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| Laurier Macdonald students showcase their project. |
See this report from the MUHC-R, which includes a fabulous report on CBC Radio.
RELOCATION OF GALILEO: In an effort to assist with issues of student over-crowding at the Commission scolaire de la Pointe-de-l’Île (CSPI), the EMSB Council of Commissioners voted by majority to relocate students at the Galileo Adult Education Centre (Galileo) in Montreal North. There are 708 students registered in three programs: 140 in the SIS / SVIS Program for Adults with Special Needs, 485 students in the Basic English program and 83 students in the Academic – High School Completion program.
Plans call for moving the SIS / SVIS students and the Basic English students to the St-Pius X Career Centre building on Papineau near Sauvé. Galileo will share space in that large facility while maintaining its own identity, deed of establishment, administration, staff and programs. They will have more room than they have presently, so the Galileo programs can grow. The Academic program, which has seen declining enrolment, will be transferred to the JFK Adult Centre located on Villeray, across from the St-Michel metro station.
Meanwhile the Rosemount Technology Centre - Curtis George Campus housed in the basement of the present Galileo building will remain in place and co-habitate with CSPI classes. Some AEVS services also housed in the building, like Student Records, SARCA and Data Processing would be relocated to the St-Pius and JFK buildings. In total, the EMSB proposal will afford 82 potential classrooms to the CSPI. The EMSB has also agreed to rent and eventually sell a school building in RDP it does not use to the CSPI; temporarily rent a vacant school at the corner of Henri Julien and Crémazie and sell land behind the former MacLaren School in Pointe-aux-Trembles.
CSPI PROPOSAL: On May 22 parent commissioner Andrew Ross moved that the Council mandate the chair to immediately broker all meetings necessary between the EMSB and CSPI to negotiate a resolution that will prevent a transfer of any youth sector schools. It will explore all solutions including temporary cohabitation in any East End school where space exists. Furthermore, the motion gives the chair the ability to explore joint programming, cost saving initiatives and educational enhancements to benefit students in both school boards that can come through cohabitation.
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| Commissioner Joseph Lalla presents some awards. |
MATH LEAGUE: The Ultimate Math League stems from a Math Enrichment Initiative which the EMSB introduced in order to seek to promote higher mathematics learning across the board. It was born thanks to the contribution of EMSB Commissioner Joseph Lalla, a former teacher and principal. This is a math competition that not only focuses on problem-solving and critical thinking skills, but encourages teamwork as well. It’s a fun way to get kids excited about math. This was the first year the EMSB embarked upon this initiative, noted Assistant Director of Education and Technology Services Anna Villalta. EMSB Math and STEAM consultant Tina Santoianni was instrumental with this initiative. All elementary and high schools of the EMSB were invited to participate in this project. Students from grades 4 to 11 volunteered for the competition. In total there were 20 elementary schools, seven high schools and 29 lead teachers who participated. In total, 1,200 EMSB students took part. The winning teams were recognized recently at a ceremony at James Lyng High School in St. Henri. See the complete press release here.
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| Some of the action from B.A.S.E. Daycare Week. |
THIS IS US: Join the talented students and some special guests for “This Is Us,” an end-of-year performance by the incredible students at John Grant High School. The show will take place on June 12 from 6:30 pm to 9 pm at the Wagar Auditorium (5785 Parkhaven) in Côte Saint-Luc.
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| The award winners are congratulated. |
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| Mayor DeSousa and Catherine Verdon-Diamond. |
PUBLIC SPEAKING: The EMSB High School Public Speaking Contest took place last month. Here is our podcast with Suzanne Desautels with Pedagogical Consultant Anne Beamish and three students.Click here to listen.
PHYS ED CONFERENCE: The EMSB was represented by 35 teachers May 2 to 4 at the Physical and Health Education National Conference, organized by PHE Canada in partnership with the Association of Physical Educators of Quebec (APEQ) and La Fédération des éducateurs et éducatrices physiques enseignants du Québec (FEEPEQ). APEQ and FEEPEQ, the English and French Physical Education professional associations in Quebec respectively, partnered together for a first time to work with PHE Canada to bring the conference to Quebec. This marked the first time the conference had been held in Quebec since 1982. It took place at the Sir Arthur Currie Gymnasium of McGill University. Physical Education and Health teachers and researchers from across Canada were registered to attend, including over 200 from Quebec. Workshops were offered in either English, French or bilingually.
Over 60 workshops were offered. Former NHL coach Ted Nolan was the keynote speaker. Ironman athlete Pierre Lavoie, founder of Le Défi Pierre Lavoie, spoke as well. Last year, the EMSB Professional Improvement Committee committed to approving all applications from teachers to attend the conference, a recognition of this important opportunity for professional development. Katherine Baker, the EMSB’s Physical Education and Health Consultant, was centrally involved with the organization of this conference for the past two years.
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| EMSB Physical Education teachers with the new "Physical Literacy" shirts. |
Over 60 workshops were offered. Former NHL coach Ted Nolan was the keynote speaker. Ironman athlete Pierre Lavoie, founder of Le Défi Pierre Lavoie, spoke as well. Last year, the EMSB Professional Improvement Committee committed to approving all applications from teachers to attend the conference, a recognition of this important opportunity for professional development. Katherine Baker, the EMSB’s Physical Education and Health Consultant, was centrally involved with the organization of this conference for the past two years.
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| Katherine Baker and Joe Ortona thank John Byl from Gopher. |
Gopher Sport was an official sponsor of the conference. They provided $7,500 worth of equipment to the conference that presenters used during their workshops. All of this equipment was then donated to EMSB schools. Ms. Baker and EMSB Vice-Chair Joe Ortona accepted the donation from Gopher representative John Byl. Here is the full press release.
ROBOCUP JUNIORS SHINE: The EMSB was represented by 14 schools at the 2019 RoboCupJunior competition at Westmount High School on April 26 and 27. Students competed from 12 EMSB Elementary Schools (Bancroft in the Plateau; Cedarcrest, Gardenview and Parkdale in St. Laurent; Coronation in Côte des Neiges; Dalkeith in Anjou; Edinburgh in Montreal West; General Vanier and Honoré-Mercier in St. Léonard; Our Lady of Pompei in Ahuntsic; Pierre Elliott Trudeau in Rosemount and Royal Vale in NDG) and two high schools (Royal West Academy in Montreal West and Vincent Massey Collegiate in Rosemount). Cedarcrest and Gardenview finished first in two categories while General Vanier, Vincent Massey and Royal West triumphed in different competitions as well. RoboCupJunior Québec is the official event for qualifying teams in OnStage, Rescue and Soccer to participate at the International RoboCup Competition and Conference event. This year, the International event will be Sydney, Australia and for 2020 in Bordeaux, France. All participating school teams are expected to design, program, and build a series of robots to perform an assigned task depending on their category of interest. These tasks are developed by an International team of experts in STEAM programs from around the world. See the full press release here.
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| Marc Garneau congratulates Cedarcrest Principâl Civita Tudino and her students. |
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| Merton students celebrate their victory. |
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| Students display their projects. |
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| The Royal West medal winners. |
WILLINDON MOVE: Beginning in the 2019-2020 academic year, Willingdon Elementary School in NDG will be housing its Grade 5 and 6 students in what it will be calling its Senior Campus, located at the former St Ignatius of Loyola School building on Coronation and Somerled avenues. Inspections of the facility are on-going, and based on the results to date, the school’s Governing Board voted to move ahead with the project. The EMSB is repurposing the school building over the summer to accommodate for the arrival of the elementary school’s 150 senior students in September. The original Terrebonne building will welcome the five incoming Kindergarten classes and returning students who will be in the Grade 1 to 4 classes. The school’s Governing Board passed a motion earlier this year to accept the EMSB’s offer of the additional building in response to the reality that Willingdon was reaching its maximum capacity. The Coronation facility presently houses two alternative high schools (Focus and Outreach), which will be relocated to their own space at James Lyng High School in St. Henri.
A celebratory ribbon-cutting event is set to be held in September with the beginning of the new school year. Some of the safety and beautifying renovations include repairs to lockers; a new paint job of the building; securing of the outside fence surrounding the school; creation of a new library/learning common, music room, science lab/maker space and nutrition lab; renovation of the stage with a new sound system; and repairs of classrooms. The design of the classrooms is made with a 21st century vision for its senior grades, including principles from the Universal Design for learning educational framework. The now smaller student population in the original school building on Terrebonne (numbering about 430 for the 2019-2020 school year) will benefit in several ways. A bussing system has been created to accommodate those who walk to school and siblings who travel together. School busses will first drop off students at the Terrebonne campus in the morning and then will proceed to transport any senior campus students to the Coronation campus. At the close of the school day, buses will first collect students from the senior campus and do a first drop-off stop at the junior campus.
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| Willingdon Grade 4 and 5 students are looking forward to next year. |
The school’s popular Extended Day Program (EDP) will be running from the junior campus, with the possibility of some lunch and after-school activities taking place at the senior campus. See the full press release.
PODCASTS: In anticipation of the opening of the senior campus, the EMSB is rolling out some special features. There is a special web section at http://willingdon.emsb.qc.ca/newseniorcampus.html.
Suzanne Desautels and Mark Bergman are producing a series of podcasts.
WESTMOUNT PARK: The Westmount Park Elementary School building will close for two years for renovations. On a temporary basis, students and staff will be moved to two campuses. One in Ville Émard will be called the South Campus; another in NDG at Marymount Academy International will be called the North Campus.
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| Henrik gets his certificate. |
WRITING COMPETITION: Congratulations to Henrik Carricaburu-Saad, a student at Westmount Park, for winning first place amongst all Grade 2 students who participated in the McEntyre Writing Competition. His story illustrated how differences in individuals can help make the world a better place. This year 1,557 entries were received. Henrik will be invited to the awards ceremony, which will be in June at Victoria Hall. The winners will be presented with their awards by the mayor of Westmount and city councillors. Peter McEntyre was the mayor of Westmount from 1969 to 1971. He set up a trust fund to support an annual writing competition to encourage young people to think about the idea of community, and to learn more about their own communities.
ROCK CLIMBING: It was a short road trip to nearby Royal Vale for Willingdon students in Cycles 2 and 3 recently who completed an extensive eight week climbing program that allowed them to develop a variety of skills such as communication, cooperation and problem solving. It is also a wonderful example of two different schools within the same community collaborating since students from Willingdon walked to Royal Vale so they could have access to an indoor climbing facility. Willingdon's Physical Educators. Jonathan Stein and Lara Belinsky were pleased with the results of the program. Specifically, they enjoyed working with their students in a new and challenging environment and watching them progress and develop their self-confidence through climbing.
In addition, Willingdon students were led by Kim Weiner, an experienced climbing instructor who also organizes climbing sessions with Royal Vale high school students. Willingdon plans to continue building its climbing program for next year and is proud to be one of the few schools in Quebec that offers a rock climbing unit at the elementary level. All of the climbing sessions took place during Physical Education classes.
QUEBEC ROOTS: Starting last fall the students from Heather Leckner’s Grade 4 Willingdon class took part in a project called, Quebec Roots: The Place I Want to Be. The project is a community-based distance-education project, which invite students across Quebec to explore their community roots in photo-essays developed in collaboration with professional writers and photographers. Willingdon students had the opportunity to take part in some photography workshops, given by Monique Dykstra and writing workshops given by Raquel Rivera. The students worked together to come up with a theme for their section of the book. Then, in groups or individually, they wrote some short pieces as well as took some interesting photographs related to their theme. Subsequently, they learned how to edit their work and choose the photographs they wanted printed in the book. More recently, they were invited to attend the book launch and were able to meet some of the other schools and students who participated in the project, as well as received a printed copy of their published book! It was an amazing experience for everyone. The project is produced by the Blue Metropolis Foundation in collaboration with the Ministère de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport/Direction générale de formation des jeunes and the Leading English Education and Resource Network (LEARN).
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| Climbing the wall at Royal Vale. |
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| Heather Leckner and her students. |
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| Inspired by Obama. |
MICHELLE OBAMA EXPERIENCE: Thanks to First Book Canada, some parents, staff and students at St. Dorothy Elementary School in St. Michel had the unique opportunity of attending Michelle Obama’s press tour speaking engagement for her bestselling memoir “Becoming." Students, parents and teachers attended a powerful and inspiring evening with the former first lady of. Obama recounted her roots, her career and life in the White House. She is a very powerful advocate for higher education and also stresses the importance of living healthy, active lives, especially for women and girls. Her advice is to live life to the fullest and never give in to people who try to take you down or make you believe your dreams are too big. Said one parent:“I really appreciated being there with my daughter as we listened to Michelle Obama speak so honestly about making mistakes, hardship, success and parenting. I am becoming more mindful and honest as a mother. I am becoming more grounded."
INSPIRATIONS SPRING EDITION: The spring / summer 2019 edition of Inspirations continues to celebrate the publication’s 10-year milestone. This edition is rich with inspirational stories from the EMSB and beyond, and resources in the Greater Montreal and surrounding areas. The cheerful cover will have you eagerly anticipating the summer months with a feature on baseball and how one organization is making the sport accessible for all in Quebec. While the pages of this edition are geared to inspire and support families, professionals and those that care for people with special needs, the stories, which focus on abilities and inclusion, are of interest to everyone.
Highlights of the edition include: “From the House,” which features Jack Silverstone’s interview with the Honourable Carla Qualtrough on building a ‘barrier-free’ Canada; Galileo Adult Education Centre’s success and growth; John F. Kennedy Adult Centre’s cave painting project; and physical literacy at Parkdale elementary school. Learn how the EMSB’s Special Needs Network and self-contained classrooms are helping students with special needs succeed and read about Inspirations’ 10th anniversary event and the impact made by the special needs community. Other helpful gems including a mental health tip on building problem solving skills, advice on navigating the grieving process, and tips to prepare young adults for job hunting, will certainly be helpful to many families.
Distribution teams worked diligently to circulate the edition. Special thanks to the student teams at John Grant High School, Summit School’s TECC, LIFE Program, Lester B. Pearson School Board, and CDC Vimont, Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board, for their hard work and collaboration!
If you would like print copies, have a story to share, or would like to nominate a Teacher of Inspiration to be featured in our Fall edition, contact info@inspirationsnews.com.
AUTISM SPEAKS: Join Team Inspirations/EMSB at this year’s Autism Speaks Canada Montreal Walk on June 9. Each year Autism Speaks Canada (ASC) organizes walk events across Canada. This year’s Montreal walk takes place on Sunday, June 9 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at McGill University’s Tomlinson Fieldhouse (475 Pine Avenue West in Montreal). Join Team Inspirations/EMSB, headed by co-captains Ms. Alana and Ms. Marita from Edward Murphy Elementary School and come out to have fun and raise funds. ASC walks are the organization’s single most important annual fundraising initiative. The events bring the community together while providing an opportunity to make connections, feel the support, and raise awareness and funds. Walk dollars raised support access to resources, inclusive programming, services for young adults, community grants, and world-leading research. Register today at www.ASCwalk.ca. For information, contact Krista Leitham at kristaleitham@autismspeakscan.ca.
LEARNING DISABILITIES: Spend the day with Rick Lavoie in Montreal on June 1. The Montreal Centre for Learning Disabilities is welcoming renowned special education expert, motivational speaker and author Rick Lavoie to Montreal on June 1 for a one-day seminar. Lavoie is the author of It’s so much work to be your friend: Helping the child with learning disabilities find social success, and How difficult can this be? The F.A.T. City workshop. The seminar is ideal for parents of children and teens with learning disabilities and/or ADHD, teachers, school support staff, psychologists, special educators and educational consultants, social workers and other professionals. The day will consist of two interdependent seminars, the first: Behavioural strategies that don’t work with struggling kids…and some that do, and the second, Understanding the social side of learning disorders: from isolation to acceptance. Register today at tinyurl.com/MCLD2019RickLavoie. For information, call 514-487-3533.
US COVERAGE ON KAMALA HARRIS: A reporter for the San Jose Mercury Newspaper visited Westmount High School recently to do a story on former student and United States Presidential hopeful Kamala Harris. You can read it here.
MULTICULTURAL EXTRAVAGANZA: Coronation Elementary School in Côte des Neiges held another Multicultural Day Extravaganza on Wednesday, May 15 with a goal to encourage a better awareness and appreciation amongst their students from different cultural backgrounds represented in their school. Organized by daycare administrator Jacintha Duplan and spiritual animator Linda Luca, parents and volunteers were invited to a luncheon where students from all grades participated and brought different foods made and prepared in their home representing their family’s culture. Following the luncheon, parents were invited to see many students in action which included a steel pan performance, a dance from a special guest Indigenous Dancer, a unique Indian dance performed by Grade 4 student Thurgamma Kali as well as a fashion show. Students from all levels put on a fashion show representing dress wear from their backgrounds and ethnicities. Their countries included Libya, India, Trinidad, Bangladesh, Canada, Grenada, Hungary, Pakistan and so many more. Parents were thrilled to see different backgrounds being shared and united as one. Coronation’s Kids for Social Change also took a moment on stage to raise awareness for We Walk for Water, a fundraiser organized with We Organization, to help raise funds for clean water in Kenya.
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| Students from different multicultural backgrounds showed their talents. |
Special guest Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo, an indigenous dancer from Mohawk Nation, performed at this event. Originally from Khanawake, Barbara has been on her toes since the age of four years old when she started studying classical ballet. She went on to graduate with a BFA in theatre from Concordia University and from the Native Theatre School. As a choreographer and dancer, she specializes in creating works which combine Indigenous traditional dance with contemporary styles, especially those of the First Nation’s hoop dance as well as martial arts. “My goal is to inspire others, encourage cultural pride, up lift the spirit and increase education and communication,” she stated.
ANIMAL EXPERIENCE: Is your child an animal lover? This summer, kids can experience the unique world of animal sheltering during three animal-themed days at the Montreal SPCA. In Animal Allies, youth explore shelter life through hands-on animal care, animal-related activities and creative shelter projects. This new Montreal SPCA summer program is geared towards kids aged eight to 14. Log on here to find out more.
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| Members of the EMSB Parents Committee at Chabad Lifeline. |
In Quebec, it's illegal for individuals under 18 to buy vapes and vape paraphernalia. Chabad Lifeline recently presented on the dangers of vaping to over 700 students at Vincent Massey Collegiate. "The presentation was comprehensive, fact-based, and non-judgmental," said Principal Franca Cristiano. "Students were informed and can now make a better-educated choice. Overall, we are very pleased with our collaboration with Chabad Lifeline. They're doing a great job in our school."
Students from Royal West Academy toured Chabad Lifeline where they learned about their services and discussed addiction with people in recovery. "The response from the students was impressive to me," Royal West Academy Guidance Counsellor Rena Klisouris told the EMSB Focus. "They were clearly affected by what they had heard, whether it touched them personally or a close friend or family member. They even asked me if we can visit the center again! The students saw firsthand what a nonjudgmental and caring place Chabad Lifeline is."
Chabad Lifeline recently met with the EMSB’s Spiritual Animators. "The approach Chabad Lifeline has toward addiction, particularly the spiritual component, brought about a positive reaction and was well received," said Spiritual Animator Aaron Durocher.
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| Rabbi Bresinger and his wife and co-worker Karen with Aaron Durocher. |
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| Having fun at Camp Papillon. |
LEADERSHIP EVENT: Approximately 215 students from 12 different high schools in the EMSB wrapped up their 22nd annual Student Leadership Camp under the theme “Leadership is what we fight for ” at Camp Papillon in Saint-Alphonse-Rodriguez. Every year, students from Secondary I to V convene and are challenged to develop their leadership capacity through a multitude of student-led experiential and team-building activities. What for many often begins with a teacher-encouraged hesitant few steps outside their comfort zones, results in multiple years at camp throughout their high school careers and lifelong memories and friendships. In fact, many of the teacher advisors who accompany students to camp are alumni of the very same program from their times as students at EMSB high schools. The camp is planned from scratch each year. Starting in January, 36 student organizers, hailing from different high schools, come together for weekly meetings where every aspect of this three-day endeavour is planned. Program activities are rehearsed and practiced on each other. Feedback is given. This is where the heart of the program lies; the leadership training and experiences gained by these dedicated student organizers, week after week. If you drop by Westmount High on a Wednesday afternoon to watch these student leaders in action, it’s not uncommon to see graduated alumni of the leadership program back for a visit. See the full recap.
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Back row: Jay Hewlin, Bruce Bolton, Marie Daperis-Griffiths, Stephanie Labasi
Middle row: Nancy Duncan, Afua Agyeiwaa-Boateng, Emma Michelle, Michaela DiCesare, Patricia Lattanzio.
Front row: Stephanie Wang
Missing: John Pevec, Furheen Ahmed
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LMAC HUMAN LIBRARY: The second annual Human Library event recently took place at Laurier Macdonald High School in St. Léonard. This is a concept designed to build a positive framework for conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue. It is a place where real people are on loan to readers and where questions are expected, appreciated and answered. This year’s theme was once again Multiculturalism. Twelve remarkable people came in to speak to three Secondary V English classes, about 100 students, concerning their journeys in life; their challenges and choices. They spoke about their diverse backgrounds, educations, professions, life choices, challenging circumstances and the different paths they took to become the people they are today. One guest, Bruce Bolton, started his story with “At the age of 10 my mother told me I had to learn to play the bagpipes…” and ended with “… and two weeks ago, I shook the hand of HRH Prince Charles.” The students were engaged and asked many great questions. Several actually said that it was a really interesting experience and that they enjoyed listening to the stories much more than they expected to! All of the guests also left expressing how rewarding the experience of sharing their stories was and are looking forward to participating again next year.
The goal was to foster respectful discussions with people the students might not normally get to speak with, and to challenge students’ assumptions, prejudices and stereotypes. Among the guests, life experiences explored included that of a female politician, a retired member of the military, a person questioning their sexuality, an international student, a gentleman who describes living in a brown house as opposed to a white house, a radio show announcer, a missing children’s advocate, a teacher, an actress, a Dawson College shooting survivor, a female business leader, and an injured athlete. Feedback from the event was very positive. For more information about Human Libraries or to organize one at your school, the following resources are a good starting point: the Human Library Organization website and the OLA Human Library Tookit.
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| Tom Murphy takes a selfie. |
SWEETHEARTS AND HEROES: On May 1, Sweethearts and Heroes presented to Laurier Macdonald students. Their mission is to educate our youth about the real impact that bullying has. It was an unforgettable experience; thought-provoking, powerful and very entertaining. They shared how important it is to have empathy, H.O.P.E (Hold on Possibilities Exist), and choosing to be a positive influence on the people around you. Through the sharing of knowledge and open communication, they bring their message to individuals, communities, and corporations, emphatically telling everyone that we all have the potential to be someone’s hero. Tom Murphy is a former undefeated UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and Rick Yarosh is a former US Army Cavalry scout who was badly burned when his Bradley tank was hit by a roadside bomb. Together with their partner, Jason Spector, they teach bystander empowerment, hope and empathy in easy concrete ways that students and educators can understand and implement. For more information, please visit their Facebook site.
A DA VINCI CELEBRATION: The Leonardo Da Vinci Centre in St Léonard is celebrating the 500th anniversary of the master Leonardo Da Vinci. Leonardo Da Vinci Academy was asked to participate in the event to showcase the schools innovative accomplishments. What better way to honour the memory of the true genius of Da Vinci than to showcase its award winning robotics teams! They hosted an exhibition on the evening of May 30 displaying performances to a packed room. Principal Nadia Sammarco was joined by Technology Teacher Tanya Beccat and Robotics facilitator Linda Batzios in introducing our students. The students presented their award winning presentation and then the students had a question answer period where they eloquently explained the process that brought them to the Robocup. They told of their perseverance, trials and tribulations that contributed to them becoming champions! Parents, grandparents and teachers were present to enjoy their accomplishments. LDVA is a school of hard working, creative and determined staff and students, in the true vein of what Leonardo Da Vinci represents
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| LDVA students and their robots in action. |
PROMOTING PHILANTHROPY: As a year-long project, Ms. Cassetta’s Grade 6 class from Nesbitt Elementary School in Rosemount were asked to develop an idea that promoted philanthropy within their community. With the intention of bringing the project to life, all Cycle 3 students joined the Choosing Love and Compassion project, supporting the youth of Dans La Rue. Students and their families donated gently used nap-sacks, schoolbag or sports bag filled with essentials. Thanks to the overwhelming kindness of many wonderful families, Nesbitt collected 40 nap- sacks. Additionally, Reitman’s Canada generously donated $1,000 worth of new clothing. Centre Dentaire St. Léonard also provided 12 cases of oral hygiene products. This wonderful initiative helped raise awareness in the students and sensitize them to the many struggles that teenagers in our own city are dealing with. Donating to such an important organization as Dans La Rue not only helped them achieve their mission, it also empowered them to effect change.
VMC REMEMBRANCE: Spearheaded by Spiritual Care and Guidance and Community Involvement Animator Rocco Speranza and ERC Teacher Kevin Kelly, Secondary IV students, and the SCA Remembrance Committee concluded a yearlong community outreach program with Ste. Anne’s Veterans Residence. Over 30 guests visited Vincent Massey Collegiate in order to connect with the students. Sharing a delicious meal that ended with freshly baked desserts was perfect for the chilly day. The visit provided wonderful company for veterans and created long lasting memories and ties for students. Community lunches create strong and unforgettable bonds between students and guests. You can read about wars and the importance of remembering in textbooks, however when you have guests from: WWII, Korea, Bosnia, Rwanda, and Afghanistan sharing a meal and a laugh with you in person, you are experiencing these events on a much deeper level. These experiences are priceless this was the 15th annual Community Veterans lunch that Mr. Speranza and students have organized. The conversations at these lunches help students to develop their inner lives and personal values. Performances from members of VMC’s Glee Club, soloists, and spectacular guitar and piano performed from Mr. Atme, entertained the guests. A big thank you to VMC staff, students, and Mrs. Didi for aiding with the organization of the lunch.
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| Meeting with the veterans. |
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| Participants get ready for the Spirit Quest. |
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| Edward Murphy students get out in the community. |
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| Preparing for a cleanup. |
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| Scenes from a Saint Gabriel Mother's Day. |
MOTHER’S DAY DINNER: The SEEDS 2 students from Saint Gabriel Elementary hosted a Mother’s Day dinner on May 9. The students decided on the menu, grocery shopped, prepared and cooked the food. They created centerpieces and set the tables for the evening. Each Mom was presented with a book of poems written by their child. Fun was had by all and many laughs shared while we played “Telestrations.” Happy Mother’s Day!
GREATER MONTREAL DAY: For Global TV’s Greater Montreal Day FACE School students undertook a Kind Acts Day on May 9. Kindergarten students wrote cards of support to victims of the floods in St Marthe Other students delivered their kind acts in the front school yard and the sidewalks, offering free lemonade/baked goods and spreading happiness and cheer to students and passersby on the street through positive fortunes, personally made comic strips, hugs and high five. This was a student led initiative, credits Spiritual Animator Elizabeth Pellicone. Also for Global Montreal's #GreaterMontrealDay, Grade 4 students and staff members from Dalkeith visited the Grace Dart Extended Care Centre to conduct activities with seniors citizens from our community! The program was organized by Spiritual and Community Animator, Vince Lacroce.
ESCAPE ROOM: Here is our video on an Escape Room experience at Nesbitt Elementary School with the stars of The Beat 92.5 FM morning show. Here is the video.
A RESILIENT PLACE TO BE: Another year, another theme! This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week took place the first week of May. The theme this year was Resilience. High school students were busy collecting different coping skills that have helped them be resilient during challenging times and that they wished to share with others. Student Services will be building a mental health awareness toolkit to be shared with all schools. At the elementary level, the Grade 6 students prepared tool kits to help prepare the kindergarten students for entry to Grade 1 in September, and the results were impressive! Bulletin boards with coping strategies were created by LINKS High School (Shannen Ciricillo), LaurenHill Academy, John F. Kennedy (JFK) James Lyng (Darlene O’Connor and Stephanie Kaplan), Royal West Academy (Mental Health Awareness Committee), Vincent Massey Collegiate (Ms. Cline), and Lester B. Pearson High School (Natasha Krsteski). The Lester B. Pearson High School Mental Health Awareness Committee organized an entire week of mental health awareness activities including workshops for students on addictions awareness and prevention, resilience, how to make your own toolkit and more! A highlight was the beautiful toolboxes and calming kits that were created by Leonardo Da Vinci Academy Cycle 3 students. They created a “calm-down toolkit” for the kindergarten classes which included sensory bottles, sensory boards, coloring pages, bubbles, stress balls, and yoga cards. The kindergarten students were even shown how to use the items from their older peers!
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| Students at James Lyng take part in Mental Health Awareness Week. |
At the school board level, there were two separate workshops. The first was on Emotional Intelligence and Resilience presented by Sandra Reich, who shared how the emotional intelligence of EMSB employees can be developed, and gave them tools on how to be more resilient. The second workshop on Resilience was given to professionals, teachers, and principals, by a world-renowned expert on the topic, Dr. Michael Unger. The focus of that talk was on the role of the schools and the community in building resilience in children and adolescents. Both were empowering talks given to a full house! The MHRC committee thanks everyone for their participation and we support the building of everyone’s resilience to get to the end of the school year!
ALOUETTES NIGHT: The annual EMSB Night for the Montreal Alouettes will take place on Thursday, June 6. This is a pre-season game vs. the Ottawa Red Blacks and as a result tickets will cost only $10. Go to https://www.montrealalouettes.com/promotion, the code will be ‘EMSB19.' It is hoped that Royal Vale graduate Christopher Valentine, a wide receiver, will be in the Als lineup:
IMPACT NIGHT: The traditional “EMSB Night” will take place on Wednesday, June 26 (7:30 p.m.) when the Impact host the Portland Timbers at Saputo Stadium. Tickets are priced for EMSB families at a $20 each. Some of the proceeds from ticket sales will go towards Inspirations, a publication dedicated to the special needs community. Purchases are online only at www.emsb.qc.ca/impact. Two students will be awarded the prestigious Tony Licursi Scholarship that come with $500 bursaries.
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| Édouard and Antoine. |
SAVING DOLLARS: It is never too early to start teaching children about money. Carlyle is pleased to announce the establishment of its own Investment Club. One staff member, Miss Daizy, is introducing the basics of finance and investing to our students. Teaching the basics in earning, saving, spending and investing are important lifelong lessons. "Providing our children the opportunity to learn about money will help teach them how to use money responsibly, the appreciation of saving and the benefits of investing," said Ms. Petrocca. "Our kids can grow up to be part of a more prepared and financial savvy generation!"
LET'S MAKE A CHANGE: Here is a link from latest YouTube music video featuring the Grade 6 students from Carlyle performing a song entitled “Let's Make a Change.” As Pedagogical Arts Consultant Nicholas Doyon notes, "they not only perform it, they also wrote it." Under the direction of their music teacher Christine Crawford, the students composed the song for ukulele, xylophone, piano and voice. In various groups, they wrote all the lyrics, melodies and rhythms from scratch. The song was initially composed for their exhibition project under the IB unit “Who’s In Charge” and it was inspired by the theme of politics and governments. It is a powerful song that promotes positive social change by accepting diversity and being kind to one another.
NEW FILM PROMOTED: The Grizzlies is an inspiring true story based on a group of students in a small Arctic town with the highest suicide rate in North America who find transformation and hope through sport. The producers of the movie are trying to reach as many educators in Canada as possible to let them know about the film and the fact that they are in the midst of creating an education plan . "We know this film will speak to educators across Canada," said Jenna MacMillan, a creative executive with Northwood Entertainment. The film is playing at Cinéma Forum in Montreal. It was the number one Canadian film at the Canadian Box for four weeks in a row. Here is the trailer.
LET'S MAKE A CHANGE: Here is a link from latest YouTube music video featuring the Grade 6 students from Carlyle performing a song entitled “Let's Make a Change.” As Pedagogical Arts Consultant Nicholas Doyon notes, "they not only perform it, they also wrote it." Under the direction of their music teacher Christine Crawford, the students composed the song for ukulele, xylophone, piano and voice. In various groups, they wrote all the lyrics, melodies and rhythms from scratch. The song was initially composed for their exhibition project under the IB unit “Who’s In Charge” and it was inspired by the theme of politics and governments. It is a powerful song that promotes positive social change by accepting diversity and being kind to one another.
NEW FILM PROMOTED: The Grizzlies is an inspiring true story based on a group of students in a small Arctic town with the highest suicide rate in North America who find transformation and hope through sport. The producers of the movie are trying to reach as many educators in Canada as possible to let them know about the film and the fact that they are in the midst of creating an education plan . "We know this film will speak to educators across Canada," said Jenna MacMillan, a creative executive with Northwood Entertainment. The film is playing at Cinéma Forum in Montreal. It was the number one Canadian film at the Canadian Box for four weeks in a row. Here is the trailer.
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| Eleni Bakopanos, Jennifer Maccarone, Nico Yannakis, Joanne Charron, Elias Makos, Olivia Quesnel and Zoi Batsis. |
C.A.R.E. FUNDRAISER: The Centre d’activités récreatives et éducatives (C.A.R.E.) held its most successful fundraising gala yet on May 2 at the Hellenic Community Centre of Montreal. C.A.R.E. provides programming for adults with severe physical disabilities aged 21 and up. It is the only English-speaking service of its kind in the city. That supports programming that is accessible to clients who are wheelchair users, require assistance with most activities of daily living and who use augmentative communication, all while maintaining a low client to staff ratio. C.A.R.E. is part of the Wagar Adult Education Centre in Côte Saint-Luc The event raised over $40,000 and was hosted by CJAD’s Elias Makos, a graduate of the EMSB’s LaurenHill Academy in St. Laurent. Former EMSB parent commissioner Joanne Charron is the new interim president of C.A.R.E. Her son Nico Yannakis now attends that school.
CAREER FAIR: The Saint Laurent Adult Education Centre hosted its fourth annual Career Fair on May 9. All attendees were welcomed by the sight of colourful balloons, and the scent of fresh desserts complimentary of the chefs and students from St. Pius X Culinary Institute and Business Centre. Opportunity filled the air as students explored a room full of possibilities. The various participants in attendance included: Laurier Macdonald Career Center, Shadd Health and Business Center, Rosemont Technology Center, St. Pius X Career Centre, institutes of higher learning, Montreal Fire and Police departments, Canadian Armed Forces, financial institutions, employment agencies, and volunteer initiatives. Students were also given the opportunity to apply for jobs within Air Canada and McDonald’s.
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| Students take part in the Career Fair. |
Excitement lingered throughout the day! The level of enthusiasm from students, staff, and presenters was tremendous. The professionals’ passion was evident throughout their engaging displays. Their knowledge and expertise quickly captivated our students’ attention. Students were able to gather information and actively participate in demonstrations. Ultimately they were able to connect with recruiters, community workers, and academic advisors to better plan their short to long term goals. This occasion exposed them to a world of new ideas. The event was a huge success as students left feeling hopeful for the future! Feedback was extremely positive and both presenters and students welcomed developing partnerships through the centre. Organizer and Re-education Counsellor Annette Lacroce added: “The ambiance in school today was incredible. Thank you to all of our supporters for going above and beyond, for inspiring our students, and for making a difference in their lives.”
ÉDITION DU 23 MAI 2019 / BULLETIN DE LA CSEM
SEMAINE DES SERVICES DE GARDE : Les élèves des services de garde B.A.S.E. (Before and After School Enriched) de la CSEM ont célébré la Semaine québécoise de la garde scolaire qui a eu lieu du 13 au 17 mai sous le thème « La garde scolaire s’affiche! » L’Association québécoise de la garde scolaire (AQGS) a voulu rendre hommage au personnel œuvrant dans les services de garde scolaire ainsi qu’aux élèves! Le merveilleux environnement des services de garde offerts avant et après l’école est un lieu unique où les élèves peuvent passer du temps avec leurs amis dans une atmosphère plus détendue, tout en découvrant de nouvelles activités fort intéressantes que proposent les programmes B.A.S.E. Grâce au travail acharné de notre équipe du centre administratif composée de techniciennes, d’éducatrices et d’animatrices en services de garde, les élèves peuvent pleinement profiter de cette expérience. Les services de garde B.A.S.E. ont organisé des activités spéciales dans leur école respective tout au long de la semaine, qu’il s’agisse de camions de cuisine de rue, de jeux, d’activités dansantes et plus encore! L’AQGS et l'École branchée ont conçu un cahier d'activités (disponible en français sur leur site Web) en lien avec le thème du cinéma. Les activités encouragent les élèves à créer de courtes vidéos et des documentaires sur leur expérience au service de garde offert à leur école. Ce thème cadre parfaitement avec le volet éducatif de B.A.S.E axé sur la sensibilisation aux médias. Pour en savoir davantage sur toutes les activités offertes dans les Services de garde B.A.S.E. à la CSEM, consultez notre blogue à https://daycare-matters.com/.
RECONNAISSANCE DU PERSONNEL ENSEIGNANT : Dans le cadre de la Journée de reconnaissance du personnel enseignant à la CSEM, trois enseignants se sont vu remettre des prix sous forme de cartes-cadeaux chez P.F. Chang’s et La Cage Brasserie sportive. La cérémonie a eu lieu le 8 mai à l’école primaire Cedacrest à Saint-Laurent et fut coparrainée par Breakfast Television de City. La CSEM a instauré cette cérémonie il y a cinq ans afin de coïncider avec la Journée nationale des enseignants aux États-Unis. Une foule de mises en candidature de la part de parents, enseignants et élèves ont été présentées dans les trois catégories suivantes : secteur des jeunes, secteur de l’éducation des adultes ainsi qu’éducation physique et à la santé. Adrian Saad, directeur régional du Groupe Sportscene, propriétaire de P.F. Chang’s et La Cage, a remis des cartes-cadeaux d’une valeur de 100 $ aux enseignants Stephanie Vezina-Tulli (éducation physique et santé) de l’école Cedarcrest; Andrew Adams de l’Académie LaurenHill et Nicolina Sindici du Centre d’éducation des adultes Saint-Laurent. Catherine Verdon-Diamond de Breakfast Television Montreal a réalisé des entrevues en direct de l’école et a agi à titre de maître de cérémonie pour la remise des prix.
COMPÉTITION ROBOCUP JUNIOR: La Commission scolaire English-Montréal (CSEM) a été représentée par 14 écoles à l’occasion de la compétition RoboCupJunior 2019 qui s'est tenue à l'école secondaire Westmount les 26 et 27 avril. Au nombre des participants, mentionnons des élèves de 12 écoles primaires de la CSEM (Bancroft sur le Plateau; Cedarcrest, Gardenview et Parkdale à Saint-Laurent; Coronation à Côte-des-Neiges; Dalkeith à Anjou; Edinburgh à Montréal-Ouest; Général Vanier et Honoré-Mercier à Saint-Léonard; Our Lady of Pompei à Ahuntsic; Pierre Elliott Trudeau à Rosemont et Royal Vale à NDG) de même que deux écoles secondaires (Académie Royal West à Montréal-Ouest et Collège Vincent Massey à Rosemont).
Cedarcrest et Gardenview ont terminé au premier rang dans deux catégories, tandis que Général Vanier, Vincent Massey et Royal West ont remporté les honneurs dans diverses compétitions. RoboCupJunior Québec est l’événement officiel pour permettre à des équipes de se qualifier dans les défis OnStage, Rescue et Soccer afin de prendre part à la Compétition et au Symposium RoboCup International. Cette année, cet événement international aura lieu à Sydney en Australie et en 2020, à Bordeaux en France. Toutes les équipes participantes doivent concevoir, programmer et construire une série de robots pour exécuter une tâche assignée en fonction de leur catégorie d'intérêt. Ces tâches sont développées par une équipe internationale d'experts en programmes STIAM provenant des quatre coins de la planète. Nous vous invitons à consulter l’intégral du communiqué.
EXPO-SCIENCES: Des élèves de la Commission scolaire English-Montréal (CSEM) ont exposé leurs projets scientifiques lors de la finale régionale de l'Expo-sciences de Montréal et du Défi apprenti génie qui se tenaient les 10 et 11 mai à l'école primaire Dante de Saint-Léonard. Le vendredi 10 mai, Martin Bédard des Alouettes de Montréal a rendu visite aux élèves durant les heures d’ouverture au public. Le 11 mai avait lieu la cérémonie de remise des prix dans le gymnase. Les élèves du primaire ont présenté leur projet Expo-sciences individuellement ou en équipe de deux, sous l’une des formes suivantes : expérimentation, conception ou projet de recherche dans l'un des sept domaines scientifiques identifiés. Bien plus qu’une compétition scientifique, cette exposition fut l’occasion pour les élèves de démontrer leur ingéniosité, leur créativité et leur persévérance grâce à une approche investigatrice. Outre l’Expo-sciences, le Réseau Technoscience offre également aux élèves du primaire l’occasion de participer au Défi apprenti génie. Pour l’année scolaire 2018-2019, ce défi consiste à concevoir un véhicule qui doit descendre un plan incliné et s’arrêter le plus près possible d’une cible. Les élèves de la CSEM ont présenté à eux seuls 27 projets parmi les 48 exposés dans le cadre de l’Expo-sciences. Au total, ce sont 44 élèves de la CSEM qui ont pris part à ces deux compétitions. Les écoles suivantes ont participé à cette compétition : Dante, Honoré Mercier et Pierre de Coubertin à Saint-Léonard; et l’école Royal Vale à Montréal.
DÉMÉNAGEMENT DE WILLINGDON : À compter de l'année scolaire 2019-2020, l'école primaire Willingdon de NDG accueillera ses élèves de 5e et 6e années dans son campus senior situé dans l'ancienne école St. Ignatius de Loyola, à l’angle des avenues Coronation et Somerled. Les inspections des installations sont en cours et, à la lumière des résultats obtenus jusqu'à présent, le conseil d'établissement de l'école a décidé d'aller de l'avant avec le projet. La CSEM procédera donc au réaménagement du bâtiment au cours de l'été afin d’y accueillir les 150 élèves du troisième cycle de l'école primaire dès septembre. Le bâtiment original sur la rue de Terrebonne accueillera les cinq nouvelles classes de maternelle ainsi que les anciens élèves dans les classes de la 1re à la 4e année. Le conseil d’établissement de l’école a adopté une motion plus tôt cette année visant à accepter l’offre de la CSEM d’ajouter un deuxième bâtiment devant le problème de surpopulation à Willingdon. Le bâtiment sur l’avenue Coronation abrite actuellement deux écoles secondaires innovatrices (Focus et Outreach), qui seront relocalisées dans les installations de l’école secondaire James Lyng à Saint-Henri.
Une cérémonie d’inauguration au cours de laquelle aura lieu la coupe du ruban est prévue au début de la nouvelle année scolaire, en septembre. Au nombre des rénovations visant à sécuriser et à embellir l’école, mentionnons : réparation des casiers; travaux de peinture; sécurisation de la clôture extérieure entourant l'école; création d'une nouvelle bibliothèque/d’un carrefour d'apprentissage, d'une salle de musique, d'un laboratoire scientifique/d'une classe d’expérimentation et d'un laboratoire de nutrition; rénovation de la scène de l’auditorium et nouveau système de sonorisation; et travaux de réparation dans les salles de classe. Les salles de classe ont été conçues en tenant compte des réalités du XXIe siècle propres aux cycles supérieurs, y compris les principes du cadre pédagogique Universal Design for Learning. Les effectifs scolaires moindres dans le bâtiment d'origine sur la rue Terrebonne (environ 430 élèves pour l'année scolaire 2019-2020) seront bénéfiques à plusieurs égards. Un système d’autobus scolaires a été mis en place pour accommoder ceux qui marchent pour se rendre à l’école et les frères et sœurs qui voyagent ensemble. Les autobus scolaires déposeront en premier les élèves au campus Terrebonne le matin, puis laisseront les élèves du campus senior à Coronation. À la fin de la journée, les autobus iront d’abord chercher les élèves du campus senior et effectueront un premier arrêt au campus junior.
Le fort populaire programme prolongé sera offert à partir du campus junior; certaines activités à l’heure du dîner et après l’école pourraient avoir lieu au campus senior.
AUTISM SPEAKS CANADA : Tous les ans, Autism Speaks Canada (ASC) organise des marches d’un bout à l’autre du Canada. À Montréal, la marche se tiendra cette année le dimanche 9 juin de 9 h à 12 h 30 au Complexe sportif Tomlinson (475, avenue des Pins Ouest) de l’Université McGill. Joignez-vous à l’équipe Inspirations/CSEM, dirigée par les co-capitaines madame Alana et madame Marita de l’école primaire Edward Murphy. Participez à cet événement tout en vous amusant et en amassant des fonds. Les marches d’ASC constituent la plus importante initiative annuelle de collecte de fonds de l’organisme. Ces marches rassemblent la communauté tout en permettant de nouer des liens, de se familiariser avec le soutien offert, de sensibiliser la population et de recueillir des fonds. Les sommes amassées appuient l’accès aux ressources, la programmation inclusive, les services destinés aux jeunes adultes, les subventions au sein de la communauté et la recherche de pointe. Inscrivez-vous dès aujourd’hui à ASCwalk.ca. Pour plus d’informations, veuillez communiquer avec Krista Leitham à kristaleitham@autismspeakscan.ca
ALOUETTES : La Soirée annuelle CSEM et les Alouettes de Montréal aura lieu le jeudi 6 juin. Il s'agit d'un match présaison contre les Red Blacks d'Ottawa. Le coût des billets est fixé à seulement 10 $. Pour en faire l’achat, rendez-vous sur https://www.montrealalouettes.com/promotion et introduisez le code promotionnel « EMSB19 ». Reportez-vous aux liens ci-dessous. Il est à souhaiter que Christopher Valentine, diplômé de Royal Vale et receveur éloigné, sera de l’alignement des Alouettes pour ce match. :
IMPACT: La traditionnelle Soirée de la CSEM aura lieu le mercredi 26 juin à 19 h 30 alors que l’Impact accueillera les Tumbers de Portland au Stade Saputo. Les familles de la CSEM peuvent se procurer des billets au coût de 20 $ chacun. Une part du produit de la vente des billets sera versée à Inspirations, une publication dédiée à la communauté ayant des besoins particuliers. Les billets sont en vente en ligne seulement, à www.emsb.qc.ca/impact. Deux élèves recevront la prestigieuse bourse d'études Tony Licursi d’une valeur de 500 $.
The next Focus newsletter will be published on June 17. Please send in any submissions by June 12.
