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| Michael Cristofaro is congratulated by students and many of his colleagues |
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| Sonia Pecora |
met for the first time this year to elect their executive members and observers to Board-based committees.
SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS: The next school board elections in Quebec are scheduled to take place in November 2018. However, this date would be in conflict with provincial elections. The EMSB has adopted a resolution presented by the Quebec English School Boards Association which calls for the provincial government to confirm the status of the next school board elections. The QESBA proposes that the government consider twinning school board and municipal elections or institute online voting if the aforementioned suggestion is not possible. In addition it is noted that much needed investment in correcting the English electoral list has not occurred nor has any effort been placed in making these vital adjustments.
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| Cpl. Laflamme-Breault and Luca. |
REMEMBRANCE DAY: EMSB schools held Remembrance Day ceremonies on or prior to November 11. At Perspectives I and II Alternative High Schools in St. Michel for instance, Holocaust survivor and Canadian veteran Willie Glaser shared the story of his life in World War II. The school's Holocaust sensitization program involved learning about the Holocaust as well as addressed the rise of religious intolerance in the world presently and the importance of spreading world peace and promoting acceptance and understanding. In the coming weeks, students from Perspectives I and II will also visit the Holocaust Museum. The commemoration was coordinated by Vince Lacroce, Spiritual and Community Animator, Barbara White, Head Teacher of Perspectives I High School, Lorena D’Alessandro, Head Teacher of Perspectives II High School. For a complete look at our activities see this detailed press release. See this wonderful coverage from Breakfast Television at East Hill https://vimeo.com/242067665. This includes an interview with Corporal Mathieu Laflamme-Breault and his son, Luca.
CBC RADIO NOON COVERAGE: Lester B. Pearson High School student Valentina Tsilimidos, teacher Paul Karpontinis and Leonardo da Vinci Academy Grade 6 student Claudio Scione were guests on CBC Radio Noon to talk about Remembrance Day. You can hear Claudio here.
LEGION HONOURS SPERANZAS: What was intended to be a quick visit turned into a surprise for the Speranza family when the Royal Canadian Legion recognized Rocco, his wife Didi and children Tedario and Emmeranda for their work that honours Canadian veterans. Rocco, a Spiritual
and Community Animator at the EMSB, has focused on honouring the legacies of veterans for the past 30 years. With his family following his lead, together, the Speranzas have a combined 60 years of service. “It is very important to get the next generation involved in remembering our veterans and current members of the Canadian Forces. It aids them in making the connection to our past, our present and our future,” said Rocco. “In these ceremonies, we do not celebrate or glorify war, nor victories; we remember the bravery and sacrifices made by veterans in the name of peace and unity. Many of us live a life of privilege thanks to the sacrifices of those who have gone before us. It is what we do with these privileges in order to promote peace, kindness and aid others. This is what is important to hand on to the next generation.”
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| The Speranzas are congratulated. |
KAYLA SEGAL GRANTS: Sinclair Laird Elementary School in Park Extension and Cedarcrest Elementary School in St. Laurent are the first recipients of The Kayla Segal Sports and Wellness Grant. They have each received $875 that will be applied towards helping their students live more active lifestyles. Venture High School in Ville Émard will also be receiving a special bonus prize. Professionally, Segal is a Financial Security Advisor and she focuses on helping people find optimal life, health and disability insurance solutions. Her passion remains competing in marathons and triathlons across the world. In order to support health and wellness programs in the EMSB, she embarked on an initiative to offer grants to two schools. Various fundraising activities were undertaken in order to raise the money, and she wants to thank everyone who helped in the process.
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| Kayla Segal presents a cheque to Sinclair Laird. |
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| Athletes from the U of M and some students prepare the food bins for distribution. |
CAREER FAIR 360: At the recent EMSB Career Fair, 360PinGo, a Montreal-based google trusted Virtual Tour Agency, provided a very interesting look at all of the action. The agency offers a personalized service that allows customers to attract and retain their target end-users by extending the lifespan of their events through web and app-based virtual tours. Their platform integrates interactive content and has built in analytical and CRM capabilities. If you are interested in increasing and extending the visibility of your location or event, to the local and international audience, they can be reached at anouk@360pingo.com/ www.360pingo.com. Here is their project on our Career Fair.
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| A busy Dawson College booth at Career Fair. |
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| Having a blast at the Habs game. |
GO HABS GO: Thanks to Montreal Canadiens defenceman Shea Weber, students from the Mackay Centre and Philip E. Layton Schools had the opportunity to take in a Habs game in style recently. Six students and six chaperones watched the Canadiens lose to the Arizona Coyotes from Weber’s private lodge. In addition to a great view, food and drinks, everyone received a loot bag with signed gifts and team apparel!
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| A look at the packed stage of performers. |
Ms. Mancini wishes to express her sincerest thanks to Dimitri Ilias and Maria Diamantis, for once again guiding this extraordinary project. Copies of a new CD are now available, featuring a complete musical version of the book, with performances by soloists and the combined choirs of 20 different schools from the EMSB, the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board, the Commission scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys and l’École primaire Socrates & Démosthène. “The opportunity our students had to perform alongside a symphonic orchestra was a unique musical experience not available to many,” said Ms. Mancini. “More importantly, the children learned the value and rewards that come from teamwork, cooperation, hard work and discipline.”
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| Gardenview students on Parliament Hill. |
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| The EMSB Senior Chorale in Carmina Burana at Pollack Hall with the McGill Schulich School of Music Choris on October. 25. (Peter Matulina Photo). |
TOY TEA: Students from the EMSB will once again be collecting new toys for the 26th annual Christmas and Chanukah Toy Tea, set to be held in the Oval Room of the Ritz Carlton hotel (1228 Sherbrooke) on December 6 (10 am to 3 pm). The toys will benefit over 5,000 children who are being sheltered and protected from abuse, or violence, as well as other children’s charities. This will be the 15th year of the EMSB’s involvement in the Toy Tea Campaign, which is an initiative of former Spiritual, Religious and Moral Education Consultant Irene Miller. “The Toy Tea is a good fundraiser and a good cause because everyone understands where these toys go to,” said Frank Lofeodo, the EMSB consultant for Guidance and Spiritual and Community Animation. “What’s so beautiful about it is that no matter how many students participate in it, the commitment is always there, and the schools mobilize themselves to help out with the drive.”
Schools can participate by collecting new, unwrapped and non-violent toys. Donations and cheques endorsed to the Toy Tea would also be greatly appreciated. Student representatives from various schools, along with their respective spiritual and community animators, teachers, administrators and parent volunteers, will attend and receive special certificates of participation from Erika Ludwick, the Toy Tea’s chairperson, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event will also feature the singing of Christmas carols by several school choirs. For more information, log on to www.toyteamontreal.org.
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| Willingdon students at the Toonie Challenge launch. |
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| Marking Premie Day. |
PREMIE DAY: The Grade 6 students at St. Monica Elementary School in NDG organized a dress down day in order to collect money for The Tiny Miracle Fund. The Auxiliary of The Jewish General Hospital is proud of this initiative, which is committed to purchasing vital, life-sustaining equipment for the tiniest and most vulnerable patients. The students had a retired nurse from the neonatal clinic come and visit the students. She explained the medical care these babies need while they are in the incubators. The Jewish General Hospital is one of the largest birthing centers in the province, with approximately 4,500 deliveries each year and is classified as a high-risk perinatal referral centre by the Quebec government.
SCHOOLYARD GARDEN: The St. Monica B.A.S.E. Daycare Green Club has been lucky to have teacher Eric Rowles be so heavily involved in the schoolyard garden both during class time and after school. B.A.S.E. Green Clubs love seeing teachers and educators use the gardens as an educational tool beyond the daycare environment. See the full story and video here.
SCHOOLYARD GARDEN: The St. Monica B.A.S.E. Daycare Green Club has been lucky to have teacher Eric Rowles be so heavily involved in the schoolyard garden both during class time and after school. B.A.S.E. Green Clubs love seeing teachers and educators use the gardens as an educational tool beyond the daycare environment. See the full story and video here.
FINANCIAL LITERACY COURSE: This is the first year for a new course in financial literacy at the Secondary V level. Students are addressing issues such as credit scores, loans, making a budget and signing a cell phone contract. Students will learn about consumption, debt, purchasing power and savings, as well as employment, compensation, taxation, and financing education. There will also be material covering legal information, such as consumer rights and responsibilities, employment laws and labour regulations. The new course is being slotted into social sciences (with subjects like history and geography). See this report from CTV.
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| Students presented their Money Fair projects and spoke to the importance of financial literacy education in school. |
MONEY FAIR PROJECTS: Recently students from the Work-Oriented Training Pathway (WOTP) program at John F. Kennedy High School in St. Michel were invited to participate in the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada’s conference on financial literacy in Montreal. Students presented their Money Fair projects and spoke to the importance of financial literacy education in school. “Financial literacy is so important for people my age,” said alumnus Romeo Angelucci. “We’re starting to work and earn money for the first time and you don’t know what to do with it. I’m lucky my school had this program. I know what to do with my money now; I know how important it is to save and to be responsible.”
Added teacher and WOTP coordinator Stefan Kazamias: “We have been working on teaching our students about responsible use of money for the last five years. We’re thrilled to have the chance to showcase what our students have learned and we’re equally proud at how much attention and praise they’ve received for their efforts from both the education and finance communities.”
AIRLINE EDUCATION: With carry-on lunches in tow, Air Canada invited 80 students from John F. Kennedy High School and Rosemount High School to attend an aviation industry conference on October 31 at the École nationale d’aérotechnique in St. Hubert. At the conference, students had the opportunity to hear from Kayleen McCabe, who spoke to the profession and importance of aircraft maintenance. McCabe is well known as the winner of the DIY Network’s Stud Finder reality show. Following her talk, students took a tour of the school.
YOUNG WOMEN IN AVIATION: Students from Vincent Massey Collegiate in Rosemount and Laurier Macdonald High School in St. Léonard took part in Young Women in Aviation Day on November 14. The goal was to show young woman all of the career opportunities open to them in Aviation Maintenance. The event showcased women in positions at all organizational levels, eager to share their passion for this exciting business. They learned what it really takes to run an airline from the women who do it every day.
GYM IMPROVEMENTS: The Kennedy Klassic Juvenile and Midget basketball tournaments recently took place at John F. Kennedy High School welcoming teams from Rosemount High School, Westmount High School, Marymount Academy International in N.D.G. and the Alternative Schools network. The tournament was also the formal inauguration of the first round of gym upgrades at JFK. This year, the school added new backboards and painted the walls. In 2018, students will have the opportunity to play on a brand new court. As for the Klassic itself, the Alternative Schools won the Juvenile Boys Division, capturing the first game in overtime and knocking off JFK in the finals by two points. Not all was lost for JFK as they swept all teams to take home the Midget title. Outside of the competition, the Concordia Men's basketball coaches and players were on hand to animate a skills clinic for all the teams in the school’s Palestre, where basketball nets were installed this school year.
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| The VMC Bazaar. |
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| Johnny Castellano with Massimo and Luca. |
CSL BBQ AND THE EMSB CONNECTION: Six months after a fire shut down business, the iconic Côte St. Luc Bar-B-Q on Côte St. Luc Road has officially opened with a spanking new look. The owners are Johnny Castellano and Sean Finlay. Johnny attended the former St. Pius X Comprehensive High School. His sons Massimo and Luca work part-time at the restaurant. Massimo attends Vincent Massey Collegiate; Luca graduated from Laurier Macdonald High School and is now in CEGEP. Sean started working at the restaurant when he was a student at Marymount Academy.
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| Before |
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| After |
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| Showcasing their book collection. |
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| Sydney Marovitch with Irwin and Robert Kauffman and some students. |
DANCE FOR ALEX: Alex Porter-Rozmovits was a bright, loving and thriving six year old Royal Vale kindergarten student. Alex died suddenly on June 22, 2009 of a rare bacterial infection. His parents and his sisters Abby and Olivia miss him every day. Teacher Mme Yasmine noticed how he enjoyed dancing with his friends and with her. Royal Vale School (RVS) has hosted the “Dance for Alex” since 2010 in his memory. Every December, elementary school students, teachers and parents gather in the gym to dance and remember their fellow student. This year, Alex’s parents would like to take the opportunity to give back to the community and raise money in honour of RVS, Alex and the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation (MCCF). Funds raised will be divided equally between RVS and MCCF. The dance will be held on Friday, December 8 (8:30 am to 9:30 am.). Children will be led in dance and exercise by the McGill Cheerleaders and will be greeted by a surprise alumni member from the Montreal Canadiens.
NEW SERVICE PROVIDER: The EMSB recently went out for tenders for Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) services. Homewood Santé submitted the lowest compliant bid in the amount for the period commencing December 1, 2017 and terminating November 30, 2020. This amount is for two years, plus one optional year.
ROCH CARRIER: Students from Roslyn Elementary School in Westmount had quite the surprise recently when they were invited to a special performance of The Hockey Sweater Musical at The Segal Centre for Performing Arts. Following the incredible show, which featured Royal West Academy's Jesse Noah Gruman as young Roch Carrier, the real Roch Carrier stepped on the stage to answer some questions about the musical and original book.
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| Roch Carrier meets students from Roslyn School. |
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| A nice visit to Parliament Hill. |
WE DAY: Students from a number of schools had the opportunity to attend We Day Ottawa recently. We Day provides youth with opportunities for learning, encourages social involvement as well as ignites civic responsibility. The We Organization supports youth-led projects and develops leadership skills in schools, communities and around the world. This year, the We Organization will be working with you to address issues such as homelessness, equality and sustainability. As a bonus for students and staff from the EMSB, the We Organization and Via Rail Canada teamed up to provide free rail transportation to and from Ottawa.
SOX IN A BOX: Students and staff from Rosemount High School and Nesbitt Elementary School in Rosemount, as well as Dalkeith Elementary School in Anjou, are once again collecting socks for Montreal’s homeless community. Dubbed the “Sox in a Box” campaign, students will donate new socks to: The West Island Women's Shelter, Dans La Rue, Chez Doris and The Benedict Labre House. Each school will also create personalized holiday gift boxes containing the new socks and bilingual messages of hope for the holiday season. The campaign will culminate on December 12 (9:30 am to 2:45 pm) when students and staff from each school will come together at Rosemount High School (3737 Beaubien) to personally gift-wrap each donation and enjoy a holiday lunch. In 2016, over 1,000 pairs of socks were collected.
INSPIRATIONS NEWSPAPER: We are pleased to share the Fall 2017/Winter 2018 edition of Inspirations with our EMSB community. This edition is full of inspirational stories about the challenges and accomplishments of students and adults with special needs, and highlights resources that are providing excellent services to our students. The wide variety of stories in this edition promises to engage all readers, from a personal interview with MP Mike Lake to a new autonomy preparation program at John Grant High School, and a feature on how to improve your child’s sleep. Our technology feature shares handy apps for all students, and a touching story of how technology helped EMSB parent commissioner for ACSES Joanne Charron communicate with her son. Also featured is an exclusive from Principal of Roslyn School, Nick Katalifos, on the new Transforming Autism Care Consortium – an innovative and unique new autism research network. You can read the edition right here at http://www.inspirationsnews.com/pdf/Editions/Inspirations_fall2017-web-Nov16.pdf. For more resources in our community, consult the EMSB database of special needs resources, housed at www.inspirationsnews.com. It shares over 500 resources that service the community.
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| Reading in the library tent. |
FAMILY READING NIGHT: Perhaps the best compliment for a book is a cup of hot chocolate, and on Thursday, December 7 (6:30 pm to 8 pm) Grade 11 students from James Lyng High School in St. Henri are inviting local youth and parents for both. Families are invited to the school (5440 Notre-Dame Ouest) to kick off the holiday season with Family Reading Night: an evening of reading, special treats and fun. Info: Mikaella Goldsmith at: 514-846-8814 or mgoldsmith@emsb.qc.ca.
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Left to right: Joseph Lalla, Principal Michael Brown, phys ed teacher Stéphane Fortin, Regional Director Pela Nickoletopoulos and some very happy students!
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STEAM BEES: The new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program is in full swing at EBS. The Cycle 3 students worked very hard to complete their projects about bees. They took an interest in the bees because they wanted to know more about the hive that has been installed on the roof. They incorporated the five components of STEAM and created projects to inform other students about everything from the anatomy of a bee to the important role bees play in our environment. Caiden Finch and other members of his group created an iMotion movie and used the Green Screen to explain the swarming of bees. Another group made a beautiful diorama to explain the important position held by the Queen bee. Other students presented topics that were both creative and informative. Caiden expressed to his teacher that it was really a fun project and a creative way to learn. Some of the students were chosen to go to the EMSB offices on November 21 to share their projects, and at the same time sell the honey that was produced by the EBS hive!
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| Arpon Basu gets a warm welcome at Edinburgh. |
Nadia Barrafato at East Hill Elementary School in RDP rolled out a comprehensive program on Media Awareness, Internet Safety and Cyberbullying in grades 3 to 6. Other teachers focusing on the theme were Carolyn Liverman at Parkdale Elementary School in St. Laurent, Jennifer Harriet from FACE School downtown and Aaron Proeser at Royal Vale Elementary School in NDG.
EMSB Educational Consultant Maureen Baron gave professional development workshops to over 150 teachers on the subjects of digital citizenship for the elementary level and fake news for the high school teachers.
DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP: With countless social media applications available to the youth, the EMSB wants to ensure that parents have both the knowledge and tools to protect their children. On November 14 parents were invited to John Paul I Junior High School in St. Leonard to learn about the various social media being used today and the potential dangers that exist online. Presented by Maureen Baron, parents learned about sexting, cyber-bullying, privacy, one’s digital footprint as well as the legal ramifications of one’s online habits.
VIRTUAL LIBRARY: The EMSB Education and Technology Services Department, working with webmaster Nur Erdem, has relaunched its Virtual Library, a compendium of online resources that support the Quebec Education Program. Check out http://www.emsb.qc.ca/virtuallibrary for bilingual, multi-media coverage of social sciences, science and technology, local and international news, and much more. Access to these resources is password-free from school computers. Most resources are also available from home 24 hours, seven days a week. The user name and password are available from the school.
AVATARS: Students in Ms. Silvia’s class at Our Lady of Pompei Elementary School in Ahuntsic created avatars for #MediaLiteracyWeek using the MediaSmarts Avatar Maker! Here is a link.
POMPEI AND FOOD GROUPS: Kindergarten teacher Ralia Koutsogiannopoulos had a lesson on nutrition with her students. Based on the EMSB Nutrition program, F.A.B. 4, Ms. Ralia taught her students about the food groups, healthy eating habits for the well-being and growth of their body and brain. She also had the help of Okra the crow, the mascot of the F.A.B. 4 program. Students also enjoyed fresh fruits as an addition to their lesson.
SUPPORTING JACOB: Students from Grades 3 to 6 at Cedarcrest B.A.S.E. Daycare created cards for Jacob Thompson. They made cards for the young boy and mailed them out since that was his last dying wish. He wanted to read as many cards as possible. Students felt that: “Sometimes we need someone to simply be there. Not to fix anything, or to do anything in particular, but just to let us feel that we are cared for and supported. After nine-year-old Jacob Thompson was hospitalized in October after a four-year battle with Stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma, doctors told his family that he likely had just one month to live.
In response, his parents have decided to have their Christmas celebration early this year, and Jacob wants people to celebrate along with him by sending Christmas cards. In the five days since Jacob made his Christmas wish, the family has received over 100 cards from onlookers and well-wishers from around the world, even Antarctica, just in time for the family to celebrate Christmas at the beginning of November. The celebration will include snow, a tree and, of course, Santa Claus, CNN reports.
THE LLOYD BARKER TOUR: Former Montreal Impact team MVP, league All-Star and Assistant coach Lloyd Barker is available to visit schools as a motivational speaker. His talks are geared towards students aged eight and up. Lloyd's presentations combine motivational topics (perseverance, appreciation, life-lessons), with an emphasis on the importance of staying in school, as well as training and wellness tips. The duration is between 60 and 75 minutes, and includes an autograph session opportunity at the end. He suggests that schools combine the classes into one big group and assemble in the gymnasium for the presentation. Mornings are preferential. It should be noted, Lloyd's presentation and format is similar to the one he spearheaded with the Montreal Impact when they launched their stay in school program back in 2006. He was the lead speaker for six years and it was an extremely well received program. There is no cost for Lloyd’s talk. He is asking that the school allows him to distribute flyers for his new soccer academy to students in attendance who might be interested. Lloyd's professional career began at the young age of 17 years when he signed his first pro contract with the Ottawa Intrepid of the Canadian Soccer League (CSL). Along with playing for the Jamaican National Team, Lloyd also played 10 seasons with the Montreal Impact. Since then, he has been involved in the game at every level in North America and is now one of Canada's most respected soccer minds. Lloyd's extensive playing, coaching and broadcasting experience, has provided him with a high level of knowledge that is not matched by many in Canada. Thus far he has enjoyed very successful visits to two elementary schools – Roslyn in Westmount and Honoré-Mercier in St. Léonard. You can find out more about his academy at www.best11academy.com. Lloyd can be reached at lloydbarker11@yahoo.com.
GRAND DEFI: The hours of exercise accumulated by students at Honore Mercier Elementary School in St. Leonard was rewarded recently when Team Saputo, participants in the annual Grand Defi Pierre Lavoie, presented the school with a cheque for $8,000. Annually, participating teams in the 1,000 km bicycle trek raise money on behalf of the most active schools in the province in order to boost their physical education programs. In total, students accumulated over 130,000 energy cubes, equaling more than 32,500 combined hours of physical activity.
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| Receiving the cheque. |
LEARN BROCHURE: LEARN is a non-profit educational organization with a mandate to serve the English-speaking community of Quebec. LEARN accomplishes this by offering a wide range of resources and services. These services and resources include elementary and secondary level teaching tools and content; professional learning; community, school and parental support; as well as a full range of online services through the LEARN Virtual Campus. The Virtual Campus includes online classes for students across the province, personalized tutorials, summer school, as well as customized programs that are developed in concert with schools and school boards. All of LEARN’s efforts are intended to contribute to student retention, academic success and strong English-speaking communities. See their brochure on our website. Info:ctoteda@learnquebec.ca
LAUGHTER YOGA: Laughter is the best medicine and Science is behind this amazing life tool. As a Laughter Yoga leader and teacher trained by the founder of Laughter Yoga, Sylvie Dagenais-Douville is passionate about the concept of Laughter Yoga and the infinite reasons why it should be integrated in our school system. At a time where stress and anxiety are increasingly present in both teachers’ and students’ life, wellness through Laughter is an easy, fun and efficient solution. Laughter Yoga encourages children to physically play, engage socially and express themselves fully while away from their computer screens and iPhones. Studies demonstrate clearly that by increasing the net supply of oxygen to the body and brain, children stay focused for peak academic performance. Sylvie has been invited to present Laughter Yoga at conferences and workshop sessions across the country and internationally. Based in Montreal, she regularly offers Laughter Wellness conferences and workshops in Ottawa, Montreal and Québec City. From Community Centers to schools, work place and retirement homes, laughter touches everyone. She also uses the Laughter program as an amazing tool for Cancer survivors, their families and caregivers in Ottawa and Montreal. Recognized as Laughter Yoga Ambassador, she presented in Frankfurt Germany this past summer at the first International Global Laughter Yoga conference.
Because Laughter Yoga has play at its core, right brain thinking is practiced enhancing creativity on a number of levels. Through a conference/workshop you could discover and understand better the power of Laughter Yoga. Info:(450) 647-0164
institutdurire.com or hohohaha2009@live.ca
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| Making a statement against hunger. |
DRUG AWARENESS WEEK: To mark Drug Awareness Week, the Science Department at Rosemount High School in collaboration with Spiritual and Community Animator Vince Lacroce organized a visit from The Quebec Lung Association. Students in Grades 7 and 8 had presentations which focused on the dangers of smoking and the effects of smoking on the body.
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| Dante students walk for a cause. |
THE GENEROSITY OF DANTE: Students and staff at Dante Elementary School in St. Léonard continue to raise funds for the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research Canada. Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder that occurs in approximately one out of every 15,000 births. PWS affects males and females with equal frequency and affects all races and ethnicities. PWS is recognized as a common genetic cause of childhood obesity. Prader Willi Syndrome was first described by Swiss doctors Andrea Prader, Alexis Labhart and Heinrich Willi in 1956 based on the clinical characteristics of nine children they had examined. The common characteristics defined in the initial report included small hands and feet, abnormal growth and body composition (small stature, very low lean body mass and early onset childhood obesity), hypotonia at birth, insatiable hunger, extreme obesity and intellectual disability. In recent years, the syndrome has been genetically characterized as an abnormality of chromosome 15, and definitive diagnosis is now based on genetic testing. The school recently held a 40 minute walk-a-thon around the neighbourhood, from school to Lacordaire, then on Jean Talon and back to the school with a police escort and raised $1,196. See this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjTcU2ii-O8&feature=youtu. Info: Carole carole.elkhal@fpwr.ca or www.fpwr.ca.
ELIE WIESEL PARK: Several students from Marymount Academy International in NDG took part in the inauguration ceremony for Elie Wiesel Park in the City of Côte Saint-Luc on November 3. The park is located at the corner of Cavendish Blvd. and Kildare Rd. The city unveiled a new park sign and there were remarks from Mayor Mitchell Brownstein, Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather, D'Arcy-McGee MNA David Birnbaum, Rabbi Reuben Poupko, Holocaust Survivor and Vice-President of the Montreal Holocaust Museum Eva Kuper and former Canadian Minister of Justice, Professor Irwin Cotler. Elie Wiesel (1928-2016) was a Nobel-Prize winning writer, teacher and activist known for his memoir Night, in which he recounted his experiences surviving the Holocaust. Ramin Khodaie, the coordinator of the International Baccalaureate Program at Marymount said that this was an excellent lesson in authentic learning for the students. He said that many of them now wish to read Wiesel’s books.
Wiesel was born in Romania to an Orthodox Jewish family. In June 1944, Wiesel with his family and other Jews from the area, were deported to the German concentration and extermination camps, where his parents and little sister perished. Wiesel and his two older sisters survived. After liberation, Wiesel was taken to France with other orphans. He eventually enrolled at the Sorbonne and in the 1950s travelled the world as a reporter. He published La Nuit in 1958, a memoir of his experiences in the concentration camps. The book would eventually be translated into 30 languages. Wiesel concerned himself with the situation of the Soviet and European Jews and other groups who suffered persecution and death because of their religion, race or national origin. He used his moral authority to force attention on atrocities around the world, including the genocides in Rwanda and Darfur.
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| Ramin Khodaie and some students at Elie Wiesel Park. |
HALLOWEEN SPIRIT: Once again this year schools celebrated Halloween in fine style. See this report from CTV on how Nesbitt Elementary School in Rosemount emphasized Halloween safety (https://vimeo.com/240830825). Dante Daycare's WE club took part in the 'We Scare Hunger' campaign. On Halloween Day they collected six large boxes of canned goods for those less fortunate.
CHABAD LIFELINE: Thanks in part to funding from its raffle, Chabad Lifeline has been able to assign a youth addiction counselor to be at Royal West Academy in Montreal West once a week to meet with students. Chabad Lifeline believes that education and early intervention in schools can bring down the number of addicts and help save lives. They have partnered with the EMSB and Royal West Academy to schedule weekly visits to the school by their Youth Addiction Counsellor. The funding for this new undertaking came in part from a recent raffle, which also supported the regular budget and maintenance of the centre. See this story.
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| A scene from last year's Spirit of Giving at Cedarcrest. |
CRICKETS AT PERSPECTIVES: November 13 to 24 was Semaine des Entrepreneurs à l’école throughout Quebec. Thanks to OSEntrprendre, Perspectives I Alternative High School welcomed Jean Philippe Bisson from Mélio Foods. The students prepared for his visit by researching this brand new company and preparing questions. Mr. Bisson, a young entrepreneur, spoke of his story. He went on to say that as an engineering student from École Polytechnique de Montréal, he decided to do his final stage in entrepreneurship.
During this time, he and his colleague wished to work on an eco-friendly business venture thus coming up with the idea of using cricket flour to make pasta. Although innovative in North America, this has been customary for years in Asia and Africa. His approach with the students was honest and open-minded. He shared his experience as a high school student and explained how in entrepreneurship, unlike academics, failure is seen much more as a learning experience. The students were engaged and interested and eager to try the cricket flour based pasta. In the end, Mr. Bisson, prepared a tasting of his pasta made from cricket flour. Some were skeptical but tried and indeed it was delicious!!
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| Cricket pasta. |
SHARE THE WARMTH: The EMSB Administration Building will once again collect non-perishable food for the holiday season for Share the Warmth. According to Kimber Fellows, coordinator of the annual Christmas food drive boxes for Share the Warmth. The organization continues to feed the 1,300 visitors per month they have at the food bank serving the South-West of Montreal. Be on the lookout for donation boxes at 6000 Fielding. If you would like to have some boxes at your locale email foodsecurityadmin@sharethewarmth.ca.
BOYS WITH CARS: The first mainstage offering of the season by Geordie Productions is the two-time Dora Award-winning Boys with Cars. Written, choreographed and performed by Anita Majumdar, the play tells the story of two diametrically opposed teen girls (both performed by Anita) in a Canadian high school and deals with the increasingly current subjects of cultural appropriation, female empowerment, unchecked male privilege and consent/rape culture; themes that have never been more relevant. Anita has been touring and receiving praise for this show across the country and recently picked up the awards for Outstanding New Play and Outstanding Individual Performance (TYA Division) at last August’s Dora Mavor Moore Awards in Toronto, the country’s most respected peer-assessed theatre awards.
Leading the season with this show and directly addressing a teenage audience is a bold and decisive move for Geordie. They have always respected their young audiences’ intelligence when introducing them to challenging subject matter. Here is the flyer.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL: The story has become as essential to the holiday ritual as trimming the tree. Miserly Scrooge is haunted by a series of ghosts and taken on a journey into the past, present and future to show the inevitable consequences of her selfish ways. That’s right: her. This year, with the help of co-directors Mike Payette and Jessica Abdallah, along with a cast of 40 plus actors, singers and dancers, Ebenezia (played by the Honourable Pepita G. Capriolo - Justice of the Superior Court of Quebec) sees the error of her ways and comes to discover the spirit of peace, joy, and giving.
Join some of Montreal's most celebrated legal and business leaders performing on stage in a beautiful retelling of this timeless gem - all in support of one of Canada's leading companies for Theatre for Young Audiences – on December 8 and 9. Three performances, including a matinee are all followed by a cocktail and catered reception which includes a silent auction and raffle prizes where patrons can bid on choice holiday gift items (including a trip to anywhere Air Canada flies)! Geordie Productions continue to bring its annual School Tour (Canada’s longest running and furthest reaching annual theatre tour) to children across Eastern Canada and present its Mainstage Series to families here in Montreal each season.
Join some of Montreal's most celebrated legal and business leaders performing on stage in a beautiful retelling of this timeless gem - all in support of one of Canada's leading companies for Theatre for Young Audiences – on December 8 and 9. Three performances, including a matinee are all followed by a cocktail and catered reception which includes a silent auction and raffle prizes where patrons can bid on choice holiday gift items (including a trip to anywhere Air Canada flies)! Geordie Productions continue to bring its annual School Tour (Canada’s longest running and furthest reaching annual theatre tour) to children across Eastern Canada and present its Mainstage Series to families here in Montreal each season.
HECHT SCHOLARSHIPS: Applications are now being accepted for the Riva and Thomas O Hecht Scholarship, Teaching of the Holocaust for Educators, for the 2018 summer session. This year, four scholarships to the Belfer Conference at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C. will be provided. These two three-day conferences will take place between July 23 and 28. Here are all of the details to apply.
Here is the press release about last summer's experience.
MONTREAL COMMUNITY CARES: The Montreal Community Cares Foundation is pleased to be collaborating with the Concordia University’s Office of Community Engagement to host a luncheon for students in grades 5, 6 or 7 who have made the Honour Roll in their respective schools; the event is also open to students whose perseverance and hard work in school demonstrate a notable improvement that should be recognized and encouraged. Their goal is to identify young people who are working hard to pursue their educational paths, to acknowledge their achievements, to encourage them to continue on this path, and to provide them with information and exposure to what awaits them at the secondary and post-secondary levels. Participants will hear about a range of choices and opportunities. The first of this year’s Honour Roll Luncheons will be held on Sunday, December 10 in the Loyola High School atrium (7272 Sherbrooke St. W.) It will begin at 11 am and will end at 1:30 pm. A healthy meal will be served to all students who attend. Please note that parents are also invited. Please RSVP for this event at the following link: http://bit.ly/honour_roll
EAT TO THE BEAT: On Sunday December 17, renowned restaurant Buonanotte, in partnership with the Youth Stars Foundation and host Malik Shaheed, will be holding their sixth annual “Eat to the Beat” free holiday luncheon for over 300 youth. The luncheon will consist of a three-course meal, live music by DJ Majess and special guest performances by #IamRebelWill. Santa Claus will be present, distributing prizes and gifts. The lunch is free for youth 17 years old and younger. Two servings will be held -one at Noon, and the second at 2 pm. The Youth Stars Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to encourage and educate youth on healthy living habits using the arts, entertainment & organized leisure activities. Buonanotte owner Lino Lozza and Malik Shaheed and Andrea Fuzes believe in giving back to the community that afforded them the opportunity to be successful. Youth Stars Foundation is proud to be partnering with Buonanotte who has been serving the community for over 20 years and has generously hosted various charitable events over the past two decades. To register a group of youth, or to donate gift certificates, unused toys, apparel, general goods and services, contact Andrea at 514 800 9746 or e-mail: info@youthstars.org www.youthstars.
Here is the press release about last summer's experience.
MONTREAL COMMUNITY CARES: The Montreal Community Cares Foundation is pleased to be collaborating with the Concordia University’s Office of Community Engagement to host a luncheon for students in grades 5, 6 or 7 who have made the Honour Roll in their respective schools; the event is also open to students whose perseverance and hard work in school demonstrate a notable improvement that should be recognized and encouraged. Their goal is to identify young people who are working hard to pursue their educational paths, to acknowledge their achievements, to encourage them to continue on this path, and to provide them with information and exposure to what awaits them at the secondary and post-secondary levels. Participants will hear about a range of choices and opportunities. The first of this year’s Honour Roll Luncheons will be held on Sunday, December 10 in the Loyola High School atrium (7272 Sherbrooke St. W.) It will begin at 11 am and will end at 1:30 pm. A healthy meal will be served to all students who attend. Please note that parents are also invited. Please RSVP for this event at the following link: http://bit.ly/honour_roll
EAT TO THE BEAT: On Sunday December 17, renowned restaurant Buonanotte, in partnership with the Youth Stars Foundation and host Malik Shaheed, will be holding their sixth annual “Eat to the Beat” free holiday luncheon for over 300 youth. The luncheon will consist of a three-course meal, live music by DJ Majess and special guest performances by #IamRebelWill. Santa Claus will be present, distributing prizes and gifts. The lunch is free for youth 17 years old and younger. Two servings will be held -one at Noon, and the second at 2 pm. The Youth Stars Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to encourage and educate youth on healthy living habits using the arts, entertainment & organized leisure activities. Buonanotte owner Lino Lozza and Malik Shaheed and Andrea Fuzes believe in giving back to the community that afforded them the opportunity to be successful. Youth Stars Foundation is proud to be partnering with Buonanotte who has been serving the community for over 20 years and has generously hosted various charitable events over the past two decades. To register a group of youth, or to donate gift certificates, unused toys, apparel, general goods and services, contact Andrea at 514 800 9746 or e-mail: info@youthstars.org www.youthstars.
ADULT EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL SERVICES
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| A look at the auto mechanics garage at the new facility. |
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| A scene from a play. |
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| A happy group of students, staff and Commissioner James Kromida. |
Set and costumes design, along with catchy music, provided the appropriate tone for each scene in this entertaining show. The actors and back stage managers did an excellent job in moving each scene along seamlessly. Principal of St. Laurent Adult Education Centre Daniela Lattanzio congratulated Ms. Maiorano and the students by stating. “You were amazing. We were blown away by your talent, and all that you accomplished in 12 weeks.”
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| A proud group of grads. |
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| A mime workshop. |
IMPORTANCE OF INCLUSION: Galileo SIS students had a wonderful outing on along with Terry Fox Elementary School from the Sir Wilfred Laurier School Board. Together they watched the new film Wonder at Colossus Laval on its premiere day! This was an especially significant movie to them because Miss Lisa and Miss Anna's classes spent the last school year reading R.J. Palacio's novel and they loved exploring the themes and analyzing the characters! The book and movie Wonder recounts the life of Auggie Pullman, a young boy with facial disfigurement who begins attending school for the first time. The adaptation of the book to film was simply amazing and everyone laughed, cried and related to the struggles that the characters faced in the film!
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| A wonderful joint project between Galileo and Terry Fox students. |
ÉDITION DU 30 NOVEMBRE 2017 / BULLETIN DE LA CSEM
LISTE DES ÉCOLES: Pour obtenir la liste complète de nos écoles/centres, des numéros de téléphone, adresses et directions, cliquez ici :
http://www.emsb.qc.ca/emsb_en/pdf_en/2017-2018/LIST%20OF%20SCHOOLS%202017-2018.pdf
http://www.emsb.qc.ca/emsb_fr/pdf_fr/2017-2018/LISTE%20DES%20eCOLES%202017-2018.pdf
COMITÉ CENTRAL DE PARENTS: Le 12 octobre, le comité central de parents (CCP) s’est réuni pour la première fois cette année en vue d’élire les membres du comité exécutif et les observateurs aux divers comités de la Commission. La présidente du CCP pour 2017-2018 est Sonia Pecora de l’Académie John Caboto, Joseph Bondi de l’école Dunrae Gardens agira à titre de vice-président et Franco Mazzariello de l’école Gerald McShane occupera les fonctions de trésorier. Les commissaires-parents actuels demeurent en poste puisque leur mandat est d’une durée de deux ans. Il s’agit de Jason Trudeau (niveau primaire), Mario Bentrovato (niveau secondaire), Joanne Charron (CCSAS) et Norm Gharibian (aucune désignation). Les élections pour ces postes auront lieu l’an prochain. Les observateurs suivants ont été élus : Katherine Korakakis (école Hampstead) et Robert Soroka (Collège Vincent Massey) au comité de l’éducation; Ravi Kiran Singh Chevvan (école Coronation) et Anne Monereau (Académie Royal West) au comité financier; Catherine Forbes (école Roslyn) et Daniel Tatone (école Gardenview) au comité des politiques éducatives; Caleigh Saucier (école Sinclair Laird) et Samantha Dudok (école LINKS) au comité consultatif de l’éducation des adultes et de la formation professionnelle; et Raymond Ayas (école Cedarcrest) au comité de transport.
LA FAMILLE SPERANZA HONORÉE PAR LA LÉGION: Ce qui devait être au départ une brève visite s’est transformée en surprise pour la famille Speranza lorsque la Légion royale canadienne a souligné les grands efforts déployés par Rocco, son épouse Didi et leurs enfants Tedario et Emmeranda pour honorer les vétérans canadiens. Depuis les 30 dernières années, Rocco - animateur de vie spirituelle et d’engagement communautaire à la CSEM - se fait un devoir de rendre hommage aux anciens combattants. Lui et sa famille cumulent collectivement 60 années de service. « Il est essentiel d’inculquer à la prochaine génération l’importance de se souvenir de nos vétérans et du personnel actuel des Forces canadiennes. Cela les aide à établir un lien avec notre passé, le monde actuel et l’avenir », a précisé Rocco. « Ces cérémonies n’ont pas pour objectif de célébrer ou de glorifier la guerre, ni les victoires; elles visent plutôt à commémorer la bravoure et les sacrifices des anciens combattants au nom de la paix et de l’unité. Si bon nombre d’entre nous profitons d’une vie de privilèges, c’est grâce aux sacrifices de nos prédécesseurs. Ce qu’il importe de transmettre à la prochaine génération, c’est la façon d’utiliser ces privilèges pour promouvoir la paix, la compassion et l’entraide. »
BOURSES KAYLA SEGAL : L’école primaire Sinclair Laird dans Parc-Extension et l’école primaire Cedarcrest à Saint-Laurent sont les toutes premières récipiendaires de la Bourse Kayla Segal pour le sport et le mieux-être. Chacune a reçu une somme de 875 $ qui servira à aider les élèves à adopter un style de vie plus actif. L’école secondaire Venture à Ville-Émard recevra aussi un prix spécial. Madame Segal est conseillère en sécurité financière et propose à ses clients des solutions optimales en matière d’assurance vie, santé et invalidité. Toutefois, sa véritable passion c’est de participer à des marathons et triathlons aux quatre coins du monde. Dans le but d’appuyer les programmes axés sur la santé et le mieux-être à la CSEM, elle a lancé une initiative visant à octroyer des bourses à deux écoles. Elle a organisé diverses activités de financement en vue d’amasser ces fonds et tient à remercier pour leur appui tout ceux et celles qui y ont pris part.
L’école Sinclair Laird compte utiliser cette somme pour créer un programme d’initiation au patinage. L’enseignant d’éducation physique et de santé, Scott Danovitch, a indiqué que l’école fera l’achat de patins et de casques destinés aux élèves de 4e et 5e années. La plupart de nos élèves n’ont pas la chance d’être exposés au patinage, une activité susceptible de contribuer à l’amélioration de leur mode de vie. Ils patineront à l’Aréna Howie Morenz situé à proximité de l’école. Des cours de patinage hebdomadaires seront organisés pendant les heures de cours. Ils se dérouleront sur une période de 6 à 8 semaines, à raison d’un petit groupe composé de 10 à 12 élèves à la fois, jusqu’à ce que tous les élèves de ces deux niveaux aient eu leur tour.
Pour en savoir davantage, visitez le http://www.emsb.qc.ca/sportsandwellnessgrant.
TOUR DE MIDAS: Au total, ce sont 230 élèves de la CSEM qui ont participé, le 26 octobre au Centre de congrès Palace à Laval, à ce projet fascinant qui relate la légende grecque du roi Midas. Cette initiative s’inscrit dans la foulée de la merveilleuse expérience de l’an dernier – Le temps des fleurs, le temps des neiges –, un projet multidisciplinaire d’envergure qui fut, lui aussi, couronné par la création d’un livre-CD pour enfants, en français. La CSEM fut représentée par neuf écoles primaires : Gardenview et Cedarcrest à Saint-Laurent, Pierre de Coubertin et Honoré Mercier à Saint-Léonard, Edinburgh à Montréal-Ouest, Roslyn à Westmount, Royal Vale et Willingdon à Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, ainsi que Sinclair Laird dans Parc-Extension. « Le personnel, les élèves et les parents se sont tous investis dans ce projet et je suis très fière que la majorité des choristes proviennent de notre commission scolaire », a déclaré la présidente de la CSEM Angela Mancini.
Madame Mancini souhaite remercier sincèrement Dimitri Ilias et Maria Diamantis qui ont une fois de plus piloté ce projet grandiose. Des copies du CD sont maintenant disponibles, mettant en vedette la version musicale intégrale du livre interprétée par des solistes et les chorales de 20 écoles différentes de la CSEM, de la Commission scolaire Sir-Wilfrid-Laurier, de la Commission scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys et de l’École primaire Socrates-Démosthène. « Nos élèves ont eu la chance d’être accompagnés d’un orchestre symphonique, une expérience musicale unique qu’il n’est pas donné à tous de vivre », a précisé Madame Mancini. « De plus, un tel projet a permis aux jeunes de prendre conscience de l’importance du travail d’équipe, de la collaboration, du travail acharné et de la discipline, sans compter les récompenses qui en découlent. »
CAMPAGNE THÉ-JOUET (TOY TEA): Encore une fois cette année, les élèves de la CSEM recueilleront des jouets neufs dans le cadre de la 26e édition annuelle de Thé-Jouet (Noël et Hanoukka) qui se tiendra au salon Ovale de l’hôtel Ritz-Carlton (1228, rue Sherbrooke) le 6 décembre (10 h à 15 h). 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 marquera la 15e participation de la CSEM à la campagne Thé-Jouet, mise sur pied par Irene Miller, ancienne conseillère en éducation spirituelle, religieuse et morale. « La campagne Thé-Jouet est une humble cause parce que tous comprennent à qui sont destinés les jouets recueillis », a déclaré Frank Lofeodo, conseiller en accompagnement spirituel et en engagement communautaire à la CSEM. « Ce qui est vraiment remarquable, c’est que peu importe le nombre d’élèves qui participent à cette campagne, l’engagement est toujours le même, et les écoles se mobilisent pour prêter main-forte. »
Les écoles peuvent participer en recueillant des jouets neufs non violents et non emballés. Les dons en argent et les chèques libellés à l’ordre de Thé-Jouet sont également les bienvenus. Les représentants des élèves de plusieurs 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 d’Erika Ludwick, présidente de la campagne Thé-Jouet, du Père Noël et de la Mère Noël. Pour l’occasion, plusieurs chorales d’écoles entonneront des chants de Noël. Pour en savoir davantage, visitez le www.toyteamontreal.org.
DÉFI TOONIE: Des élèves de l’école primaire Willingdon et de l’Académie internationale Marymount à NDG, de l’école Roslyn à Westmount, de l’école primaire Gardenview à Saint-Laurent, de l’école primaire Merton à Côte Saint-Luc et de l’école secondaire John Paul I (campus junior) à Saint-Léonard ont pris part récemment au lancement de la 6e édition du Défi Toonie. Chaque année, le Défi Toonie du CUSM encourage les élèves à recueillir des pièces de 2 $ en vue d’aider à financer un besoin criant au sein de l’Hôpital pour enfants. Au cours des trois dernières années, l’école primaire Willingdon est celle qui est parvenue à amasser le plus de fonds pour cette cause.
COURS D’ÉDUCATION FINANCIÈRE : Un nouveau cours d’éducation financière en 5e secondaire voit le jour cette année. Au nombre des thèmes abordés mentionnons les cotes de crédit, les prêts, l’établissement d’un budget et la signature d’un contrat de cellulaire. Les élèves se familiariseront également avec les notions suivantes : la consommation, l’endettement, le pouvoir d’achat, l’épargne, l’emploi, la rémunération, l’imposition, et l’éducation financière. En outre, un volet portera sur l’information juridique, notamment les droits et responsabilités des consommateurs, les lois en matière d’emploi et la réglementation du travail. Ce nouveau cours s’insérera dans le bloc des sciences sociales (avec des cours tels que l’histoire et la géographie).
http://www.education.gouv.qc.ca/fileadmin/site_web/documents/PFEQ/prog_educ_financiere_EN.pdf
http://montreal.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1245179
UNE COUPE DE CHEVEUX POUR UNE BONNE CAUSE: Oren Sendel, un élève de 1re secondaire à l’école Royal Vale de NDG, affiche un look qui s’apparente beaucoup plus à celui d’une vedette de rock des années 1980 que d’un jeune de 13 ans. Depuis deux ans qu’il se laisse allonger les cheveux, il a eu droit à une coupe très médiatisée réalisée par Bevin Felix de Mtl Barber le 17 novembre. Après avoir entendu l’histoire d’un enfant qui s’était laissé pousser les cheveux pour la fabrication d’une perruque destinée à un patient atteint du cancer, il a décidé d’en faire autant. Or, dans le cas d’Oren, ses efforts profiteront à deux causes. En plus de faire don de ses longs cheveux pour la confection d’une perruque, il souhaite aussi sensibiliser les gens à la sclérose en plaques. Ceci dit, Oren a invité ses amis et les membres de sa famille à verser des dons à l’Hôpital neurologique de Montréal, au profit de la clinique de la sclérose en plaques. Voici l’adresse de son site Web : http://orensendel.weebly.com. Il a réussi à amasser 700 $. « Cette maladie affecte les gens de diverses façons. J’ai vu ma mère combattre cette maladie et c’est pourquoi je souhaite aider les autres qui vivent la même chose qu’elle », a déclaré Oren. « Les fonds amassés pourraient défrayer le coût d’un taxi lorsqu’un patient est épuisé ou encore permettre l’achat d’une canne pour quelqu’un qui en a besoin. Cet argent pourrait également couvrir le coût des médicaments très dispendieux. Je suis confiant que l’hôpital utilisera ces fonds là où bon lui semble, pour répondre aux besoins les plus pressants. » Nous vous invitons à visionner le reportage sur Global TV https://globalnews.ca/video/3867831/montreal-student-cutting-hair-for-ms/
https://vimeo.com/243675080.
JOURNÉE « UNIS »: Des élèves de plusieurs écoles ont eu la chance de prendre part récemment à la Journée UNIS à Ottawa. Cette initiative appuie l’apprentissage chez les jeunes, les incite à s’impliquer sur le plan social et favorise la citoyenneté responsable. L’organisme UNIS appuie des projets pilotés par les jeunes et encourage le leadership dans les écoles, les communautés et partout dans le monde. Cette année, l’organisme WE travaillera de concert avec vous afin d’aborder les questions d’itinérance, d’égalité et de durabilité. Le transport des élèves et du personnel à destination et en provenance d’Ottawa a été offert gracieusement par l’organisme WE et Via Rail Canada.
DES BAS EN CADEAU: Les élèves et le personnel de l’école secondaire Rosemont et de l’école primaire Nesbitt à Rosemont ainsi que l’école primaire Dalkeith à Anjou recueillent encore une fois cette année des bas pour la communauté itinérante de Montréal. Dans le cadre de cette campagne surnommée « Des bas en cadeau » (Sox in a Box), les élèves feront don de bas neufs aux organismes suivants : le Refuge pour les femmes de l’Ouest de l’île, Dans la rue, Chez Doris et la Maison Benoît Labre. Chacune des écoles créera également des boîtes-cadeaux personnalisées pour y emballer les bas et rédigera des messages d’espoir bilingues en cette période des Fêtes. La campagne atteindra son point culminant le 12 décembre (de 9 h 30 à 14 h 45) lorsque les élèves et le personnel de chacune de ces écoles se réuniront à l’école secondaire Rosemont (3737, rue Beaubien) afin d’emballer personnellement chaque paire de bas et de partager un dîner des Fêtes. En 2016, ils sont parvenus à recueillir plus de 1 000 paires de bas.
MAGAZINE INSPIRATIONS: Nous sommes heureux de présenter à la communauté de la CSEM l’édition Automne 2017/Hiver 2018 du magazine Inspirations. Ce numéro renferme une foule d’articles inspirants mettant en lumière les obstacles et les réalisations d’élèves et d’adultes ayant des besoins particuliers. On y trouve également des ressources qui offrent d’excellents services à nos élèves. La panoplie d’articles ne manquera pas de plaire à tous les lecteurs, qu’il s’agisse de l’entrevue réalisée avec le député Mike Lake, du nouveau programme de préparation à l’autonomie de l’école secondaire John Grant ou de l’article sur la façon d’améliorer le sommeil chez les enfants. Notre rubrique sur la technologie présente des applications fort utiles pour tous les élèves ainsi que la touchante histoire qui raconte comment la technologie a aidé Joanne Charron, commissaire-parent de la CSEM pour le CCSAS, à communiquer avec son fils. Enfin, vous y lirez aussi une exclusivité de la part du directeur de l’école Roslyn, Nick Katalifos, concernant le nouveau Consortium sur la transformation des soins aux autistes – un nouveau réseau unique et novateur pour la recherche sur l’autisme. Visitez le http://www.inspirationsnews.com/pdf/Editions/Inspirations_fall2017-web-Nov16.pdf. Pour connaître les autres ressources disponibles au sein de la communauté, consultez la base de données de la CSEM en matière de besoins particuliers que vous trouverez au www.inspirationsnews.com. On y recense plus de 500 ressources mises au service de la communauté.
STIAM ET LES ABEILLES: Le nouveau programme STIAM (sciences, technologies, ingénierie, arts et mathématiques) bourdonne d’activité à l’école Elizabeth Ballantyne. Les élèves du 3e cycle ont travaillé très fort afin de mener à terme leurs projets portant sur les abeilles. Ils se sont intéressés aux abeilles parce qu’ils voulaient en apprendre davantage au sujet de la ruche installée sur le toit de l’école. À l’aide des cinq composantes STIAM, ils ont créé des projets pour renseigner les autres élèves sur tout ce qui touche les abeilles, de l’anatomie au rôle crucial que jouent les abeilles dans notre environnement. Caiden Finch et d’autres membres de son groupe ont créé un film iMotion et ont utilisé l’écran vert (Green Screen) pour expliquer l’essaimage des abeilles. Un autre groupe a réalisé un superbe diorama qui démontre le rôle important que joue la reine-abeille. D’autres élèves ont présenté des sujets à la fois créatifs et informatifs. Caiden a fait part à son enseignant du plaisir qu’il a pris à réaliser ce projet et de la créativité de cette méthode d’apprentissage. Certains élèves ont été choisis pour présenter leurs projets au centre administratif de la CSEM, le 21 novembre, et y vendre par la même occasion du miel provenant de la ruche de l’école Elizabeth Ballantyne!
SEMAINE ÉDUCATION MÉDIAS: La Semaine éducation médias 2017, qui s’est déroulée du 6 au 10 novembre (https://www.medialiteracyweek.ca), avait pour thème cette année « L’inclusion dans un monde branché : Une place et une voix pour tous et toutes ». Dans cette optique, la CSEM a mis en valeur des méthodes pour permettre aux voix, perspectives et talents divers de prendre part à nos espaces médiatiques et numériques, et de les enrichir. Un certain nombre d’activités ont eu lieu, notamment le retour du journaliste Arpon Basu à son ancienne école primaire Edinburgh située à Montréal-Ouest. M. Arpon est rédacteur en chef de The Athletic Montreal et Athlétique Montréal. Il a été à l’emploi de LNH.com pendant six ans à titre de directeur de rédaction et de collaborateur. Il a commencé à couvrir les sports à Montréal en l’an 2000, réservant une place très importante au hockey. Il s’est adressé à deux classes de 6e année très enthousiastes. Garçons et filles l’ont inondé de questions.
Nadia Barrafato de l’école primaire East Hill à Rivière-des-Prairies a lancé un programme exhaustif sur la sensibilisation aux médias, la sécurité Internet et la cyberintimidation, pour les élèves de la 3e à la 6e année. Les autres enseignants qui se sont penchés sur ce thème sont : Carolyn Liverman de l’école primaire Parkdale à Saint-Laurent, Jennifer Harriet de l’école FACE au centre-ville et Aaron Proeser de l’école primaire Royal Vale à NDG.
Maureen Baron, conseillère pédagogique à la CSEM, a présenté des ateliers de perfectionnement professionnel à plus de 150 enseignants portant sur la citoyenneté numérique (pour les enseignants du primaire) et sur les fausses nouvelles (pour les enseignants du secondaire).
CITOYENNETÉ NUMÉRIQUE: Devant la multitude d’applications sur les médias sociaux à la disposition des jeunes, la CSEM désire s’assurer que les parents possèdent les connaissances et les outils nécessaires pour protéger leurs enfants. Le 14 novembre, les parents ont été invités à l’école secondaire John Paul I (campus junior) à Saint-Léonard afin de se renseigner sur les divers médias sociaux utilisés de nos jours et sur les éventuels dangers qui existent en ligne. Maureen Baron, conseillère en TIC et citoyenneté numérique à la CSEM, a abordé avec les parents les thèmes suivants : le sextage, la cyberintimidation, la confidentialité, l’empreinte numérique et les conséquences juridiques de ses habitudes en ligne.
BIBLIOTHÈQUE VIRTUELLE: Les Services éducatifs et de la technologie de la CSEM, avec le concours de la webmestre Nur Erdem, ont relancé la Bibliothèque virtuelle, une collection de ressources en ligne à l’appui du programme de formation de l’école québécoise. Visitez le http://www.emsb.qc.ca/virtuallibrary/ pour des ressources multimédia bilingues portant sur les sciences humaines, la science et la technologie, l’actualité locale et internationale, et plus encore. L’accès à ces ressources à partir des ordinateurs dans les écoles ne requiert aucun mot de passe. De plus, la plupart des ressources sont accessibles 24 heures sur 24, 7 jours sur 7. Adressez-vous à l’école pour obtenir les nom d’usager et mot de passe.
EXAUCER LE SOUHAIT DE JACOB: Les élèves de la 3e à la 6e année des services de garde B.A.S.E. à l’école Cedarcrest ont préparé des cartes pour le jeune Jacob Thompson âgé de neuf ans et lui ont postées. Le souhait de Jacob avant de mourir était de lire le plus de cartes possible. Les élèves ont réalisé que « parfois, on a tout simplement besoin de quelqu’un, non pas pour régler ou faire quoi que ce soit, mais seulement pour sentir qu’on est entouré et soutenu ». À la suite de son hospitalisation en octobre au terme d’une longue lutte de quatre années avec le neuroblastome stade 4 à risque élevé, les médecins ont annoncé à la famille de Jacob qu’il n’avait probablement plus qu’un mois à vivre.
Ses parents ont alors décidé de fêter Noël plus tôt cette année et Jacob a souhaité que les gens soient de la fête en lui faisant parvenir des cartes de Noël. Dans les cinq jours qui ont suivi son souhait, la famille a reçu plus de 100 cartes de la part d’inconnus et de gens bien intentionnés des quatre coins de la planète, même de l’Antartique, juste à temps pour la célébration familiale au début novembre. Dans son reportage, CNN a souligné qu’il y aura de la neige, un sapin et, bien entendu, la visite du Père Noël.
LA TOURNÉE DE LLOYD BARKER: Ex-joueur le plus utile de l’Impact de Montréal, joueur étoile de la ligue et ancien entraîneur-adjoint, Lloyd Barker visite des écoles à titre de conférencier motivateur. Ses exposés s’adressent aux élèves âgés de huit ans et plus. Ses présentations portent à la fois sur des thèmes de motivation (persévérance, appréciation, leçons de vie), sur l’importance de ne pas abandonner l’école, de même que sur l’entraînement et le bien-être. La durée de la présentation est de 60 à 75 minutes, suivie d’une séance d’autographes. Il suggère aux écoles de regrouper les groupes dans le gymnase pour la présentation. Il anime les présentations en matinée, de préférence. Il est à noter que la présentation de M. Baker s’apparente à celle qu’il a animée pour l’Impact de Montréal lorsque le club a procédé au lancement de son programme de persévérance scolaire en 2006. Il en fut le principal conférencier pendant six ans. Ce programme a remporté un franc succès. Il offre ses services à titre gratuit. En retour, il demande simplement à l’école de lui permettre de distribuer aux élèves présents des dépliants de sa nouvelle académie de soccer. La carrière professionnelle de Lloyd a débuté dès l’âge de 17 ans lorsqu’il a signé son premier contrat professionnel avec l’Intrepid d’Ottawa de la Ligue canadienne de soccer (LCS). En plus de jouer pour l’équipe nationale de la Jamaïque, Lloyd a joué dix saisons avec l’Impact de Montréal. Depuis, il a été impliqué dans ce sport à tous les niveaux en Amérique du Nord et est aujourd’hui reconnu comme l’un des grands du soccer au Canada. Fort de sa longue carrière comme joueur, entraîneur et commentateur, il possède une vaste expertise peu commune au Canada. Jusqu’à présent, il a été accueilli chaleureusement dans deux écoles primaires : Roslyn à Westmount et Honoré-Mercier à Saint-Léonard.
Pour en savoir davantage sur son académie, visitez le www.best11academy.com.
Vous pouvez communiquer avec Lloyd par courrier électronique à lloydbarker11@yahoo.com.
BROCHURE LEARN: LEARN est un organisme sans but lucratif œuvrant dans le domaine de l’éducation et dont la mission vise à desservir la communauté anglophone du Québec. Pour ce faire, LEARN propose un vaste éventail de services et de ressources, notamment des outils et du contenu d’enseignement conçus pour les niveaux primaire et secondaire; du perfectionnement professionnel; du soutien aux parents, aux écoles et à la communauté; de même qu’une gamme complète de services en ligne par l’entremise du campus virtuel LEARN. Ce campus renferme des cours en ligne pour les élèves à l’échelle de la province, de l’enseignement individuel, des cours d’été ainsi que des programmes adaptés qui sont élaborés de concert avec les écoles et les commissions scolaires. Tous les efforts déployés par LEARN visent la persévérance et la réussite scolaire au sein des communautés anglophones. Consultez la brochure sur notre site Web à
http://www.emsb.qc.ca/emsb_en/pdf_en/media_en/flyer/2017-09-04-LEARN_%20BROCHURE.pdf.
Pour de plus amples renseignements, envoyez un courriel à ctoteda@learnquebec.ca.
SEMAINE DE SENSIBILISATION AUX DROGUES: Dans le cadre de la Semaine de sensibilisation aux drogues, le Département des sciences de l’école secondaire Rosemont, en collaboration avec l’animateur de vie spirituelle et d’engagement communautaire Vince Lacroce, a invité l’Association pulmonaire du Québec à leur rendre visite. Les élèves de 7e et 8e année ont assisté à des présentations axées sur les dangers de la cigarette et sur ses effets sur le corps humain.
CAMPAGNE ANNUELLE SPIRIT OF GIVING: À l’approche des Fêtes, la CSEM fera équipe de nouveau avec les Forces armées canadiennes afin d’appuyer la campagne annuelle Spirit of Giving de CTV Montréal dont la mission vise à venir en aide aux plus démunis de la région de Montréal. Plus de 40 écoles et centres participeront à cette campagne, de même que certains organismes communautaires. L’école secondaire Lester B. Pearson à Montréal-Nord ainsi que l’Académie LaurenHill à Saint-Laurent serviront de dépôts et de quartiers généraux pour la campagne. Bon nombre d’écoles participantes de la CSEM organiseront une série d’activités en vue de recueillir des dons. En outre, certaines écoles seront à l’honneur dans le cadre des bulletins de nouvelles de CTV Montréal diffusés en après-midi et en soirée tout au long de cette campagne. La campagne débutera avec une émission diffusée en direct de l’Académie LaurenHill le mercredi 6 décembre à 12 h pour se clore avec une émission en direct de l’école secondaire Lester B. Pearson le jeudi 14 décembre à 18 h. « Je tiens à remercier tous et chacun pour leur grande générosité et leur appui soutenu envers la campagne Spirit of Giving », a déclaré la présidente de la CSEM, Angela Mancini. Pour connaître les faits saillants de la campagne 2016, nous vous invitons à visionner la vidéo que vous trouverez à l’adresse :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqFhr9Orwwc&t
PARTAGEONS L’ESPOIR: Encore une fois cette année, la CSEM recueillera dans des boîtes disposées au centre administratif des denrées non périssables au profit de l’organisme Partageons l’espoir. Kimber Fellows, coordonnatrice des collectes de denrées annuelles du temps des Fêtes pour Partageons l’espoir, affirme que cet organisme continue de venir en aide aux quelque 1 300 visiteurs qui se rendent chaque mois à la banque alimentaire desservant le Sud-Ouest de Montréal. Vous trouverez des boîtes de dons au 6000, avenue Fielding. Pour demander des boîtes, acheminez un courriel à foodsecurityadmin@sharethewarmth.ca.
SERVICES DE L’ÉDUCATION DES ADULTES
ET DE LA FORMATION PROFESSIONNELLE
OUVERTURE D’UN NOUVEAU CENTRE: La CSEM célébrera cette semaine l’ouverture d’un nouveau centre de formation professionnelle spécialisé en soudure-montage et en mécanique automobile à Saint-Léonard (6065, boul. des Grandes-Prairies). Une tournée des installations ainsi que des présentations sont prévues sur invitation seulement, à deux occasions. La présidente de la CSEM, Angela Mancini, a souligné que l’ouverture de ce nouveau centre s’imposait dans le but de répondre à la demande croissante pour des programmes de formation professionnelle en mécanique automobile et en soudure-montage. Le centre a ouvert ses portes en août dernier et, déjà, on constate un nombre prometteur d’inscriptions tant dans les programmes offerts le jour que le soir. Le bâtiment qui abrite ces deux programmes a subi des rénovations majeures afin d’être conforme aux normes de l’industrie et de respecter les spécifications établies par le ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur (MEES).
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