SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS: The next
school board elections will take place on November 2, 2014. In the case of the
EMSB, voting will take place for a chairman and 10 commissioners. You can see the precise electoral divisions here. We are encouraging all voters who may be on
the French school board electoral list who wish to be transferred to the
English list to fill out and submit this form. This is an appeal to our parents to help us get their
relatives, friends and children over 18, on the EMSB Electoral List.
The EMSB has produced a special election brochure. It is posted here on the EMSB website. Glossy copies will be printed and sent to the schools for students, staff and the public residing in the area.
EMSB IN THE MEDIA: The EMSB would like to point readers to the media clippings section of our website where we provide links to newspaper articles about our Board or relevant to the local education system. You can watch them here. The EMSB posts links to television and radio reports, as well as videos produced in-house on our website. EMSB TV is hosted by Vimeo and we have sections for EMSB TV Coverage, EMSB Videos and others.
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| Andrew Carter, Principal Robert Di Marco, a teacher and students. |
CTV AD CAMPAIGN: The EMSB’s unprecedented television advertising campaign on CTV for the high school sector has been running throughout the month of September and met with loud applause. Five commercials feature students grouped by schools: Royal West (Matthew Almengo-Raymond) and Vincent Massey (Beatrice Dupont);John Paul I (Jason Carnevale) Laurier Macdonald (Divya Aery) and Marymount Academy International (Alexandra Sarmiento); John F. Kennedy (Veronica Melo Martins) and Lester B. Pearson ( Justin Terassi); Rosemount (Vanessa Aparicio), FACE (Yocoyani Badillo-Amberg), James Lyng (Iyanla Simmons); Westmount (Tanjena Akhter), LaurenHill (Sarah Vacante) and Royal Vale (Joshua Adam Werber). You can see the commercials here.
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| Host Dave Kaufman with Jason Carnevale and Divya Aery on the air. |
Divya Aery and Jason Carnevale, along with Principal Luigi Santamaria and teacher Stephanie Moro, were guests on
the CJAD show The Exchange, with host Dave Kaufman, on September 18. They spoke
about their own schools, the benefits of the International Baccalaureate
Program and what it was like to record TV commercials. You can hear the broadcast on the same EMSB Radio link as above.
EMSB BUDGET: The EMSB has adopted its 2014-2015 Operating, Capital Investment and Debt service budget for the 2014-2015 academic year. This budget reflects the $1.4 million deficit reflected in the three year equilibrium plan approved in December 2013, in addition to the $3.8 million in Ministry of Education, Leisure and Sports (MELS) budgetary compressions for 2014-2015. This $5.2 million deficit budget incorporates additional revenues from the Adult Education and Vocational Services (AEVS) sector, staffing reductions for a total of $800,000, and a decrease in enrolment of approximately 250 students. The budget is within the MELS authorized limits, but there is a requirement to deposit a new equilibrium plan which foresees a balanced budget by 2016-2017. This will be completed by December 2014.
EMSB BUDGET: The EMSB has adopted its 2014-2015 Operating, Capital Investment and Debt service budget for the 2014-2015 academic year. This budget reflects the $1.4 million deficit reflected in the three year equilibrium plan approved in December 2013, in addition to the $3.8 million in Ministry of Education, Leisure and Sports (MELS) budgetary compressions for 2014-2015. This $5.2 million deficit budget incorporates additional revenues from the Adult Education and Vocational Services (AEVS) sector, staffing reductions for a total of $800,000, and a decrease in enrolment of approximately 250 students. The budget is within the MELS authorized limits, but there is a requirement to deposit a new equilibrium plan which foresees a balanced budget by 2016-2017. This will be completed by December 2014.
THE ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE: The 2014-2015 academic year began on September 2 at the EMSB with Chairman Angela Mancini and Vice-Chairman Sylvia Lo Bianco embracing the Ice Bucket Challenge at Roslyn Elementary School in Westmount. Not only did Ms. Mancini take the Ice Bucket Challenge at the school. She also introduced an educational program about ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease.” ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. Diane Tkalec, a spokesperson for the ALS Society of Quebec and a nurse by profession, spoke to students about the disease which took the life of her husband seven years ago. Teachers are being encouraged to download educational materials at http://sla-quebec.ca/support_and_services_youth.php for the classroom. Donations should be directed to http://sla-quebec.ca. Many schools have done their own Ice Bucket Challenges already, as did EMSB Director General Robert Stocker.
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| Angela Mancini gets iced. |
Galileo Adult Education Centre raised $700
for the cause when Principal Martina
Schiavone stepped up and accepted the challenge from Vice Chair and
commissioner for Montreal North Sylvia Lo Bianco. Ms. Schiavone challenged her teachers and staff. Students
and staff purchased raffle tickets and if their ticket was drawn they had the
honor of dumping the bucket of water on our heads. You can see many of these challenges on EMSB TV.
ALOUETTES
GAMES: Tickets for two upcoming Montreal Alouettes games
(October 13 and November 2) are available at the very special prices of $13,
$15 and $20. One dollar from each ticket sold will go to Inspirations Newspaper
while another dollar will be directed towards Roslyn Elementary School. Log on here.
MOURNING
THE LOSS OF A STUDENT: It is with a heavy heart that the EMSB
community mourns the sudden passing of 14-year-old Brandy Gerro, a student at John Grant High School in Côte
Saint-Luc.
Brandy, the daughter of Keith Gerro and Alison McLean and sister to four siblings, passed away on August
27. She was a member of the EMSB family for a number of years. Following her
graduation from Westmount Park Elementary School, Brandy enrolled at John Grant
High School and studied there for the past two years. Due to Brandy’s sudden passing, donations to
help ease the funeral costs will be greatly appreciated. Cheques can be written
to The English Montreal School Board and sent to the attention of Margaret ,
John Grant High School, 5785 Parkhaven Avenue, Cote Saint-Luc, Quebec, H4W 1X8.
The phone number for the school is 514-484-4161.
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| Brandy Gerro |
EMSB
UPDATE. COM: Besides the new www.emsbfocus.com,
we have introduced a new blog at www.emsbupdate.com, which was used for the start of the academic year to report
upon different media coverage. This will also contain breaking news, when
necessary.
NO WORRIES
DAY: General Vanier Elementary School in St. Léonard's
annual No More Worries Day took place a few days before the start of
classes. This initiative began several years back to ease the transition of the
Kindergarten students to "Big School." The new
students were offered
a tour of the school, had a meet and greet with the teachers and then enjoyed
some yummy homemade goodies offered by the Parent Participation Organization. Parents
were also given an idea of what a typical day of kindergarten looks like.
So there are no more worries for students and/ or parents.
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| New Principal Joe Schembri leads students. |
MISSING
LINDA: General Vanier dedicated their annual Welcome
Back event to teacher Linda Di Sarro, who passed away recently. There was a
ceremonial tree planting in her memory and a poem read as well.
ROYAL WEST
ACADEMY: As a landmark of Montreal West, Royal West
Academy invited the community to join students, staff and alumni on September 19 for a back-to-school celebration
which featured plenty of food and activities. The celebration was intended to build awareness of the Royal West Academy Foundation’s efforts to fund
renovations of
their 80-year old auditorium. A goal of the foundation is to
upgrade the facilities and develop it into a Performing Arts Centre for student
and community use. Entrance was free of charge. Thanks to food
and beverage partners, Aramark, Maple Leaf Foods, Canada Bread Company, Pizza
Pizza and Brasserie McAuslan, a wide selection of food-for-purchase, including
vegetarian, kosher and halal options, was available. In addition, there were
six large inflatable games, in which a $10 ticket provided children and
teenagers with unlimited access. Other entertainment included the Royal West
Academy Honour Band, musical theatre as well as a demonstration of the school’s
scientific prowess through various projects and including live 3D printing. NDG
Liberal MNA and Minister of Immigration
Kathleen Weil delivered remarks, following a cake cutting ceremony.
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| It was a great day for students and their families. |
ROYAL VALE
CELEBRATION: Royal Vale School in NDG celebrated the 25th anniversary of
its rebirth as a popular French immersion destination on September 18,
beginning with an assembly and followed by a mega-party in the field for all
current students, families and staff. The
assembly was emceed by CJAD personality and Royal Vale parent Dan Laxer
and
began with a ribbon cutting at the main entrance via a live broadcast to 700
students in the auditorium. A second live broadcast took place at the Draper Avenue entrance,
where a group of students unveiled a new
mural, which was painted this past summer by students along with artist collective
En Masse Pour Les Masses. Immediately
following the assembly, all guests were invited to the schoolyard for a
barbeque, which in addition to a wide range of food, featured inflatable games
and live music. Royal Vale was originally established on Clanranald Avenue in
Snowdon in 1918. It relocated to nearby Dupuis Avenue in 1953. Twenty-five
years ago, in 1988, the school reinvented itself as an alternative French
immersion school with a greater emphasis on math and science, as well as a
Jewish Heritage program. The growth of the school quickly prompted it to move
to its current location on Somerled Avenue in 1993 in the building once
occupied by West Hill High School. By
1997, Royal Vale expanded to its current format: a Kindergarten through Grade
11 School, continuing as a French immersion school with a heavy emphasis on
math and sciences. See these slideshow and promotional videos.
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| EMSB officials and staff, including former administrators, admire the birthday cake. |
HOUSE LEADERSHIP: On
September 5, Rosemount High School held its annual Welcome Back BBQ, as well as
its second edition of back-to-school House Games. The latter was implemented
last school year, along with the inauguration of a House Leadership
system.
Before being treated to a delicious BBQ lunch, students
from each House competed in mini-relay games to accumulate House points in
their school-year-long quest for the House Cup.
At the end of the day, Peterson House (named for musician Oscar
Peterson) came out on top to start the school year. Peterson House is also the defending champion
from last school year. The day was also
an opportunity to put the 2014-15 House Leaders to the test, who came in to
school in August for leadership training and planning sessions.
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| The House Leadership system has been a success at Rosemount High. |
DUKE OF EDINBURGH
AWARDS:
This year, Rosemount High School is proud to offer the prestigious and world-renowned
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Awards Program, the first and only school in
the EMSB to do so. The Duke of Ed
awards, founded in 1956 by HRH Prince Philip, is a self-development program for
youth aged 14 to 24, and requires a minimum time commitment in four areas:
community service, physical fitness, skill development, and an adventurous
journey (overnight expedition). The time
commitment depends on the award level chosen: bronze, silver, or gold. Throughout the year, the RHS Duke of Ed group
will challenge themselves in these areas, but the activities undertaken for the
award, which are proposed by the participants, are meant to reflect students’
passions and interests. Participants
learn to set goals and achieve them in fun and challenging ways. More information about the program can be
found at www.dukeofed.org.
HAMPSTEAD
PARADE: In
honour of the Town of Hampstead’s 100th anniversary, a full day
of free and fabulous events occurred on Sunday, September 21, starting with a
parade along Queen Mary and Fleet, followed by a concert in Hampstead Park and
musical fireworks. The parade featured over 60 groups representing more than
850 participants including 15 ethnic dance groups, antique, race, and exotic
cars, salsa groups, bands, circus performers, celebrities, dignitaries, free
giveaways and so much more. The children and staff from the EMSB’s Hampstead
School participated in the parade, as well as, a steel drum band comprised of
students from Coronation School. One of
Hampstead School’s former graduates just happens to be Mayor William Steinberg. The opening ceremony starred Ginette
Reno, accompanied by Guy Lafleur, wearing her Canadian’s hockey jersey and
singing O Canada. EMSB Chair Angela Mancini, Vice- Chair Sylvia Lo Bianco and Commissioners Syd Wise, Marvin Helfenbaum and Ellie Israel represented the EMSB as well.
SUNDAY
BITE AT HAMPSTEAD: CTV’s recent Sunday Bite
feature focused on Hampstead Elementary School to film their garden in the
front yard, interviewing Principal Hilda Hacikyaner and green initiative
advisor Marcus Lobb. The garden was a project launched last spring. CTV taped a
session with eight students outside, in the garden and showed the process of drying
seeds and using them for planting next spring. There was also a food
preparation segment, where they made a Caprese salad with tomatoes and basil
that they had picked from the garden. The focus of the segment was learning
about FOOD from garden to table.
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| Karine Arakelian, Michael Cristofaro, Patrizia Tummillo and Ginette Sauvé-Frankel. |
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| Carl Andersen leads the walk. |
In addition to Andersen, the students heard from cancer survivor Karine Arakelian, whom is also the current vice-principal of Westmount High School
APPOINTMENTS: George
Demos has been appointed as Manager of the Procurement Division within the
Material Resources Department of the EMSB. Mr. Demos brings with him over
10 years of experience in procurement and logistics management. He has
worked
extensively with inventory control, online sales and purchasing. He can be reached at gdemos@emsb.qc.ca... EMSB Pedagogical Services History
consultant Tino Bordonaro has been appointed to Advisory Board on English
Education by Minister of Education, Leisure and Sports (MELS) Yves Bolduc. The
ABEC is mandated to advise the Minister on issues affecting education services
at the elementary, secondary, adult and vocational levels. Mr. Bordonaro has
been given a three year term. Cathrine Le Maistre, the former Associate Dean at
the Faculty of Education at McGill University, is the chair of this body; Mr. Bordonaro began teaching
Secondary Social Sciences in 1995 as well as McGill University. He assumed his
present position at the EMSB in 2010.
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| Tino Bordonaro |
HOME AND
SCHOOL ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE: The Quebec Federation of Home and
School Associations will be holding its annual Fall Conference for Parents on
Saturday, October 25 at the
Pearson Electro-technology Center in Lachine. Parents and teachers are being
encouraged to attend. The conference theme Brain Matters will be looking
at Brain development and how it impacts our kids. This will be an excellent
opportunity for parents to discover what is really going on in the heads of
their children - what to expect and what not to expect. The
QFHSA will also be hosting a panel discussion on School Board Elections as their
contribution to encouraging voter participation on November 2. EMSB parents will have an opportunity to meet
parents from other schools at the Regional Council meetings, enjoy a luncheon
and participate in the panel discussion. The cost of attendance is $25 for H&S
members and $35 for non-members. See the flyer.
ST.
GABE’S ON BREAKFAST TV: The first day of
school was full of excitement for St. Gabriel Elementary School in Pointe St.
Charles as City’s Breakfast Television broadcast a series of live reports. Host
Wilder Weir interviewed Principal Jim Daskalakis, Commissioner Richard Lalonde,
parent David Benoit and students. There were even some musical presentations.
 |
GENERATIONS BAGEL BREAKFAST: The Generations Foundation, which serves hot meals to students at many schools and arranges for summer camp experiences, held its annual Back to School Bagel-o-thon at St. Viateur Bagel Café in NDG on September 18. On September 10, City`s Breakfast Television broadcast from James Lyng High School (right) in St. Henri to report upon their association with the Generations Foundation.
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| Outside of the Saint Viateur Bagel Café, Adrian and Natalie Bercovici and EMSB students. |
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| Planting bulbs at Pierre Elliott Trudeau. |
INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY:
For international peace day (September 22, 2014) the students of Pierre
Elliott School will be out planting bulbs in the flower beds that were
donated by West Island Nursery.
JUMP ROPE: Schools are being encouraged to participate in the annual Jump rope for heart program, offered to primary schools in Montreal. Supporting kids' health for more than 30 years, Heart and Stroke Jump Rope for Heart™ encourages kids to get active by skipping rope while they collect pledges for heart disease and stroke research. The program gives children the chance to jump and play alongside 750,000 other kids in more than 4,000 schools across Canada. Over the years Royal Vale School in NDG, with physical education teacher Norman Katz leading the charge has run very successful events. Here is a poster whichdescribes the program. Here is the link to their new video as well. For more information contact Jessica Liberatore at 514 871 8038 #240 or email jessica.liberatore@fmcoeur.qc.ca and log on to fmcoeur.ca or heartandstroke.ca.
CBC WRITES: Beginning October 8, submit your true story for a chance to
win $1,000 from the Canada Council for the Arts. Young writers between 12 and 18 years of age
have a chance to win the youth prize of $1,000. There is also a $1,000 prize in
the adult category (19+). Write from the heart about a moment or journey that
made you feel like you belonged—or like you didn’t. Whether it’s a group, a new
country, a culture, a sports team, or a friendship, we have all experienced
belonging and the desire to belong. How have you struggled to fit in? Where do
you feel like you belong, or like you never will? More challenge details will be announced
closer to the launch date of October 8th, but we can tell you that we're
looking for a true personal story of 400 to 500 words. For former Governor
General Adrienne Clarkson, the question of belonging is at the heart of her
2014 Massey Lectures, Belonging: The Paradox of Citizenship. Go to http://www.cbc.ca/books/canadawrites/2014/09/stories-of-belonging-writing-challenge.html
SPORT-ÉTUDES
AND THE IMPACT: Lester B. Pearson High School in Montreal
North is very excited to continue its very successful partnership with the
Montreal Impact Academy. This year nine students from the school’s successful
Sport-Études program will take to the field for the Academy. They were in
attendance at Saputo Stadium onSeptember 17 to cheer the Impact on
in their CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean
Association Football) Champions League match versus the New York Red Bulls, which they won 1-0. Here is a video. A typical day for the student athletes begins
with classes at 8:05 am to 12:25 pm. Following lunch, the students have split
training and academic study sessions at the Impact Academy from 1:15 pm until
4:30 pm. Training takes place at the
Complexe Sportif Marie-Victorin, less than two kilometers away from Lester B.
Pearson High School. The nine Impact Academy students are:
Benjamin Collins and Sean Rea, Secondary I; Daniel Pacella and Tristan Resendes, Secondary III; Tristano
Fasulo, Luca Piccioli and Marco Pinna Cavallini, Secondary IV; and Steven
Alberici and Jackson Pickard, Secondary V.
 |
|
Steven Alberici, Luca Piccioli, Impact Technical Director Matt Jordan, Jackson Pickard,Marco Pinna Cavallini, Nicolas Coupleux, Casey Gagné and Safa Ziga.
|
As the only EMSB high school to feature a
Sport-Études program and to serve as a partner with the Montreal Impact
Academy, Lester B. Pearson places an equal emphasis on pursuing one’s education
and athletic passion. A typical day for
the student athletes begins with classes at 8:05 am to 12:25 pm. Following
lunch, the students have split training and academic study sessions at the
Impact Academy from 1:15 pm until 4:30 pm.
Training takes place at the Complexe Sportif Marie-Victorin, less than
two kilometers away from Lester B. Pearson High School. For more information on
Sport-Études program, Lester B. Pearson High School is holding an open house on
October 7 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
STUDENT COUNCIL CAMP: Twenty-three members of Lester B. Pearson High School’s Student Council and teacher-advisors started the school year early on August 20 and 21 with their fifth annual Student Council Camp, organized with Dynamix at Les Bosquets Albert Hudon Camp in Otterburn Park. During the two-day leadership camp students challenged their comfort zones and were encouraged to develop as leaders. Some of the challenges that they faced were trusting building activities such as the trust fall, wall climbing and also team challenges that require us to problem solve and work together to overcome obstacles. They capped off this year with Ice Bucket challenges that have gone viral all over the world and within our student council, always striving to inform and make a difference in our community.
ADMINISTRATION
BUILDING PUBLICATION CASE: At the
EMSB
Administration Building on Fielding Avenue, you can now find a selection
of
publications in a new display case right next to the security desk and
across from the elevator. This includes brochures from our Adult
Education and Vocational Services Department. Please take a moment to
browse
what is there and take some papers home with you.
ST. MONICA BUZZ: Bartimaeus (www.bartimaeusquebec.com) has been supporting children and families
throughout Quebec and Ontario since 1988. It provides professional and flexible support
in-home, at school and through social service organizations for children,
adolescents and adults experiencing mild to extreme behavioural difficulties.
Bartimaeus also provides classroom programming, consultation and training. At St.
Monica Elementary School in NDG, Bartimaeus has provided extraordinary
assistance in terms of activities and comportment on the playground. Here is the link to the full backgrounder from The Bartimaeus Buzz.
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| Generous givers from Gardenview. |
GARDENVIEW PROGRAM: Through the
STUDENT TO STUDENT PROGRAM initiative, the students of Gardenview Elementary
School in St. Laurent helped make "back-to-school" easier for
children of other EMSB schools by donating basic school supplies. Students
Nazario Richard-Yates and Talia Puterman-Salzman, teacher Valerie Nandhra (who
initiated the program), Principal Evelyne Alfonsi and Vice-Principal Rea
Limperopoulos delivered over 150 beautifully decorated boxes filled with school
supplies to students at Coronation, Westmount Park and Parkdale.
ALL
ABILITIES EXPO: The Quebec Special Needs Association is
pleased to announce that it will be hosting the All Abilities Expo, the largest annual gathering of individuals,
families, advocates, organizations, and agencies that cater to individuals with special needs and disabilities.
It will take place on Sunday, October 19, 2014 at Stade Uniprix (285
Rue Gary-Carter, Montreal) from 10 a.m.
to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Attendees will be introduced to
cutting-edge products and services for people with a wide range of
disabilities, including mobility products, devices for people with
developmental disabilities, medical equipment, home accessories, essential
services, low-cost daily living aids, products for people with sensory
impairments and much more. Local radio
host Barry Morgan of CJAD will be
the emcee for this fun-filled family event. Activities include two free
30-minute dance workshops hosted by Projet RAD (an inclusive dance program
collaborating with the urban dance school) and Luca "Lazylegz" Patuelli, who recently appeared on the Ellen Degeneres Show.
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| Pete Hautman |
WIN AND OUTDOOR CLASSROOM: MAJESTA Trees of Knowledge School Competition is back for a fifth year! Imagine winning a $20,000 Outdoor Classroom† for your school!
The MAJESTA Trees of Knowledge competition has been bringing outdoor learning spaces and excitement to schools across the country. Do you know someone who would love to hear about this competition? Invite them to participate! Their school could be next to WIN a $20,000 Outdoor Classroom. Give students the opportunity to design their dream Outdoor Classroom. Ten finalists will be cash winners! One will WIN the grand prize, a $20,000 Outdoor Classroom†! See the enormous effect winning an Outdoor Classroom can have on an entire community. Click the button below to watch a video featuring past winners of the MAJESTA Trees of Knowledge Competition. http://www.majestatreesofknowledge.ca.
CENTAUR FOR SCHOOLS: Centaur
Theatre Company is proud to present its Theatre of Tomorrow (TOT) Program (http://www.centaurtheatre.com/highschools.php)
for the 2014-2015 season. The TOT program makes live English theatre
accessible to high school students at a discounted price. Further program
benefits include a teacher’s guide providing background information, discussion
topics and iprovisation activities; talkback sessions are provided following
the performances where students meet the cast, voice their comments and ask
questions. Here is the official letter. For more information or to book a group please email groups@centaurtheatre.com or call
514-288-1229 ext 245. Visit their website for a list of dates at http://www.centaurtheatre.com/highschools.php The
TOT Program is supported by Great West Life, London Life, and Canada Life. For
details email Vanessa Rigaux at groups@centaurtheatre.com.
ADMINISTRATOR
PHOTOS: There is a new
section on EDocs (the EMSB internal online document sharing program) with
administrator photos. Those with access can go to this link and place their user name and password.
CAREER
FAIR: The 15th
annual English Montreal School Board (EMSB) Career Fair will take place October 29 and 30 at St. Pius
X Career Centre in Ahuntsic (9955 Papineau) for more than 3,000 Secondary IV
astudents. Jack Dym of Pipe and Piling Supplies Ltd. and RBC Royal Bank are the
event’s title sponsors. Among the special guests will be RBC sponsored Para-Olympic para-cycling competitor
Marie-Claude Molnare. Her bio is here. Several on air personalities from 92.5
The Beat FM will also be on hand to talk to students about careers in
broadcasting. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on October 29, the
Career Fair will be open to the community-at-large. Organizers note that this
is a good opportunity for parents to attend with their children as they look towards
post-secondary education options. 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. 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 will take part in a brief
general information session in the St. Pius X auditorium. Students will then
have the chance to visit the various exhibition/information booths staffed by
representatives from English vocational centres, CEGEPS, universities, McDonald’s, Air Canada, Yeh! Yogurt and Cafe and some private
business colleges.
LOVE BENEFIT: Leave Out Violence (LOVE), which
operates in a number of EMSB schools, will hold a fundraising event on Thursday,
October 23 at TOHU (2345 Jarry Est)
featuring Les 7 doigts de la main. With their latest creation, “Cuisine
et confessions”, Les 7 Doigts de la Main give birth to an innovative
show. Enjoy the gourmet food tour in a casual but stylish setting,
enriched by the contributions of chefs from restaurants across Montreal.
The kiosks will offer a variety of tapas-style dishes and keep our guests
coming back for more. This year our gourmet tour will feature some of the
city’s most renowned restaurants such as L’Orignal and Machiavelli’s, to name a
few. There is a cocktail Dînatoire at 6 p.m. followed by the show at 8 p.m. Here is the link for tickets.
 |
| Tracy Mangal and Al Finlayson. |
COMICCON: Montreal Comiccon is a pop-culture fan convention that showcases
artists and products from entertainment genres like Sci-fi, Horror, Anime, Gaming in all its
forms, and, of course, comic books. There were many EMSB staff persons and students
spotted among the crowds at the Palais des congrès recently. EMSB Pedagogical consultant Tracy Mangal and FACE School teacher Al Finlayson (right) were among those enjoying the show.
TEAM
HELP EMRU HEAL SOMEONE: Retired EMSB Principal Beverly
Townsend is spearheading Team Help Emru Heal, a charity in the memory of her
late son Emru who lost his life to leukemia in 2009. The upcoming charity art auction, in
partnership with a collective of local and international artists and Centre
d’Art BBP, will support the Montreal chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma
Society Canada’s Light the Night initiative. The event is three-fold: A
vernissage (by invitation only), kicking off a silent auction on Saturday, September
27; the continuation of the silent auction, open to the public, from Sunday,
September 28 to Saturday, October 11; and the reception and live auction on the
evening of Saturday, October 11.
The art on display at the event will be
provided by the Art Collective comprising seven international artists and two local artists. All artists have
exhibited worldwide and have organized or participated in previous charity art events. The art on show
reflects the various styles and influences of each participant. Featuring prints on canvas and original
works by Ingrid Stichler, Jurgen Schmude, Shane Watt, Darko Jamina, Babatunde
Folarin and Tessa Maagdenberg. It all takes place at Centre d’art BBP (1831 Sainte-Catherine Street West).
Emru was a Montreal writer who chronicled his experiences as a leukemia patient
for his friends and family, some of which he made available on his blog. With
the help of the media and grassroots initiatives, he also raised awareness of
the critical issue of the under representation of ethnic minorities in the
public stem cell registry at the local and international level, and the effects
on the mortality of patients in these communities. Info: batownsend@gmail.com
or (514) 806-7269.
EN FRANÇAIS - ALINE ZEROUNIAN, TRADUCTION
ÉLECTIONS
SCOLAIRES : Les prochaines élections scolaires auront
lieu le 2 novembre 2014. En ce qui concerne la CSEM, le vote portera sur
l’élection de la présidence et de 10 commissaires. Vous pouvez consulter les
circonscriptions électorales précises ici. Nous encourageons tous les
électeurs qui pourraient figurer sur la liste électorale francophone et qui
désirent être transférés à la liste électorale anglophone de remplir et de
soumettre ce formulaire. Ceci est un appel à nos parents afin qu’ils nous
aident à recruter leurs parents, amis et enfants âgés de plus de 18 ans sur la
liste électorale anglophone.
CTV a diffusé une série d’émissions d’une
semaine sur les élections scolaires. La présidente de la CSEM, Angela Mancini,
la présidente de la Commission scolaire Lester B. Pearson, Susanne Stein Day et
le président de l’Association des commissions scolaires anglophones du Québec,
David Daoust, ont été interviewés.
LE DÉFI DU
SEAU D’EAU GLACÉE : L’année scolaire 2014-2015 a débuté le 2
septembre par l’appui au Défi du seau d’au glacée de la présidente de la CSEM, Angela Mancini et de la vice-présidente
Sylvia Lo Bianco à l’école primaire
Roslyn. Non seulement Mme Mancini a relevé le Défi à l’école, mais elle a
présenté un programme éducatif au sujet du SLA « également appelée maladie
de Lou Gehrig ». SLA est une maladie neuromusculaire évolutive qui affecte
les cellules nerveuses du cerveau et de la moelle épinière. Les neuromoteurs
partent du cerveau à la moelle épinière et de celle-ci aux muscles à travers le
corps. Diane Tkalec, porte-parole de
la Société SLA du Québec et infirmière par profession, a parlé aux élèves de la
maladie qui a emporté son mari il y a de cela sept ans. Les enseignant(e)s sont
encouragé(e)s a télécharger le matériel éducatif pour leur classes à http://sla-quebec.ca/support
and services.youth.php. Les dons devraient être adressés à http://sla-quebec.ca. Un grand
nombre d’écoles ont relevé le Défi du seau d’eau glacée ainsi que le directeur
général Robert Stocker.
Le centre d’adultes Galileo a recueilli 700 $
pour la cause lorsque la directrice Martina Schiavone a relevé le défi lancé
par la vice-présidente et commissaire de Montréal-Nord, Sylvia Lo Bianco. Mme
Schiavone a mis au défi ses enseignant(e)s et ses élèves qui ont acheté des
billets qui, si ils étaient tirés au sort, leur donnait l’honneur de verser le
seau d’eau sur leurs têtes.
JOURNÉE
SANS SOUCIS : L’école primaire Général Vanier de
Saint-Léonard a tenue sa Journée annuelle sans soucis quelques jours avant le
début des classes. Cette initiative a été lancée il y a plusieurs années pour
faciliter la transition de la maternelle à la « Grande école ». Les
nouveaux élèves ont eu droit à une visite de l’école, ont rencontré les
enseignant(e)s et goûté à des friandises maison préparées par l’Organisme de
participation de parents. Les parents ont aussi eu un aperçu d’une journée
typique et, de cette façon, il n’y a plus
de soucis pour les élèves et/ou les parents.
CÉLÉBRATION
À ROYAL VALE : L’école Royal Vale de NDG a célébré le 25e
anniversaire de sa renaissance en tant que destination populaire d’immersion
française le 8 septembre, à commencer par une assemblée suivie d’une méga fête
pour tous les élèves, familles et personnel. L’assemblée a été animée par la
personnalité de CJAD et parent de Royal Vale, Dan Laxer, et a débuté par une
cérémonie d’inauguration à l’entrée principale, qui a été transmise en direct à
7900 élèves présents dans l’auditorium. Une seconde cérémonie d’inauguration a
eu lieu à l’entrée de l’avenue Draper où un groupe d’élèves a dévoilé une
nouvelle murale peinte cet été en collaboration avec En Masse Pour Les Masses.
Immédiatement après l’assemblée, tous les invités ont été conviés à la cour de
l’école pour un barbecue, en sus d’une vaste gamme de nourriture, des jeux
gonflables et de la musique. Royal Vale a été établie à l’origine sur l’avenue
Clanranald à Snowdon en 1918. Elle a été relogée à l’avenue Dupuis en 1953. En
1988, l’école a pris une nouvelle orientation en tant qu’école d’immersion
française avec un accent prononcé sur les mathématiques et les sciences ainsi
qu’un programme d’héritage juif. La croissance de l’école a rapidement exigé
qu’elle déménage dans ses locaux actuels de l’avenue Somerled en 1993, dans le
bâtiment anciennement occupé par l’école secondaire West Hill. En 1997, Royal
Vale a adopté son format actuel : la maternelle à la 11e année,
en tant qu’école d’immersion française avec un fort accent sur les
mathématiques et les sciences.
COURSE
TERRY FOX : Fidèles à la tradition annuelle, les rues de
Westmount ont été envahies par tous les élèves et le personnel de l’école
secondaire Westmount pour la troisième marche annuelle Terry Fox. La marche est
organisée annuellement par Jeff Kosow
et les élèves du programme de leadership de l’école. Le président honoraire de
la marche a été Carl Andersen, 77
ans, un ancien élève de l’école secondaire Westmount en 1950-1952. Andersen,
qui a perdu sa mère et deux sœurs enlevées par le cancer a recueilli près de
850,000 $ pour la recherche sur le cancer depuis 1982. Au cours de son combat
contre cette maladie mortelle, il a couru plus de 100,000 miles. Andersen est
prêt à battre ce record en 2014. En sus d’Andersen, Karine Arakelian, une
survivante du cancer et directrice adjointe de l’école secondaire Westmount
s’est adressée aux élèves.
PETIT
DÉJEUNER GENERATIONS : La Fondation Generations qui sert des repas
chauds à des élèves de nombreuses écoles et qui organise des camps d’été, a
tenu son Bagel-0-thon annuel au Café St. Viateur Bagel à NDG le 18 septembre.
Le 10 septembre, City Breakfast TV a
présenté une émission à partir de l’école secondaire James Lyng de Saint-Henri
pour présenter son association avec la Fondation Generations.
NOMINATION :
Le
conseiller pédagogique en histoire de la CSEM, Tino Bordonaro, a été nommé à la Commission de l’éducation en
langue anglaise par le Ministre de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport (MELS) Yves Bolduc. La CELA a pour mandat de
conseiller le Ministre sur des questions affectant les services éducatifs aux
niveaux du primaire, du secondaire, de l’éducation des adultes et de la
formation professionnelle. M. Bordonaro a un mandat de trois ans. Catherine Le
Maistre, ancienne vice-doyenne de la Facultés des sciences de l’éducation à
l’Université McGill préside cette commission. M. Bordonaro a commencé à
enseigner les sciences humaines au secondaire en 1995 ainsi qu’à l’Université
McGill. Il a assumé son poste actuel à la CSEM en 2010.
SPORTS-ÉTUDES
ET L’IMPACT : L’école secondaire Lester B. Pearson de
Montréal-Nord est très fière de poursuivre son partenariat couronné de succès
avec l’Académie Impact de Montréal. Cette année, neuf élèves du programme
Sports-Études de l’école iront sur le terrain pour l’Académie. Ils seront
présents au Stade Saputo le mercredi 17 septembre pour encourager l’Impact qui
affronte les Red Bulls de New York dans le cadre de la Ligue des Champions de
CONCACAF. Une journée typique pour les élèves débute avec des cours de 8 h 05 à
12 h 25. Après la pause du déjeuner, les élèves ont des sessions d’entraînement
et d’études à l’Académie Impact de 13 h15 à 16 h 30. L’entraînement a lieu au
Complexe Sportif Marie-Victorin situé à moins de deux kilomètres de l’école
secondaire Lester B. Pearson. Les neuf élèves de l’Académie Impact sont : Benjamin Collins et Sean Rea, secondaire I, Daniel Pacella et Tristan Resendes, secondaire III, Tristano Fasulo, Luca
Piccioli et Marco Pinna Cavallini,
secondaire IV, Steven Alberici et Jackson Pickard, secondaire V.
En tant que seule école de la CSEM à offrir
le programme Sports-Études et d’être partenaire de l’Académie Montréal Impact,
Lester B. Pearson place un accent égal sur la poursuite des études et la
passion athlétique. Pour plus d’informations au sujet du programme
Sports-Études, Lester B. Pearson organise une soirée Portes Ouvertes le 7
octobre de 19 h à 21 h.
CAMP DU
CONSEIL D’ÉLÈVES : Vingt-trois membres du Conseil d’élèves de
l’école secondaire Lester B. Pearson et des enseignants-conseillers ont
commencé l’année scolaire les 20 et 21 août par leur cinquième Camp du conseil
d’élèves annuel, organisé avec Dynamix au camp Albert Hudon des Bosquets à Otterburn Park. Durant le camp
de leadership de deux jours, les élèves ont mis au défi leurs zones de confort
et ont été encouragés à se développer en tant que leaders. Quelques uns des
défis qu’ils ont eu à affronter incluaient des activités de développement de
confiance, telles que la chute de confiance, l’escalade de mur et aussi des
défis d’équipes qui exigeaient des solutions de problèmes et de la
collaboration pour surmonter des obstacles. Le camp a été clôturé par des défis
de seaux d’eau.
NOUVELLES
DE ST. MONICA : Bartimaeus (www.bartimaeusquebe.com) soutient
des enfants et des familles à travers le Québec et l’Ontario depuis 1988. Il offre un appui professionnel et flexible à
domicile, à l’école et par le biais d’organisations de services sociaux pour
les enfants, adolescents et adultes qui éprouvent des légères à extrêmes
difficultés de comportement. Bartimaeus offre aussi des programmations de
classes, de la consultation et de la formation. À l’école primaire St. Monica
de NDG, Bartimaeus a accordé une aide extraordinaire en termes d’activités et
de comportement sur le terrain de jeu.
FOIRE DE
CARRIÈRES : La 15e Foire annuelle de carrières de la Commission
scolaire English-Montréal (CSEM) aura lieu les 29 et 30 octobre au Centre de
Carrières St. Pius X (9955 Papineau) à l’intention de plus de 3000 élèves du
secondaire IV. Jack Dym de Pipe and Piling Supplies et RBC Banque Royale sont
les commanditaires principaux de cet évènement. Quelques athlètes olympiques
parrainés par RBC seront invités ainsi que des personnalités de 92.5 The Beat
FM qui discuteront avec les élèves de carrières en radiodiffusion. La Foire de
carrières sera ouverte au public de 18 h à 20 h. Les organisateurs soulignent
que cet évènement est une bonne occasion pour les parents d’y assister avec
leurs enfants pour examiner les options d’études post-secondaires. Harriet
Cohen des Services de l’éducation des adultes et de la formation
professionnelle de la CSEM est la présidente de la Foire. Les Services aux
élèves et le SEAFP coordonnent ce programme. Mme Cohen souligne que l’objectif
principal de la Foire de carrières est de donner aux élèves une vue d’ensemble
en profondeur des diverses occasions éducatives qui leur sont disponibles. Tous
les élèves prendront part à une brève session d’information qui aura lieu à
l’auditorium de St. Pius X. Les élèves auront ensuite l’occasion de visiter les
divers kiosques d’information/exposition dotés de représentants de centres de
formation professionnelle anglophones, de CÉGEPs, d’universités, McDonald’s,
Air Canada, Yeh ! Yogurt et Café et de quelques collèges privés d’études
commerciales.
DATES
IMPORTANTES
29
septembre au 3 octobre 2014
Semaine contre l’intimidation
5
octobre 2014
Journée internationale des enseignantes et des enseignants
25
octobre 2014
Congrès de l’Association parents-élèves du Québec
29
et 30 octobre 2014
Foire des carrières de la CSEM
Centre des carrières St. Pius X
2 novembre 2014
Élections
scolaires
The
next Focus will be published on October
29. Submissions should be made to Michael J. Cohen preferably by e-mail (mcohen@emsb.qc.ca)
by October 24, 2014.
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