We worked in teams and came up with different ideas about how to represent the barriers in a drawing. Some groups represented the barriers as rocks falling across our road, another group used a mountain as a barrier, other groups used water to represent flooding and another group used tombstones because they felt “buried” by the barriers, stress and life experiences they’d had.

Then we came up with many different ways we get support to help us get around or through or over these barriers. Supports are represented by a bridge, a boat, a ladder, a detour, balloons and wings on our posters.

After we had everything figured out, we started drawing our ideas. We had to make a rough draft first and then we used flip chart paper and coloured markers to create our posters.

There was a lot of discussion and team work involved and it took us just over a week to complete our projects.

We’d love it if you came in to see what we did! In the meantime, here are photos of the posters. Click on a poster to see a larger version.

— by the Level 2 and 3 Communications Classes, with special thanks to Katherine.

Take flight

New paths

Climb the ladder

Set sail

Spread your wings

Across the bridge

Click to read the newsletter.

In this edition of the PTP Advocate, we have:

• the Student of the Month
• an article on Black History month
• an essay on returning to school
• the results of a survey on the students who attend PTP
• updates from the Events Team
• an article on the history of Valentine’s Day
• health tips for winter
• a review of the book Golden Fox by Wilbur Smith

Read the newsletter in PDF format.

My name is John Rojas. I have been at PTP for about 1 year now. First I was at the East Centre. I was working on my pre-GED course and once I heard about the PTP/George Brown pre culinary program, I was excited about it and applied for it. When I got the phone call saying I was accepted, I was so excited, I thought I was in a dream.

I have an amazing teacher, Lauren, and amazing chef teachers Glenna and Larry. We learned about the imperial and metric math system use in cooking. We also learned English communications, how to read a recipe and how to write our own using our math and English skills. PTP is an amazing school with amazing teachers who really care for their students and help them.

I would high recommend this LBS course and PTP to my friends and everyone else who is looking for upgrading.

— by John

I am Novelette and I am delighted to be a part of the PTP/George Brown Pre-Culinary Programme. I am upgrading my Math, Communication and English skills. I am also receiving hands-on training in the kitchen. The instructors are great and very motivating. My fellow students are hardworking and fun to be around. Our classes are held at Food Share and they are a very generous host.

For the Math upgrading we have been learning the order of operations and how to use it, working with decimals, calculating percentages, solving basic algebra. We also covered word problems such as reading and interpreting different kinds of graphs.

Approximately three days each week we are taught Communications. This includes proper sentence structure, understanding the principles of composing a well written paragraph and building this into an essay for college preparation. Reading and comprehending poetry is also covered. Students are encouraged to read and build their vocabulary.

During time spent in the kitchen students are taught basic knife skills. Each student is given the opportunity to practice holding and using a knife properly, to sharpen the blade, and learning how to make vegetable cuts such as brunoise and julienne. Students work in groups to create a wide variety of dishes. These dishes include soups such as broccoli, squash, and lentils. Other dishes are eggplant parmesan, grilled chicken, omelette, meatloaf and Moroccan spiced fish cakes.

We are also shown how to make desserts which include chocolate pate, cheese cake and angel food cake. For approximately two weeks we spend time preparing to write the exam for the Ontario Food Handlers Certification. Among the many important lessons we were taught in this area is proper sanitation and proper food handling. We looked at the correct temperatures for storing food in the fridge and freezers, temperatures for hot and cold holding, how to work with food allergens and identifying food hazards.

Occasionally we have visits of personnel and George Brown College and PTP. They discussed with us opportunities for advancing our education through a college programme or upgrading through the LBS at PTP.
I would strongly recommend this programme to anyone wishing to prepare for entry to a College/University Culinary Programme.

— by Novelette

The illustrations in this issue were done by Chris Brearley, a student at PTP West. Great job, Chris!

Click to read the newsletter in PDF format.

Click to read the newsletter in PDF format.

• The student of the month
• Our trips to Centre Island and the ROM
• Our potluck party
• Home health remedies
• A book review of A Piece of Cake, the story of Cupcake Brown

Click to read the newsletter in PDF format.

You can read about our summer picnic, Chipo’s story about her program at Humber College, Job Solutions’ new space, the Bits and Bites employees of the month, our visits to Mustard Seed, student sewing projects, and our favourite public spaces in the city.

You can view the Interactive Public Space Map in a larger version.

We played same games like the three legged race, water balloon toss, the lime and spoon race, and wheel barrow race, and true or false game. In the line and spoon game people have to carry a line on a spoon without dropping it on the ground. They pass it to their partner who runs back with it. If they drop it on the ground they’re out. The person who gets back first wins a prize. Some people went swimming and others went for a walk.

We ate pita bread, carrot salad, hummus, granola bars, and fruit kebabs. It was a good lunch! After, people went for a walked all around the island. I had to leave a bit early to catch the ferry to go home.

I had a ball!

— by Gennaro

Earlier this year the students at PTP took part in a pilot project for the Quill Learning Network and received a $450 honorarium for their work. We chose to put this money toward a special event:

The Advocacy & Events Team at the West centre asked all the students and teachers of PTP to choose their favourite of 3 special events. Those events included a barbeque, a movie, and a bus trip out of town. The main event voted for was a BBQ picnic.

The team got together and decided the best place for a picnic would be Centennial Park because it is so close for everyone. We decided on a date and saw that the weather would be sunny and hot for that day. Next, we made an announcement at Centre Meeting regarding the location, date and time and posted notices on the bulletin board. We also gave each class directions and posted them on the bulletin board as well.

We made a list of what we needed and assigned various members of the team the job of finding out the price of each item. We then calculated what the barbecue would cost. We needed to know this as our budget was no more than $450.00.

We asked the Bits and Bites team to purchase the munchies and drinks and we gave them $50.00 to do so. We also asked the Food Team to make salads and we gave them $100.00 to do so. That left us with $300.00 to buy food and other accessories.

The Bits and Bites Team came through with flying colours by buying chips, cheezies, pop, juice and water. The Food Team went above and beyond the call of duty and made four delicious salads, a bean salad, a pasta salad, a strawberry salad, and a wonderful potato salad. Meanwhile, the Advocacy Team went en masse to the Dollar Store at Cloverdale Mall and picked up cutlery and BBQ utensils weeks before the event. Two days before the picnic, Joseph and Vince shopped for charcoal at Canadian Tire, and Asma, Agnes, and Faduma bought the condiments, including ketchup, mustard, relish and mayonnaise, at No Frills.

On the day of the barbecue, Omar, Joseph, and Vince went ahead in Agnes’s van to the park to set everything up. We were so lucky that Agnes had started at PTP the week before because she has a van and was more than willing and able to help us carry so many things. Thank you so much, Agnes!! The rest of us, including Eric, Asma, and Faduma, went in Sandi’s car, and picked up the meat, the buns and the ice on the way to the park. When we got there, we found the others had already set everything up, started the three BBQs, and put up the signs indicating where people should get their food.

These signs were colour coded, and this was important because each BBQ was cooking a different kind of meat. For example, BBQ#1 had chicken burgers, BBQ#2 had veggie burgers, and BBQ#3 had hamburgers and hotdogs. Needless to say, BBQ#3 was the most popular and successful, as the cook on that BBQ, Clive, was exercising his excellent grilling skills. As a result, people who had signed up to get chicken burgers or veggie burgers quickly changed their minds and lined up for one of Clive’s mouth watering burgers. Thank you, Clive!!

All the students and staff had arrived at the park at around 11:30am, and were waiting patiently in the shade for the meat to be ready. We were so lucky because at the last minute it had threatened to rain, but it held off, although we could have used a shower!!! Despite the heat, everyone was socializing, including special guests, Barb McFater, Executive Director of PTP, and Jennifer, a substitute teacher, who brought cookies and pears for the occasion.

Everyone enjoyed the food though there was enough salad left over to take back to school, and Shahina kindly served it for free the following day. Many people were also able to take some cooked meat and buns home to have for dinner, and to freeze for future consumption.

Just past 2 o’clock, we started to clean up, though some people stayed until 3:30 because they were having so much fun!

All in all, the BBQ was a HUGE success!!!!!

— by the Events and Advocacy Team

On Tuesday, PTP students watched the documentary Food, Inc. We learned a lot of information about the food that’s consumed through our daily lives, like how they’ve been grown and raised, what it was fed, and what it went through, from the farm to your plate – and it wasn’t pretty.

Even though the movie gave disturbing facts, I think we all enjoyed it and became more cautious about our food. When the movie was playing, I was astounded by the kind of stuff that the director showed. There were multiple interviews from victims of lawsuits from food companies, company representatives, and others who had a strong voice about the issue.

After the film I reviewed what I ate in my daily life. Even though I don’t like much “fast food”, I have a temptation for the convenience of food like pizza, hamburger or sandwiches which my kids love so much and which make things a lot easier.

However, I am not just paying for the price for the food I purchase, I also pay my family members’ potential health in the name of convenience. I usually buy corn almost every week, because my kids—especially my 11 months old baby—love it so much. I will never buy corn again. And when I go a grocery shopping I’m going to read what’s inside.

We have 3 meals a day and I am a housewife and a mother of my lovely children. I thank everyone who prepares the food that my family can get today. However, I should be more careful with selecting, preparing and cooking food. And in addition, it is not only for the people who watched this documentary. We should let everyone know to help keep their eye on what they’re eating.

After watching this documentary, a thought passed through my mind. If we change our eating habits, the companies might change their habits too. We have to think about the future and those who are involved.
— by Agnes

This morning we watched the film Food, Inc. It was a documentary on the food industry. The video explained how our favourite foods are produced and packaged by the biggest meat industries.

I found the video interesting yet it made me really question if I wanted to continue to consume meat products. I did not agree on some of the methods that the industry used where the handling of the animals were concerned.

I did agree with the one farmer who was raising his animal organically and humanely. I think that I will have a different outlook at the supermarket when I am shopping for meats and my produce.
— by Barbara

Links and clips about the film

• Food, Inc. was shown on CBC earlier this year. Here is a promo for the film.
• You can view an excerpt of Food, Inc. titled “The Dollar Menu” at PBS.
• Watch the trailer for the movie at the film’s official site.
• The Food, Inc. entry at IMDb (the Internet Movie Database). From the trivia section: “Neither Eric Schlosser, Michael Pollan or director Robert Kenner are vegetarians, despite the film’s spotlight on meat cultivation and processing in the United States.”

Click to read the Spring 2010 newsletter.

Marie Cormier: Living a Happy Life

Dolly Deonarine: Achieve Your Goal

The most recent Newsletter from PTP East is out. In this issue: volunteering with the Events Team, Chinese New Year, Black History in Canada, the Olympics, Easter, a look at the upcoming municipal elections, suggestions on healthy snacks, and more.

Click here to read the newsletter in PDF format.

We cooked good food like green salad, cake, lasagna and bruschetta. We worked together, we ate a lot of food. When we were at the table we talked together. When we finished lunch we sat about 45 minutes then talked about everything. The conversation really was nice and we enjoyed being there.
— by Omar


We took the subway and streetcar to Mustard Seed and we chatted a bit and decided to start cooking. Everyone had different roles. My role was to work on the salads. My partner was Margaret. She taught me how to cook. We were all talking and had a fun time. One group had to work on lasagna. Next group worked on bruschetta. Another group worked on pound cake. As the dishes were being cooked in the oven we decided to walk for a bit. When we arrived back, I had to help with the bruschetta and the lasagna. Other groups had to help one another. I had to wash the dishes. Others had to clean the kitchen. We waited for the cake and lasagna to be finished. We put sets of forks, spoons, napkins, and plates on the table. Than we put the food on the table.

We finished eating and sat on the couches. I started a conversation about relationships between men and women. It was a very interesting moment to hear different students’ opinions as well as teachers’ and the staff. The conversation went on for 30 minutes. Then we all went home. The whole Mustard Seed experience was a great experience.
— by David


My trip to Mustard Seed was a great experience. It sounds strange but I never knew that nuns walked and talked to regular people like us. I always thought that they don’t want us too close to them because of their beliefs. However, it was nothing like that. The welcome was warm and inviting. The place was clean and well equipped with everything you need, even a bed if needed. We cooked together, talked together, laughed together, and ate together. It was very nice. The teachers let us feel comfortable but most of all we were peas in a big pot.

We met at the subway. We took the train down together and met Shahina there and she was ready as usual so we paired up in groups and started cooking. We cooked vegetable and meat lasagna and a pound cake. Boy, it was delicious. After eating we talked for a while and then the time came to go home. If I had a magic wand I would let it last all week. I hope everyone in the school gets a chance to go experience that nice home called Mustard Seed.
— by Margaret

On Thursday morning I took the train from Sherbourne station and I asked the bus driver how to get to Queen street. He told me that I must go to Broadview station and take the streetcar down to Queen and I must go left and so I did and I found it was very easy to find.

I came by myself and I met Shahina there and we sat down and talked about what we are going to do. We had a very nice discussion until the rest of the students come. They all got there in time. Shahina made us pick out numbers for the people we were going to work with. We split up and cook the food that we are going to prepare for us to eat.

I think it was very nice for us to get out and kind of learn something that we never knew. David said he did not know how to cook but he learned how to cook and he enjoyed himself very much. That’s what I mean by you can learn something. I had a very good time preparing the food that we made as a class. I had a good time. But the thing that I enjoyed was the discussion that we had with David. I really enjoyed it very much. I also enjoyed how we all sat down on the table and we all ate.

I guess we got David to talk to people and I really think it was very good so I would like to thank Shahina for having this day with us. We all love you Shahina.

From Judy.

Below are photos from the trip. Click on any photo to see a larger size.

We were told that most fires start in the kitchen. If a fire starts on the stove you should cover it with a metal lid. We learned it is a not a good idea to fry with oil unless it is in a temperature controlled deep fryer and to always stay in the kitchen when cooking. If you find yourself on fire you should “stop, drop and roll” to put the flames out. If someone else is on fire you should throw a blanket over them to smother the flames. It doesn’t really matter if the blanket is wet.

We saw a video demonstration of how quickly a fire can spread. During a fire, there is very little time to get out. Everyone should have a plan when it comes to their kids. Each parent or persons should know which children or elderly person they are to help get out.

If you are in an apartment building, the first thing you should do is try to leave. Do not use the elevators at all, even if the halls and stairways are blocked with smoke. Return to the apartment and seal off the doors and vents. Open a window and wave a blanket back and forth to let firefighters know you are in the apartment. Also, make a tent with a blanket and breathe the fresh air out the window ff there is no smoke coming from the outside of your apartment. If you have a balcony, go outside and remain low to the ground.

We were also told that if someone does not speak any English in your household, teach them the basics of 911 calls in English. That is “I speak Italian” and “I need police, fire or ambulance”.

When going into any building , check for fire exits in case there is a fire. Have a designated meeting place outside when a fire occurs and never run back in the building.

We were told of the importance of smoke alarms and keeping them in working order. When the time “falls forward” in spring, you should change the batteries on your smoke alarm . When the time “falls back”, you should change the batteries again.

The acting fire chief also told of his experiences of actual fires and the devastation it can cause. It was a very entertaining and helpful presentation.

By Tracey

The Men’s Discussion Group

The Men’s Group at PTP West recently finished a 9 week session. The men’s discussion group aims to foster reflection, self-knowledge and personal development. The discussions take place in a safe, and respectful environment. It allows the participants to express themselves in a group setting and to develop listening skills. The agenda usually includes several topics about life; discussions are centred around a quotation, poem, article or some piece of writing. Bert Providence from the Toronto Public Library’s Adult Literacy Program is the facilitator of the group. He has led similar groups before, such as More than a Haircut: The Barbershop Project. Bert starts and facilitates the discussions: “I try not to preach but I share my views and sometimes challenge accepted thinking.” The discussion is more animated when it is about issues that pertain specifically to men. Over the 9 weeks the group spoke about values, privilege, discipline, addictions, relationships, divorce, racism, gender roles and sexuality among other things.

“Generally the men follow the ground rules and are respectful and share the stage,” says Bert. “The biggest challenge is to get most of the participants to talk. I want us to learn from each other’s experiences, so even if they don’t talk , they can still connect with the ideas and insights expressed. Most of all they are communicating with their peers and this helps build community, I think. Initially I think there was a lot of resistance to being in a group like this and some dropped out quite early. There is still some of that mindset that prevents many men from opening up.”

A participant’s experience

“On Tuesdays the men at PTP take part in discussions that are really helpful in our everyday lives. The group is lead by a gentleman named Bert who works for the Toronto Public Library.

We talk about lot of different things like racism, stress, politics, sport etc. There are men with different ethnic backgrounds and beliefs so that makes the conversations very interesting. We try to respect each other’s opinion and sometimes agree to disagree on really hot topics.

There is always something to take away from the group. It’s an environment where men can be open and speak how they really feel. The group has helped me be more confident when speaking in front of large groups of people. I also learned that with age comes more responsibility and you see life differently from when you’re a kid. All the guys are great and I found out that I have a lot in common with some of the guys that I didn’t talk to before. Groups like these are good for men that tend to be reserved or shy so they can work on their people skills. I would like PTP to keep the group going for others that might attend the program in the future.”

We first taught the students how to use the Fun Guide. The Fun Guide is the parks and recreation guide to programs and services for people in multiple districts in the GTA. Next we had to navigate the difficult application. We had to determine which guide to use according to the districts the students lived in. There were colours representing each district. For example, the green represents Etobicoke, the purple North York and so on. Some of the courses required phone calls to verify whether they were available in the community centre near the applicants. We also helped the students determine what courses they wanted to take and the community centre nearest to them in their districts. Then we filled out a Welcome Policy application for the courses and programs that are not free. The Welcome Policy is a policy that waives fees for low income individuals for courses and programs that were not free. The students decided whether they would take the course alone or with their families.

The Parks and Recreation sign up gave the students of PTP an opportunity to become informed about the resources at their disposal. These programs allow them to spend time with their families in an economical way. They promote healthy life styles, development of skills and continuous learning. For instance, engagement in the learning to sew program and Spanish classes are typical examples of where students can develop new skills. The students who signed up for the health club and yoga are indulging in the healthier life styles. The students were able to access these resources through Parks and Recreation programming.

Organizing this project gave the members of the Advocacy and Events Planning Team an opportunity to improve our communication and leadership skills. We learned effective teaching skills as well. The team discovered that the Fun Guide and the resources were not being utilized because the Fun Guide is a very complicated magazine. The process is almost impossible to figure out; many programs of interest had fees attached but students were uninformed of the Welcome Policy and how it works.

As a team we discovered that lack of knowledge was a curse to the students but the act of helping and transferring information was priceless.

by Surnet M.

Our total was $172.64.