultimate Swiss Army knife of agriculture—restoring soil, capturing carbon, boosting food security, and turning invasive plants into a resource instead of a headache.
How Do We Scale It Up?
Governments, it’s your time to shine. Here’s how:
Bounty Programs for Invasive Plants – Pay folks to gather problem plants, turn them into bio-char, and voila! A win-win.
♻️ Composting 2.0 – Green bin waste deserves better than the landfill. Let’s bio-char it up.
Carbon Cap & Trade + Carbon Micro Credits – If you put carbon into the ground instead of the air, you should get rewarded. Period.
Community & Backyard Bio-Char Production – Imagine every backyard being a tiny carbon-sequestering machine. Beautiful.
What’s In It for Us? (Spoiler: A Lot.)
✨ More Carbon in Soil, Less in the Air – Climate change just got a little nervous.
Bigger Harvests – More food, fewer chemicals. Cleaner Water – Say goodbye to toxic runoff. Healthier Plants – Who needs pesticides when your soil is thriving? Better-Tasting, Nutrient-Dense Food – Your taste buds will write thank-you notes. A Soil System That LASTS – Unlike conventional farming’s one-and-done approach.
Built-in Drought Resistance – Bio-char hoards water like a paranoid prepper, releasing it just when plants need it most.
Microbial Paradise – Soil microbes love Terra Preta.
♻️ Less Waste, More Smart Use of Resources – Even invasive plants get a redemption arc.
A Step Toward Real Climate Action – Because hashtags alone won’t fix this.
 Good Carbon: Locked in soil, feeding plants, keeping ecosystems happy. It’s Not Just About Dirt – It’s About Carbon
Science alert! Pyrolysis (the fancy word for heating organic matter in the absence of oxygen) transforms invasive plants and waste into bio-char and syngas (a renewable energy source). This means Terra Preta isn’t just a soil revolution, it’s an energy solution too.
Let’s Rethink Carbon
Carbon isn’t the villain here. It’s literally the backbone of life. The problem? We keep putting it in the wrong place.
Good Carbon: Locked in soil, feeding plants, keeping ecosystems happy.
Bad Carbon: Floating in the atmosphere, melting ice caps, wrecking the climate.
Terra Preta lets us take the bad carbon and turn it into good carbon. Simple. Brilliant. Necessary.
Take Action (Because the Planet Won’t Fix Itself)
This is not a fringe idea. It’s real, backed by science, and ready to go. We just need people to get on board. That means you.
Advocate for bio-char programs in your city.
Make Terra Preta in your backyard (yes, really).
Support farmers using sustainable soil practices.
Watch, Read & Get Inspired
For the skeptics, the curious, and the already-convinced, here’s your homework:
“The Secret of Eldorado – TERRA PRETA” (National Geographic Documentary)
Terra Preta: How the World’s Most Fertile Soil Can Help Reverse Climate Change and Reduce World Hunger (ISBN: 978-1856234375)
BURN: Using Fire to Cool the Earth (ISBN: 978-1603587833)
Join the Movement
I’ve been making Terra Preta in Kilbride, and guess what? It works. My last bio-char session had local environmental NGO leaders geeking out over its potential. Now, we’re figuring out how to scale this up.
Because climate change isn’t waiting, and neither should we.
Let’s dig deep and fix this—one bio-char batch at a time.
 By Eric Stern
April 29th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Election Scrutineering 101
I’ve always voted and paid attention to our political process. For last night’s election, I decided to go a step further. I volunteered as a scrutineer for the Conservative Party.
Training involved a trip to Emily Brown’s campaign office and 15 minutes. One of the other volunteers commented that he was there to understand the election process. Donald Trump has thrown into question the integrity of elections. Scrutineering gave me a unique opportunity to look behind the curtain.
One of the first things I learned was what constitutes a spoiled ballot. I’ve always carefully marked my X, making sure the lines stayed inside the circle. Elections Canada wants to determine voter intent. You don’t have to use an X. As I saw during the counting, people filled in the circle, people drew in stars or squiggles. As long as the intent was clear, the vote was counted.
An optional activity, from 7:30 am to 9:00 am, was to wave signs at Appleby and Fairview.
 They called them waves – they were held at many of the main intersections in the city. Typically, I dread this type of activity, but I have to admit it was fun. People honked as they drove by, people waved, people stared straight ahead and did their best to ignore us, and about one car in fifty waved their swear finger at all of us. Are we losing our civility? Is it time to have a law that says political parties can only talk about their platform, not disparage the other candidates? Justin “he’s just not ready” comes to mind, but so does this ad:
After a quick trip to the polling station in the morning, to sign forms and show my ID, I returned to the station at 9:10 pm. The doors were locked at 9:30 pm, and the counting process started. Ballot boxes were immediately sealed. Tables were cleared, and scrutineers from the various parties moved to their assigned tables.
Once the Elections Canada officials were ready to count ballots, the ballot boxes were opened, and the counting began. Each ballot was held up for the scrutineers to review and placed in a pile for the intended candidate. One official held up the ballots, a second kept a tally. There was only one spoiled ballot, someone had clearly voted for both the Liberal and Conservative candidates. Will Carney partner with Poilievre to form the next government?
The race was so close, there would be two in a row for Karina, followed by three for Emily, then five for Karina, then four for Emily, and almost no votes for the other parties.
After all the ballots had been counted, approximately 150 per poll, the count was double-checked. Multiple teams of officials and scrutineers completed this process concurrently. By 11 pm, the count for the polling station was complete.
Everyone, officials and party representatives, was respectful, friendly, and dedicated to the integrity of the process.
The integrity of our elections relies on all of us. Please consider working for Elections Canada or volunteering as a scrutineer.
 By Staff
April 25th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Chronic lateness can often feel like an inescapable habit because showing up late to meetings, keeping friends waiting, or missing deadlines can lead you to constantly apologise for being late. People all over the world struggle with punctuality, and while being late might seem like a small flaw, it can have dire consequences.
If you are looking to overcome the habit of chronic lateness, then you are in the right place, as we have discussed several strategies and tips that can help you overcome chronic lateness and help you build a habit of being punctual and on time.
Understand the Cause of Chronic Lateness
Before you can fix any problem, you need to understand its root cause. Chronic lateness stems from a multitude of reasons, including :
 Poor Time Management Skills- Overcommitment
- Perfectionism
- Procrastination
- Lack of Prioritization
- Psychological Factors
- Poor Habits
- Mindset Issues
Understanding what causes you to be late is the first step towards overcoming chronic lateness, and you should start by identifying the causes so that you can address them effectively to overcome chronic lateness.
After you have identified the root cause of chronic lateness, here are some actionable tips and strategies that will help you overcome chronic lateness and be more punctual.
Improve Time Management
The foundation of punctuality is deeply rooted in time management. If you are not good with time management, then you cannot overcome chronic lateness because you won’t be able to take control of your time. Improving your time management skills is very important, and this can be done by using digital tools to procure the Salah Timing Calendar and help plan your day, breaking down large tasks, making a routine and following it, and adding extra time to your schedule for unexpected delays or last-minute changes.
Change Your Mindset
Your mindset plays a very important role when it comes to punctuality, and you need to change your mindset and shift your perspective to overcome the issue of chronic lateness. To do so:
Aim for arriving early rather than being exactly on time. Leaving early for a meeting or event will cushion you against unexpected delays.
- Rethink the importance of punctuality in your mind and think of time as a form of respect for yourself, as well as for others.
- Visualize the benefits of arriving early, such as less stress, more confidence, and a better reputation, which can encourage you to be more punctual.
Address Procrastination and Perfectionism
Procrastination and perfectionism are two completely opposite things, yet both of these often hold people back and lead to them being chronically late. If procrastination or perfectionism is holding you back, then it is time to address these issues by tackling tasks early, setting deadlines, embracing imperfections, and focusing on completing tasks the right way instead of making them flawless.
Develop a Pre-Event Routine
 Developing a pre-event and consistent routine can help you stay on track and organized, and avoid last-minute rushes. You can create a pre-event routine by creating a checklist for the steps that you need to take before leaving for an event, setting alarms and reminders to remind you when it is time to get ready, and prepare the night before by laying out your clothes, packing your bag, and gathering any material that you will need ahead of time, including the Montreal Prayer Calendar, to reduce stress and save time.
Avoid Overcommitment
One of the major contributors to chronic lateness is overcommitment. People who overcommit are the ones who constantly have a habit of being late because committing to multiple things can make you overwhelmed, leading to chronic lateness and impunctuality. This can be overcome by setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks that align with your goals and values, and politely declining requests that don’t fit into your schedule or priority list.
By Pepper Parr
April 23rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 It was the finals for the Battle of the Books; a public library program that started with twenty schools and was now down to the finals for the Junior teams – grades 3 to 5 and the Senior’s – grades 6 to 8.
John T. Tuck and Sacred Heart of Jesus were the semi-finalists in the Junior teams
St. Raphael and Ascension were the semi-finals in the Senior level.
Sacred Heart of Jesus won the Junior level for the second year in a row.
 Battle of the Books judges: from the left Deepti, Jamie and Sarah. It was not an easy task. More detail tomorrow with pictures of the winners.
Great to watch the kids collaborating to come up with the answers to the questions.
By Staff
April 23, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Library sent out the following statement a number of months ago:
“We live in an era of eroding democracy where polarization is increasingly fracturing our sense of a shared reality” adding that “ there’s a growing sense that our political system prioritizes short-term gains over the long-term health of our democracy.”
 The CBC program, IDEAS decided to host a series of cross-Canada discussions that focus on local solutions with the potential to inspire national change.
Moderated by Nahlah Ayed, the discussions were to take place in Burlington, Charlottetown, Edmonton and Nanaimo, BC.
 Lita Barrie (CEO, Burlington Public Library), Sabreena Delhon (CEO, The Samara Centre for Democracy), Meg Uttangi Matsos (Director, Service Design & Innovation, BPL), Nahlah Ayed (Host, CBC’s IDEAS), and Ira Wells (Professor, University of Toronto, critic & author). Local innovators/thinkers/storytellers in each community came together for conversations that explore the next chapter of Canada’s democracy. In Burlington that included library CEO Lita Barrie and Ira Wells, a Professor, University of Toronto, critic & author).
The program will be broadcast on CBC’s IDEAS on Thursday April 24th at 8:00 pm
The series is part of CBC Collab fund and in partnership with the Samara Centre for Democracy.
Libraries are a target in the culture wars raging across the continent. Yet they define themselves as a place to give all people access “to the widest possible variety of expressive content.”
As upholders of intellectual freedom, can libraries remind Canadians what democracy is all about, and which values are still worth fighting for?
 By Richard K. Howarder
April 21st, 2029
BURLINGTON, ON
 Social media is not only a source of fun or entertainment. It can also help teachers and students study. It makes education accessible and learning fun and easy.
In this article, we will discuss five simple ways to use social media for education. Let’s have a look!
Live streaming lectures
 Live streaming is used to show lessons or presentations. One of the best ways to use social media for education is live-streaming lectures. Live streaming helps a teacher show different ideas and concepts clearly.
They can use live streaming tools to show lessons or presentations. It also helps students to learn from home or anywhere. Students can also ask questions and participate fully in the lectures.
Moreover, taking short breaks during online learning can help students improve their concentration and focus.
Playing simple games like I Love Solitaire can help students relax. Solitaire is a fun, classic card game that allows them to refresh their minds.
Create a Class Blog
Another simple way to use social media is by creating a class blog. A teacher or a group of students can start a blog to share education-related news, homework, and tasks. It will keep everyone informed.
Moreover, creating a blog is easy to set up and update. Students can read the blog anytime, leave comments, and ask questions.
Connect with Students via Facebook Groups
Facebook groups can also be used for educational purposes. It is a great tool to connect with students. Facebook groups help students connect and share education-related news, updates, and material.
A teacher can create a class group and post reminders about homework and other tests. Students can also share their work and ask for help when needed.
Digital Storytelling with Instagram
 Digital storytelling with Instagram is another easy way to use social media for education. Students and teachers can use Instagram to share their ideas and concepts with pictures and short videos.
This makes it easier to learn new things. Moreover, the simple design of Instagram makes it a good tool for visual learning.
Q&A sessions on Twitter
Last but not least, Twitter Q&A sessions help students solve their queries. Students can ask anything anytime, and teachers can also use Twitter to ask questions.
This type of session is quick and easy and allows students to share ideas and learn from each other. Teachers can also use Twitter to give short tips and quick reminders.
 By Staff
April 18th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 It’s one of the holiest and most somber days in the Christian calendar as followers remember the execution of Jesus.
How did Jesus’ final days unfold? Scholars are still debating
The people and places of the Passion are well documented in the Bible, but pinning down the exact locations and timing of the trials of Jesus in Jerusalem is an ongoing challenge.
For billions of Christians, Good Friday remains one of the holiest days in the religious calendar. Commemorating the day Jesus died by crucifixion around A.D. 30., Good Friday is a crucial part of the Christian Holy Week, the series of holidays that culminates in Easter, when, according to Christian faith, Jesus returned to life after dying on the cross.
It is a time where believers mark the events leading up to the Passion of Jesus Christ, including the trial of Jesus before the Roman prefect, Pontius Pilate. Biblical scholars and historians have pored over surviving records to determine the exact timing and location of this crucial event, but definitive answers have yet to be found.
What’s the context behind Good Friday—and how do Christians observe it every year?
Good Friday represents Jesus’ execution at the hands of the Romans. So why do Christians call the holiday “good”?
“‘Good’ in this instance means something like ‘holy’ or ‘pious.’ It is ‘good’ because it is ‘holy,’ not because we are supposed to think that crucifixion is a good thing,” explains Candida Moss, Edward Cadbury Professor of Theology at the University of Birmingham.
Religious scholars believe that Jesus of Nazareth—whom billions of Christians believe was the son of God—lived in the first century in what is today Israel. At the time, the Roman Empire controlled the region. Scholars have different interpretations about Jesus’ life, but they agree that he built on his Jewish faith to proselytize a religious vision that attracted a growing number of followers.
 Judas kisses Jesus in Caravaggio’s “The Taking of Christ,” painted circa 1602. Accusers and judges
In the Bible, the apostle Judas betrays Jesus by revealing where he has sought refuge after celebrating the Passover feast: the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. The Temple Guards discover Jesus there, arrest him for the disturbance at the Temple on the eve of Passover, and take him before Caiaphas, the Jewish high priest, at his private residence where Jesus would be interrogated.
 Caiaphas interviewing Jesus. Caiaphas, the Jewish high priest, at his private residence interrogating Jesus.
Caiaphas may have deliberately sought to indict Jesus in a private session to avoid having certain council members—notably, the Pharisees (a Jewish sect, some of whose members were supporters of Jesus)—rise to his defense. Many scholars have argued that without the full backing of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish political and judicial council, the high priest did not have the power to order a man’s death. Therefore, the only solution was to refer the matter to the local Roman authorities and bring Jesus before Pontius Pilate. Caiaphas’s challenge was to come up with a charge that would justify a sentence of death.
During the interrogation, Caiaphas asked Jesus directly, “Are you the Messiah?” According to Mark, Jesus replied, “I am,” and then cited from Psalms and from the Book of Daniel: “You will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of ‘the Power,’ and ‘coming with the clouds of heaven’
With those words, Jesus had given Caiaphas the perfect pretext to involve the Romans. Though Jesus had merely quoted from Scripture, the high priest knew that words such as power and coming with the clouds of heaven would have a very different meaning for the Romans.
Historians also agree that around Passover, a significant Jewish holiday, Jesus was arrested and tried before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of the province. The Bible claims Pilate sentenced Jesus to death by crucifixion.
 The traditional location of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives lies near the Temple Mount. So why was Jesus killed? It’s possible that his rising profile made him a political target. At the time, Jewish religious leaders led popular protests that challenged hierarchies in Roman Judaea.
“Jesus was sentenced to die and executed at a very tense political and religious moment,” says Moss.
As Jesus spread his teachings, Jewish pilgrims gathered in the city of Jerusalem for the feast of Passover.
“This made the Roman authorities nervous,” Moss explains. “Passover celebrates liberation from slavery and oppression, and the Roman authorities didn’t want people taking inspiration and rising up against the Roman empire.”
 Pontius Pilate interviewing Jesus Indeed, Pilate may have sentenced Jesus to execution for a political reason. According to Bart Ehrman, James A. Gray Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Jesus was referred to as “King of the Jews.”
“Being King meant being the political leader of the people of Israel,” he wrote in his blog. “And only the Roman governor or someone the Romans appointed (like Herod) could be king. Anyone else who claimed to be king was usurping Roman prerogatives and was seen as a threat, or if not a threat, at least a public nuisance.”
Jesus’ form of execution aligns with this. “Crucifixion was a form of execution that was practiced by the Romans and was used for enslaved people, bandits, and rebels,” Moss says. “It is likely that Pilate, fearing some kind of uprising, sentenced Jesus to die as a political subversive.”
Days or weeks?
It’s difficult to determine exactly when the trial presided over by Pilate took place. The Book of Mark places it immediately after the hearing by Caiphias: “[A]s soon as it was morning . . . they bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate,” who initiated a hearing (Mark 15:1).
Some ancient writers, including the Evangelist Mark, often compressed events into a shorter time frame to maintain the narrative integrity of the story. The idea of the events of the Passion taking place in just a few days appealed to early Christians, for it enabled a commemoration of them in one “holy week,” but some scholars believe the actual events may have taken longer to play out.
 Antonio Ciseri painted Pilate showing the scourged Jesus to the crowds, known as “Ecce Homo,” in 1880. The judge, by custom, would have been the highest-ranking Roman magistrate in town. Pilate had come to Jerusalem during Passover to suppress any form of violent protest from the local population. His presence dictated that he would oversee the proceedings.
The Gospels of Matthew, Luke, and John, describe an elaborate trial that hews closely to the Ius Civile—Roman Law. The chief Jewish priests are the main accusers (delatores in Roman jurisprudence) who present evidence (Luke 23:2). Their evidence is found wanting, so the judge himself must interrogate the accused.
The Bible describes how Jesus refuses to respond to Pilate’s questioning (Matthew 27:14), but in the Gospel of John, a learned debate ensues between Pilate and Jesus. The accused gives evasive replies to Pilate’s questions, leading Pilate to declare, “I find no case against him” (John 18:33-38). In both Matthew and John’s accounts, the trial takes place before a large crowd, who insists upon Jesus’ execution, despite Pilate’s findings.
But it is quite possible that Mark’s succinct summary of the hearing before Pilate might be closer to the actual events. In Mark’s portrayal, Jesus was ushered before Pilate who asks, “Are you the king of the Jews?” to which Jesus’ response is “You say so,” (Mark 15:2). Pilate made no further attempt to question him. Indeed, by this account it would have been pointless. Anyone identified as a “king of the Jews” was, by definition, a rebel against Rome and rebels merited only one punishment: crucifixion.
When is Good Friday?
The actual dates of Good Friday change year to year—and that’s because the holiday always precedes Easter, which commemorates what Christians believe to be Jesus’ resurrection on the third day after his death. There isn’t a consensus on when this religious event happened or which calendar to use when calculating dates.
The authors of the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the men credited with writing the canonical texts that partly make up the New Testament—used the Jewish calendar, and they claimed that Jesus’ death happened in the month of Nisan, which corresponds to what is now March and April, when Passover typically falls. Yet, they don’t agree on whether it happened on 15th or 14th Nisan.
Moreover, early Christian leaders failed to agree on when exactly to celebrate Easter, which impacted when Good Friday could be observed.
“Most Christian denominations use the ‘computus paschalis’ to determine the date of Easter,” Moss says. “Most years, Easter is the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox.”
But that this isn’t always the case for all Christians.
“The date of Easter is calculated differently in Orthodox Christianity than in other denominations, so many years it falls on a different date. The reason this is so complicated is because in the Bible and in Christian tradition, Jesus’ death is tied to Passover and the date of Passover is calculated using a lunisolar calculation,” Moss explains.
The location of the trial is also uncertain. The Gospels refer to Pilate’s “headquarters,” or the praetorium, the seat of the provincial governor. There are two possible locales. One was the old palace of Herod, a sprawling complex in the southwestern city. The other was the Antonia Fortress, the Herodian citadel adjacent to the Temple complex, where the main Roman garrison was based. Herod’s palace would have offered more comfort for the prefect of Rome, but if trouble arose, it was likely to happen in the Temple forecourt.
 Antonia Fortress, the Herodian citadel adjacent to the Temple complex. The content of this article came from National Geographic Magazine.
By Staff
April 16th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Meeting up with people your age and talking about the books you are reading appeals to a lot of people.
The Burlington Library sets up meetings for kids and adults who want to do just that.who want to do just that.
No need to make a reservation – just drop by.
Here are the dates and the locations:
based on this month’s theme
 This isn’t part of the Library programme: Some people knew how to get in on the event and stay cool at the same time. Not sure how much reading got done.. BPL Reading Challenge Meet-up
Thursday, April 24: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Central – Centennial Hall
Age group: Adult
event type: Book Clubs, Writing
Chat about books based on this month’s theme
Wednesday, June 25: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Tansley Woods – Program Room
Age group: Adult
event type: Book Clubs, Writing
Chat about books based on this month’s theme
Wednesday, July 30: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Alton – Program Room
Age group: Adult
event type: Book Clubs, Writing
Chat about books based on this month’s theme
Thursday, August 28: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Brant Hills – Mountain Garden Room
Age group: Adult
event type: Book Clubs, Writing
Chat about books based on this month’s theme
Wednesday, September 24: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Central – Centennial Hall
Age group: Adult
event type: Book Clubs, Writing
Chat about books based on this month’s theme
Wednesday, October 29: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Tansley Woods – Program Room
Age group: Adult
event type: Book Clubs, Writing
Chat about books based on this month’s theme
By Staff
April 16th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Library hours for the holiday season
 By Staff
April 15th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
One is often known by the company they keep.
The Burlington Public Library has been keeping some pretty smart and intelligent company recently.
CEO Lita Barrie took part in a discussion on local democracy that was recorded by the CBC IDEAS program that will be broadcast in the near future
 Lita Barrie (CEO, Burlington Public Library), Sabreena Delhon (CEO, The Samara Centre for Democracy), Meg Uttangi Matsos (Director, Service Design & Innovation, BPL), Nahlah Ayed (Host, CBC’s IDEAS), and Ira Wells (Professor, University of Toronto, critic & author). The Samara Centre for Democracy, co-founded in 2007 by Alison Loat and Michael MacMillan, is Canada’s leading non-partisan organization focused on strengthening and protecting Canadian democracy.
IDEAS is a CBC radio program that has collaborated with Samara on a series of programs that focus on democracy and how it works in Canada.
The most recent IDEAS production on democracy was recorded at the Burlington Public Library and will be aired in the near future.
 By Staff
April 12th,2025
BURLINGTON, ON
It is described as a temporary exhibit to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe and highlights the major role played by Canadians during the Liberation of the Netherlands in the final nine months of the Second World War.
Historical moments are evoked to illustrate the strong ties that united the two countries during the terrible winter of 1945.
The post-war era is also featured, from the many Dutch war brides who followed their Canadian soldier home to a new country, to the first large waves of Dutch immigration to Canada, as well as the many commemorative traditions of the more recent decades.
 The cartoon on the left was a popular postcard illustration. Maple Leaves and Tulips: Then and Now, developed and presented by the Juno Beach Centre, in partnership with the Liberation Route Europe Foundation, demonstrates that Canadian-Dutch friendship, forged in fire, is still very much alive today.
Maple Leaves and Tulips: Then and Now
April 17 to December 31, 2025
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
Wednesday to Sunday – 9 am to 5 pm
Admission: Exhibit is FREE with admission. Regular admission rates are Adult (18 – 64) $14.25, Senior (65+) $12.50, Student (13 – 17) $12.50, Youth (6 – 12) $9.75.
By Staff
April 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
I-STEM STUDENTS At Thomas A. Blakelock HS, Elsie MacGill SS and Aldershot School have been selected as regional finalists in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition, where students across Canada create innovative solutions to real-world problems using Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) learning. The competition focuses on how STEM can be applied to help address challenges, both locally and globally, enabling students to develop skills in critical thinking, collaboration and community responsibility.
 Aldershot High School was the first in the Halton District School Board to offer the Stem program. Only 12 teams have been selected for the next stage of the competition where they will produce a five-minute video explaining how their solution would create a more sustainable, inclusive and healthier world using technology. The teams will enter into the second phase of judging on March 31 as they compete to become national finalists.
Each of the regional finalists have received $2,500 in technology to support and enhance STEM learning. In the next phase, students will have the opportunity to win $5,000 to purchase technology.
I-STEM is an innovative, regional program for secondary students in Halton and beyond. Students in this four-year program develop innovation skills related to engineering design and design thinking, entrepreneurial thinking skills and global competencies. Students learn to be prepared for technological change and disruption, globalization and shifting demographics.
 Keerthana Srinivasan, Grade 12, Aldershot High School Keerthana Srinivasan, Grade 12, Aldershot School:
“Through I-STEM, I had the opportunity to not only explore global challenges but also develop the skills to analyze them in a meaningful way. Using tools like the Design Thinking Process, causal models, and gap analyses, I’ve been able to deconstruct complex issues—like faults in photovoltaic farms and satellites—by identifying their root causes and uncovering gaps in existing solutions.”
It was interesting to note that the majority of the students who made it to the Regional finals were female and from divergent cultures.
By Staff
April 2nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
A total of five FIRST robotics teams from the Halton District School Board (HDSB) will compete at the FIRST Ontario Provincial Championship in Mississauga April 2-5.
Schools participating include Garth Webb SS (Team 5409), Georgetown District HS (Team 4976), Aldershot School (Team 9263), Oakville Trafalgar HS (Team 1334) and Burlington Central HS (Team 2386). The HDSB held the FIRST kick off in January at Burlington Central HS with more than 250 people in attendance.
 HDSB students setting up their robotic device that was designed to shoot a basketball into a net. Each HDSB team qualified for the provincial competition based on their results from taking part in regional competitions, including those held at McMaster University, Nipissing University, University of Waterloo, Durham College and in Newmarket. This provincial competition is a qualifier for the World FIRST Robotic Championship to be held later in April.
“Many thanks are extended to all of the teachers, coaches, mentors, volunteers and sponsors that provide students with this extremely valuable opportunity that supports the development of critical STEM and technological skills such as manufacturing, electronics, programming, CAD/CAM, pneumatics, design, media and transferable skills such as teamwork, problem solving and communication,” says Veronica Kleinsmith, Specialist High Skills Major Lead at the Halton District School Board. It has truly been an amazing and enriching experience for our students.”
“The FIRST Robotics Competition provides students with an incredible opportunity to showcase their skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM),” says Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the HDSB.
“By engaging in these challenges, students build confidence, problem-solving skills and resilience while gaining practical experience. These competitions play an important role in fulfilling our commitment, as outlined in the HDSB’s 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan, to Learning, Engagement and Achievement by connecting classroom learning to real-world scenarios. As students apply their knowledge to practical challenges, they develop essential skills and explore meaningful career opportunities in skilled trades and technology. I extend my sincerest congratulations to our HDSB teams on your remarkable achievements!”
 The Halton District School Board hosted a kickoff event ahead of the “Inspiration and Recognition in Science and Technology” or “FIRST” robotics competition season. Established in 2001, FIRST Robotics inspires young people to be leaders and innovators in science and technology by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills to inspire innovation and foster self-confidence, communication and leadership.
Achievements at the regional competitions included:
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- Aldershot School (Team 9263) received its first blue banner. The team was part of the alliance that scored a new world record for points in a single match in the 2025 Reefscape Competition.
- Burlington Central HS (Team 2386) won the Spirit Award at the McMaster University Competition.
- Georgetown District HS (Team 4976) won the Humber District Event, their third 1st place win as a team.
- Garth Webb SS (Team 5409) placed first overall at the Nipissing University regional competition, winning their second gold medal of the season and earning a place in the top twelve teams in the world. They also received the Excellence in Engineering Award.
- Oakville Trafalgar HS (Team 1334) competed at McMaster University, earning a spot in the third place alliance and winning the Team Sustainability award for environmental impact and continuity.
By Jim Portside
April 1st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 The Sunshine List was created by the Mike Harris government in 2006. Why are there so many teachers on the 2024 Sunshine List?
The Sunshine List was first released in 1996. The list shows us the names of Ontario public sector employees earning $100,000 or more. The $100,000 threshold has not changed since 1996. Using the Bank of Canada’s inflation calculator, $100,000 in 1996 is the equivalent of $185,017 in today’s dollars.
The 2023 list contains the names of 300,681 people.
The 2024 list contains the names of 377,667 people.
In 2019 the Ford government passed Bill 124 – “Protecting a Sustainable Public Sector for Future Generations Act”. The bill capped salary increases for employees of hospitals, universities, schools, long-term care homes, and non-profit organizations receiving government funding.
The public sector employees took the government to court and won. In February 2024, the Ontario government repealed Bill 124. Collective Bargaining Agreements often contain a “reopener” clause that allows for renegotiation of the agreement’s terms if certain conditions are met.
 Teachers demonstrating against government cuts in education. The conditions were met and the retroactive salary increases were handed out, causing a significant one-time salary boost for many of the employees affected by Bill 124. The scale of this is so massive that the hit to the projected 2024-2025 provincial budget deficit is around $6 billion. If Bill 124 had remained in effect the province’s deficit would have been $600 million.
The Sunshine List groups people by sector. Working with just the “School Boards” sector we can see the following:
In 2023 School Boards employed 80,282 people earning $100,000 or more, 60,516 of those people have the word “Teacher” in their job title.
In 2024 School Boards employed 118,050 people earning $100,000 or more, 92,472 of those people have the word “Teacher” in their job title. That’s a whopping 52.8% increase.
We should see things return to normal on the 2025 Sunshine List.
By Pepper Parr
March 31st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Strengthening Schools Through Kindness, Connection and Community will explore the HDSB’s commitment to Kindness, Connection and Community, as outlined in the 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan, and how it is being brought to life in schools and workspaces through meaningful actions.
Panelists will discuss how centring a culture of kindness in learning and working environments supports student and staff success and well-being, creating a genuine sense of belonging and the conditions for students to thrive.
 Amy Collard, Chair of the Halton District School Board. Joining the session as panelists will be Amy Collard, Chair of the HDSB, representation from HDSB students and staff, as well as Dr. John-Tyler Binfet, PhD, Professor of Education at the University of British Columbia. Together, the panel will explore how kindness, connection and community strengthen schools. Dr. Binfet will share insights on how students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 conceptualize kindness in learning environments and how they define and enact kindness to themselves and others.
Monday, April 7 from 6 – 7 p.m.
This will be a virtual event with the livestream linked on the HDSB website (hdsb.ca).
Registration is not required.
 Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board. Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board explains the program this way: “This session presents an exciting opportunity to dive deeper into how centring a culture of Kindness, Connection and Community plays an integral role in strengthening our schools and workspaces.”
“By modeling empathy and respect in our daily actions, and striving to create learning and working spaces where everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging, we create a supportive environment and strengthen relationships among students, staff, families and the broader community. We look forward to coming together to discuss how these efforts help ensure that everyone in the HDSB community feels valued, supported and empowered to succeed.”
The 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan sets direction and prioritizes the collective actions of all students, staff, families and community members. This plan ensures our efforts as an organization are aligned and coordinated to support more than 67,000 students, 11,000 staff and the broader HDSB community. The six commitments identified in this four-year plan intersect and overlap to ensure that we take a cohesive approach to fulfilling its objectives.
To this one has to add: Kindness, Connection and Community are important – very important but not at the expense of students graduating that cannot write a paragraph and cannot do simple math without their cell phone. Knowing something about the history of Canada and the importance of voting.
All one has to do is look south to get a sense of what a lousy education results in. We can avoid that and be kind, connected and participant in the community we live in.
the country
By Pepper Parr
March 28th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Sunshine list is out.
The high-level numbers are staggering:
There are 377,667 people on the list that runs 18,800 pages.
School Boards and teachers account for much of the increase.
 The civil servant salary listing was created by the Mike Harris government in 2006. Media quickly named it the Sunshine list. “Nearly half the growth on the list was driven by the school board sector, with teachers contributing to 87 per cent of this increase,” Treasury Board President Caroline Mulroney said in a statement Friday.
The tally from 2024 is up 25.6 per cent from 300,572 workers in 2023 — when it topped the 300,000 mark for the first time — and 266,903 the year before.
The list includes Ford, his cabinet ministers and all MPPs — whose salaries have been frozen since 2008.
MPPs make a base rate of $116,500 a year and Ford recently mused about giving them a raise.
“I don’t want to sound like a bleeding heart for politicians, but come on, folks, these guys work their backs off … and it’s not fair,” the premier told reporters after swearing in his new cabinet last week.
In contrast, federal MPs earn $203,100 and Toronto city councillors Thursday night voted themselves a 24 per cent pay increase of about $33,000 annually to $170,588.60
The sunshine list with its $100,000 threshold was established in 1996 by former PC premier Mike Harris as a transparency measure, but has lost impact over three decades because of inflation.
We will beaver away at digging out the specifics for the City of Burlington and the Halton District School Board.
Be patient – this will take some time.
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By Staff
