ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ

The ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ, along with the PEI Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and the PEI Department of Health and Wellness, released today the results of the 2012-13 School Health Action Planning and Evaluation System (SHAPES-PEI) Provincial Student Health Profile. SHAPES-PEI gathers information from students in grades 5 through 12 about healthy eating, physical activity, mental fitness, and bullying. This is the third release of data since SHAPES-PEI began in 2008 and is the first time the team included bullying questions in its survey.

'After three rounds of data collection, we are better able to consider if there are notable trends in our data,' said Dr. Donna Murnaghan, principal investigator of SHAPES-PEI and adjunct professor of nursing at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ. 'For example, the 2012 data, consistent with that from 2008 and 2010, show that close to two-thirds of students in PEI schools report having high levels of mental fitness, while there are a third of students who continue to struggle with their mental fitness. This is very concerning as our 2012 data also shows that 26 per cent of students reported being bullied and 9% reported bullying others in the last 30 days. Bullying has a profound effect on both a student's mental fitness and the learning environment. Students who are bullied stay away from school; they are more likely to drop out, have difficulties concentrating, and often obtain lower levels of academic achievement.'

'The information collected through SHAPES reflects students' health and wellness at school as well as their experiences in the home and in the community,' said Sterling Carruthers, School Health Specialist for the PEI Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. 'It is important that we consider how a student's mental fitness level, their experiences with bullying and how they feel about themselves, has an impact on other health behaviours such as healthy eating and physical activity.'

Highlights from the 2012-13 SHAPES-PEI survey include:

70 per cent of students report high levels of mental fitness (up from 66 per cent in 2008)
26 per cent of students reported being bullied (verbal, cyber, or physical) in the 30 days prior to the survey
70 per cent of students are considered to be in a healthy weight category for their age, however 27 per cent are still considered overweight or obese (unchanged from 2010)
36 per cent of students reported eating fruit or vegetables more than six times the day before the survey (down from 42 per cent in 2008)
18 per cent of students reported eating high fat/sugary/salty snacks or drinks more than seven times the day before the survey (down from 30 per cent in 2008).
'There is a strong connection between healthy students and achievement,' said Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development Alan McIsaac. 'The information gathered through SHAPES allows our school communities to monitor health behaviours over time and engage in conversations with students, teachers, parents and community partners. Our priority is to ensure all students have access to the necessary programs and supports to succeed in school and in life.'

'The information from this report will help inform our department as we continue to develop programming and policies to help Islanders live healthier lives and a comprehensive wellness strategy for the province,' said Minister of Health and Wellness Doug Currie. 'We look forward to working with ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development in the future to continue our efforts to improve the health of youth in PEI.'

'I cannot stress enough how important it is to have the cooperation and support of the provincial government in SHAPES-PEI,' said Dr. Murnaghan. 'PEI is unique among provinces to have such comprehensive, locally relevant data on the health of its students. This is data that researchers can use, but it can also give schools and policy-makers information with which to make sound decisions.'

SHAPES-PEI is implemented in collaboration with the national Youth Smoking Survey (YSS), funded by Health Canada, which collects data from Island students on tobacco, drug, and alcohol use. The provincial tobacco, drug, and alcohol use results, collected by the YSS in conjunction with the SHAPES-PEI survey, is expected to be officially released by Health Canada in June 2014.

Full copies of the 2012-13 SHAPES-PEI Provincial Student Health Profile are available by request, or by visiting or .

For information:

Dave Atkinson, Research Communications, ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ
(902) 620-5117, datkinson@upei.ca

Katie MacDonald, Communications, PEI Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
(902) 314-3996, katiemacdonald@gov.pe.ca

April Winchester, Communications, PEI Department of Health and Wellness
(902) 368-5512, awinchester@gov.pe.ca

The ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Department of Athletics and Recreation is excited to confirm that Lewis Page is returning for his 15th year as head coach for ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Men's Soccer as the University gets set to host the 2014 CIS Men's Soccer Championship from November 6 to 9.

During the 2013-14 season, Page led both the men's and women's programs in a combined role as full-time head coach and director of operations while on a leave of absence from the provincial government. Page has now returned to his government position and has decided to focus solely on coaching the men's team in order to prepare the Panthers for an important season.

'2014 will be a huge year for ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ soccer. Hosting the CIS national championship is an honour and also a challenge which we look forward to. We are pleased that Lewis has made the decision and commitment to focus 100 per cent of his efforts on coaching the men's program,' said ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics and Recreation Director Bill Schurman.

Coach Page is also looking forward to the 2014 season, 'I am excited about next season. We have a strong core of returning senior players, and a great crop of young players who gained valuable experience last season. The team is poised for a great run at a national championship.'

With Page's commitment limited to coaching, ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ is in the midst of seeking individuals to lead both the recruitment and business operational functions for the men's and women's programs, as well as to coach the women's team.

A meeting will be held in the near future for student-athletes wishing to tryout for the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Men's Soccer team.

For information:
Ron Annear
ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics and Recreation
(902) 566-0991
annear@upei.ca

The ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Panther Athletes of the Week for the week of February 3-9 are Keirstin Visser, Women's Hockey; and Zachary Laustsen, Swimming. ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics and Recreation showcases these talented athletes in order to recognize their hard work and dedication to their respective sports throughout the season. ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletes of the Week are also nominated to Atlantic University Sport and Canadian Interuniversity Sport for possible recognition in the region and/or country.

Who: Keirstin Visser, Women's Hockey; and Zachary Laustsen, Swimming

What: ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Panther Athletes of the Week

When: Week of February 3-9

Why: Keirstin Visser, a fourth-year science student from Crapaud, PEI, is stalwart on the blue line for the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Women's Hockey Panthers. During last week's three games, the team had only five goals against in regulation time, a tribute to Visser's strong defensive play. With the women's team now having secured a playoff position, Visser will be relied upon for her solid 'D' and leadership both on and off the ice.

Zachary Laustsen, a second-year arts student from Lower Sackville, NS, had strong swim performances at the 2014 AUS Swimming Championship hosted by Memorial University. Highlights included seventh place finishes in both the 200 IM and 100 Fly. Laustsen also won the consolation in the 200 fly, and reached the consolation final in 50 Fly.

Visser and Laustsen will be recognized at this week's ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletes of the Week Celebration on Thursday, February 13 at 12:45 pm in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre's McMillan Hall. All are welcome.

Zachary Laustsen, Swimming

Panther Action this week:

Friday, February 15
7:00 pm (W) Hockey @ Mount Allison
7:30 pm (M) Hockey vs. Saint Mary's

Saturday, February 16
6:00 pm (W) Basketball @ Memorial
7:00 pm (M) Hockey vs. Saint Francis Xavier
8:00 pm (M) Basketball @ Memorial

Sunday, February 17
11:00 am (W) Basketball @ Memorial
1:00 pm (M) Basketball @ Memorial

Go Panthers Go!

For information:
Ron Annear
ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics and Recreation
(902) 566-0991, annear@upei.ca

The official launch of IslandNewspapers.ca, a fully searchable online archive of digitized Island historic newspapers and newspaper history, took place today at the Confederation Centre Art Gallery.

The project is a collaborative partnership consisting of the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Robertson Library, The Guardian, the PEI Public Archives and Records Office, and ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's Hacker-in-Residence Peter Rukavina. The ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Library's ongoing islandarchives.ca digitization initiative, of which this project is a part, is made possible by the generous support of a number of individual and institutional donors, including the St. Dunstan's University Board of Governors and alumni, James Simpson Palmer, and the Prince of Wales College Alumni Association.

'The online tool currently contains The Guardian content from 1890-1957, and as the project gets underway, additional newspaper titles and content will be added each year,' said ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Librarian Mark Leggott. 'ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ is very excited to officially launch this search tool which is just one example of projects we have been able to provide based partly on this history of giving."

The online tool is available, free of charge, through any computer with a web browser. The project partners expect that broad access to the site will be reflected by widespread use, and this has been a key consideration in selecting The Guardian as the first newspaper for inclusion in islandnewspapers.ca. Following the trend seen in most Canadian provinces, the PEI capital city's largest daily newspaper -The Guardian - has established itself over time as the provincial paper of record. A byproduct of The Guardian's efforts to be a newspaper with the broadest possible appeal is a uniquely wide-ranging and diverse record of Island life.

Now anyone with an interest in the Island's past-be they a professional scholar, a genealogist, a community historian, a student, or a simply curious browser-has free online access to this record, freed from the confines of decayed newsprint or faded microfilm.

'Christmas has come early for people interested in PEI history and culture. Thanks to this wonderful digitalization project, old newspapers have gotten a new lease on life, as they are now literally just a click away on a computer keyboard,' said Gary MacDougall, managing editor of The Guardian. 'This is a marvelous project and it's free and available to everyone from my six-year-old granddaughter in Hartsville to my wife's 95-year-old aunt in Belfast. The people at the Robertson Library, and all their supporters, deserve a huge debt of thanks from the public.'

Notwithstanding the importance of The Guardian, the project partners fully appreciate the rich diversity of PEI's newspaper culture, and look forward to adding titles to islandnewspapers.ca in future, as funding and resources allow. With this in mind, a key component of the islandnewpapers.ca site is the 'Donate' page, where users can learn more about how they can help grow the islandnewspapers.ca digitized collections in future.

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Director of Athletics and Recreation Bill Schurman announced today that Graeme McDonald and Glenn Smiley will take on duties as head coach and associate coach, respectively, for ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Women's Soccer.

'ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics and Recreation is extremely excited to welcome a coaching team of this calibre to lead the women's soccer program. Graeme and Glenn are proven leaders in the soccer world and will bring energy, skill, and strategic thinking to the soccer program.'

No strangers to ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ, McDonald was assistant coach for the women soccer Panthers during the 2012 season while Smiley is a CIS All-Canadian and two-time ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Sports Hall of Fame member (inducted in 2003 as an individual and in 2006 with his team) who played for the Panthers during their reign of success from 1982 to 1986. Together, Smiley and McDonald created the highly successful Soccer 1 Academy, which has attracted PEI's top youth soccer players to its elite training programs.

McDonald moved to PEI in 2010, bringing his extensive 'football' experience with Scottish professional youth academies and his remarkable eye for the game. His work with the youth academy at St. Mirren FC of the Scottish Premier League allowed him to learn from the best European coaches and connect with qualified FIFA agents around the world. He also learned a great deal working with disadvantaged youth in Glasgow, Scotland making him a versatile teacher and problem solver. McDonald has extensive coaching qualifications from the Scotland Football Association and FIFA.

'I'm honoured to coach a team with such great potential for success,' said McDonald. 'We have a solid mix of experienced players and great opportunity to secure new recruits. With ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ hosting the men's CIS soccer championship in November, it's an exciting time to be a part of the Panther soccer family.'

In addition to coaching, McDonald will lead the recruiting and business side of the men's and women's soccer programs at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ.

Smiley is a highly regarded and experienced soccer coach and player at the varsity, national, and professional levels. He has coached successful premier and provincial teams, and brings great technical and tactical awareness to the sport, with players and parents alike applauding Smiley's approach and focus on the whole athlete.

Smiley added, 'I am excited to return to ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ-this time as a coach. I know Graeme and I can bring a new energy and vision to the game. I think our experience coaching together will lead to great cohesiveness among team members, and I am really looking forward to developing this team.'

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Men's Basketball Coach Tim Kendrick is pleased to announce that Bradley States is joining the Panthers for the 2014-15 season.
States, a 6'5' power forward from Bathurst, New Brunswick, currently plays for Bathurst High School.

Coach Kendrick says, 'We are very excited to add Bradley to our Panther line-up. We think that he will absolutely flourish in our system. He is extremely athletic with a strong will-he's a tremendous young man with loads of potential. We are looking forward to him being an outstanding contributor to Basketball Panthers while earning his degree at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ!"

States, who toured campus and watched the Panthers 97-93 win over SMU this past weekend, finalized his decision and committed to ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ during his visit. 'I am very excited to become a Panther and to have the chance to play for Coach Kendrick. The team's style of play fits my own style very well. I am proud to be a part of the Panther family and look forward to next season.'

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics and Recreation Director Bill Schurman welcomes States to ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ. 'I would like to welcome Bradley to the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ, he's a great addition to the Men's Basketball program,' says Schurman.

Go Panthers Go!

For information:
Ron Annear
ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics and Recreation
(902) 566-0991, annear@upei.ca

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Women's Hockey Head Coach Bruce Donaldson is pleased to announce that Lindsay Johnston is joining the Panthers for the 2014-15 season.

The 5'7'' forward from Bowmanville, Ontario is currently playing her third season with the Durham West Lightning of the Provincial Women's Hockey League.

Donaldson believes that Johnston will quickly adapt to the AUS game because of her size, speed, and aggressive style of play. 'Lindsay possesses leadership skills that will help us going forward. She has great game sense and plays both ends of the ice with passion,' he said. 'Her speed and aggressiveness are well suited to the style of play ‘out East.' We are looking forward to Lindsay stepping in as a leader and contributing to our goal of academic and athletic excellence.'

Johnston will study psychology and says she chose ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ because it was a terrific mix of athletics and academics. 'When I visited Prince Edward Island, I fell in love with the city of Charlottetown, the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ campus, and the facilities,' she said. 'The girls on the team made me feel welcome and at home, so it was an easy decision and just felt right.'

The gritty forward also said she is anxious to start her AUS/CIS career and is looking forward to the overall University experience with the Panthers.

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics and Recreation Director Bill Schurman welcomes Johnston to the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ family. 'I would like to welcome Lindsay to the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ, she's a great addition to the Panther family,' he said.

Go Panthers Go!

Panther Action this weekend:
Friday, February 14
7:00 pm (W) Hockey @ Mount Allison
7:30 pm (M) Hockey vs. Saint Mary's (Senior Recognition Night)

Saturday, February 15
6:00 pm (W) Basketball @ Memorial
7:00 pm (M) Hockey vs. StFX- 'Billy Mulligan Night' - Panther hockey recognizes the contribution made by Billy Mulligan who has shown leadership and continuous effort in working to better the program
8:00 pm (M) Basketball @ Memorial

Sunday, February 16
11:00 am (W) Basketball @ Memorial
1:00 pm (M) Basketball @ Memorial

All games are webcast on AUStv ()

For information:
Ron Annear
ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics and Recreation
(902) 566-0991
annear@upei.ca

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Men's Hockey is pleased to recognize Billy Mulligan as a hockey program builder during a special ceremony prior to the Panthers final regular season home game on Saturday, February 15 against StFX at 7:00 pm.

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Men's Hockey has selected Mulligan to be honoured this year for his devotion and dedication to the promotion of the hockey program at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ. The Panther hockey team respects the dedication and work of individuals who have contributed to the success of its activities.

Mulligan has long been the driving force behind the organization of fundraising events in support of Men's Hockey at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ. In 1995, Mulligan first became involved alongside George Trainor to support the Panthers fundraising efforts. Then, in 2006, along with others, he was asked to take control and promote the Booster Club activities, which he continues to support to this day.

Mulligan has also remained active in many other volunteer activities throughout the province. He coached and organized minor football and hockey in the community, contributing many hours to the Charlottetown Minor Hockey, Colonel Gray High School, Prince of Wales College, and Senior Hockey leagues.

While he prefers to work behind the scenes, Mulligan's volunteer efforts have not gone unnoticed; he has been acknowledged by Sport PEI, the City of Charlottetown, Charlottetown Minor Hockey Association, St. Dunstan's Distinguished Alumni, and several other organizations.

In 1962-63, Mulligan played hockey with Saint Dunstan's University, and led the team to a fourth-place finish in the nine-team league. He played centre on a line that led the league in scoring, and was personally selected as the league all-star.

Attending the special ceremony on Saturday will be Mulligan's wife Georgina, daughters Kelly and Allison, former Saint Dunstan's University Coach Jack Kane, former ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Coaches Doug Currie and Dylan Taylor, Booster Club Treasurer Mike O'Brien, and Booster Club President Lennie Kelly.

Men's Hockey Action This Weekend:

Friday, February 14
7:30 pm (M) Hockey vs. Saint Mary's
"Senior Recognition Night" honoring: Wayne Savage, Alex Wall, Mathew Maione, Dana Fraser, Travis McIsaac, and Mathew Brenton

Saturday, February 15
7:00 pm (M) Hockey vs StFX
'Billy Mulligan Night'

Go Panthers Go!

For information:
Ron Annear
ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics and Recreation
(902) 566-0991, annear@upei.ca

On Friday, February 28 at 7:30 pm, the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Music Department Concert Series presents Canadian pianist Sarah Hagen. One of the highlights of her performance at the Dr. Steel Recital Hall will be the Rachmaninoff Preludes Opus 32. Sarah has been heard in concert halls and on the airwaves to critical acclaim throughout North America and Europe. Her interpretations have been described as "outstandingly inventive," performed with "infinite skill."

Highlights of Miss Hagen's 2012-13 season included a performance with polish flautist Krzysztof Kaczka at Carnegie Hall in New York City, recitals with LA Philharmonic Concertmaster Martin Chalifour, and a Home Routes concert tour in Manitoba and Saskatchewan with cellist Rebecca Wenham.

Sarah's solo album, Glass House Dancing, was nominated for Classical Recording of the Year at the 2009 Western Canadian Music Awards. Her most recent CD release of solo piano music, Devoted: Music of Robert & Clara Schumann includes Clara Schumann's Romances for violin & piano played with Martin Chalifour, Concertmaster of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

An enthusiastic educator, she is on faculty at the Vancouver Academy of Music and in demand as a clinician and adjudicator. She has been on faculty at the Comox Valley Youth Music Centre for over a decade, and is currently in her third year as director of the CYMC Piano Programme.

Tickets are $15 / $10 for students and seniors, and are available at the door or in advance by calling 566-0507 or by email at music@upei.ca

The annual ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Music Department Performance Competition Finals were held last month with the following preliminary finalists and award winners announced:

Students chosen from the preliminary round: Rebecca Apps, third-year voice major, performing music by Weinzweig, Floyd and Somers; Jillian Clow, third-year voice major, performing music by Samuel Barber; Nadine Haddad, fourth-year voice major, performing cabaret songs by William Bolcom; Evan Hammell, third-year trombone major, performing a Sonatina by Halsey Stevens; Melissa MacKenzie, second-year voice major, performing works by Adam Guettel and Leonard Bernstein; and Lucas MacPhail, third-year saxophone major, performing Wings by Joan Tower.

Judges for this year's competition were well- known PEI educators and musicians - Leo Marchildon, Jennifer Gillis, Kirk White, Alexandra Gallant, and Doug Millington.

After an exciting evening of performances, the winners were announced. First place went to Lucas MacPhail, second place Rebecca Apps, and third place Melissa MacKenzie.

MacPhail, a native of Warren Grove, PEI, is in his third-year of the Bachelor of Music program at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ studying saxophone performance with Kevin MacLean. He is currently the principal alto saxophonist for the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Wind Symphony and a member of the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Jazz Ensemble. This past summer, Lucas competed at the FCMF National Competition at Wilfred-Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario.

Congratulations to all the finalists!