MARCH 25, 2015 EDITION / VOLUME 17 NUMBER 7/ THE OFFICIAL BULLETIN OF THE EMSB

ENERGY SAVINGS: The EMSB has begun its second major initiative aimed at bolstering energy efficiency in school buildings. This $24.6 million project with energy efficiency experts Énergère will initially focus on 17 specific schools and centers.  This new project with Énergère includes, among other measures, equipment renewal and modernization using aerothermal technology, replacing 25,300 lights and the addition of automated controls to enhance the comfort of staff and students. Once the project is completed, the 17 buildings will achieve a 53 percent reduction in energy consumption and 74 percent or 4,070 tons of CO2 reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per year, equivalent to removing more than 1 270 cars from the road.  All lighting fixtures will be converted from fluorescent to the latest in LED technology, which will save energy, last longer, and simplify maintenance while maintaining or enhancing lighting levels. This measure alone will account for $9 million of the budget. Savings are projected to amount to more than $1.17 million per year once all measures are in place. The initial investment is expected to be covered in 14 years, taking into account $9.9 million in grants from Hydro-Québec, Gaz Métro, Bureau de l’efficacité et de l’innovation énergétiques (BEIÉ) and the Ministry of Education, Leisure and Sports (MELS).Quebec Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and the Fight against Climate Change David Heurtel, the MNA for the riding of Viau, attended the press conference and applauded the initiative. Here is our video of the press conference.

Pierre Lussier of Journéé de la Terre,  Jean-Phillippe Hardy of Energère, EMSB Chair Angela Mancini, Minister David  Heurtel, Vice-Chair Sylvia Lo Bianco, Principal Joseph Vitantonio, Science teacher Nathalie Cloutier &  Sec. IV students  Ayyan Khan & Sarah Teoli.

The 17 schools and centres are: Rosemount High School and Technology Centre and Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary School in Rosemount; Gerald McShane Elementary School in Montreal North; Dante Elementary School in St. Léonard; Royal West Academy in Montreal West; Leonardo Da Vinci Academy, Michelangelo International and East Hill Elementary Schools in Rivière des Prairies; St. Gabriel Elementary School in Pointe St.-Charles; John F. Kennedy High School and Adult Education Centre in St.-Michel; High School of Montreal Adult Education Centre in the Plateau; Marymount Academy International in NDG; Laurier Macdonald High School and Vocational Centre and John Paul I Junior High School in St. Léonard; St. Pius X Career Centre in Ahuntsic; Shadd Business and Health Centre in NDG; Roslyn Elementary School in Westmount. See the complete press release, which was unveiled at a well attended press conference on March 13 at John F. Kennedy High School. See  the full press release.  And see this report by CBC TV.

Minister Heurtel gets a tour of the school.

POSTER CONTEST: Eight elementary schools have been invited to participate in a contest sponsored by the EMSB and Énergère to help promote and raise awareness of energy efficiency and saving the planet.  Each participating school will receive a drawing of a tree on an eight by eight piece of coroplast poster board. Each student would then have to cut out a leaf or petal from a piece of paper, write their own  idea on it regarding how to save the planet,  and then paste the leaf or petal on the picture, which would create a unique-looking landscape. Prizes will be awarded for the best ideas and the winning landscape picture will go on display at the EMSB head office. The eight elementary schools that have been invited to participate in this contest, and are also part of the energy efficiency project, are Pierre Elliott Trudeau School in Rosemount; St. Gabriel School in Pointe St. Charles; Roslyn School in Westmount; Gerald McShane School in Montreal North; Dante School in St. Leonard; and East Hill School, Leonardo Da Vinci Academy and Michelangelo International in Rivière des Prairies.

SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: The Horatio Alger Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney Quebec Scholarship is awarded to students in critical financial need and who have demonstrated integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity, as well as strength of character, a good academic record, a commitment to pursue higher education and a desire to contribute to society. At the EMSB Council of Commissioners meeting the award was presented to Sarah-Rose Mestel-Goinig of MIND High School.

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. Check out this one about Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary School's I Love to Read Month.

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

MINISTRY NAME CHANGE: MELS (Ministry of Education, Leisure and Sports)  has changed its name since its merger and is now called Ministère de l’Éducation, de l’Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche (MEESR), which includes MELS and MESRS.

Lia Loebenberg of Royal West Academy was a regional winner last year.

REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR: The annual Hydro-Québec Montreal Regional Science & Technology Fair  will take place Sunday, March 29  through Tuesday March 31 at Concordia University's downtown campus (1400 de Maisonneuve and 151 St. Catherine Street West). This year’s event, organized by Educational Alliance for Science & Technology (EAST), is being hosted by  Concordia. During this one-of-a-kind competition, budding scientists aged 13 to 20 will be presenting to visitors scientific projects that impassion them, proving that science and technology can be interesting and accessible. Students from several EMSB schools are registered.   There is no admission charge. Public opening hours are: Sunday, from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m ; Monday, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m; and Tuesday, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.  The Awards ceremony  is Tuesday evening, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (open to the public) at the Oscar Peterson Hall of the Loyola Campus. The president of EAST is retired EMSB in-school administrator Agostino Porchetta.  See the full press release.

DELEGATION OF POWERS: Notice has been given, in conformity with Section 394 of the Education Act, that Revised By-Law No. 2 (2015) pertaining to the Delegation of Powers to the Executive Committee  was given final approval at the February 25 regular meeting of the EMSB. Notice was also given that Executive Committee meetings will  now be held public, as of March 24, 2015 in the Laurence Patterson Room of the English Montreal School Board, 6000 Fielding in Montreal, usual dates and time. 

IMPACT NIGHT: For the 10th year in a row, the EMSB is pleased to announce the continuation of a partnership with the Montreal Impact soccer team through its “All the Way with the Impact” program.  Over the next few months, members of the Impact will be visiting elementary and high schools to remind young students of the importance of studying, persevering and building self-confidence in order to succeed. It is now time for our traditional “EMSB Night,” which will take place on Wednesday, May 6 (8 p.m.) at Saputo Stadium against  the winner of a preliminary match between Ottawa and Edmonton. This is part of the Amway Canadian Championship, which involves the top five professional clubs in Canada, in the race to qualify for the CONCACAF Champions League. That is an international competition between professional clubs from North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Tickets, which are usually $20 each, are priced for EMSB families at a discounted $12 each. Two dollars from each ticket sold will go towards Inspirations, a publication dedicated to the special needs community. We will accept orders on a first-come, first-serve basis from the schools and we now have the option to purchase tickets safely and securely via credit card. To purchase online, please visit  www.emsb.qc.ca/impact. Two students will win $500 Tony Licursi Scholarships. See the video from last year’s game. You can log on here to purchase tickets online.

Canadian Olympian Caroline Calvé with students and staff.

OLYMPIC MEDALIST: As a culmination to their Winter Carnival, St. Monica Elementary School in N.D.G. welcomed Olympian and World Cup medalist Caroline Calvé. Students listened to her personal message of how through perseverance she was able to achieve success in snowboarding and in school.  At the end of her talk, the St. Monica students were treated to a question and answer period followed by autograph signing and photos. The school would like to thank Caroline for taking the time to visit St. Monica as well as RBC for arranging the visit.

Nechama Surik

Lev Berner

HOLOCAUST EDUCATION: Three teachers  from the EMSB  will be presented with scholarships from the Riva and Thomas O. Hecht Scholarship, Teaching of The Holocaust for Educators Program for a three week experience at the Vad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Israel next summer. Chosen from among many applicants were Lev Berner from Vincent Massey Collegiate in Rosemount, Nechama Surik from the Shadd Health and Business Centre and Marie Francis (bottom right) from John Grant High School in Côte Saint-Luc.

This is the 10th year of the project and over that time a number of EMSB teachers have travelled to

Israel and returned with interesting options for their respective curriculums. The awards will be

presented at a gala dinner on June 17. Each of the teachers will take part in a professional development program under the direction of the Faculty of the Yad Vashem Seminars for Educators from Abroad, International School for Holocaust Studies.  The goal of the program is to provide professional development activities for teaching about the Holocaust and anti-Semitism to students ain the youth Sector. Each recipient will be asked to create at least one teaching unit or module developed within the context learned.

Showcasing the beautiful piece of artwork at the Council meeting.

MONTREAL NORTH WORK OF ART: 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 have jointly created a  beautiful piece of artwork which is now on display at the EMSB Administration Building (see photo above). It was officially unveiled on February  at the Montreal North Maison Culturelle. More than 750 students participated in the exhibit that highlights the diverse cultures that call Montreal North home. Students worked on the project along with Montreal North artists Sergio Guiterrez and Amarande Rivere. Here is a video from the original unveiling. 

ROSLYN ON THE WEATHER: Jessica Laventure, the weather forecaster for Global TV’s Morning News, visited Roslyn Elementary School in Westmount to tell  students about an upcoming contest on the show. It will give them the opportunity to join her for a live weather broadcast on the Morning News. The contest will be open to all Montreal area students between the ages of eight and 13. The contest will launch soon and run into April. Details will be posted shortly on the Global Montreal website.  "I really enjoy talking to young people about my job and the weather, because they are so passionate about the things they are curious about and so am I,"  said Jessica  

Jessica Laventure talks weather with students.

At Roslyn Jessica spoke to a group of Roslyn students about her job and answered their questions. The students learned quite a bit about her and what it takes to be a weather forecaster on a morning show. Jessica attended Boucherville Elementary School, an English-language school on Montreal's South Shore. As a student,  she loved reading and writing and was quite chatty and a bit of a day dreamer. Jessica has always been interested in the weather; discovering the different types of clouds, learning where rain came from and finding out how some people could tell when it was going to rain or snow. Jessica also shared with the students some of the qualities that are good to have if you want to pursue a career as a weather specialist on TV.  "You should obviously be interested in weather, enjoy science and the outdoors, be friendly, curious and a good public speaker and be a good role model, because people will recognize you,"  she said.

Julie Marcus

VIDEO CHALLENGE WINNER: Julie Marcus, a teacher at Roslyn  Elementary School in Westmount, was recently named one of three winners across Canada in the seventh annual MindShare Learning Digital Learning Video Challenge. Ms. Marcus submitted a video in which she demonstrated how technology is incorporated into the day-to-day pedagogy at Roslyn. The video demonstrates students learning critical skills from basic computer programming to video and photo editing.  With a brand-new technology centre at the school,  Ms. Marcus and her colleagues use these cutting edge tools to truly enhance their students’ computer literacy.  “By constructing their own media, students are able to deconstruct the media they are bombarded with and become more aware of media influences,” said Ms. Marcus “Winning this national contest solidifies that Roslyn students are media smart, learning invaluable skills for the 21st century.” 

Ms. Marcus’ submission can be seen here or below. For more information log on here.

SEX EDUCATION: For the second year in a row, Lester B. Pearson High School in Montreal North devoted an entire day to sex education on March 18. Vice-Principal Clorinda Antonacci emphasizes that the aim of the seminar was to provide students with an opportunity to discover and inform themselves about the various issues regarding sex and sexuality.  See press release and here is an excellent report on the event by CBC TV.

CYBERBULLYING: Lester B Pearson High School made it to the CTV National News on a report about cyberbullying. Here it is.

ABSENCES: CBC Radio Noon spoke about a program started by another board on the South Shore. They are using a new computer program that allows parents to see their children's absences online. Host Shawn Apel spoke to Secondary V student Flora Tran of Lester B. Pearson High School to get her perspective. Meanwhile, here is a link to Pearson's latest newsletter, coordinated by teacher Paul Karpontinis. 

LGBT CLUB AT ROYAL WEST:  CBC Radio broadcast a story last week about the new Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual  Club (LGBC) at Royal West Academy in Montreal West, focusing on Bry Bitar, From birth until this school year, Bry was Bryan. Now, Bry has stopped wearing their high school's boys' uniform and instead wears the girls' uniform. It's a first at Royal West.  In elementary school in Laval, Bry faced a lot of bullying, which turned physical, and by 11 years old, it was too much. "I became depressed, like severely. I didn't want to talk to anyone, I thought everyone hated me.... I did become suicidal and I attempted, but thank God nothing happened because I'm better today," Bry said. Bry and his parents recently met with the administration at Royal West Academy and requested a switch from the boys' school uniform to the girls.' This was agreed to. The situation led the school to initiate a discussion at the school board level, said  Principal Tony Pita, Royal West Academy, who noted that the EMSB  is striking a committee to assess how best to serve students and staff in a similar situation. The goal is to have a policy in place as soon as possible, Mr. Pita said.

Bry Bittar (photo courtesy of CBC)

"Royal West Academy is extremely proud of the courage and initiative displayed by our students, both in the formation of the LGBT Club as well as their willingness to discuss their own struggles in an effort to raise awareness of gender issues within the general public,"  added Mr. Pita. "Royal West seeks to respect and embrace individual differences within our school community. We support Bry and the family as they undergo this challenging transition. Bry is an intelligent, sensitive and courageous individual, whom we are pleased to have as a student

"The administration and staff are committed to providing an environment within which students are able to express themselves confidently and safely, while maintaining the structure and rigour that our school community has come to expect from Royal West Academy. Enforcing standards like the school uniform should not prevent us from celebrating individual differences. When we make accommodations within the parameters of school rules, they are the result of much preparation, discussion, and consultation. We hope that Bry's case can be an example for other schools and students facing similar challenges in the future." Here is a link to the CBC Radio feature.

Dalkeith students display their wrapped bracelets and charms.

DALKEITH BRACELETS AND CHARMS: Dalkeith Elementary  School Cycle 3 students  in Anjou crafted, weaved then donated elastic bracelets and charms. Guided by teachers Patrizia Spatola and Sandra Trevisonno the students decided to make bracelets and charms for patients at the Montreal Children’s Hospital (Surgical Unit). They worked tirelessly throughout lunch hours and other free moments to create, package and write inspiring messages to the patients. They also made charms for the nurses in order to thank them for all their hard work. The staff and patients were extremely amazed and thankful for the gifts they received.

NEW PHYS ED CONSULTANT: Katherine Baker is the EMSB’s new Physical Education and Health Consultant, succeeding Sandy Farr, who retired.  Katherine joins us from Lester. B Pearson School Board, where she taught physical education and health at both the elementary and high school levels. She also   serves as president of the Association of Physical Educators of Quebec, the professional association that serves PEH teachers working in our English school boards in Quebec.  She can be reached at 514-483-7200 ext. 7417 or via e-mail at kbaker@emsb.qc.ca.

ELA CONSULTANT: Donna D’Amato has been announced as the  interim replacement for Anne Beamish, as the  English Language Arts Education Consultant. She is on loan to the Ministry of Education, Leisure and Sports.

A lot of smiling faces at the General Vanier ski trip.

WE LOVE TO READ WEEK: Even though February is the shortest  month, lots was going on at General Vanier Elementary School in St. Léonard. Where to begin?! How about with We Love To Read Week?  Special activities were planned daily, with the older kids reading to the younger ones. They had authors come read  and talk about their experiences and how they came to be authors, the book fair was held and the students even wrote a “school wide story.” The first sentence was written by the Kindergarten class, the second by the first grade and all the way to Grade 6  who wrote the conclusion.  All agreed however that their favorite activity was “ quiet time with a blanket, a flashlight and a wonderful book." Next came  carnival day and the traditional Grade 5 ski trip. Students are now preparing for a wonderful spring show that will mark the beginning of the festivities for the 15th year GV anniversary. It will be held at Laurier Macdonald High School on April 16.  

BRAIN AWARENESS: On March 10, the Grade 6 students from General Vanier had the privilege of attending a workshop on Brain Awareness.  Ms. Kat, a McGill Ph.D student, educated the students on brain research and explained  how our senses, our body, and our brain all interact with one another.  The students viewed a digital presentation, had an open forum for questions, participated  in interactive activities where they were able to test theories and determine their own conclusions.  To the student's surprise, they  had the opportunity to see and touch a cow's brain!

Getting into the Health Fair spirit.

VANIER HEALTH FAIR:   LaurenHill Academy in St. Laurent hosted the Vanier College Nursing Health Fair this year, which promoted healthy living exhibits to our students by third year nursing students.  The fair took place at LHA senior campus on March 12 and 13, with exhibits displayed in the gymnasium.   The Secondary III, IV and V  students visited the exhibits over the two days, with a variety of  topics that included: Junk Food & Adolescents; Texting & Driving’ Dream Your Way to Better Grades’ How Fit Are You? Stigma of Depression; Dangers of Energy Drinks; Obesity: A moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips Marijuana: No Need to Smoke Weed’ Soothing Student Stress Body Art & Piercings in Young Adults; Get High, Get a DUI; My Hands, My Sanctuary (Germ Prevention); Smoking: Take My Breath Away; Alcohol & Young Women; ands Preventing STIs.

Many of the exhibits were interactive and our students enjoyed participating in the demonstrations. The Nursing students were very enthusiastic about their research findings and did a great job of informing our students and making them more aware of how to live an overall  healthier lifestyle.  High School students tend to avoid health professionals and are often reluctant to talk about their health concerns.  Presenting information during a Health Fair event is an ideal way of reaching adolescents and exposing them to information on healthy behaviours.

Angelike on stage

Angelike Falbo

THE  VOICE--- EMSB FINALIST:   An extraordinary success story is being written on TVA’s La Voix (the French version of the singing reality show The Voice). Angelike Falbo, a 16 year old Secondary V student at  Laurier Macdonald High School in St. Leonard, is a finalist. Her next performance is on Sunday, March 29 (7:30 p.m.) and voting is open to the public.
Angelike is a past finalist in the Superfantastico competition.  Her voice coach is noted recording artist Nancy Martinez. Here is a link to one of her outstanding performances.
  

COURAGE DAY: The importance of courage, bravery and community service was on the agenda recently as students at Vincent Massey Collegiate in Rosemount held their first annual Courage Day. Organized by the Be the Change Committee along with Spiritual Community Animator Rocco Speranza, the day featured motivational speeches from members of the Canadian Grenadier Guards, former Harlem Globetrotter Pascal Fleury as well as Joshua Bourke of the Montreal Alouettes. Silence fell over the audience and all the messages of the day came together when current Canadian Forces Corporal James Santos spoke of his experience at Dawson College during the 2006 shooting. A student at the time, Santos was used as a human shield by the shooter. In recognition of his courage and bravery, Santos was the recipient of the Star of Courage award from then-Governor General Michaëlle Jean. 

“I was just trying to convince [the shooter] to stop what he was doing, anyway possible,” said Santos.  In addition to the motivational speeches, the guests on hand, along with Principal John Pevec joined students in a basketball game. The Vincent Massey Collegiate cheerleaders were on the sidelines, cheering on their peers.

DAVID MARINO IN CONCERT:   David Marino,  a Secondary V student at Vincent Massey Collegiate in Rosemount, continues to excel in his singing career  while expressing his huge love for jazz music. Over the last few years, he has had the pleasure of working with great jazz musicians and directors who have taught him about the great jazz composers, lyricists, and singers of all time. He is now planning for his own show on Monday, May 18  (7 pm)  at the Leonardo Da Vinci Center in St. Léonard (Victoria Day). “On February 14, I held my first concert and I can definitely say, it was the jazziest and best night of my life,” he says. “ I was very happy that my first show sold out!”

See the flyer here and above.

Principal Darlene Kehyayan and some of her students at the I.D. table.

CHILD ID CLINIC: André Maratta, Director of Public Security in the Town of Mount-Royal and his team,  organized a  child safety identification clinic for all Dunrae Gardens’ Elementary School students on March 24.  Each student received an identification booklet with their photo and their fingerprints, free of charge.  Booklets were sent home that afternoon and no copies were kept by the school or TMR.

FREE THE CHILDREN: Kayla Panacui, a Secondary IV student at Laurier Macdonald High school, was honoured at this year’s Evening of Champions with the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award for all of her amazing work with Free the Children and how she has contributed positively to her community. Along with Alessia Collacci and Francesca Varrone, she  organized a Spaghetti Fundraising dinner on January 23 with the support of French teacher Sophie Desjardians, CLC coordinator Gina Bergantino and  Spiritual Community Animator Vince Lacroce. Over 350 people attended the event and over $5,000 was collected. All of the funds will be donated to Free the Children’s Brick by Brick Program to build a school in India.

Laurier Macdonald has a long standing tradition of committing itself to raising funds and awareness for those less fortunate in our community. It is for this reason that Laurier Macdonald High School has partnered up with The Enbridge® Ride to Conquer Cancer and The Free the Children Organization, an international charity and educational partner, in an incredible one night event. The LMAC event will be called “Build a Cure" and  it will take place at the school on Friday, May 8 from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. “Our goal this year is to raise $50,000,” said Mr. Lacroce.  “The proceeds of this event will benefit The Enbridge® Ride to Conquer Cancer for Breast Cancer Research and The Free the Children Organization Brick by Brick Campaign. Build a Cure is an opportunity to get together with family and friends to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer, and fight back in the hope of finding a cure for this terrible disease. 

LMAC and JPI students at We Day.

WE DAY: Laurier Macdonald High School along with John Paul I Junior High School  attended the We Day concert in Montreal on March 24.  Due to their exceptional work this year, the two schools have been invited to the National We Day Concert in Ottawa. “ We are the only two EMSB schools who have been extended this invitation,” said Mr. Lacroce. “Over 60 staff members and students will be a part of this event. We Day brings young people together to celebrate the actions that they are taking in their local and global communities and to inspire another year of change by sharing the passion of world leaders and entertainers. We Day is tied to the year-long We Act program, which offers educational resources, campaigns and support materials to help turn the event’s inspiration into sustained action. Through We Act, students commit to taking one local and one global action to better the world, earning their way to We Day.”

ELECTIONS CANADA SCHOOL CHALLENGE: Thirty-seven Secondary V Photography students from LMAC submitted photo entries to the National Democracy Challenge 2014. As this was the highest number of entries from one school, Laurier Macdonald won this year's School Challenge prize! As a result, Sec. 5 student Amanda Amari (pictured) was awarded a bursary to attend the Forum for Young Canadians session in Ottawa from March 22 to27. The bursary covers airfare, accommodations and all activities for this week-long program. Congrats to Amanda and to all the talented students from Mr. Penning’s class who entered the contest!

TEACHER-DIRECTED iPAD CURRICULUM AT HAMPSTEAD: The Cycle 3 students at Hampstead Elementary School have embarked upon an exciting teacher–directed iPad curriculum initiative.  This project was launched last spring with an informative meeting with the Cycle 3 parents. The proposal was eagerly received and the parents agreed to purchase devices for their children. In addition, both parents and students signed an Acceptable Use Policy and received guidance on setting up the built–in safety features on their child’s iPad. Right from the start of the year, students were submerged in a Digital Citizenship Boot camp to prepare them for this unique endeavour. Primarily used in Math class, the learner has become responsible for explaining his/her thinking when problem solving or when mastering a new concept. With the assistance of all Cycle 3 teachers, especially Tami Brewster, Heather Strulovitch and Danna Dworkind,  students have become familiar with different creation apps, and enjoyed the opportunity to extend their learning beyond the classroom walls. Essentially, this initiative allows the educator to integrate one-on-one iPads in the regular curriculum and evaluate the effectiveness on improving learning outcomes.

CHORALE ANNIVERSARY: The EMSB Chorale is celebrating its 35th anniversary this season with a Spring Gala Concertw on May 2 (7:30 p.m.) and May 3 (2 p.m.) at Oscar Peterson Hall in NDG. Artistic Director Patricia Abbott hopes that many former members of the choir will join the more than 90 current members for the closing numbers of the concert.

Founded in 1980 as the PSBGM Children’s Chorus by arts consultant Georgie Crawford and conductor Iwan Edwards, the choir subsequently became known as the PSBGM Chorale and changed its name to the EMSB Chorale in 1998 with the restructuring of the school boards. Iwan Edwards was succeeded by Jean Sult, who led from the choir from 1984 to 1990. Erica Phare conducted the Junior Chorale from 1988 to 1999. Ms. Abbott joined as the Senior Chorale conductor in 1990, taking over as conductor of the Junior Chorale in 1999 and administrative duties in 2000. She is aided by assistant conductor Marie-Ève Arseneau and accompanist Anne-Marie Denoncourt. 

PSBGM/EMSB Chorale alumni are invited to contact Ms. Abbott for all the details to participate in this special anniversary concert, which will also feature the world premiere of Sainte-Cécile by Canadian composer Kathleen Allan and several guest musicians. Contact Ms. Abbott at 514-483-7200 ext 7234 or at pabbott@emsb.qc.ca

NUTRITION MONTH: Schools have been participating in Nutrition Month. At the EMSB,  Cafeteria and Nutrition Education Services 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 have been orienting 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” has occurred in the form of two in-class sessions to Secondary I students in Physical Education and Health.  The campaign is addressing 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 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. See this video from Roslyn School.

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  (http://www.campmusicalinc.com) is located 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 the promotional video:

FRENCH FOR THE FUTURE: The Cineplex Theatre at the Montreal Forum Entertainment Complex (2313 Ste. Catherine Street West) will be the site for the 2015 French for the Future Montreal Local Conference on Thursday, April 23 (9 a.m.). Aimed at promoting bilingualism amongst Canadian youth, the theme is Respect, Culture and Integration Into Québécois Society. Some 500 students from 13 Montreal high schools and four school boards will be present.

Habs announcer Michel Lacroix.

Participating  EMSB schools are: Westmount High School, John F. Kennedy High School in St. Michel, Royal West Academy in Montreal West, Lester B. Pearson High School in Montreal North and  Marymount Academy International in NDG. Charismatic Montreal producer, animator and break dancer, Pierre-Michel Jean-Louis, will serve as master of ceremonies.  Québécois rapper and street artist, MONK. E will inspire the youth with his story and powerful trilingual lyrics. This will be followed by some open microphone time for the participating students to rap in French!   At 10:15 a.m. the students will learn of the incredible hockey history associated with the Forum, which served as the home of the Montreal Canadiens from 1926 to 1996. Mike Piperni, a graduate of the EMSB’s James Lyng High School and the executive producer for RDS (Réseau des Sports), will lead a discussion with Canadiens’ charismatic public address announcer  Michel Lacroix. RDS has prepared a short video about the Forum. Lacroix will give students a chance to try their hand at announcing some Canadiens goals and penalties.

Other activities will include an interactive quiz on Canadian and Quebec culture,   performances from the winners of the Lester B. Pearson School Board SLAM contest, a francophone youth hip hop dance group, the presentation of web series produced by Marymount Academy International   and a much anticipated interactive finale starring the always entertaining Ligue D’improvisation Montréalaise. The event will conclude with some exciting prizes presented by local sponsors . For more details log on to www.french-future.org.

Anne Williams, Bernard Praw and Christine Denommée.

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. Please see the conference website. Former EMSB commissioners Anne Williams and Bernie Praw  and  EMSB Director of Human Resources Christine Denommée are the event  co-chairs.  To give you a taste of  the opening keynote speaker, Drew Dudley, enjoy this short video. 

It was an impressive exhibition at Carlyle.

THE PROTECTORS OF EARTH: Carlyle Elementary School  in TMR hosted their annual International Baccalaureate® (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) Exhibition on February 26. The Grade 6 students worked diligently in preparation for this event. Exhibition is a significant event in the life of a PYP student and a school. It is a student-centered project and a culmination of all the essential elements of the IB-PYP program.  This year’s central idea was developed under the transdisciplinary theme: Sharing the Planet, entitled: The Protectors of the Earth. The students created the central idea, “It is Mankind’s Responsibility to Protect the Earth.” In groups, they chose the following five topics to research: Living Things, Conflict Resolution, Finite Resources, Global Warming and finally Living Green. 

Another important element for an IB-PYP Exhibition is Action. Following our application for a project from AMSFA, A Montreal School For All, we received a grant that will allow students to record a radio broadcast on Radio Enfant. Furthermore, Carlyle raised funds for the protection of the Eastern Wolf, an animal at risk for extinction. The Carlyle family congratulates all the students for their dedication and all their hard work. 

  

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., Énergère, The Suburban Newspaper and Locker Shelf Solutions. There will be a special stand up comedy performance by Joe Cacchione, the vice-principal of Galileo Adult Education Centre and a professional in this field.

EMSB EXPRESS: The Spring 2015 edition of the EMSB Express has been published. There is a special focus on the EMSB’s new anti-bullying program, KINDER-garten. It aims at promoting the work done by Kindergarten teachers in developing social-emotional learning in the classroom by providing tools for the children to reduce bullying and acts of aggression and to foster compassion and acts of kindness. There are messages from the EMSB Chair and Director General, the EMSB Quiz (with Cineplex and La Ronde tickets up for grabs), sports news, the return of playwright Vittorio Rossi to his old high school and a preview of EMSB Volunteer Appreciation Evening. You can read it online at this link.

TOUCHING BASE: In February, the B.A.S.E. (Before and After School Enriched) Daycare Program team and its students published this 12-page all-colour newspaper. The front page of the issue highlights the music listening program at Philip E. Layton daycare as well as B.A.S.E.’s commitment to nutritional education and the wonderful Play it Fair! resource being used as a kindness promoting and anti-bullying tool in the B.A.S.E. daycares. Five pages of the newspaper are dedicated to a colourful display of all the exciting extracurricular activities and pedagogical days that took place throughout the daycares during the fall and beginning of winter. These pages showcase the written work of the Daycare students themselves. Furthermore, the Green Initiative section hosts two full pages of news from the B.A.S.E. daycare gardens, focusing on the harvest parties that took place in the fall when students reaped the delicious and healthy rewards of all their hard work.

You will find a brief story about the successful Annual Daycare Conference attended by Daycare Technicians and Educators and an informative article on the importance of physical literacy, which includes activities to do with children to develop their physical literacy and tips on raising a physically literate child. Finally, a page on events, such as the results of the Disney Live Art Contest, rounds out the news found in the Touching B.A.S.E. on Daycare Matters newspaper.  To see the full paper as well as all past editions, find it online under the Press Clipping section of the B.A.S.E. blog at daycarematters.com.

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. Here is the link.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY: Cedarcrest Elementary School in St. Laurent celebrated St. Patrick’s Day live on Global TV. Weather forecaster Jessica Laventure interviewed students and staff and showcased some of the musical talent, powered by the guidance of Ian O’Hanchet (Hanchet).  Clip One, Clip Two and Clip Three.

HIGH SCHOOL REUNION: The Northmount High School graduating class 11-A 1965 is seeking its teachers! They will be holding their 50th anniversary class reunion on July 4 and 5, 2015 in Montreal and they are seeking  the participation of former teachers! Please contact Judy Beltzner (formerly Judy Pepper) at judy@beltzner.ca or 613-692-2462 and let her know  where you are. She will follow up with reunion details.  Even if you can’t attend, they’d love to be in touch, share some stories and catch up on the past 50 years.

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS: Zeus McClurkin,  a player from the  world famous Harlem Globetrotters, will visit with students at two English Montreal School Board elementary schools on Monday, March 30   to  present “The ABCs of Bullying Prevention,” which targets six to 12 year-olds.    The programs will take place at Roslyn Elementary School (4699 Westmount) in Westmount at 9:15 a.m. and Coronation Elementary School (4810 Van Horne) at Noon.

Zeus McClurkin

The Globetrotters, who will play at the Bell Centre on Friday, April 10, designed the program in coordination with the National Campaign to Stop Violence (NCSV). It focuses on Action, Bravery, and Compassion, comprising the ABCs.  McClurkin will ask the kids their definition of each word in the ABCs and expand on the answers. For example: “COMPASSION means caring about others and your community. You can stop bullying by being a friend and staying involved in positive activities that show that you care about other people.” For the finale, McClurkin will pick a few kids to join him up front to teach them some special Globetrotter ball handling moves to the tune of the team’s  “Sweet Georgia Brown” theme music. See  press release.

INTERNATIONAL FACEBOOK: Show us what you did during your March Break and you will automatically be entered to win one of three fun prizes: one WAFF stationery Medium size note pad, one WAFF stationery Mini note pad or one bling cellphone button add-on and one pic-nic game. In order to participate, you must visit the International Students Facebook page and complete the following simple steps: like this Facebook page; share the contest post on your wall; and post your best picture from March Break. It is that simple to win! The contest will run until April 13. Winners will be selected at random and be announced on April 19. 

BIG CONCERT:  The students from the extraordinary after school program at St. Gabriel Elementary School in Pointe St. Charles called Viva Sistema will celebrate three transformative years of musical achievement by joining 110 musicians of two North American orchestras on Saturday, March 28 (7 p.m.) at St. Charles' Church ( 2111 Centre St., Montreal).  The University of North Carolina Chamber Orchestra and Fine Arts Core Education (FACE) Symphony Orchestra will team musical talents and present "Unidos por la música" - a dazzling  Latin American symphonic extravaganza - featuring  young FACE violin virtuosos Yu Kai Sun, Richard Zheng and Robert Margaryan, joined by the elementary school children of the Viva!Sistema program, under the direction of Jonathan Andrew Govias as guest conductor. The concert commemorates 40 years since the inception of the renown El Sistema world movement in Caracas and 40 years since the inception of the FACE program in Montreal, and aims to raise funds in support of the after school social program, Viva! Sistema.  Now in its third year, Viva! Sistema is an El Sistema inspired and guided program that uses musical group instruction as a means to affect social change in children and youth. The program runs two hours a day, four days a week and is offered free to the participants. Tickets are available at the door: $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and students.   To learn more log on here or contact Theodora Stathopoulos, Director of the Viva! Sistema Program at info@vivasistema.org.

CHINESE NEW YEAR: In honor of Chinese New Year, Spiritual Animator Veronica D’Agata organized an exciting Lion Dance performance by the Montreal Chan Lion Dance Club at St-Gabriel Elementary. This presentation provided students the opportunity to learn about a different culture and the traditions that encompass this special holiday. During the workshop, several students had the opportunity to play the large drum, as well as put on the lion costume. It was a great deal of fun and everyone truly enjoyed this unique experience. 

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 this video from  last year's event.

Here is a letter from Pino Arcamone directed to EMSB Schools.

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 here.

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. The TOT Program is supported by Great West Life, London Life, and Canada Life. For details, email Vanessa Rigaux at groups@centaurtheatre.com.  Students from James Lyng High School will on hand for a matinee performance of The Envelope on April 8. This play was written by James Lyng alumnus Vittorio Rossi.

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.

KINGS OF EGYPT EXHIBIT:  Education programs  have specifically  been developed for groups of students visiting the much anticipated Kings of Egypt Exhibit, now underway at the Palais des Congrès and continuing until June 27. This includes a tour of the exhibit (Noon, 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.) and workshops that will cover variety of topics related to ancient Egyptian history, art and culture and awaken the students interest towards this fascinating culture. There will also be crafts workshops for the youngest visitors.   In addition to this there is the option of arranging for early access for larger groups of students before the exhibit opens to the public, which will allow for a close intimate view of the artifacts. The visits and education programs for groups of 10 to 15 plus are available through pre-registration, as there will be special arrangements made. The contact  is Mariya Georgieva, Project Manager,  Info@kingsofegypt.com. She can be reached at 514-612-0649 or 514-710-1771. The main website is www.kingsofegypt.com. See the flyer here.

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

MUSICAL SHOWOFF: The EMSB is pleased to be a sponsor once again of Musical Show Off. Bronwen Lloyd-Hughes and Connie Rotella, the producers of Musical Show Off, have announced plans for their fifth season of their program which showcases Montreal’s best young triple threat talents. The 2015 grand finale set for June 21 at the beautiful Rialto Theatre. Not only do many EMSB students participate, but by day Lloyd-Hughes is a dance and performing arts teacher at LaurenHill Academy in St. Laurent. Musical Show Off, presented by Productions Broncon Inc., has grown to become one of the most sought after musical competitions in the city for boys and girls aged seven to 17. Those interested in participating must first register online at www.musicalshowoff.com. 

Bronwen Lloyd-Hughes (right) with CTV`s Lori Graham.

To celebrate this fifth season, Productions Broncon Inc has decided to bring back each of the winning mentors from previous seasons which they believe will result in one big blowout competition for the 2015 Champion of the Champions and the Musical Show Off title 2015. Members of the winning team split $1,000 in prize money. The senior category, comprised of 11 to 17 year olds, will once again be split into four teams and receive a total of 24 hours of coaching before they compete against each other live on stage for the chance to win Musical Show Off. In addition to these four outstanding teams, there will be a group of “Rising Star Juniors,” aged eight to 10 years old who will perform on the big stage as well. Rehearsals begin on Sunday, May 2 at Danse 1…2…3 (7927 Newman Blvd.) in LaSalle.  For more information, call 514-887-9555 to reserve a spot. For more information log on to www.musicalshowoff.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: laura.barrett@huntsmanmarine.ca

ADMINISTRATOR PHOTOS:  There is a 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.

ADULT EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL SERVICES

EXPOSED TO CULTURAL DIVERSITY: At Galileo Adult Education Center in Montreal North, cultural enrichment occurs in a variety of ways.  One such program involves students learning about different cultures through their gastronomy.  After meeting some of the special needs students during the Galileo Cafe, Bahia Djahra, a recent Algerian immigrant and a Common Core Basic Education (CCBE) student at Galileo, approached special needs teacher Louise Panet-Raymond about the possibility of introducing her country to the students through cooking.  “With the support of her teacher Laura Grassi, who insisted we only speak in English during these sessions, Bahia visits the special needs classroom every Friday and demonstrates fun-filled and interesting cooking techniques,” says Ms. Panet-Raymond.   “At the same time, she talks about her country and her culture.  After one such session, Bahia’s entire CCBE class was invited to partake in the yummy treats and interact with the special needs students in their classroom. This kind of interaction encourages everyone to accept diversity in all of us.  Social Integration.  It is what Galileo Adult Center is all about."

Celebrating the grant for renovations at Galileo Adult Education Centre with Rita de  Santis.

NEW WINDOWS: 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. EMSB Chairman Angela Mancini and Vice-Chairman Sylvia Lo Bianco attended a press at the Galileo Adult Education  Centre with Quebec Member of the National Assembly for Bourassa-Sauvé Rita de Santis,  at which time the grants for that school were highlighted. The Galileo Adult Education Centre will receive $1,592,885 for the replacement of windows and repairs of washrooms and plumbing work. Located at 10921 Gariepy, the Galileo Adult Education Centre is the home to more than 1,700 students in basic academics, literacy and the Social Integration Services (SIS) Program for special needs. The building also houses the Curtis George Campus of Rosemount Technology Centre and 350 additional students.  The facility was originally the home of Sir Wilfred Laurier Junior High School, which merged with Lester B. Pearson High School in 2002.

There was quite a crowd at the comedy gala.

COMEDY NIGHT: The Galileo Adult Centre “Comedy Night” held on February 21 was a success! The turnout of the night truly encouraged students even further and left them with the final realization that dreams do come true. The generosity of teachers, staff, stakeholders and the public was truly amazing; over $17,500 dollars was raised through auctions and raffle tickets on that night alone. The fundraising efforts truly did pay off and the $30,000 required for the trip was surpassed.  On March 30,  students will be embarking on a voyage of a lifetime, while some have never left the confines of Montreal, they will truly be in for a delight. The city that never sleeps will keep students wide-awake through this journey of adventure and exploration. Landmarks such as Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and the Pace Gallery will all be sites visited during their trip. Students are also scheduled to visit an array of museums and art exhibits, along with guided tours through the city and are excited to exhilarate their taste buds at some of the best restaurants the city has to offer. Words cannot describe the joy that these students have expressed due to this unique opportunity. Galileo’s resilient team efforts, encouragement for student success and support for learning outside of the classroom has all made what was once a dream, a reality for these outstanding students.  

Enjoying the library tour.

LIBRARY TOUR:  Literacy students in Nootan Kumar’s Community Life course at Galileo Adult Centre visited the Saint Leonard Library recently for a special guided tour. They learned about the many services offered by the library, as well as specific materials and resources available to improve their English language skills. Some of the more recent arrivals to Montreal took the opportunity to have their library cards made, allowing them access to all public libraries across the island of Montreal. Students were impressed by the size and spaciousness of the library, the friendly staff, and the wide range of free services offered. Some students immediately checked out items such as a bilingual French-English novel, an illustrated guide to English idioms, and an audio English language course. A few students have since been visiting the library regularly with their families on weekends.

Marcelo Raffaelli Cesar

FINANCIAL SEMINARS: Concerned with the idea of financial independence and early retirement, , a teacher at the Galileo Adult Centre, began studying up on investments and savings plans to help reach his own goals. When the simplicity of indexed investing dawned on him, he chose to share his knowledge with his fellow teachers and created a grassroots and ground-up financial seminar to teach them how to improve the health of their savings accounts. He is now in contact with principals from other centers and wants to spread the message of simple but powerful long-term investing to interested staff, and potentially students as well. If you'd like him to come speak email him at mcesar@emsb.qc.ca.
Marcelo Raffaelli Cesar.

LMAC CAREER CENTRE: See our special video about Laurier Macdonald Career Centre and its collaborative project with St. Pius X Career Centre and Shadd Health and Business Centre aimed at providing a cost-effective way for students on the job hunt to look as confident as they feel.

NEXT FOCUS: The deadline for the next EMSB Focus is Friday, April 17. Email submissions to mcohen@emsb.qc.ca.

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ÉDITION DU 25 MARS 2015 / BULLETIN DE LA CSEM

ÉCONOMIES D’ÉNERGIE: La CSEM a lancé sa deuxième phase majeure visant à renforcer l'efficacité énergétique dans ses établissements. Ce projet de 24,6 millions de dollars entrepris avec les experts d’efficacité énergétique Énergère sera concentré initialement sur 17 écoles et centres spécifiques. Ce nouveau projet avec Énergère inclut, entre autres mesures, le renouvellement et la modernisation d’équipement à l’aide de technologie aérothermique, le remplacement de 25 300 luminaires et l’ajout de contrôles automatisés pour améliorer le confort du personnel et des élèves. Dès que le projet sera terminé, les 17 bâtiments atteindront une réduction de 53 pour cent de consommation d’énergie et de 74 pour cent ou 4 070 tonnes de réduction de CO² en émissions de gaz à effet de serre par année, soit l’équivalent d’éliminer plus de 1 270 automobiles sur la route. Tous les appareils d’éclairage seront convertis de fluorescents à la dernière technologie LED qui économisera de l’énergie, durera plus longtemps et simplifiera l’entretien tout en maintenant ou rehaussant les niveaux d’éclairage. Cette mesure, à elle seule, compte pour 9 millions $ du budget. Les économies sont prévues de s’élever à plus de 1,17 millions $ par année dès que toutes les mesures seront en place. L’on s’attend à ce que l’investissement initial soit complètement récupéré en 14 ans, en tenant compte des appuis financiers de 9,9 millions $ d’Hydro-Québec. De Gaz Métro, du Bureau de l’efficacité et de l’innovation énergétiques (BEIÉ) ainsi que du ministère de l’Éducation, Enseignement supérieur et Recherche (MEESR).

Les 17 écoles et centres de formation sont : L’école secondaire Rosemont et le Centre de technologie, l’école primaire Pierre Elliott Trudeau à Rosemont; l’école primaire Gerald McShane de Montréal-Nord; l’école primaire Dante à Saint-Léonard; l’Académie Royal West de Montréal-Ouest; l’Académie Leonardo Da Vinci et les écoles primaires Michelangelo Internationale et East Hill à Rivière-des-Prairies; l’école primaire Saint-Gabriel à Pointe-St-Charles; l’école secondaire John F. Kennedy et le Centre d’éducation des adultes à Saint-Michel; l’école secondaire de Montréal et le Centre d’éducation des adultes sur le Plateau; l’Académie Marymount Internationale à Notre-Dame-de-Grâce; l’école secondaire Laurier Macdonald et le Centre de formation professionnelle et l’école secondaire John Paul I Junior à Saint-Léonard; le Centre des carrières St. Pius X à Ahuntsic; le Centre d’études commerciales Shadd à Notre-Dame-de-Grâce; l’école primaire Roslyn à Westmount. Voir le communiqué de la conférence de presse qui a eu lieu le 13 mars à l’école secondaire John F. Kennedy.

SOIRÉE DE L’IMPACT: Pour la dixième année consécutive, la CSEM a le plaisir d’annoncer le prolongement d’un partenariat avec l’équipe de soccer Impact de Montréal par le biais du programme « Jusqu’au bout avec l’Impact ». Au cours des prochains mois, les membres de l’Impact visiteront les écoles primaires et secondaires pour rappeler aux jeunes élèves l’importance d’étudier, de persévérer, de bâtir la confiance en soi afin de réussir. Le temps est maintenant venu pour notre soirée traditionnelle CSEM qui aura lieu le mercredi 6 mai (19 h 30) au stade Saputo. La partie sera disputée avec le gagnant du match préliminaire entre Ottawa et Edmonton et elle fait partie du Championnat canadien Amway regroupant les cinq meilleurs clubs professionnels du Canada qui tentent de se qualifier pour la Ligue des champions CONCACAF. Ce concours international se déroule entre les clubs professionnels de l’Amérique du nord, de l’Amérique centrale et des Caraïbes. Le coût des billets qui est habituellement de 20 $ a été fixé pour les familles de la CSEM à 10 $. Un dollar de chaque billet vendu ira à Inspirations, une publication dédiée à la communauté aux besoins particuliers. Les commandes de billets des écoles sont acceptées sur la base du premier arrivé, premier servi et vous avez maintenant l’option d’acheter les billets de façon sécuritaire par carte de crédit. Pour acheter en ligne, rendez-vous à www.emsb.qc.ca/impact. Deux élèves remporteront une bourse d’études Tony Licursi de 500 $. Voir la vidéo de la partie de l’an dernier : http://vimeo.com/97154073.

MÉDAILLÉE OLYMPIQUE: En tant que point final à son carnaval d’hiver, l’école primaire St. Monica a reçu la médaillée olympienne, Caroline Calvé. Elle a parlé aux élèves de la persévérance qui lui a permis de remporter le succès en surf des neiges et à l’école. À la fin de sa causerie, les élèves ont participé à une période de questions et de réponses, suivie de signatures d’autographes et de photos. L’école voudrait remercier Caroline d’avoir pris le temps de visiter St. Monica ainsi que RBC pour avoir organisé la visite.

SENSIBILISATION AU CERVEAU: Le mardi 10 mars, les élèves de 6e année ont eu le privilège d’assister à un atelier sur la sensibilisation au cerveau. Mme Kat, une élève en maîtrise de McGill a introduit la sensibilisation au cerveau aux élèves et elle a expliqué comment nos sens, notre corps et notre cerveau interagissent entre eux. Les élèves ont visionné une présentation numérique, ont participé à un forum ouvert pour questions, ont participé à des activités interactives où ils ont pu tester des théories et tirer leurs propres conclusions. À leur grande surprise, les élèves ont eu l’occasion de voir et de toucher le cerveau d’une vache!

ENFANTS ENTRAIDE: Kayla Panacui, une élève de secondaire IV de l’école secondaire Laurier Macdonald a été honorée à la Soirée des Champions de cette année et a reçu le Prix du Gouverneur général pour l’entraide pour son travail avec Enfants Entraide et la façon dont elle a contribué positivement à sa communauté. En compagnie d’Alessia Collacci et de Francesca Varrone, elle a organisé un diner spaghetti de levée de fonds le 23 janvier avec l’appui de l’enseignante de français, Sophie Desjardins, de la coordonnatrice CLC Gina Bergantino et de l’animateur de vie spirituelle, Vince Lacroce. Plus de 350 personnes ont assisté à cet évènement et au-delà de 5 000 $ ont été recueillis. Tous les fonds seront remis au programme Brique par Brique d’Enfants Entraide pour construire une école en Inde.

L’école secondaire Laurier Macdonald a une longue tradition d’engagement aux levées de fonds et à la sensibilisation à personnes moins nanties de notre communauté, C’est pour cette raison que l’école secondaire Laurier Macdonald est en partenariat avec le Cyclo-Défi Enbridge® contre le cancer et  Enfants Entraide , un organisme caritatif et partenaire en éducation pour une incroyable soirée unique. L’évènement de LMAC sera intitulé « BÂTIR UNE CURE » et aura lieu à l’école le vendredi 8 mai de 18 h à 1 heure du matin. « Notre objectif de cette année est de lever 50 000 $ » a déclaré M. Lacroce. « Le produit de cet évènement bénéficiera le Cyclo-Défi Enbridge® contre le cancer et le programme Brique par Brique de l’organisme Enfants Entraide, «BÂTIR UNE CURE » est une occasion de se réunir avec la famille et les amis pur célébrer les survivants du cancer, se souvenir des êtres chers perdus et de lutter dans l’espoir de trouver une cure pour cette terrible maladie.

MOIS DE LA NUTRITION: Les écoles  ont participé au Mois de la Nutrition. À la CSEM, le Service des cafétérias et de l’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 la sensibilisation à la nutrition et une connaissance accrue du sujet. Des activités de classe ont orienté les élèves à lire et à mieux comprendre les étiquettes de nutrition. 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 d’avoir une meilleure connaissance de la nutrition et de faire des choix sains.

Dans les écoles secondaires, le programme de nutrition intitulé « MANGEZ BIEN, SENTEZ VOUS BIEN » a eu lieu sous forme de sessions de deux classes dispensées aux élèves d’éducation physique et de santé du secondaire I. La campagne aborde les questions de poids, de régime alimentaire, d’image corporelle, de pression sociale pour paraître parfait et d’encouragement à des modes de vie sains par le biais d’une bonne nutrition, d’activité physique et le respect de soi. La diététiste de la CSEM a aussi monté un kiosque mettant en vedette les boissons durant la période du repas de midi des écoles secondaires. Une affiche éducative intitulée « Améliorez votre boisson » a été créée afin que les élèves soient conscients des divers types de boissons disponibles sur le marché et apprennent à faire des choix plus sains de boissons. Pour plus de renseignements sur nos activités du Mois de la Nutrition, visiter : www.emsb.qc.ca/nutrition-caf.

HARLEM GLOBETROTERS: Zess McClurkin, un joueur de l’équipe de renommée mondiale, Harlem Globetrotters, visitera deux écoles primaires de la Commission scolaire English-Montréal le lundi 30 mars pour présenter « L’ABC de la prévention de l’intimidation » qui vise les six à douze ans. Les programmes auront lieu à l’école primaire Roslyn à 9 h 15 et à l’école primaire Coronation à midi.

Les Globetrotters qui joueront au Centre Bell le vendredi 10 avril, ont conçu le programme en collaboration avec la Campagne nationale pour arrêter la violence. Il se concentre sur l’Action, la Bravoure et la Compassion. McClurkin demandera aux élèves de donner leur définition de chaque mot de l’ABC et d’expliquer les réponses. Par exemple, « COMPASSION signifie se soucier des autres et de votre communauté. Vous pouvez arrêter l’intimidation et participer à des activités positives qui démontrent que vous vous souciez d’autres personnes. » Pour la finale, McClurkin choisira quelques élèves qui se joindront à lui pour apprendre quelques passes spéciales des Globetrotters, au son de la musique thème de l’équipe « Sweet Georgia Brown ».

SAUTONS EN COEUR: Les écoles sont encouragées à participer au programme annuel de Sautons en Cœur offert aux écoles primaires de Montréal. Appuyant la santé des enfants depuis plus de 30 ans, la FondationMC des maladies du cœur, encourage les enfants à être actifs en sautant à la corde tout en recueillant des promesses de dons pour la recherche sur les maladies du cœur. Le programme donne l’occasion aux enfants de sauter et de jouer en même temps que 750 000 autres enfants dans plus de 4 000 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 plusieurs évènements couronnés de succès. Pour plus de renseignements, communiquer avec Jessica Liberatore au 514-871-8038, poste 240 ou par courriel à jessica.liberatore@fmcoeur.qc.ca.

EXPOSITION ROIS D’ÉGYPTE: Des programmes éducatifs ont été spécifiquement élaborés pour les groupes d’élèves qui visitent l’exposition très attendue Rois d’Égypte, qui se tient au Palais des Congrès jusqu’au 27 juin. Les programmes incluent une visite de l’exposition (midi, 15 h et 17 h) et des ateliers qui couvriront une variété de sujets reliés à l’histoire, l’art et la culture de l’ancienne Égypte et stimuleront chez les élèves l’intérêt envers cette fascinante culture. Il y aura aussi des ateliers d’artisanat pour les plus jeunes visiteurs. En outre, il y a l’option d’organiser l’accès pour des plus grands groupes d’élèves avant que l’exposition n’ouvre au public. Les visites et les programmes éducatifs pour des groupes de 10 à 15 ans sont disponibles. Le contact est Mariya Georgieva, directrice de projet, info@kingsofegypt.com. Elle peut être rejointe au 514-612-0649 ou au 514-710-1771.Le site Web principal est www.kingsofegypt.com.


SERVICES DE L’ÉDUCATION DES ADULTES ET DE LA FORMATION PROFESSIONNELLE

EXPOSITION À LA DIVERSITÉ CULTURELLE: Au Centre d’éducation des adultes Galileo de Montréal-Nord, l’enrichissement culturel est disponible de diverses façons. Dans l’un de ces programmes, les élèves apprennent à connaître diverses cultures par le biais de la gastronomie. Après avoir rencontré quelques élèves aux besoins particuliers au Galileo café, Bahia Djahra, une récente immigrée algérienne et élève de la Formation de base diversifiée à Galileo, a approché l’enseignante Louise Panet-Raymond pour s’enquérir de la possibilité de présenter son pays aux élèves par le biais de la cuisine. « Avec l’appui de son enseignante, Laura Grassi, qui insistait à ne parler qu’en anglais durant ces sessions, Bahia visite les classes de besoins particuliers chaque vendredi et fait la démonstration de techniques amusantes et intéressantes de cuisine » déclare Mme Panet-Raymond. « En même temps, elle parle de son pays et de sa culture. Après l’une de ces sessions, toute la classe de FBD de Bahia a été invitée à partager les mets appétissants et à interagir avec les élèves aux besoins particuliers. Ce type d’interaction encourage tout le monde à accepter la diversité. »

NOUVELLES FENÊTRES: La CSEM a reçu 11,5 millions $ du ministère de l’Éducation qui seront utilisés pour des réparations nécessaires, des travaux d’électricité, de plomberie et des rénovations dans 33 bâtiments. La présidente de la CSEM, Angela Mancini et la vice-présidente, Sylvia Lo Bianco, ont assisté à une conférence de presse au Centre d’éducation des adultes Galileo en compagnie du membre de l’Assemblée Nationale pour Bourassa-Sauvé, Rita de Santis, au cours de laquelle les subventions pour cette école ont été présentées. Le Centre d’éducation  des adultes Galileo recevra 1 592 885 $ pour le remplacement de fenêtres, des réparations aux salles de toilette et des travaux de plomberie. Situé au 10921 Gariepy, le Centre d’éducation Galileo accueille plus de 1 700 élèves qui suivent des cours académiques de base, d’alphabétisation et offre le programme de Services d’intégration sociale pour les besoins particuliers. Le bâtiment loge aussi le campus Curtis George du Centre de technologie de Rosemont et 350 élèves supplémentaires. L’établissement logeait, à l’origine, l’école secondaire du premier cycle Sir Wilfrid Laurier qui a fusionné avec l’école secondaire Lester B. Pearson en 2002.