Latest news with #KelvinHighSchool
Winnipeg Free Press
2 days ago
- General
- Winnipeg Free Press
Nurse proves doctors wrong
When Jean Brown was born, doctors did not expect her to live. Jean, who died on June 24, proved them wrong — she lived to 97 years of age. But at that time, almost 10 decades ago, Jean was born premature and weighed only three pounds. Her family says what saved her was the determination of her Scottish aunts. They paid no heed to what the doctors were saying. They placed the newborn infant into an apple box, put the box in a sunny window, and she survived. 'With that start, she could begin an extraordinary, human, connected, life that lasted nearly a century,' her family said in her obituary. Jean lost both her parents, Bill and Jane Mowat, when she was only 16. She lived her with her aunt and uncle and finished her education at Kelvin High School in Winnipeg. That's where Jean met the guy who would become her husband — Norval Brown. The family says every day until he died in 1993, he made Jean laugh. Jean graduated as a nurse at the Children's Hospital in 1952, but, as was usual at the time for many, her career was brief once she was married. She considered raising her daughters her life's work. But that doesn't mean she left her nursing training behind her. Jean would disinfect children's toys, put picture books in the oven to sterilize them, and even offer speculative diagnoses. Advertisement Why this ad? She also volunteered at the Montreal Oral School, worked as a classroom aide at what is now known as Manitoba Possible, formerly the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities, and was an active member of her church, St. Bede's Anglican Church. As her family says, 'Our mother and grandmother leaves behind no recipes and few heirlooms, only more framed family pictures than we know what to do with and a phone number none of us will ever forget.' Jean is survived by four daughters, eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Read more about Jean. How They Lived Vincenzo (Vince) Brambilla was only 14 when he immigrated on his own from Italy to Winnipeg. Vince, who was 85 when he died on Feb. 21, came here because his sister lived here with her family. Through hard work, Vince went on to become a restaurateur with his most notable one being the downtown Grain Exchange Restaurant where his family says he charmed customers with his stories and his food. Read more about Vincenzo. Kay Hutton's organizing skills shone. Kay, who died on July 23 at 91 years of age, was able to use those skills through her life. She volunteered extensively at her kids' schools and she was active in both bowling and curling leagues. But those organizing skills came to the forefront when she served as competition secretary for the Manitoba Highland Dance Association, as secretary for the Sons of Scotland, and as an organizer of the annual Sons of Scotland Summer School of Dance. Read more about Kay. Gerald Lafreniere was a teacher who taught Indigenous youth. Gerald, who was 89 when he died on July 21, dedicated his education career to teaching in First Nations communities across the country for 53 years. Wherever Gerald taught, he was known for passionately supporting Indigenous youth and for his patience, integrity and quiet strength. Read more about Gerald. Ron Wiebe was known by many as Mr. Canola. That's when Ron worked in the commodity division with James Richardson and Sons which resulted in his 35-year career with Richardson Greenshields. He wore a yellow trading jacket on the floor of the Winnipeg Commodity Exchange, focusing on canola, and he served as a board member of the Exchange. He later was also president of the Winnipeg Clearing Richardson Greenshields was sold to the Royal Bank of Canada, he spent the last five years of his career with RBC Dominion Securities. Read more about Ron. Sean Lawson was a friend to many. Sean, who died on July 14, grew up in Stonewall and worked for years at Winpak in Winnipeg where he made many friends. He was raising his son in Teulon when he was slain in his home. His family says they are hoping 'justice will be served.' Now the community is fundraising to help his 12–year-old son — details are in his obituary. Read more about Sean. A Life's Story Suzanne Barrow was an artist known for capturing the sky in her artwork. Suzanne, whose long career was as a business analyst, picked up her brush when she retired to Gimli and she rarely put it down. Suzanne Barrow started painting on the deck of her home during the pandemic to bring joy to her neighbours. (Supplied) She became especially known for her lifelike sky paintings, including a giant one she worked on out on her front porch as a fun demonstration during the COVID-19 pandemic. 'I paint from the heart,' Barrow said in an online video. 'It's a passion. Sometimes it's very touching to me and that's why I paint. It helps me get through life.' Read more about Suzanne. Until next time, I hope you continue to write your own life's story.
Winnipeg Free Press
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Journalist, father, friend
The notes of a familiar Blue Rodeo or Tragically Hip song would often fill the dining room, Ted Wyman's fingers gliding on the guitar strings, a warm smile spreading across his face as he sang along with his long-term partner Kim Fedick. For Wyman, these intimate musical moments, shared with loved ones, were the essence of a life lived richly. 'We'd finish up a great meal and then he'd just go grab his guitar and start playing something I loved,' Fedick said. 'Then we'd just sing together for hours. That's what I think about the most.' SUPPLIED Wyman loved to play the guitar and sing with family and friends. Wyman, the longtime sports editor of the Winnipeg Sun who died last November after a brief battle with cancer, was the guy who brought a smile to everyone's face whenever he entered a room. While he didn't want to be the life of the party, Wyman brought life to every gathering he ever showed up at, offering a familiar and safe space for people to be themselves and share their stories. For 58 years, Wyman packed a remarkable amount of living into his time, touching countless lives with his infectious spirit, boundless curiosity and a superpower for forging meaningful connections. He was a dedicated father, a passionate journalist, an avid traveller and a talented musician. 'A lot of it was just that he loved people, he respected people and he wanted to rise up to the level of the people he admired,' Chris Wyman, Ted's son, said. SUPPLIED Winnipeg Sun Sports editor Ted Wyman died in November after a brief battle with cancer. 'I don't know that he ever knew this, but he had already gotten there, as other people were looking up to him.' Born Edward Bryce Archibald Wyman in Brandon on June 11, 1966, and raised in Winnipeg, Wyman grew up on Elm Street in River Heights, graduating from Kelvin High School. While his younger years were filled more with discovery than popularity, this experience fostered a deep empathy that would define his later inclusive nature. His childhood included family trips to Europe, where his mother Anna encouraged him to journal, nurturing an adventurous spirit that would stay with him. Indeed, his path seemed set early on; at just 11 years old, inspired by local sports media legends like Jack Wells and Jack Matheson, Wyman declared his ambition to become a sports writer. Supplied Ted as a young boy After graduating from RRC Polytech, Wyman began his professional journey at the Interlake Spectator, working out of a dilapidated cabin his father, Herbert, provided him with. From there, he headed back to his birthplace to work for the Brandon Sun, then the Moose Jaw Times-Herald, gaining foundational knowledge and solidifying the passion that would drive his career. Wyman's arrival at the Winnipeg Sun in 2003 marked a significant chapter. He rose to sports editor in just three years, becoming a respected figure in Canadian sports journalism. Co-workers marvelled at his ability to pack so much into a day, his quick wit and his encyclopedic knowledge of sports. Colleagues recalled on numerous occasions him effortlessly rattling off stats from the WHA Jets or a full Blue Bombers' roster from decades past. 'When he had to write a story, that guy could focus like a laser,' said Wyman's brother, Jeff Wyman, noting the intense dedication he had to his craft. SUPPLIED Wyman (left) and a media contingent at the old Canad Inns Stadium. 'He would absolutely just block everything out in the entire world.' His brilliance extended beyond sports. Wyman could get every question right on Jeopardy, Fedick said, and even crafted intricate crossword puzzles for her enjoyment. His journalism was always about more than just scores and statistics. 'He had such a passion for what he did, but it was always about the people he met along the way,' said Wyman's sister, Alison Marantz. 'Whenever he visited me in Calgary during one of his work trips, it was always, 'Oh, yeah, I met up with my buddy so-and-so.'' SUPPLIED From left: Siblings Jeff, Mike, Alison and Wyman. Wyman was the youngest of the four siblings. Wyman's interview style was conversational and fair, earning him respect from athletes and colleagues alike. He was staunch in his journalistic principles, refraining from cheering at sporting events when with family and friends. Wyman's book, Ice Gold, which offered an insider's view of Canada's double-gold-medal curling feat at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, exemplified this approach, focusing on the stories behind the triumph. He firmly believed the inclusion of box scores in the sports section was the hallmark of a real paper and he fiercely advocated for his staff. As his close friend Jay Bell, a former Free Press sports editor, put it, 'There was nothing disingenuous about Ted Wyman. He had a way of making you feel very comfortable… he freaking knew everybody.' Wyman's profound impact on the sports world was recognized with his induction into the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Media Roll of Honour, and posthumously with CurlManitoba's Honourary Life Membership and Curling Canada's Paul McLean Award. SUPPLIED Ted Wyman at the 2014 launch of Ice Gold: Canada's Curling Champions at McNally Robinson. This lasting commitment to the field is further represented by the Ted Wyman Memorial Scholarship, established in his memory for journalism students at RRC Polytech. Beyond the newsroom, Wyman was a dedicated father to his daughter Emily and son Chris. Emily remembers his unwavering excitement and his desire for them to have as beautiful a childhood as he did. 'He was always the cool, fun dad. He would always joke that he stopped aging at 10 years old,' Emily said. 'But he also taught us to be honest and upfront with our feelings and to never assume that your love is felt as much as you are putting it out there. 'He thought if you were happy, you were the most successful and richest person alive.' Wyman was a consistent presence in his children's lives, often meeting them for lunch breaks at school while working the night sports desk at the Sun. SUPPLIED Wyman with his beloved children, daughter Emily and son Chris. His children were a source of immense pride and he consistently showed up for them, never missing a musical or an important moment. Wyman also instilled a love of reading in Chris; they devoured the Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter series together. Music was another passion. A self-taught musician, Wyman could pick up a guitar and learn songs in an evening. He was never shy to perform one of his favourite Tom Petty songs for an audience and frequently hosted lively jam sessions in his basement. His love for music was a joyful expression of his soul. Wyman's adventurous spirit took him around the world, covering major events from Grey Cups to Olympic Games. But what truly defined these travels was his unparalleled ability to connect with people; he made friends everywhere he went, possessing an almost uncanny ability for turning strangers into companions. SUPPLIED Wyman in Mexico, one of his favourite places to visit. His childhood family trips to Europe sparked a lifelong wanderlust in his children, too; Emily recently visited Antarctica, completing travels to all seven continents. For Wyman, these shared journeys were a cornerstone of his belief in the importance of maintaining family traditions. 'His joy was contagious,' said Bronwyn Berry, a longtime friend. 'He embraced everything. Just look at Wyman and his T-shirts! He used these beer T-shirts to meet people and start up conversations. Next thing you knew, they're the best of buds.' Berry described this as a 'childhood wonderment' that Wyman never lost, driving his desire to know every story, every best place to eat and every beach with a breathtaking sunset. His non-judgmental nature meant 'everybody was his friend,' as Dave Martens, another close pal, attested. Berry and Martens, among many others, gravitated to Wyman because they were similar in that they wore their hearts on their sleeves. SUPPLIED Wyman and his dog Titan. Their bond was only strengthened by the deep conversations they shared. Wyman's smart sense of humour never came at anyone's expense; he simply loved bringing people together. Summers were particularly cherished by Wyman, often spent in Gimli, making lasting memories around the campfire at Loni Beach. This was truly his happy place. 'I want people to remember Ted for how passionate he was about life and how great he was about life,' Martens said. 'Because that guy packed a lot of life into 58 years, more than most people.' SUPPLIED Wyman and his long-time partner Kim Fedick. SUPPLIED Wyman early into his cancer treatment. SUPPLIED Wyman and Free Press sports reporter Jeff Hamilton. Jeff HamiltonMultimedia producer Jeff Hamilton is a sports and investigative reporter. Jeff joined the Free Press newsroom in April 2015, and has been covering the local sports scene since graduating from Carleton University's journalism program in 2012. Read more about Jeff. Every piece of reporting Jeff produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Hamilton Spectator
04-06-2025
- Science
- Hamilton Spectator
Council of River Heights students has cabinet minister's ear on value of AI, other tech in education
River Heights teens want their high schools to embrace technology — the possibilities of artificial intelligence, in particular — rather than ban it. Grade 11 student Salina Lupu uses AI-powered chatbots to help her strategize how best to manage her time when she's working on a major project. Matias Lastra, 17, keeps these tools in his back pocket when he needs to break down a complex math equation or the process to solve it. The new Kelvin High School student council co-presidents shared how they're using the technology to do their homework with government officials this week. '(AI) can be a really helpful tool if used properly and if we're taught how-to use it properly,' Salina said. Mike Moroz, Manitoba's minister of innovation and new technology, has created an inter-school council to hash out policies on AI and other issues affecting students. The MLA for River Heights has begun inviting public and private school students from his constituency to meet at the legislature on a semi-regular basis. 'Kids don't get the credit they deserve for how much they think about the world around them,' said Moroz, who taught high school drama and humanities before he ran for public office in 2023. Kelvin, Gray Academy, Grant Park High School and St. Mary's Academy make up his newly formed council. Moroz said it is 'critically important' that students from these schools understand their voices have value and the government provides a microphone. Technology, affordable housing and environmental and social justice issues are among the topics they've discussed to date, he said. On Monday, the last day of the spring legislative session, a half-dozen students gathered at 450 Broadway for the council's second official meeting. Student leaders found common ground related to their thoughts on the growing role of smartphones and AI in education and how the technologies are viewed by adults around them. The Manitoba government banned the use of cellphones during classes, except when teachers approve their use for educational or inclusion purposes, at the start of the 2024-2025 school year. 'It's difficult to ban technology when we require it,' said Chinanuokum Onyiuke, a Grade 12 student at St. Mary's. The 18-year-old noted screens have been deeply embedded into her school experience. 'We use Teams every single day,' she said. Many teachers across the province use Microsoft Teams as a virtual extension of their classroom. Students can send messages and upload assignments to the software program via phones, tablets and laptops. Members of the River Heights inter-school council acknowledged their teachers are grappling with how to police phone usage and AI-related plagiarism, but they said outlawing the tools is not the answer. 'There's a lot of fear from the educators' side because they don't know how to approach this and they're thinking of (technology) more as a threat to our education than a resource,' said Diana Bonakdar, 16. The St. Mary's Grade 11 student said she told Moroz about the need 'to shift our mindset' to view AI as a tool that can speed up processes rather than something to be feared. Moroz is planning to have students get together about once every two months throughout the rest of his term. The setup is unique in that some participants rarely mingle — despite attending schools across the street from one another, in the case of Kelvin and St. Mary's. Manitoba Education runs a separate student advisory council. It consists of 30 high school students from campuses across Manitoba. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Winnipeg Free Press
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Council of River Heights students has cabinet minister's ear on value of AI, other tech in education
River Heights teens want their high schools to embrace technology — the possibilities of artificial intelligence, in particular — rather than ban it. Grade 11 student Salina Lupu uses AI-powered chatbots to help her strategize how best to manage her time when she's working on a major project. Matias Lastra, 17, keeps these tools in his back pocket when he needs to break down a complex math equation or the process to solve it. The new Kelvin High School student council co-presidents shared how they're using the technology to do their homework with government officials this week. '(AI) can be a really helpful tool if used properly and if we're taught how-to use it properly,' Salina said. Mike Moroz, Manitoba's minister of innovation and new technology, has created an inter-school council to hash out policies on AI and other issues affecting students. The MLA for River Heights has begun inviting public and private school students from his constituency to meet at the legislature on a semi-regular basis. 'Kids don't get the credit they deserve for how much they think about the world around them,' said Moroz, who taught high school drama and humanities before he ran for public office in 2023. Kelvin, Gray Academy, Grant Park High School and St. Mary's Academy make up his newly formed council. Moroz said it is 'critically important' that students from these schools understand their voices have value and the government provides a microphone. Technology, affordable housing and environmental and social justice issues are among the topics they've discussed to date, he said. On Monday, the last day of the spring legislative session, a half-dozen students gathered at 450 Broadway for the council's second official meeting. Student leaders found common ground related to their thoughts on the growing role of smartphones and AI in education and how the technologies are viewed by adults around them. The Manitoba government banned the use of cellphones during classes, except when teachers approve their use for educational or inclusion purposes, at the start of the 2024-2025 school year. 'It's difficult to ban technology when we require it,' said Chinanuokum Onyiuke, a Grade 12 student at St. Mary's. The 18-year-old noted screens have been deeply embedded into her school experience. 'We use Teams every single day,' she said. Many teachers across the province use Microsoft Teams as a virtual extension of their classroom. Students can send messages and upload assignments to the software program via phones, tablets and laptops. Members of the River Heights inter-school council acknowledged their teachers are grappling with how to police phone usage and AI-related plagiarism, but they said outlawing the tools is not the answer. 'There's a lot of fear from the educators' side because they don't know how to approach this and they're thinking of (technology) more as a threat to our education than a resource,' said Diana Bonakdar, 16. The St. Mary's Grade 11 student said she told Moroz about the need 'to shift our mindset' to view AI as a tool that can speed up processes rather than something to be feared. Moroz is planning to have students get together about once every two months throughout the rest of his term. The setup is unique in that some participants rarely mingle — despite attending schools across the street from one another, in the case of Kelvin and St. Mary's. Manitoba Education runs a separate student advisory council. It consists of 30 high school students from campuses across Manitoba. Maggie MacintoshEducation reporter Maggie Macintosh reports on education for the Free Press. Originally from Hamilton, Ont., she first reported for the Free Press in 2017. Read more about Maggie. Funding for the Free Press education reporter comes from the Government of Canada through the Local Journalism Initiative. Every piece of reporting Maggie produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
