NUTRITION MONTH: Schools are gearing up for Nutrition Month in March. At the EMSB, Cafeteria and Nutrition Education Services has prepared an array of activities. The campaign aims to promote healthy eating habits on a daily basis via nutrition awareness and increasing knowledge on the subject. In-class activities will orient students to read and better understand nutrition labels. They are already in full swing in Region 1 elementary schools. Animated by an EMSB dietitian these "READ WHAT YOU EAT" activities are building blocks for our Grades 1 to 6 students for better nutrition knowledge and making healthy food choices.
In high schools, the nutrition program entitled “EAT RIGHT FEEL BRIGHT” will take place in the form of two in-class sessions to Secondary I students in Physical Education and Health. The campaign will address issues of weight, dieting, body image, social pressure to look perfect and encouraging healthy lifestyles through good nutrition and physical activity and respecting oneself. The EMSB dietitian will also set up a Nutrition Education booth on beverages during the lunch hour in high schools. An educational poster entitled “Better Your Beverage” was developed whereby students become aware of the different types of beverages available on the market and learn how to make healthier beverage choices. For more information on our Nutrition Month activities, please visit: www.emsb.qc.ca/nutrition-caf.
BAKE FOR CHANGE: For those with a sweet tooth at Edward Murphy Elementary School in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, February 10 could not come soon enough. That morning, the school hosted a bake sale in partnership with Free the Children which raised over $600. The Edward Murphy School community has worked with Free the Children for the last five years, dedicating themselves to raising funds in unique and fun ways. As a part of Free the Children’s “We Act” program, the We Bake for Change fundraiser directly supports families in developing countries. In addition to tasty homemade goodies from Edward Murphy families, the school’s cooking club took note of the date and was busy in the kitchen leading up to the fundraiser. The baked goods, all peanut-free, were priced between 50 cents and two dollars. “The project aims to spread the messages of citizenship, hope, community spirit, and empathy to all those involved,” said Principal Franca Cristiano. “Our students gain respect for others, themselves and continue to grow in community spirit making them better local and global citizens. Working with Free the Children and organizations like them help them learn that simple acts of kindness bring joy to the giver and receiver.” See the video.
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| Students, staff and volunteers from Edward Murphy School at their bake sale. |
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 click here to access all of the links.
EMSB TV: 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.
EMSB RADIO GUIDE: EMSB Radio can now be heard via SoundCloud, the world’s leading social sound platform. Sound Cloud can be accessed anywhere using the official iPhone and Android apps, as well as hundreds of creation and sharing apps built on the SoundCloud platform.
ALTERNATIVE UNITED: When a few teachers formed a basketball team composed of students from different EMSB Alternative Outreach High Schools three years ago, they didn¹t know what to expect. After beginning their season with loss after loss, no one would have blamed the team if they gave up. Instead, they gave more, determined to defy the odds stacked against them and change the lives of the players. The Alternative United Pit Bulls were featured in the Gatorade Win from Within video series, which features inspiring stories about athletes who overcome great adversity. It hit more than one million views in a week.
Gatorade recently arranged for the team to travel to Toronto to see the NBA Raptors play. They provided the team with train tickets, a free dinner at Real Sports restaurant, courtside viewing of the pre-game warmups, hotel rooms at the Westin downtown and a buffet breakfast. “We watched the game from a suite they got us,” said Paul Berry, a teacher at Options II and one of the coaches along with John Commins, Colin Throness (Perspectives II) and John Devlin (Options I). “When the kids walked in, there was a Raptors T-Shirt and hat for every player on their seat as well as one autographed Terrence Ross jersey for the team to put up at school. The kids were in heaven the entire time. It was a dream come true for many of them. The Raptors beat the defending champion San Antonio Spurs 87-82 to put the icing on the cake for us.” See this report on CITY TV.
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| Daphna Leibovici, Noni Classen, Lew Lewis and Julie René de Cotret |
SELF/PEER EXPLOITATION: The Student Services Department of the EMSB hosted a presentation on the issue of self/peer exploitation on January 30. Noni Classen, Director of Education at the Canadian Center for Child Protection (CCCP), made a special trip from Winnipeg to present exclusively to EMSB administrators, professionals and invited guests. The latter included representatives from other school boards and the Montreal Police Department. (www.protectchildren.ca). Ms. Classen focused her talk on the scope of the problems related to self/peer exploitation, how to address incidents of this nature and the reviewing of new modules on sexual exploitation/violence, technology and bullying among youth. EMSB participants received copies of the Self/Peer Exploitation Resource Guide: School and Family Approaches to Intervention and Prevention (SPEX guide). “This initiative is part of a larger strategy to build capacity in our schools with respect to the prevention and management of bullying and violence,” says EMSB Violence Prevention Consultant, Daphna Leibovici. See The Montreal Gazette story.
CYBERTIP: The Canadian Centre for Child Protection, through its Cybertip.ca program, is informing the public about an app called Communet: Student Chats & Confessions currently trending with youth in Canada. The app allows users to anonymously post comments under sections that are broken out by school name. In many cases, youth are being singled out by name in comments used for personal attacks related to appearance, sexuality, race, threats or harassment. Officials encourage parents to have an open and honest discussion with their children about cyberbullying and harassment to limit the harmful impacts of this extremely concerning online activity. If a parent/guardian becomes aware of her/his child using the app on a personal device, we highly recommend the parent/guardian discuss and advise his/her child to discontinue use of the app and remove it. Parents encountering issues with this app are also strongly encouraged to notify their child’s school to ensure those regularly intersecting with your child are attuned to any issues being faced among peers. The Canadian Centre for Child Protection has also created a number of new resources for educators related to cyberbullying to address the diverse and complex nature of this type of online activity. For more information on these resources, visit Kids in the Know. We encourage everyone to get involved in addressing the issue of cyberbullying and pass on information related to these valuable resources
VOLUNTEER NIGHT: The EMSB will hold its 2015 Volunteer Appreciation Evening on Tuesday, April 14 at Plaza Volare of the Crowne Plaza Hotel in St. Laurent. The theme is “Making a Difference.” Mona Vaudry, with 35 years of service at St. Gabriel Elementary School in Pointe St. Charles, has been chosen as this year’s Volunteer of Distinction. For the seventh consecutive year, La Capitale Financial Services is the title sponsor for this event. Others include Steve’s Music Store, Loft Uniforms, Green Apple Studio, promotional items experts Funkins Inc. and Énergère.
EMPATHY DAY: Nurturing compassion, understanding and of course, empathy, was at the heart of Empathy Day on February 11 at Lester B. Pearson High School in Montreal North. An initiative of
the school’s student council, the day consisted of a series of workshops and activities in which they hope will lead to students treating each other with more civility, kindness and compassion. Upon entering the school in the morning, all students discovered positive affirmations on post-it notes left on every locker. Furthermore, during recess, students were offering free hugs in the plaza area, intended as a show of support to their peers. Ensuring that this sense of support is maintained throughout the day, the student council spent their lunch-time approaching any of their peers whom are eating alone and shared a meal with them. As the future leaders of the school, the workshops, organized and conducted by the student council, were tailored specifically towards students in Grade 10, intended to build a proper foundation for the 2015-2016 scholastic year.
LIFEBOAT PROJECT: Lester B Pearson High School students celebrated the worldwide launch of their album titled The Lifeboat Project Volume 1 with a hip-hop musical on February 13. Lifeboat is the after school music program at Pearson, where 30 students have been discovering their voice here.
and uncovering a talent for music through lessons and compositions. The night was filled with songs and skits supported by a sound and lights show that the audience will never forget. It was decided to donate half of the album's profits to Kids Help Phone. The students believe that this project serves to give youth a voice and they want to extend that sentiment with a charitable gesture. Kids Help Phone and 94.7 HITS FM will be on site to support the youth in their mission. The program was made possible with funds from Montreal Hooked on Schools. The album can be downloaded
ARCTIC VISIT: Head coach Bobby Dollas and eight players from the St. Léonard Arctic of the AAA Quebec Junior Hockey League visited Lester B. Pearson High School in Montreal North on February 25. Dollas was a solid National Hockey League defenceman for 17 years and played for nine different teams - Winnipeg, Québec, Detroit, Anaheim, Edmonton, Pittsburgh, Calgary, Ottawa and San Jose. He and his players faced off in a friendly game of ball hockey in the school gym Matthew Valente is a graduate of this program. Among the other EMSB grads attending were Michael Revelakis (Laurier Macdonald in St. Léonard), Adriano Leone (Vincent Massey Collegiate) and John Georgaros (LaurenHill Academy).
Lina Di Giovanni, a parent of a former EMSB student and president of the Arctic, says she is planting the seeds for future cooperative efforts between the team and the Board. The Arctic’s current home is the Garon Arena in Montreal North as their St. Léonard locale is under renovations. That will be the case again next season. This visit marked the start of a new partnership between the Arctic and the EMSB, which include many promotions next season. against a group of Lester B. Pearson High School Sports-Études students.
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| Bobby Dollas (center), his players and Pearson`s PeeWee and Bantam teams |
SKATING CHAMPION: Ami Koga, a Secondary IV Sports Études student at Lester B. Pearson High School, won a gold medal at an international competition in the Netherlands called the Challenge Cup. She is shown above with Principal Pela Nickoletopoulos and below at the competition.
MONTREAL NORTH CENTENNIAL: As the borough of Montreal North celebrates its centennial throughout 2015, students from Gerald McShane and Our Lady of Pompei Elementary Schools and Lester B. Pearson High School jointly created a piece of artwork which was unveiled at the Montreal North Maison Culturelle on February. More than 750 students participated in the exhibit that is set to highlight the diverse cultures that call Montreal North home. Students worked on the project along with Montreal North artists Sergio Guiterrez and Amarande Rivere.
EXCHANGE WITH VERMONT: Members of Student Council participated in a special cultural exchange this week between Lester B. Pearson High School and students from Fair Haven Union High School Vermont. This is the second year both schools came together to build bridges. On February 26 members of the two schools participated in icebreakers, lunch and an outing to Isaute Anjou. On February 27, students shared a cultural experience of Montreal visiting the museum of contemporary arts the Notre Dame Basilica and go ice skating at the Atrium 1000. This is an opportunity for our students to have discussions and team building activities with those who may have a different perspective, it will enrich everyone who is participating. Last year’s group of students still stay in touch on social media and we hope that these experiences will result in life-long bonds.
ABORIGINAL EDUCATION: We Stand Together is Free the Children’s cultural spotlight on aboriginal education in Canada. For the fourth year Lester B. Pearson High School is sharing daily facts with the student body on issues afflicting members of our Canadian First Peoples. Through lesson plans, posters and daily facts the hope is to build awareness and compassion towards those in need in our own country. On February 25 motivational speaker and Aboriginal Programs Facilitator from Free The Children, Talitha Tolles, came to speak at the school. She has been involved with the Credit River Metis council as well as the Metis Nation of Ontario. She shared her personal story and educated youth about Aboriginal history, culture and traditions.
BEYOND THE HURT: A few years ago the Canadian Red Cross Beyond the Hurt Program was introduced at a few EMSB schools. Nicolas Nadeau, who has trained EMSB students and staff, was a guest speaker at the anti-bullying Pink Shirt Day (www.pinkshirtday.ca) initiative at Vincent Massey Collegiate in Rosemount. “What a wonderful way to cap it all off,” he said. “One of the youth facilitators we trained two years ago has moved on to Dawson College and has started his own anti-bullying club there. It's nice to feel the project is having impact.” In 2007, two Nova Scotia students decided to take action after witnessing a younger student being bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. The students bought 50 pink t-shirts and encouraged classmates to wear them and send a powerful message of solidarity to the bully. The next day at school, over 500 youth showed up wearing pink and the bully was not heard from again.
MUSICAL PRESENTATION: A total of 340 Montreal elementary school choristers, a symphonic orchestra and renowned Quebec actor Guy Nadon have collaborated on a children’s book/CD about the ancient Greek myth of Persephone and how the seasons came to be. Le Temps des Fleurs, le Temps des Neiges is a massive multi-disciplinary project culminating in the creation of a book/CD for children in French which explores the ancient Greek myth of the Goddess Demeter, her daughter Persephone and the unbreakable bond that exists between a mother and her child. A formal launch took place on February 24 at the Hellenic Community Center in Côte des Neiges. All 340 choristers, accompanied by the orchestra, sang three songs during the press conference about the project in progress. The EMSB is represented by five elementary schools: Gardenview in St. Laurent, Pierre de Coubertin in St. Léonard, Edinburgh in Montreal West, Roslyn in Westmount, Royal Vale in NDG and Sinclair Laird in Park Extension. See the press release.
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| Vice Principal Christina Celzi and students thank Bernard Gotlieb. |
AN INSPIRING LECTURE: In 1977, 19-year-old Bernard Gotlieb was living a happy middle class existence in his native Côte St. Luc, which included a passion for the word game Scrabble. However, during a plane trip home from a winter vacation in Florida, he experienced some blockage in his ears, and went to see a doctor who was starting his new G.P. practice. Because the doctor was seeing Gotlieb for the first time, he was subjected to a battery of medical procedures, including a blood test. When the blood test results looked slightly irregular, the doctor requested another one. The end result was a rather startling one: he was diagnosed with leukemia. He would end up becoming one of the first leukemia patients to undergo – and survive -- a bone marrow transplant in Canada. Despite the loss of both of his legs, a brain tumour and array of other health problems, he has persevered and recently published his memoir Hey What Happened To You? He currently runs agames classes at Royal Vale Elementary School in NDG, Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary School in Rosemount and St. Dorothy Elementary School in St. Michel. He also tutors students in math, French, English and Spanish at his home. On February 18, he spoke to the students of Royal Vale School. If you’re interested in purchasing a copy of Bernard Gotlieb’s book, it is available at www.amazon.com, Bonder`s Book Store (52 Westminster) in Montreal West or via the author at bgotlieb@gmail.com. See the full press release.
ANTI-BULLYING LECTURE: On Friday, February 6, 1998, 10 year-old Myles Neuts was found hanging on a coat hook in the washroom of his school. Now, for over a decade, Myles’ father, Mike Neuts, has spoken out against bullying to thousands of students, teachers and parents. He continues speaking out against bullying with a frightening truth that every parent, child and care-giver should hear. By advocating peer mediation, respect for differences and community collaboration, Mike has turned their family tragedy into a message of hope and change. John Paul I Junior High School (8455 Pre-Laurin) in St. Léonard is pleased to welcome Mike Neuts as a guest speaker. He will share his story with students during the day and then extend the same opportunity to parents in the community during an evening workshop on Wednesday, March 11 (7 p.m.) To reserve a seat, please email doconnor@emsb.qc.ca or call 514-328-7171 by March 9.
CHORALE UPDATE: The EMSB Chorale has a busy spring ahead as part of its 35th season celebrations. At the invitation of the Choeur des enfants de Montréal, the Senior Chorale will be performing in the Earth Hour Concert at Christ Church Cathedral on March 28. The following day (March 29), the Senior Chorale will sing in the Foyer of the Maison symphonique as a prelude to the Orchestre Métropolitain’s performance of the Dvořák Stabat Mater. On April 18, the Junior Chorale will participate once again in the Choirs for Kids benefit concert for Sun Youth at Mountainside United Church.
This year, there will be two performances of the annual Spring Gala Concert (Saturday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 3 at 3 p.m.) at Oscar Peterson Hall. Alumni members of the choir are invited to sing in some of the final numbers on the program. In honour of its 35th anniversary and Patricia Abbott’s own 25th anniversary as conductor, the Chorale has commissioned up-and-coming Canadian composer Kathleen Allan to write a new piece for the occasion. Entitled Sainte-Cécile, the work weaves the poetry of Émile Nelligan, John Dryden, Alexander Pope and W.H. Auden in tribute to musicians. Finally, the Senior Chorale will end the season performing a joint concert with Canada’s only professional recorder quartet, Flûte Alors!, at the historic Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours Chapel in Old Montreal on May 30. For more information on the Chorale’s upcoming performances and for the tickets to the Spring Gala Concert in May, contact Patricia Abbott at pabbott@emsb.qc.ca or (514) 483-7200, ext. 7234. Former PSBGM/EMSB Chorale members are also invited to get in touch with Pat.
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| EMSB students contribute to a special Valentine`s Day. |
LOTS OF HUGS: Continuing a 13 year tradition, students from the EMSB once again came together around Valentine’s Day to visit patients at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, bearing dozens of presents and limitless smiles. Students from Vincent Massey Collegiate in Rosemount, Edward Murphy School in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Gerald McShane Elementary School in Montreal North, General Vanier School in St. Léonard, as well as St. Raphael and Mountanview Alternative schools, participated in the annual Huggies Valentine’s Day Project. With the goal of spreading the messages of joy, love, hope and community spirit to children who are ill, these schools and their communities collected presents as well as raised funds which all play a key role in bringing smiles to the faces of both the children and their families.
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| Linda Mahler, Jason Goldsmith, Wendy Singer, Patricia Ciccarelli and Leslie Levinson. |
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| Bob Simpson (center) was congratulated at the last Council of Commissioners meeting. Left to right: Commissioner Joseph Lalla, Principal Patricia Ciccarelli, Director General Robert Stocker, Chairman Angela Mancini, Deputy Director General Roma Medwid and former MacKay Principal Ben Fagan. |
GRAHAM NEIL AWARD: Mackay Centre School physical education teacher Bob Simpson has won the Graham Neil Excellence in Teaching Award. This is presented annually in recognition of the physical educators that go above and beyond at the elementary, secondary and CEGEP levels. Recipients are known to serve as positive role models within the school and surrounding community. As well, the recipient must offer a program that includes a variety of activities, as well as health and intramurals. Recipients participate in professional development activities, including sharing their expertise at local, regional, or national levels. Mr. Simpson spends a lot of time in the swimming pool at the Mackay Centre School building on Decarie Blvd in NDG and has a special relationship with his students.
MOURNING A STUDENT: In a somber ceremony, the students and staff of Philip E. Layton School in N.D.G. for the visually impaired recently came together to mourn the loss of Lydia Marlowe, who passed away at the age of 14. Lydia was a student at Philip E. Layton School for 10 years and her memory was honoured through stories and photos, highlighting her personality and the true essence of her life. Students Julia and Mary Cruz addressed the crowd and spoke to life, death, experience and God. Additionally, Patrizia Ciccarelli, Principal of the Mackay Centre and Philip E. Layton, recited a poem entitled “Peace, My Heart.” Furthermore, seven staff members also shared their heartfelt stories during their care of Lydia as well as Mr. Charles read from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh to complement the family’s faith.
Julia Sowerby, Lydia’s homeroom teacher spoke with emotion about how Lydia had a positive affected on the life of others. Finally, Lydia’s mother played a beautiful piece on the French horn. The multi-faith ceremony also included readings from the Christian, Sikh and Native Indigenous traditions. To conclude the ceremony, those in in attendance participated in a ritual of bringing light in several forms. All assembled experienced the journey of grief together. There were many deeply touching moments. For some, this was a graced gesture of closure, and for others, it was a place where feelings could be illuminated.
MATHEMATICS SUCCESS: East Hill Elementary School in RDP is excited to announce that one of its students, Nicolas Di Cicco (Grade 2, Sarbina Ficca’s class) is currently on the Mathletics Hall of Fame as one of the Top 100 students in Canada! Mathletics is on online math program that supports the MELS curriculum.
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| Bancroft students get cooking. |
COOKING AT BANCROFT: Teachers and students from Cycle 1 at Bancroft Elementary School in the Plateau will be participating in a cooking project through the month of May At a rate of twice a month, a family member of a student will be invited to come and prepare a recipe with different classes. The idea is to give children the desire to cook and enjoy the multi-ethnic cuisine. Creating a recipe calendar will be implemented through the efforts of the children and guests. The printing and publication will be in June.
TOONIE DRIVE: Bancroft held a Toonie Drive for Mathis Gagnon who woke up on Christmas day from a coma to learn his entire family had perished in a fire in Les Côteaux. Family friends, Tracy Rhodes and Selina Richard, the founder of the Community Wings charitable organization, are now accepting donations for Mathis. Taking root in this year’s school theme, “Family,” it was thought that as a school community it would be a great act of kindness to help this child during this difficult time. Once again Bancroft staff, students and community showed how generous they truly are.
GRANBY ZOO AT BANCROFT: Bancroft Elementary School in the Plateau hosted the Granby Zoo for two exciting presentations entitled "mammals" for students in Cycles 1 to 3 and endangered species for Cycles 2 and 3. Thanks to the activity "endangered species," the students were made aware of the impact of humans on animals in the wild here in Canada and around the world. Many concrete suggestions for action for conservation were made. The children were able to touch some objects from animals and objects made from endangered species that were seized at Canadian customs. In the two interactive presentations, skulls, furs, objects and live animals were presented to the children so they are better aware of the mammals living with them on planet Earth. There were a lot of questions!
GRANBY ZOO AT BANCROFT: Bancroft Elementary School in the Plateau hosted the Granby Zoo for two exciting presentations entitled "mammals" for students in Cycles 1 to 3 and endangered species for Cycles 2 and 3. Thanks to the activity "endangered species," the students were made aware of the impact of humans on animals in the wild here in Canada and around the world. Many concrete suggestions for action for conservation were made. The children were able to touch some objects from animals and objects made from endangered species that were seized at Canadian customs. In the two interactive presentations, skulls, furs, objects and live animals were presented to the children so they are better aware of the mammals living with them on planet Earth. There were a lot of questions!
INSPIRATIONS EXPRESS: Inspirations Newspaper has been in business for more than six years now. From an original 12 page edition, this publication has grown to a twice annual 40 pager plus two relatively new special online versions called Inspirations Express. The most recent edition (Winter/Spring 2015) features a cover story on Steven Atme’s incredible achievements in the face of autism, Rick Hansen’s address at the Quebec Provincial Association of Teachers (QPAT) convention, the Montreal Camera Club at the Friendship Circle, genetic screening and much more. Please log on to http://www.inspirationsnews.com/pdf/Express/Inspirations_Express-2015-april.pdf.
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| Rossi (second from the left) and Smith-Johnson (far right) are presented with James Lyng lions. |
NOTED JAMES LYNG ALUMNI: James Lyng High School in St. Henri recently welcomed back two former students who have excelled in the arts, actor and playwright, Vittorio Rossi and young actor Jaa Smith-Johnson. On the eve of the premiere of his new play The Envelope at the Centaur Theatre, Mr. Rossi addressed students about his career and what got him to where he is today. Smith-Johnson recently received the Gloria-Mitchell Aleong Award for artistic achievement at the Black Theatre Workshop's 29th Vision Celebration Gala. Rossi, whose parents came to Canada from Italy, has played numerous roles on stage and screen The Envelope will be on stage March 24 to April 19. For more details, log on to http://www.centaurtheatre.com/theenvelope.php. Smith-Johnson, 25, was born and raised in Little Burgundy. He graduated from James Lyng in 2006, where he says he fell into acting completely by accident. “If it were not for that opportunity, I probably would have gone down a different path,” he says. Principal Derrek Cauchi thanked the guests for attending. Parent-student liaison Maria Di Stavolo moderated an animated question and answer session. Students Julia Sturino, Brandon Reaburn and Shamara Bennett presented the guests with James Lyng souvenir bags, including a stuffed lion representing their mascot. See this CBC TV report.
CENTAUR FOR SCHOOLS: Centaur Theatre Company is proud to present its Theatre of Tomorrow (TOT) Program 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 improvisation activities; talkback sessions are provided following the performances where students meet the cast, voice their comments and ask questions. 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.
MELS REPAIR GRANTS: The EMSB has received $11.5 million from the Ministry of Education, Leisure and Sports (MELS), which will be used for necessary repair and electrical work, renovations and plumbing in 33 buildings. School buildings benefitting from this work include John Caboto Academy and St. Pius X Career Centre in Ahuntsic; Dante, Honoré Mercier Pierre de Coubertin Elementary and Laurier Macdonald High School in St. Léonard; Royal West Academy, Edinburgh and Elizabeth Ballantyne Elementary in Montreal West; Rosemount High School and Technology Centre, Vincent Massey Collegiate and Nesbitt Elementary in Rosemount; LaurenHill Academy, Parkdale, Cedarcrest and Gardenview Elementary in St. Laurent; St. Monica and Willingdon Elementary and Marymount Academy in NDG; Options I and II and Venture Alternative High Schools in Ville Émard; John F. Kennedy High School and Adult Centre in St. Michel; Bancroft Elementary in the Plateau; Galileo Adult Education Centre in Montreal North; Mountainview Alternative High School and Merton Elementary in Côte Saint-Luc; Dunrae Gardens and Carlyle Elementary in TMR; Hampstead Elementary; Roslyn and Westmount Park Elementary and Westmount High School; Sinclair Laird Elementary in Park Extension; Coronation Elementary and Mile End Alternative High School in Côte-des-Neiges.
MELS REPAIR GRANTS: The EMSB has received $11.5 million from the Ministry of Education, Leisure and Sports (MELS), which will be used for necessary repair and electrical work, renovations and plumbing in 33 buildings. School buildings benefitting from this work include John Caboto Academy and St. Pius X Career Centre in Ahuntsic; Dante, Honoré Mercier Pierre de Coubertin Elementary and Laurier Macdonald High School in St. Léonard; Royal West Academy, Edinburgh and Elizabeth Ballantyne Elementary in Montreal West; Rosemount High School and Technology Centre, Vincent Massey Collegiate and Nesbitt Elementary in Rosemount; LaurenHill Academy, Parkdale, Cedarcrest and Gardenview Elementary in St. Laurent; St. Monica and Willingdon Elementary and Marymount Academy in NDG; Options I and II and Venture Alternative High Schools in Ville Émard; John F. Kennedy High School and Adult Centre in St. Michel; Bancroft Elementary in the Plateau; Galileo Adult Education Centre in Montreal North; Mountainview Alternative High School and Merton Elementary in Côte Saint-Luc; Dunrae Gardens and Carlyle Elementary in TMR; Hampstead Elementary; Roslyn and Westmount Park Elementary and Westmount High School; Sinclair Laird Elementary in Park Extension; Coronation Elementary and Mile End Alternative High School in Côte-des-Neiges.
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| JFK`s Betty Stamatakos, Gavin Musgrave, Minister Heurtel and Patrica Lattanzio |
EMSB Commissioner Patricia Lattanzio represented Chairman Angela Mancini at a press conference organized by Quebec Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and the Fight against Climate Change David Heurtel, who highlighted the funds being directed to schools in his East End Viau riding. John F. Kennedy High School and Adult Centre in St Michel has been allocated $431,000 for electrical work.
Christine St. Pierre, Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie, held a press conference in her L’Acadie riding to announce $69,000 and $50,000 in funding to John Caboto and Cedarcrest for electrical and plumbing work respectively. EMSB Vice-Chair Sylvia Lo Bianco and St. Laurent Commissioner James Kromida were on hand. In the D’Arcy McGee riding, MNA David Birnbaum announced $80,000 in electrical work at Hampstead Elementary School and $50,000 each for Merton and Mountainview for plumbing. EMSB Director General Robert Stocker was on hand.
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| Minister St. Pierre with EMSB representatives. |
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| Hampstead Principal Hilda Hacikyaner, DG Robert Stocker, Hampstead Mayor William Steinberg & David Birnbaum. |
TAE KWON DO CHAMPS: EMSB students Emma Lee Di Giovanni from Laurier Macdonald High School and her brother Giovanni from John Paul I Junior High School in St. Léonard got the pedagogical support they needed from their teachers in order to compete at the Tae Kwon Do Open in Orland, Florida last month.
Emma-Lee became the 2015 gold champion while Giovanni captured a silver.
Emma-Lee became the 2015 gold champion while Giovanni captured a silver.
DISCUSSION ON BILINGUALISM: Solange Gasano from the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages visited Royal West Academy in Montreal West last week and led a discussion on bilingualism in the Secondary IV Français, langue d’enseignent class of Catherine Goudreau. David Johnston, the newly appointed Commissioner’s representative in Quebec (he is a former Montreal Gazette editor), was on hand as well. He took some footage which will be used for a promotional video inside the Quebec public service.
The launch of the Ici Anglais-French Video at Laurenhill Academy in St. Laurent last spring inspired the Office to do a series of classroom discussions on bilingualism in Canada and Quebec, using the video as a discussion starter. In an hour-long interactive and informal session, the impeccably bilingual Royal West students had the opportunity to share their views and learn on the challenge of learning a second language and keeping it up; the benefits of bilingualism; our language rights as Canadians; the vitality of Francophone minority communities; and Quebec’s English-speaking communities and the language situation in Quebec. They also spoke about strategies and tips to help them maintain their French proficiency all through CEGEP and university. See this video.
Catherine Goudreau, Solange Gasano, students and David Johnston.
SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: The Horatio Alger Association of Canada, under the chairmanship of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, has handed out $5,000 scholarships to high school students across the country who have faced financial difficulties and overcome adversity. These students demonstrate character and desire to continue their education and contribute to society. From the EMSB, Sarah-Rose R. Mestel-Groinig from M.I.N.D. High School was a winner. Info: www.horatioalger.ca.
MIND STUDENTS ON WIRETAP: Students from MIND High School in the Plateau were featured on the popular CBC Radio program Wiretap, hosted by Jonathan Goldstein. They were asked for their advice of how to get out of bed in the morning. See this link.
CANADIAN FLAG: Students at the EMSB engaged in discussions with their teachers about the significance of the Canadian flag in recent days. Sunday, February 15 marked the 50th anniversary of the maple leaf becoming our national symbol on the flag. A committee decided to recommend the single-leaf design, which was approved by resolution of the House of Commons on December 15, 1964, followed by the Senate on December 17, 1964, and proclaimed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, to take effect on February 15, 1965. At Westmount High School, teacher Christina Drakopoulos has come up with a bonus assignment for her Grade 9 History students. Their task is to spot the Canadian Flag in the community, take a picture and upload it with a small paragraph in which they explain what the Canadian Flag symbolizes for them. Submissions will be eligible for up to five bonus points in Term 3. Here are early entries from two students: Anthony Mininni and Ryan Amstutz.
BELL LET’S TALK: The EMSB and its Mental Health Resource Centre participated in this year’s Bell Let’s Talk Day to create a dialogue about mental health. Laurier Macdonald High School in St. Léonard played a leading role when one its students, Eleni Giannakas, spoke for the first time publicly about her battle with depression. Eleni is a 16 year old Secondary V student who has been living with depression for a few years now. It finally became too much and she asked her mom for help. She had cut herself, was suffering with an eating disorder, anxiety and panic attacks and knew how she was going to end her life. Even with medication and therapy she ended up being hospitalized. Eleni has now become an advocate on the subject and began visiting different classes in her school to share her story. See this CTV report and here is our own EMSB TV report.
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| Natasha Spinelli receives her award. |
ENCOUNTERS FROM CANADA: Congratulations to Natasha Spinelli of Laurier Macdonald High School in St. Léonard, one of five provincial winners in the 2014-15 Encounters with Canada / LEARN “Compassion in Action” contest. Students submitted essays about inspiring individuals or groups who, through their compassion and leadership, have made a difference in the community. Natasha wrote about The Buddy Project, an online suicide prevention program. Her winning essay will soon be posted on the LEARN web site at www.learnquebec.ca. Compliments of LEARN, Natasha has received a fully paid week of her choice in Ottawa at Encounters with Canada, the country’s largest youth forum. She will take part in exciting workshops and outings with students from across the country, developing citizenship and leadership skills and exploring career options. For more information, go to www.encounters-rencontres.ca. Isabella Ricci and Miranda Zaremba of Laurier Macdonald were runners-up in the contest, and will receive subsidies towards their participation in Encounters with Canada.
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| This beautiful mural was produced by Dante students for Black History month. |
BLACK HISTORY MONTH: While students across the EMSB are continuously celebrating Black History Month throughout February, a number of schools marked the month with special programming. Headlining assemblies at Laurier Macdonald High School and John Paul I Junior High School were noted CTV Montreal reporter Maya Johnson and Reverend Darryl Gray, founder and head pastor of the Imani Family and Full Gospel Church and former State Senator for Kansas. Also joining LMAC students was EMSB alumni and former contestant on So You Think You Can Dance Canada Justin Jackson and speaking to students at John Paul I was EMSB alumni, former professional basketball player and Olympian Dwight Walton. Both assemblies concluded with performances from the Coronation Elementary School Steel Pan Band and the Académie de Danse. At LaurenHill Academy in St. Laurent, the celebration was ongoing throughout February. The highlight took place on February 17 with the Taste of the Islands festival. During the lunch period, students enjoyed Caribbean and African food, prepared by parents, which will be accompanied by authentic music, courtesy of the Coronation Elementary School Steel Pan Band. There were other activities. A black trivia event with all the homerooms in which the winning room received a Caribbean breakfast; a Grade 10 art workshop with Spoken Word artist Patrick de Belen. See our video. On February 24, Dante Elementary School in St. Léonard, welcomed former MNA Yolande James. When elected, James was the first black female MNA and cabinet minister. The Black Theatre Workshop presented “The Power of Harriet Tubman” at Michelangelo International Elementary School in RDP. Students and teachers enjoyed the play. “It was a very good play and very well written!” noted Ashley D’Avella, a Grade 6 student.
JUNIOR WEATHER SPECIALIST: Global TV will be at Roslyn Elementary School in Westmount on Thursday to record a promotional video for their new a Junior Weather Specialist contest. On air personality Jessica Laventure will talk to a group of students. Stay tuned.
SNOWFLAKES AND TORNADOES: At the General Vanier Elementary School Science Fair this year there were projects in both English and French that covered a really large range of science topics, such as snowflakes and tornadoes, to sugar in soda, to How to make plastic with milk, and titles such as: Glow in the Dark; “ La luciole”, “Le cerveau,” “Les tornades” and many many more! The participants were visited by their classmates and judged over the day. In the evening, they had a chance to present their project to friends and families. Sixty three projects were presented in all. All cycles participated, even the kindergartens! General Vanier is proud of the finalists who will be representing the school at the Hydro-Québec March 2015 Regional Science Fair. This year, the "spirit of the science fair award” was renamed to honour a General Vanier teacher who lost her battle to cancer at the start of the school year. Named “Miss Linda Di Sarro’s Honorary Science Fair Award,” it was given to the student for being a passionate and enthusiastic participant. Miss Linda was a teacher that gave her all for General Vanier and inspired every child she encountered to participate in the science fair. Meanwhile, General Vanier students were also on Breakfast Television baking pancakes. Here is a clip.
BAND CAMP: A number of EMSB students have been travelling to Asbestos during the summer to attend a very succesful band camp. Camp Musical d’Abestos is in Trois Lacs outside of Asbestos, in the Estrie region of southeastern Quebec on the Nicolet River. Bianca, Pipa and Willa Jones attended last summer and they all go to FACE. There were also several students from Rosemont High School, Vincent Massey Collegiate and Royal West Academy last year. Organizers say that two weeks of camp is equivalent to one year of music lessons and the students who attend become good anchors for their respective school music programs. All throughout the summer, many sessions are available to develop music skills. University and college level teachers share their knowledge and their secrets on their respective instruments. The sessions are for two, two week periods with a large concert at the end of camp. For more information go to the website or call 1-888-834-4342. See this video.
AUTISM IN MOTION: Registration is now open for Autism - Human Diversity, the third edition of the Montreal Autism in Motion Conference and Exhibit on Sunday, March 22 at Plaza Volare of the Crowne Plaza Montreal Airport (6600 Chemin de la Côte de Liesse) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The line-up of top international speakers includes John Elder Robison, Randy Lewis and Simon Baron-Cohen, who will touch on a variety of topics of interest for the Autism community. Completing this list will be Charles Lafortune, Mayada Elsabbagh, Antoine Ouellette, Seiun Thomas Henderson and Ann Lachance, most of which will be participating in an interactive panel discussion. This year organizers have partnered with McGill University. Also new this year will be the availability of simultaneous translation during the presentations and the discussion panel. Admission to the exhibit hall is always free. You can register to attend the presentations and save by paying online. http://www.mtlautisminmotion.com/registration.
CRC ROBOTICS: The EMSB was represented by LaurenHill Academy, Lester B. Pearson High School and Royal West Academy at the 14th Annual CRC Robotics competition .More than 500 eager and ambitious high school and CEGEP students took over the Vanier College Sports Complex and called on their imagination and ingenuity in the hope of winning the title of the best robot and the best team. The CRC Robotics Competition is unique because it’s the only robotics competition where all the work is done exclusively by students – teachers, engineers, and outside specialists are welcome but for advice only. Except for a motor and a control box that each team receives, everything about the robot, the kiosk, the video, and the website is conceived and built by the students, and where language is necessary, both French and English must be used.
SHAKESPEARE SELFIE: High School students are being invited by CBC to take part in the Shakespeare Selfie contest. It seems that legendary writer William Shakespeare did take selfies all the time—but instead of a camera, he used a quill. And instead of calling them "selfies," they were called "soliloquies." The challenge for students in two categories (Grades 7 to 9 and Grade 10 and 11) is to write a modern-day soliloquy or monologue by a Shakespearean character. It could be in iambic pentameter or modern syntax. There will be a specific theme for the 2015 competition, based on current events. Stay tuned. It should be between 200 to 400 words. There is one grand prize of an iPad Mini for each age category, as well as a school prize for each grand prize winner. Governor General's Award-winning young-adult author Kenneth Oppel will be judging the 2015 Shakespeare Selfie. Kenneth's Silverwing trilogy has sold over a million copies worldwide. Teachers who let organizers know by March 15, 2015 that they're planning to participate with their class will be entered into a draw for an online video writers’ workshop with Oppel for their class during the challenge period. All entries will be published online so that students can share and teachers can verify/assess their students’ entries. Click here for more info.
SPRING CONFERENCE: The EMSB will host the 2015 Spring Conference of the Association of Administrators of English Schools of Quebec and the Quebec English School Boards Association May 21 to 23 at the Hilton Hotel in Quebec City. Educational Leadership – A Balancing Act is the theme. EMSB Director of Human Resources, Christine Denommée, is the conference chair. Please see the new conference website at http://springconference.ca.
FORMER EMSB ADMINISTRATOR’S NEW PLAN: A new enterprise was created this past summer, with the retirement of Sollie Gliksman, an educator of thirty-seven years of service, almost exclusively in the English public system. Restricted to what he knew best, pedagogy was the obvious choice…and what he enjoyed most during his years as a special ed. teacher and administrator was bringing special events and extra-curricular activities to his students. And so was born Vandalay Instructional Promotions (V.I.P.), now representing over thirty experienced professionals, from motivational speakers to authors, from martial arts blackbelts to DJ’s, from professional development workshops for teachers to sex education to classes of the arts. You are welcome to visit at www.vandalay-promos.com, e-mail solgliksman@gmail.com, and/or call Sollie Gliksman at 514-219-9712. See the full story.
DRAGON BOAT FUNDRAISER: The Missing Children’s Network has begun to plan its annual Dragon Boat Challenge along the Lachine Canal on June 7. This event is the organization’s single most important fundraiser of the year and brings together teams from all walks of life that include families of missing children, child care centers, partners of Our Missing Children program, as well as corporations strongly committed to making a real difference in their community. The event illustrates camaraderie, teamwork and inspiration and is a full day of friendly competition and festivities for the entire family. Organizers have thrown out a challenge to see if two teams from the EMSB would consider entering - specifically high school teams composed of students. Info: p.arcamone@enfant-retourquebec.ca. See the video.
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 which describes 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.
SEGAL CENTRE OFFERS: The Segal Centre for Performing Arts in Snowdon is committed to giving its audience the most engaging theatre experience possible. For families and students of all ages, they offer a number of public programs for each season free of charge, including their Sunday @ the Segal series, Monday night talkbacks, Study Guides, and behind-the scenes videos and insights on their blog. Students can attend for up to 50 percent off the price of an adult ticket. Call 514-739-7944 for more information or to reserve, or buy your tickets online at segalcentre.org. In addition, school groups are welcomed for weekday afternoon performances, including reduced ticket prices, private tours, and talkbacks. Log on here or contact Lucie Lederhendler(llederhendler@segalcentre.org) at 514-739-2301 ext. 8360 for more information.
MONEY TALK: The EMSB has been contacted by Jacynthe Dallaire, Quebec’s provincial coordinator for the Canadian Foundation for Economic Education (CFEE). In 2013, CFEE launched a new program for Secondary I (Grade 7) students called "Talk With Our Kids About Money Day." This is designed to engage students, teachers and parents in talks about money and to kick start conversations in order to better prepare them for the future. They are working towards encouraging the participation of as many schools as possible in Quebec in 2015 for TWOKAM Day on Wednesday, April 15. The program was piloted in Toronto and Montreal in 2013. They targeted 150 schools and had 460 registered. That number rose to 1,135 last year. The program appears to address a need and interest of educators. It is easy and fun to prepare for and asks for but a day – although many teachers are choosing to extend learning beyond the day. Info: 514-278-8789 or www.talkwithourkidsaboutmoney.com
STUDY ON WEIGHT LOSS: Farah Islam, a graduate of St. Dorothy Elementary School in St. Michel, wishes to reach out to the English Montreal School Board Community to help find individuals to participate in a project of the McGill Health Psychology Lab. Farah is currently a full-time student studying psychology at McGill. She works part-time in Dr. Barbel Knauper's Health Psychology Lab as a research assistant. Her duties include: data entry, literature reviews, and assisting groups for the healthy weight program. One of her colleagues is Virginia Rogers, whose father teaches at Rosemount Technology Centre. The Lab is presently looking for individuals to participate in their weight loss clinical trial. The aim of the study is to improve eating and exercise habits by teaching people how to develop new and lasting eating and exercise habits. This Healthy Weight Program will be delivered over one year and consists of 12 weekly core sessions, four transitional sessions over three months and six monthly support sessions offered at different time slots on varying days each week for convenience. The group size will be about 10 people and sessions will last approximately one hour. Trained lifestyle coaches will be leading the sessions, as well as providing guidance and support. The program is free for men and women aged 18 to 75 who are overweight or obese. Dr. Kuiper is particularly encouraging men to participate. Please call 514-398-1399 or email mcgillhealthyweight@gmail.com.
HUNTSMAN MARINE CENTRE: During the summer of 2015, from July 20 to 24, the Huntsman Marine Science Centre in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, will be offering All Things Marine, a hands-on marine experience for teachers, families and friends. Join them as they explore the unique environment of the Bay of Fundy and diversity of life it supports. Here is a link.
Info: aura.barrett@huntsmanmarine.ca
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.
GOOD LUCK SAM: Sam Boskey, an important contact for the EMSB at the Ministry of Education, Leisure and Sports (MELS) for many years, has retired. “I started working in the public sector as a substitute high school teacher in the fall of 1970, just before the imposition of the War Measures Act,” he recalls. “In the following years, I worked as an organiser with a tenants' association, as a professional at CEGEP John Abbott, and helped establish the CLSC Côte-des-Neige. I then returned to studies for another degree at the Faculty of Law and at the Centre de formation professionelle du Barreau du Québec.
“I entered the public service in 1979 and spent 22 years at the Ministry of Justice, as researcher for the judges of the Labour Court. Much of this was part-time, as I spent most of the 1980s and 1990s as an elected City Councillor at Montreal City Hall, including some periods as Leader of the Opposition. I came to the Ministry of Education in 2001 where I have been responsible for Adult Education dossiers at the Direction des services à la communauté anglophone; I was Secretary/Researcher for the Advisory Board on English Education for eight year and coordinator of the team helping English School Boards with Partnership Agreements for six years.
ADULT EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL SERVICES
COMEDY NIGHT FOR ARTS TRIP: Imagine being born with a label. When a person with special needs comes into the world, society stamps them with labels that focus on their disability. They spend a lifetime trying to prove they are not defined by their incapability. In the Social Integration Services Program (SIS) of Galileo Adult Centre, job one is to erase the label and empower the student. In an effort to fund a trip to New York City, where students will see firsthand a lot of the visual arts subjects they have learned about, a comedy night and dinner took place on February 21 at Il Colosseo in RDP. Comics Joe Cacchione, Guido Grasso singer Ana Graur performed and music provided by Millennium. Mr. Cacchione is a professional standup comedian who just happens to be the new vice-principal of Galileo. Here is a great video from The Gazette.
REMEMBERING LIBERATION: On January 27, 1945, precisely 70 years ago, one of the most notorious concentration camps was liberated, Aushchwitz-Birkenau. This year, the anniversary date was particularly significant for Lisa Trotto’s Secondary V students from Galileo Adult Education Centre because they had just finished reading Night by Elie Wiesel. Due to the realistic nature of the novel and the fact that it was written by an Auschwitz survivor, it was difficult for students to put it down and they were very moved by it. Effectively, it was the ideal time to visit the Montreal Holocaust Memorial Centre. Students were lucky enough to be provided with free tickets that were rewarded to a student in their class for her volunteer work. At the memorial center, students visited exhibits, read historical documents, letters, and viewed actual footage of the Holocaust. They were given a chance to hear the victims’ stories be told through these artifacts. The audio and video elements of the tour truly brought forth a resilient voice of the survivors and so much of what students’ observed was mentioned in the class novel. Students were fascinated by their experience, they were also provided with iPads, earphones and a very special final speaker. “To learn, to feel, to remember.” This was the message depicted as the class entered the center and students truly did just that. They are very grateful and touched that they met such an amazing Holocaust survivor, Joe Fellner. His story, emotion and strong spirit simply captivated them and being in his presence was an honor. He spoke with the class for almost two hours and answered all the students’ questions regarding his journey of survival. It was truly an emotional day full of newfound knowledge and sentiment. Students will never forget Joe Fellner or the memorial center and have learned a great deal about social justice and human rights through their experience. Learning outside the classroom truly transforms the student experience and can certainly bring learning to new levels.
ST. LAURENT EXPRESS: The winter edition of the St. Laurent Express has been published by the St. Laurent Adult Education Centre. This extra-curricular activity, under the guidance of the English and French Secondary IV and V teachers, permits students to create and to report, thus displaying their competency/accomplishments in the two languages. Moreover, it promotes teamwork, and allows students to become more effective users of ICT. An equally rewarding element is students becoming involved in building a sense of community. Here is the link.
en français
ÉDITION DU 26 FÉVRIER 2015 / BULLETIN DE LA CSEM
MOIS DE LA NUTRITION : Les écoles se préparent pour le mois de la Nutrition en mars. À la CSEM, les Services de cafétérias et d’éducation en nutrition ont préparé toute une série d’activités. La campagne vise à promouvoir de saines habitudes journalières d’alimentation par le biais de sensibilisation à la nutrition et une connaissance accrue du sujet. Les activités de classe encourageront les élèves à lire et à mieux comprendre les étiquettes de nutrition. Cette initiative bat son plein dans les écoles primaires de la Région1. Animées par une diététiste de la CSEM, ces activités : « LISEZ CE QUE VOUS MANGEZ » permettent à nos élèves de la 1re à la 6e année de mieux connaître la nutrition et de faire des choix alimentaires sains.
Dans les écoles secondaires, le programme de nutrition intitulé « MANGEZ BIEN-SENTEZ-VOUS MIEUX » aura lieu sous forme de sessions aux élèves d’éducation physique et de santé du secondaire I. La campagne abordera les questions de poids, de diète, d’image du corps, de pression sociale et encouragera les modes de vie sains par le biais d’une bonne nutrition, d’activités physiques et le respect de soi. La diététiste de la CSEM montera aussi un kiosque d’éducation en nutrition mettant en vedette les boissons durant la période du repas de midi dans les écoles secondaires. Une affiche éducative intitulée « Améliorez votre boisson » permet aux élèves de connaître les divers types de boissons disponibles sur le marché et de faire des choix plus sains.
CYBERAIDE : La Centrale canadienne de signalement de cas d’exploitation sexuelle des enfants sur Internet, par le biais de son programme Cyberaide, attire l’attention du public sur une application intitulée Communet : Student Chats and Confessions qui est actuellement populaire parmi les jeunes du Canada. L’application permet aux usagers d’afficher anonymement des commentaires dans des sections qui sont identifiées par le nom de l’école. Dans plusieurs cas, les jeunes sont identifiés par nom dans des commentaires utilisés pour attaques personnelles, reliées à l’apparence, la sexualité, la race, les menaces ou le harcèlement.
Les parents sont encouragés à avoir une discussion ouverte et honnête avec leurs enfants au sujet de la cyberintimidation et du harcèlement afin de limiter les impacts nocifs de cette activité préoccupante en ligne. Si un parent/tuteur réalise que son enfant utilise l’application sur un appareil personnel, il est fortement recommandé que le parent/tuteur en discute avec l’enfant et lui conseille de ne plus utiliser cette application. Les parents qui éprouvent des problèmes avec cette application sont fortement encouragés à aviser l’école de leur enfant pour assurer que les intervenants soient au courant de ce problème. Le Centre canadien de protection de l’enfance a aussi créé plusieurs nouvelles ressources pour les éducateurs, reliées à la cyberintimidation afin de traiter la nature diverse et complexe de ce type d’activité en ligne. Pour plus de renseignements au sujet de ces ressources, visiter Enfants avertis.
VISITE DES ARCTIC JUNIOR : L’entraîneur-chef, Bobby Dollas et huit joueurs des Arctic de Saint-Léonard, de la Ligue de Hockey Junior AAA du Québec, ont visité l’école secondaire Lester B. Pearson de Montréal-Nord, le 25 février. Dollas a été un solide défenseur de la Ligue nationale de hockey pendant 17 ans et il a joué avec neuf différentes équipes – Winnipeg, Québec, Détroit, Anaheim, Edmonton, Pittsburgh, Calgary, Ottawa et San José. Avec ses joueurs, il ont participé à une partie amicale de hockey-balle dans le gymnase de l’école contre un groupe d’élèves de l’école secondaire Lester B. Pearson, du programme Sports-Études. Deux des joueurs des Arctic, Matthew Valente et Michael Fratangelo, sont des diplômés de ce programme. Parmi d’autres diplômés de la CSEM présents, l’on a retrouvé Michael Revelakis (Laurier Macdonald de Saint-Léonard), Adriano Leone (Collège Vincent Massey) et John Georgaros (Académie LaurenHill). Lina Di Giovanni, parente d’un ancien élève de la CSEM et présidente des Arctic déclare qu’elle pose les bases d’efforts coopératifs futurs entre l’équipe et la Commission. Les Arctic jouent actuellement à l’aréna Garon de Montréal-Nord pendant que leur local de Saint-Léonard entreprend des rénovations. Ce sera le cas, à nouveau, la saison prochaine.
CENTENAIRE DE MONTRÉAL-NORD : L’arrondissement de Montréal-Nord célèbre son centenaire tout au long de 2015 et les élèves des écoles primaires Gerald McShane et Our Lady of
Pompei et de l’école secondaire Lester B. Pearson ont collaboré à la création d’une œuvre d’art qui sera dévoilée en février à la Maison Culturelle de Montréal-Nord. Plus de 750 élèves ont participé à ce projet qui met en vedette les diverses cultures présentes à Montréal-Nord. Les élèves ont travaillé au projet avec les artistes de Montréal-Nord, Sergio Guiterrez et Amarande Rivere. Une chanson bilingue et une vidéo créées par des élèves de Gerald McShane, sous la direction de l’artiste local David Hodges. Conçue originellement par la directrice Nancy Richer, il a fallu près de trois ans pour la compléter. « Nous sommes tous reliés par nos diversités et le concept a été de faire explorer le thème par les élèves. De la prématernelle à l’école secondaire, l’œuvre finale démontre ce que la diversité signifie pour nous tous » déclare Mme Richer. https://vimeo.com/119350001
AU-DELÀ DE LA SOUFFRANCE : Il y a de cela quelques années, le programme Au-delà de la Souffrance, de la Croix rouge canadienne, a été introduit dans quelques écoles de la CSEM. Nicolas Nadeau, qui a formé des élèves et du personnel de la CSEM, a été le conférencier invité à la journée anti-intimidation Chemise Rose (www.pinkshirtday.ca) qui a eu lieu au Collège Vincent Massey de Rosemont. « Quelle merveilleuse façon de tout terminer. Un des jeunes animateurs que nous avons formé il y a deux ans est maintenant au Collège Dawson et il a formé son propre club anti-intimidation. Il est bon de sentir que le projet a de l’impact. » En 2007, deux élèves de la Nouvelle Écosse ont décidé d’agir après avoir vu un élève plus jeune se faire intimider parce qu’il portait un t-shirt rose à l’école. Les élèves ont acheté 50 t-shirt roses et ont encouragé leurs camarades à les porter à l’école et à envoyer un solide message de solidarité aux intimidateurs. La journée suivante, plus de 500 élèves ont porté des t-shirts roses et l’on n’a plus entendu parler de l’intimidateur.
PRÉSENTATION MUSICALE : Un total de 340 choristes d’écoles primaires de Montréal, un orchestre symphonique et l’artiste québécois renommé Guy Nadon ont collaboré à la production d’un livre/CD au sujet de l’ancien mythe grec de Persephone et de la façon dont les saisons se sont produites. Le Temps des Fleurs, le Temps des Neiges est un projet multidisciplinaire massif qui a culminé avec la production d’un livre/CD pour enfants en français qui explore le mythe ancien de la déesse Demeter, de sa fille Persephone et du lien indestructible qui existe entre une mère et son enfant. Un lancement officiel a eu lieu le 24 février au Centre communautaire hellénique de Côte-des-Neiges. Tous les 340 choristes accompagnés par l’orchestre ont chanté trois chansons durant la conférence de presse. La CSEM est représentée par cinq écoles primaires : Gardenview, Pierre de Coubertin, Edinburgh, Roslyn, Royal Vale et Sinclair Laird.
ENSEIGNANTE D’INSPIRATION : À l’occasion de la Semaine d’appréciation des enseignants, l’école du Centre Mackay a reconnu Leslie Levinson qui avait été récemment reconnue comme enseignante d’Inspiration de 2014 par le Journal Inspirations, publication dédiée aux besoins particuliers de la communauté. Le Centre Mackay éduque des enfants sourds et qui ont de graves handicaps. En 1998, après avoir enseigné dans diverses classes du centre Mackay pendant neuf ans, Levinson a assisté à un colloque sur la communication améliorée et alternative qui a changé le cours de sa carrière. Voulant intégrer ce qu’elle avait appris au programme de l’école, elle a convaincu la direction de l’école de l’envoyer à New York pour un atelier de trois jours. Cet été, en collaboration avec le département de réhabilitation de l’école du Centre Mackay, elle a mis sur pied une classe de communication améliorée et alternative. Bien que Levinson ait été la récipiendaire du Prix d’enseignante d’Inspiration, elle crédite toute l’équipe de Mackay qui l’a toujours appuyée.
DRAPEAU CANADIEN : Les élèves de l’école Sinclair Laird de la CSEM se sont engagés récemment avec leurs enseignants sur le sens du drapeau Canadien. Le dimanche 15 février a marqué le 50e anniversaire de la feuille d’érable comme symbole national. Un comité avait décidé de recommander ce dessin qui avait été approuvé par résolution par la Chambre des communes le 15 décembre 1964, suivi par le Sénat le 17 décembre 1964 et proclamé par Sa Majesté la Reine Elizabeth II le 15 février 1965. À l’école secondaire Westmount, l’enseignante Christina Drakopoulos a conçu un travail boni pour ses élèves d’histoire de 9e année. Leur tâche est de localiser le drapeau canadien dans la communauté, de prendre une photo, de la télécharger et de rédiger un court paragraphe expliquant ce que le drapeau canadien symbolise pour eux. Les soumissions sont éligibles à jusqu’à cinq points bonis au 3e trimestre.
MOIS DE L’HISTOIRE DES NOIRS : Tandis que les élèves à travers la CSEM célèbrent le Mois de l’histoire des noirs tout au long de février, plusieurs écoles ont souligné le mois par une programmation spéciale. Des personnalités telles que Maya Johnson de CTV et le Révérend Darryl Gray, fondateur et pasteur de la Famille Imani et de la Full Gospel Church et ancien sénateur de l’état du Kansas ont présidé des assemblées à l’école secondaire Laurier Macdonald et l’école secondaire du premier cycle John Paul I. Aussi présent avec les élèves de LMAC, l’ancien élève et concurrent du concours So You Think You Can Dance Canada, Justin Jackson, tandis que l’ancien élève de John Paul I et ancien joueur professionnel de basketball s’adressait aux élèves de l’école. Les deux assemblées se sont conclues avec des représentations de l’ensemble à percussion de l’école primaire Coronation et de l’Académie de Danse. À l’Académie LaurenHill de Saint-Laurent, la célébration s’est poursuivie tout au long du mois de février. Le point saillant a eu lieu le 17 février avec le Festival Goût des Îles. Au cours de la période du repas de midi, les élèves ont goûté à des aliments africains et des caraïbes préparés par des parents. Le 24 février, l’école primaire Dante a reçu l’ancienne députée Yolande James qui a été la première députée et ministre noire.
CRC ROBOTIQUE: La CSEM a été représentée par l’Académie LaurenHill, l’école secondaire Lester B. Pearson et l’Académie Royal West au 14e concours annuel de CRC Robotique. Plus de 500 élèves ambitieux, d’écoles secondaires et de CÉGEP, ont envahi le Complexe de sports du Collège Vanier et ont fait appel à leur imagination et leur ingénuité dans l’espoir de remporter le titre de meilleur robot et de meilleure équipe. Le concours CRC Robotique est unique parce que c’est le seul concours où tout le travail est effectué exclusivement par les élèves – des enseignants, des ingénieurs et des spécialistes externes sont les bienvenus mais pour seulement prodiguer des conseils. À l’exception d’un moteur et d’un boitier de commande que chaque équipe reçoit, tout ce qui a trait au robot, le kiosque, la vidéo et le site Web sont conçus et construits par les élèves et lorsque la langue est nécessaire, le français et l’anglais doivent être utilisés.
SAUTONS EN COEUR : Les écoles sont encouragées à participer au programme annuel Sautons en cœur offert aux écoles primaires de Montréal. Appuyant la santé des enfants depuis plus de 30 ans, le Heart and Stroke Jump Rope for Heart encourage les enfants à être actifs en sautant à la corde tout en recueillant des engagements de dons pour la recherche des maladies du cœur. Le programme donne aux enfants l’occasion de sauter et de jouer en compagnie de 750,000 autres enfants de plus de 4000 écoles à travers le Canada. Au cours des années, l’école Royal Vale de NDG, guidée par l’enseignant d’éducation physique Norman Katz, a organisé des évènements couronnés de succès. Pour plus de renseignements, communiquez avec Jessica Liberatore au 514-871-8038, poste 240 ou par courriel à. jessica.liberatore@fmcoeur.qc.ca
LE ZOO DE GRANBY À BANCROFT: Le mardi 6 janvier, l’école Bancroft a accueilli le zoo de Granby, pour deux présentations passionnantes intitulées « mammifères » (pour les élèves des cycles 1 ; 2 et 3) et « espèces en danger » (pour les élèves des cycles 2 et 3).
Pendant l’activité sur les mammifères, les élèves ont appris des caractéristiques fondamentales : par exemple, identifier les principales caractéristiques des mammifères; distinguer trois types de régime alimentaire et identifier la dentition qui s’y rattache; identifier les rôles de la fourrure; connaître des adaptations de défense.
Grace à l’activité « espèces en danger », les élèves ont été sensibilisés sur l’impact des humains sur les animaux dans la vie sauvage ici au Canada et ailleurs dans le monde. Des suggestions d’action concrètes pour la conservation ont été apportées. Les enfants ont pu toucher quelques objets provenant d’animaux ainsi que des objets fabriqués à partir d’espèces menacées qui ont été saisis aux douanes canadiennes.
Lors des deux présentations interactives, des crânes, des fourrures, des objets et des ANIMAUX VIVANTS ont été présentés aux enfants afin qu’ils soient mieux sensibilisés aux mammifères vivant avec eux sur la planète Terre. Il y avait beaucoup de questions !
Charles Martin
SERVICES DE L’ÉDUCATION DES ADULTES ET DE LA FORMATION PROFESSIONNELLE
SOIRÉE DE COMÉDIE POUR LES ARTS : Imaginez naître avec une étiquette. Lorsqu’une personne aux besoins particuliers vient au monde, la société la marque avec des étiquettes axées sur leur invalidité. Elle passe sa vie à essayer de prouver qu’elle ne doit pas être définie par son incapacité. Au programme de Services d’intégration sociale du Centre d’adultes Galileo, la tâche principale est de responsabiliser l’élève et d’éliminer l’étiquette. Pour essayer de financer un voyage à New York où les élèves verront un grand nombre de sujets d’arts visuels, une soirée de comédie et de diner a eu lieu le 21 février à Il Colosseo de RDP. Les comédiens Joe Cacchione, Guido Grasso et la chanteuse Ana Graur se sont produits et la musique a été offerte par Millenium. M. Cacchione est un comédien professionnel qui est aussi directeur adjoint de Galileo.
SOUVENIR DE LA LIBÉRATION : Le 27 janvier 1945, soit il y a 70 ans, l’un des camps de concentration le plus connu a été libéré – Aushchwitz Birkenau Cette année, la date anniversaire a été particulièrement significative pour les élèves du secondaire V de Lisa Trotto du Centre d’adultes Galileo parce qu’ils avaient terminé la lecture de Night de Elie Wiesel. À cause de la nature réaliste du roman et parce qu’il avait été écrit par un survivant d’Auschwitz, les élèves ont été très touchés par le récit. Ce fut le moment idéal de visiter le Centre de l’Holocauste de Montréal. Au centre, les élèves ont visité des expositions, lu des documents historiques, des lettres et visionné un film actuel de l’Holocauste. Ils ont eu l’occasion d’entendre les histoires des victimes par le biais de ces artéfacts. Les éléments audio et vidéo de la visite ont fait ressortir la voix des survivants. Les élèves ont été fascinés par leur expérience et ils ont aussi reçu des iPads, des écouteurs et ont entendu un très bon conférencier « Apprendre, ressentir, et se souvenir » est le message donné lorsque les élèves ont pénétré au centre. Ils ont été très reconnaissants et touchés de rencontrer un survivant de l’Holocauste, Joe Fellner. Son histoire, son émotion et son esprit les a captivés. Il s’est entretenu avec la classe pendant près de deux heures et a répondu à toutes les questions des élèves. Les élèves n’oublieront jamais Joe Fellner ou la visite au centre et ils ont beaucoup appris au sujet de la justice sociale et les droits de la personne.
LE ZOO DE GRANBY À BANCROFT: Le mardi 6 janvier, l’école Bancroft a accueilli le zoo de Granby, pour deux présentations passionnantes intitulées « mammifères » (pour les élèves des cycles 1 ; 2 et 3) et « espèces en danger » (pour les élèves des cycle 2 et 3).
Pendant l’activité sur les mammifères, les élèves ont appris des caractéristiques fondamentales : par exemple, identifier les principales caractéristiques des mammifères ; distinguer trois types de régime alimentaire et identifier la dentition qui s’y rattache; identifier les rôles de la fourrure; connaître des adaptations de défense.
Grace à l’activité « espèces en danger », les élèves ont été sensibilisés sur l’impact des humains sur les animaux dans la vie sauvage ici au Canada et ailleurs dans le monde. Des suggestions d’actions concrètes pour la conservation ont été apportées. Les enfants ont pu toucher quelques objets provenant d’animaux ainsi que des objets fabriqués à partir d’espèces menacées qui ont été saisis aux douanes canadiennes.
Lors des deux présentations interactives, des crânes, des fourrures, des objets et des ANIMAUX VIVANTS ont été présentés aux enfants afin qu’ils soient mieux sensibilisés aux mammifères vivant avec eux sur la planète Terre. Il y avait beaucoup de questions !
