MARCH 23, 2022 EDITION / VOLUME 24 NUMBER 7/ THE OFFICIAL BULLETIN OF THE EMSB (MIKE COHEN, EDITOR/MANON BOURASSA, TRANSLATION)

Dad Simon D'Agostino, Chair Joe Ortona, Principal Otis Delaney, Melodie, Commissioner James Kromida and mom  Laura Dogramadjian.

STUDENT OF THE MONTH:   Melodie D'Agostino, a Grade 6 student at Cedarcrest Elementary School in St. Laurent, is the EMSB Student of the Month for March. She has been raising money for the Montreal Children’s Foundation under the theme of mental health. 

Students who achieved Principal’s List, with their proud Principal Tony Pita  

LBPHS HONOUR ROLL: Academics have taken center stage at Lester B. Pearson High School (LBPHS) in Montreal North as 513 students, more than half the population, qualified for the school’s Honour Roll this term.In order to make the Honour Roll, students must have an average of 80 percent or higher. LBPHS also maintains a Diligence List, which recognizes students nominated by their teachers for their excellence in academics or student life. Seventy-one students made the Principal's List, with over 90 percent. Last term, 44 students earned this award.  

Devon Packer

ROYAL VALE PIANO PRODIGY:  Devon Packer, a Secondary V student at Royal Vale School in NDG, has won the grand prize at this year's Commonwealth International Composition Award (CICA).  He was chosen by the organization, Commonwealth Resounds, which has as its mission to connect musical cultures and to promote initiatives and partnerships in Commonwealth countries.   The 16-year-old pianist has been at Royal Vale since Kindergarten and began studying piano at the McGill Conservatory of Music at the age of five. His first major performance was at the age of seven, when he debuted as a soloist with the Orchestra symphonique de l’Isle, playing Haydn’s “Divertimento in C Major.”  He has appeared at multiple venues in Canada, Europe, and the United States, including New York’s prestigious Carnegie Hall. Devon is also an accomplished arranger and composer. He had his first composition, “The Fantastical World of Camelot,” published in 2015 when he was 10 years old.  “This award means the world to me!” says Devon, who will now prepare to perform one of his works for the Grande première des futures étoiles (Grand Premiere of Future Stars), taking place this June at Place des Arts.    

For the complete press release click here

EMSB EXPRESS NEWSPAPER: The spring edition of the EMSB Express Newspaper has been published. It includes a special section on the EMSB Diversity and Inclusivity campaign, a preview of our virtual Volunteer Appreciation evening, Accolades and the AEVS report. You can read the online version here.

SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE: EMSB schools and centres are doing what they can to show their support for the country of Ukraine as its citizens endure a Russian invasion. The team of Spiritual and Community Animators are also thinking of a longer-term engagement as we welcome Ukrainian refugees to the city. The Council of Commissioners adopted a resolution on March 23, indicating to competent government authorities that the EMSB  is willing to accept Ukrainian refugees immediately on a humanitarian basis.  The Charter of the French Language does have a humanitarian clause allowing for the admission to the English school system under exceptional circumstances.

Students gather at the church.

CHURCH DONATIONS: Nesbitt Elementary School in Rosemount, under the supervision of Spiritual and Community Animator Vince Lacroce, partnered with a local Ukrainian Church (Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral of Sainte Sophie) in a humanitarian effort to provide support for the Ukrainian people. The school community has been fundraising for baby and children’s supplies, personal hygiene products, and non-perishable food items. On Wednesday March 17, Cycle 2 and 3 students walked their donations over to the Ukrainian Church where they were met by Father Volodymyr Kouchnir who asked students to deposit their donations in the church basement. The Sainte Sophie Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral will distribute donated to items to Ukrainian refugees when they arrive in Montreal.  See this report on CityNews.

INDOOR PEACE PICNIC: Lester B. Pearson High School in Montreal North, with Spiritual and Community Animator Joseph Monachino,  has plans for an indoor peace picnic on March 30, with songs for peace and live performances. They will also have a dress down day for fundraising. Laurier Macdonald High School in St. Léonard will collect food and toiletries. Moments of silence have already been held at both schools. 

Teacher Nadia Santagata speaks with students. (CTV Photo)

CONVERSATIONS AT LAURENHILL: As reported by CTV, a teacher at LaurenHill Academy in St. Laurent, leads open conversations about the invasion in her history and geography classes. She is helping students navigate the facts and so-called fake news since everybody is already seeing the headlines. Teaching Grade 7 and 8 students on the junior campus, Nadia Santagata uses news headlines to guide class conversations. She said her students are curious. “To see that intrigue and interest at such a young age is really fascinating, but as you can imagine the discussions can be quite intimidating and scary and difficult.” In the classroom, discussions help students process the information that many view through unverified sources on their phones. Last week the school encouraged students to wear blue and yellow — the colours of the Ukrainian flag — to show their solidarity and to collect money and donations for its citizens.

COLLECTING DONATIONS: Students, staff and families from Leonardo Da Vinci Academy in RDP answered the growing call to collect donations for Ukrainian refugees. Over the past two weeks, the school community collected non-perishable items, hygiene items for adults and children, cleaning products, toys and items for the home. These goods were boxed and transported by parents to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Church for distribution. Additionally, students prepared letters and drawings for each child to welcome them to Canada.   Take a look at their journey in this video. 

VMC STUDENTS: Lindsay Pozihun and Sophie Alu, students at Vincent Massey Collegiate, baked cupcakes and raised $3,704 for Ukrainian relief. See this video report by Domenic Fazioli.

Dr. Zev Neuwirth

LAUDING ZEV NEUWIRTH: EMSB Commissioner Ellie Israel moved a resolution lauding the work of former EMSB Commissioner Dr. Zev Neuwirth on the work he is doing at the Urkainian-Moldovan border to assist refugees. He went there with two of his sons on behalf of  United Hatzalah of Israel, an organization with which he volunteers on international disaster missions.   It is remarkable story you can read here in The Miami Herald.  You can also see this CBS interview.

FRENCH PODCAST: The EMSB is very excited to announce a new joint project between our Marketing and Communications and Educational Services Departments—a French podcast. It is hosted by Educational Consultants Nicolas Doyon and Marlene Boudreault. As we like to say, at the EMSB --- Être bilingue, c’est gagnant! ---   Below is the link to our very first episode, with some of the winners of the  Robert Alfred Peck Awards.    Please listen   here.

FRENCH FOR THE FUTURE: Students from several EMSB high schools – Royal Vale, Royal West, Marymount, Westmount, John F. Kennedy and Laurier Macdonald- participated in the annual French for The Future Conference virtually, on March 18. Each year, 300 students enrolled in Secondary III to V participate in the forum. This highly anticipated annual event puts the French language in the spotlight. During this day of activities, students   attended fun and interactive programming completely in French. Workshops were also  made available throughout La semaine de la Francophonie from March 21 to 25.

HOLOCAUST EXHIBIT: Beginning this week, the lobby of Westmount High School has become much more than a thoroughfare as it  plays host to a traveling Holocaust exhibition. The exhibit, which focuses on Holocaust survivors and their stories, will be at the school until the end of March. Over the next two weeks, all students and staff will have the opportunity to visit the exhibit at their leisure as well as teachers will also schedule class visits throughout the day. For students, the exhibit builds upon prior lessons on the Holocaust. As Holocaust education is a mandatory component of the EMSB curriculum, Spiritual and Community Animators provide age-appropriate Holocaust education throughout the year. Students regularly receive in-person or virtual visits from Holocaust survivors, attend field trips to the Montreal Holocaust Museum as well various other lessons via books, movies and digital platforms.  

AN INSPIRING ADDRESS FROM WANDA KAGAN: Barbados House Montreal Association hosted a live Zoom event for International Women's Day featuring Wanda Kagan, a childhood friend and former Westmount High School classmate Kamala Harris, today the Vice President of the United States. Ms. Kagan works as a university teaching assistant at the CIUSSS West-Central Montreal, coordinating medical residents and student rotations for

Wanda Kagan

McGill. Her topic was Turning My Wounds into Wisdom.  A mother of two, Wanda’s volunteerism extends to fundraising, mentoring and empowering our youth.   She confided to the group that as a teenager she was being emotionally and sexually abused by her stepfather. Harris’s family took her in. “Living in that house greatly influenced me for years,” she recalls.  When she was running with now President Joe Biden, Harris referred to Wanda’s situation.   Wanda also referred to how she overcame some challenges in life after high school and a health crisis involving her son. But through perseverance she and her family got through it. Today, she is still in touch with Vice President Harris and when asked she agreed to do her part to encourage a visit to Westmount High School during this mandate. “I am so proud of my friend,” she said. “Any woman can make history; only one can write history. Here is a story about her from Fox News. 

Jennifer Maccarone with Principal Giovanni Iammarrone, Vice Principal Holly Kusiewicz and students.

VISIT FROM MNA: Students at Westmount Park Elementary School received a special visit from Jennifer Maccarone, MNA for Westmount-Saint Louis this week. Ms. Maccarone visited the school to present Certificates of Recognition as well as two medals from then National Assembly of Quebec to students. Select students were recognized for their perseverance, determination, academic achievement and citizenship. Additionally, she presented a special honour to Alexandra Zorbas on her 30 years of teaching at Westmount Park Elementary School.

HOOKED ON SCHOOL:  Laurier Macdonald High School would like to congratulate Adamo Azzuelo. Adamo was the recipient of the Montreal Hooked on School Days Perseverance certificate. He is a conscientious Secondary V student who has overcome challenges to succeed academically. He is an excellent sportsman and always has a good attitude, whether he wins or loses.  Michel Bissonette, Mayor of Saint-Leonard, Borough Councillor Suzanne De Larochelliere and Leo the Mascot were present to mark the occasion, along with Adamo’s family, Ms. Wa’an and Ms. Celzi. His teachers and family are so pleased for him!  Also, for Hooked on School Week, St. Gabriel students created some amazing quilts titled Messages to the World about Staying in School.  

THE LOVE LETTER: After viewing Merrill Matthews’, The Love Letter, the Grade 5 students at Honoré Mercier Elementary School in St. Léonard were truly inspired and impressed by the cast of I Can Dream Theatre. The singers, dancers and actors were so talented and exuded such confidence! All the musical numbers were very entertaining, the students especially enjoyed the cast dancing to Michael Jackson’s Thriller in The Tale of Macbeth(ish). As the film came to an end, everyone agreed that seeing the cast of I Can Dream Theatre in a live production would be awesome! 

Patricia Lattanzio addresses students.

MP LATTANZIO VISITS: Spiritual and Community Animator,Mary Poullas invited Patricia Lattanzio, Member of Parliament of St. Leonard to the Grade 6 class of Marianne Nudo at Dante Elementary School in St. Leonard. Ms. Lattanzio, a former EMSB school commissioner, inspired the students to be great leaders of tomorrow and what it takes to persevere. The students were prepared with questions concerning her career and her political accomplishments. 

EMSB CALENDARS: The 2022-23 School Calendars have been adopted. The first day of school will be August 30. Christmas holiday break is set to be the last week of December and the first week of January. March Break will be March 6 to 10.

FACE PRODUCTION: On February 24 and 25, the Grade 10E students of FACE School put up their production of Suburban Motel, a six- play cycle by George F. Walker, who is considered one of Canada’s most prolific and widely-produced playwrights both in Canada and internationally.  

The presentation of the play.

Under the direction of their amazing Drama teacher Rita Saad, they performed two of the six one-act tragicomedies; Problem Child and Criminal Genius.  The performances were outstanding and a great time was had by our students, faculty and parents. 

LDV JETS:  Leonardo Da Vinci Academy in RDP is proud to announce its partnership with Next Level Hockey   for the 2022-23 school year! With head coach and former professional hockey player Michael Buonincontri, LDVA is passionate about focusing & improving the specific details of the game for forwards, defensemen and goaltenders, as well as a Learn to Skate Program as early as pre-K! More details to follow. The LDVA Jets are ready to soar!!

MAKER FAIR: Educational Services plans on presenting a live Maker Fair event this coming spring.  

Iwan Edwards

IWAN EDWARDS REMEMBERED:   The Canadian choral community lost one of its most influential conductors on March 4, Iwan Edwards. He brought the love of singing and choral music to countless students and choristers over several generations and was a mentor to many young conductors who have gone on to lead successful and meaningful careers across Canada. Founder of the St. Lawrence Choir, former chorus master of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, guest conductor of the National Youth Choir in 1998 and 1999, conductor of the Ottawa Society, as well as founder of Concerto Della Donna young women’s ensemble, the Canadian Chamber Choir and the Choeur des enfants de Montréal, Iwan had two unique ties with the PSBGM. He was on the ground floor when FACE School was established, where he founded the celebrated FACE Treble Choir. He was also the first conductor (1980 to 1984) of the PSBGM Children’s Chorus, which later became the PSBGM Chorale, now known as the EMSB Chorale. The EMSB Chorale joins hundreds of choristers and conductors across the country in offering condolences to Iwan’s family and to the many people of all ages who sang with joy and were inspired under his direction.  See this Gazette story.

Anna Maria Civitella and her wonderful dolls.

DOLLS THAT LOOK LIKE US: A few years ago, Anna Maria Civitella, came to a realization: children with disabilities didn’t often see themselves reflected in the toys they played with. No dolls with hearing aids, no teddy bears with feeding tubes, no action figures with leg braces. So, Ms. Civitella, an Occupational Therapist with the CIUSSS West Central Montreal at the Mackay Centre and Philip E. Layton Schools, decided to do something about it. In an initiative that consumed hours of her time and rallied support from several partners, her dream has become a reality. She’s collected more than 90 toys, incorporating a range of disabilities, for the children at the NDG schools. The project is about more than playthings for the schoolchildren, who have motor, visual, hearing and language impairments. To Ms. Civitella, the toys send a powerful message about acceptance and inclusion. You can see the full story. 

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART:   Dr. David Langleben (right),  the director of the Center for Pulmonary Vascular Disease at the Jewish General Hospital, will be at a special guest at this spring’s Jump Rope for Heart event at Royal Vale Elementary School.

VOW OF SILENCE: On February 22, nearly 100 students from Laurier Macdonald High School engaged in an important initiative organized by Spiritual Community Animator Joseph Monachino and International Baccalaureate Valerie Barnabé, in order to raise awareness about the silencing effect of bullying.  The students had the opportunity to become “silent” for one full school day in solidarity with children who are experiencing the mental, physical, and emotionally silencing effects of bullying.  By exercising their power to advocate for children’s voices, the students from LMAC helped spread awareness and understanding of the silencing effect that bullying can have physically, emotionally, and mentally.  Congratulations to all the students that participated and took part in this worthy cause.  The LMAC community is proud of each and every one of you and of your commitment to creating awareness and beginning the process to end bullying in all its forms.

A selection of photos.

PHOTOS OF CONFIDENCE: “It takes a village to raise a child,” goes the saying. For Laurier Macdonald HS, this village includes La Maison de Jeunes de Saint-Leonard and Pact de Rue, two partners the school has created ties with thanks to their Community Learning Center and its link to Le Collectif Jeunesse de Saint-Leonard. Thanks to them, we recently hosted two days of confidence and self-esteem building workshops that culminated with professional photo shoots for the participants.  Self-confidence means trusting in your own judgment, capacities and abilities. It is about valuing yourself and feeling worthy, regardless of any imperfections or what others may believe about you. This is often difficult for students. The workshops began by having them exploring how they feel about themselves, how the opinion of others affects that and how they can work at putting themselves first in their own esteem. After lunch, the students had their photos taken by a professional photographer who has trained and worked in the modeling industry. It was spectacular! Amid giggles and shy attempts at flamboyant modeling poses, the transformations in their smiles and body postures were both subtle and so dramatic.  The students had been gifted their pictures. They will serve as a physical reminder of how confident and powerful they felt while taking them. "I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Myriam of Pact de Rue and Gabriella and Mohammed of La Maison de Jeunes de Saint-Leonard for giving our students this empowering opportunity, and we look forward to repeating the project with them!"  said CLC Coordinator Bobbie Variantzas.

A lecture on the subject at Nesbitt.

NUTRITION MONTH: To celebrate Nutrition Month at Nesbitt Elementary School in Rosemount and Pierre de Coubertin Elementary School in St. Leonard, Secondary IV and V, five students from Rosemount High School, alongside Spiritual and Community Animator Vince Lacroce, collaborated on interactive workshops highlighting the importance of proper nutrition, exercise, positive body image, social media influences, and self-esteem. This month-long initiative included testimonials from students and Mr. Lacroce about the effects of bullying and of negative self-talk and included techniques to help promote a healthy lifestyle.  The “Imperfectly Perfect” program will culminate in April with outdoor yoga sessions.

Steven Atme at JFK High School.

THE STEVEN ATME TOUR:  For the eighth year in a row, the inspirational and award-winning Steven Atme and Spiritual Care & Guidance, and Community Involvement Animator Rocco Speranza have teamed up for a series of presentations titled “Special People Have Dreams.” During visits to Edward Murphy School, East Hill School, and John F. Kennedy High School, The Power of One Mystery Machine tour aimed to inspire students and youth on how their “power of one” can change their life and that of those around them, while also promoting kindness and well-being to many. Part of the presentations notes that self-aid via music and the arts, helps lift students up and can help them feel better in challenging times just like a Rising Phoenix (the title of one of his songs). The presentation encourages students to follow their dreams and tries to answer some of the Mysteries of the Universe.  Students had a great time singing along as Steven played for them during the interactive and heart-warming presentation. In commemoration of this tenth anniversary, Steven promotes his latest documentary, "Precious Memories: A Decade in The Making,” where he shares how Special People Have Dreams began & how it created a huge impact over the past ten years. It premieres on May 7 and releases on Facebook & DVD May 14th. Tickets are on sale at Eventbrite. All proceeds will go to Starlight Children's Foundation Canada. Mr. Atme’s tour is sponsored by The Inspirations Newspaper Simon Chang Difference Maker Award

YOUNG CAREGIVERS: For Young Carers Action Day, AMI-Québec and Youth4Youth Québec, with the support of Proche aidance Québec, have begun a campaign to collect stories of young carers and share them to raise awareness of the circumstances of young people who provide support to a family member with chronic illness, disability, mental health or substance use issue and/or problems related to old age.  Students at Laurier Macdonald High School in St. Leonard and John F. Kennedy High School in St. Michel are participating. Statistics Canada reports that in 2012, 1.25 million  youth between the ages of 15 and 29 were young carers. This means that 27 percent- over a quarter - of youth were young carers, not including young carers under the age of 15.  Although caregiving has received more attention in recent years, youth rarely see themselves as part of that community, and are less likely to seek out support for themselves. That is why the #YoungCarersActionDay campaign is focused on helping young carers to recognize their own contributions, so that the people around them can too.  

The bilingual media campaign began on  March 16, built around a survey that will be circulated online to youth as a way for them to share their thoughts on the experience of being a young carer. Outreach will extend to local post-secondary and community organizations. A dedicated campaign page will feature information, shareable materials and will be updated with press coverage and personal stories gathered throughout the campaign. To learn more or share your story, visit www.amiquebec.org/youngcarersstories. For all other inquiries, contact Oliver Fitzpatrick, Young Carers Project Coordinator, AMI-Quebec at youngcarers@amiquebec.org. 

QBBE GALA: The long-awaited 50th anniversary gala of the Quebec Board of Black Educators (QBBE) now take place on Saturday, April 9 (6:30 pm to 11:30 pm) at the Nordheimer Ballroom of the InterContinental Hotel. Officially established on December 29, 1971, the QBBE is a non-profit education and research institution dedicated to addressing educational disparity and providing academic support and opportunities to communities of colour. Two main programs  will be supported by the proceeds of this charity event: QBBE Learning Centre, which provides academic support and opportunities to communities of colour; and QBBE Family First, whose objective is to make positive connections between education and other aspects of the students' lives. Info: https://qbbe.ca/50th-gala

ADULT EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL SERVICES

Laurier Macdonald Career Centre.

LMAC AUTOS: Interested in automobile mechanics? Come visit Laurier Macdonald Career Centre in St. Leonard and enjoy hands on learning in their workshop area.  

PIUS GETS COOKING: How yummy does this pretzel with mustard look?  Start your life. Live your dreams. St. Pius X Career Centre In Ahuntsic is taking registrations for its news Professional Cooking group starting in April. To make an appointment to register call 514-381-5440.

FURNITURE FINISHING:  Furniture Finishing students at Rosemount Technology Centre take advantage of great natural light to work on projects like this.

FRAUD PREVENTION: The SPVM (pictured above) came to speak to students at Galileo Adult Education Centre in Montreal North on fraud prevention. With fraud on the rise aiming at bank transactions, online purchases and identity theft among many others, students at Galileo took part in a very informative and educational workshop given by Agent Sociocommunautaire Anne Marie Gauvreau of the SPVM on Fraud Prevention.  

RIDE THE WAVE:  The end-of-term is always a little more stressful, but practicing mindfulness can help! Leading-up to exam week, Galileo welcomed back Drama Therapist and Ometz presenter Erica Sweett to help students “ride the wave” of stress and anxiety. In this engaging two-part workshop, the 21st Century Wellness class explored different strategies that they could incorporate into their daily routines to help improve mental and physical well-being. With Erica’s guidance, the class participated in simple meditation and breathing exercises, reflected on the importance of good sleep and self-care, and practiced gratitude affirmations. It was particularly impactful as students unplugged from their phones and allowed themselves to be fully present with the chaos/calm of their thoughts. Reassured by Erica’s approachable and welcoming demeanor, several students even opened-up about their personal struggles with mental health. Their willingness to share was a true testament to the rapport the class has built over these past few months and the nurturing environment fostered by their teacher, Stephanie Pizzuto. A first for Galileo, 21st Century Wellness is an option course that was specially designed to support students through the stress and anxiety of these uncertain times. 

ÉDITION DU MOIS DE MARS 2022 / BULLETIN DE LA CSEM

LE FRANÇAIS POUR L'AVENIR: Le 18 mars, des élèves de plusieurs écoles secondaires de la CSEM - Royal Vale, Royal West, Marymount, Westmount, John F. Kennedy et Laurier Macdonald - ont pris part virtuellement au Forum annuel Le français pour l'avenir. Chaque année, 300 élèves de la 3e à la 5e secondaire participent au forum. La langue française est à l’honneur dans le cadre de cet événement annuel fort attendu. Au cours de cette journée d'activités, les élèves ont assisté à une programmation amusante et interactive entièrement en français. Des ateliers sont également proposés tout au long de la Semaine de la francophonie, du 21 au 25 mars.

UN PRODIGE DU PIANO À ROYAL VALE:  Devon Packer, élève de 5e secondaire à l’école Royal Vale de NDG, a remporté cette année les grands honneurs du concours Commonwealth International Composition Award (CICA). Il a été sélectionné par Commonwealth Resounds, organisme ayant pour mission de rapprocher les cultures musicales et de promouvoir les initiatives et les partenariats dans les pays du Commonwealth. Ce pianiste de 16 ans fréquente l’école Royal Vale depuis la maternelle. Il a commencé à étudier le piano au Conservatoire de musique de McGill à l'âge de cinq ans. Sa première grande prestation a eu lieu à l'âge de sept ans lorsqu'il a fait ses débuts en tant que soliste avec l'Orchestre symphonique de l'Isle, interprétant le « Divertimento en do majeur » de Haydn. Il s'est produit dans plusieurs salles au Canada, en Europe et aux États-Unis, notamment au prestigieux Carnegie Hall de New York. Devon est également un arrangeur et compositeur accompli. Sa première composition, « The Fantastical World of Camelot », a été publiée en 2015 alors qu’il avait 10 ans. « Ce prix représente tout pour moi », de s’exclamer Devon qui se prépare maintenant en vue d’interpréter l’une de ses œuvres lors de la Grande première des futures étoiles, prévue en juin à la Place des Arts. Nous vous invitons à consulter l’intégral du communiqué 

JOURNAL EXPRESS DE LA CSEM: L'édition du printemps du journal Express de la CSEM est maintenant disponible. Elle renferme une section spéciale dédiée à la campagne de la CSEM axée sur la diversité et l'inclusivité, un aperçu de notre Soirée virtuelle de reconnaissance des bénévoles, le coin des éloges ainsi que le compte rendu de l’EAFP. Nous vous invitons à consulter la version en ligne  

EN SOUTIEN À L'UKRAINE: Les écoles et les centres de la CSEM font leur part afin de venir en aide à l'Ukraine alors que son peuple fait face à une invasion russe. L'équipe d'animateurs de vie spirituelle et d’engagement communautaire est à réfléchir à un engagement à plus long terme alors que nous nous apprêtons à accueillir des réfugiés ukrainiens dans la métropole.

Sous la supervision de Vince Lacroce, animateur de vie spirituelle et d’engagement communautaire, l’école primaire Nesbitt de Rosemont s’unira à une église ukrainienne locale (la Cathédrale orthodoxe ukrainienne Sainte-Sophie) dans un effort humanitaire pour soutenir le peuple ukrainien. La communauté scolaire procédera à une collecte de produits pour bébés et enfants, de produits d'hygiène personnelle et de denrées alimentaires non périssables. Le mercredi 17 mars, les élèves des 2e et 3e cycles de Nesbitt se sont rendus à pied à l'église ukrainienne où ils ont été accueillis par le père Volodymyr Kouchnir. Il les a invités à déposer leurs dons dans le sous-sol de l'église. La Cathédrale orthodoxe ukrainienne Sainte-Sophie remettra tous leurs dons à la Croix-Rouge canadienne, qui en assurera la distribution.

L'école secondaire Lester B. Pearson de Montréal-Nord, en compagnie de Joseph Monachino – animateur de vie spirituelle et d’engagement communautaire – planifient un pique-nique pour la paix qui se tiendra à l’intérieur le 30 mars. Au menu, des chansons pour la paix et des prestations en direct. Une journée du décontracté sera également organisée en vue d’amasser des fonds. Pour sa part, l'école secondaire Laurier Macdonald de Saint-Léonard recueillera des denrées et des produits d’hygiène personnelle. Chacune des écoles a déjà observé une minute de silence en appui à l’Ukraine. 

CONVERSATIONS À LAURENHILL: Tel que rapporté par CTV, une enseignante de l'Académie LaurenHill de Saint-Laurent anime des conversations ouvertes sur l'invasion russe dans le cadre de ses cours d'histoire et de géographie. Elle aide les élèves à discerner les vraies nouvelles des fausses, dans les manchettes. Nadia Santagata, enseignante en 1re et 2e secondaire au campus junior, organise des discussions en classe inspirées des grands titres des journaux. Elle explique que ses élèves sont curieux. « De les voir aussi intrigués et intéressés à un si jeune âge est vraiment fascinant, mais comme vous pouvez l'imaginer, les discussions peuvent être plutôt intimidantes, préoccupantes et difficiles. » En classe, les discussions aident les élèves à traiter les informations que beaucoup obtiennent auprès de sources non vérifiées sur leurs téléphones. La semaine dernière, l'école a encouragé les élèves à porter du bleu et du jaune – couleurs du drapeau ukrainien – en guise de solidarité et pour recueillir de l'argent et des dons destinés aux citoyens de l’Ukraine.

PIQUE-NIQUE POUR LA PAIX: L'école secondaire Lester B. Pearson de Montréal-Nord organisera un pique-nique pour la paix à l'intérieur le mercredi 30 mars, à l’heure du dîner, dans la PLAZA, sous le signe de la paix. Il y aura des performances musicales, un conférencier ukrainien et quelques vidéos. Les élèves apporteront leur lunch, des couvertures et s’assoiront avec leurs camarades afin d’afficher leur soutien pour la paix dans le monde, en particulier en Ukraine.

BALADO EN FRANÇAIS: La CSEM est très heureuse d'annoncer la création d’un balado en français, nouveau projet issu d’une collaboration entre son Service du marketing et des communications et les Services éducatifs. Ce balado est animé par les conseillers pédagogiques Nicolas Doyon et Marlène Boudreault. Comme le dit si bien le slogan de la CSEM, Être bilingue, c’est gagnant!  Vous trouverez ci-dessous le lien vers notre tout premier épisode, qui met en vedette certains des lauréats du Prix Robert Alfred Peck. 

EXPOSITION SUR L'HOLOCAUSTE: Dès cette semaine, le hall d'entrée de l'école secondaire Westmount deviendra bien plus qu'un simple lieu de passage puisqu'il accueillera une exposition itinérante sur l'Holocauste. L'exposition, qui porte sur les survivants de l'Holocauste et leurs histoires, demeurera à l'école jusqu'à la fin du mois de mars. Au cours des deux prochaines semaines, tous les élèves et les membres du personnel auront l'occasion de visiter l'exposition, à leur guise. Tout au long de la journée, les enseignants organiseront également des visites en compagnie de leur classe. Pour les élèves, l'exposition s'appuie sur les leçons précédemment enseignées sur l'Holocauste. Composante obligatoire du programme de la CSEM, l’enseignement de l’Holocauste adapté à l’âge des élèves est dispensé tout au long de l’année par les animateurs de vie spirituelle et d’engagement communautaire. De plus, les élèves reçoivent régulièrement la visite en personne ou virtuelle de survivants de l'Holocauste, prennent part à des sorties au musée de l’Holocauste Montréal et participent à d'autres leçons par l’entremise de livres, de films et de plateformes numériques.

DISCOURS INSPIRANT DE WANDA KAGAN: L'association Barbados House Montreal a organisé un événement Zoom en direct à l’occasion de la Journée internationale de la femme, avec pour invitée Wanda Kagan, amie d'enfance et ancienne camarade de classe à l’école secondaire Westmount de Kamala Harris, aujourd'hui vice-présidente des États-Unis. Madame Kagan occupe le poste d’assistante d'enseignement universitaire au CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest de Montréal, où elle coordonne les rotations des résidents et des étudiants en médecine pour l’Université McGill. Elle a choisi le thème « Transformer mes blessures en sagesse ». Mère de deux enfants, Wanda s’implique dans le bénévolat en participant à des collectes de fonds, à des séances de mentorat et à l'autonomisation de nos jeunes. Elle a raconté avoir été victime, à l'adolescence, de sévices sexuels et psychologiques de la part de son beau-père. La famille de Kamala Harris l'avait alors accueillie. « Le fait d’avoir habité dans cette maison m'a grandement influencée pendant des années », se souvient-elle. Lorsqu'elle a fait campagne aux côtés de l'actuel président Joe Biden, Mme Harris a évoqué la situation de Wanda. Wanda a également souligné la façon dont elle a surmonté certains défis après le secondaire et les problèmes de santé de son fils. Mais à force de persévérance, elle et sa famille sont parvenus à s'en sortir. Aujourd'hui, elle est toujours en contact avec la vice-présidente Harris et, lorsqu'on le lui a demandé, elle a accepté de faire sa part pour tenter d’encourager Mme Harris à rendre visite à l’école secondaire Westmount pendant son mandat. « Je suis tellement fière de mon amie », a-t-elle déclaré. « N'importe quelle femme peut passer à l'histoire; mais une seule peut écrire l'histoire. »

PERSÉVÉRANCE SCOLAIRE: L'école secondaire Laurier Macdonald tient à féliciter Adamo Azzuelo. Adamo est le lauréat du certificat de persévérance du programme La persévérance scolaire de Montréal. C’est un élève consciencieux de 5e secondaire qui a surmonté des difficultés pour réussir sur le plan académique. Il excelle dans les sports et a toujours une bonne attitude, qu'il gagne ou qu'il perde. Michel Bissonnet, maire de Saint-Léonard, Mme Suzanne De Larochellière, conseillère d'arrondissement, et la mascotte Léo étaient présents à cette occasion, de même que la famille d'Adamo, Mme Wa'an et Mme Celzi. Ses enseignants et sa famille sont tous très fiers de lui! Félicitations Adamo!Toujours dans le cadre de la Semaine de la persévérance scolaire, les élèves de l’école Saint-Gabriel ont créé de superbes courtepointes sous le thème de la persévérance scolaire.   

THE LOVE LETTER: Après avoir visionné le documentaire The Love Letter de Merrill Matthews, les élèves de 5e année de l'école primaire Honoré Mercier de Saint-Léonard ont été vraiment inspirés et impressionnés par la troupe I Can Dream Theatre. Les chanteurs, danseurs et acteurs étaient si talentueux et dégageaient une telle confiance! Tous les numéros musicaux étaient très divertissants, les élèves ont particulièrement apprécié la prestation de danse de la troupe sur les airs de Thriller de Michael Jackson dans The Tale of Macbeth(ish). À la fin du documentaire, tous étaient d’avis que ce serait génial de voir la troupe de I Can Dream Theatre se produire en direct!

VISITE DE LA DÉPUTÉE LATTANZIO : Mary Poullas, animatrice de vie spirituelle et d’engagement communautaire, a invité Patricia Lattanzio, députée de Saint-Léonard, à rendre visite à la classe de 6e année de Marianne Nudo à l'école primaire Dante de Saint-Léonard. Anciennement commissaire à la CSEM, Mme Lattanzio a inspiré les élèves à devenir les grands leaders de demain et leur a confié ce qu'il faut pour persévérer. Les élèves avaient préparé des questions portant sur sa carrière et ses réalisations politiques.

JETS DE LDV: L'Académie Leonardo da Vinci de RDP est fière d'annoncer son partenariat avec Next Level Hockey pour l'année scolaire 2022-2023! L’entraîneur-chef et ancien hockeyeur professionnel Michael Buonincontri mettra l’accent sur l'amélioration des détails spécifiques à ce sport pour les attaquants, les défenseurs et les gardiens de but. Un programme d'apprentissage du patinage dès la maternelle sera également offert! D’autres détails sont à venir. Les Jets de LDV sont prêts à s'envoler!

MAKER FAIRE: Les Services éducatifs envisagent la tenue d’une foire Maker Faire en direct au printemps.  

SAUTONS EN CŒUR:  Le Dr David Langleben, directeur du Centre des maladies pulmonaires et vasculaires de l'Hôpital général juif, sera l'invité spécial de l'événement Sautons en cœur organisé ce printemps à l'école primaire Royal Vale. 

L’ÉLÈVE DU MOIS : Melodie Quinquennial, élève de 6e année à l'école primaire Cedarcrest de Saint-Laurent, a été nommée l'Élève du mois de mars à la CSEM. Elle s’est donnée pour mission de recueillir des fonds au profit de la santé mentale pour la Fondation de l’Hôpital de Montréal pour enfants.  

LES JEUNES PROCHES AIDANTS: À l'occasion de la Journée des jeunes proches aidants (Young Carers Action Day), AMI-Québec et Youth4Youth Québec, avec le soutien de Proche aidance Québec, ont lancé une campagne visant à recueillir des témoignages de jeunes proches aidants et à les partager afin de sensibiliser le public à la situation des jeunes qui apportent leur soutien à un membre de leur famille souffrant d'une maladie chronique, d'un handicap, d'un problème de santé mentale ou de toxicomanie et/ou de problèmes liés à la vieillesse. Des élèves de l'école secondaire Laurier Macdonald de Saint-Léonard et de l'école secondaire John F. Kennedy de Saint-Michel prennent part à cette initiative. Selon Statistique Canada, 1,25 million de jeunes âgés de 15 à 29 ans étaient de jeunes proches aidants en 2012. Cela signifie que 27 pour cent d’entre eux – soit plus du quart – étaient de jeunes aidants, sans compter les jeunes proches aidants de moins de 15 ans. Bien que le concept de proche aidance ait fait l'objet d'une plus grande attention ces dernières années, les jeunes se considèrent rarement comme faisant partie de cette communauté, et sont moins susceptibles de chercher du soutien pour eux-mêmes. C'est pourquoi la campagne #YoungCarersActionDay vise à aider les jeunes aidants à reconnaître leurs propres contributions, afin que les personnes qui les entourent puissent en faire autant. La campagne médiatique bilingue s’est mise en branle le 16 mars et s'articule autour d'un sondage qui sera diffusé en ligne auprès des jeunes pour leur permettre de partager leurs réflexions sur l'expérience d'être un jeune proche aidant. La campagne s'étendra aux organismes postsecondaires et communautaires locaux. Une page dédiée à la campagne renfermera des informations ainsi que du matériel à partager et sera actualisée au gré de la couverture médiatique et des récits personnels recueillis tout au long de la campagne. 

Pour en savoir davantage ou pour partager votre histoire, visitez le site www.amiquebec.org/youngcarersstories. Pour toute autre question, communiquez avec Oliver Fitzpatrick, coordonnateur du projet Jeunes aidants, AMI-Québec, à youngcarers@amiquebec.org. 

 AMI-Québec s'engage à aider les familles à gérer les effets de la maladie mentale en leur offrant du soutien, de la formation, de l’encadrement et en se portant à la défense de leurs droits. Misant sur la compréhension, l'organisme s'efforce de dissiper la stigmatisation associée encore aujourd’hui à la maladie mentale, ce qui contribue à créer des communautés où l’espoir est renouvelé pour mener une vie riche de sens. AMI-Québec organise tous les mois un groupe de soutien par les pairs à l’intention des jeunes proches aidants. 

Y4Y Québec est un organisme provincial à but non lucratif fort, stable, diversifié et flexible, composé de jeunes qui travaillent ensemble pour aborder les problèmes auxquels sont confrontés les jeunes anglophones (âgés de 16 à 30 ans). Il s'agit d'un réseau de jeunes inclusif faisant partie intégrante de l'écosystème communautaire plus large. 

Proche Aidance Québec (anciennement RANQ, Regroupement des aidants naturels du Québec) a été fondé en l’an 2000 et regroupe 124 organismes communautaires qui soutiennent plus de 41 000 personnes proches aidantes partout au Québec. Ces organismes ont pour mission d'améliorer les conditions de vie des proches aidants en soulageant l'appauvrissement et l'épuisement qu'ils vivent en raison de la maladie, du vieillissement ou du handicap d'un proche, que ce soit un conjoint, un ami, une sœur ou un enfant. En 2021, le regroupement a publié le guide « Aider les jeunes aidants et jeunes aidantes à s'épanouir. » 

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

L’UNIVERS DE L’AUTOMOBILE À LMAC: La mécanique automobile vous intéresse? Venez visiter le Centre de formation professionnelle Laurier Macdonald à Saint-Léonard. Vous bénéficierez d'un apprentissage pratique dans leur atelier.

QU’EST-CE QUI MIJOTE À PIUS: Ce bretzel à la moutarde n'a-t-il pas l'air délicieux? Démarrez votre carrière. Allez au bout de vos rêves. 

Le Centre de carrières St. Pius X à Ahuntsic accepte présentement les inscriptions pour son nouveau groupe de cuisine professionnelle qui débutera en avril. Pour prendre rendez-vous et vous inscrire, composez le 514 381-5440. 

Le prochain numéro de Pleins feux sur Fielding sera publié le 27 avril 2022. Prière de soumettre vos articles au plus tard le 22 avril 2022 à midi, à mcohen@emsb.qc.ca.

The next Focus will be published on April 27, 2022. Deadline for submissions is April 22 at Noon. Email mcohen@emsb.qc.ca