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| Rocco Speranza and Jennifer De Freitas are recognized at the Council meeting. |
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Joseph Vitantonio is congratulated for his award by Evelyn Alfonsi, Angela Mancini, John Pevec,
Sylvia Lo Bianco and Ann Marie Matheson.
|
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| Pela Nickelotopoulos, Ann Marie Matheson, Minister Proulx, Sylvia Lo Bianco and Evelyn Alfonsi. |
BOARD OF TRADE: A number of EMSB officials were present on February 15 at Le Centre Sheraton for the Montreal Chamber of Commerce luncheon featuring Minster Proulx. I was a wonderful experience to the see public school system get such recognition.
LARGE GRANT FOR ROSLYN: (From The Montreal Gazette) The students at Roslyn School knew only that an announcement would be made at an assembly on Tuesday afternoon: They didn’t know about what. And when they learned that the school was getting $10,000 worth of classroom technology in the form of a mobile computer lab with 30 new laptops, a great whoop of delight went up in the gymnasium of the English Montreal School Board elementary school. See the full story here. And here is a CBC report.
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| Teacher Julie Marcus(right) and delighted students accept their gifts. |
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| Students eating healthy. |
HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITY: In high schools, the nutrition program entitled “EAT RIGHT FEEL BRIGHT” will take place
in the form of in-class sessions geared towards Secondary I and II students
in Physical Education and Health classes.
The aim is to encourage healthy lifestyles through good nutrition and
physical activity and to sensitize students to the social influences on their
perception of health and well-being. An EMSB dietitian
will also be setting up a nutrition booth during the lunch hour period in high
school cafeterias throughout the month of March. The aim is to
help high school students identify areas of their eating habits that require
change and develop strategies to improve food choices, improve lifestyle habits
and increase their nutritional knowledge.
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| Pictured left to right with Principal Marco Gagliardi are Tina Barbusci and Alissia Malandra from JFK and Cristina Morgan from Rosemount. |
OBAMA SPEECH: On February 5 some
students from John F. Kennedy High School in St. Michel and Rosemount High
School attended the “Leaders internationaux Bell” event held at the the Palais des congrès de Montréal. Students who successfully completed a summer internship with Montréal Relève student business program were invited to attend this inspiring
evening. Topics discussed ranged from the importance of education, passion for
what we do, and the importance of compromise in creating change. One thing that
resonated to all 10,200 participants and was directed at the 2,000 students in
attendance was the importance of education as the foundation for success and
the importance of being positive change makers in today’s society.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH: LaurenHill Academy
in St. Laurent planned two excellent events for Black History Month. Karl Subban, a former school principal and
the dad of hockey stars PK, Malcolm and Jordan Subban, spoke to students at the junior and senior
campuses on Feb. 14 about realizing their potential, instilling the hopeful message that every one of them was born with unlimited potential, but it is up to them to unlock it and pursue their passions and dreams. On Feb. 27 The Colour of Success will feature guest
speaker Kim Richards, an actress/singer, motivational speaker Audley Coley and
LHA graduate and present-day engineer Kevin Kwenteng.
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| Karl Subban meets students and staff. |
PHOTOJOURNALISM EXHIBIT: Traces is an introspective photojournalism exhibit put together by a group of self-identified black students at James Lyng High School. In light of Black History Month, students documented their day-to-day lives by capturing photos using their smart phones. With mentorship from renowned photographer Naskademini, the project is meant to reflect the raw realities of the black youth in our city. The show was done in collaboration with the Trevor Williams Foundation’s mentorship program. We invite you to join us to discover Traces of our students’ stories and gifts. In celebration of Black History Month, a vernissage for the exhibition will take place on Wednesday, February 28 ( 6 pm to 8 pm) at the Up Next Gallery at James Lyng High School (5440 rue Notre-Dame O). The event is open to the public.
SPENCER
WEST AT VMC:
In conjunction with the school’s sixth annual Pink Day celebration, social activist
and double amputee Spencer West visited Vincent Massey Collegiate in Rosemount
on February 19. West, who has shared the stage with luminaries such as former
Vice President Al Gore, Dr. Jane Goodall, Rick Hansen, Mia Farrow, Martin Sheen
and Martin Luther King III, shared his inspirational story and spoke to the
day’s theme of pink positive. After losing both legs from the pelvis down at
the age of five, Spencer West tackled challenge after challenge, learning to
navigate in a world set against those with disabilities.
As a global speaker, he has captivated hundreds of thousands, talking about redefining the possible. West continues to spend his time speaking to young people around the world; inspiring them as to how to transform their lives where the need is greatest and help positive change happen in the world around them. He supports the students’ capacity to make positive change in their communities and have a positive impact on their school. This year’s campaign at VMC is Pink Positive. Spencer West’s message will resonate with all the students, and various committees. This Pink Positive celebration was organized through a collaboration between VMC’s Spiritual Care Be the Change Committee, and T.H.E. R.A.M.S. committees. who believe that the promotion of perseverance, acceptance, understanding and empathy is essential to fostering a welcoming and safe school climate. Events such as this, along with class visits and lessons continue to makes the VMC community more inclusive, and respectful for all, noted Spiritual Animator Rocco Speranza.
ANNUAL BASKETBALL GAME: To mark Hooked on School Week, students and staff at Vincent Massey Collegiate played in the annual Spiritual and Community Animation Basketball Game featuring Montreal Police Station 44, members of the Canadian Forces and former Harlem
Globetrotter Pascal Fleury. Prior to the game, the guests conveyed the message of following one’s dreams and persevering through any and all difficulties. Organized by Spiritual and Community Animator Rocco Speranza, the event underscores the importance of a variety of community leaders engaging with students and encouraging them in their studies.
The basketball game was also a celebration of the vital work of all those who help our youth achieve their potential. The special guests ran into a different kind of adversity at tip-off, as they were up against a team of students who came ready to play and win, and who were supported by the entire junior student body and the Vincent Massey cheerleaders. A BIG thank you to The Spiritual and Community Animation Be The Change Committee, Socio Community Police Officer Guay, Lt. Spencer, The Canadian Forces Basketball team as well as Physical Education teachers Mr. Cavallaro, and Mr. Spilak.
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| Spencer West is pictured with students, staff and administration from VMC |
As a global speaker, he has captivated hundreds of thousands, talking about redefining the possible. West continues to spend his time speaking to young people around the world; inspiring them as to how to transform their lives where the need is greatest and help positive change happen in the world around them. He supports the students’ capacity to make positive change in their communities and have a positive impact on their school. This year’s campaign at VMC is Pink Positive. Spencer West’s message will resonate with all the students, and various committees. This Pink Positive celebration was organized through a collaboration between VMC’s Spiritual Care Be the Change Committee, and T.H.E. R.A.M.S. committees. who believe that the promotion of perseverance, acceptance, understanding and empathy is essential to fostering a welcoming and safe school climate. Events such as this, along with class visits and lessons continue to makes the VMC community more inclusive, and respectful for all, noted Spiritual Animator Rocco Speranza.
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| Basketball helps sends the right message. |
The basketball game was also a celebration of the vital work of all those who help our youth achieve their potential. The special guests ran into a different kind of adversity at tip-off, as they were up against a team of students who came ready to play and win, and who were supported by the entire junior student body and the Vincent Massey cheerleaders. A BIG thank you to The Spiritual and Community Animation Be The Change Committee, Socio Community Police Officer Guay, Lt. Spencer, The Canadian Forces Basketball team as well as Physical Education teachers Mr. Cavallaro, and Mr. Spilak.
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| The VMC hockey team decompresses after the game. |
WE
DAY: Students from Edward Murphy School in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve were
recognized for their “Opening Doors to Our Community” program at We Day in
Montreal on February 21. In addition
to being recognized by the "We" Organization, the students were also honoured by
Cineplex for their efforts and received free movie passes. The goal of “Opening Doors to Our Community” was to encourage youth to
learn about each other, their neighbours, their environment, and
to bring a sense of community to the neighbourhood they call home. As part of the project, students also marked Canada's 150th and Montreal's 375th anniversaries and
worked on building a positive relationship with their
established community partners. Students travelled
through their community, interacting with local citizens, visiting local green spaces and parks and paid homage to fallen
veterans. They also visited community groups and organizations that help those in need and gave back through community groups by
volunteering their time. They cared for their environment by picking up trash and littler along the
way and spread the message of connecting with and taking care of the earth.
They delivered the message of the We Movement to the neighbourhood.
B.A.S.E. NEWSPAPER: From students
harvesting the spoils of their gardens, to learning about animals, media
literacy and human rights, the Winter 2018 issueof the Touching B.A.S.E. on Daycare Matters newspaper has it all! Published on February 8, 2018, the
B.A.S.E. (Before and After School Enriched) Daycare Program team and its
students shared their eight volume of the newspaper with the EMSB community.
The issue highlights the opening of the new B.A.S.E. Daycare program at
Gardenview Elementary on the front page, as well as the Green Clubs’ zero waste
garden harvest parties, and B.A.S.E.’s award-winning Supporting Children as
Leaders through Play it Fair! Initiative.
Four pages of the newspaper are dedicated to a lively display of all the
extracurricular activities and pedagogical days that took place throughout the
daycares during the fall and beginning of winter. These pages showcase the written
work of the Daycare students and staff and include stories of parents
volunteering for a skating ped day at Gerald McShane and even a recipe for stuffed
zucchini or zucchini boats, to try at home! The Green Initiative section hosts
three full pages of news from the schoolyard gardens maintained by B.A.S.E.
Daycare, with stories about the growing green community and development of a
new garden at Pierre Elliott Trudeau, experimental hoop-houses (or mini greenhouses)
at Parkdale and St. Monica and a certified
“Wildlife Friendly Habitat” pollinator garden at Coronation.The newspaper
also includes a summary of the “No Such Thing as a Bad Kid” Annual Daycare
Conference attended by Daycare Technicians and Educators and an article on a
special Heritage Day Buffet at St. Gabriel. To see the full paper as well as all past editions, go to the
Press Clippings page of the B.A.S.E. blog at daycarematters.com.
VALENTINE’S DAY CHEER: Students from Dalkeith Elementary School in Anjou, Rosemount High School and Perspectives I and II High Schools in St. Michel brought some Valentine’s Day cheer to senior citizens recently through their “Will you be my Valentine?” program.
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| Big smiles for Valentine's Day. |
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| Gathering at the hospital. |
HEART TO HEART: The EMSB's Spiritual and Community Animation service celebrated the 15th anniversary of the Heart to Heart Valentine’s Day Toy Basket and Card Drive for the Montreal Children’s Hospital. This originated in 2003 at Michelangelo International School in RSP when Spiritual and Community Animator Vince Lacroce and teacher Sonia Arnoldo worked together to bring some cheer to brain tumor patient Sabrina Di Giandomenico. Sadly, Sabrina passed away as a result of her brain tumor later that year. In Sabrina’s memory, the project continued to expand over the years, with the goal of spreading the messages of joy, love, hope and community spirit to children who are ill in our community. For the 15th anniversary, students from General Vanier Elementary School in St. Leonard, Edward Murphy School in Hochelaga Maisonneuve, Gerald McShane Elementary School in Montreal North, Vincent Massey, East Hill in R.D.P. as well as Royal West Academy and Edinburgh Elementary School in Montreal West continued the project. “Over the years, the combined efforts of the Spiritual and Community Animation Service and many EMSB schools have collected thousands of gifts and put together over 1,500 personalized baskets for the patients at the Montreal Children’s Hospital,” said Mr. Speranza. “The program allows students to connect with patients while distributing toys, books, hand made cards and lots of smiles.” A number of individuals are involved in organizing the expanding program every year, including: Maria Iacono, General Vanier daycare; Clementina Fraga, Gerald McShane daycare; Spiritual and Community Animators Samantha Page Smith, Rocco Speranza and Jag Trehin, EMSB Consultant for Guidance and Spiritual and Community Animation Frank Lofeodo and from the Montreal Children’s Hospital: Angelika Maselli, Tribute Program Officer and Alessia Di Giorgio, Community Group Relations and Special Events Advisor.
SCIENCE FAIR: The annual Hydro-Québec Montreal Regional Science & Technology Fair will take place Sunday, March 25, through Tuesday, March 27, on the downtown campus of Concordia University. Organized by Educational Alliance for Science & Technology (EAST), in partnership with Concordia University, this is the third successive year that the Fair will be hosted at Concordia and a recent agreement now extends that through 2020. During this one-of-a-kind competition, budding scientists aged 13 to 20 will be presenting their scientific projects to visitors in creative and accessible ways that express their passion for science and technology.
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| Meeting with the Dean. |
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| Teacher Christina Prentas and the winning students. |
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| Willingdon catches the Olympic spirit. |
HOCKEY STAR FROM
ROYAL WEST:
Former Royal West Academy student Maxim Noreau is a defenceman for Team Canada in the Winter Olympic men’s hockey tournament. He normally
plays for SC Noreau of the Swiss National League.
LA VOIX: Royal West Academy graduate Ben Alexander, 29 (real name Ben Cardilli) made it past
the first round of blind auditions on the hit TVA reality show La Voix. He sang Tighten Up by. The Black Keys. Here is the video: The EMSB proudly follows its grads on this show. Last year Vincent Massey Collegiate alumni David Marino made it to the end. Three years ago it was Angelike Falbo, then a Grade 11 student at Laurier Macdonald High School, who made it to the finale. Singer/Songwriter/Producer/Multi-instrumentalist, Ben Alexander is a veteran to the Montreal music scene. After years of playing, writing, and touring the country with noteworthy groups of varying genres, he’s honed his own unique harmonic blends and thought provoking lyrics to strike at the heart. Log on to Benalexandermusic.com. And see this story in The Suburban Newspaper. Ben will visit with the class of his former music teacher, Ginette Purdy, on February 22.
LA VOIX: Royal West Academy graduate Ben Alexander, 29 (real name Ben Cardilli) made it past
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| Ben Alexander |
WESTMOUNT HIGH REUNION: The
Westmount High School class of ‘69 is planning its 50th reunion for the spring
of 2019. They are sleuthing and using social media (Facebook WHS 69) and personal
contacts to reach out to fellow classmates. This class of some 230 graduates is a
far-flung one. The ever-expanding organizing committee is spread over Canada
and the US and has connected overseas. If you have a connection to the class of
WHS 69, if you’re out there, please let the committee know, tell a friend or
encourage a relative! Email Helen Fotopulos at westmountreunion2019@gmail.com.
WESTMOUNT HOCKEY: Hockey is alive and well at Westmount High School. The exhibition season begins on Friday, Feb. 23 (4 pm) with a game against St. George's High School at Westmount Arena. The Westmount High School Knights hockey program supports the individual needs of students who want to play the game of hockey. Objectives include delivering a comprehensive hockey program that is accessible and affordable, providing any student male or female the opportunity to participate developing their skills and benefit from the best instruction possible by professional trainers. What differentiates this program from either municipal or a private school hockey programs are that all activities will take place immediately before or following school hours, delivering excellence in terms of professional coaching, facilities, programming while promoting a healthy lifestyles and diet. Nutrition will play an active role throughout the training process. The 2018-2019 program will continue with competitive teams and a strong individual development program.The program itself is unique, a comprehensive experience for the participants that is at par with a private school program in a public high school setting without great financial bearing onto the families. For more information, please call Neil Chazin at 514-814-0698 or Westmount High School at 514-933-2701. See the full press release.
BASKETBALL STAR VISITS: NBA prospect Chris Boucher, took some time to visit Honoré Mercier Elementary School in St. Léonard recently. Boucher, a member of the defending champion Golden State Warriors organization grew up in Montreal before playing college basketball in the United States. The 6”10 power forward was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2017 and currently plays for the Santa Cruz Warriors in the NBA’s G-League.
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| Guess who is Chris? |
ORCHESTRA
ANNIVERSARY:
Current students and alumni came together to mark the 20th
anniversary of the FACE Symphony Orchestra (FSO) on February 21 with a
show-stopping concert. Established in 1988 by teacher Theodora Stathopoulos,
the FSO has motivated hundreds of students to reach their full musical
potential and has helped expand and enrich FACE’s String Department. In addition to the 25 current students in the
FSO, six world-class soloists also participated in the anniversary concert,
three of whom are EMSB alumni. These alumni are: Brandyn Lewis (Double Bass in Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal
2017-2018), Lauren Tyros (Viola presently finishing music
performance/Scholarship at McGill University) and Stephane Tetreault
(International Soloist, Cello). Over the years, the students’ hard work,
talents and passions for music have received outside recognition, most notably
when students were invited to perform at Place des Arts in 2002 with the late
Yuli Turovsky and Miklos Takacs as guest conductors. For more information and
for tickets, please visit the FSO website: https://orchestresymphoniqueface.wordpress.com.
CEDARCREST VIDEO: Cedarcrest Elementary School in St. Laurent produced this video to promote the Growth Mindset Program that took place over several weeks. Students took part in workshops and were able to hear from their parents as well as members of the community to understand the importance of perseverance in spite of failures that occur.
CEDARCREST VIDEO: Cedarcrest Elementary School in St. Laurent produced this video to promote the Growth Mindset Program that took place over several weeks. Students took part in workshops and were able to hear from their parents as well as members of the community to understand the importance of perseverance in spite of failures that occur.
Photo credit:
Jean-Paul Desjardins
The EMSB Senior
Chorale performed in Bach’s St. Matthew
Passion with the Choeur Classique de Montréal under the direction of Louis
Lavigueur on February 3 in Maison symphonique.
CHORALE PERFOMANCES: Here is a list of the choir’s upcoming
performances:
♪ Saturday, March 24 at 8:00 p.m. –
Earth Hour Concert at Christ Church Cathedral
The
EMSB Senior Chorale joins the Choeur des enfants de Montréal, the McGill
Conservatory Youth Choir and the Ottawa Catholic School Board Choir for music
by candlelight. This is always a beautiful, spine-tingling event. Freewill
offering, no tickets required.
♪ Saturday, April 14 at 7:00 p.m. –
En Harmonie 4 Kids at Mountainside United Church
The
EMSB Junior Chorale performs with several children’s and adult choirs to help
raise money for Sun Youth. Tickets available at the door.
♪ Saturday, April 21 at 7:00 p.m.
and Sunday, April 22 at 3 p.m. – Bach’s St.
Matthew Passion at St-Pierre-Apôtre Church
The
EMSB Senior Chorale sings this masterwork once again, this time as guests of
Musica Orbium, directed by Patrick Wedd with Ensemble Caprice in this
performance that will feature a period layout of the musical forces. Advance
tickets available from the chorale at $40 ($45 at the door).
♪ Saturday, May 5 at 7:30 p.m. –
EMSB Chorale Annual Spring Gala Concert at Oscar Peterson Hall. Tickets
go on sale March 1.
LUNCH AND LEARN: In order to combat issues of anxiety, stress as well as lead to mindfulness and healthy life choices, Rosemount High School recently began a weekly program called Lunch N’ Learn. Spearheaded by Spiritual Community Animator Vince Lacroce, the first workshop addressed issues of mindfulness, stress management, taming triggers, incorporating meditation and breathing exercises. February’s workshops included presentations from Giuliana Di Quinzio on nutrition; Katherine Baker, who addressed body image, fad diets, energy drinks, physical activity and health misconceptions and Melina Maria Trimarchi, who educated students on healthy snack alternatives and cooking techniques. Some of the others attended were at McGill, Concordia, Université de Montréal, UQAM and Université de Québec at Trois Rivieres.
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| Marco Gagliardi and Diane Longo in Ottawa. |
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| Go Als Go! |
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| Royal West Academy students at the CRC Robotics Competition. |
MACKAY CENTRE UPDATE: Construction on the state-of-the-art facility for the Mackay Centre and Philip E. Layton Schools in NDG continues to progress smoothly and on schedule. The facility is being built on land located on Terrebonne Street, between Benny and Madison Avenues, in NDG. The EMSB has owned the green space for decades. The field was under municipal custodianship and was being used as an informal playing field by the public and the neighbouring Commission scolaire de Montréal (CSDM) elementary school École Marc-Favreau. To date, construction is approximately 43 percent complete, with the heaviest work near completion. The building’s underground infrastructure and structure are up. The current work of closing up exterior walls and installing precast concrete panels is complete. The curtain walls and windows are in process of being installed. More than 50 percent of frame work is done and approximately 30 percent of glazing is completed. The insulation of the exterior walls began this week. As for the interior of the building, concrete slabs are all completed except in the main hall room where there will be a heated floor. Interior brick walls are going up following the installation of sprinkler piping, plumbing, and electrical and ventilation ducts. Seventy-five percent of the main first floor west wing is up, as is 20 percent of the east wing. Work on the second floor west wing has begun, and is 10 percent complete. The electrical and plumbing work on the second floor east wing is underway. The construction remains on schedule for a delivery date for the middle of August.
100 DAYS: As Kindergarten students
across the EMSB recently eclipsed their 100th day of school,
students at Elizabeth Ballantyne School in Montreal West above celebrated with treats
and a special visit from their parents.
SUBSIDIES FOR JEWISH CAMPERS: The Generations Fund Camp Initiative was created to help children in Montreal experience the transformative impact that Jewish overnight camp can provide by offering grants, multi-year subsidies, and incentives to families in our community. The program also offers Capacity Building Initiatives including enrollment grants and Jewish content initiatives. Check out the OneHappy Camper first-time camper incentive grants, as well as Federation CJA’s CAMPSAccess Grants designed to make Jewish camping experiences accessible to more children in our community. Federation CJA is committed to increasing the number of children attending Jewish overnight camp so they can enjoy quality experiences and be exposed to Jewish life, values and make connections with other Jewish children. In doing so, we leverage a tremendous opportunity to transform young lives and help secure a vibrant Jewish future. Studies show that children who go to Jewish camp are more likely to become adults who value their heritage, are engaged in their communities, support causes, and take on leadership roles throughout their lives. For all other questions, please contact info@generationsfund.ca, or log on to www.generationsfund.ca.
FUN FOR ALL FAIR: Inspirations Newspaper and Make It Matter invite you to the Fun For All Fair on Saturday, April 14 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Laurent Adult Centre in St. Laurent. This free, fun-filled afternoon will showcase Montreal’s recreational resources that service the special needs community of the Greater Montreal and surrounding areas. The first of its kind in Montreal, this event will offer people with special needs the opportunity to try something new, and have fun while doing it. Come and experience all sorts of adapted and inclusive activities, from tennis to wheelchair basketball and boccia, dance, soccer, art, music, martial arts, yoga, and much more! The event is wheelchair accessible and parking is free. For information contact Linda Mahler at linda_mahler@hotmail.com.
A WEEK IN OTTAWA: A message to teachers! If you have students aged 14 to 17 who are history buffs, this remarkable and
inspirational week at Encounters with Canada is for them! Thanks to the generous support of the Vimy Foundation,
organizers are able to offer students a $100 discount* (from
the regular $675 registration fee) to attend Vimy Week: Canada's Coming
of Age, a dynamic week held at Canada's
largest bilingual youth forum in Ottawa from April 8 to14. This week allows students to experience history like never
before. Participants take an in-depth look at Canada's role in the First World
War and learn about the remarkable story of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The week
includes visits to the Canadian War Museum, Parliament Hill, and the
Diefenbunker, as well as guided tours, commemoration ceremonies, interactive
activities such as decoding battlefield maps, and so much more (see attached
flyer). If you have students
interested in this unique opportunity, please contact me to confirm that funds
are still available and to receive registration instructions (let me know if
you don't have your school's online access code).For more information about the
Encounters with Canada program, visit https://www.ewc-rdc.ca
A MESSAGE FROM GLOBAL TV ABOUT GREATER MONTREAL DAY: On May 11 of last year thousands of students, groups, individuals and local businesses across the island of Montreal and beyond, performed random acts of kindness and posted their good deeds online using #GreaterMontrealDay. The outpouring of kindness gave many of us good reason to smile. On social media #GreaterMontrealDay along with the hashtag #JournéeMTLEnsemble were trending number one in Montreal. Many of the students who took part were from schools within the Quebec English School Boards Association. Two social media postings were chosen at random to each received a $1000 donation to the local charity of their choice. One winner, Mrs. Lamothe’s grade 5 class at Edgewater Elementary in Pincourt, baked muffins to hand out to flood people who were evacuated from their homes in the flooding. We heard such heartwarming stories in the thousands of social media postings, emails and text messages. Even though each story was unique, they shared a similar message of paying it forward and brought countless smiles to faces all around us. We want to thank everyone who took part last year. From the teachers who organized group activities, the parents who helped out, the school leaders and support staff who got the message out, and of course to the students who made us all so proud that day. This year we invite each of you to join us for the second annual Greater Montreal Day, Thursday May 10, 2018. It’s never too early to start planning. For more information you can reach out to your school’s Spiritual Councillor. Or follow Globalnews.ca on social media and keep a look out for the hashtag #GreaterMontrealDay. You can always reach out to us directly with any questions or suggestions. travis.todd@globalnews.ca
A MESSAGE FROM GLOBAL TV ABOUT GREATER MONTREAL DAY: On May 11 of last year thousands of students, groups, individuals and local businesses across the island of Montreal and beyond, performed random acts of kindness and posted their good deeds online using #GreaterMontrealDay. The outpouring of kindness gave many of us good reason to smile. On social media #GreaterMontrealDay along with the hashtag #JournéeMTLEnsemble were trending number one in Montreal. Many of the students who took part were from schools within the Quebec English School Boards Association. Two social media postings were chosen at random to each received a $1000 donation to the local charity of their choice. One winner, Mrs. Lamothe’s grade 5 class at Edgewater Elementary in Pincourt, baked muffins to hand out to flood people who were evacuated from their homes in the flooding. We heard such heartwarming stories in the thousands of social media postings, emails and text messages. Even though each story was unique, they shared a similar message of paying it forward and brought countless smiles to faces all around us. We want to thank everyone who took part last year. From the teachers who organized group activities, the parents who helped out, the school leaders and support staff who got the message out, and of course to the students who made us all so proud that day. This year we invite each of you to join us for the second annual Greater Montreal Day, Thursday May 10, 2018. It’s never too early to start planning. For more information you can reach out to your school’s Spiritual Councillor. Or follow Globalnews.ca on social media and keep a look out for the hashtag #GreaterMontrealDay. You can always reach out to us directly with any questions or suggestions. travis.todd@globalnews.ca
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.
CPAC ROUTE 338: CPAC, the Parliamentary TV channel, has launched a new literacy initiative. CPAC Route 338 is an innovative
resource which provides a virtual trip across Canada allowing Internet users to
learn more about our political history, the functioning of Parliament, the role
of their representatives and the importance of citizens’ political
participation. This democratic literacy project has three key components: The Route 338 website, which profiles and showcases all of Canada’s
338 federal ridings through photos, fast facts and videos from CPAC’s extensive
archives; a series of giant floor maps
detailing Canada’s 338 ridings, developed in partnership with the Royal
Canadian Geographical Society; and a
series of 11 curriculum-linked learning activities designed to help teach
students from primary to senior levels about the many facets of a democratic
society. You can see the website by following this link of Route 338. Teachers can reserve the Giant Floor Map by clicking
on this address: education.canadiangeographic.ca.
HECHT SCHOLARSHIPS
FOR WASHINGTON: 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
in Washington D.C. at the United States Holocaust Museum will be provided.
These two three-day conferences will take place between July 23 and 28.
Here is the application -
http://t-h-e-program.org/submit-application/ Please send these
application to mcohen@emsb.qc.ca
“The conference was a unique experience where unlike other such seminars, the focus was on Holocaust education, rather than learning about the events of Holocausts,” said Lev Berner, a teacher at Vincent Massey Collegiate who received a 2017 Belfer Scholarship. “In groups facilitated by established Holocaust educators, groups were shown a myriad of ways to bring Holocaust education into the classroom. Each day we were given a section of the museum which had been closed to the public to explore on our own and take in the values of the museum. I came back from the conference having networked with many Holocaust educators and new tools to fortify my own teaching of the Holocaust with my ERC students.”
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is America’s national institution for the documentation, study, and interpretation of Holocaust history, and serves as this country’s memorial to the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust.
SUMMER
SCHOLARSHIP FOR YAD VASHEM: The Canadian Society for Yad Vashem Holocaust
Scholarship Program is designed to educate Canadian educators, from Jewish and
non-Jewish schools, and equip them with the right academic tools to teach about
the Holocaust. Each year, CSYV selects up to 20 of the top candidates to
attend a 19-day International Seminar on the Holocaust at Yad Vashem in
Jerusalem. At the seminar, scholarship recipients learn from world-renowned
experts in Holocaust studies about how to best teach the Holocaust. Educators
learn how to introduce students to the topic, ensuring a safe learning
environment with the provision of age and level appropriate materials to aid
the learning process. Upon their return from the seminar, CSYV works closely
with scholarship recipients for the next 2 years to implement Holocaust
teaching best practices in their schools and communities across Canada,
ensuring that the universal lessons of the Holocaust are conveyed to the next
generation of Canadians. Applications for the 2018 scholarship are now being
accepted until February 15, 2018. The Seminar in Israel runs from July 1 to 20,
2018. The Scholarship includes airfare, accommodation, tuition and partial
meals while attending the seminar in Israel. To apply to the program,
click here or visit CSYV’s
website: https://yadvashem.ca/csyv-holocaust-scholarship-program/
EFFECTIVE
PARENTING: McGill University Educational Psychology professors are hosting an
informative five-week public lecture series that focuses on issues of concern
for today’s parents/guardians/grandparents. Seminar topics include how to help
children manage stress, improve sleep, navigate/learn online, and understand
gender and sexuality, and an introduction to neuro-developmental conditions. The series takes place on Tuesday evenings from April
3 to May 1, 2018 (6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.). The
cost is $75 for the whole series, $50 for seniors. Lectures will be presented
in English at McGill University's Education building, 3700 McTavish Street. Parking is available in the Education
building, the McIntyre Medical building (3655 Promenade Sir William Osler, and accessible from Drummond
Street), or on the street. For more
information and to register and reserve your space, visit http://www.mcgill.ca/edu-ecp/ep2018
MONTREAL COMMUNITY CARES: Organizers are seeking the support of Montreal schools and school boards at all levels to promote the 2018 Montreal Community Cares Awards within their schools and, perhaps, even run a contest to see which school(s) can provide the most high-quality nominations.
MONTREAL COMMUNITY CARES: Organizers are seeking the support of Montreal schools and school boards at all levels to promote the 2018 Montreal Community Cares Awards within their schools and, perhaps, even run a contest to see which school(s) can provide the most high-quality nominations.
The mission of the Montreal Community Cares Foundation (MCCF) is:
“To empower our youth by developing their leadership skills through our
programs, workshops and events, and by building bridges between communities.
Our youth hold the key to Montreal’s future.” Launched in 2011, the Montreal Community Cares Awards are an
annual fundraising event for the MCCF’s youth-focused initiatives. These Awards
recognize community champions — individuals, small businesses and non-profit
organizations — actively involved in making Montreal a better place to live and
work.
In 2018, the MCCF categories will be:
- Elementary
School Youth Leadership Award
- High School
Youth Leadership Award
- CEGEP/University
Youth Leadership Award
- Student-Athlete
Leadership Award
- Pro-Athlete
Community Engagement Award
- Community
Organization Award
- Community
Leadership Award (adult)
- Lifetime
Achievement Award
ADULT EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL SERVICES
WAGAR KEEPS BUSY: Wagar Adult Education Centre in Côte Saint-Luc is home to over 400 part-time and full-time students who either study English or French, or are special needs adults that follow the MELS Social Integration Services Program (SIS) and Social Vocational Integration Services Program (SVIS).Special needs students at Wager are recommended to the school from community partner organizations like the Miriam Home, CROM (West Montreal Preadaptation Centre), CRDITED, The Centre of Dreams and Hopes and Benny Farm. Students are 21 years of age and older. It also houses C.A.R.E., a non-profit charitable organization that provides a recreational and educational day program for adults with physical disabilities.This school stands out as enhancing the lives of
so many adults with special needs with stimulating and creative curriculum. Educator Heather Payne designs her class projects to fit with the abilities of her students. Together, they are creating artistic masterpieces that light up the hallways of the school. A dance teacher, Payne taps into her skills to bring music, dance, and poetry, to her students. Last Christmas, they performed three numbers from The Nutcracker to rave reviews! Students also enjoy the Special Blend Café where they learn life skills like cooking. The SVIS program focuses on setting their students up for success by preparing them for the workforce, and engaging employers to provide work stages. Wager’s French and English students and special need students learn side by side. Principal Jacques Monfette sees students and staff interact and enjoy learning from one another.
“From time to time a special needs student will sit in on an English class,” shared Mr. Monfette. “Many of our students have been attending our school for years. In fact, we have a 93 year-old student who comes every day to study English. This creates a warm and fuzzy environment where they are very happy to come to school every day. We see smiles on faces here.”
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| Heather Payne |
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| Jacques Monfette |
“From time to time a special needs student will sit in on an English class,” shared Mr. Monfette. “Many of our students have been attending our school for years. In fact, we have a 93 year-old student who comes every day to study English. This creates a warm and fuzzy environment where they are very happy to come to school every day. We see smiles on faces here.”
SNAZZY BUS SHELTER ADS: The Wagar Adult Education Centre has placed these clever billboards on Montreal bus shelters. They were designed by Meghan Dove of the EMSB Communications and Marketing Division.
SKILLS OLYMPIAD: Two host English Montreal School Board (EMSB) automobile mechanics students placed first and third at the Montreal Regional Skills Olympiads, held at the vocational training facility specializing in automobile mechanics, and welding and fitting, in St,. Léonard on Thursday, February 15. Kevin Quieti won first place and Jamil Fneiche, took third, qualifying to compete in the 15th annual Quebec Provincial Skills Olympiads in Montreal on May 3 and 4. Their ultimate goal is to compete in the World Skills Competition. Winners in the welding compétition are: first place: Pierre Olivier Laflamme, Commission Scolaire de la Pointe-de-l’Île; second place: Mathieu Letizia-Mineau, Commission Scolaire de la Pointe-de-L’Île; third place: Chloé St Jean Richard, Commission Scolaire de Montréal. Second place in auto mechanics was awarded to Naja Moseley, Lester B. Pearson School Board.
The Skills Olympiad is geared to students under the age of 21. Eight
students from four school boards (EMSB, Lester B. Pearson School Board, Commission
scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys and the Commission scolaire de Montréal competed
in the automobile mechanics competition. Eight students from four school boards
(EMSB, CSDM, CSMB, Commission scolaire de
la Pointe-de-l'Île) competed in welding. All competitors had already won top
ranking at their respective school board competitions. The welding event was
generously supported by internationally recognized corporate sponsors. Lincoln
Electric, Walter Technologies and Air Liquide provided more than $6,000 in
gifts to the competitors, with the first place winner receiving a new welding
machine from Lincoln Electric. Corporate sponsors in the automobile mechanics competition were also
very generous. DES Canada, Snap-On, G2S Tools and Uniformes Moderna provided
mechanics tool bags with a variety of tools and electronic scanners to each
candidate.
SKILLS OLYMPIAD: Two host English Montreal School Board (EMSB) automobile mechanics students placed first and third at the Montreal Regional Skills Olympiads, held at the vocational training facility specializing in automobile mechanics, and welding and fitting, in St,. Léonard on Thursday, February 15. Kevin Quieti won first place and Jamil Fneiche, took third, qualifying to compete in the 15th annual Quebec Provincial Skills Olympiads in Montreal on May 3 and 4. Their ultimate goal is to compete in the World Skills Competition. Winners in the welding compétition are: first place: Pierre Olivier Laflamme, Commission Scolaire de la Pointe-de-l’Île; second place: Mathieu Letizia-Mineau, Commission Scolaire de la Pointe-de-L’Île; third place: Chloé St Jean Richard, Commission Scolaire de Montréal. Second place in auto mechanics was awarded to Naja Moseley, Lester B. Pearson School Board.
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| Celebrating a successful Olympiad. |
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| Everyone had a good time at JFKAEC. |
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| International tea at JFKAEC. |
RTC BACK AT CRC: After a three-year hiatus teacher Joseph Rainone has started a robotics club, resulting in Rosemount Technology Center’s recent participation in the CRC Robotics Competition. After months of planning and constructing the three-day competition began on February 1. Staff are very proud of the students for being innovative and resilient. The team experienced major setbacks at the beginning of the competition as there were problems with the chain drive system. They worked hard to fix the issue, until 11 pm and performed well on the programming aspect of the robot. With the repairs Rosemount Technology Center was able to complete up until the third and final day of the competition. The programming module of the Electromechanic DEP offered at RTC allowed our students to excel in the programming of the robot, putting their knowledge and skills to use. Participating in the CRC Robotics competition provides th students with the opportunity to meet industry representatives; it is a great learning experience.
ÉDITION DU 22 FÉVRIER 2018 / BULLETIN DE LA CSEM
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| Ann Marie Matheson |
LE MOIS DE LA NUTRITION: Mars est le mois de la nutrition partout au Canada. Pour l’occasion, l’équipe de Nutrition et services alimentaires a concocté une brochette d’activités sous le thème de la nutrition. Cette campagne a pour but de promouvoir de saines habitudes alimentaires au quotidien en sensibilisant les jeunes au rôle de la nutrition et en améliorant leurs connaissances relatives à la nutrition.
Pour célébrer le mois de la nutrition, des activités en classe, qui visent à fournir aux élèves les outils essentiels pour leur permettre de lire et de mieux comprendre l’étiquetage nutritionnel, sont disponibles dans les écoles primaires du secteur ouest, dans le cadre de « JE LIS CE QUE JE MANGE ». Animées par une diététiste de la CSEM, ces activités constituent la base pour permettre aux élèves de la maternelle jusqu’à la 6e année d’enrichir leurs connaissances en matière de nutrition et de les aider à choisir des aliments sains.
Des ateliers de cuisine sont également en cours! Les services de Les ateliers cinq épices ont été retenus par la commission scolaire dans le but d’animer ces activités durant les heures de classe. Les élèves auront ainsi l’occasion d’explorer avec leurs papilles gustatives et de découvrir de nouveaux ingrédients lors de la préparation d’une délicieuse tartinade au tofu! Cette expérience contribue au développement des compétences culinaires chez les jeunes élèves et favorise l’adoption de saines habitudes alimentaires. Un concept fort intéressant au service de l’éducation en nutrition!
ACTIVITÉ POUR LES ÉCOLES SECONDAIRES: Dans les écoles secondaires, le programme sur la nutrition intitulé « NOURRIR LES CERVEAUX ET LES ESPRITS DE NOS ÉLÈVES » sera présenté sous forme de séances en classe destinées aux élèves de 1re et 2e secondaires durant les cours d’éducation physique et santé. L’objectif vise à encourager les élèves à adopter de saines habitudes de vie grâce à une bonne alimentation et à l’activité physique, ainsi qu’à les sensibiliser aux influences sociales à l’égard de leur perception de la santé et du bien-être. La diététiste de la CSEM mettra également en place un kiosque-nutrition à l’heure du dîner dans les cafétérias des écoles secondaires tout au long du mois de mars afin d’aider les élèves à prendre conscience des habitudes alimentaires qu’ils auraient intérêt à modifier et à concevoir des stratégies pour faire de meilleurs choix alimentaires, revoir leurs habitudes de vie et parfaire leurs connaissances en lien avec la nutrition.
MOIS DE L’HISTOIRE DE LA COMMUNAUTÉ NOIRE : L’Académie LaurenHill à Saint-Laurent a organisé deux événements dignes de mention dans le cadre du Mois de l’histoire de la communauté noire. Karl Subban, ancien directeur d’école et père du joueur de hockey étoile PK Subban, s’est adressé aux élèves des campus junior et senior le 14 février. Le 27 février prochain, The Colour of Success accueillera à titre de conférenciers-invités l’actrice et chanteuse Kim Richards, le conférencier motivateur Audley Coley et Kevin Kwenteng, diplômé de l’Académie LaurenHill devenu ingénieur.
JOURNÉE « UNIS » : Des élèves de l’école Edward Murphy dans Hochelaga-Maisonneuve ont été félicités pour leur programme « Opening Doors to Our Community » (Ouvrir nos portes à la communauté) lors de la Journée UNIS tenue à Montréal le 21 février. Outre cet honneur décerné par l’organisme UNIS, les élèves ont également reçu des laissez-passer, gracieuseté de Cineplex. Le programme « Opening Doors to Our Community » avait pour but d’encourager les jeunes à apprendre à se connaître, à faire connaissance avec leurs voisins, à découvrir leur environnement, en plus de créer un sentiment d’appartenance à leur communauté. Dans le cadre de cette initiative, les élèves ont également souligné le 150e anniversaire du Canada et le 375e de Montréal, et ont déployé des efforts de manière à établir des relations positives avec les partenaires de la communauté. Les élèves se sont déplacés au sein de la communauté, ont interagi avec les citoyens, visité des endroits verts et des parcs et rendu hommage aux anciens combattants disparus. Ils ont aussi rendu visite à des groupes et organismes communautaires qui viennent en aide à ceux qui sont dans le besoin et ont donné de leur temps. Ils se sont montrés respectueux de l’environnement en ramassant les déchets rencontrés sur leur chemin et ont véhiculé leur message visant à se rapprocher de notre planète et à la protéger. Ils ont transmis le message du mouvement UNIS à leur communauté.
JOURNAL TOUCHING B.A.S.E.: Qu’il s’agisse pour les élèves de procéder aux récoltes dans le jardin de leur école, ou encore d’en apprendre sur les animaux, l’éducation aux médias et les droits de la personne, tout y est dans l’édition Hiver 2018 du journal Touching B.A.S.E. on Daycare Matters! L’équipe du programme des Services de garde B.A.S.E. (Before and After School Enriched) et ses élèves ont partagé avec la communauté de la CSEM cette 8e édition du journal publié le 8 février 2018. On y présente en première page l’ouverture d’un nouveau service de garde B.A.S.E. à l’école primaire Gardenview, les célébrations des récoltes déchets zéro des clubs verts et le programme primé Supporting Children as Leaders through Play it Fair! de B.A.S.E. Quatre pages de cette édition renferment des photos de toutes les activités parascolaires et des journées pédagogiques qui ont eu lieu aux services de garde à l’automne et au début de l’hiver. On peut y voir le travail écrit des élèves et des éducatrices, en plus d’y lire quelques histoires de parents ayant agi comme bénévoles lors d’une activité de patinage à l’occasion d’une journée pédagogique à l’école Gerald McShane, et même une recette de zucchinis farcis – ou « bateaux » de courgettes – à essayer à la maison! La section des initiatives vertes renferme trois pages complètes de nouvelles portant sur les jardins d’école dont l’entretien est assuré par les Services de garde B.A.S.E. On y trouve des articles sur la communauté verte grandissante et le développement d’un nouveau jardin à l’école Pierre Elliott Trudeau, le projet expérimental de serres à arceaux (hoop houses) – ou mini-serres – à Parkdale et à St. Monica et un jardin à pollinisateurs certifié Wildlife Friendly Habitat à l’école Coronation. De plus, cette édition renferme un compte-rendu de la conférence annuelle « No Such Thing as a Bad Kid » à laquelle ont participé les techniciennes et éducatrices en services de garde. Enfin, vous y trouverez un article sur le banquet de la fête du Patrimoine organisé à l’école St. Gabriel. Pour parcourir tout le journal ou consulter des éditions antérieures, visitez le blogue de B.A.S.E. à daycarematters.com et cliquez sur l’onglet Press Clippings.
ESPRIT OLYMPIQUE: Les élèves de l’école Willingdon ont tenu leurs propres cérémonies d’ouverture le 9 février afin de marquer le coup d’envoi des Jeux olympiques, ce qui a attiré l’attention des médias. En vue de créer une atmosphère festive, les élèves ont été invités à se vêtir en rouge et en blanc. Durant les assemblées, l’enseignante d’éducation physique Lara Belinsky a expliqué aux élèves l’histoire des Jeux olympiques ainsi que le mouvement olympique. De plus, ils ont assisté à une présentation inspirante réunissant de beaux moments de fierté nationale qui ont marqué les Jeux olympiques antérieurs.
ENGAGEMENT ENVERS LA PAIX: Trois élèves de 5e année à l’école primaire Willingdon de NDG ont remporté 100 $, gracieuseté du Réseau des donateurs pour la paix, et ont été invités à verser un don à un organisme de bienfaisance. Les élèves ont choisi les organismes suivants : la SPCA, la Société canadienne du cancer et les Olympiques spéciaux. L’école Willingdon a également eu le plaisir d’accueillir Laurence Laporte, représentante du Réseau des donateurs pour la paix, qui a présenté aux élèves un certificat de reconnaissance signé de la main de Brian Bronfman, président du Réseau des donateurs pour la paix. Félicitations à Lola Cherney, Malachi Brady et Maximus Murphy! Une explosion de joie s’est emparée de l’école Willingdon lorsque la directrice Carmen Nicolas, le directeur adjoint Steve Spetsieris et l’enseignante Christina Prentas ont été informés de la mention d’honneur décernée aux élèves. Tout le personnel de l’école Willingdon tient à féliciter les lauréats et se réjouit des succès à venir!
ANNIVERSAIRE DE L’ORCHESTRE: Les élèves actuels et des anciens ont uni leurs talents lors d’un concert inoubliable afin de marquer le 20e anniversaire de l’Orchestre symphonique de FACE (OSF) le 21 février. Fondée en 1988 par l’enseignante Theodora Stathopoulos, l’OSF a incité des centaines d’élèves à réaliser leur plein potentiel musical et a permis de développer et d’enrichir le département des cordes de l’école FACE. Les 25 élèves de l’OSF étaient accompagnés de six solistes de calibre mondial pour la présentation de ce concert anniversaire, parmi lesquels figuraient trois anciens élèves de la CSEM. Il s’agit de Brandyn Lewis (contrebasse, Orchestre symphonique de Montréal en 2017-2018), Lauren Tyros (alto, termine actuellement le programme d’interprétation musicale avec bourse d’études à l’Université McGill) et Stéphane Tétreault (violoncelle, soliste international). Au fil des ans, le travail acharné des élèves, leur grand talent et leur passion pour la musique leur ont valu une reconnaissance externe, notamment lorsqu’ils ont été invités à se produire à la Place des Arts en 2002 sous la direction du défunt Yuli Turovsky et de Miklos Takacs. Pour de plus amples renseignements, rendez-vous sur le site de l’OSF à https://orchestresymphoniqueface.wordpress.com.
MISE À JOUR – ÉCOLE CENTRE MACKAY: La construction du bâtiment ultramoderne qui abritera les écoles Centre Mackay et Philip E. Layton à NDG va bon train et est conforme à l’échéancier. Le bâtiment a été érigé sur un terrain vacant situé rue Terrebonne, entre les avenues Benny et Madison, à NDG. La Commission scolaire English-Montréal (CSEM) est propriétaire du terrain depuis des décennies, mais il était sous la responsabilité de la Ville et utilisé comme terrain de jeu informel par la communauté et l’école primaire Marc-Favreau de la Commission scolaire de Montréal (CSDM) qui se trouve à proximité. À l’heure actuelle, la construction est complétée à environ 45 % et les travaux lourds sont presque terminés. Les infrastructures souterraines sont en place et la structure du bâtiment a été érigée. La fermeture des murs extérieurs et l’installation des panneaux de béton préfabriqués est achevée. La pose des murs-rideaux et des fenêtres est en cours. Plus de la moitié des travaux de colombage ont été réalisés et environ 30 % des travaux de vitrage sont terminés. L’isolation des murs extérieurs a débuté cette semaine. À l’intérieur, toutes les dalles de béton ont été coulées sauf dans le hall principal où sera installé un plancher chauffant. À la suite de l'installation de la tuyauterie des gicleurs, des conduits de ventilation, des travaux de plomberie et d’électricité, l’érection des murs de maçonnerie est commencée. Au rez-de-chaussée, 75 % de l’espace a pris forme dans la partie ouest du bâtiment et 20 %, dans la partie est. Les travaux ont débuté au deuxième étage dans la partie ouest et sont terminés à 10 %. Les travaux électriques et de plomberie sont en cours au deuxième étage, dans la partie est. La construction progresse selon l’échéancier et le bâtiment devrait être livré à la mi-août.
VIMY: Si certains de vos élèves âgés de 14 à 17 ans sont passionnés d’histoire, cette semaine incroyable et inspirante avec Rencontres du Canada saura les combler! Grâce au généreux soutien de la Fondation Vimy, les organisateurs sont en mesure d’offrir une réduction de 100 $ (sur les frais d’inscription réguliers de 675 $) aux élèves pour assister à Vimy : Passage pour l’autonomie du Canada, une semaine dynamique qui aura lieu à Ottawa, du 8 au 14 avril, dans le cadre du plus grand forum jeunesse bilingue au Canada. Les élèves vivront une expérience historique hors du commun. Les participants apprendront comment le Canada a participé à la Première Guerre mondiale et se familiariseront avec la bataille de la crête de Vimy. Cette semaine mémorable comprend des visites au Musée canadien de la guerre, sur la Colline du Parlement et au Diefenbunker, ainsi que des visites guidées et des cérémonies commémoratives, des visites interactives pour décoder des cartes de champs de bataille, et plus encore. Si parmi vos élèves certains se sentent interpelés par cette expérience unique, veuillez communiquer avec moi afin de confirmer s’il reste encore des fonds et connaître la marche à suivre pour l’inscription (prière de m’aviser si votre école n’a pas son code d’accès en ligne). Pour en savoir davantage au sujet du programme Rencontres du Canada, visitez le https://www.ewc-rdc.ca.
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. Barker 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.
CPAC ROUTE 338: CPAC, la chaîne télé d’affaires publiques, a lancé une nouvelle initiative de littératie. CPAC Route 338 est une ressource novatrice qui propose un voyage virtuel au Canada pour permettre aux utilisateurs d’Internet d’en apprendre davantage sur notre histoire politique, le fonctionnement du Parlement, le rôle des représentants ainsi que l’importance de la participation politique des citoyens. Ce projet de littératie démocratique comporte trois volets : le site Web Route 338, qui dresse le portrait des 338 circonscriptions fédérales au Canada par l’entremise de photos, faits saillants et vidéos provenant des archives de la CPAC; une série de cartes-tapis géantes illustrant les 338 circonscriptions canadiennes, conçues en partenariat avec la Société géographique royale du Canada; de même qu’une série de 11 activités pédagogiques liées au programme scolaire qui permettront aux élèves du niveau primaire jusqu’au niveau supérieur de se familiariser avec les multiples facettes de la société démocratique. Voici le lien pour visiter le site Web : Route 338. Les enseignants peuvent emprunter la carte-tapis géante à l’adresse suivante : education.canadiangeographic.ca.
BOURSES D’ÉTUDES HECHT: Les candidatures sont présentement acceptées dans le cadre du programme de bourses d’études Riva et Thomas O. Hecht, enseignement de l’Holocauste, pour l’été 2018. Cette année, quatre bourses seront décernées pour assister à la Conférence Belfer à Washington, D.C. présentée au United States Holocaust Museum. Ces deux conférences de trois jours auront lieu entre le 23 et le 28 juillet. Vous trouverez le formulaire de demande de bourse d’études à http://t-h-e-program.org/submit-application/. Veuillez faire parvenir les candidatures à mcohen@emsb.qc.ca.
« La conférence s’est avérée une expérience exceptionnelle où, contrairement à d’autres séminaires, l’accent a été mis sur l’enseignement de l’Holocauste plutôt que sur l’apprentissage des événements de l’Holocauste », a déclaré Lev Berner, enseignante au Collège Vincent Massey et récipiendaire d’une bourse d’études Belfer en 2017. « Des éducateurs de l’Holocauste nous ont montré, en groupes, une foule de façons d’enseigner l’Holocauste. Chaque jour, une section du musée était fermée au public pour nous permettre de l’explorer par nous-mêmes et de nous imprégner des valeurs du musée. Cette conférence m’a permis de réseauter avec bon nombre d’éducateurs de l’Holocauste et m’a fourni de nouveaux outils pour renforcer mon approche lorsque j’enseigne l’Holocauste à mes élèves dans les cours d’ECR. » Le United States Holocaust Memorial Museum est l’institution nationale par excellence en Amérique pour la documentation, l’étude et l’interprétation de l’histoire de l’Holocauste. Ce musée incarne le monument américain à la mémoire des millions de gens qui ont péri durant l’Holocauste.
SERVICES DE L’ÉDUCATION DES ADULTES
ET DE LA FORMATION PROFESSIONNELLE
ÇA BOUGE À WAGAR: Le Centre d’éducation des adultes Wagar à Côte Saint-Luc accueille plus de 400 élèves à temps partiel et à temps plein qui étudient soit l’anglais, soit le français, ou encore des adultes ayant des besoins particuliers qui suivent le programme de services d’intégration sociale (SIS) et le programme de services d’intégration socioprofessionnelle du MEES. Les élèves ayant des besoins particuliers sont dirigés vers les écoles des organismes partenaires de la communauté, notamment Miriam Home, CROM (Centre de réadaptation de l’Ouest de Montréal), CRDITED, The Centre of Dreams and Hopes, et Benny Farm. Les élèves sont âgés de 21 ans et plus. Le Centre abrite également C.A.R.E., un organisme sans but lucratif offrant un programme de jour récréatif et éducatif aux adultes ayant des déficiences physiques. Cette école est précieuse puisqu’elle contribue à améliorer la vie d’un grand nombre d’adultes ayant des besoins particuliers grâce à son programme stimulant et créatif. L’éducatrice Heather Payne adapte ses projets de classe aux habiletés de ses élèves. Ensemble, ils réalisent des chefs-d’œuvre artistiques qui égaient les corridors de l’école. Enseignante de musique, madame Payne met à profit ses aptitudes afin d’initier ses élèves à la musique, la dance et la poésie. À Noël l’an dernier, ils ont interprété trois numéros de Casse-Noisette qui leur ont valu de grands éloges! Les élèves apprécient également le Special Blend Caffé où ils acquièrent des habiletés fondamentales tel que cuisiner. Le programme de services d’intégration socioprofessionnelle est axé sur la réussite des élèves en les préparant à intégrer le marché du travail et en sollicitant auprès des employeurs des stages en milieu de travail. Les élèves francophones, anglophones et les élèves ayant des besoins particuliers se côtoient tous au Centre Wagar. Le directeur Jacques Monfette est témoin des échanges entre les élèves et le personnel et ils sont heureux de la contribution de chacun. « De temps à autre, un élève ayant des besoins particuliers assiste à un cours d'anglais », a indiqué monsieur Monfette. « Bon nombre de nos élèves fréquentent notre école depuis des années. De fait, il y a un élève âgé de 93 ans qui vient à l’école chaque jour pour étudier l’anglais! L’école offre un environnement agréable et chaleureux, et les élèves sont heureux de s’y rendre chaque jour. On voit partout des visages souriants à notre école. »
OLYMPIADES DES MÉTIERS ET DES TECHNOLOGIES : Alors que les olympiens du Québec remportent des médailles aux Jeux de PyeongChang, les élèves des centres professionnels de Montréal se préparent en prévision de la tenue de leurs propres Olympiades. Le centre de formation professionnelle de la CSEM qui se spécialise dans la mécanique automobile et la soudure-montage a accueilli les Olympiades des métiers et des technologies (Compétences Québec) de l’île de Montréal le 15 février au 6065, boulevard des Grandes-Prairies à Saint-Léonard. Destinées aux élèves de moins de 21 ans, ces Olympiades ont mis en vedette deux programmes de formation professionnelle : la soudure et la mécanique automobile. Huit élèves provenant de quatre commissions scolaires (la CSEM, la Commission scolaire Lester-B.-Pearson, la Commission scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys et la Commission scolaire de Montréal) ont pris part à la compétition de mécanique automobile. Huit élèves issus de quatre commissions scolaires (la CSEM, la CSDM, la CSMB et la Commission scolaire de la Pointe-de-l'Île) se sont affrontés en soudure. Tous les compétiteurs ont déjà remporté les grands honneurs au sein de leur commission scolaire respective. Ils étaient en lice pour le prix ultime, c’est-à-dire se qualifier pour les 15e Olympiades provinciales des métiers et des technologies qui se dérouleront à Montréal les 3 et 4 mai prochains et où seront représentés 38 métiers. Les grands vainqueurs prendront part à la Compétition internationale des compétences.
The next Focus Newsletter will be published on March 29. Deadlines for submissions is Friday, March 23 at Noon.
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