OCTOBER 24, 2018 EDITION / VOLUME 21 NUMBER 3 / THE OFFICIAL BULLETIN OF THE EMSB

A large happy group celebrates 50 years.

 HONORÉ MERCIER   MARK 50 YEARS:  The world was a much different place when Honoré Mercier Elementary School opened its doors in St. Leonard in 1968. Half a century later, on October 17, alumni joined with current students and staff to mark the milestone anniversary and the impact the school has had on the community.  A special assembly was held featuring distinguished guests and presentations from all grade levels. 

Sonia Marotta, Patricia Lattanzio, Domenic Prioletta, Renzo Orsi, Frank Verrillo, Christina Vogas, Donna Manos and Connie Primiano.

Following the assembly, a commemorative plaque was unveiled. Principal Sonia Marotta and Vice Principal Maya Doughan welcomed  past principals Donna Manos, Frank Verillo,  Domenic Prioletta,  Connie Primiano, Renzo Orsi, as well as Christina Voggas (vice-principal presently on maternity leave)  for the occasion. The EMS Bee mascot Bumble was also on hand for the affair and she got a warm welcome. Commissioner and City Councillor for St. Leonard  Patricia Lattanzio and Regional Director John Pevec represented the board.

Vice Principal Maya Doughan and her two students take part in the ceremonial faceoff.

ARCTIC HOCKEY GAME EXPERIENCE:  The October 10 home game of the Montreal North Arctic vs the Lac St. Louis Revolution was a special night for many students from Honoré-Mercier School who were in attendance. Vice-Principal Maya Doughan performed the ceremonial opening faceoff. Students Andrea Dicenza and Victoria Frenza sang the national anthem. See their performance here. The Arctic players visit East End schools during the season and talk about the importance of staying in school. Team owners Lina Di Giovanni and Joe Perretta give thousands of tickets a year to EMSB students. The EMSB logo is on the team jersey. Students had a great time at the game. The Arctic will next visit Pierre de Coubertin Elementary School on November 5. Their students will be at the November 21 game.

NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROPOSED:With West End elementary schools bursting at the seams in terms of enrolment, the EMSB plans to open a brand new Français Plus primary school at 4850 Coronation Avenue in NDG for the 2019-20 academic year. The specific over-crowding of immersion schools in this area extends to Edinburgh in Montreal West, Merton in Côte Saint-Luc and Willingdon in NDG. In order to accommodate the new school, the EMSB Long Range Planning Committee is recommending that two alternative high schools – Focus and Outreach – have their population relocate to the James Lyng High School facility in St. Henri. The latter presently has a lease with Centennial College, which concludes on June 30, 2019. This proposal will now go out for consultation and be brought back to a special board meeting to be scheduled in early January 2019.

RELOCATION OF WESTMOUNT PARK FOR TWO YEARS: Westmount Park Elementary School will undergo major renovations. Due to the scope of the $12.5 million project, this will require that the entire school population to be  relocated for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 academic years.

The EMSB  Council of Commissioners has accepted a recommendation from the Long Range Planning Committee to relocate the more than 700 students into two buildings, Marymount Academy International in NDG and the former St. John Bosco Elementary School in Ville Émard. Both sites would have  Pre-K to Grade 6 levels.   This proposal will now go out for consultation and be brought back to a special board meeting to be scheduled in early January 2019. 

EMSB OPEN HOUSES: Open House season is well underway at the EMSB primary and secondary schools. Please see www.emsbopenhouses.com for all of the dates.

RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS:  In response to the new CAQ government’s plans to  proceed ahead with a law prohibiting public servants in positions of authority from wearing religious symbols, EMSB Chairman Angela Mancini has issued the following statement. “We have been down this road before with the  former Parti Québecois government and its proposed Charter of Values in the winter of 2014 and we opposed it strongly. The EMSB wishes to convey how, as an educational institution which fosters respect among our students, we can in no way support this type of legislation which violates the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. If enacted, this kind of legislation will force individuals  to choose between government employment and a desire to wear religious apparel. It is a personal choice to wear such apparel.    The EMSB values the diversity of our students and staff, and respects their personal and religious rights which are guaranteed both by the Canadian and Quebec Charters of Rights. We cannot be party to a proposed legislation which, if passed, runs contrary to what we teach our students insofar as tolerance and respect of individual rights and religious freedoms are concerned.”

Furheen Ahmed, a teacher at Westmount High School presently on maternity leave, was a regular spokesperson for the EMSB in 2014. She did so again in this interview with CTV. 

Here is a report from CBC at Hampstead School. 
Westmount High School teachers on Global TV protesting the potential law.

NEW PARENT COMMISSIONERS:  The four parent commissioners who will sit on the EMSB Council for the next two years are: Pietro Mercuri, Elementary; Norm Gharibian, Secondary;

Andrew Ross and Pietro Mercuri

Mubeenah Mughal, ACSES  and  Andrew Ross. 

PARENT CONFERENCE:  The annual EMSB Parent Conference will take place on Sat. Nov. 17 (8:45 am to 3:35 pm) at the St. Laurent Adult Education Centre (2405 Place Lafortune West). Register now while  there is still space available at www.emsbparents.ca. Take part in a a free day of workshops to help parents with some of their biggest challenges: their kids! Workshop topics include: Understanding the new Sexual Education program;What you need to know about cannabis & teens; Helping your child through anxiety & stress; Dealing with bullying; How to make literacy fun for children Pre-K to Grade 2; Navigating kindergarten entry for special needs kids; Concrete strategies to bring you closer to your child; and many others! Free breakfast & lunch! Info: parentconference@emsb.qc.ca or Brigida Sellato at 514-483-7200 ext. 7242. See the press release.

Larah Bross and Jimmy Rennie hand out bagels to Options students.

BAGEL ENTREPRENEUR HAD OPTIONS: Thirteen years ago Larah Bross moved to Edinburgh, Scotland with her partner Marc Millar, whom she met working on a cruise ship.  Last year Larah decided to open Bross Bagels (www.brossbagels.com) in Portabello. It was a success from day one. On   October 22 she visited her former high school, Options in Ville Émard   to share her entrepreneurial spirit with students. Larah and the  students got a surprise delivery from Ville Émard Bagels and owner Jimmy Rennie, a graduate of James Lyng High School in nearby St. Henri “Bagels have never been a thing in Scotland until now,” she said. “We have lines down the block on the weekends and people travelling from miles away to get their freshly baked, organic, Montreal style bagels.

Larah and Jimmy chat with students.

“Growing up I would leave the city every summer for sleep away camp and I was one of the lucky campers that got sent packages – sometimes they had bagels in them. While kids from the other provinces hid their chocolate bars and popping candy under their pillows, I snuck out behind the tent to feast on my sesame covered, golden ring of love. Now living more than 3,000 miles from my home town for the last 11 years has made has made my old summer care packages impossible, so I’ve had to rely on my yearly trips and any visitors who are willing to give up luggage space to feed my inner emptiness. The last time my sister came in she managed to smuggle two and a half dozen in between her clothing. I kissed each bag before placing them in different compartments of david the freezer – one behind the peas for emergencies only. So instead of living here for another 11 years and complaining about the lack of bagels this country has to offer – I decided to do something about it.”

Head Teacher Lino Pietrantonio and his students very much enjoyed and appreciated the visit. They asked Larah and Jimmy a lot of questions. Jimmy said that Ville Émard Bagels plans to become more involved with the school as his business will be expanding. Larah just opened her second shop in Scotland and a third is on its way. 

Students take part in an auditorium session.

CAREER FAIR A SUCCESS: More than 2,000  Secondary V students  attended the 18th annual EMSB  Career Fair on  October 17 and  18 at St. Pius X Career Centre in Ahuntsic.  Jack Dym of Pipe and Piling Supplies Ltd. and RBC Royal Bank were the event’s title sponsors.  Several on air personalities from the media were on hand to talk to students about careers in this field and serve as guest emcees: Catherine Verdon-Diamond from Breakfast TV, Christine Long from CTV, Shaun McMahon from The Beat 92.5 FM,  Travis Todd from Global TV and Sabrina Marandola from CBC. 

Rosemount High grad Minhajul Mannan talks to students.

Two RBC Olympic athletes were on hand to talk to students: Jacqueline Simoneau, a two-time Pan American Gold medal winner who placed seventh in her first Olympics at the Rio 2016 Games in Synchronized Swimming; and Sandrine Mainville, one of Canada’s most reliable relay swimmers, who won a bronze medal in Rio and a gold and silver at the 2015 Pan Am Games. On October 17, the Career Fair was open to the community-at-large and there was a record turnout.  Harriet Cohen from EMSB Adult Education and Vocational Services is the Career Fair chairperson. The Student Services and AEVS Departments of the EMSB coordinate this program.

LMC Career Centre student Rachel Merovitz shows her new talent.

Ms. Cohen notes that the main objective of the Career Fair is to provide students with an in-depth exposure to the various educational opportunities available to them.  All students took part in a brief general information session in the St. Pius X auditorium. Students then had the chance to visit the various exhibition/information booths staffed by representatives from English vocational centres, CEGEPS, universities,   some private business colleges, the army, the Montreal Police, Montreal Fire Department and the Surete du Québec.

See these links for coverage.

BT Montreal airs three segments from Career Fair

CTV Report on Cannabis from the Career Fair floor

See  our photo album.  

COMMITMENT TO SUCCESS: The EMSB’s Commitment to Success Plan (2018-2022) approved by the MEES, came into effect on July 1, 2018. The objective of the EMSB’s Commitment-to-Success Plan is to provide a comprehensive portrait of our situation with input from all stakeholders. Ultimately, the document  provides a focus of direction and subsequent provision of support in order to assure the continued academic success of all our students in both the youth and adult sectors.

Planning the seeds for good animal welfare.

PET THERAPY AT ST. GABRIEL: The SEEDS students at St. Gabriel Elementary School in Pointe St. Charles have been learning about compassion and love by caring for animals. Students participated in pet therapy with The Caring Paws Program, learned about the importance of honey bees and extracted honey from our hive with the help of Alevole, and are responsible for our school dove named “Snowy.”  

Staff at the EMSB Mental Health Awareness kiosk.

MENTAL HEALTH FAIR:  Laurier Macdonald High School in St. Léonard hosted a special two-day  Mental Health Fair  on   October 2 and   3, reaching out to students and parents at the Mental Health Fair. The East Island Network for English Language Services (REISA) co-hosted the event for   students from five other East End high schools:  John Paul I in St. Léonard,  Rosemount and Vincent Massey Collegiate in Rosemount, Lester B Pearson in Montreal North,  and John F Kennedy in St. Michel. There was also be an evening session for parents on October 2, with EMSB psychologist Despina Vassiliou as the presenter. There is no admission charge. Over 1,000 students will be able to benefit from resources that will be on display. An EMSB psychologist will also be in attendance. The goal is very straight-forward: dealing with, and talking about, mental health. Among the groups taking part are the YWCA, YMCA, La Maison des Jeunes de St-Léonard and the Kids Help Line.  One in five students will develop mental illness; 20 per cent of people with mental illness have a re-occurring substance abuse problem; 40 per cent of parents wouldn't tell anyone about their child's mental illness; about half of those who suffer from mental illness have never seen a doctor about it.  But, 80 per cent of those who seek help are able to get back to their regular activities and live a fulfilling life.  

SEXUAL EDUCATION: The process to introduce Sexuality Education to the curriculum at the EMSB is well underway, notes Chairman Angela Mancini. EMSB Pedagogical Consultant Jamie Quinn is touring all primary and secondary schools to work with the respective administrators to determine in which subject areas the different themes will be taught. All school boards across Quebec

Jamie Quinn

have started to implement the Sexuality Education program this year.  As Ms. Mancini notes, the reasons for providing sexuality education 40 years ago are still valid today: to gain knowledge of the human body, combat gender stereotypes, educate students to help prevent sexual assault, understand puberty, reflect on romantic experiences, and prevent sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI’s).  In addition, today there are other concerns such as the pervasiveness of messages about sexuality in the media, easy access to pornography, sexting, and increased rates of STBBI’s.  The program and materials were created by the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, UNESCO, sexologists, and other professionals and then tailored to the psycho- sexual development of children and youth.  Sexuality Education is to be provided to all students in Quebec in the 2018-19 academic year for five to 15 hours per year, per grade level. The Ministry program uses the most appropriate educational approach, known as comprehensive sexuality education.  The program is scientifically accurate, incremental, age and developmentally appropriate, curriculum based, comprehensive, and builds on and promotes an understanding of universal human rights of children and young people. Comprehensive sexuality education enables young people to protect their health, well-being, and dignity.  This fall, each EMSB school, together with a team made up of the principal, teachers, spiritual animator, guidance counselor, psychologist, school nurse, and social worker will discuss the details regarding the implementation and delivery of the program. Training sessions and preparatory workshops will be offered for all those involved in the program. 

See the full press release.

See this Gazette story.

WORKING WITH THE BEAT ON ANTI-BULLYING: The EMSB, via Violence Prevention Officer Daphna Leibovici, is working with The Beat 92.5 FM on a  new anti-bullying initiative. 

Here is an excerpt from their page.

Testimonials from on air announcers

Nikki Balch on body image

Donna Saker on helping others

Kim Kieran on being fat-shamed 

Shaun McMahon, who attended the EMSB’s John Caboto and Vincent Massey

Claudia Marquez, whose bullying  led to eating disorders

As a community driven station, The Beat 92.5 supports initiatives for positive change. Bullying is a serious problem that transcends all social boundaries. Each of the announcers has a different perspective on bullying; some were victims, some were bystanders, and some were even bullies themselves!  Everyone is affected by bullying in one way or another. 

The record holder.

VMC HELPS SET GUINNESS WORLD RECORD:  On October 5, Vincent Massey Collegiate (VMC) students, their teachers (Mr. Lapointe, Mr. Chen, Mr. Rosa, Mrs. Dufort, Mrs. Carola, Mrs. Gagliardi, Mr. Bakos, Mrs. Carola, Mrs. Gervasi and Spiritual and Community Animator Rocco Speranza) took part in Courchesne Larose’s 100th anniversary celebration and project: La Grande Coupe! This project aimed to feed Montreal’s needy, while attempting to set a Guinness World Record for the largest fruit salad prepared in one sitting. In order to accomplish that feat, the salad had to weight at least 20 000 pounds. After hours of preparation and hard work, the fruit salad came in at 22 400 pounds, a new World Record! It was then distributed to community based organization thanks to Moisson Montreal and La Table des Chefs. This project tied in with VMC’s stated mission, to serve their community.  

Raptors legend Williams with some  students.

RAPTOR AT WESTMOUNT: With Toronto Raptors legend Jerome “Junk Yard Dog” Williams leading the charge, Westmount High School hosted Hoops & Loops recently, a basketball-themed coding event. The afternoon of interactive coding activities was organized by Kids Code Jeunesse along with NBA Cares and the Toronto Raptors in order to increase the awareness of code in non-STEAM fields. 

GREAT SHAKEOUT:  Westmount Park Elementary School participated in the Great ShakeOut (international event) recently. Fire Prevention agents visited all classes beforehand and explained the drop-cover-hold protocol in case of an earthquake.  Students also had the opportunity to visit a fire simulator truck and learn what to do if caught in a building on fire 

HALLOWEEN EXCITEMENT: Global TV’s Kim Sullivan will broadcast live from Edinburgh Elementary School on October 31, Halloween morning while Catherine Verdon Diamond of Breakfast TV will be at Carlyle in TMR.

ALOUETTES TICKETS WINNER:  Via a contest in the fall edition of the EMSB Express Newspaper, Grade 4 Edinburgh Elementary School student Christian Lim-Wilson won four tickets to a recent Alouettes football game at McGill’s Molson Stadium.  Christian came with his parents and a friend The family made a donation to the Purolator Blitz Against Hunger  and got to take this  photo with the Grey Cup.

Hanging with the Alouettes.

FLAG FOOTBALL EXPERIENCE:  Royal Vale was the only representative from the EMSB and one of only three school teams at a  tournament where the winning squadwould win an all-expenses paid trip to Edmonton for the Grey Cup in November. Royal Vale  made it to the semi-finals before losing to the eventual champs.   There were 13 teams participating, most of which were all-star communitys squads. Royal Vale finished with a 4-1 record   winning their division before losing in the semi-final. Shown in the photo,  our Royal Vale players along with 3  Monteal Alouettes players on hand. Physical Education and Health teacher Norman Katz wishes to thank Grade five teacher Aaron Prosser and parent Carlo Galli for their assistance. “This was an amazing opportunity and experience for our talented athletes at Royal Vale,” he said. “They deserve a big congratulations for their behavior and performance.”

KIM ST. PIERRE JOINS FOX RUN: On a sunny autumn morning, three-time Olympic hockey champion Kim St-Pierre joined nearly 1,000 students from Royal Vale School in N.D.G. for their annual Terry Fox Run, one of the largest in the city. The students were thrilled to have an opportunity to meet a Canadian legend like St-Pierre on a day that they were honouring another Canadian hero in Terry Fox. “It's really about all of us being together and really celebrating someone who did so much for our country and for cancer research,” said Nathalie Lacroix-Mailette, Principal of Royal Vale School. “All of our students are walking in honour of someone and realize the importance of the event; they brought money to school, a loonie or a toonie, to help with cancer research." 

Grade 5 student Morgan Davy was walking in honour of her grandmother, a cancer survivor. Asked what she would say to Terry Fox if she could, the 10-year old replied, "Thank you for raising awareness and for running."

For St-Pierre, the mother of two young boys, she did not think twice about attending Royal Vale’s run. "I could not say no; being an athlete, you want to be involved in these kinds of events. If I can give some time and share my passion for being active, but also help raise money for cancer research, I think it's great. I'm very happy to be here today." St. Pierre is now a regional coordinator for BOKS Canada, which offers free resources to elementary schools to ensure kids are active throughout the day.  "Yesterday we enrolled our 1,000th school," St-Pierre said. "So it's very exciting. My territory is all over Quebec so I take care of the schools and I make sure the kids get active for at least 60 minutes a day. I'm just trying to share with kids that they do not need to be an Olympic athlete, but just to commit to an active lifestyle will really help them down the road."

See this EMSB video.

HUMANITY BUS: On Thursday, October 25 (9:50 am), students at Lester B. Pearson High School in Montreal North (11575 P.M. Favier) will be the first students in Quebec to visit the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Tour for Humanity Bus.  The Tour for Humanity is a 30-seat state-of-the-art mobile human rights education centre. On board, students will learn about diversity, democracy and Canadian civic rights and responsibilities. The purpose of the Tour for Humanity is to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds, empowering them to raise their voices and take action against hate, intolerance and bullying and to promote justice and human rights. Launched in 2013, the Tour for Humanity has visited more than 550 schools across Ontario and provided invaluable lessons on tolerance, human rights and justice to 100,000 students and educators.

GLOBAL CONFERENCE AT LBPHS: Aspiring future leaders will be gathering at Lester B. Pearson High School (11575 P.M. Favier) on Monday,  October 29 (10 am) for the opening ceremonies of the Global YounG7: an initiative that hopes to raise global awareness amongst youth. The program is a simulation of the international Group of Seven (G7) which brings together leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan the United Kingdom and the United States for meetings on a host of issues. Joining LBPHS students will be a delegation of students from Italy who will be in Montreal for a two-week cultural exchange.  Established in Italy, the Global YounG7’s hopes to host events in all G7 countries, with October 29 marking their first international session. In addition to raising global awareness, the Global YounG7 is hoping to create long-lasting relationships among students around the world.

POLITICS 101:  Elias Makos of Breakfast TV recently  visited Hampstead Elementary School and the class of Tami Brewster. Her students learned about the importance of voting. Here is the link. 

Former Director of Material Resources Daniel Hogue is presented with his gift.

RETIREMENT DINNER: One hundred and twenty-three people attended the annual retirees' dinner, which took place on October 16 at Le Challenger Reception Hall in  St. Laurent. The evening honoured 78 retiring employees of the EMSB who worked as educators, administrators, professionals and support staff, and whose combined years of service to the Board added up to 1,752 years. EMSB Chair Angela Mancini, along with Vice-Chair Joe Ortona, Director General Ann Marie Matheson, Deputy Director General (Administration Division) Benoit Duheme, Deputy Director General (Education Division) Evelyne Alfonsi, several EMSB Commissioners, and senior administrators from Education Division East, Education Division West, Adult Education and Vocational Services, Education & Technology Services, Material Resources, Student Services, Human Resources and School Organization, presented each retiree with a special thank-you gift of a Carberry crystal pitcher with four highball glasses. Some of the longest serving employees honoured that evening were Mario Marazza, who retired as an education counsellor at Wagar Adult Centre in Cote St. Luc after 48 years of service to the board; former Education & Technology Services manager George  Bakakis, who retired after 47 years of service to the board; Rachel Rosenstein, who retired as a teacher at John F. Kennedy Business Centre in Villeray after 45 years of service; and Alana Rubin, who retired as a speech and language pathologist with Student Services after 40 years of service. Here are more photos

FOX VISITS:  Darrell Fox, the brother of the late Terry Fox, visited Edinburgh Elementary School in Montreal West and Roslyn Elementary School in Westmount recently. At Edinburgh he delivered a powerful and emotional speech recounting “Terry’s Story” to a gymnasium with over 400 students and staff members.   Edinburgh student Avah Pennefather was honored by Darrell.  Avah (pictured with Darrell and Principal Mauro Zampini) has participated in every marathon of hope since birth.  She received a t-shirt worn by Darrel during Terry’s run across Canada.   

MACKAY CENTRE ENDORSEMENTS: See these celebrity endorsements for the new Mackay Centre and Philip E. Layton Schools  by rock star Jonas  here and Global TV personality and former Mackay teacher here.

SYMPOSIUM: The Trottier Public Science Symposium theme this year is Minding the Future: Living in a High-Tech World. It will   take place on  Oct. 29 and 30 at 7 pm. The event is free and for everyone, but people are asked to register at  https://mcgill.ca/oss/trottier-symposium-registration 

Grade 6 teacher Feraldine Gras was one of seven who enjoyed a mud bath. 

MUD, SWEAT AND TEARS: It was mind over mudder at Roslyn Elementary School in Westmount on  October 15   as teachers  honoured their promise to take a mud bath since their students raised $15,000 plus for the Terry Fox Foundation.  The Physical Education department initiated the challenge with the intention of beating the 2017 mark of $13,000. There was no mud-slinging as students, staff and parents climbed towards their common goal.  The event was held in the school’s gym as the mudly crew of teachers and volunteers stood in a pool while pitchers of mud were poured over their heads.

All smiles at Michelangelo.

ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE: During its annual Thanksgiving assembly on Tuesday, October 2,  Michelangelo International Elementary School in RDP was reminded about the importance of adopting an attitude of gratitude. Led by Spiritual and Community Animator Mary Poullas, students were asked to reflect on all that they had to be grateful for in their lives. They were also encouraged to show their appreciation to others.

Offering free technology.

FREE TECHNOLOGY FOR SENIORS: Family Home Care, in partnership with Customized Homecare, will join forces with four   EMSB schools to offer free technology training sessions to senior citizens. Funded by the New Horizons Seniors Program, the project is called “Seenagers, Teenagers, and Technology,” and on the local school level, this intergenerational program will be called “Seniors in Cyberspace.” The project will provide students with  an opportunity to connect with their extended community and help provide assistance to those in need. The program will be coordinated by   Ruth Pelletier, Project Coordinator at Seenagers Teenagers & Technology;  Andrew Defour, Executive Director of Customized Health Care; Harry Michalopoulos, Principal of Rosemount Technology Centre; Vince Lacroce, Spiritual Community Animator;   Jessica Ghin, teacher at Perspectives I High School;  and  Tonya Wright, Activity Programmer at Almage Seniors Centre in Anjou. Almage Seniors Centre prides itself on improving the quality of life for seniors by enhancing dignity, supporting their independence, and encouraging their community involvement.

On September 24 , an interactive training session created by Ms.  Pelletier and Mr.  Defour was offered to the participating students to outline the history, values, and parameters of the program. On October 12   and 16  in Rosemount High School’s Spiritual Community Centre, participating students   gathered in small working stations where they were matched with a senior from Almage. Under the guidance of the Spiritual Community Animator, the first session  offered basic computer, tablet and general technology training. This session  culminated with a friendly game of BINGO! The second session of technology training was led by staff volunteers and students from Rosemount Technology Centre. On November 15 and 29, Almage Seniors Centre will be welcoming the students from Perspectives I and II High School to provide in-house training sessions. Designed by Mr.  e Lacroce,  and Ms. Ghin the trainings focused on  tablet use, cell phone use, uploading contacts and downloading applications.

Matt Stern gets a warm greeting.

STERN RETURNS TO RWA: Royal West alumnus and musician Matt Stern (@MattSternMusic) returned to his old high school this week, taking the time to conduct a creative vocal workshop as well as sing a few songs for students in Grades 9 through 11. Stern, who graduated in 2002, currently lives in Victoria, B.C.  To hear his music, please visit: http://mattstern.com/ or hear his latest album on Spotfiy.

COMMUNITY DAY: At the beginning of the year, Marymount Academy International in NDG hosted its second annual Community Day. See pictures above.  Grade 6  students from Parkdale School in St. Laurent, St. Monica Elementary School in N.D.G., Westmount Park and Roslyn School in Westmount, Edinburgh and Elizabeth Ballantyne in Montreal West, Coronation School in Cote des Neiges and St. Gabriel School in Pointe St. Charles, all came together for the celebration.  This event was organized with the goal of highlighting the good work that non-profit organizations do in the community as well as to inspire youth to get involved in their communities.  Guest speaker was Anna-Maria Macone from the PAMA Foundation spoke to the students about the foundation’s mission, which is to help children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) reach their full potential.  Community Day also included team building activities as well as a school wide IB themed scavenger hunt.

QPAT PRESENCE: The EMSB will once again have an information table at the Quebec Provincial Association of Teachers (QPAT) Convention November 8 and 9 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel attached to Complex Desjardins. Come visit us at table number 5.

ROCKET LAUNCH:  The EMSB will be represented at the Laval Rocket American Hockey League game versus the Bellevue Senators on October 31 by the LaurenHill Academy hockey team and coach Shawn Sacco,  Royal West Academy and Lester B. Pearson High School.

 ENCOUNTERS WITH CANADA: The EMSB has confirmed that it will again offer subsidies for 20 students aged 14 to 17 to take part in Encounters with Canada (EWC) this year.  As the Encounters registration fee is now $750, the EMSB has generously increased its subsidy to $375 (half of the registration amount). This means that students using the subsidy will continue to pay only $375 and take part in an exciting week of hands-on workshops, presentations and social, cultural and career exploration activities in Ottawa. This includes transportation, lodging, meals, and activities. The subsidies will, as always, be limited to a maximum of two students per school.  Info:  lmorante.encounters@gmail.com

Leaders from across Canada participate in the Equitas Play if Fair! National Gathering

PLAY IT FAIR: This year, two representatives from the EMSB's B.A.S.E. Daycare Program were invited to attend the Equitas Play it Fair! National Gathering, which was held in Montreal between September 26 and 28. The gathering brought together professionals from across Canada to share insights and perspectives on issues that they consider to be important to children’s healthy development and active participation within their communities. Working groups comprised of representatives from different provinces will collaborate throughout the year to build Community Action Projects that support children’s leadership and community participation with the goal of co-creating a National Community of Practice from coast to coast. 

CHORALE CHEESE SALE: The EMSB Chorale is once again holding its annual fundraising campaign, selling a  delicious selection of cheeses from l’Abbaye de St-Benoit-du-Lac. These lactose-free, vacuum-packed cheeses come in attractive boxes perfect for gift-giving or for your own holiday table. The money raised will go towards buying music scores, concert production, the organization of our music camps, workshops and giving our choristers the opportunity to work with professional musicians. Orders must be received and paid for by November 17. The cheese will arrive December 14.  For anyone who would like to hear the chorale, they will be performing in a free concert on November 18 at 2 p.m. at the Chalet de la Montagne. This will be a joint concert with a choir from FACE School. The annual Holiday Concert will take place Saturday, December 8 at 7 p.m. at Christ Church Cathedral downtown (McGill metro). No tickets are required for that one. There will be a collection for the Salvation Army’s campaign to help Montrealers in need.  Info: pabbott@emsb.qc.ca.

Isabelle and Mayra.

SUPPORT ISABELLE DION SUNDAY: Here is a message from Isabelle Dion from the EMSB Human Resources Department:  Please come and support me and  my beautiful friend Mayra who has been living with Lymphoma for many years now in our efforts to raise funds to support Canadians and their loved ones affected by lymphoma. Lymphoma is the fifth most common cancer in Canada; the most common cancer in teenagers and young adults ages 15-29; the third most common cancer in kids. Every 45 minutes someone is diagnosed with lymphoma. Lymphoma strikes randomly. There is no known cause. This Sunday, October 28, 2018, we will join other yoga and wellness enthusiasts at Lymphoma Canada’s take it to the mat, The Great Yoga & Meditation Revolution fundraising event.  All participants have the option to join either a 108-minute yoga class or 108-minute meditation workshop.  Your support, in the form of a donation, would be greatly appreciated. We plan to raise as many funds as possible. Please help us reach, and hopefully exceed, our fundraising goal! Please follow the link below my team is The Warriors. https://www.lymphoma.ca/tittm

VICTOR PHILLIPS AWARD: Black Theatre Workshop is presently accepting submissions for the Victor Phillips Award (with a value of $, 000) to an artist under the age of 20 who excels both in academics and in the performing arts (theatre, music, dance, spoken word or interdisciplinary arts.)  The student must reside in the Montreal region.  The award recipient will be invited to take part in our 2019 Vision Celebration Gala happening February 2, 2019.  If you know of a student who excels both academically and artistically, make sure to forward them this information or feel free to nominate the student yourself.  For application guidelines and forms, visit  http://www.blacktheatreworkshop.ca/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/THE-VICTOR-PHILLIPS-AWARD-2019.pdf  Deadline for submissions by mail or email is November 20, 2018. Info:Christine Rodriguez, schooltour@blacktheatreworkshop.ca

CINEMANIA: The  24th edition of CINEMANIA will take place on Nov. 1 to 11. CINEMANIA 2018 will screen 67 films this year, 50 of which are North American, Canadian or Quebec premieres. While the home base is the majestic Imperial Cinema, where the majority of screenings take place, other venues include the new Cinéma du Musée of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Outremont Theatre, Cinéma du Parc and Cinématheque Québécois.  There will be 35 screenings where personalities directly involved in the productions will be present, another  staple of CINEMANIA. In some cases there are talkbacks with the audience.  La Chute de Sparte (The Fall of Sparta) will appeal to teenage audiences in particular. This is a Quebec made film focusing on a fictitious South Shore high school and one graduating student who achieves a feat which garners the attention of the best-looking girl in school.  The CINEMANIA website (www.festivalcinemania.com) features detailed summaries of each film with trailers and a complete schedule grid, making it easy to make your selection. Schools are invited to organize field trips to see a film by contacting Eyleen Giolat at  eyleen@festivalcinemania.com  

  

 ADULT EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL SERVICES

Celebrating Thanksgiving.

GALILEO FIELD TRIPS: In October all 500 Galileo students partake various celebrations and field trips, enhancing our sense of community and learning.   On October 4, Galileo Basic English evening classes (CCBE)   held their traditional potluck Thanksgiving festivities. Students socially integrated through tasting delicacies prepared by the students for this appreciative celebration. Students showing acceptance for one another and being thankful while learning the English language.  On October 5, students had a magical time picking apples in Oka. A usual tradition in Quebec, our Academic, CCBE and SIS programs were integrating and sharing interesting conversations in the open fields of the apple orchard. Students learned about how apples are harvested, preparing jams and jellies, and the differences between the wide variety of apples and their unique flavors. Riding on the tractors, visiting the mini farm and park enhanced the experience for everyone. On October 18, CCBE students went to visited the Montreal Botanical Gardens. They were mesmerized by the beautiful carefully designed and subtle lighting show of the Magic Lanterns at the Chinese Gardens. At dusk, the pathways through the Gardens of Light turned into mysterious illuminated landscapes inviting everyone to contemplate nature’s marvels. Most importantly students were able to acquire the vocabulary and specific terms related to gardening. The weather offered a summer like glow at sunset and students embraced their experience which, for most, was their first visit to the Botanical Gardens.

Students get educated on recycling.

A LESSON IN RECYCLING: The French SIS (Social Integration Services Program)  class, started following Benoit Lecomte, a French-born long distance swimmer who previously swam across the Atlantic Ocean 20 years ago to raise awareness for cancer and pay tribute to his father.  Despite the fact that he said he would never do that again, on June 5, Mr. Lecomte swam off in the Pacific Ocean from Choshi Japan in the hopes of making it to California.  He estimates his venture will take him approximately 6 months.  The motivation behind his swim this time, is to raise awareness of all the plastic waste and excessive human garbage that pollutes our ocean waters.  

When school started back in September 2018, the class was eagerly intrigued to find out how Mr. Lecomte and his team were doing and   continued to track his movements.  They were taken back by the amount of plastic he found in the ocean, and how it affects us all.  It prompted   an outdoor activity with all SIS classes, where they took a walk outside in their own ‘backyard,’ and looked for plastic items that were littering the parking lot.  In a matter of 15 minutes, they gathered 1 garbage bag full of plastic matter that was recyclable.      They were compelled to contact Éco-Quartier, a non-profit organization that aims to educate the Montreal population in proper recycling methods. Émilie Ould-Acluche met with our SIS students to better educate them on what is recyclable, what is waste, what is compostable, and what should be sent to local Eco-Centers (such as batteries, computers, cell phones).  She made them play a game called waste or recycle whereby students were given an item and they had to determine whether it went in the recycling or the garbage.  It was an eye opener for many   who thought they were recycling appropriately, when in fact, we were not!  

ÉDITION DU 25 OCTOBRE 2018 / BULLETIN DE LA CSEM

PORTES OUVERTES À LA CSEM: La saison des portes ouvertes est en branle dans les écoles primaires et secondaires de la CSEM. Visitez le www.emsbopenhouses.com pour connaître les dates.

SIGNES RELIGIEUX : Devant l’intention du nouveau gouvernement caquiste d’adopter une loi interdisant aux employés de l’État en position d’autorité de porter des signes religieux, la présidente de la Commission scolaire English-Montréal Angela Mancini a fait la déclaration suivante : « Nous avons déjà vécu la même situation sous le règne du gouvernement du Parti québécois lorsqu’il avait proposé à l’hiver 2014 sa charte des valeurs et nous nous y étions alors farouchement opposés. En tant qu’institution d’enseignement qui préconise le respect parmi ses élèves, la CSEM tient à préciser que nous ne pouvons en aucun cas appuyer une telle loi qui va à l’encontre de la Charte québécoise des droits et libertés de la personne. Si elle est adoptée, cette législation obligera les individus à choisir entre travailler pour l’État ou porter des signes religieux. Le port de tels signes est un choix personnel. La CSEM valorise la diversité de ses élèves et de son personnel, et respecte leurs droits personnels et religieux en vertu de la Charte québécoise et canadienne des droits de la personne. Nous ne pouvons donner notre appui à un projet de loi qui, s’il est sanctionné, sera contraire à ce que nous enseignons à nos élèves en matière de tolérance et de respect des droits individuels de même que des libertés religieuses. »

Furheen Ahmed, enseignante à l’école secondaire Westmount et présentement en congé de maternité, s’est maintes fois faite la porte-parole de la CSEM en 2014 et l’a été de nouveau dans cette entrevue avec CTV : https://vimeo.com/294154705.

Voici un reportage de la CBC réalisé à l’école Hampstead : https://vimeo.com/293552108.

FOIRE DES CARRIÈRES : Plus de 2 000 élèves de la 5e secondaire ont pris part à la 18e édition annuelle de la Foire des carrières de la Commission scolaire English-Montréal (CSEM) le mercredi 17 octobre et le jeudi 18 octobre au Centre de carrières St. Pius X situé au 9955, avenue Papineau à Ahuntsic. Jack Dym de Pipe and Piling Supplies Ltd. et la Banque Royale RBC étaient les commanditaires en titre de cet événement. Plusieurs personnalités des médias étaient sur place pour renseigner les élèves sur les carrières dans ce domaine et ont agi à titre de maîtres de cérémonie. Il s’agit notamment de Catherine Verdon-Diamond de Breakfast TV, Christine Long de CTV, Shaun McMahon de The Beat 92.5 FM, Travis Todd de Global TV et Sabrina Marandola de CBC.

Deux athlètes olympiques du programme RBC se sont entretenues avec les élèves : Jacqueline Simoneau, double médaillée d’or des Jeux panaméricains qui s’est classée au 7e rang lors de ses premiers Jeux olympiques à Rio en 2016 en nage synchronisée, et Sandrine Mainville, l’une des meilleures nageuses en relais ayant remporté une médaille de bronze à Rio ainsi que l’or et l’argent aux Jeux panaméricains en 2015. La Foire des carrières ouverte au grand public le 17 octobre a enregistré une participation record. Harriet Cohen du Service de l’éducation des adultes et de la formation professionnelle (EAFP) préside le comité de la Foire des carrières. Les Services aux élèves et l’EAFP de la CSEM coordonnent ce programme. Mme Cohen souligne que l’objectif principal de la Foire des carrières vise à sensibiliser les élèves aux divers programmes d’enseignement qui s’offrent à eux. Tous les élèves ont assisté à une brève séance d’information générale dans l’auditorium du Centre de carrières St. Pius X. Ils ont ensuite eu l’occasion de visiter les divers kiosques d’information/d’exposition et de s’entretenir avec des représentants des centres de formation professionnelle, des cégeps, universités, de certains collèges privés, des Forces armées canadiennes, du Service de police de Montréal, du Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal et de la Sûreté du Québec.

Consultez ces liens pour visionner les reportages.

https://www.btmontreal.ca/videos/the-emsbs-annual-career-fair/

https://vimeo.com/295801600

PLAN D’ENGAGEMENT VERS LA RÉUSSITE: Le Plan d’engagement vers la réussite de la CSEM (2018-2022), approuvé par le MEES, est entré en vigueur le 1er juillet 2018. Ce plan a pour but de brosser un portrait détaillé de notre situation, avec la collaboration de toutes les parties intéressées. Au final, ce document procure les orientations de même que les objectifs visant à soutenir la réussite éducative continue de tous nos élèves, et ce, tant au secteur des jeunes que des adultes.

ZOOTHÉRAPIE À ST. GABRIEL: Les élèves de la classe SEEDS à l’école primaire St. Gabriel de Pointe-Saint-Charles ont pu apprendre ce qu’est la compassion et l’amour en prenant soin de divers animaux. Grâce au programme de zoothérapie The Caring Paws, les élèves ont été sensibilisés à l’importance des abeilles et ont récolté du miel de notre ruche avec l’aide d’Alevole. Ils sont également responsables de « Snowy », la colombe de l’école.

FOIRE SUR LA SANTÉ MENTALE: L’école secondaire Laurier Macdonald située au 7355, boul. Viau à Saint-Léonard a organisé une foire de deux jours portant sur la santé mentale, les mardi et mercredi 2 et 3 octobre. Le Réseau de l’est de l’île pour les services en anglais (REISA) fut le co organisateur de l’événement pour le compte des élèves de cinq autres écoles secondaires de l’est de l’île : John Paul I à Saint-Léonard, Rosemont et le Collège Vincent Massey à Rosemont; Lester B. Pearson à Montréal-Nord; et John F. Kennedy à Saint-Michel. Une séance en soirée destinée aux parents a été animée par Despina Vassiliou, psychologue à la CSEM. Plus de 1 000 élèves ont pu bénéficier des ressources qui y ont été présentées. Un psychologue de la CSEM était sur place. L’objectif visait à apprivoiser la santé mentale et en parler. Au nombre des organismes participants, mentionnons : le YWCA, le YMCA, la Maison des jeunes de Saint-Léonard et Jeunesse, J’écoute. Un élève sur cinq développera des problèmes de santé mentale; 20 pour cent des personnes atteintes de troubles mentaux sont également aux prises avec un problème de toxicomanie récurrent; 40 pour cent des parents n’en parleraient à personne si leur enfant souffrait d’une maladie mentale; environ la moitié des personnes qui souffrent d’un trouble de santé mentale n’en ont jamais discuté avec un médecin. Or, 80 % de ceux qui vont chercher de l’aide sont en mesure de reprendre leurs activités régulières et de vivre une vie pleinement satisfaisante. Gerry Tullio, intervenant auprès des jeunes, a indiqué que plusieurs éprouvent de la honte ou de l’embarras à demander de l’aide. Il reconnaît qu’il existe encore des préjugés entourant la santé mentale mais que « de plus en plus, on cherche à les éliminer. Nous avons fait beaucoup de progrès, mais il reste encore beaucoup de chemin à faire », a déclaré M. Tullio.

ÉDUCATION SEXUELLE : La présidente de la CSEM Angela Mancini a précisé que le processus d’intégration de l’éducation sexuelle au curriculum des écoles de la Commission scolaire English-Montréal est bien amorcé. Jamie Quinn, conseillère pédagogique à la CSEM, fait actuellement la tournée de toutes les écoles primaires et secondaires en vue de déterminer, conjointement avec les directions d’école, dans quelles matières les divers thèmes seront abordés. L’implantation du programme d’éducation sexuelle est en cours cette année dans toutes les commissions scolaires du Québec. Comme le souligne madame Mancini, les raisons ayant motivé l’enseignement de la sexualité il y a 40 ans sont toujours valables aujourd’hui : apprendre à connaître le corps humain, combattre les stéréotypes sexuels, éduquer les élèves pour prévenir les agressions sexuelles, comprendre ce qui se passe à la puberté, réfléchir aux expériences romantiques et prévenir les infections transmissibles sexuellement et par le sang (ITSS). En outre, de nouvelles préoccupations existent aujourd’hui, notamment l’omniprésence de messages à caractère sexuel dans les médias, la facilité d’accès à la pornographie, le phénomène du sextage, et les taux d’ITSS à la hausse. Le programme et le matériel ont été élaborés par le ministère de l’Éducation, en collaboration avec l’Organisation mondiale de la santé, l’UNESCO, des sexologues et autres professionnels, puis adaptés au développement psychosexuel des enfants et des jeunes. L’éducation sexuelle doit être dispensée à tous les élèves au Québec dès l’année scolaire 2018-2019, à raison de 5 à 15 heures par année, pour chacun des niveaux. Le programme du ministère adopte l’approche éducative la mieux appropriée, soit l’éducation sexuelle complète, qui s’avère fiable sur le plan scientifique, progressive, appropriée en fonction de l’âge et du développement, fondée sur le curriculum et exhaustive. Qui plus est, elle est axée sur la compréhension des droits humains universels des enfants et des jeunes. L’éducation sexuelle complète permet aux jeunes de protéger leur santé, leur bien-être et leur dignité.

Cet automne, chaque école de la CSEM, en collaboration avec une équipe composée de la direction, des enseignants, d’un animateur de vie spirituelle, d’un conseiller d’orientation, d’un psychologue, d’une infirmière scolaire et d’un travailleur social, examineront en détail  l’implantation et l’enseignement de ce programme. Des sessions de formation et des ateliers préparatoires seront offerts à tous ceux qui seront appelés à participer à ce programme.

Station radiophonique axée sur la communauté, The Beat 92,5 appuie les initiatives qui visent un changement positif. L’intimidation est un problème grave qui transcende toutes les barrières sociales. Nous voulons contribuer à #changerlhistoire et à outiller les jeunes d’aujourd’hui à faire face à ce problème! Nous contribuons à #changerlhistoire en partageant nos propres histoires. La perspective de chacun de nos annonceurs diffère en ce qui a trait à l’intimidation : certains ont été des victimes, d’autres des spectateurs ou encore des intimidateurs eux-mêmes! L’intimidation touche tout le monde, d’une façon ou d’une autre. Restez à l’affût alors que nous mettrons à jour cette page avec les témoignages de nos annonceurs et l’approche qu’ils ont adoptée pour changer leur histoire! Nous espérons qu’ils sauront inspirer les jeunes d’aujourd’hui et leurs parents pour les convaincre eux aussi de changer leur histoire.

NOUVEAU RECORD GUINNESS POUR LE CVM : Le vendredi 5 octobre 2018, les élèves du Collège Vincent Massey (CVM), leurs enseignants – M. Lapointe, M. Chen, M. Rosa, Mme Dufort, Mme Carola, Mme Gagliardi, M. Bakos, Mme Carola, Mme Gervasi – et l’animateur de vie spirituelle et d’engagement communautaire Rocco Speranza ont pris part au projet et aux célébrations du 100e anniversaire de Courchesne Larose : La Grande Coupe! Ce projet avait pour but de nourrir les plus démunis de la région de Montréal tout en établissant un nouveau record Guinness pour la plus grande salade de fruits jamais préparée. Pour ce faire, la salade se devait de peser au moins 20 000 livres. 

Après des heures de préparation et de travail acharné, la salade de fruits a atteint 22 400 livres, soit un nouveau record mondial! Elle a ensuite été distribuée à des organismes communautaires grâce à Moisson Montréal et La table des chefs. Ce projet cadrait bien avec l’énoncé de mission du CVM, soit de servir la communauté.

KIM ST-PIERRE À LA COURSE TERRY FOX : Par une belle matinée d’automne ensoleillée, Kim St-Pierre - triple médaillée olympique au hockey – a pris part en compagnie de quelque 1 000 élèves de l’école Royal Vale à NDG à la course annuelle Terry Fox, l’une des plus grandes courses à Montréal. Les élèves étaient enthousiastes à l’idée de rencontrer une légende canadienne dans le cadre de cette journée destinée à honorer un autre héros canadien, soit Terry Fox. « L’objectif est de se rassembler et de célébrer Terry Fox qui a tant fait pour notre pays et pour la recherche sur le cancer », a déclaré Nathalie Lacroix-Mailette, directrice à l’école Royal Vale. « Tous nos élèves marchent en l’honneur d’une autre personne et sont conscients de l’importance de cette activité; ils ont apporté de l’argent à l’école, une pièce d’un ou de deux dollars, pour appuyer la recherche sur le cancer. » 

Morgan Davy, élève de 5e année, a marché en l’honneur de sa grand-mère, survivante du cancer. Lorsqu’on lui a demandé ce qu’elle dirait à Terry Fox si elle en avait la chance, la jeune fille âgée de 10 ans a répondu : « Merci de nous avoir sensibilisés à cette maladie et merci d’avoir couru. »

Quant à Kim St-Pierre, mère de deux jeunes garçons, elle n’a pas hésité une seconde à prendre part à la course de Royal Vale. « Je ne pouvais pas refuser. En tant qu’athlète, je souhaite m’impliquer dans ce genre d’activités. Si j’ai l’occasion de donner de mon temps et de partager avec les autres ma passion pour le sport, tout en amassant des fonds pour la recherche sur le cancer, c’est tout à fait génial. Je suis vraiment heureuse d’être ici aujourd’hui. » Kim est aujourd’hui coordonnatrice régionale chez BOKS Canada, qui offre gratuitement des ressources aux écoles primaires pour faire en sorte que les jeunes soient actifs tout au long de la journée. « Hier, nous avons procédé à l’inscription d’une 1 000e école », a-t-elle déclaré. « C’est très excitant. Mon territoire s’étend un peu partout au Québec. Je m’occupe des écoles et je m’assure que les enfants sont actifs pendant au moins 60 minutes par jour. J’enseigne aux enfants qu’il n’est pas nécessaire d’être un athlète olympique, qu’il suffit simplement d’adopter un mode de vie actif qui leur sera bénéfique à long terme. »

SOUPER EN L’HONNEUR DES RETRAITÉS : Cent vingt-trois personnes ont pris part au souper annuel en l’honneur des retraités, le 16 octobre à la Salle de réception Le Challenger à Ville Saint-Laurent. La soirée a permis d’honorer 78 employés retraités de la CSEM qui occupaient des postes d’éducateurs, d’administrateurs, de professionnels et de soutien. Ils totalisent tous ensemble 1 752 années de service. La présidente de la CSEM Angela Mancini, le vice-président Joe Ortona, la directrice générale Ann Marie Matheson, le directeur général adjoint (Administration) Benoît Duhême, la directrice générale adjointe (Éducation) Evelyne Alfonsi, plusieurs commissaires de la CSEM et des cadres supérieurs des divisions est et ouest, du Service de l’éducation des adultes et de la formation professionnelle, des Services éducatifs et de la technologie, du Service des ressources matérielles, des Services aux élèves, du Service des ressources humaines et de l’Organisation scolaire ont remis à chaque employé retraité un cadeau de remerciement, soit un pichet en cristal Carberry et quatre verres. Au nombre des employés honorés au cours de la soirée et comptant les plus longs états de service, mentionnons Mario Marazza, conseiller pédagogique pendant 48 ans au Centre des adultes Wagar à Côte Saint-Luc; George Bakakis, régisseur des Services éducatifs et de la technologie pendant 47 ans; Rachel Rosenstein, enseignante pendant 45 ans au Centre John F. Kennedy dans Villeray; et Alana Rubin orthophoniste au sein de l’équipe des Services aux élèves pendant 40 ans.

VISITE DE DARRELL FOX : Darrell Fox, le frère du défunt Terry Fox, a récemment rendu visite à l’école primaire Edinburgh à Montréal-Ouest et à l’école primaire Roslyn à Westmount. À Edinburgh, il a livré un discours à la fois puissant et émouvant où il a relaté l’histoire de Terry devant un gymnase où se sont entassés plus de 400 élèves et membres du personnel. Avah Pennefather, élève à l’école Edinburgh, a été honorée par Darrell. Avah a participé à tous les marathons de l’espoir depuis sa naissance. Elle a reçu un t-shirt porté par Darrel lorsque Terry a traversé le Canada à la course.

L’APEQ AU RENDEZ-VOUS : La CSEM aura une fois de plus une table d’information à l’occasion du Congrès annuel de l’Association provinciale des enseignantes et enseignants du Québec (APEQ), les 8 et 9 novembre, à l’hôtel Hyatt Regency du Complexe Desjardins. Venez nous rencontrer à la table numéro 5.

The next Focus will be published on   November 29.   Submissions should be made to Michael J. Cohen preferably by e-mail (mcohen@emsb.qc.ca)   by November 23 at Noon.

Follow us on:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/English MTL
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EnglishMTL
YouTube: www.youtube.com/emsbtv
Vimeo:  www.vimeo.com/emsb

DECEMBER 21, 2017 EDITION / VOLUME 20 NUMBER 5 / THE OFFICIAL BULLETIN OF THE EMSB

Angela Mancini visits a Kindergarten class at Edward Murphy.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION: The EMSB has announced that Kindergarten Registration Week for the 2018-2019 academic year will take place from Monday, February 5 to Friday, February 9. If one child from a family is already enrolled in a particular school, a sibling registration period will take place a week earlier. Parents are asked to register at the EMSB elementary school nearest their residence offering the French program of their choice. For more information please call (514) 483-7200, extension EMSB (3672) or log on to the Board’s website at www.emsb.qc.ca.

All pupils registering for the first time are required to provide a birth certificate and  vaccination records to the school the child will be attending. Parents will be asked to fill out forms which will allow the school to apply for the certificate of eligibility for English schooling. Under the Charter of the French Language, a certificate of eligibility is generally granted to children who did the majority of their elementary or secondary studies in English in Canada; whose mother or father did the majority of his/her  elementary studies in English in  Canada or whose brother or sister did  the majority of his/her elementary or secondary studies in English in Canada. As a result of language legislation, this criteria excludes studies completed in the Quebec Private School system.

Listen to our commercial to run on The Beat 92.5 FM
See our CTV commercial to run

A TV commercial to run in January on Global TV was filmed at Coronation School with morning anchor Laura Casella

Left to right:Melanie Fernandes(PPO Parent), Lucas Arana (Gr. 6 Student), Uma Freeland Nardone (Gr.6 student), Kaya Gratton -Tally ( Gr. 4 student), Andrea Gratton  (vice -Chair GB), Dorothy Ostrowicz( Principal). Sid Stevens  (Sun Youth), Arlo Bagchi ( Gr. 2 student), Lisa Bagchi (PPO parent), Margaret Jegen ( Gr. 3 student- holding cheque), Katherine Quintana (PPO Parent), Rubens Ernest  (Sun Youth ) and Jonathan Caisse (Sun Youth).

DONATION TO SUN YOUTH: Students at Bancroft Elementary School in the Plateau  raised $1,200 and presented the Sun Youth Organization with a cheque on  December 19. With the goal of giving the organization an early Christmas present, the students and parents at Bancroft School organized a number of fundraisers throughout the fall. In total, $2,400 was raised: half will be invested in the school and the other half donated to the Sun Youth Organization. See this report on Breakfast TV.

MTA President Peter Sutherland, Chairman Angela Mancini and officials from both negotiating parties toast the new agreement.

NEW COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT: The EMSB and the Montreal Teachers Association held a signing ceremony on December 18 to conclude a new three year local agreement (2017-2020).

Vanessa joins students Etienne and Benjamin in the sensory room.

VANESSA GRIMALDI GIVES BACK: Reality TV show star Vanessa Grimaldi was at Coronation Elementary School in Côte des Neiges on Wednesday, December 20 for a cheque presentation and ribbon cutting ceremony dedicated towards the building of four sensory rooms within the English Montreal School Board. Chairman Angela Mancini applauded the initiative.

Vanessa presents a $50,000 cheque from her Foundation.

Vanessa, who worked as a special education teacher for the EMSB’s Galileo Adult Education Centre in Montreal North before starring on the ABC the Bachelor, launched her own No Better You Foundation last summer in order to advance education by providing specialized tools and programs for exceptional learners across Canada. Proceeds from her first fundraiser held in July have been directed to the construction, maintenance and operations of sensory rooms at Coronation School in Montreal, Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary in Rosemount, Edward Murphy in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve and Galileo Adult Centre. The simple pleasure and joys such as running, riding a bike, and playing in the park on any sunny day, are sometimes not feasible for children and young adults with special needs. A Sensory Room provides new ways of learning while using all their senses. “It’s a therapeutic space for students,” Vanessa explained. “It can help stimulate or calm students down. It heightens awareness, provides security and promotes mental and physical relaxation, which helps individuals realize that they don’t have to feel like they have to be on guard all of the time.”

ANNUAL REPORT AND SUCCESS PLAN: The 2016-17 EMSB annual report and success plans were adopted by the Council of Commissioners on December 20. They will be formally presented to the public at a special meeting on Thursday, January 11 (6:30 pm) at 6000 Fielding.

Angela Mancini at press conference.

CLASS ACTION SUIT: The five English and French school boards on the island of Montreal held a joint press conference on November 30 at John F. Kennedy High School in St. Michel. They did so to voice their concerns regarding an unbearable situation which jeopardizes the future of public schools and the students’ equal opportunity to succeed. Together, they demanded a substantive debate on the scope of free education in Quebec society.  According to their management, it is imperative to put the students’ needs back at the heart of the debate to facilitate their success in a vibrant and stimulating public school environment which reflects today’s society. Free education as defined by the Education Act is at the core of the problem.  It stipulates that education services, textbooks and instructional material must be free, except for some categories of material and supplies which are not bound by this principle.  See the press release.

IN MEMORIAM: Janice Lacroix, a much adored former communications consultant at the EMSB, passed away on November 30 at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital. She will be greatly missed. Janice is survived by her husband Robert Lacroix, her children, Robert (Joanne) and Jennifer (Oreste), her

Janice Lacroix

beloved grandchildren, Adrien and Benjamin, her sisters Jo-Ann (Martin) and Jean (Gordon), and her brother-in-law André. Jennifer is a teacher at Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary School. When the EMSB held a press conference last January to announce its plans for the STEAM program, Janice was invited to join us. She took in her daughter’s achievements with great pride. The family wishes to thank the oncology department at the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital for their support during her illness.   Memorial donations may be made to the Integrated Cancer Centre at Maisonneuve-Rosemont.     

ADDRESSING BULLYING: Julie René De Cotret and Daphna Leibovici from the EMSB Student Services Department were guests on Global TV’s Focus Montreal to discuss the topic of bullying with host Jamie Orchard. Here is the video coverage.

KATALIFOS HONOURED: Nicholas Katalifos, principal of Roslyn Elementary School in Westmount, was recently awarded the Senate of Canada Medal for public service in recognition of the Red Chamber’s 150th anniversary at a ceremony in the Senate Chamber in Ottawa. Senator Leo Housakos nominated Mr. Katalifos for the Medal. The award was presented to him by Senator Housakos and Speaker of the Senate of Canada, George Furey. Mr. Katalifos was recognized due to the outstanding service that he provides to Canada and Canadians, including his 27-yeear career in the field of education at the English Montreal School Board, his work in the Greek community, and his advocacy work providing better services to people with autism.

George Furey, Nicholas Katalifos and Leo Housakos.

Mr. Katalifos was previously the principal of Pierre de Coubertin and General Vanier elementary schools in St. Leonard and vice-principal of Gardenview Elementary School in St. Laurent and Westmount High School. He taught at LaurenHill Academy, and worked as a Community Liaison Officer for the Multicultural and Multiracial Division of the Community Services Department.  As the chairman of Giant Steps School and Resource Centre, Mr. Katalifos is involved in their Inclusive City project.  See the press release. 


EDWARD MURPHY SCHOOL RECOGNIZED IN QUEBEC CITY: Recently, Edward Murphy School was recognized by Le Ministere de l’Education et la Famille as a finalist at the annual Ensemble Contre L’Intimadation Award Ceremony. The event took place at the National Assembly in Quebec City and served to honor individuals, organizations and schools that have stood out for initiatives that help prevent and fight bullying and intimidation. The school introduced their #WECARE program last year. This initiative is based on a social-emotional literacy program developed by Yale University’s Center for Emotional Intelligence.

Edward Murphy School Principal, Cristina Celzi receives a certificate of recognition from the Premier of Quebec, Phillippe Couillard, as well as Francine Charbonneau, Minister responsible for Anti-Bullying and Sebastien Proulx, Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports.

 Commissioner Bernard Praw, Regional Director Pela Nickoletopoulos, Principal David Lee, Chair Angela Mancini, Mike Creamer, Mr. Creamer's wife Nadia, DG Ann Marie Matheson and Physical Education and Health Consultant Katherine Baker.

EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD: Mike Creamer, Physical Education Teacher at Hampstead Elementary School, was the recipient of the Association of Physical Educators of Quebec’s annual provincial teaching excellence award at the Elementary Level. The Dr. Graham Neil Excellence in Teaching Award is presented annually to one elementary and one secondary physical education teacher. Mike was presented with this award at the APEQ Conference on November 23. According to his Principal David Lee, Mike is a true example of an educator who displays a passion for physical activity and an ability to motivate students of all abilities to fully participate in daily physical education. He sets high expectations while respecting the abilities and needs of each student and goes to great lengths to create a sense of community in the classroom. He uses a variety of strategies to help students of all abilities develop their skills. Mike has brought a number of initiatives to Hampstead Elementary over the past several years, including structuring a morning physical activity program into the school day and a comprehensive outdoor education program where students in all cycles have participated in activities like camping, canoeing, hiking and orienteering. This year, he also started a lunch-time fitness club for senior students. In the words of his Principal,:“Mike is an exceptional teacher and leader who continually works to improve our PE program and to instill in our students a passion for the outdoors and daily physical activity. He is well-respected by the students, staff and parents of our school.”

DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS: Students at Roslyn were captivated recently by a representative from Doctors Without Borders, who came to speak to the school about the organization and the work their volunteers perform in over 70 countries. Established in 1971, the mission of the non-governmental organization is to provide medical care in war-torn regions and developing countries. In 1999, the organization was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. 

Sandra Leveille and Marc DeCrescentis with Angelo.

ST. DOROTHY STUDENTS WIN HSBC AWARD: Angelo Varuzza, a student at St. Dorothy Elementary School in St. Michel, was recently presented with the HSBC Future Leaders Program Award. He   was nominated for this award by the school and The Breakfast Club of Canada. HSBC has donated $1 million to support breakfast programs in five cities across Canada over three years.  Angelo was one of seven recipients in Canada to receive an exciting recognition package designed to help support the student’s future education needs. This included a $1,000 credit to the HSBC High Rate Savings account in his name and an all-expenses paid trip to Toronto where astronaut Chris Hadfield was the guest speaker.  Principal Sandra Leveille said that he chosen because his contributions have had a positive impact on both his school community as well as Montreal North. At school, Angelo is very helpful as he often volunteers to assist his teachers at recess around the classroom or the school. Angelo also donates his time at his parent’s bakery in Montreal North by taking on daily chores. In addition he also helps prepare meals for homeless people around his neighborhood.  Childcare Worker Marco DeCrescentis nominated Angelo for the award.

OUR LADY OF POMPEI  STUDENT-TEACHER REUNION: Amanda Guedes loved her days as a student at Our Lady of Pompei Elementary School in Ahuntsic. Eleven years ago, her Grade 5 teacher was Athanasia  Papamichelakis. Now in her third year at McGill University, completing a Bachelor’s of Education Degree, Amanda is a student teacher at Our Lady of Pompei. As luck would have it, she was assigned to work under Ms. Papamichelakis.

Amanda and Ms. Papamichelakis.

“Throughout the course of my Grade 5 year, Ms. Papamichelakis had become my favorite elementary teacher,” Amanda recalls. “She was always so full of energy, made us laugh, and made us feel as more than just her students. She was an amazing teacher; always organized, on top of everything, and ready for any problems that may arise. I aspired to be that kind of teacher when I got older and I had a role model of one right in front of me! Now, eleven years later, I had the amazing opportunity to be Ms. Papamichelakis' student teacher for three months. 

“When I saw that it was her name as my ‘cooperating teacher,’ I was thrilled and excited. I knew that I would be able to thrive throughout my fieldwork by having her as my mentor. Sure enough, it has been one of the best learning experiences. I have gained an extensive amount of knowledge, tips, and advice from her. From being my favorite elementary teacher to now being my favorite cooperating teacher, I am extremely grateful for having the chance to teach alongside Miss Papamichelakis. Being in her class has felt like going back eleven years through a time machine.”

EDWARD MURPHY STUDENTS ENJOY THE NUTCRACKER: Dreams came true and lifelong memories were made when all of the Cycle 1 students from Edward Murphy School were fortunate enough to attend Les Grands Ballets Canadiens' presentation of "The Nutcracker." In collaboration with Une école Montréalaise pour Tous, the students took part in a series of three in-school sewing and costume design workshops, in which they created the Snow Queen's costume from "The Nutcracker".  They were able to see their costume on display at the entrance of Place des Arts.  The costume will be on display throughout the run of "The Nutcracker", this holiday season. 

Spreading joy at Edward Murphy.

TWELVE DAYS OF HOLIDAY JOY: To mark 12 days before Christmas, students from Edward Murphy School in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve started spreading 12 days of holiday joy.  Their first stop was Les Jouets de Noel where they rolled up their sleeves and got to work checking gently used and new toy donations in order to make sure that they were suitable to be given as gifts to Montreal's children in need. The students volunteered two hours of their time, knowing that they would be bringing a smile to the faces of other children.  Other activities included Christmas caroling for the Canadian Forces and local law enforcement, creating and delivering of holiday cards to senior citizens as well as other volunteering in the community.  A big thank you to Mr. Spencer from Les Jouets de Noel and Edward Murphy teachers: Ms. Stacey, Ms. Anna, Ms. Dominique. Ms. Melissa and Principal Cristina Celzi, for making this experience possible.

EMSB officials join the Rosemount High Band at Gerald McShane.

GERALD McSHANE CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST:  The annual Generations Foundation Christmas Breakfast took place this year at Gerald McShane Elementary School in Montreal North. Santa Claus made an appearance and the Rosemount High School Band performed. EMSB Director General Ann Marie Matheson, Deputy Director General Benoit Duheme, Vice-Chair Sylvia Lo Bianco and Regional Directors Evelyn Alfonsi and Pela Nickelotopoulos were among those on hand as well as Generations Foundation directors Adrian and Nathalie Bercovici.
See our photo album   And see this Global TV report.

VERNISSAGE AT JAMES LYNG: Students from James Lyng High School in St. Henri have been collecting real-life stories from residents of the South West neighbourhoods of Montreal. These are: St-Henri, Little Burgundy, Pointe-St-Charles, Ville-Emard and Verdun.  Individuals range from long-time residents to new locals. The diverse scope of perspectives shared through Lives of the South West are both personal and profound. Storytellers include world-renowned jazz pianist Oliver Jones, actor and playwright Vittorio Rossi, rapper Nate Husser, New Regine-founder Setiz Taheri and many more. 

Using these stories, the students have created a multi-media exhibition in the school’s art gallery, as well as an interactive online map which will be available at www.livesofthesouthwest.com after December 21. The school invites the public to join us as they journey through the lives, neighborhoods, history and richness of the South West.  The Up Next Gallery opened in December of 2015 as part of the school’s transformation into an “Urban Arts High School.” The gallery is run by students and showcases the work of our own students, youth from other schools, community groups and professional artists.  A vernissage for the exhibition will take place on Thursday, December 21 (6:30-8:30 pm) at the Up Next Gallery at the school (5440 rue Notre-Dame O). The event is open to the public.  Please see this excellent story by Bill Brownstein in The Montreal Gazette.

FACE STUDENTS WORKING TOGETHER: Over 200 students from both the English and French sectors at FACE School (3449 University) in Downtown Montreal will unveil their interpretations of “The Four Seasons” on January 16 (4 pm).  The theme of the Four Seasons was chosen as it allows the students to think about the world around them. The project asks the students to reflect on the seasons of life and to design a mosaic panel based on this.  Judges will select the four best projects. Winning designs will subsequently be displayed at the Saint-Louis Square fountain in the Plateau (May 2018).  Set to judge the designs on January 16 are: Luc Ferrandez, Mayor of Le Plateau-Mont Royal Borough; Annie Lamarre, Principal of FACE School; and Konstatine Veliovitch, the FACE artist in residence. Simone Nichol is the teacher spearheading the project.

Community Day at John Caboto.

COMMUNITY DAY: John Caboto Academy in Ahunstic held their 11th annual Community Day recently, welcoming local families for a day of activities and celebrations to kick off the holiday season. Since 2006, local families have looked forward to the popular activities such as arts and crafts and reptile zoo as well as the chance to take professional family portraits and even spend some time with Santa. The event is always free, but the school uses the day as a way to collect non-perishable goods for the EMSB’s Spirit of Giving campaigns as well as monetary donations for the Telethon of Stars.  

MACKAY CENTRE:  Construction on a state-of-the-art facility for the Mackay Centre and Philip E. Layton Schools is well under way. The facility is being built on land located on Terrebonne Street, between Benny and Madison Avenues, in NDG. The EMSB  has owned the green space for decades. The field was under municipal custodianship and was being used as an informal playing field by the public and the neighbouring Commission scolaire de Montréal (CSDM) elementary school École Marc-Favreau.

To date, construction is more than 30 percent complete, with the heaviest work almost finished. The building’s underground infrastructure and structure are up. The current work of closing up exterior walls, installing precast concrete panels and curtain walls, will be complete shortly. Inside concrete slabs are 80 percent up, and will be completed in early January. Electrical work, plumbing, ventilation duct work, and interior walls, are being worked on, with a large portion of the work on both first and second floors in progress. The outside infrastructure drainage system is partially completed, with an anticipated finish date in the spring. The interior work will be conducted in the winter, while landscaping will begin in the early spring. Roofing dividers and membranes, and parapets are being installed. Vapor barrier, insulation and waterproofing will be completed by the end of January.

The new school will house approximately 200 students with developmental, intellectual, auditory or visual impairments and will be the only one of its kind to offer specialized educational and rehabilitative services for the Anglophone community. Its supra-regional mandate means that students from all nine Quebec English school boards will be eligible to attend this school. Some students must by travel as much as three hours per day by school bus.

MOVEMBER AT GARDENVIEW: Like many other schools, Gardenview participated in the month-long awareness campaign of Movember and raised awareness about some of the biggest health issues faced by men: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and poor mental health. It started with Vice-Principal  Gaetano Sifoni (right), shaving off his beard live from a Grade 6 classroom and throughout the month, he and Gardenview teachers, Souren Beylerian and Paul Hammett, grew moustaches to get young people and their parents talking and asking questions about these important issues. In total, the Gardenview community raised close to $1,800 for the Movember foundation.

HONORE MERCIER PODCASTS: Students at Honoré Mercier Elementary School in St. Leonard  were pretty busy during the first half of the school year, recording nine tri-lingual (English, French & Italian) podcasts about St. Léonard's most famous landmarks.

Celebrating an important achievement.

From Cafe Milano - Montreal to the Caverne de St. Léonard, plaques will soon be placed in front of these famous locations with #QRCodes, which visitors can scan with their smart phone to listen. 

PLAY IT FAIR: The EMSB’s B.A.S.E. Daycare program and Spiritual Animation Service were honoured recently with the Equitas International Centre for Human Rights Education Play it Fair award. Annually, Equitas acknowledges a Canadian organization, school or municipality with an award that promotes the advancement of human rights education. The presentation of the award coincides with National Child Day in November. The EMSB was chosen for its Supporting Children as Leaders through Play it Fair! initiative. This program is offered in 14 B.A.S.E. daycares and engages over 160 high school students via the Spiritual and Community Animation Service.  Examples of activities at EMSB schools include: videos and movie trailers on what safe and respectful places look like, a photo exhibit on children’s rights, murals in schools to welcome children, a story book on the environment and anti-bullying games.  See our press release. 

KAYLA SEGAL GRANTS: Sinclair Laird Elementary School in Park Extension and Cedarcrest Elementary School in St. Laurent are the first recipients of The Kayla Segal Sports and Wellness Grant. They have each received $875 that will be applied towards helping their students live more active lifestyles.  For Venture High School in Ville Émard, Kayla collected bathing suits, goggles, bathing caps, a couple of bags and some swimming paddles, as well as fins.  The swimming gear will be used at the pool next door to the school. The students have not used it as of yet because they did not have the equipment and many could not afford to make the purchase;   they are looking very forward to swimming! Professionally, Segal is a Financial Security Advisor and she focuses on helping people find optimal life, health and disability insurance solutions. Her passion remains competing in marathons and triathlons across the world. In order to support health and wellness programs in the EMSB, she embarked on an initiative to offer grants to two schools. Various fundraising activities were undertaken in order to raise the money, and she wants to thank everyone who helped in the process.

Kayla Segal drops by Venture to hand out gifts.

Sinclair Laird plans to use its money to create a Learn to Skate program. Physical Education and Health teacher Scott Danovitch said that they will purchase a set of ice skates and helmets aimed at Grades 4 and 5 students. Most of our students do not have the opportunity to be exposed to skating, which can be a lifelong lifestyle enhancement activity. They will skate at the Howie Morenz Arena, which is close by and organize weekly instructional lessons during school day hours. The focus will be on 10 to 12 students at a time over a six to eight week period and then repeat the same with other relatively small groups a visit is planned to Cedarcrest after the holidays. For complete details go to http://www.emsb.qc.ca/emsb/articles/kayla-segal-grants

LaurenHill Acdemy Junior Campus students pack their boxes.

SPIRIT OF GIVING: In preparation for the holidays, the EMSB once again teamed up with the Canadian Armed Forces to support CTV Montreal’s annual “Spirit of Giving” campaign, which brings much needed assistance to the less fortunate throughout Montreal.  More than 40 schools and centres took part in the campaign, as well as some community organizations.

CTV's Christine Long with Michelangelo International Princpal Marissa Mineiro, students and Santa.

Lester B. Pearson High School in Montreal North and LaurenHill Academy in St. Laurent served as the depots and main hubs for the campaign. Many of the participating EMSB schools   organized a series of events set to encourage donations, and a number of schools were featured on CTV Montreal’s mid-day and nightly news programs throughout the duration of the campaign.  Here is a video which recaps the highlights of all the CTV broadcasts.  If you click on the names of the schools below you can see the full reports.

Lester B. Pearson High School wraps things up.

The campaign began with a live broadcast from LaurenHill Academy on  December 6 and concluded with a live broadcast from Lester B. Pearson High School on December 14.  Here is a second clip.   Other schools featured were Roslyn in Westmount, Coronation in Côte des Neiges, Gerald McShane in Montreal North  and Michelangelo in RDP.

See our  photo album.

TOY TEA SUCCESS: Twenty-three participating schools managed to collect over 2,000 new toys for the 26th annual Christmas and Chanukah Toy Tea, which was held on December 6 in the Oval Room of the historic Ritz Carlton Hotel in downtown Montreal.

Willingdon students perform at the Toy Tea.

These non-violent toys will benefit more than 5,000 children who are living in 31 shelters for domestic abuse and violence, and those who benefit from other charities such as the Welcome Hall Mission, the Montreal Diet Dispensary, Tyndale St. Georges Parish, St. Willebrord’s Parish and La Rue des Femmes. This is the fifteenth year of the English Montreal School Board’s (EMSB) involvement in the Toy Tea Campaign, which is organized under the direction of   Guidance and Spiritual Community Animation Education Consultant Frank Lofeodo.

The St. Dorothy Choir performs.

The participating EMSB schools were: Willingdon, Mackay Centre School/Philip E. Layton, FOCUS  Alternative High School and Royal Vale School in N.D.G.; LaurenHill Academy Junior Campus, Gardenview School and Parkdale School in St. Laurent; Vincent Massey Collegiate in Rosemount; Dunrae Gardens School and Carlyle School in T.M.R.; John F. Kennedy High School in St. Michel; St. Dorothy School in St. Michel; St. Gabriel School in Pointe St. Charles; Edinburgh School in Montreal West; Sinclair Laird School in Park Extension; Honoré Mercier School and John Paul I Junior High School in St. Leonard; Rosemount Technology Centre; Bancroft School in Plateau Mont-Royal; and Westmount Park School. Student representatives from each school, along with their respective spiritual community animators, teachers, administrators and parent volunteers, attended the event to drop off their unwrapped donated toys and receive special certificates of participation from Erika Ludwick, the Toy Tea’s chairperson.  The event also featured the singing of Christmas carols by several private school choirs. Attendees were also treated to performances by the Willingdon, St. Dorothy and Westmount Park school choirs under the direction of, respectively, Nick Batzios, Caroline Derome and Giovanni Ruccolo.  See photo album.

Chris Nilan with Alex's family and some students.

DANCE FOR ALEX: Alex Porter-Rozmovits was a bright, loving and thriving six year old Royal Vale kindergarten student. Alex died suddenly on June 22, 2009 of a rare bacterial infection. His parents and his sisters Abby and Olivia miss him every day.  Teacher Mme. Yasmine noticed how he enjoyed dancing with his friends and with her. Royal Vale School (RVS) has hosted the “Dance for Alex” since 2010 in his memory. Every December,   elementary school students, teachers and parents gather in the gym to dance and remember their fellow student.  This year, Alex’s parents took the opportunity to give back to the community and raised over $8,000 in honour of RVS, Alex and the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation (MCCF). Funds raised will be divided equally between RVS and MCCF.  Chris Nilan, a former member of the Canadiens and a present-day host on TSN 690 Radio, was a special guest. He spoke to the students, signed autographs and even danced.

Blitzer, Ungar  and Dagenais-Adler.

MARTIAL ARTS MASTERS:  On Sunday, December 17 there was an Inner Dojo Competition at the CSL Martial Arts Studio. Royal Vale Grade 6 student  Aidyn  Dagenais-Adler took gold in all three categories for her age and level. She won the gold in kata while Grade 6 Merton School student Jayden Blitzer took home two bronze. Aidyn also won gold in girls kumite (only two girls competing in free sparring). The team of Aidyn, Jayden and their friend David  Ihaza won the gold in the team kata, brown/black category.  This took place at the new dojo (studio) of  Stacy Ungar at the Quartier Cavendish.  CSL Martial Arts teaches the arts of Shotokan Karate, Fitness Kickboxing, Tai Chi, and Qigong. Karate and kickboxing classes are taught by Sensei (teacher in Japanese) Ungar, a certified fifth dan JKA (Japan Karate Association) instructor. Tai Chi and Qigong classes are taught by Master Ted Constant. Children, adults and seniors are welcome to come and train via a free trial. Aidyn plans to continue at Royal Vale High School next year in the drama concentration. “She is full of energy and personality, is compassionate, and has the most empathic heart you will ever find in such a young girl,” says her mom Brandee.  “She also saved my own life. While nursing as a baby around 9 or 10 months of age, she bit me.  This led to my discovery of a small breast tumor which was diagnosed malignant, and a very aggressive cancer to top it off.”

Left to right Rena Entus, Aaron Prosser,  Nathalie Malhame, Wendy Cryer Frank, Mindy Spiegel, Barb Angus and Nathalie Lacroix.

EVELYN EATON AWARD: DKG Quebec's 2017 Evelyn Eaton Award was presented at Royal Vale School in NDG. Mindy Spiegel, past president of DKG Quebec and president Barb Angus,  presented the award to Nathalie Malhame and her Grade 5  colleagues for their bilingual inquiry project where students will explore what it means to be kind and compassionate Canadian and global citizens. The grant is for the purchase of French as a Second Language instructional materials


Meanwhile, Mindy and  Barb also presented the award to Melanie Mercantile (right), pre-school teacher at Gerald McShane Elementary School in Montreal North. Melanie's project focuses on learning through play. The grant will allow her to buy additional play materials for her students.

Adding to the collection.

VMC WORKS WITH COMMUNITY: Students at Vincent Massey Collegiate in Rosemount focused on the “Three S’” before the holidays: socks, shoes and sandwiches. Working with community groups, such as the Knights of Columbus, Cents Of Hope as well as Our Lady of Pompeii Elementary School in St. Michel, they created personalized care packages containing the new socks, shoes, hygiene products and holiday wishes for the season.

Topping off the packages were over 1,600 sandwiches for the city's homeless and needy.  “Projects such as this truly demonstrate the Spiritual and Community Animation service in action in our schools and communities,” said Rocco Speranza. “The project allows students to put the virtue of “kindness” into action by sharing with others and creating a day of Joy.”

BE THE CHANGE COMMITTEE: Students from VMC, many of whom belong to Spiritual and Community Animator Speranza’s Be The Change Committee, were all smiles despite giving up their day off from school recently to volunteer at St. Brendan's Food Bank.  Students prepared over 200 food baskets that also included over 400 new and personalized presents for needy families in the

Volunteering at the food bank.

community. A number of these students also volunteer their time on a monthly basis to aid with the food bank’s Brown Bag project.  “Days like today allow our students to see where the items they donate go; it is more than just dropping off the non-perishable food items in a donation box at the school,” said Mr. Speranza. “Through this activity they are more aware and more connected to the issues that families face and deal with on a daily basis. Volunteering and helping made everyone feel the importance of this, the season of light and joy.”

It was a real team effort between JFK High School and L.I.N.K.S.

MENTORING THROUGH BASKETBALL: Students at John F. Kennedy High School in St. Michel recently welcomed their peers from Literacy Independence Networking Knowledge Success (L.I.N.K.S.) High School in Ahuntsic for a day of camaraderie and basketball.  For the first time, these two schools collaborated, allowing students from L.I.N.K.S. to participate in a basketball-centric leadership and mentoring project. Over the course of one day, the students from L.I.N.K.S. worked one-on-one with JFK’s male and female student-athletes.  For their guests from L.I.N.K.S., the student-athletes were an inspiration, sharing their passion, knowledge and skills. Together, the students worked on a number of drills, shared a meal and watched a game.  To cap off a perfect day, JFK students presented their peers with a new game ball, practice jerseys and school t-shirts. The L.I.N.K.S. students left motivated to improve their skills and are eager to return in the future to demonstrate their progress.  L.I.N.K.S. is an alternative high school providing quality educational programs to students from 13 to 21 years of age who have been diagnosed with learning difficulties.

Rosemount High School students proudly display their sock collection.

SOCKS IN A BOX: Congratulations to students from Rosemount High School and Nesbitt Elementary School in Rosemount as well as Dalkeith Elementary School in Anjou collected 4,500 pairs of socks to donate to homeless shelters across Montreal. Meanwhile, the students and staff at Roslyn Elementary School in Westmount collected over 3,200 pairs of socks for homeless shelters across Montreal. See this report  on Breakfast TV.

CPR AT ROSEMOUNT: CTV News was at Rosemount High School last week to broadcast  students practicing CPR in the background. The school offers a babysitting CPR certification through its athletic leadership program.

OLD BREWERY MISSION AND WILLINGDON: The Old Brewery Mission presented this note to thank Willingdon Elementary School in NDG:

This holiday season, our hearts were particularly warmed by the staff and students of Willingdon Elementary School, who collected warm socks and also handcrafted hundreds of Christmas cards to give to our clients. I’d like to thank producer Jake Kent and his talented team, for capturing this touching moment on video. On behalf of everyone at the Old Brewery Mission, I wish to extend my deepest gratitude for your commitment to ending chronic homelessness with us. Best wishes to all for a joy-filled holiday season, and a New Year of peace and goodwill. See this video about Willingdon's efforts.

THE GOAL: Andrew Caddell’s self published book The Goal, which he co-wrote with local journalist Dave Stubbs in 2015, has been picked up by Rock Mills Press and reproduced with four new short stories, many more pictures and in colour. The Montreal West native has been a reporter and broadcaster in Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, St. John’s and Geneva, Switzerland. He recently retired from the Department of Foreign Affairs and once worked for the United Nation. He recently spoke to teacher Allie Holloway's Secondary IV English class, an eager group of students who love to write.

Andrew Caddell presents a copy of his book to the Royal West Academy Library.

Later Principal Tony Pita invited Mr. Caddell, who attended  elementary and high school in the same building decades ago, to speak to students who were involved in an elaborate United Nations debate.

THE LLOYD BARKER TOUR: Former Montreal Impact team MVP, league All-Star and Assistant coach, Lloyd Barker is available to visit schools as a motivational speaker. His talks are geared towards students aged eight and up. Lloyd's presentations combine motivational topics (perseverance, appreciation, life-lessons), with an emphasis on the importance of staying in school, as well as training and wellness tips. The duration is between 60 and 75 minutes, and includes an autograph session opportunity at the end.   He suggests that schools combine the classes into one big group and assemble in the gymnasium for the presentation. Mornings are preferential. It should be noted, Lloyd's presentation and format is similar to the one he spearheaded with the Montreal Impact when they launched their stay in school program back in 2006. He was the lead speaker for six years and it was an extremely well received program.  There is no cost for Lloyd’s talk. He is asking that the school allows him to distribute flyers for his new soccer academy to students in attendance who might be interested.  Lloyd's professional career began at the young age of 17 years when he signed his first pro contract with the Ottawa Intrepid of the Canadian Soccer League (CSL). Along with playing for the Jamaican National Team, Lloyd also played 10 seasons with the Montreal Impact. Since then, he has been involved in the game at every level in North America and is now one of Canada's most respected soccer minds. Lloyd's extensive playing, coaching and broadcasting experience, has provided him with a high level of knowledge that is not matched by many in Canada.  Thus far he has enjoyed very successful visits to two elementary schools – Roslyn in Westmount and Honoré-Mercier in St. Léonard. You can find out more about his academy at www.best11academy.com.    Lloyd can be reached at lloydbarker11@yahoo.com.

GREAT WAR EDUCATION PROJECT: Last year The Royal Montreal Regiment Museum started collaborating with Chantal Clabrough (a teacher at Westmount High) to create materials to teach about the First World War to Secondary  IV and V students. The result of this co-creation between the Museum and a dynamic educator is the Great War Education Project, a series of five independent units, each comprised of a turnkey teacher and student guides, some with an accompanying presentation (https://rmrmuseum.com/educational-resources/). To complement those units, workshops have been created so that teachers can invite the museum staff in their classroom to lead a hands-on activity featuring artifacts from the Museum’s collection (https://rmrmuseum.com/museum-activities). The idea behind this whole project is to provide an opportunity to question history through stimulating projects and anchor Montreal’s and Westmount’s local history in the broader scope of a global conflict whose legacy is still relevant today.

STUDENT SERVICES UPDATE:  The EMSB Student Services  Department welcomes psychiatrist Dr. Anthony Gifuni to the team   He will provide in-school consultation services as well as consultation services to EMSB psychologists and guidance counsellors. In light of the significant increase in the number of students exhibiting severe behavioural difficulties, anxiety, depressive or eating disorders, self-harming or disruptive behaviours, suicidal tendencies, etc, the Student Services Department felt it timely and important, to bring a psychiatrist on board.  Dr. Gifuni, who will be available for up to a maximum of 10 hours per month, is currently serving as a psychiatric consultant at Concordia University and is conducting research at the Douglas Hospital.

Dr. Anthony Gifuni

All EMSB principals have been sent an in-school Psychiatric Consultation Referral Form. Psychologists and guidance counsellors, in collaboration with their respective school principals, are invited to submit a referral form when they require a consult with Dr. Gifuni. He will meet with the team in question and offer support and guidance on how best to care for the student in question. All requests for service will be examined and prioritized based on the severity and urgency of the presenting problem. Completed referral forms can be sent to Lew Lewis, Director, Student Services Department at llewis@emsb.qc.ca. For further information contact Lew at 7308.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: The Educational and Technology Services Department (ETS) presented many opportunities for professional development to all the youth sector teachers during the months of October and November.  Every Friday in October was dedicated to the traditional October “à la carte” Ped Days. This meant that teachers were able to choose  two workshops from over 40  that were offered each day. On October 6 and 13, ETS welcomed the teachers of the East Sector, first elementary and then secondary, at Lester B Pearson High School. On October 20, Marymount Academy International was the location of the workshops for the elementary West Sector teachers. Finally, the last of these Ped Days, on October 27, was hosted by LaurenHill Academy for secondary teachers of the West Sector.  There were between 300 to 450 teachers in attendance on each one of the days. Also in attendance were in-school administrators and board administrators.

Students help at registration.

During the online registration process teachers were asked to select two workshops per day. These workshops were led by educational consultants of the ETS Department as well as external professionals from the Ministry of Education and other domains and fields of interest.  “We really have to hand it to our team this year,” stated Athina Galanogeorgos, Assistant Director of ETS  and organizer of the Board-wide and Regional Ped days. “Our fall workshops were pretty intense in that the November Ped Days started almost immediately after the October Days had finished. By the end of November we had run 10 full Ped Days! We would like to thank everyone involved, especially the leadership students of our hosting schools for their warm welcome and exceptional work ethic. They were all so invested in the success of our day and it showed.”

Staff gather at Lester B. Pearson High School.

In November, the ETS Department focused on the first part of Common Formative Assessment. Six training days were organized by sector, by level and by subject area. The training took place in various schools and conference centres and the days were met with much appreciation from the participants who felt it was relevant and efficient. The presenters were our subject specific consultants who will also be presenting the second part of Common Formative Assessment in March and April 2018.  

CPAC ROUTE 338: CPAC, the Parliamentary TV channel, has launched a new literacy initiative. CPAC Route 338 is an innovative resource which provides a virtual trip across Canada allowing Internet users to learn more about our political history, the functioning of Parliament, the role of their representatives and the importance of citizens’ political participation. This democratic literacy project has three key components: The Route 338 website, which profiles and showcases all of Canada’s 338 federal ridings through photos, fast facts and videos from CPAC’s extensive archives;  a series of giant floor maps detailing Canada’s 338 ridings, developed in partnership with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society; and  a series of 11 curriculum-linked learning activities designed to help teach students from primary to senior levels about the many facets of a democratic society. You can see the website by following this link of Route 338. Teachers can reserve the Giant Floor Map by clicking on this address: education.canadiangeographic.ca. 

It was a successful Bingo Night.

BINGO AT CARLYLE: The second annual  Family Bingo Night  at Carlyle Elementary School in TMR raised $10,000 for the school’s STEAM program. “We had a great beginning of the year and Carlyle is full steam ahead,” said Principal Sabrina Petrocco. “We’re thriving as a school community.” About 330 parents, friends and students from the school took part in the fundraiser held in the gym. It was hosted by Montreal based comedian and Shadd Business and Health Centre Principal Joe Cacchione, who has given generously of his time over the years to help raise funds for education related causes

HECHT SCHOLARSHIPS:   Applications are now being accepted for the Riva and Thomas O Hecht Scholarship, Teaching of the Holocaust for Educators, for the 2018 summer session.  This year,   four scholarships to the Belfer Conference in Washington D.C. will be provided.  These two three-day conferences will take place between July 23- and 28.   Here is the application.

ADULT EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL SERVICES

Ann Marie Matheson, Rosario Ortona and Angela Mancini learn about the automobile mechanics program.

NEW CENTRE: The EMSB marked the opening of a new vocational training facility that specializes in Welding & Fitting and Automobile Mechanics on   November 3 in St. Leonard.  EMSB Chairman Angela Mancini   credited the professionals of the board’s Adult Education and Vocational Services Department for their vision and commitment to offering the best vocational education to students. EMSB professionals who contributed to the successful completion of this two-year long project recognized were Cosmo Della Rocca, regional director for Adult and Vocational Education; Daniel Hogue, director of Material Resources and project manager; Mario Argiropoulos, assistant director of Vocational Education, who took on a special leadership role as assistant project manager; Lino Buttino, principal of Laurier Macdonald Vocational Centre; Harry Michalopoulos, principal of Rosemount Technology Centre; Sulaman Khan, vice-principal of the new Des Grandes Prairies facility; Frank Di Tirro, teacher and program coordinator for the Automobile Mechanics program; and Robert Martin, teacher for the Welding & Fitting program. Officials in attendance included: Sylvia Lo Bianco, vice-chairman and commissioner for Ahuntsic, Montreal North; Me Patricia Lattanzio, city councillor and commissioner for St. Leonard; Rosario Ortona, chairman of the AEVS Advisory Committee and commissioner for Anjou, Mercier, Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie; Me Joe Ortona, commissioner for Rivière-des-Prairies, Pointe-aux Trembles; Mordecai Antal, commissioner for Côte-des-Neiges, Snowdon, Outremont, Mount-Royal, Park Extension; Joseph Lalla, commissioner for Montreal West, Notre-Dame-de-Grace; Julien Feldman, commissioner for Westmount, Sud-Ouest, Ville-Marie West; Bernard Praw, commissioner for Hampstead, Côte Saint-Luc; James Kromida, commissioner for Saint Laurent; Agostino Cannavino, commissioner for St-Michel, Villeray, Plateau Mont Royal, Ville-Marie East; Mario Bentrovato, parent commissioner, secondary schools; Joanne Charron, parent commissioner-ACSES; Norm Gharibian, parent commissioner; Jason Trudeau, parent commissioner–elementary schools; Lisa Christensen, city councillor for Rivière des Prairies; Director General  Ann Marie Matheson; Deputy Director General  Benoît Duhême; and Regional Directors Pela Nickoletopoulos and Evelyne Alfonsi. See the complete press release here. See  the photo album  here. 

Students in welding.

PIUS REACHES OUT:   Chef Derek Curzi and some of his students from St. Pius X Career Centre organized and prepared over 600 meals for the less fortunate. On December 10, hundreds gathered at Marché Bonsecours, in Old Montreal to enjoy the delicious meals prepared by Pius students and their chef instructor.

Father John Walsh holds this event every year, and this was the third in which the Pius Culinary Institute was happy to lend a hand to those in need. The holiday season sparks in everyone the desire to extend warmth and kindness, especially to those facing hardship, and the community at Pius is always happy to do its share.  

JFK ADULT CENTRE PROFILE:  John F. Kennedy Adult Education Centre (JFKAC) in St. Michel has introduced an enriching twist to the academic experience with some unique option courses.  In addition to the traditional courses of English French as a Second Language, math, sciences and history, Principal Elizabeth Lagodich and Vice-Principal Darlene Kehyayan are striving to make adult education at JFK supportive and holistic, fostering an environment that provides students with every opportunity to succeed. They take a personal approach to issues that arise, and keep students connected to the school and to themselves.

This fall, an Outdoor Education course took learning beyond the classroom.   Building Resilience offers students ways to find balance in their lives. New meditation and mindfulness workshops provide students the space to explore self-awareness and in turn, enhance their learning experience.  Students can learn 3D animation, Photoshop, Excel and other skills in computer lab courses On-site tutoring for French, math, and science is available. JFKAC is proud of their Social Integrations Services (SIS) students. The course offerings for SIS include pet therapy, with a certified dog from St. John’s Ambulance, and music therapy. A new TED talk concept lunch series “Just for Knowledge” will begin in the New Year.    See the full press release. For more information about the school log on to http://www.jfkac.ca or call 514-374-2888.

ÉDITION DU 21 DÉCEMBRE 2017 / BULLETIN DE LA CSEM

ACTION COLLECTIVE : Les cinq commissions scolaires de l’île de Montréal, francophones et anglophones, ont tenu une conférence de presse conjointe le 30 novembre à l’école secondaire John F. Kennedy à Saint-Michel pour sonner l’alarme quant à une situation intenable qui compromet l’avenir de l’école publique et l’égalité des chances de réussir pour les élèves. Ensemble, elles ont réclamé un débat de fond au sujet de la portée de la gratuité scolaire dans la société québécoise. Selon leurs dirigeants, il est urgent de remettre les besoins des élèves au centre du débat pour faciliter leur réussite dans une école publique vivante, stimulante et à l’image de notre société d’aujourd’hui. La gratuité scolaire telle que définie par la Loi sur l’instruction publique est au cœur du problème. Cette loi prévoit que les services éducatifs ainsi que les manuels et le matériel didactique, doivent être gratuits, à l’exception de certaines catégories de matériel et d’objets qui échappent à ce principe. Nous vous invitons à consulter le communiqué.

IN MEMORIAM : Janice Lacroix, ex-conseillère en communication à la CSEM bien-aimée de tous, est décédée le 30 novembre à l’Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont. Elle laissera sans contredit un grand vide autour d’elle. Janice laisse dans le deuil son époux Robert Lacroix, ses enfants Robert (Joanne) et Jennifer (Oreste), ses petits-enfants Adrien et Benjamin, ses sœurs Jo-Ann (Martin) et Jean (Gordon), ainsi que son beau-frère André. Sa fille Jennifer est enseignante à l’école primaire Pierre Elliott Trudeau. Janice avait été invitée à assister à la conférence de presse organisée par la CSEM en janvier dernier pour dévoiler son initiative STIAM. Elle était très fière des réalisations de Jennifer. La famille tient à remercier le département d’oncologie de l’Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont pour son appui tout au long de la maladie de Janice. Des dons commémoratifs peuvent être versés au Centre intégré de cancérologie de Maisonneuve-Rosemont.

INTIMIDATION : Julie René de  Cotret et Daphna Leibovici des Services aux élèves de la CSEM ont été les invitées du segment Focus Montreal de Global TV afin de parler d’intimidation avec Jamie Orchard. Nous vous invitons à visionner la vidéo.
https://vimeo.com/245805322.

DES HONNEURS POUR M. KATALIFOS: Nicholas Katalifos, directeur de l’école primaire Roslyn à Westmount, s’est vu remettre récemment la médaille du 150e anniversaire du Sénat du Canada pour ses services publics, lors d’une cérémonie à la Chambre du Sénat à Ottawa. Le sénateur Leo Housakos a soumis la candidature de M. Katalifos pour la médaille du Sénat du Canada dans le cadre du 150e anniversaire du Sénat. Cet honneur lui a été remis par le sénateur Housakos et le président du Sénat du Canada, M. George Furey. M. Katalifos a été honoré en reconnaissance de ses services exceptionnels au pays et à l’endroit des Canadiennes et Canadiens, notamment ses 27 années de carrière dans le domaine de l’éducation à la Commission scolaire English-Montréal, son implication au sein de la communauté grecque et ses fervents efforts pour offrir de meilleurs services aux autistes.

M. Katalifos a été directeur des écoles primaires Pierre de Coubertin et Général Vanier à Saint-Léonard, ainsi que directeur adjoint de l’école primaire Gardenview à Saint-Laurent et de l’école secondaire Westmount. Il a enseigné à l’Académie LaurenHill et a œuvré comme agent de liaison à la Division de l’éducation multiculturelle et multiraciale des Services aux communautés. À titre de président de l’école À pas de géant et du Centre de ressources, M. Katalifos participe à leur projet de villes inclusives. Nous vous invitons à consulter le communiqué.

PRIX HSBC POUR UN ÉLÈVE DE ST. DOROTHY: Angelo Varuzza, élève à l’école primaire St. Dorothy à Saint-Michel, a remporté récemment le prix HSBC Future Leaders. Son école et le Club des petits déjeuners du Canada avaient présenté sa candidature. La Banque HSBC a versé 1 million de dollars depuis trois ans au profit des programmes de déjeuner dans cinq villes au Canada. Angelo figure parmi les sept lauréats au pays à s’être mérité une trousse de reconnaissance pour l’appuyer dans ses études. Une somme de 1 000 $ a été déposée dans un compte d’épargne à intérêt élevé HSBC à son nom et il a également remporté un voyage à Toronto, toutes dépenses payées, pour assister à une conférence où Chris Hadfield était le conférencier invité. La directrice Sandra Léveillé a déclaré qu’Angelo a été sélectionné parce que ses contributions ont eu une incidence positive tant dans son milieu scolaire qu’au sein de la communauté de Montréal-Nord. À l’école, Angelo se montre bienveillant. Il se porte souvent bénévole pour aider ses enseignants à la récréation, dans la classe ou ailleurs dans l’école. Il donne également de son temps à la boulangerie de ses parents à Montréal-Nord en y effectuant des corvées quotidiennes. De plus, il participe à la préparation de repas pour les itinérants de son quartier. Marco DeCrescentis, éducateur en services de garde, a soumis la candidature d’Angelo.

ON NE JOUE PAS AVEC LES DROITS: Le programme B.A.S.E. des services de garde et le service d’animation spirituelle de la CSEM ont récemment remporté le prix Play it Fair décerné par le Centre international Equitas d’éducation aux droits humains. Tous les ans, Equitas remet un prix à un organisme, une école ou une municipalité au Canada qui contribue à l’avancement de l’éducation en matière des droits de l’homme. Cet honneur coïncide avec la Journée nationale de l’enfant en novembre. La CSEM a été sélectionnée pour son programme Supporting Children as Leaders Through Play it Fair! qui est offert dans 14 services de garde B.A.S.E. et auquel participent plus de 160 élèves du secondaire par l’entremise du service d’animation de vie spirituelle et d’engagement communautaire. Voici quelques-unes des activités proposées dans les écoles de la CSEM : des vidéos et bandes-annonces qui illustrent à quoi ressemblent des endroits respectueux et sécuritaires, une exposition photographique sur les droits des enfants, des murales dans les écoles pour accueillir les enfants, un livre d’histoire sur l’environnement et des jeux sur la prévention de l’intimidation. Nous vous invitons à consulter le communiqué.

CENTRE MACKAY: La construction des installations ultramodernes du Centre Mackay et de l’école Philip E. Layton va bon train sur la rue Terrebonne, entre les avenues Benny et Madison, à NDG. La CSEM est propriétaire du terrain depuis des dizaines d’années, mais il était sous la responsabilité de la Ville et utilisé comme terrain de jeu informel par la communauté et l’école primaire Marc-Favreau de la Commission scolaire de Montréal (CSDM) qui se trouve à proximité.

À l’heure actuelle, la construction est complétée à environ 30 % et les travaux lourds sont presque terminés. Les infrastructures souterraines sont en place et la structure du bâtiment a été érigée. La fermeture des murs extérieurs, l’installation des panneaux de béton préfabriqués et des murs-rideaux seront bientôt finalisées. À l’intérieur, 80 % des dalles de béton sont en place, et le tout sera complété au début janvier. Les travaux d’électricité, de plomberie, de conduits de ventilation et les murs intérieurs sont en cours, principalement au rez-de-chaussée et à l’étage. Les canalisations d’évacuation à l’extérieur du bâtiment sont partiellement terminées et devraient être complétées au printemps. Les travaux à l’intérieur se dérouleront tout au long de l’hiver, et l’aménagement paysager débutera tôt au printemps. Sur la toiture, l’installation des murets de séparation, des parapets et des membranes est en cours. La pose des pare-vapeur, de l’isolant et l’imperméabilisation auront lieu à la fin de janvier.

Le bâtiment accueillera quelque 200 élèves ayant des troubles du développement, ou une déficience visuelle, auditive ou intellectuelle. Ce sera la seule école à offrir des services d’adaptation scolaire et de réadaptation à la communauté anglophone au Québec et tous les élèves des neuf commissions scolaires anglophones du Québec y auront accès. Certains d’entre eux devront consacrer jusqu’à trois heures par jour au transport scolaire.

BOURSES KAYLA SEGAL: L’école primaire Sinclair Laird dans Parc-Extension et l’école primaire Cedarcrest à Saint-Laurent sont les toutes premières récipiendaires de la Bourse Kayla Segal pour le sport et le mieux-être. Chacune a reçu une somme de 875 $ qui servira à aider les élèves à adopter un style de vie plus actif. Par ailleurs, Kayla a recueilli pour l’école secondaire Venture à Ville-Émard des maillots de bain, des lunettes de natation, des casques de bain, quelques sacs de sport et planches de natation, ainsi que des palmes. Cet équipement sera utilisé dans la piscine située à côté de l’école. Les élèves n’en ont pas encore profité parce que plusieurs d’entre eux n’avaient pas les articles nécessaires, faute de moyens pour se les procurer. Ils sont très emballés à l’idée d’aller se baigner! Madame Segal est conseillère en sécurité financière et propose à ses clients des solutions optimales en matière d’assurance vie, santé et invalidité. Toutefois, sa véritable passion c’est de participer à des marathons et triathlons aux quatre coins du monde. Dans le but d’appuyer les programmes axés sur la santé et le mieux-être à la CSEM, elle a lancé une initiative visant à octroyer des bourses à deux écoles. Elle a organisé diverses activités de financement en vue d’amasser ces fonds et tient à remercier pour leur appui tout ceux et celles qui y ont pris part.

L’école Sinclair Laird compte utiliser cette somme pour créer un programme d’initiation au patinage. L’enseignant d’éducation physique et de santé, Scott Danovitch, a indiqué que l’école fera l’achat de patins et de casques destinés aux élèves de 4e et 5e années. La plupart de nos élèves n’ont pas la chance d’être exposés au patinage, une activité susceptible de contribuer à l’amélioration de leur mode de vie. Ils patineront à l’Aréna Howie Morenz situé à proximité de l’école. Des cours de patinage hebdomadaires seront organisés pendant les heures de cours. Ils se dérouleront sur une période de 6 à 8 semaines, à raison d’un petit groupe composé de 10 à 12 élèves à la fois, jusqu’à ce que tous les élèves de ces deux niveaux aient eu leur tour. Une visite à l’école Cedarcrest est prévue après les Fêtes.

CAMPAGNE ANNUELLE SPIRIT OF GIVING: À l’approche des Fêtes, la CSEM a fait équipe de nouveau avec les Forces armées canadiennes afin d’appuyer la campagne annuelle Spirit of Giving de CTV Montréal dont la mission vise à venir en aide aux plus démunis de la région de Montréal. Plus de 40 écoles et centres ont participé à cette campagne, de même que certains organismes communautaires. L’école secondaire Lester B. Pearson à Montréal-Nord ainsi que l’Académie LaurenHill à Saint-Laurent ont servi de dépôts et de quartiers généraux pour la campagne. Bon nombre d’écoles participantes de la CSEM ont organisé une série d’activités en vue de recueillir des dons. En outre, certaines écoles ont été à l’honneur dans le cadre des bulletins de nouvelles de CTV Montréal diffusés en après-midi et en soirée tout au long de cette campagne. La campagne, qui a débuté avec une émission diffusée en direct de l'Académie LaurenHill  (https://vimeo.com/246271995) le mercredi 6 décembre, s’est conclue avec une autre émission, cette fois-ci en direct de l’école secondaire Lester B. Pearson le jeudi 14 décembre. Les autres écoles ayant participé à ces bulletins de nouvelles sont Roslyn à Westmount (https://vimeo.com/246502799), Coronation à Côte-des-Neiges (https://vimeo.com/246451506), Gerald McShane à Montréal-Nord (https://vimeo.com/246976533) et Michelangelo à RDP (https://vimeo.com/247148397).

ACTIVITÉ DANCE FOR ALEX: Alex Porter-Rozmovits était un brillant petit garçon de six ans, affectueux et épanoui, qui fréquentait la maternelle de l’école Royal Vale. Il est décédé subitement le 22 juin 2009 des suites d’une rare infection bactérienne. Ses parents et ses sœurs Abby et Olivia pensent à lui tous les jours. L'enseignante madame Yasmine avait remarqué combien il aimait danser avec ses amis et avec elle. Depuis 2010, l’école Royal Vale organise l’activité « Dance for Alex » en sa mémoire. Chaque année, en décembre, des élèves, enseignants et parents d’écoles primaires se réunissent dans le gymnase afin de danser et de se remémorer Alex. Cette année, les parents d’Alex ont voulu redonner à la communauté. Ainsi, ils ont recueilli plus de 8 000 $ en l’honneur d’Alex et au profit de l’école Royal Vale et de la Fondation des Canadiens pour l’enfance. Les fonds amassés seront partagés également entre Royal Vale et la Fondation des Canadiens pour l’enfance. Chris Nilan, ex-joueur des Canadiens de Montréal et animateur de l’émission de radio TSN 690, a pris part à la collecte de fonds Dance for Alex. Il s’est adressé aux élèves, a signé des autographes et y est même allé de quelques pas de danse.

DES BAS EN CADEAU: Félicitations aux élèves de l’école secondaire Rosemont et de l’école primaire Nesbitt à Rosemont, ainsi qu’aux élèves de l’école primaire Dalkeith à Anjou qui ont amassé 4 500 paires de bas qu’ils ont remis à des refuges pour sans-abri dans la région de Montréal.

LA TOURNÉE DE LLOYD BARKER: Ex-joueur le plus utile de l’Impact de Montréal, joueur étoile de la ligue et ancien entraîneur-adjoint, Lloyd Barker visite des écoles à titre de conférencier motivateur. Ses exposés s’adressent aux élèves âgés de huit ans et plus. Ses présentations portent à la fois sur des thèmes de motivation (persévérance, appréciation, leçons de vie), sur l’importance de ne pas abandonner l’école, de même que sur l’entraînement et le bien-être. La durée de la présentation est de 60 à 75 minutes, suivie d’une séance d’autographes. Il suggère aux écoles de regrouper les groupes dans le gymnase pour la présentation. Il anime les présentations en matinée, de préférence. Il est à noter que la présentation de M. Barker s’apparente à celle qu’il a animée pour l’Impact de Montréal lorsque le club a procédé au lancement de son programme de persévérance scolaire en 2006. Il en fut le principal conférencier pendant six ans. Ce programme a remporté un franc succès. Il offre ses services à titre gratuit. En retour, il demande simplement à l’école de lui permettre de distribuer aux élèves présents des dépliants de sa nouvelle académie de soccer. La carrière professionnelle de Lloyd a débuté dès l’âge de 17 ans lorsqu’il a signé son premier contrat professionnel avec l’Intrepid d’Ottawa de la Ligue canadienne de soccer (LCS). En plus de jouer pour l’équipe nationale de la Jamaïque, Lloyd a joué dix saisons avec l’Impact de Montréal. Depuis, il a été impliqué dans ce sport à tous les niveaux en Amérique du Nord et est aujourd’hui reconnu comme l’un des grands du soccer au Canada. Fort de sa longue carrière comme joueur, entraîneur et commentateur, il possède une vaste expertise peu commune au Canada. Jusqu’à présent, il a été accueilli chaleureusement dans deux écoles primaires : Roslyn à Westmount et Honoré Mercier à Saint-Léonard.  Pour en savoir davantage sur son académie, visitez le www.best11academy.com.   
Vous pouvez communiquer avec Lloyd par courrier électronique à lloydbarker11@yahoo.com.

CPAC ROUTE 338: CPAC, la chaîne télé d’affaires publiques, a lancé une nouvelle initiative de littératie. CPAC Route 338 est une ressource novatrice qui propose un voyage virtuel au Canada pour permettre aux utilisateurs d’Internet d’en apprendre davantage sur notre histoire politique, le fonctionnement du Parlement, le rôle des représentants ainsi que l’importance de la participation politique des citoyens. Ce projet de littératie démocratique comporte trois volets : le site Web Route 338, qui dresse le portrait des 338 circonscriptions fédérales au Canada par l’entremise de photos, faits saillants et vidéos tirés provenant des archives de la CPAC; une série de cartes-tapis géantes illustrant les 338 circonscriptions canadiennes, conçues en partenariat avec la Société géographique royale du Canada; de même qu’une série de 11 activités pédagogiques liées au programme scolaire qui familiariseront les élèves du niveau primaire jusqu’au niveau supérieur avec les multiples facettes de la société démocratique. Voici le lien pour visiter le site Web : Route 338. Les enseignants peuvent emprunter la carte-tapis géante à l’adresse suivante : education.canadiangeographic.ca.

SERVICES DE L’ÉDUCATION DES ADULTES 

ET DE LA FORMATION PROFESSIONNELLE

UN NOUVEAU CENTRE: La CSEM a célébré l’ouverture d’un nouveau centre de formation professionnelle spécialisé en soudure-montage et en mécanique automobile. La cérémonie d’inauguration a eu lieu le 3 novembre à Saint-Léonard. La présidente de la CSEM Angela Mancini a tenu à souligner la vision et l’engagement des professionnels des Services de l’éducation des adultes et de la formation professionnelle à offrir aux élèves la meilleure formation professionnelle qui soit. Ces professionnels de la CSEM qui ont contribué à la réalisation de ce projet échelonné sur deux années sont : Cosmo Della Rocca, directeur régional – Services de l’éducation des adultes et de la formation professionnelle; Daniel Hogue, directeur du Service des ressources matérielles et gestionnaire de projet; Mario Argiropoulos, directeur adjoint – Formation professionnelle, qui a joué un rôle de premier plan en tant que gestionnaire adjoint du projet; Lino Buttino, directeur du Centre de formation professionnelle Laurier Macdonald; Harry Michalopoulos, directeur du Centre de technologie de Rosemont; Sulaman Khan, directeur adjoint du nouveau centre des Grandes-Prairies; Frank Di Tirro, enseignant et coordonnateur du programme de mécanique automobile; et Robert Martin, enseignant pour le programme de soudure-montage.

Parmi les hauts responsables ayant assisté à la cérémonie, mentionnons : Sylvia Lo Bianco, vice-présidente et commissaire dans Ahuntsic et Montréal-Nord; Me Patricia Lattanzio, conseillère municipale et commissaire dans Saint-Léonard; Rosario Ortona, président du comité consultatif SÉAPF et commissaire dans Anjou, Mercier, Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie; Me Joe Ortona, commissaire dans Rivière-des-Prairies, Pointe-aux-Trembles; Mordecai Antal, commissaire dans Côte-des-Neiges, Snowdon, Outremont, Mont-Royal, Parc-Extension; Joseph Lalla, commissaire dans Montréal-Ouest, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce; Julien Feldman, commissaire dans Westmount, Sud-Ouest, Ville-Marie Ouest; Bernard Praw, commissaire dans Hampstead, Côte Saint-Luc; James Kromida, commissaire dans Saint-Laurent; Agostino Cannavino, commissaire dans Saint-Michel, Villeray, Plateau Mont-Royal, Ville-Marie Est; Mario Bentrovato, commissaire-parent, écoles secondaires; Joanne Charron, commissaire-parent, ACSAQ; Norm Gharibian, commissaire-parent; Jason Trudeau, commissaire-parent, écoles primaires; Lisa Christensen, conseillère municipale dans Rivière-des-Prairies; la directrice générale de la CSEM Ann Marie Matheson; le directeur général adjoint Benoît Duhême ainsi que les directrices régionales Pela Nickoletopoulos et Evelyn Alfonsi. Nous vous invitons à lire l’intégral du communiqué : http://www.emsb.qc.ca/emsb_en/media_en/onepressrelease.asp?id=4047.
Consulter l’album photos : https://photos.app.goo.gl/rRq6iv51aZzfRDFi1

CENTRE DES ADULTES JFK: Le Centre d’éducation des adultes John F. Kennedy à Saint-Michel a enrichi son curriculum de cours optionnels uniques fort intéressants. Outre les cours traditionnels qui y sont offerts – anglais; français, langue seconde; mathématiques; sciences et histoire –, la directrice Elizabeth Lagodich et la directrice adjointe Darlene Kehyayan s’efforcent de faire de l’enseignement une expérience holistique et solidaire au sein d’un environnement propice à la réussite des élèves. Elles préconisent une approche personnalisée face aux difficultés rencontrées et font en sorte que les élèves restent centrés sur l’école et sur eux-mêmes.

Cet automne, un cours d’éducation a été organisé en plein air. Accroître la résilience aide les élèves à trouver un équilibre dans leur vie. Les nouveaux ateliers de méditation et de pleine conscience permettent aux élèves d’explorer la prise de conscience de soi qui contribue à enrichir leur expérience d’apprentissage. Ils peuvent choisir des cours d’animation en 3D, Photoshop, Excel et acquérir d’autres aptitudes grâce à des cours dispensés dans le laboratoire informatique. Des services de tutorat sont offerts sur place pour les matières suivantes : français, mathématiques et sciences. Le Centre d’éducation des adultes John F. Kennedy est fier de ses élèves des services d’intégration sociale (SIS). Au nombre des cours offerts à ces élèves figurent : la zoothérapie, avec un chien certifié de l’Ambulance Saint-Jean, ainsi que la musicothérapie. Un nouveau concept « Just for Knowledge » (TED Talk) verra le jour en 2018. Pour de plus amples renseignements au sujet de l’école, visitez le http://www.jfkac.ca ou composez le 514 374-2888.

The next Focus will be published on January 26.   Submissions should be made to Michael J. Cohen preferably by e-mail (mcohen@emsb.qc.ca)   by January 19 at Noon.

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