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Elizabeth Wicik is one of the first voices we all hear in the morning and usually the last one before the end-of-day bell.  As chaplain, she works to ensure that the school remains centered in the teachings and example of Christ.   Her commitment to faith development among our students is tireless, and aside from her many years of service in education as school Chaplain and religion teacher at Newman, she also has an adventurous side,. We had a great chat about the journey we are all on and what keeps people coming to Newman.

Music cred:
DECAP x Keifer - Family
Central Park Chillin
Delayde, Anybodyy - Time Went By

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Come for a drive through the best of season 1...we make a special stop along the way.  Enjoy the view from up there! 

We are so proud of the work that we have done together.  To all contributors and guests...a whole-hearted thanks.  Enjoy Listeners.

Music Credit:
 
Mitski - Nobody
Chillhop Timezones - Glow
VQ - Beautiful Things have Wings
Team Astro - Better Together Forever

Music Credit: Drxnk & Myríad - Up & Down

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Our last episode of this season  features a guest whose career spanned over five decades, and every single one of those thirty-seven  years was at, what was then--Cardinal Newman…talk about having perspective!

He taught history and economics mainly, but was also heavily involved with many productions put on at The  Newman theatre, having a starring role in a few of them.  The latter part of his career was spent coaching boys and girls soccer, and winning several TDCAA championships with both.  But how could a teacher spend so many years at the same school? As we find out, for him, it was an easy choice.

He is that unmistakable laughter in the crowd, and a man of many names; some know him as Miles Gloriosus, some as D’Aq, some as Coach…some as Sir.  I know him simply as dad.  Enjoy listening to our conversation with the "Original" Joe D'Aquila. (Music: Isaintjames - Your Logic)

Check out some of his written work here:

Love Among the Ruins
https://read.amazon.ca/kp/embed?asin=B092YTZ69N&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_2WYNW3K34SVGBW7WH1AJ

A New Earth
https://read.amazon.ca/kp/embed?asin=B01LY6SGT6&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_Y9M7AZDZEHKBAHDANES9

Max
https://read.amazon.ca/kp/embed?asin=B01EQOZ8R0&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_KTAH2WGJBXN55DXQ96WJ

Requiem For Justice
https://read.amazon.ca/kp/embed?asin=B01E6ZSU4C&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_ME9Z1KDQSBPVR5B772DX

...and so many more...check em out on Kindle.ca...

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Our two guests on today's episodes have been teachers and coaches as Newman for many many years.  The Rugby program at school was once only for boys, but Eva and Sandro were instrumental in changing that, and all that work has benefitted countless young ladies to have come through our school over the years.   The program’s success is a testament to their hard work, but also to the special atmosphere they helped create in the program.  Today our guests trace the evolution of the program at Newman, recognize others that helped make it possible and show gratitude to all the players that helped foster a family atmosphere.  Today is all about the rugby family…a family that tries…please welcome Eva Roser and Sandro Mancino to the Bluff today.  (Music: Jinsang - Bliss)

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Today’s guests have strong and long-standing ties to the Newman community.  The roots are strong…and they run deep.

These two very talented musicians formed part of Toronto Rock band The Belvistas that toured alongside other notable artists, including the Tragically Hip, Blue Rodeo, Tom Cochrane, Jeff Healey and many more.

These days Mark and Buzz still enjoy making music on their own, but they still get together to play as part of another musical project known as Stone Blue. 

Maybe some of our listeners, like myself, have had the privilege of hearing them play back when that was something that we did…

  Today’s very enjoyable and light-hearted discussion explores their long and ongoing journey in music and reflect on all the gifts that a career in music has given them.  Please welcome to The Bluff, Mark Ripp and Bob Hamlyn.

Links: 

Bandcamp Links (Stone Blue EP and The Bel-Vistas Live @ The Silver Dollar:

• https://stoneblue.bandcamp.com/releases
• https://thebel-vistas.bandcamp.com/releases

Mark Ripp's Website:

•  https://www.markripp.com/

Various Facebook Links:

• https://www.facebook.com/markripp/
• https://www.facebook.com/stonebluerockinband
• https://www.facebook.com/thebelvistas

Youtube:

• https://www.youtube.com/user/markripp

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Our Newman Alumnus is the incredibly talented Alicia K. Harris.  She is the most exciting young directors in the country.  She attended Newman not too long ago, but since leaving these hallowed halls, she has gone on complete a degree at Ryerson in Image Arts and her films have won multiple awards and have been feature on CBC, TVO, Bell Fibe TV, and most recently, her film Only Light Will Touch Us  was part of a short film series produced by Reel Canada and Netflix.  She recently directed film Scarborough, a touching portrayal of our fine city.

During our interview we discovered an interesting connection with our lives and the City of Toronto Department of Arts and Culture.  The real meat and potatoes of our discussion had to do with her education, her craft, and what else she has in store for us. 

We are  pleased to welcome the incredibly talented Alicia K. Harris to The Bluff today. (Music by: Mono Massive & Philanthrope, CYGN, Alcyboos & Gatz2Gatz)

Links:

Check out some of Alicia's body of work at  https://aliciakharris.com/

Also, check out where our paths first crossed.  A fantastic summer art camp: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/cultural-centres-galleries/cedar-ridge-creative-centre/

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Today’s episode features a Newman alumnus who attended Newman with me  during the 1990’s, a period of demographic change in Scarborough.  Today’s guest went on to pursue a career in education and has been heavily involved in the Tamil community throughout her life.   Her family's story of leaving their native Sri Lanka during the war and the harrowing experiences they faced escaping the war were almost surreal to me.   Recently, she was instrumental in getting Tamil cultural celebrations within the board officially recognized by the TCDSB.   She is a science teacher, a school chaplain. a wonderful mother to a beautiful family and just a genuinely wonderful person.  It was great to catch up.   

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Our guest today is currently the  Superintendent of Equity, Diversity and Indigenous Education.  For a time, he was also a teacher at Cardinal Newman, and is still connected to the community through the good relationships he still has with several current and former teachers.  Our conversation covers the current state of equity in our school board and what plans he and his department have to tackle some of the various issues surrounding equity and diversity in our schools.  Derek also weighs in on how de-streaming courses can lead to broader success among our students and the need for greater curricular diversity to create a more inclusive school environment for all of  students. This was a light-hearted discussion about some of the issues surrounding equity and anti-racism in schools.(Music: Marcos Caixa)

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These two Newman Alumnae have been responsible for creating so many memorable musical moments for staff and former students over the years.  Some of you may have had the pleasure of being at some of their live performances over the years.  They are both very talented musicians, performers and just fantastic human beings…maybe Newman has something to do with this? Who knows! (Music: Vanilla Breeze,  Home Court, Burrito Brown)
 
 Robbie and Matthew Live Music for Weddings and Events
Website: http://www.robbieandmatthew.com/
Instagram: @robbieandmatthew
Facebook: facebook.com/robbieandmatthew

Matthew Winkler Find his music on all streaming platforms.
 Twitch: twitch.tv/matthewwinkler
Website: https://www.matthewwinklermusic.com/

Robbie Wighton. First solo EP out in 2021!
 Instagram: @robbiewightonmusic

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