VTT parent, Michelle Dodek, and her reliable group of volunteers deserve credit for the efficient PAC Hanukkah sale. As opposed to years past, the amount and quality of the goods available was just right! Todah Rabah!

We would also like to thank VTT parent, Dr. Neil Pollock. As the Grade 6 students have been learning about life in developing countries this past term, Dr. Pollock came to speak with both classes about the medical work that he has done in both Rwanda and Haiti. The students learned about the challenges that these countries face with regards to poor infrastructure, civil war, government corruption, lack of funding for hospitals, and insufficient medical equipment. Dr. Pollock also spoke to the students about the most common health concerns in these two countries, which include malaria, HIV/AIDS, as well as tuberculosis. He also explained the importance of having doctors from countries like Canada volunteer to teach new surgical procedures, in an effort to reduce disease transmission. To learn more about Dr. Pollock's work in the developing world, read this National Post profile.