A recent forum in Charlottetown brought together students, teachers, and community partners participating in unique research, which examines school-based health promotion projects in Prince Edward Island schools. Dr. Donna Murnaghan and Dr. Jo-Ann MacDonald, researchers from the University of Prince Edward Island's School of Nursing, received funding from the Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute (CCSRI), for the (S)chools (A)gainst (C)ancer: Using a (K)nowledge to Action Process (SACK) project. SACK is aimed at translating local evidence into school-based health initiatives.

The SACK project used data from the School Health Action, Planning, and Evaluation System-Prince Edward Island (SHAPES-PEI), which monitors key health indicators of PEI students from grades 5 through 12, and has done so since 2008. SHAPES-PEI provides health profiles to individual schools so that health promotion activities may be tailored at each school, based on identified needs.

'Funding from the CCSRI for the SACK project has been instrumental for us to partner with schools to better understand how knowledge exchange works between researchers and schools,' said Dr. Donna Murnaghan, co-principal investigator of SHAPES-PEI and SACK. 'Most importantly we are better able to understand the complexities of what works and what does not work, for both researchers and schools, when evidence is being used to inform action on prevention.'

SACK was able to proceed thanks to the cooperation and participation of schools, the PEI English Language School Board, and La Commission scolaire de langue française.

'Through SHAPES-PEI, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development has been generating local health evidence to help inform school-level policy and planning,' said Sterling Carruthers, School Health Specialist. 'Research projects like SACK provide opportunities for PEI schools to leverage additional resources and supports in their efforts to create healthier school communities.' Since 2009, the government has provided funds for schools to act upon their SHAPES-PEI data through the School Health Grant.

SACK was funded through a CCSRI Knowledge to Action (KTA) Grant. KTA Grants are designed to support projects capable of closing the gap between what health research tells us, and what we do with that knowledge. Accordingly, the SACK projects undertaken by PEI schools address chronic disease prevention by helping young people to understand modifiable risk factors and get an early start at living healthy lives. One school project had students pair with teachers to lead various activities including geocaching, a scavenger hunt, Zumba classes, and arm wrestling; this project was also supported by community partners in the region, including Go!PEI.

The SACK project explored how a knowledge to action process can be tailored most effectively within individual schools. This research will help support PEI schools in using evidence and building community partnerships to create healthier school communities.

For information:
Dave Atkinson
Research Communications Officer, UPEI
(902) 620-5117, datkinson@upei.ca

Veteran broadcast meteorologist Peter Coade will join authors Don Jardine and Adam Fenech for the launch of 'Some weather we're having!' The 2015 PEI Weather Trivia Calendar. The event takes place Tuesday, November 4 at 6:30 pm at The Pourhouse, above The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse in Charlottetown. Proceeds from calendar sales go to UPEI's Climate Research Lab.

Prince Edward Island history comes to life in this first ever PEI weather trivia calendar of 365 stories about PEI weather and its impact on Islanders' everyday lives. Meet the authors, Don Jardine and Adam Fenech, as they visit eleven libraries (and one pub!) across the Island during the month of November.

Come for the launch with Peter Coade, stay for music from singer/songwriter Patrick Bunston.

The 2015 PEI Weather Trivia Calendar brings stories from North Cape to East Point, West Point to Murray Head-and all points in-between over the last 150 years. Calendars are sold at each reading tour event, at all Murphy's Pharmacies, and online at peiweathercalendar.ca.

For information:
Dave Atkinson
Research Communications Officer, UPEI
(902) 620-5117, datkinson@upei.ca

The UPEI Music Department is pleased to present soprano Sarah Jo Kirsch, winner the Eckhardt-Gramatté (EGré) National Music Competition, on Tuesday, November 4 at 7:30 pm.

The EGré is the most important annually held contemporary music competition for exceptional emerging Canadian performing artists in piano, voice, and strings. Since 1976, the Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition discovers, develops, and promotes exceptional young Canadian performing musicians who show artistic proficiency, knowledge, and keen interest in Canadian and international repertoire of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Sarah Jo Kirsch is a soprano/vocalist currently based in Winnipeg, Canada. She continues to make waves as a soloist with local ensembles - large and small - and maintains a continuing presence at the WSO New Music Festival, Cluster New Music + Integrated Arts Festival, and Groundswell, Winnipeg's new music concert series.

In the spring of 2014, Kirsch was awarded second-place in the WMC McLellan Competition and first-place in the Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition. Outside of Manitoba this season, Kirsch embarks on a cross-Canada tour with Winnipeg pianist Maddy Hildebrand this fall, and premieres Michael Matthews' new song cycle 'Solo queda el desierto' with L'Orchestre de Chambre de Montréal and performs Mozart's Große Messe in c-moll at the American University of Beirut and Ligeti's Mysteries of the Macabre and Berberian's Stripsody with Calgary's Land's end ensemble in spring.

Kirsch will be accompanied by pianist Madeline Hildebrand. Madeline's love for piano music has directed her path from the age of six, culminating in a Master of Piano Performance from the University of British Columbia under the tutelage of distinguished Canadian artist, Jane Coop, and is presently on the piano faculty at Canadian Mennonite University.

Tickets are $15 or $10 for students and seniors and are available at the door, online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/890309, or in advance by calling (902) 566-0507. The recital takes place in the Dr. Steel Recital Hall, UPEI.

The University of Prince Edward Island has announced that Susan Connolly has been appointed Associate Vice-President Human Resources after an extensive search process.

Susan is a native of Prince Edward Island and holds a BA (Hons) in Psychology (from Mount Allison) and a Bachelor of Laws degree (from Dalhousie). Called to the PEI bar in 2005, she has practised law with Stewart McKelvey since 2007.

Vice-President Administration and Finance Jackie Podger led the search process. 'A key factor in the University successfully fulfilling its academic mission is to attract and retain quality employees. We have a great team at UPEI, and need to ensure we have the right person leading the efforts to support the team in their work. Susan will be a tremendous asset to UPEI.'

Susan is a demonstrated leader who has significant experience in providing advice on complicated legal issues and in building relationships of trust with clients and colleagues. While her work is often adversarial, Susan is known for her success at building bridges, collaborating with others, and navigating and negotiating controversial situations with positive results. She has also worked on a number of files related to UPEI and UPEI Human Resources.

'I'm very excited to join UPEI,' said Connolly. 'I look forward to developing and strengthening the relationship between our employees and administration, as well as supporting and providing resources so that UPEI can continue to deliver quality post-secondary education to our students.'

Susan Connolly will begin her new role on November 24.

After receiving the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) Student-Athlete Community Service Award last week, fourth-year science student and UPEI rugby player Shanda Mosher-Gallant attended the All-Canadian Rugby Gala in Guelph, Ontario this week where she was further recognized with the CIS national award. She is the first player from UPEI to be honoured with the Student-Athlete Community Service Award since its inception in 2009. Mosher-Gallant is in her third year of eligibility with the UPEI Women's Rugby Panthers and plays on the wing.

This past summer in western Prince Edward Island, Mosher-Gallant spearheaded the creation of a Rookie Rugby program, Rugby Canada's non-contact introduction to the game that is implemented in schools and communities across Canada for youth of all ages.

Mosher-Gallant, small but mighty, standing at five-feet tall, is originally from Wellington, PEI. She decided to take matters into her own hands as she single-handedly approached the City of Summerside to secure funding for Rookie Rugby. She also approached other local businesses to get them on board to financially support the program. Mosher-Gallant managed the bulk of advertising and marketing tasks, and contributed $500 of her own money to purchase necessary equipment for U10 and U12 rugby participants. Thanks to Mosher-Gallant, PEI was able to host its first-ever mini rugby game in late August.

Mosher-Gallant has her level one coaching certification and attended Rugby Canada's Rookie Rugby training session in Halifax in October.

'PEI has a small population of 145,000 and promoting and retaining rugby players here is very challenging,' UPEI Women's Rugby Head Coach Shannon Atkins said in a news release. 'Shanda saw the need in her community to engage young athletes in this dynamic sport and jumped at the chance to offer children the opportunity to play a sport that has been so good to her. She is an innovator and giver. I feel that she is one of those great people that you get to have in your life.'

Congratulations, Shanda!

The University of Prince Edward Island will host the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Men's Soccer Nationals, November 6-9, 2014 at the UPEI Turf field. The event will host the best male student-soccer athletes from across the country. UPEI held the CIS Women's Soccer Championship in 2010.

Two teams will be selected from each CIS conference, for a total of eight teams who will play eleven matches in a single elimination, four-day tournament. The gold medal match will be held on Sunday, November 9 at 1:00 pm.

On Thursday, November 6, all former UPEI soccer players are invited to attend the opening ceremonies of the tournament at 6:30 pm where a special recognition of UPEI's 1984 CIAU semi-finalist team will take place. Food and drink specials will be available from 4:30-6:15 pm, followed by the UPEI Panthers' opening game at 7:00 pm. A post-game social will be held at The Wave for all alumni. Registration for this event is required to reserve a free day pass and special gift; please contact alumni@upei.ca or call (902) 566-0761 by November 3.

CIS Men's Soccer Championship Schedule

Wednesday, November 5
9:00 am-5:00 pm Practices
5:30 pm CIS All-Canadian Gala

Thursday, November 6
11:00 am Quarter-final #1
1:30 pm Quarter-final #2
4:00 pm Quarter-final #3
6:30 pm Opening Ceremonies
7:00 pm Quarter-final #4

Friday, November 7
11:00 am Consolation semi-final #1
1:30 pm Consolation semi-final #2
4:00 pm Championship semi-final #1
6:30 pm Championship semi-final #2

Saturday, November 8
11:00 am Fifth place - Consolation Final

Sunday, November 9
10:00 am Bronze Medal Game
1:00 pm Gold Medal Game

With our proud past, and bright future, join the UPEI Panthers as we celebrate 40 years of UPEI Men's Soccer! Go Panthers Go!

Heritage Canada The National Trust has honoured Dr. Edward MacDonald for his contributions to the study and promotion of Island history with the 2014 Lieutenant Governor's Award. Dr. MacDonald is a professor of History at the University of Prince Edward. Better known by his students as 'Dr. Ed,' Dr. MacDonald has served through his career as an editor, curator, teacher, policy advisor, heritage advocate, media resource, author, poet, and as an outstanding public speaker.

From the website of Heritage Canada The National Trust:

'Throughout his career, Dr. Edward MacDonald has understood that heritage conservation is about more than preserving bricks and mortar, it is about connecting the broader community to the history of streetscapes, landscapes, and the people who lived in them. As a historian, teacher and volunteer, he has devoted his career, and much of his personal time, to helping his community understand that heritage matters.'

The Lieutenant Governor's Award is one of the National Heritage Awards from Heritage Canada The National Trust for outstanding contributions to their fields. Dr. MacDonald and the other recipients were honoured at a recent ceremony in Charlottetown with The Honourable Frank Lewis, Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island.

To read more about Dr. MacDonald's award, and to see photos from the ceremony and reception, see Heritage Canada The National Trust's website

For information:
Dave Atkinson
Research Communications Officer, UPEI
(902) 620-5117, datkinson@upei.ca

The UPEI Wind Symphony is in concert this weekend as they head to Saint John, New Brunswick on Saturday, November 1 for a performance at Harbour View High School at 7:30 pm. The Wind Symphony will then perform the following afternoon in Summerside, PEI at Three Oaks High School at 2:00 pm. Dr. Karem J. Simon will direct the symphony who will perform an eclectic program, featuring both traditional and contemporary wind band repertoire.

"Fanfare for a Golden Sky," an intense and spirited piece by American Scott Boerma, will open the recital. This will be followed by Gustav Holst's masterpiece, "Suite in F," one of the landmark original works for wind band. Using English folk melodies, Holst's contrapuntal writing and use of instrumental colour creates a very engaging work. Soloist for this performance is fourth­year trumpet major Laura MacLeod. She will be featured in "La Virgen de la Macarena," a bull fighting song made famous by the the trumpet virtuoso Rafael Mendez.

"Passamezzo Antico" by Paul Richards, the centerpiece of this recital's program, is a contemporary work written in Renaissance style with departures into contemporary counterpoint. Richards' brilliant scoring and craftsmanship is apt to appeal to the serious listener. Spanish composer Oscar Navarro's Downey Overture will close the program. It is a virtuosic work reminiscent of Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story.

The 50-­member Wind Symphony has toured the Maritimes annually for the past nineteen years and is among the finest wind ensembles in the region. During the past sixteen years, the Wind Symphony has produced an annual CD featuring selected repertoire from each year's performances. Cathedrals, released in May of 2010 received the 2011 Music PEI Award for Best Classical Recording. In February 2011 the Wind Symphony released its O Canada CD, a project exclusively for PEI public schools. Its most recent CDs, Freebirds, Lord of the Rings, Four Horsemen and Rumpelstilzchen have been highly acclaimed.

The UPEI Wind Symphony is delighted to collaborate with the Harbour View High School Concert Bands, under the direction of Ms. Lisa Sanderson; as well as the Three Oaks High School Concert Bands, under the direction of Ms. Krista Bryson, which will open the recitals. Tickets for these performances may be acquired at the admission desks. The public is cordially invited to attend.

For more information, please contact Dr. Karem Simon at (902) 566-0702 (office), (902) 892-5993 (home), or ksimon@upei.ca

If the present-day UPEI Men's Soccer Panthers need any more inspiration to perform when they kick-off their CIS campaign Thursday evening, a look over to the sidelines where a number of the 1984-85 team will be cheering them on should give them an extra boost.

It was 30 years ago that arguably the most dominant team in Panther's soccer history made it to the semi-finals of the CIAU championships, following a year in which they had won the AUAA title after an undefeated season, took home all the major individual conference honours, had six players named to the all-star team, and had four of the squad named all-Canadian.

'It was a special group of players who came together so well,' remembers coach Gordon Wilson of the squad, that included a mix of Island talent with some outstanding recruits.

'We had won the division the year before, but when Alan Spink from Dartmouth joined us we went up another level, 'recalls Wilson, who remains the only Panthers soccer coach to win three conference titles.

Spink joined an already potent midfield of Islander Don MacKenzie and team captain Glen Smiley, and with the talented Richard Pierre-Gilles always likely to break a game open in combination with lethal striker Scott Neil, it was a nightmare time for opposing conference defenders. Even if they did mount any attacking threat, the steady Steve Polenz, and the goalkeeping duo of Trent Hayes and Jean Francois Painchaud were usually on hand to deal with the danger.

The team went 9-0-3 in regular season before defeating UNB in the final, securing a second straight trip to the CIAUs in Ottawa, where their hopes of winning the university's first ever national title were denied in controversial circumstances. In the semi-final against Carleton, a Don MacKenzie goal was harshly ruled out with the score still at 0-0, before the Ontario champions went on to win 2-0.

'The referee called a foul against Don on the goalkeeper that should never have been,' remembers Wilson, while MacKenzie himself recalls, 'that it was a very harsh decision. I don't like criticizing the official but I got there first, chipped the goalkeeper, and looked on in disbelief as the goal was called back. We had the balance of play and I am sure we would have gone on to win.'

Despite the disappointment of that one game, MacKenzie remembers the time with great fondness.

'That team really put soccer on the map on PEI. It was a great spirit and the community and student body really came together. We had great crowds, and there was wonderful excitement around the field. It was a lot of fun.'

The 1984-85 Panthers team has been named the Honourary Chair of the CIS Championships, and will be recognized at half time during the game between UPEI and the Saskatchewan Huskies, which gets under way at 7:00 pm.

For information:
Nick Murray
Communications, 2014 CIS Men's Soccer Championships Organizing Committee
(902) 368-4547, publicrelations@sportpei.pe.ca

Come out and support your UPEI Panthers (tonight) as they take on the Canada West champions, the Saskatchewan Huskies in the CIS Men's Soccer quarter-final match at 7:00 pm.

All former UPEI soccer players, and the UPEI community are reminded to attend the opening ceremonies of the tournament at 6:30 pm where a special recognition of UPEI's 1984 CIAU semi-finalist team will take place. A pre-game social will take place at The Wave where food and drink specials will be available from 4:30-6:15 pm, followed by the UPEI Panthers' opening game at 7:00 pm. A post-game social will also be held at The Wave.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting or calling Panther Central at (902) 566-0368.

UPEI students get into the games free by showing their UPEI student ID.

Ticket prices are listed below following the tournament schedule:

Tournament Pass
Adults: $30
Students: $15 (UPEI students FREE with valid student ID card)
Children (Under 6): Free

Daily Tickets
Adults: $10
Students: $5 (UPEI students FREE with valid student ID card)
Children (Under 6): Free

For more information and championship updates, click here