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VOLUME 41 • NO. 09 • 4 PAGES • EMBRUN, ON • SEPTEMBER 9 2026
N EWS NEW CASSELMAN COLLEGE TO REVIVE ESTHETICS EDUCATION IN EASTERN ONTARIO
GABRIELLE VINETTE gabrielle.vinette@eap.on.ca
and industry experience to the new insti- tution, with the goal of providing students with practical and current instruction. The White Pearl College will initially offer part-time certificate programs for professionals looking to expand their skills. In January 2027, it plans to launch a full-time Esthetics Diploma Program. According to the college, it will be the first full-time esthetics diploma program in Eastern Ontario since the closure of Algonquin College’s program. The diploma program will feature small class sizes, hands-on training and industry partnerships. The new institution represents an effort to preserve access to esthetics education in the region while creating a new pathway for people seeking careers in beauty and wellness. For Siracusa and the other instructors involved, the goal is not simply to replace a former program, but to build on its legacy while adapting to the changing needs of students and the industry. Located in Casselman, the White Pearl College combines classroom education, practical experience and mentorship as it works toward becoming a leading desti- nation for esthetics education in Eastern Ontario.
A new institution dedicated to beauty and wellness education is opening its doors in Casselman, following the closure of Algonquin College’s full-time Esthetics program. The White Pearl College of Advanced Beauty and Wellness Ltd., founded by educator and esthetician Mariève Sira- cusa, has officially opened its doors on September 8. The college aims to continue the tradition of esthetics education in the region while offering a modern approach to training in the beauty and wellness industry. Siracusa brings more than eight years of post-secondary teaching experience and over 13 years as a licensed estheti- cian and makeup artist. Her professional experience includes work in film, televi- sion, bridal and editorial makeup, as well as advanced training throughout North America. “Following the closure of Algonquin College’s full-time Esthetics program, we recognized the importance of continuing that tradition of excellence in beauty and wellness education,” Siracusa said. She said the new college was created to provide students with high-quality training Tara Barton-Maclaren has one main goal as an Upper Canada school trustee and that is to make sure that every student has a chance to succeed at whatever their career goal is. “I am very committed to ensuring that students have opportunities to be success- ful,” said Barton-Maclaren. Barton-Maclaren wants to make sure that students have the same chance to realize their dreams that she had. Her professional resume reads like the profile for a candidate suited for any top-level position in the field of health and healthcare. She holds a doctorate in pharmacology and therapeutics and a bachelor’s degree with specialized honours in bio-medical science. She works right now with Health Canada in key areas dealing with Canada’s Chemical Management Plan and her international reputation in her field of expertise is backed up with a long list of awards and international appointments. Given all that makes it seem that Barton- Maclaren is busy enough with her professional
The White Pearl College of Advanced Beauty and Wellness is now open in Casselman since September 8. (The White Pearl College)
combining established techniques with current industry practices. “Our mission is to prepare graduates not only with the skills they need today but also with the vision to succeed in the future of this dynamic industry,” she said. The college’s faculty includes seven industry professionals with experience in esthetics education, clinical practice,
curriculum development and business ownership. Several faculty members previously held leadership and instructional posi- tions within Algonquin College’s Esthetics program, including roles in program coor- dination, curriculum development and the training of future esthetics professionals. Together, the instructors bring academic
TARA BARTON-MACLAREN WANTS SUCCESS FOR ALL STUDENTS GREGG CHAMBERLAIN nouvelles@eap.on.ca
work. The question then is why would she want to sit on the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) and would she have enough time for it. “That’s a fair question,” she said. “The answer is that my (youngest) child is in the school system. So I became more and more interested in how the school board makes its decisions.” Barton-Maclaren already sits on the UCDSB as the interim trustee for the Perth area of the school district board. She replaced Todd Robertson in May as the trustee for that area after he stepped down. Now she wants to become the UCDSB’s trustee for the Prescott and Russell area as its current trustee, Corina Parisien, is running for the mayor’s position on Champlain Township council.Two of Barton-Maclaren’s children have graduated high school and are pursuing their post-secondary studies. Her youngest is still attending Vankleek Collegiate Institute. Barton-Maclaren feels that her background as a parent of children who attended school in a rural area of the UCDSB can help her become “a bridge” for families in rural areas with children in school. “So that we can insure that our school
system is giving each and every child equal opportunity,” she said. “I have a unique understanding of this community and of this community’s needs.” She cites her involvement on the VCI School Council, including sitting as its current chair, and her position as a trustee on the UCDSB’s parent involvement committee and also on the parent reaching out grant sub- committee. She’s also active on the ground as both a player and a coach in the Glengarry Soccer League. During the past weeks of summer Barton- Maclaren has been preparing for her new trustee election campaign with research on local school and education issues and how those concerns may be affected by the provincial government’s Bill 101, the Putting Student Achievement First Act, and some of the details in the legislation that could change the authority and function of local school boards. “I’m getting a head start on what may be the (new) rules and responsibilities,” she said. She affirmed that her priority issue in her election campaign is being a bridge for fami- lies in dealing with schools and the school board. She wants to hear from students,
Tara Barton-Maclaren. (Photo provided)
parents, and school councils so she can present those concerns to both the UCDSB board and administration. Her focus, she noted is “equitable student achievement” that depends on effective and efficient com- munication of concerns and issues. “It’s all about ensuring that the voices are heard,” she said.
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