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 Ruinshttps://read.amazon.ca/kp/embed?asin=B092YTZ69N&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_2WYNW3K34SVGBW7WH1AJA New Earthhttps://read.amazon.ca/kp/embed?asin=B01LY6SGT6&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_Y9M7AZDZEHKBAHDANES9Maxhttps://read.amazon.ca/kp/embed?asin=B01EQOZ8R0&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_KTAH2WGJBXN55DXQ96WJRequiem For Justicehttps://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...

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)

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/releaseshttps://thebel-vistas.bandcamp.com/releasesMark Ripp's Website: https://www.markripp.com/Various Facebook Links:https://www.facebook.com/markripp/https://www.facebook.com/stonebluerockinbandhttps://www.facebook.com/thebelvistasYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/user/markripp

Our Newman Alumnus is the incredibly talented Alicia K. Harris.  She has become one of 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.  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/ 

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.   

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)

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

Our guest has been a part of the Newman community—first as a student, and then as a teacher for over three decades.  Her contributions have enriched life at Newman for staff, students and parents in so many ways.  Our candid discussion focuses on her role as teacher, producer and director over the course of her long tenure, her methods, her philosophies on directing and her plans for the near future.    Sit back, relax and bask  in the warmth of her many positive memories.  We will explore her methods, her vision and putting it all together!  Art isn't easy, but the rewards are great indeed.  Enjoy this one listeners! (Music: Neon Hour)

Andrew Teggelove and Donald Lindo have run a very successful boys basketball program at Newman for a good long while now.  They led a group of boys in the 2019 season to a 15-1 record, to lose only in the final in the very last moments of the game.  A pretty formidable record, just one of the things we will touch on today in our candid discussion about what it takes to run a successful basketball program at this level.  (Music: SMUV, Loop Schrauber, 3pmbeatz)

I am delighted to welcome former student and current TCDSB teacher at St. Joan of Arc Academy, Nick McCowan to The Bluff. He was the 2019 winner of computer manufacturer Lenovo’s Visionary teacher award and is co-owner of Teachmetoolbox.  We are excited to talk VR and other tech, how it can be used effectively in the classroom, high school days and the future of the human race.  Are we destined to live in a dystopian world as slaves to our robot overlords, or will humanity create a technological utopia?  Nick and I discuss these topics and more.   (Music: Anfernee Hardaway)