DECEMBER 21, 2016 EDITION / VOLUME 19 NUMBER 5 / THE OFFICIAL BULLETIN OF THE EMSB

Editor:                      Michael J. Cohen
Translation:             Manon Bourassa
Copy Editor:           Alessandra Nardolillo

PUBLIC  NOTICE – EMSB ANNUAL REPORT

Public notice is hereby given, in conformity with Section 220.1 of the Education Act, that  the Board’s Annual Report and Partnership Agreement will be presented on  January 12, 2017 at 7  p.m. at 6000 Fielding Avenue, Montreal.

(s) Me Nathalie  Lauzière

Secretary General  

ANNUAL REPORT ONLINE VERSION:  The 2015-16 EMSB Annual Report has now been deposited with the Ministry of Education. You can review it here.    The French version can be reviewed  here.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION: The EMSB has announced that Kindergarten Registration Week for the 2017-2018 academic year will take place from Monday, February 6 to Friday, February 10. If one child from a family is already enrolled in a particular school, a sibling registration period will take place a week earlier. Parents are asked to register at the EMSB elementary school nearest to their residence offering the French program of their choice. For more information please call (514) 483-7200, extension EMSB (3672) or log on to the Board’s website at www.emsb.qc.ca. All pupils registering for the first time are required to provide a birth certificate and  vaccination records to the school the child will be attending. Parents will be asked to fill out forms which will allow the school to apply for the certificate of eligibility for English schooling. Under the Charter of the French Language, a certificate of eligibility is generally granted to children who did the majority of their elementary or secondary studies in English in Canada; whose mother or father did the majority of his/her elementary studies in English in  Canada or whose brother or sister did  the majority of his/her elementary or secondary studies in English in Canada. As a result of language legislation, this criteria excludes studies completed in the Quebec Private School system.

ADMINISTRATIVE APPOINTMENT:  Giovanni Iammarrone  has  been appointed vice-principal of Westmount Park Elementary School. Mr. Iammarrone is presently a teacher at Laurier  Macdonald High School in St, Léonard.

ENROLMENT FIGURES:  The EMSB has announced its enrolment figures for the youth sector as of September 30, 2016. There are presently 19,345 students, a drop of only  24 from last year. This is a very encouraging sign for the EMSB, which had been losing several hundred students per year for more than a decade. The Adult Education and Vocational Services (AEVS) centres have close to 25,000 students registered, so with more than 44,000 students in total the EMSB is indeed the largest English public school board in Quebec.

Vanessa Grimaldi

THE BACHELOR CONTESTANT: Vanessa Grimaldi, a 29 year old special needs teacher at the EMSB will be one of the contestants on ABC’s top-rated reality TV program of  The Bachelor when the 21st season begins to air on January 2. She will reportedly use her multi-lingual skills in French and Italian to impress the Bachelor, technology salesman Nick Viall. The Bachelor debuted on March 25, 2002, on ABC. It is hosted by Chris Harrison. The show's success has resulted in several spin-offs including The Bachelorette, Bachelor Pad, Bachelor in Paradise  and Bachelor in Paradise: After Paradise. As the show is designed, the series revolves around a single bachelor (deemed eligible) who starts with a pool of romantic interests from whom he is expected to select a wife. During the course of the season, the bachelor eliminates candidates and proposes marriage to his final selection. The participants travel to romantic and exotic locations

SPIRIT OF GIVING: Anchored by the throngs of student volunteers at Vincent Massey Collegiate in Rosemount, the EMSB, along with CTV Montreal, completed a record Spirit of Giving Campaign.

CTV's Lori Graham with the Vincent Massey team.

A total of 47 schools and centers participated in this year’s campaign, joining 50 local businesses in collecting non-perishable goods, toiletries and toys for 10 different charities: Share The Warmth, West Island Assistance Fund, Mile-End Mission, Renaissance Montreal, Park Extension Share Store, MultiCaf, Nazareth Community, Batshaw Youth and Family Services, La Mosaique and the N.D.G. Food Depot.

Making latkes at Merton School live on CTV.

In all, the combined efforts generated 1,400 boxes of non-perishable food, toys and miscellaneous items. These boxes were then transported by the Canadian Grenadier Guards to Vincent Massey Collegiate, where their leadership students volunteered to sort and categorize the donations. “I’m extremely proud of our students,” said Franca Cristiano, Principal of Vincent Massey Collegiate. “There is a big commitment to community service at Vincent Massey Collegiate and our leadership students put the Spirit of Giving campaign in their heart and soul. We were honoured to serve as the sorting facility and we look forward to participating once again next year.”

During the campaign, CTV also featured seven different school-organized activities. To view these broadcasts, please follow this link.  To view EMSB TV’s 2016 recap video, please follow this link.

Lori Graham with two students from EBS and someone dressed up as the Grinch. We believe  it could be Principal Mike Brown.

TREE OF HOPE: Former EMSB student Eryka Lafleur-Smith who has been working with Enfant Retour Quebec ERQ (The Missing Children’s Network) in order to spread awareness and with respect to “Youth Runaways," has returned again this year in order to aid the Network in preventing “Youth Runaways.” She is working with Spiritual Community Animator Rocco Speranza in organizing school assemblies, as well as taking part in painting a Tree of Hope at Vincent Massey Collegiate.

Students work on the Tree of Hope.

Following the assembly at VMC, regarding social media websites, positive boundaries, healthy relationships and online safety, students were given a coloured paper leaf and asked to write messages of hope. The leaves were placed on the tree as a reminder of Hope and the power of empathy. Students and staff walking passed the tree can read these hopeful messages and feel happy, and empowered as they go about their day. Eryka has been aiding the Missing Children’s Network for six years, since she was in Secondary II and took part in a joint activity between SCA Speranza and the network, entitled Voices for the Missing.

Students pack boxes for local food banks.

SUPPORTING LOCAL FOOD BANK: Students from Vincent Massey Collegiate recently kicked off the holiday season at a local food bank, stocking shelves as well as distributing food and clothing to those in need. Additionally, students requested to both prepare and serve meals, providing those in need with a simple gesture of kindness and compassion.  “The students felt that it would be a great idea for those who have to wait in line for hours before they receive their items to leave with a freshly prepared meal they can have on the way home or at home when they arrive,” said Mr. Speranza. “With simple acts of compassion and empathy, that are student initiated, one can see how they grow into wonderful community actions and service that truly puts into action the Spiritual and Community Animation objectives of service, charity, unity, and hope.”

MEDIA LITERACY: Keys to Interpreting Media Messages offers a critical approach that will enable students to better understand the information, messages, ideologies and entertainment factors conveyed through the channels of mass communication—print, photography, film, radio, television, and digital media. EMSB IT Consultant Maureen Baron is a co-author of this e-book. You can read it here.       

Regional  Director and team members from Michelangelo International.

TOY TEA: Seventeen participating schools  from the EMSB managed to collect over 3,500 new toys for the 25th annual Christmas and Chanukah Toy Tea, which was held on December 7 at Tudor Hall, located on the 5th floor of Ogilvy’s department store.  These non-violent toys will benefit more than 5,000 children who are living in 31 shelters for domestic abuse and violence, and those who benefit from other charities such as the Welcome Hall Mission, the Montreal Diet Dispensary, Tyndale St. Georges Parish, St. Willebrord’s Parish and La Rue des Femmes. This is the 14th year of involvement in the Toy Tea Campaign, which is organized under the direction of EMSB Guidance and Spiritual Community Animation Education Consultant Frank Lofeodo.  The participating EMSB schools were: Willingdon and Royal Vale in NDG; Gardenview  and Parkdale in St. Laurent; Vincent Massey Collegiate in Rosemount; Lester B. Pearson High School in Montreal North; Dunrae Gardens and Carlyle in T.M.R.; Honoré Mercier in St. Leonard; John F. Kennedy High School in St. Michel; Michelangelo International School in RDP; St. Dorothy in St. Michel; St. Gabriel in Pointe St. Charles; Elizabeth Ballantyne  and Edinburgh in Montreal West; Sinclair Laird in Park Extension and Westmount Park. Student representatives from each school, along with their respective spiritual community animators, teachers, administrators and parent volunteers, attended the event to drop off their unwrapped donated toys and receive special certificates of participation from Claire Kruyt, the Toy Tea’s chairperson, along with Santa Claus.  See the full press release.

The EMSB Chorale performs at the Toy Tea.

CHORALE SOARS: The EMSB Chorale has just completed a round of very successful holiday concerts, performing with The Lyric Theatre Singers before a packed house at the Loyola Chapel. Meanwhile, on December 6, the Senior Chorale opened the festivities at the annual Toy Tea cocktail in the beautifully decorated Tudor Hall at Ogilvy’s. All 95 choristers of the Junior and Senior Chorales were on hand for the choir’s annual Holiday Concert on December 10 for a capacity crowd at Mountainside United Church, singing music ranging from classical pieces by William Boyce and Claude Debussy to contemporary and traditional works for Christmas and Hanukkah. Special guests were the Cantiamo Girls Choir of Ottawa, the Salvation Army Citadel Band and percussionist Joanna Peters. For the 24th year in a row, the chorale offered its Holiday Concert as a benefit for the Salvation Army’s charitable works, collecting a total of $2,105 this year. The chorale is now on rehearsal break until January 7 and looks forward to performing with the St. Lawrence Choir on February 4.  The chorale can accept several new junior choristers for the second semester. Rehearsals resume January 7 at Westmount Park School. For audition information, contact conductor Patricia Abbott at pabbott@emsb.qc.ca or at 514-483-7200, ext. 7234. 

Mayor Coderre, Chairman Mancini and others at Breakfast Club event.

BREAKFAST CLUB AT SINCLAIR LAIRD: Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre visited Sinclair Laird Elementary School in Park Extension on  December 5 to hold his first “ Politique de l’enfant” event. He did so with the Club des petits déjeuners (Breakfast Club of Canada). EMSB Chairman Angela Mancini and  an official from the Club des petits déjeuners and Commissioner for the Children of Montreal Tommy Kulczyk spoke. A nutritionist by profession who is currently working as a manager in the Quebec healthcare system, Ms. Mancini wholeheartedly supports this initiative of Mayor Coderre. In an effort to address poverty, social inclusion and Quebec's dropout rate, Mayor Coderre launched a child policy last June. The city wants its most disadvantaged children and teens to have access to lunch, sports, cultural and extracurricular activities. For 22 years, Breakfast Club of Canada has been nourishing children’s potential by making sure as many of them as possible have access to a healthy morning meal before school, in an environment that allows their self-esteem to grow and flourish.  Sylvie Beaudry, coordinator, School Organization/Cafeteria and Nutrition Education Services, says that the EMSB welcomes the Club des petits déjeuner’s support to the EMSB. She notes that partnerships such as this already exist with the Generations Foundation, Share the Warmth and others.  For more information on the Breakfast Club log on to clubdejeuner.org  or breakfastclubcanada.org. You can see more photos here.

Part of the Millénaire choir, with Amelia as soloist and Mr. Bélizaire.

NEW ON HOLD MESSAGE:    There is a lovely new song on the EMSB telephone system on hold message.  Jacques-Emmanuel Bélizaire, a music teacher at Sinclair Laird Elementary School in Park Extension,  provided us with  the trilogy « Le mystère de la Forêt Enchantée». After banishing the all powerful Shir’Ka for a thousand years, our heroes celebrate a new millenium where the forest can blossom again and it’s inhabitants can live without fear. The song is featured in the final instalment of the trilogy « Le retour de Shir’Ka». The soloist is the talented Amelia Sansalone, accompanied by the wonderful music classes from Grades 3, 4 and 6. Mr. Bélizaire was born in Montreal. He studied piano performance and music education at McGill. He also attended choral conducting summer courses at Westminster Choir College in Princeton New Jersey for seven years.  His passions include writing, composing, teaching, dance, conducting and art. Over the years he has composed seven musicals and written the text for five of them. He has thoroughly enjoyed instructing students about composers, choir, the recorder and the xylophone at Emmanuel Christian School, Roslyn, Gardenview, Fraser Academy and now Sinclair Laird. 

Former  EMSB Principal Claude Dansereau  and
  AAESQ President Steven Colpitts present the award.

HONOUR FOR ROMA:  Former EMSB Deputy Director General, Principal, Vice-Principal and teacher Roma  Medwid received the Distinguished Service Award at the Association Of Administrators Of English Schools of Quebec  (AAESQ) Awards luncheon recently at the Holiday Inn Centre-Ville.   

MADD LAUNCH AT RWA: The Montreal chapter of MADD (Mother’s Against Drunk Driving) launched their annual red ribbon campaign recently at Royal West Academy in Montreal West. The launch coincided with the beginning of the holiday season in order to heighten the public’s awareness towards impaired driving. Furthermore, in order to call attention amongst the students to the sacredness of life and the preventable tragedies caused by impaired driving, the organization donated and dedicated a reflecting bench. Located in the school’s foyer, students are invited to use the space to disconnect from their daily stresses and enjoy the company of their friends. 

SPORTS AND WELLNESS GRANT: Kayla Segal  returned to her former elementary school, Dunrae Gardens in Town of Mount Royal, recently to formally announce the establishment of the Kayla Segal Sports and Wellness Grant. Professionally Segal is a financial security advisor and independent life insurance broker. However, her passion remains competing in grueling triathlons

Kayla Segal and students give a big thumbs up.

across North America. In order to support health and wellness programs in the EMSB,  she has now   embarked upon an initiative to offer a grant of $1,000 to one elementary school and $1,000 to one high school in need of support to launch a physical activity or wellness related project. She has  undertaken various fundraising activities to raise the money.  Projects may be related to increasing opportunities for participation in physical activity, promoting good nutritional habits, addressing mental health issues via sport and/or other wellness topics. Applicants must be a member of the school community (staff member, parent, volunteer) and have the Principal’s support for grant application and implementation of the proposed project. Funds may be used to purchase equipment, materials and supplies, or hire outside personnel. For complete details go to http://www.emsb.qc.ca/sportsandwellnessgrant.

Marianne Davis gets a warm welcome.

CENTURY OLD PEDAGOGUE: Delta Kappa Gamma International (DKG International) was founded in 1929 by   Dr. Annie Webb Blanton of the University of Texas in Austin. It is a professional society of key woman educators whose purpose is to promote the professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. Since then the movement has spread across the United States and to Canada, Europe, Latin America and Japan. Today it boasts a membership of some 90,000 educators.  DKG Quebec was established 60 years ago by 12 exceptional Quebec women educators: Jean Aldridge, Beatrice Andrews, Grace Campbell,

Marianne Davis, Margaret Dickson, Evelyn Eaton, Dorothy Ewing, Margaret Kingsley, Barbara Lax, Mary MacLeod, Margaret Nix and Jean Pepler.  Marianne Davis is the only surviving founder and she recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Marianne is a retired elementary

Clarissa Valente (left) and Caroline Derome are congratulated.

school educational consultant from the former Protestant School Board of Greater Montreal (PSBGM), now the EMSB.   To celebrate their 60th anniversary, DKG Quebec has renamed their Early Educator Award in Marianne's honour. It will now be known as the Marianne Davis Early Educator Award. The award is to help new teachers build a personal bank of professional books and instructional materials.  On December 13 the 2016 recipient,  Carissa Valente of Bancroft Elementary School, was presented with her award. Last year's winner, Caroline Derome, a music teacher and flautist from the EMSB’s St Dorothy's Elementary School in St. Michel, along with students from Westmount Park Elementary School,  performed for Marianne and the other residents of the Manoir  A musical evening and dinner took place on December 15 at 6000 Fielding Avenue. See full press release.  And see  this fabulous Global TV report.

WILLINGDON’S SPIRIT: At Willingdon Elementary School in NDG, things could not be busier. During the week of December 12 the school organized  a food drive for the NDG Food Depot as well as a  socks collection for the homeless. All students made cards in class for the homeless. On December 15 the school held its annual Holiday Concert (K to Grade 3). Students performed  Christmas, Hanukkah  and yes even  Beatles songs. On December 17 there was a Pancake Breakfast ( Winter Wonderland Theme)  for parents, teachers, children in the NDG Community. This event was organized by Home And School and is free.  A donation of non-perishable food is encouraged for the NDG Food depot. On December 20 Santa’s Breakfast for Kindergarten was students organized by H & S.  On that same evening, parents, teachers and students were out in the NDG neighborhood carolling to collect non-perishable food for the food drive (NDG Depot).    See these reports from City's Breakfast TV.

The winning team celebrates.

HONORÉ-MERCIER A WINNER: Congratulations to Honoré-Mercier Elementary School in St. Léonard for winning the CBC Music School Challenge in the Elementary School with Vocal/Choral (a cappella or with band) category. CBC Music, in association with MusicCounts, has challenged music classes across Canada to learn a great Canadian song. From elementary to high school, this year's entries have included everything from jazz bands, kazoo classes, guitar clubs, symphonies, choirs and so much more! Over 500 classes entered this year's music class challenge, showcasing diverse talents, in four languages, from coast to coast. The winning school from each category will be rewardeda high-tech classroom recording kit, as well as a commemorative plaque. In the submitted  video, music teacher George Anthopoulos` students  interpreted “2 Heads” by Coleman Hell. The project was open to all grades 4, 5, and 6 students, and they practiced three to four times a week at lunch for a month. The drummer had to be taught the drum part and spent time practicing it at home, without a drum set. Two children, on synths, played the piano and bass parts, and they also had three children play guitars, and another child played the congas. They decided to sing the chorus in three languages: English, French and Italian. English and French, because the children receive an equal amount of instruction in French and English; Italian because the majority of the students are of Italian origin (99 per cent). A note from the judges stated:  “I loved their fearlessness, the fact that they practiced hard in and out of school, and that they incorporated three languages into the mix — that is extremely impressive!”  Here is their song.
You can hear their interview on CBC Radio right here.

MICHELANGELO ZUMBATHON:  Michelangelo International School held a Zumba-thon drive  recentlyt for "Le bon Dieu dans la rue." Students and staff had lots of fun. Principal Marissa Mineiro
notes that students were asked to bring different items such as gloves, hats, mittens, socks and toothbrushes. See this Facebook page item.

Some Hanukkah smiles.

ROYAL VALE'S HANUKKAH: The students in the Hebrew Studies program at Royal Vale School in NDG had their in-class Hanukkah celebration. recently. In the lower grades the students had a gift exchange, played the sevivon game, sang Hanukkah songs, did art work and enjoyed traditional Hanukkah foods  such as latkes and sufganiyot. Over  the past  few weeks the students have been learning all about the holiday and this year Grades 5 and 6 classe decided  to brighten up the lives of other children by donating new toys to Auberge Shalom pour Femmes.

Enthusiastic students at Merton.

MERTON CELEBRATION: The Jewish Studies Program at Merton Elementary School in Côte Saint-Luc invited The Living Legacy organization to share the story of Hanukkah with Kindergarten Grades 1.  The students also received chanukkiot, candles, dreidels  and yummy latkes to eat.
and 2  students and how to make pure olive oil. "This was a special program for the children. It was entertaining, knowledgeable and fun," said coordinator Hanna Eliashiv.

COMMUNITY DAY AT CABOTO: Nearly 300 members of the Ahuntsic community poured into John Caboto Academy to celebrate the school’s 10th annual community day.   Initially created by Principal Lucy Buscemi as a fundraiser for the Telethon of Stars and Spirit of Giving, the annual event has become a staple on the calendar as the community’s way to kick off the holiday season.

“Parents, neighbors, alumni and our students know that the first Saturday in December will be Community Day,” said Ms. Buscemi. “Thanks to our incredible parents, staff and volunteers, this event continues to grow year after year. Everyone in attendance becomes part of the extended John Caboto Academy family.” Here are some photos.

A successful collection by John Caboto Academy.

Meanwhile,  John Caboto Academy  participated in the “We Scare Hunger” program once again this year. The school collected food for St. Brendan’s food bank. Thank you to all who participated. No one should have to go hungry.

Elsie performs.

A SINGER AND A QUARTERBACK AT GARDENVIEW: Gardenview Elementary School in St. Laurent was treated to a visit from two very special guests. Elsie Morden, a Canadian country singer, songwriter, motivational speaker, actress, and environmentalist paid a visit to to present her “No Time for That Anti-Bullying Workshop.”  This was her very first visit to Quebec and she was very well-received by students. A victim of severe bullying herself, Elsie told her stories and experiences, and performed songs that that all relate to bullying, mental health awareness, and how to overcome tough times.

Anthony Calvillo speaks.

Meanwhile, former CFL Quarterback and MVP Anthony Calvillo, dropped by to speak with students about role models and the importance of perseverance and hard work. He shared his story with the students and signed autographs for everyone. It was a very memorable day for Ms. Sylvaine’s Grade 3 class.  Calvillo is a Gardeview parent as well.

ONE WORLD, MANY STORIES: United by the love of reading, students from Marymount Academy International in N.D.G. and their peers at Coronation Elementary School in Côte des Neiges have come together in a unique project entitled One World, Many Stories. On a monthly basis, the elder students visit Coronation Elementary School with the goal of mentoring the elementary students through the reading of their favourite childhood books as well as engaging in various activities around themes being studied in class. “The goal of the program is to foster love of books and reading,” said Spiritual and Community Animator Linda Luca. “This initiative also promotes community, literacy, and peer to peer authentic learning opportunities.”

GIFT WRAPPING: For the fourth year in a row, Marymount Academy International students, along with Ms. Luca, participated in the Starlight Foundation’s Annual Gift Wrapping Campaign at the Eaton Centre in Downtown Montreal. (see photo). This volunteer experience allowed Marymount Academy International students to connect to their community and to understand that they can help make this world a better place.

CHILDREN'S HOLIDAY CHARITY EVENT: The 16th annual EMSB Children's Holiday Charity Event was held December 11 at James Lyng High School and was another huge success. The event was sold-out - 800 EMSB employees and their families attended in support of Generations Foundation. The event organizers were able to present Generations Foundation with a cheque of $24,152, bringing their total contribution to Generations Foundation to $275,000 over 16 years. The EMSB is the only Board that holds a such an event for all employees and their families and at the same time supports a charitable organization that has invested over a million dollars in support of EMSB at-risk students with their various programs.  Their main mission is providing breakfast, lunch and snacks to over 8000 students! This year’s event was well represented by senior management - volunteering was Evelyn Alfonsi (Regional Director – East), Pelagia Nickoletopoulos (Regional Director – West), Ann Marie Matheson (Director General), Angelo Marino (Deputy Director General), former EMSB Principal Terry Quinn and former Deputy Director General Roma Medwid (the Emcee).  In addition, Royal Vale and Westmount High School Student Leadership groups volunteered on the day of the event. This year’s entertainment included The Buffalo Hat Singers, Bollywood Blast, Repti Zoo, Montreal Princess Party: Frozen’s Elsa, Spiderman, Mad Science, Santa and his Elves. Click on the following link to view all event photos. Event organizers would like to thank all those who contributing towards the success of this event!

EMSB Organizing Committee Members: Front Left to right: Roma Medwid (Emcee), Leslie Butt (Event Chair), Natalie & Adrian Bercovici (Executive Director Generations Foundation), Ann Marie Matheson (Director General), Stuart Nulman, Back row: Gilles Boudreault (Santa), Bev Miller, Emily McCulloch (Event Coordinator), Maggie Aboud, Andrew Dudin (Emcee), Claudia Sbrissa (Event Coordinator), Kosta Alichos, Nancy Trudel (Raffle Coordinator), Brigit Sellato (Event Registrar), Sarah McCulloch, Hoda Fayed, Isabelle Dion, Markela Zyglakis (Treasurer- not Present), Maria Petriello (not Present).

The Pre-K class at St. Monica School, one of the recipients.

GIVE A TOY FOR JOY:  A number of years ago, EMSB Manager of Support to School Financial Services  Maggie Aboud launched the Give a Toy For Joy Program. Each year at this time, Maggie sends out a request to all administrators and staff at central office to bring in a toy for children ages four to six valued at $10 to $15. She then assembles a committee of Elves who wrap and prepare the gifts destined for Pre-K and K inner city schools of the EMSB that are Category 1 (At-Risk students). Thanks to the generosity of “First on Site/Premiere Action (Formerly ROSCO Group), the toys are delivered at no cost to the schools for the past 16 years. This campaign over the years has had 10,000 toys donated by EMSB Employees and has left a lasting impression on those fortunate students that have benefited from this act of kindness. If  you would like to contribute to this worthwhile initiative takes advantage of boxing day sales and send your contribution to Financial Services c/o Maggie Aboud for next year`s campaign! Many thanks to all those who have contributed.

PLAY IT FAIR: B.A.S.E. Project Development Officer Jennifer De Freitas proudly represented the EMSB at the 10th Anniversary Play It Fair! National Training held in Toronto.  The event gathered all of Equitas’ partners from across Canada, referred to as "PIF Champions," to participate in workshops that teach educators how to facilitate a community action project with children. Equitas invited Jennifer to join them to share her experiences and lessons learned while implementing the Supporting Children as Leaders Through Play it Fair! Project, which was the first community action project to be implemented using Play it Fair! It puts youth (high school students) in a leadership role to facilitate PIF activities and discussions with school-age daycare children and to motivate these children to create a community action project. Highlights from the National Training: EMSB is the only School Board PIF Champion. All other PIF Champions are from recreational community centres and services; Equitas deems B.A.S.E.’s Supporting Children as Leaders Through Play it Fair! Program as one of their milestones since the Play it Fair! Program was first launched in 2006; Equitas launched an official Community Action Guide, based on the model that Equitas and EMSB used for the Supporting Children as Leaders Through Play it Fair! Program; EMSB inspired other PIF Champions; The City of Toronto aims to implement a PIF Ambassador Program in their summer camp using the same model as B.A.S.E.’s Supporting Children as Leaders Through Play it Fair! Program; The Boys & Girls Club of Winnipeg is interested in implementing a 10-week Play it Fair! Program similar to the one that B.A.S.E. developed;  and The Mount Pleasant Community Centre Association in Vancouver wants to explore the possibility of implementing Play it Fair! into its School Board system. Info: https://twitter.com/EMSBBASE.

Pictured are students Deshawn Barnes, Julie Mallett-O’Connor, Audrey Santos-McGregor and Connor Thompson, as well as teachers Nathan Gage and Jake Roberts and McGill University researcher Deborah Friedmann.

JAMES LYNG ENTERS FILM FEST: On November 26, students from James Lyng High School’s 15+ group attended the screening of their short film, A Better Turcot. Shot and edited by the students themselves in partnership with filmmaker Alexis Fortier Gauthier and Lise Ann Bigras of the Carrefour jeunesse-emploi du sud-ouest, the film is a documentary about the social impact of the Turcot Interchange in the neighbourhood of St-Henri. It features an interview by the students with local activist Shannon Franssen of Solidarité St-Henri and was entered into a local film festival called Longue vue sur le court, which is an annual celebration of short films held in Ville-Émard.

BINGO WITH KARWATSKY: On December 8,  Carlyle Elementary School in TMR was honoured to have CTV Montreal News anchor Paul Karwatsky  host its first Family Night Bingo Fundraiser.
The monies raised from this special event will go towards an initiative to promote kinaesthetic learning in the classrooms. The goal is to allow students to be in motion while they learn! The integration of kinaesthetic equipment is essential and beneficial in today’s schools. The pedal desks, yoga chairs, standing tables, to name a few, will serve as effective tools in supporting the learning of diverse learners in our inclusive classrooms. The  school has raised $15,000.

EIGHT DAYS OF CHANUKAH: The leadership class at Westmount High School, led by Physical Education teacher Jeff Kosow (pictured above), just wrapped up their annual Eight Days of Chanukah physical education course, where students receive the gift of health in the form of eight days of exercises. The eight days of workouts lead to a grand finale: an hour plus long workout compiling all they learned over the previous eight days.  

Students talk to a Holocaust survivior.

STUDENTS SENSITIZED TO HOLOCAUST: Westmount High School students spent the morning of November 29 interviewing Holocaust Survivors at the Cummings Centre for Seniors. Organized by teacher Chantal Clabrough, the Grade 11 Contemporary World  classes had a memorable and intimate opportunity to listen to the survivors share their memories of life before and after WWII including their experiences with Antisemitism, escape, hiding, death marches, concentration camps, death of loved ones and life in Canada after the war. In addition to the course requirements, students are completing a unit on the Holocaust, the United Nations, Genocide, the war in Syria and the refugee crisis today. 

WESTMOUNT STUDENT HONOURED: Hannah Farmer, a Secondary III student from Westmount High School, recently received the RBC Make 150 Count Award. Established by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) to celebrate Canada’s upcoming 150th birthday, the award is part of a campaign by RBC, which recognizes deserving young Canadians who are making a difference in their community. Hannah was recognized for her work as a volunteer for the school’s breakfast program. She was such a great asset that the school asked her to be coordinator of the  program for this year. Hannah arrives at the school every morning at 7 a.m. to get her team ready to serve and operate the program for her fellow students before classes begin. It is because of that dedication that the staff and administration nominated her. For more information about the RBC 150 campaign and the award, go to http://www.rbc.com/make150count.

Pictured from left to right are: Rocky Mambro and Ermira Dopi (who are RBC branch managers in Cote St. Luc); Hannah Farmer; Westmount High School principal Mike Cristofaro; Leslie Butt & Angelo Marino from the EMSB. 

CHALLENGES PROGRAM: Ginger Bread Houses are a winter holiday tradition that is alive and well at LINKS, a high school for intellectually challenged students located within the St. Pius X Career Centre in Ahuntsic. However, in continuing the spirit of last year's “Eco-Ninja” project, a student run recycling initiative, the students decided to build their decorative holiday homes with a focus on reusing and recycling materials around the school. From cardboard and Styrofoam, to fallen pine cones and donated figurines, they skipped the baking and built their houses using as much recycled products as possible. When asked about the project, Lauren Costello, who teaches the Challenges Program and specializes in differentiated education, explained, “This project came about because I wanted an art lesson that suited the visually impaired students as well as the diverse backgrounds of my other students. Ginger bread houses were perfect!” In the Challenges program one of the goals is to develop transferable skills. “This project had a lot of fun opportunities for students to strengthen skills that are often difficult for them, such as creativity, coordination, and fine motor skills. Attention to detail is also an important, but difficult skill, to develop.” Ms. Costello explained. There was also a lot of focus put on the importance of planning by first developing templates for the houses. Students also had to research traditional decorative elements, patterns, and sequences beforehand and apply them when designing and building their homes.

Ms. Costello also continued the activity in other classes. In an English class the students read the story, “Gingerbread Mouse” by Katy Bratun, followed by a discussion and a writing exercises. The ultra realistic snow was discovered through experimentation with different recipes in Science. The winning one was a combination of liquid glue and shaving cream. The students believed it best resembled the nice fluffy snow found in Montreal! All in all gingerbread houses provided a unique and fun activity to usher in the holiday season!

THE KINDNESS ELF: Elwood, the Kindness Elf, has infiltrated John Paul 1 Junior High School in St. Léonard and has challenged the students to first find him, and then to embark on the kindness challenge of the day.  The challenges emphasize kindness, sharing, and gratitude and are simple everyday gestures such as smiling, saying please and thank you, holding a door open for someone, or just being positive all day long.  This fun activity was initiated by Spiritual and Community Animator Joseph Monachino in collaboration with teacher Sara Di Maulo. The main objective is for students to realize and reflect on the true meaning of this holiday season, along with empowering the students to come to realize both the magic and power that kindness can have within oneself and on the world around us.

Seniors enjoy the music from Rosemount students.

MUSIC STUDENTS TO PERFORM FOR SENIORS: On December 14 music students from Rosemount High School, accompanied by Spiritual Community Animator Vince Lacroce and music teacher Debbie Best,  performed holiday carols for the residents of Foyer Dante. The goal of this intergenerational project was to promote and support the personal and spiritual growth of young people and to foster an intergenerational link with the east end community. The students  also took part in holiday arts and crafts activities with the residents of Foyer Dante and   participated in holiday games.

HOMELESS SUMMIT: With the winter quickly approaching, on December 13 students and staff at Rosemount High School hosted Breaking Down The Walls, a summit meant to foster a candid discussion about the plight of the homeless in Montreal. The summit consisted of testimonials from homeless Montrealers and shelter representatives, with the intention of addressing the stigma of mental illness, life on the streets and reintegration programs. Ultimately, the goal is to help both students and staff understand the needs of others in difficult situations, putting empathy and compassion into action. Participating in the education awareness program were  The West Island Women's Shelter, Dans La Rue, Chez Doris and The Benedict Labre House. Currently, over 75 students from Rosemount High School continuously volunteer at various soup kitchens and shelters across the island. Meanwhile, students of Rosemount High School, Honore Mercier, Dalkeith  Willingdon  along with RBC, Dans la Rue, Chez Doris and Breakfast Television took part in the Sox in the Box campaign,   generating close to 1,000 pairs of socks for four shelters around the Island of Montreal. See this report.

CREATING A VIDEO GAME: With the help of Fusion Jeunesse, students at Rosemount High School were recently exposed to a course that took them through the process of creating a video game. Going over the pre-production, design and promotion of a new game, the presentation was packed with details.  From its infancy stages to the later phase of the creation timeline, students were taken on a journey through the video game birthing process by two presenters: Michael Penta from Ubisoft and Charlène Boutin from Fusion Jeunesse.  The latter was established in 2008 with the mission of reducing the youth dropout rate.  Programs such as these have contributed to keeping students engaged with school.

It was all smiles at the Festival of Lights.

CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS: Students at Nesbitt Elementary School in Rosemount recently took part in a celebration of lights assembly to recognize the different faiths and religious traditions celebrated during this time of year. In addition to honouring the different faiths and traditions, the assembly focused on the importance of uniting our world by spreading the message of kindness, hope and love. A three-dimensional model of Nesbitt was created by Mr. Nardelli and was lit throughout the assembly to represent the power of light within each student.

Students interact.

LBPHS HOSTS YOUNG STUDENTS: Lester B. Pearson High School’s Student Council recently hosted Kindergarten and Pre-K students from Gerald McShane Elementary School for Christmas activities with support from our Photography Club and Terry Fox Committee. Students were treated to face painting, making Christmas ornaments, photos with Council Santa & Elves and enjoying two bouncy castles. This is the third year that both school have come together to welcome the holiday season and we hope to work together on many more projects to come. Special thanks to Vintage Entertainment for donating the use of the bouncers.

HAMPSTEAD’S OUTDOOR CLUB: Something special is going on at Hampstead Elementary School this year. Students are learning how to read a map, use a compass, shoot a bow and arrow, navigate hiking trails, cross-country ski, snowshoe, canoe and kayak. In short, through an Outdoor Education initiative, the Physical Education program is taking them outside of the four walls of the school and into a new world of physical activity experiences.

Enjoying the great outdoors.

Principal David Lee is a strong advocate for outdoor education: “Outdoor education offers our students the natural environment as their classroom,” he says.  “Whether students are hiking challenging trails, pitching tents, or meandering their way through a forest with map and compass, outdoor education broadens the students' perspective and awareness of their natural surroundings. At Hampstead School, we value outdoor education as a means to strengthen a child's self-confidence and self-esteem, to promote a love for physical activity and for the outdoors” Outdoor Education at Hampstead began with Physical Education teacher Mike Creamer’s desire to get students active outdoors. He planned some trips, taking different grade levels of the school to Mont St. Hilaire for hiking or to the Pointe Claire Canoe club for a day of paddling. Having seen the positive impact these experiences had on students, Hampstead decided to take the program to the next level. The school applied for the Ministry of Education’s annual École Active Grant, and were awarded an amount of $6,500 to support the development of the Outdoor Education Program.  See this detailed press release written by Physical Education and Health Consultant Katherine Baker.

GOLDBLOOM ESSAY CONTEST: David Birnbaum, MNA for D'Arcy-McGee and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education and the Minister of Higher Education, has announced the second edition of the 'Victor Goldbloom Vivre Ensemble Essay Contest. Victor Goldbloom, the first MNA for D'Arcy-McGee, first Jewish Cabinet Minister in Quebec, first Minister of the Environment, passed away at the age of 92 last year. He also served as Canada's Commissioner of Official Languages. Dr. Goldbloom was a champion throughout his life of building bridges between English- and French-speaking communities and between those of diverse faiths.

All Secondary IV and V students who live or study within the borders of the D’Arcy-McGee riding (Côte Saint-Luc, Hampstead and parts of NDG and Snowdon) are eligible. They are invited to submit essays of no more than 700 words on the general theme of “Vivre ensemble”. They are entirely free to choose their specific subject to address that theme. Entries can be submitted in English or French, but they must include a single-paragraph summary in the second language. Entries must be received no later than Friday, May 26th, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. at fran.gutman@assnat.qc.ca.

MENTORSHIP PROGRAM: Imago Theatre, a 30 year old Montreal based theatre company, is currently accepting applications for their ARTISTA free theatre arts mentorship program for women between the ages of 16 to 21. The program provides empowering, community-building mentorship to 15 young women. Participants meet every Tuesday for 15 weeks and are offered free mentorship from theatre professionals, tickets to see Montreal theatre and the opportunity to create, collaborate and learn in a safe environment. ARTISTA culminates in a final outcome that is performed for the public.  To apply to ARTISTA visit Imago Theatre's website here.   www.imagotheatre.ca

TEACHING TOOLS ON LEGAL ASPECTS OF BULLYING:  Bullying includes words and actions that hurt, humiliate or socially exclude someone. It can even become criminal. It can happen anywhere: at school, on the street, at work and on the Internet. Éducaloi’s free teaching resources explain the legal aspects of bullying and help you debate with students the proper role of the law when it comes to bullying.  Check out this section in the Youth Zone of Éducaloi’s website: “Bullying and the Law: What You Need to Know.” The short articles cover topics such as the right to control images of yourself, freedom of expression, privacy rights and the legal definition of assault.

SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDY THE HOLOCAUST IN ISRAEL: Teachers in the youth and adult sectors and spiritual guidance and community involvement animators are encouraged to apply for a three week all expenses paid scholarships to take part in the 2017 Yad Vashem International Seminar for Educators in Jerusalem, Israel next July. As part of the Riva and Thomas O. Hecht Scholarship, Teaching of the Holocaust for Educators Program, participants 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 to teachers for teaching about the Holocaust and anti-Semitism to students in the youth Sector. Each recipient will be asked to create at least one teaching unit or module developed within the context learned.  Complete CVs and Yad Vashem's application form must be submitted by March 31, 2016.  All of the information teachers need to apply is here.

YOUNG ACTORS AND SINGERS SOUGHT: The Segal Centre is currently accepting submissions from young actors and singers for their upcoming world premiere of a musical adaptation of Roch Carrier’s beloved story The Hockey Sweater, produced in honour of Montreal’s 375th, Canada’s 150th, and the Segal Centre for Performing Arts’ 10th anniversary. The Montréal auditions for the youth roles in The Hockey Sweater: A Musical  will take place on January 8, 2017. The deadline to send in a submission is December 23, 2016. The new musical will premiere at the Segal from October 19 to November 12, 2017 as part of the official program of Montreal’s 375th anniversary celebrations. The Hockey Sweater: A Musical will feature wonderful roles for children  of all ethnic and racial backgrounds, and genders who will be 10 years old as of September 1, 2017. “To retell The Hockey Sweater in 2017 is to not only revisit who we once were, but reflect the multicultural society we are today,” explained Book Writer and Co-Lyricist Emil Sher (Hana’s Suitcase, The Boy in the Moon, and Beneath the Banyan Tree). The casting team are looking for high level talent, but applicants need not have professional experience. “We want to open the opportunity to be considered for a role to all talented young Montrealers.” says Segal Artistic and Executive Director Lisa Rubin. Interested young artists may send in their headshot or photo, resumé, and/or a short video submission of themselves singing.  Only those selected for an audition will be contacted and asked to prepare material provided from the show. Submissions may be sent to Rachelle Glait at rglait@gmail.com. No phone calls, please. The Hockey Sweater: A Musical will be performed in English.

ADULT EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL SERVICES

PANORAMA FEATURE: Panorama Magazine featured the Social Integration Services (SIS) of the Galileo Adult Education Centre in Montreal North in its latest issue. With great perseverance and discreet determination,  SIS teacher Anna Persichilli was able to get the   magazine to showcase the many brilliant productive talents of Galileo’s SIS students and team. Panorama Magazine (issue December / January 2016 – 2017) features a phenomenal heartfelt article about our SIS students’ accomplishments, developments and enthusiastic participation in all activities available at Galileo Adult Centre.  

Galileo makes music.

GENOROCITY CULTIVATES MUSIC PROGRAM: Music is known to be one of the top motivators for any individual, especially students with special needs. Music offers an outlet in which students can express themselves in a variety of communicative and emotional ways. Galileo staff and stakeholders have been unremittingly generous and hardworking by supporting and funding student projects in any way they can. Notably, in the last month, community members have changed the outcome of the music program by offering students the opportunity to use professional quality equipment. The facilitator, Chiara, reached out to her contacts and was able to receive two top of the line electric guitars. Galileo and the S.I.S. students sincerely wish to thank Fred Di Santo and Franco Contrino from Godin Guitars for their generosity in donating two electric guitars to our school! In addition, teacher  Anna reached out on social media and requested a donation for a drum set. The post circulated and parent, Terry Gilmore, eagerly responded stating that his son, William Gilmore, was willing to donate his drum set to the S.I.S. students. William vividly recalled the S.I.S. performance, The Wicked Witch Goes East, from the previous year and felt deeply moved by the students’ act. After acquiring all the professional equipment, the last step was to introduce S.I.S. students to some musicians! Anna’s class is now receiving practical assistance from weekly volunteers Angelique Desjardins and Mars Aladas. The musicians work exceptionally well with the students and have already undergone a hands-on workshops using the instruments, musical interpretation, Vivaldi’s autumn and the power of music.  If you’re in the neighborhood, don't forget to come jam with us and make sure to come see our musical in May 2017!

Lots of food in transit.

FEEDING 1,000 NEEDY FAMILIES: The Professional Sales class at Pius Business Centre, with teachers Robert Valentino and Linda Scuccimarri, prepared 1,000 bags of food for 1,000 needy families at the Welcome Hall Mission (4755 Acorn Street) on Monday, December 5 from 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Welcome Hall Mission is a non-profit community organization that provides community services throughout the Montreal area. There is a definite need to help feed the less fortunate during this Holiday season. The Professional Sales class and teachers met the challenge and proudly gave back to the community. At Pius Business Centre,  the Centre Director Alice Sideropoulos believes, one person can make even just a little difference, and we should all try.

Proud graduates.

CULINARY GRADUATION CEREMONY AT PIUS: October 23 marked the day of the culinary graduation at Pius Culinary Institute.  Students in the Professional Cooking, Contemporary Professional Pastry Making and Food & Beverage were honoured with their Diploma of Vocational Studies, and many of them also received certificates of merit.  The students accepted their diplomas from their chef instructors. Principal Alice Sideropoulos proudly placed a chef’s hat on each of her graduating students.  The ceremony was accompanied by a reception of finger food and refreshments, where the current culinary students of Pius showed off their own talents with their scrumptious creations!  The evening captivated everyone’s enthusiasm from start to finish.  Congratulations to all the Pius grads!  Many of them will enter the food industry in Montreal and will become star chefs in the fine restaurants of our city!

Mayor Coderre congratulates the Pius X chefs.

HELPING THOSE LESS FORTUNATE: On December 11, chefs Derek Curzi and Gerardo Cristiano and a few of their culinary students took their talents to Marché Bonsecours in Old Montreal where they were joined by Mayor Denis Coderre in preparing and serving over 500 meals to those who are in need.  This is the second year that Pius proudly takes part in this annual activity organized by Father John Walsh.  The centre continues to support such initiatives and is always ready to embrace causes that help its students and the Pius community lend a hand to those who are less fortunate.

SPIRIT OF GIVING: On December 7, Chefs Curzi and Sistino Occhialini and a few of their students were the center of attention in a gymnasium filled to capacity at Cedarcrest Elementary School in St. Laurent  Cedarcrest welcomed Pius to demonstrate to its young, eager students how to make Rice Krispies snowmen!  Santa Claus passed out Rice Krispies treats to everyone and CTV was there to film this activity as part of its ongoing coverage of The Spirit of Giving Campaign.  The vocational sector of the EMSB met up with its Youth sector in this “pay it forward” act of kindness where the generosity of the Cedarcrest community will help those less fortunate during the holiday season, and its donations of food and toys will certainly put a smile on the faces of many children! Congratulations to Pius and Cedarcrest for this joint venture!

UTILIZING THEATRE: St. Laurent Adult Education Centre had an incredible performance on December 20.  The show was written and directed by Lina Maiorano.  She dedicates her time after school to train her students professionally and relentlessly.  This was the proof of their success.  The students were given different roles in three short act plays about family, true love and perseverance. In addition, students are responsible to be each other’s understudy.  The audience also played an important role exuding their appreciation and phenomenal feedback (it was a full house).   Lina thanks her Centre Director Daniella Lattanzio and Centre Vice-Principal Maria Savignano, who encouraged and support the theatre program (extracurricular activity) as an enhancement for learning English and a tool to build confidence.  Bravo !

ÉDITION DU 22 DÉCEMBRE 2016 / BULLETIN DE LA CSEM

AVIS PUBLIC – RAPPORT ANNUEL DE LA CSEM
Avis public est par les présentes donné, conformément à l’article 220.1 de la Loi sur l’instruction publique, que le Rapport annuel et la Convention de partenariat de la commission scolaire seront présentés le 12 janvier 2017 à 19 h, au 6000, avenue Fielding, à Montréal.
(s) Me Nathalie Lauzière
Secrétaire générale

INSCRIPTION À LA MATERNELLE: La CSEM a annoncé que la semaine d’inscription à la maternelle pour l’année scolaire 2017-2018 se tiendra du lundi 6 février au vendredi 10 février. Si un enfant est déjà inscrit à une école en particulier, ses frères et sœurs pourront s’inscrire une semaine plus tôt. Nous demandons aux parents d’inscrire leur enfant à l’école primaire de la CSEM la plus près de leur domicile où le programme en français de leur choix est offert. Pour de plus amples renseignements, veuillez composer le 514 483-7200, poste 3672 ou visitez le site Web de la Commission au www.emsb.qc.ca. Si vous inscrivez votre enfant pour la première fois, vous devrez fournir son certificat de naissance et son carnet de vaccination à l’école qu’il fréquentera. Les parents devront remplir des formulaires afin de permettre à l’école en question de présenter une demande de certificat d’admissibilité à l’enseignement en anglais. En vertu de la Charte de la langue française, un certificat d’admissibilité est généralement accordé aux enfants qui ont reçu la majeure partie de leur enseignement primaire ou secondaire en anglais au Canada, dont la mère ou le père a reçu la majorité de son enseignement primaire en anglais au Canada ou ceux dont le frère ou la sœur a reçu la majorité de son enseignement primaire ou secondaire en anglais au Canada. Veuillez prendre note qu’en raison de la législation qui régit les langues, ce critère exclut les études complétées dans une école privée au Québec.

L’ARBRE DE L’ESPOIR: Eryka Lafleur-Smith, ancienne élève de la CSEM, qui unit ses efforts à ceux d’Enfant-Retour Québec – ERQ (The Missing Children’s Network) depuis plusieurs années dans le but de sensibiliser la population à la problématique de la fugue chez les jeunes, est de retour encore une fois cette année pour appuyer cet organisme dans la lutte contre les jeunes en fugue. En collaboration avec l’animateur de vie spirituelle et d’engagement communautaire, Rocco Speranza, Eryka organise des séances dans les écoles et s’est engagée à peindre un Arbre de l’espoir au Collège Vincent Massey (CVM). À la fin de la séance qui aura lieu au CVM et qui portera sur les sites Web de réseaux sociaux, les barrières positives, les relations saines et la sécurité en ligne, les élèves recevront une feuille d’arbre en papier de couleur sur laquelle ils seront invités à inscrire des messages d’espoir. Les feuilles seront ensuite disposées sur l’arbre en guise d’espoir et pour souligner le pouvoir de l’empathie. Lorsqu’ils passeront près de l’arbre, les élèves et les membres du personnel pourront lire ces messages empreints d’espoir, éveillant du coup un sentiment de joie et de prise en charge alors qu’ils vaquent à leurs occupations. Eryka collabore avec Enfant-Retour Québec depuis six ans déjà, alors qu’elle était en 2e secondaire et a participé à l’activité Voices for the Missing organisée conjointement par M. Speranza et Enfant-Retour Québec.

LE CLUB DES PETITS DÉJEUNERS À L’ÉCOLE SINCLAIR LAIRD: Le maire de Montréal, Denis Coderre, a rendu visite à l’école primaire Sinclair Laird (8380, rue Wiseman) située dans Parc-Extension, le lundi 5 décembre (à 7 h 30) à l’occasion de la première activité à s’inscrire dans sa Politique de l’enfant, et ce, en collaboration avec le Club des petits déjeuners.
La présidente de la CSEM, Angela Mancini, un représentant du Club des petits déjeuners ainsi que le commissaire à l’enfance à la Ville de Montréal Tommy Kulczyk ont pris la parole lors de cette activité. Diététiste de profession et gestionnaire dans le système québécois des soins de santé, Mme Mancini appuie chaudement l’initiative du maire Coderre. En vue d’aborder les problèmes liés à la pauvreté, à l’inclusion sociale et au décrochage scolaire au Québec, le maire Coderre a lancé une politique de l’enfant en juin dernier. La Ville souhaite ainsi que les enfants et les adolescents les plus défavorisés puissent avoir un lunch le midi, et accéder à des activités sportives, culturelles et parascolaires.

Depuis maintenant 22 ans, le Club des petits déjeuners nourrit le potentiel des enfants en veillant à ce que le plus grand nombre possible d’entre eux aient accès à un petit déjeuner nutritif avant le début des classes, dans un environnement propice au développement de leur estime de soi. Bien plus qu’un programme de déjeuner, l’approche du Club repose sur l’engagement, la valorisation et le développement des capacités. Celui-ci s’associe aux communautés et aux organismes régionaux pour développer une formule optimale adaptée aux besoins locaux. Désormais présent sur l'ensemble du territoire canadien, le Club des petits déjeuners contribue à nourrir chaque jour quelque 163 000 enfants dans 1 455 établissements scolaires au pays.

Située au centre-ville, l’école Sinclair Laird accueille 170 élèves et reflète le multiculturalisme présent dans ce quartier. Elle offre à tous ses élèves l’occasion d’acquérir des compétences et connaissances essentielles pour les aider à réussir collectivement dans notre monde moderne. Les élèves, les enseignants et les parents possèdent tous des aptitudes variées et proviennent de cultures diversifiées.

Sylvie Beaudry, coordonnatrice, Organisation scolaire/Service des cafétérias et de l’éducation en nutrition, a indiqué que la CSEM se réjouit de l’appui du Club des petits déjeuners dans ses écoles. Elle souligne également que des partenariats semblables à celui-ci existent déjà avec la Fondation Générations et Partageons l’espoir, pour n’en nommer que quelques-uns. « Nous sommes tellement fiers des efforts que nous déployons en ce sens », a souligné Mme Mancini. « C’est bien connu qu’un enfant bien nourri est plus heureux, plus en santé et mieux disposé à apprendre. »

Pour de plus amples renseignements au sujet du Club des petits déjeuners, visitez le site clubdejeuner.org ou breakfastclubcanada.org. https://goo.gl/photos/4jQNu3LxSmPUWHW47.

DES HONNEURS BIEN MÉRITÉS POUR ROMA: Roma Medwid, ancienne directrice générale adjointe à la CSEM, directrice adjointe d’école et enseignante, a reçu le Prix pour services distingués lors du dîner d’honneur de l’Association des administrateurs des écoles anglaises du Québec (AAEAQ) qui se tenait récemment à l’hôtel Holiday Inn du centre-ville.

HONORÉ-MERCIER COURONNÉE VAINQUEUR: Félicitations à l’école primaire Honoré-Mercier de Saint-Léonard qui a remporté le concours Music School Challenge de CBC dans la catégorie « école primaire – prestation vocale/chorale (a cappella ou avec soutien instrumental) ». CBC Music, en collaboration avec MusicCounts, a mis au défi les classes de musique de partout au pays d’apprendre une chanson canadienne. Des écoles primaires aux écoles secondaires, les candidatures reçues cette année étaient fort variées et mettaient en vedette des orchestres de jazz, des groupes de mirliton, des clubs de guitare, des orchestres symphoniques, des chorales et bien plus encore! Plus de 500 groupes ont participé à ce concours cette année et ont présenté leurs divers talents, en quatre langues, d’un océan à l’autre. L’école gagnante dans chacune des catégories se méritera un ensemble d’enregistrement de pointe pour sa classe, de même qu’une plaque commémorative. Dans la vidéo présentée par l’école Honoré-Mercier, les élèves de l’enseignant en musique George Anthopoulos ont interprété la pièce musicale « 2 Heads » de Coleman Hell. Ce projet s’adressait à tous les élèves de 4e, 5e et 6e année. Ils ont répété 3 à 4 fois par semaine, à l’heure du dîner, pendant un mois. Il a fallu enseigner au batteur comment interpréter sa partie et il a dû répéter à la maison, sans batterie. À l’aide de synthétiseurs, deux élèves ont reproduit le piano et la guitare basse, en plus de trois autres élèves qui jouaient de la guitare et un autre, de la conga. Ils ont choisi de chanter le refrain en trois langues : français, anglais et italien. Le français et l’anglais, parce que les élèves reçoivent la moitié de leur enseignement en français et l’autre moitié, en anglais. Et l’italien, parce que la majorité des élèves de l’école sont d’origine italienne (99 %). Dans ses commentaires, l’un des juges a indiqué : « J’ai adoré leur audace, le fait qu’ils ont répété assidûment à l’école et à la maison, et leur décision d’interpréter la pièce en trois langues — une prestation fort impressionnante! »

Pour de plus amples renseignements, visitez le http://www.cbcmusic.ca/posts/17748/prep-winner-of-the-canadian-music-class-challenge-

JOURNÉE D’ENTRAIDE COMMUNAUTAIRE À CABOTO: Quelque 300 membres de la communauté d’Ahuntsic se sont réunis à l’Académie John Caboto afin de célébrer la 10e Journée d’entraide communautaire annuelle organisée par l’école. Institué à l’origine par la directrice, Lucy Buscemi, en guise d’activité de levée de fonds pour le Téléthon des étoiles et Spirit of Giving, cet événement annuel est devenu un incontournable, et la communauté profite de cette occasion pour donner le coup d’envoi à la période des Fêtes. « Parents, voisins, anciens ainsi que nos élèves savent que la Journée d’entraide communautaire a lieu le premier samedi de décembre », a déclaré la directrice. « Grâce au travail extraordinaire des parents, du personnel et des bénévoles, cet événement ne cesse de gagner en popularité, année après année. Tous ceux qui y prennent part deviennent des membres de la famille élargie de l’Académie John Caboto. »
https://goo.gl/photos/U1SYsnnS4waSWMh19.

ON NE JOUE PAS AVEC LES DROITS: La responsable de l’élaboration du projet B.A.S.E., Jennifer De Freitas, a fièrement représenté la CSEM lors de la 10e édition de la formation nationale On ne joue pas avec les droits, tenue à Toronto. Cet événement a réuni tous les partenaires d’Equitas d’un bout à l’autre du Canada, communément appelés « Champions », pour participer aux ateliers dans le cadre desquels les enseignants apprennent à mettre sur pied un projet d’action communautaire avec les enfants. Equitas a invité Jennifer à se joindre à eux afin de partager ses expériences ainsi que les leçons tirées à la suite de la mise sur pied du projet Supporting Children as Leaders Through Play it Fair! Il s’agissait en fait du tout premier projet communautaire mis en œuvre dans le cadre du programme On ne joue pas avec les droits. Les élèves du secondaire se retrouvent dans un rôle de leader où ils sont appelés à diriger des activités et des discussions avec des enfants des services de garde en milieu scolaire et à les motiver à créer un projet d’action communautaire. Au nombre des faits saillants de la formation nationale, mentionnons : la CSEM est la seule commission scolaire à se classer parmi les Champions dans ce programme, tous les autres Champions sont des centres et services communautaires récréatifs; Equitas perçoit le programme Supporting Children as Leaders Through Play it Fair! de B.A.S.E. comme l’un de ses projets marquants depuis la création du programme On ne joue pas avec les droits, en 2006; Equitas a lancé un guide officiel d’action communautaire fondé sur le modèle qu’Equitas et la CSEM ont utilisé pour le programme Supporting Children as Leaders Through Play it Fair!; la CSEM a inspiré d’autres Champions; la Ville de Toronto prévoit mettre en œuvre un programme d’ambassadeur On ne joue pas avec les droits dans ses camps d’été en utilisant le même modèle que le programme Supporting Children as Leaders Through Play it Fair! de B.A.S.E.; le Club des garçons et filles de Winnipeg songe à mettre sur pied un programme On ne joue pas avec les droits d’une durée de 10 semaines, similaire à celui conçu par B.A.S.E.; et la Mount Pleasant Community Centre Association à Vancouver souhaite se pencher sur la possibilité de mettre en œuvre un programme On ne joue pas avec les droits dans son réseau de commissions scolaires. Pour de plus amples renseignements, visitez le https://twitter.com/EMSBBASE.

CAMPAGNE THÉ-JOUET (TOY TEA): Encore une fois cette année, les élèves de la CSEM ont recueilli des jouets neufs dans le cadre de la 25e édition annuelle de Thé-Jouet Noël et Hanoukka qui a eu lieu à la salle Tudor située au cinquième étage de la maison Ogilvy. Ces jouets seront offerts à plus de 5 000 enfants victimes d’abus et de violence et vivant dans des refuges, ainsi qu’à d’autres organismes de bienfaisance qui viennent en aide aux enfants. Cette année marque la 14e participation de la CSEM à la campagne Thé-Jouet, mise sur pied par Irene Miller, ancienne conseillère en éducation spirituelle, religieuse et morale. Les représentants des élèves de chacune des écoles, accompagnés de leur animateur de vie spirituelle et d’engagement communautaire respectif, de leurs enseignants, des membres de la direction d’école ainsi que des parents bénévoles, prendront part à cette activité afin de livrer les jouets recueillis et de recevoir des certificats de participation des mains de Claire Kruyt, présidente de la campagne Thé-Jouet, du Père Noël et de la Mère Noël. Pour l’occasion, plusieurs chorales représentant diverses écoles entonneront des chants de Noël. Pour de plus amples renseignements, visitez le www.toyteamontreal.org.

À LA RESCOUSSE D’UNE BANQUE ALIMENTAIRE LOCALE: Les élèves du Collège Vincent Massey à Rosemont ont récemment donné le coup d’envoi à la période des Fêtes alors qu’ils rendaient visite à une banque alimentaire locale pour remplir les étagères et distribuer des denrées et des vêtements à ceux et celles qui sont dans le besoin. De plus, les élèves ont exprimé le désir de préparer et de servir des repas, posant ainsi un geste simple de bonté et de compassion à l’endroit des personnes défavorisées. « Les élèves ont cru que ce serait une bonne idée d’offrir un repas fraîchement préparé à ceux qui doivent faire la file pendant des heures. Ils reçoivent ainsi un bon repas qu’ils peuvent déguster sur le chemin du retour ou à la maison », a déclaré l’animateur de vie spirituelle et d’engagement communautaire Rocco Speranza. « Ces petits gestes de compassion et d’empathie amorcés par les élèves se traduisent visiblement par des actions communautaires qui cadrent concrètement avec les objectifs liés à l’animation spirituelle et communautaire, à savoir l’entraide, la charité, l’unité et l’espoir. »

SERVICES DE L’ÉDUCATION DES ADULTES 

ET DE LA FORMATION PROFESSIONNELLE

LA GÉNÉROSITÉ AU CŒUR D’UN PROGRAMME DE MUSIQUE: La musique est reconnue comme étant l’une des principales motivations pour tout individu, en particulier les élèves ayant des besoins particuliers. La musique offre un exutoire qui permet aux élèves de s’exprimer de multiples façons tant sur le plan de la communication que des émotions. Le personnel de Galileo et les intervenants se sont montrés fort généreux et ont travaillé d’arrache-pied en appuyant et en finançant des projets destinés aux élèves. Mentionnons qu’au cours du dernier mois, les membres de la communauté ont joué un rôle déterminant sur l’impact du programme de musique en offrant aux élèves la possibilité d’utiliser de l’équipement professionnel. La responsable, Chiara, a sollicité son réseau de connaissances et a pu ainsi obtenir gracieusement deux guitares électriques de toute première qualité. L’école Galileo et les élèves des services d’intégration sociale (SIS) désirent remercier sincèrement Fred Di Santo et Franco Contrino de Godin Guitars pour leur grande générosité! De plus, l’enseignante Anna a affiché un message sur les réseaux sociaux en indiquant qu’elle était à la recherche d’une batterie à donner. Le message a circulé et Terry Gilmore, parent d’un élève à l’école McCaig, s’est empressé de répondre que son fils, William Gilmore, était prêt à faire don de sa batterie aux élèves du programme SIS. William se souvenait très clairement de la prestation des élèves SIS « The Wicked Witch Goes East » l’année dernière, qui l’avait profondément touché. Une fois les instruments professionnels réunis, il ne restait plus qu’à trouver des musiciens! La classe d’Anna reçoit maintenant chaque semaine la visite des bénévoles Angelique Desjardins et Mars Aladas qui enseignent aux élèves à jouer des instruments. Les musiciens travaillent particulièrement bien avec les élèves et ont déjà organisé un atelier pratique sur les instruments, l’interprétation musicale, l’automne de Vivaldi et le pouvoir de la musique. Si vous êtes dans les environs, venez vous joindre à nous et ne manquez surtout pas notre récital en mai 2017.

NOURRIR 1 000 FAMILLES DANS LE BESOIN: Le lundi 5 décembre dernier, de 8 h 15 à 14 h 00 à la Mission bon accueil (4755, rue Acorn), les élèves du programme de Ventes professionnelles du Centre des affaires de l’école Pius, en collaboration avec les enseignants Robert Valentino et Linda Scuccimarri, ont préparé 1 000 sacs de provisions pour 1 000 familles défavorisées. La Mission bon accueil est un organisme communautaire sans but lucratif qui fournit des services communautaires dans la grande région de Montréal. Il y a un besoin criant de nourrir les plus démunis durant les Fêtes. Les élèves du programme Ventes professionnelles et leurs enseignants ont relevé le défi en redonnant à la collectivité. Au Centre des affaires de Pius, la directrice Alice Sideropoulos est d’avis que chacun est à même de faire une différence et que tous devraient tenter l’expérience.

CÉRÉMONIE DE REMISE DES DIPLÔMES À L’ÉCOLE PIUS: Le 23 octobre 2016 avait lieu la remise des diplômes à l’Institut culinaire Pius. Les élèves du programme de cuisine professionnelle, de préparation de pâtisseries professionnelles, et d’aliments et boissons ont été honorés lors de la remise de leur diplôme de formation professionnelle et bon nombre d’entre eux se sont également vu remettre des prix méritas. Les élèves ont reçu leur diplôme des mains de leurs chefs enseignants et Mme Alice Sideropoulos, directrice de l’Institut, a fièrement déposé une toque sur la tête de chaque diplômé. La cérémonie a été suivie d’une réception où ont été servis des bouchées et des rafraîchissements préparés par les élèves de Pius. Ces savoureuses créations ont témoigné de l’immense talent des élèves! Cette soirée a été couronnée de succès du début à la fin. Félicitations à tous les diplômés de l’Institut Pius! Plusieurs d’entre eux travailleront au sein de l’industrie alimentaire à Montréal et deviendront des chefs incontestés dans les meilleurs restaurants de la métropole!

CAMPAGNE THE SPIRIT OF GIVING: Le 7 décembre dernier, dans un gymnase rempli à pleine capacité à l’école primaire Cedarcrest de Saint-Laurent, tous les regards étaient tournés vers les chefs Derek Curzi et Sistino Occhialini ainsi que quelques-uns de leurs élèves. La délégation de Pius avait été invitée à cette occasion pour enseigner aux jeunes élèves fort enthousiastes comment préparer des bonhommes de neige à l’aide de céréales Rice Krispies! Le Père Noël en personne a distribué des collations aux Rice Krispies à chacun et CTV était sur les lieux afin de filmer cette activité dans le cadre de sa couverture continue de la campagne The Spirit of Giving. Le secteur Formation professionnelle de la CSEM s’est uni au secteur Jeunesse dans ce geste de gentillesse à réitérer où la générosité de la communauté de Cedarcrest permettra de venir en aide aux plus défavorisés durant les Fêtes. Les dons d’aliments et de jouets ne manqueront pas d’accrocher un sourire au visage de bien des enfants! Félicitations à l’Institut Pius et à l’école Cedarcrest pour cette belle initiative!

The next Focus will be published on  January 26.  Submissions should be made to Michael J. Cohen preferably by  e-mail (mcohen@emsb.qc.ca) by January 21  at Noon

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