HONOURING TEACHERS: On the occasion of EMSB Teacher Recognition Day on May 5, three teachers were presented with special awards from restaurant franchiser Foodtastic, as well as certificates. The winners were profiled on television by promotion co-sponsor CityNews Montreal. You can watch that report here. The EMSB launched this ceremony eight years ago to coincide with National Teachers Day in the United States and recognize this profession towards the end of the academic year.
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| The honourees with EMSB, school officials and Lawrence Mammas. |
The EMSB received many nominations from parents for the awards, which fall into three categories. Foodtastic oversees such brands as Souvlaki Bar, La Belle & La Boeuf, Nickels, Monza, Bacaro, Tommy, Au Coq, Rotisserie Benny, Copper Branch and Second Cup. Foodtastic presented $100 gift cards to: Noemie Battista, a music and Ethic and Religious Culture (ERC) teacher at Dunrae Gardens Elementary School in TMR; Andy D’Allessandro, physical education teacher at Laurier Macdonald High School in St. Leonard; and Dr. Nikolay Krilov, a teacher in the Electromechanics Program at Rosemount Technology Centre. The formal presentation took place in the schoolyard at Dunrae Gardens. On hand for the event was Lawrence Mammas, Chief Development Officer and co-owner with his brother Peter of Foodtastic. Both Lawrence and Peter attended Dunrae Gardens.
See the complete press release here.
Listen to the special EMSB Radio Report by Nicole Proano here
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| EMSB and QESBA reps at the rally. |
BILL 96 RALLY: The English Parents’ Committee Association (EPCA), the Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN), the Quebec Federation of Home and School Associations (QFHSA), the Quebec English School Board Association (QESBA) and a large number of community partners, organized a rally against Bill 96 on Saturday, May 14. A number of EMSB commissioners were present.
BILL 21 PETITION: In April 2021, a Quebec Superior Court decision found that Bill 21, An Act Respecting the Laicity of the State, violated the English-language minority’s constitutionally protected right to manage and control its institutions and exempted English-language school boards from its application. Bill 21 bars public-school teachers, government lawyers, judges and police officers from wearing religious symbols while at work. Because the Quebec government appealed the decision, the EMSB and other English-language school boards are still unable to hire new principals, vice-principals and teachers who wear religious symbols. The Red Coalition Inc. has launched an e-petition aimed at repealing portions of Bill 21. Please sign it before June 10. You can access it here.
FREE ADMISSION FOR TEACHERS: MAGJUSJEN Entertainment and Barry F. Lorenzetti are proud to present James Lyng High School grad Vittorio Rossi’s latest play LEGACY at the Leonardo Da Vinci Centre in St-Leonard. To show their appreciation for the outstanding work being done by teachers and all members of the EMSB, Mr. Lorenzetti is pleased to offer three PREVIEW NIGHTS (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, 31 May through to 2 June 2022) to EMSB teachers free of charge. It’s easy – no reservations required – it’s GENERAL ADMISSION and based on a first come / first served basis. All you need to do is send an email to info@magjusjen.ca for the date you wish to attend and show your EMSB ID card when you arrive. As mentioned in the poster below, this offer only applies only to the three PREVIEW NIGHTS, so please be sure to join them for an entertaining evening out with the cast and crew of LEGACY, live on stage!!
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TACKLING ANXIETY: Parents at St. Monica Elementary School in NDG were in for a treat recently, as a renowned researcher, professor and award-winning feature writer Dr. Alissa Sklar shared her presentation Worried Sick: What Parents & Kids Need to Know about Anxiety. The workshop was held in conjunction with Youth Mental Health Awareness Week. Dr. Sklar, who also runs the Montreal consultancy project Risk(within)Reason, waded through various articles and studies denoting a “marked and concerning” rise in anxiety levels in children, so much so that it has been determined that anxiety is the leading mental health issue amongst children. You can see the full story here.
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| The spot where the time capsule is buried. |
EBS CENTENNIAL: Elizabeth Ballantyne Elementary School in Montreal West will mark its centennial on Thursday June 2 (11:30 am) by celebrating the past, all the while looking ahead to the future. Students, staff, dignitaries and other invited guests will gather outside the front entrance of the school to help uncover a time capsule buried in front of the building in May of 1997. It was initially buried in celebration of Elizabeth Ballantyne’s then-75th anniversary, in conjunction with the Town of Montreal West’s centennial. A new time capsule will be buried in its place to be opened in 25 years time. Students have been writing letters about what they think Montreal and Elizabeth Ballantyne will look like in 2047 for inclusion in the time capsule. Masks, hand sanitizers, and rapid tests will be included as a nod to COVID-19, along with a newspaper, cap, and staff photo, among other items.
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| Schools like Nesbitt have been doing fundraisers for Ukaine. |
WELCOMING STUDENTS FROM UKRAINE: The EMSB has accepted more than a dozen Ukrainian children as students who have been granted language exceptions to study at English schools in Quebec. Students whose parents hold temporary work permits are "eligible to receive instruction in English under the Regulation respecting the exemption from the application of the first paragraph of section 72 of the Charter of the French Language that may be granted to children temporarily residing in Quebec, RLRQ, c. C-11, r. 7."
“Our schools and School Board are open for any parent to apply for eligibility to our schools under the applicable provisions of the Charter of the French Language,” said EMSB Chair Joe Ortona. “We welcome all those who qualify to join us and be part of our great educational program.”
EMSB Director General Nick Katalifos is pleased to embrace this opportunity. “As a former principal and teacher, I know how welcoming our staff and students have always been to new students,” he remarked. “We certainly hope to see more students in our classrooms who qualify from the Ukraine and other countries.”
Listen to Joe Ortona on CBC Radio One.
See The Montreal Gazette report
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| Ms. Pianese and her students showcase their dolls. |
DOLLS OF HOPE: After being inspired by the historical fiction novel Refugee and the local organization called Dolls of Hope, Sabrina Pianese’s Grade 6 class at Westmount Park Elementary School embarked on a project to create and donate 50 dolls to Ukrainian refugees. On May 10, students presented over 100 completed dolls (more than double their goal) to the Dolls of Hope organization. The organization will now distribute these dolls where needed most.Dolls of Hope (https://www.dollsofhope.org/) was started by a mother of five who, while visiting Greece, discovered a refugee camp and decided to launch a fundraiser to bring a little joy and comfort to children in refugee camps. She started making handmade dolls and bears to send to refugee children all over the world. Since 2016, Dolls of Hope has distributed handmade bears and dolls to more than 52,180 children in 41 countries.
PODCAST WITH LDVA: Students and staff at Leonardo Da Vinci Academy in RDP came together to help Ukrainian refugees, in an unbelievable way! Listen to how this initiative came together, as Mark Bergman speaks with Principal Nadia Sammarco, as well as students Nino Fusco and Mia Campilii on the EMSB Podcast here.
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| Parents are seated at Nesbitt for the concert. |
CONCERT FOR UKRAINE: In late April, students from Rosemount High School and Nesbitt and Pierre de Coubertin Elementary Schools came together for a special concert honouring over 30 volunteers supporting the humanitarian efforts for the Ukrainian community around the city. This initiative was spearheaded by Spiritual Community Animator Vince Lacroce, Nesbitt Music Specialist Caroline Derome, Pierre de Coubertin Music Specialist Maria Alongi, and the administration teams of each school. The concert commenced with an incredible musical performance from Autism advocate Steven Atme. It also featured a duet performance from Secondary IV and V students Daniela De Los Santos and Lea Granata and choir performances from both Pierre de Coubertin and Nesbitt.
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| Students and staff showcase their art supplies. |
ART SUPPLIES FOR UKRAINE: Led by teachers Bernadette Samanica-Steiner and Donna Perlin, along with Principal Myrianne Lusignan and Staff Assistant Carla Batista, the entire community at Bancroft Elementary School in the Plateau came together to support Kids Create Ukraine by filling four large boxes of art supplies. Overall, the community collected a total of 108.45 KG of supplies which have already arrived in Ukraine. The organizers of Kids Create Ukraine are former Bancroft student teacher Veronika Gruntovskaya and her sister Masha. Their goal is to bring some normalcy, creativity, and relief to the children. In addition to the supplies, students have drawn postcards which were placed in each box. The intention of the postcards is to deliver messages of hope, joy and caring from children to children. For more information on Kids Create Ukraine, please visit them on Instagram at @KidsCreateUkraine.
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| One of the signs students made. |
RAINBOW CLUB: Several months ago, Bancroft teacher François Lukawecki started a "Rainbow Club" for students in Grades 4 to 6. “This club is open to everyone and we discuss various topics such as self-esteem, important LGBTQ+ historical figures and their significance and, most importantly, how to deal with homophobia/transphobia and how to keep it out of our school,” said Mr. Lukawecki. He credited his students for coming up with the idea of reserving the date of Tuesday, May 17 to highlight their achievements. In the morning, members of the Rainbow Club visited pre-school and Cycle 1 classes to read books about uniqueness of individuals and different types of families. Later, the Grades 3 to 6 students had a short assembly to talk about celebrating their differences, ways to be inclusive with everyone, and how to respond when we witness or suffer an act of homophobia/transphobia. After this short assembly, Cycles 1 and 2 classes went on a walk around the block with music, progress flags, and signs that declare how everyone is welcome at Bancroft.
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| Chair Joe Ortona, Commissoner Pietro Mercuri, Principal Nadia Sammarco and Emma. |
STUDENT OF THE MONTH: At only four years old, in 2019, Emma Stivaletta was diagnosed with cancer. Over the course of the next two and a half years, she showed courage, strength, determination and defined the word hero. Last year, she was part of the EMSB Virtual School and continued to thrive and push herself academically all while still undergoing treatments. Today, Emma is a seven-year-old thriving student at Leonardo Da Vinci Academy in RDP, back at school where she belongs with her friends. Emma lives life every single day with joy, laughter and courage and will not let her cancer journey define her.
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Mary Baron and Jeffrey Soliman from the Soliman Corporation presented Emma with a Canadiens jersey and tickets to attend her first game ever at the Bell Centre in April. |
In March, Emma was honoured as a hero and as the Girl Of The Year by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Association. The Boy & Girl of the Year recipients are local blood cancer survivors who provide inspiration and motivation to candidates during their campaign and candidates compete in honour of them.
ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANTS: In April, schools and centres celebrated Administrative Assistants Day. Here are Judy Ciciola and Marie Savoie from Leonardo Da Vinci Academy in RDP, receiving treats from Home and School President Melissa Fasulo. They are pictured above.
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| The LBPHS Sport-Études hockey group. |
NEW SPORTS PARTNERSHIP: The Lester B. Pearson High School Sport-Études Program is thrilled to announce their new partnership with Hockey Montréal Élite, which in only its first year has already led to tremendous on-ice success. The Rousseau Royal Laval/Montréal Midget Espoir team had a phenomenal season winning the provincial championship, the Drummondville M17 Challenge and a silver medal at the M17 St Jerome Challenge. At the AAA level, the Hockey Montréal Élite team won a gold medal at the provincial championships, while the Peewee AAA Major, Bantam AAA Relève and Bantam AAA Major all won silver medals in the provincial championships. Finally, after finishing 6th overall during the regular season, the Rousseau Royal Laval/Montréal Midget AAA lost in the league semi-finals to eventual champions, the Cantonniers de Magog. This success also resulted in league history, with five overall AAA teams making their respective Finals.
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION: The EMSB held its annual Parent Volunteer Appreciation Evening virtually in April. You can view it here.
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| Nicolas Doyon and Marlene Boudreault. |
FRENCH PODCAST: Please listen to another outstanding EMSB French podcast, hosted by Education Consultants Nicolas Doyon and Marlene Boudreault. This edition focuses on the EMSB Chorale. Please listen at your desk, at home or during your drive to or from home and most importantly, share. They are recording the podcast at a studio at James Lyng High School. We are so proud of how well our students speak French. Guests are Chorale Director Patricia Abbott and students Amélie Convié (Royal West Academy) and Marshall Israll-Burnett (Laurier Macdonald High School). Here is the link.
LONG SERVICE RECEPTION: Since the beginning of the pandemic the EMSB has not been able to host a reception in honour of its employees with 25 years of service. In the 2021-2022 academic year, a total of 35 employees, ranging from teachers, administrators and support staff attained their 25th year with the Board. This year EMSB Director General Nick Katalifos, honoured those employees with a letter of congratulations. “For the past 25 years, your dedication to education, your diligence and your contributions to the English Montreal School Board has benefited many students and staff.” The honoured employees were asked to make arrangements to receive a token of appreciation for their years of service, EMSB Monarch watch.
This year's honourees are, from Head Office; Laura Cesari (Office of the Director General), Marlène Boudreault (Educational Services), Kosta Alichos (Material Resources) and Nadia Greco (on loan to the MTA) from AEVS; Georgia Argyropoulos and Iliana Panova (High School of Montreal Adult Education Ctr.), Sonia Zuccaro and Pietro Tiscione (Laurier Maconald Career Centre), Atef Messiha (Rosemount Technology Centre), from the secondary sector; Johny Philibert and Patrizia Mastrodomenico (John F. Kennedy High School), Kathleen Timney (Mackay Centre School) Rosmond Ryan (Marymount Academy International), Alain Turgeon (Mountainview School), Sophia Petritsis (Philip E. Layton School), Luigi Santamaria (Rosemount High School - pictured right), George Hilal and Christos Lagakos (Royal Vale School), Louise Moreau (Royal West Academy) and Kimberley Dawn Sipos (Westmount High School), and from the elementary Sector; Suzanne Ayotte (Bancroft School) and Myrianne Lusignan (Bancroft School / MIND High School) Pam Koumoutsakis and Jennifer Youakim (Coronation School), Isabella Pasqualini (Dante School), Connie Cirella (East Hill School), Catherine Brault (Edinburgh School), Sandra Greco (Edward Murphy School) Lorraine Black (Gardenview School), Geneviève Legaré (Gerald McShane School), Marie-Josée Pira and Nunzia Omobono (Honoré Mercier School), Cynthia White (John Caboto Academy), Renata Nespeca and Marie Savoie (Leonardo da Vinci Academy), Ida Pisano (Pierre de Coubertin School), Suzanne Lozin (Roslyn School), and Maria Mattiace (St. Gabriel School).
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| EMSB mascot Bumble, staff, students and EMSB officials celebrate. |
ROYAL VALE SPORTS COMPLEX: Work has been completed on a brand new $6-million sports centre at Royal Vale School in NDG, in a space that once housed a City of Montreal swimming pool. One would never know from the outside that such an ambitious renovation took place inside. No changes were made to the façade, except for the replacement of some windows and doors. But what changed inside was monumental. The new gymnasium, Royal Vale’s second such facility, is a regulation basketball court in an airy, bright space underground lit by large, above-ground windows, facing south. It is accessed down a flight of stairs, and on the same floor as the brand-new fitness room and dance studio (soon to be outfitted with a ballet barre) and changing rooms, complete with lockers, showers, sinks and toilets. Many of the features are run by touchless sensors, including the lights, faucets and dryers. A formal launch was held on May 6. Please see our complete story here.
JUMP ROPE: Royal Vale has raised $15, 263 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Quebec via their annual Jump Rope for Heart event, organized by Physical Education and Health teacher Norman Katz. Dr. David Langleben was a guest speaker on "Health Heart." Four-time Olympic women’s hockey medalist Julie Chu and five of her Concordia Women's Hockey players were on hand.
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| Some wrestling action at Royal Vale. |
WRESTLING PROGRAM: Royal Vale has welcomed wrestling into its Physical Education classes for the first time ever in their history. Thanks to the efforts of Vice Principal Steve Spetsieris and Phys-Ed Teacher Élie Amran, Royal Vale opened their doors to coaches Gia Sissaouri and Gabriel Choueke, along with some other guest clinicians. The clinics would go on for two weeks, giving each Physical Education classes two opportunities to try the sport. This would allow coaches Gia and Gabriel to give them different drills and techniques during this time. These clinics are being held with a dual purpose, of both promoting the sport of wrestling in the province of Quebec and with the goal of fielding a team in the GMAA/RSEQ for the upcoming 2022-23 season. In addition to this, any school who’s interested in getting a clinic started, both to promote the sport of wrestling and with an interest in starting a team, need only to contact the following person to arrange a clinic.
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| Roslyn students and their mascot celebrate victory. |
VIRTUAL DEBATE SHOWCASES THE GIFTED: Roslyn and Willingdon Elementary students “clashed” for all the right reasons on April 26 as they participated in a virtual debate on whether or not children under 16 should be allowed to use social media. Both schools fielded junior (Grade 5) and senior (Grade 6) teams who debated against their peers following Canadian Parliamentary structure, whereby Proposition and Opposition teams were each given six minutes to argue their case, followed by a six-minute middle segment, and three minutes for closing arguments. In addition to their respective arguments, both sides were encouraged to “clash” with the other’s point-of-view using counter-arguments. “It was very important for us to work as a learning community and to build that knowledge as a team,” said Dr. Camelia Birlean, Consultant of the Gifted & Exceptional Learners at the English Montreal School Board (EMSB). “We all celebrated the learning of each and every student.” The Willingdon proposition team of Zoe Flanagan, Jaya Pasquero and Marley Corina Cowper were the eventual winners of the junior debate over Roslyn’s Amilcar Melile Vawda, Oliver Lee and Zack Crosbie, while Roslyn’s opposition team consisting of Kieran Smalley and Alessia Di Gennaro edged out their Willingdon competitors at the senior level Louise Sullivan, Taiya Bernard and Alison Driver. Winners received $25 gift cards to Indigo, with all other participants earning $15 gift cards. See the full story here.
NEW PARTNERSHIP: The Azrieli Foundation’s Holocaust Survivor Memoirs Program has teamed up with the EMSB for its first board-wide partnership, and will bring the topic of the Holocaust to classrooms across the city as early as May 2022. The announcement of this novel partnership comes on the tails of principal and educator training sessions led by experts from the Holocaust Survivor Memoirs Program’s Education Team. During these sessions, principals learned about the program’s resources and how educators can safely and successfully teach students about the Holocaust using the Memoirs Program’s resources. After Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day, April 27, 2022), principals began distributing teaching materials to their staff, who will then start teaching their students about the Holocaust. As a component of the partnership, the Memoirs team will be available to provide guidance and assistance, ensuring educators are supported as they navigate this space.
GENOCIDE EDUCATION: On the occasion of Yom HaShoah, spiritual community animators from the Student Services Department organized a Zoom lecture presented by the Foundation for Genocide Education. A number of schools took part. The presentation centered around a story of survival, shared through video testimonials and family photos by the daughter of a genocide survivor. The presentation took part on the same day a new guide to teaching about genocide was launched in Quebec. Please see this story.
HOLOCAUST EDUCATION: To mark Canadian Jewish Heritage Month, students from Perspectives I High School, Rosemount High School, and Pierre de Coubertin Elementary will be involved in a Holocaust Sensitization program. The program was developed by Spiritual Community Animator Vince Lacroce, Perspectives I teachers Salvatore Pileggi and Jake Roberts, Rosemount High School Art Teacher Eric Mailloux, and Pierre de Coubertin Teacher Giuseppina Cuonzo. The program began in early November with a candle lighting ceremony acknowledging the millions of lives lost during World War II during the annual SCA commemorative services on Remembrance Day. Rosemount HS “The Den” podcast also teamed up with Eszter Andor, Commemoration and Oral History Coordinator at the Montreal Holocaust Museum, and Eva Kuper, Holocaust Survivor, who recounted her life as a child of war in World War II to a panel of students hosts. Throughout the year with the aid of literature, art, and classroom workshops, students had an opportunity to learn of the travesties of war and reflect on current world issues. The schools have scheduled visits to the Montreal Holocaust Museum in May and in June, which will be followed by testimonials from Holocaust Survivors. “We must acknowledge that antisemitism, violence, and xenophobia continue to rise alarmingly in Canada and around the world,” said Mr. Lacroce. “We must always condemn violence and be steadfast in our opposition to it. We hope that through these educational school outings, workshops, and testimonials that we can help address the rise of intolerance in the world and the help spread the importance of world peace and promoting acceptance and understanding during these very difficult times.
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| LINKS students after their conference. |
LEARNING ABOUT THE PAST: LINKS High School commemorated Genocide Awareness, Prevention and Education during April through May with various proactive activities. Sophia Boyadjian facilitated a school-wide lesson on Genocide Education in relation to world history and contemporary occurrences of injustices. Students learned about several tragic histories over the last century including those of the Holocaust, the Armenian and Rwandan Genocides. Given the context that Ms. Sophia and other LINKS staff members have personal ties to the Armenian Genocide and The Holocaust, being relatives of genocide survivors, students gained insight into personal stories of hardship, perseverance and of hope. Students participated in a collective mural displaying forget-me-not flowers, with messages of hope and peace written on each petal. Additionally, students in the Pre-Work program visited the Holocaust Museum of Montreal with Teachers, Anna Gualtieri, Lauren Costello and Jenica Tandoc. During the tour, students were invited to engage in a writing activity on the various displays. Ms. Sophia strongly believes that by teaching about the past, students gain a better understanding of today’s society as they develop skills to identify discrimination, speak out against mistreatment of others and embrace the differences that make us unique. Ms. Sophia says, “Ultimately, a principle goal at LINKS is to promote respect for diversity and provide our students with the necessary skills to become well-rounded citizens, for a better, brighter future.”
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| Enjoying the great outdoors. |
THE GREAT OUTDOORS: Students who developed and participated in the “LINKS Linking Students to the Great Outdoors Osentrepreneurship Project” have gained invaluable insight into their local environment and what is being done to preserve it. They learned how they, as citizens, can do their part and reach out to others to share their new awareness. The park they chose is close to their school, called Parc Frédéric Back and is a prime example of how a polluted, uninhabitable large piece of land can be transformed into a green space that can be enjoyed by the community. The students researched the origins of the park and discovered how technology, engineering and creativity were utilized as well as the biography of Frédéric Back who conceived this idea. They planned several trips to this space during different seasons to compare the differences of plant growth, animal habitation and the general landscape changes.
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| Students outside the temple. |
MULTICULTURAL ACTIVITY: On May 3 and 10, Cycle 2 students from Nesbitt Elementary participated in a multicultural outing to the Gurdwara Guru Nanak Durban in LaSalle to learn about the history, traditions, and beliefs of the Sikh Community. The visit was coordinated by Spiritual and Community Animators Jagdeep Trehin and Vince Lacroce. The staff and students had an opportunity to dialogue with representatives from the temple, participated in a workshop with Ms. Trehin, shared in a community meal, and helped prepare a meal for guests attending services at the Gurdwara. “The intention of our program is to promote the importance of multiculturalism and provide our students with opportunities to deepen their understanding of the values and traditions of members of our community. We want students to understand and appreciate, rather than just tolerate, difference; this is what can bring about unity in communities and today was a perfect example of that!” says Lacroce.
AUTHOR VISIT AND POEMS: Grade 6 students at Willingdon Elementary School in NDG had the privilege of meeting and working with renowned author Monique Polak. Through TD-Blue Metropolis Children's Literary Festival, the students were able to learn over 10 new writing tips. Please see this wonderful author's blog describing the entire experience. Meanwhile, Grade 5 students performed their original poems at Café 92 in NDG as part of our first ever Poetry Café Night. With the help and support of their teachers, the students published their first poetry book and performed at the venue to dozens of family members, friends and staff. It was a memorable event for all.
EARTH DAY: EMSB schools marked Earth Day with a variety of programs. You can read the complete summary here.
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| Alissa and her classmates. |
KICK AT CANCER: With athletics at the heart of Gerald McShane Elementary School in Montreal North, Grade 6 student Alissa Minicucci has rallied her classmates to use soccer to do their part to kick cancer. On May 18, 25 of Minicucci’s friends took part in a pitch to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society. While the initiative was spearheaded by Minicucci, after recently losing her cousin to the disease, for all students and staff, the fundraiser is a way to honour friends and family who have lost their battles over the years. Within the past month, both the Principal (David Lee) and Resource Teacher (Melissa Malourni) lost their fathers to cancer. Furthermore, forever etched in the hearts of all at Gerald McShane is former student, Erika Cipolla, who succumbed to cancer while attending the school in 2008. “So many of us have been touched by this disease and we are trying to come together as a community to make a difference, even if it’s a small one,” said Kathy Vella, Community Development Agent at Gerald McShane. “So many in our community have been affected by this disease, so this event will help raise some money and more importantly, awareness amongst our students.” Listen here to Alissa and Mr. Lee on CBC Let’s Go with host Sabrina Marandola, a graduate of Gerald McShane.
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| Edinburgh B.A.S.E. Daycare staff treated the students to a picnic and playtime in the park, |
BASE DAYCARE WEEK: Quebec School Daycare Week was celebrated from May 9 to 13, 2022. This year’s theme was School Daycare Staff: An Essential Link. Daycare technicians and educators planned daily festivities and special snacks for the students all week. Art activities, fitness relays, T-shirt-making, time spent at a nearby park, carnivals and preparation of gift bag donations for the unhoused community members at The Open Door are just some of the special activities that were planned throughout the week. On Wednesday, May 11, 2022, which was Daycare Staff Appreciation Day, the B.A.S.E. Team hosted its first-ever Virtual Trivia Fun event for daycare technicians and class principals. Three daycare technicians claimed prizes during the one-hour activity: Francesca Muro from Leonardo Da Vinci, Agatina Nicita from Our Lady of Pompei and Maria Revuelta from Mackay and Philip E. Layton. The B.A.S.E. Team also hosted a Virtual Dance Party—for the second year in a row—for the students in the afternoon. A total of 14 daycares logged onto Zoom for the 45-minute session with Livia Avrith from Funky Feet. Some 460 students followed along with Livia as she demonstrated the dance moves.
BOKS VISIT: Canadian three-time Olympic Gold medallist Kim St. Pierre will visit Leonardo Da Vinci Academy in RDP (May 31), Edinburgh in Montreal West (June 1) and Gerald McShane in Montreal North (June 2 ) B.A.S.E. Daycares. She will congratulate the daycare students on their performance in the B.A.S.E. BOKS Contest and to participate with them in BOKS activities. The EMSB’s B.A.S.E. Daycare Program kicked off its first-ever B.A.S.E. BOKS Contest in January 2022. The goal of the three-month competition was two-fold: To get children aged four to 12 years old physically active as often as possible and to encourage the daycare educators to animate different games that keep physical activity fun and engaging! BOKS is a not-for-profit initiative of the Reebok Canada Fitness Foundation in partnership with the Public Health Agency of Canada to expand and enhance physical activity in Canadian elementary and high schools. BOKS offers free resources and tools to get kids moving in fun ways throughout the day, whether they’re in the classroom, at home or outside. For each situation, BOKS offers a variety of resources that will appeal to all school-aged kids.
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| A kiosk at the Fair. |
TECHNOLOGY FAIR: Students at Our Lady of Pompei Elementary School in Ahuntsic have been hard at work this year honing their technology skills and their exploits were on full display recently at the school’s first ever Tech Fair. During the day, classes visited the fair to see the one-of-a-kind science, robotics and multimedia projects. Additionally, at night, for the first time in two years, parents visited the fair to see what their children had accomplished.
SAVE THE POLAR BEARS: At East Hill Elementary School in RDP, teachers Nadia Barrafato and Veronica Bastone engaged in a program called Save the Polar Bears. The Grade 4 students took part in a cross curricular STEAM project integrating science, art, media and technology. Their mission is to raise awareness about climate change and how it affects polar bears in Canada. They spent weeks researching, discussing and working collaboratively to create an informative bilingual Google site. In addition, the students designed a pin that brought light to this cause. You can visit their Save the Polar Bear site here.
CLC NEWSLETTER: There has been a lot of interesting activity at the EMSB’s four Community Learning Centers (CLC) at James Lyng High School in St. Henri, Laurier Macdonald High School in St. Leonard, Gerald McShane Elementary School in Montreal North and Parkdale Elementary School in St. Laurent. Please see the latest CLC newsletter on our website.
CHAIR ON MULTICULTURAL CHANNEL: The Omni News Italian newscast is broadcast across Canada on the Channel OMNI. In Quebec it is aired on ICI (the multicultural channel) on channels 238 & 838 (HD) on Videotron, 216 & 1216 (HD) on Bell Fibe amd 584 on Cogeco in Valleyfield and St-Hyacinthe. You can view it here.
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| Marianna Martinez (Options Guidance Counsellor), Marie-Hélène Gagnon ( Options French Teacher, program support coordinator), Cynthia Boulanger Canada Breakfast Club (Programs Lead),Amanda Imbriglio Canada Breakfast Club (Program Coordinator), Paul Berry ((Head Teacher Options). |
BREAKFAST CLUB: On April 28, representatives of the Breakfast Club of Canada paid a visit to Options High School in Ville Émard to celebrate the success of the school program. Breakfast Club Program Lead Cynthia Boulanger and Program Coordinator Amanda Imbriglio wanted to recognize the hard work of the Options team, led by teacher and program support coordinator Marie-Hélène Gagnon. Ms. Boulanger and Ms. Imbriglio had high praise for how innovative and resourceful the Options team is. Students and staff from the school put together a special feast to mark the occasion and a wonderful time was had by all.
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| Commissioner Jamie Fabian and Michael Cohen represented the EMSB at the ceremony. |
MOUNTAINVIEW GETS BREAKFAST FIX: In the last year Breakfast Club of Canada has seen a significant increase in attendance and in the need for additional breakfast programs. The Club needs to ensure it can continue to reach the considerable number of children that have benefitted from these programs over the past year. Therefore, Amazon Canada has provided close to $1 million in special funding for the Club to launch new daily breakfast programs at schools in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec. These schools had previously been on the Club’s wait list. On May 13 The Breakfast Club, Amazon and Olympic short track speed skater, Charles Hamelin made a surprise visit to Mountainview Alternative High School in Côte Saint-Luc to deliver the news to teachers and thank them for their commitment to students during the last two very challenging years. An Amazon delivery vehicle brought supplies to the school purchased by customers from a special Wish List on Amazon.ca (www.amazon.ca/supportBCC). See this story in The Montreal Gazette.
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| Aiesha Robinson and students. |
RISING AT PDC: On April 7. the students of Pierre de Coubertin Elementary School in St. Leonard had an opportunity to dialogue with motivational speaker, model, and founder of The Rising Agency, Aiesha Robinson. At the age of 18, Aiesha was diagnosed with a skin condition called vitiligo. “At first, my vitiligo diagnosis felt like a curse, leading to self-loathing and suicidal thoughts. Since then, I’ve transformed my imperfections into my greatest assets!” she said.. “Her heartfelt presentation expressed the importance of self-love and self-esteem,” noted Spiritual Community Animator Vince Lacroce. “She was the perfect ambassador to our school’s month-long ‘Imperfectly perfect’ body image campaign and our students were truly inspired by her words of encouragement and empowerment.”
AWARENESS AND ACTION FOR GENDER EQUALITY: Pierre de Coubertin Cycle 3 students, Sienna Malky, Brianna Fiengo and Eva Colabelli, along with Cycle 2 Teacher Josie Fiore and Mr. Lacroce launched an initiative on Gender Equality on May 12. “Our goal is to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls," said Sienna Malky. A classroom-based workshop will be presented to Cycle 2 students on the subject matter. The in-class presentation will examine the ways women and girls are discriminated against in our world and how to empower women and protect their fundamental rights. Joining this initiative will be Sandra Lize, a Canadian water polo player and former member of the Canadian women’s national water polo team, who claimed the silver medal at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She will be sharing her story and journey to the Olympics as she outlines her message of leadership, empowerment, and highlighting the importance of women in our community. “Everyone is affected by gender inequality, and we were inspired to support young women to follow their dreams. We hope that our presentation can inspire the students at our school and others in our community. We want them to stand up for those treated unfairly,” said the student organizers. In addition, on May 19 during lunch, Cycle 2 students walked together in solidarity to bring awareness to gender inequality.
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| Liana Lombardi at a ceremony for the event. |
LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA FUNDRAISER: Laurier Macdonald High School students participated in a dress down day fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in honour of LMAC`s very own student Liana Lombardi. Over $1,700 was raised, which will aid in the society’s mission for research and a cure for cancer. Special appreciation goes out to the amazing LMAC staff for coming together and raising funds for this cause, which were added to the amount raised by the students. The support has made a great difference to Liana, who actively participated in the organization of the event in collaboration with Joseph Monachino, Spiritual and Community Animator. For more on Liana`s story and to contribute on her behalf please click here or for French here.
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| Thumbs up for the Junkyard Symphony. |
JUNKYARD SYMPHONY: Students and staff at Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary School in Rosemount enjoyed an amusing and interactive performance by the Junkyard Symphony. This event was organized by Spiritual and Community Animator Veronica D’Agata. The Junkyard Symphony promotes environmental health and awareness through educational entertainment. All objects used in the show have been repurposed and reused to create music and loads of smiles. The performance involved lots of rhythms, tricks, comedy, as well as the three R’s – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. The central focus is to make students aware of how they can care for our beautiful planet and have a fun time doing it!
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| Nesbitt students get Kryptik. |
KRYPTIK: From May 18 to 26, Cycle 2 and 3 students from Nesbitt and Pierre de Coubertin Elementary Schools participated in the third annual Educational Escape Room entitled “KRYPTIK.” This activity created by Mr. Lacroce provides students with creative ways to work collaboratively in their respective classroom towards a common goal. The activity also helps students develop collaborative strategies to illustrate that there are always solutions to every problem we face in life, and it is important to remember that we can count on others for support. The students who successfully completed all eight challenges were awarded small treats for their efforts.
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| Parkdalers show their green thumb. |
PARKDALE PLANTS: On May 18. Parkdale Elementary School students and staff in St. Laurent began a three-day tree planting initiative in the school yard. Initiated by the BASE daycare service and under the leadership of Jacintha Duplan, Shannon Erin Holton, Ryan Oxley, and through the efforts of students and staff, the school was able to plant 60 trees and 25 shrubs from 15 different species. Students were thrilled as they got the chance to implement the theoretical knowledge learned through their earth day activities in their previous lessons. In addition, students applied important values such as teamwork, patience, and caring for the environment. Students also learned about the significance of planting trees, the different types of soil, and got a hands-on lesson on giving back to the environment. This initiative would not have been possible without first, the support and approval of Principal George. Koutsoulis and the collaboration with different organizations such as Soverdi, Vert Cite, Ville en Vert, and the Vert le Nord program. To sum up this experience, as one of our Grade 6 students mentioned, “The best way to learn, is by getting your hands in the dirty.”
ADULT EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL SERVICES
PROFILE ON ST. PIUS X: The glam and grandeur of the hotel industry and the finesse and flair of the culinary arts are not lost on St. Pius X Career Centre students. The EMSB vocational school is led by professionals with years of experience in their respective fields now looking to train the next generation of chefs, cooks, and hoteliers. For Gabriella Garofalo, a student in the Professional Cooking program, her teachers’ knowledge is a major part of the school’s appeal. “I look up to the teachers that tell you all about their experiences,” the 21-year-old said. “I want to have the same experiences like travel Europe and cook too. I want to do that. It inspires you.” The St. Pius X Career Centre offers training for two vocational paths: Business and Professional Cooking. Hotel Reception is a Diploma of Vocational Studies (D.V.S.) program offered within the Business program. Upon completion of either D.V.S. stream, students will come out with professional experience of their own from their internship placements. Please read Nicole Proano’s complete story.
BINGO FOR UKRAINE: Students at Galileo Adult Education Centre in Montreal North participated in a Centre-wide Bingo Fundraiser on April 21. Students from the Academic, Basic and Special Needs programs came together to raise over $1,700 with the goal of helping Ukrainian refugees new to Montreal. The money raised through students’ generosity will be used to purchase gift cards which will be donated to the Ukrainian Catholic Parish of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary.
On May 3 students went to visit the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Parish, where they donated over $1,800 in gift cards and care packages for Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war. Students in one class raised over $500 in candle sales. Students in another donated over $300 from their Snack Shack proceeds. A very successful Bingo game for all SIS (Social Integration Students) and SVI (Socio Vocational Integration) students took place the gym along with the support of the CCBE (Common Core Basic Education Program)/Academic departments virtual Bingo that raised the remainder of our donations. They were able to visit the church basement, where all clothing, hygiene, medical & household donations are carefully triaged for refugee families. The parish receives approximately 20 families per week where they humbly accept what they need. This was an eye-opening experience for our students. To see the generosity of the community, and the abundance of volunteers who took the time to sort through all the donations was uplifting. We are very grateful to have participated in this experience.
PAINTING EXPERIENCE: Students from Galileo Adult Education Centre’s Academic and Basic programs, together with Pop Up Paint Shop Montreal, came together to paint inspirational canvases for their Wellness Project which promotes mental health and wellbeing. Students were guided in the art of collaborative painting and over the course of one week, painted four vibrant canvases with inspirational individuals and their famous quotes. Terry Fox, Malala Yousafzai, Nelson Mandela and Muhammad Ali were immortalized by students. The entire Centre then had the opportunity to view the final products in a vernissage unveiling. Our students took great pride in discovering an untapped talent, learned to relieve stress through brushstrokes, and gave a part of themselves to Galileo through painting.
ÉDITION DU MOIS DE MAI 2022 / BULLETIN DE LA CSEM
CONFÉRENCE DE PARENTS: Le comité des parents de la CSEM présentera une conférence virtuelle le dimanche 29 mai, de 9 h à 15 h. Les frais d'inscription sont de 10 $. La séance d’ouverture gravitera autour de la santé mentale et sera animée par Lee Haberkorn, animateur de l'émission d’après-midi sur les ondes de Virgin Radio et défenseur de la santé mentale. Les panélistes seront Dr Karl Looper, psychiatre en chef à l'Hôpital général juif; Dre Rachel Kronick, psychiatre pour enfants et adolescents à l'Hôpital général juif; Dre Despina Vassilou, psychologue à la CSEM et coordinatrice du Centre de ressources en santé mentale; ainsi qu’un élève du secteur des jeunes. Le thème sera précisément la santé mentale chez les jeunes et les considérations sur la pandémie actuelle, notamment : la perspective du traumatisme, les facteurs contributifs et une approche développementale. Les parents pourront assister à une série d’ateliers portant sur divers enjeux qui touchent les enfants et les adolescents.
Nous vous invitons à lire l’intégral du communiqué
Écoutez notre balado pour connaître le programme de la journée.
DES ENSEIGNANTS À L’HONNEUR: À l'occasion de la Journée de reconnaissance du personnel enseignant de la CSEM, le 5 mai, trois enseignants se sont vu remettre des prix spéciaux du franchiseur de restaurants Foodtastic, ainsi que des certificats. La chaîne de télévision CityNews Montreal, co-commanditaire de l’événement, et la journaliste Pamela Pagano, ont également réalisé un segment mettant en vedette les lauréats. Cet événement a vu le jour à la CSEM il y a maintenant huit ans afin de coïncider avec la Journée nationale des enseignants aux États-Unis et pour rendre hommage à cette profession en fin d’année scolaire. La CSEM a reçu une foule de mises en candidature de la part des parents, dans les trois catégories primées. Foodtastic regroupe plusieurs bannières dont Souvlaki Bar, La Belle & La Bœuf, Nickels, Monza, Bacaro, Tommy, Au Coq, Rôtisseries Benny, Copper Branch et Second Cup. Foodtastic a remis des cartes-cadeaux d’une valeur de 100 $ à : Noemie Battista, enseignante de musique à l'école primaire Dunrae Gardens de Ville Mont-Royal; Andy D'Allessandro, enseignant d'éducation physique à l'école secondaire Laurier Macdonald de Saint-Léonard; et Nikolay Krilov, enseignant du programme d'électromécanique au Centre de technologie Rosemont. La présentation officielle a eu lieu le jeudi 5 mai à l’école Dunrae Gardens. Lawrence Mammas, chef du développement et co-propriétaire de Foodtastic, ainsi que son frère Peter étaient présents pour l’occasion. Lawrence et Peter ont tous deux fréquenté l’école Dunrae Gardens. Nous vous invitons à lire l’intégral du communiqué.
PROJET DE LOI 96: L’Association des comités de parents anglophones (ACPA), le Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN), la Fédération québécoise des associations foyer-école (QFHSA), l’Association des commissions scolaires anglophones du Québec (ACSAQ) et un grand nombre de partenaires communautaires ont organisé une mobilisation afin de manifester contre le projet de loi 96 le samedi 14 mai. Des commissaires de la CSEM étaient présents.
DOLLS OF HOPE: Après avoir été inspirée par le roman de fiction historique Refugee et par l'organisme local Dolls of Hope, la classe de 6e année de Sabrina Pianese à l'école primaire Westmount Park s'est lancée dans un projet visant à créer et à donner 50 poupées à des réfugiés ukrainiens. Le 10 mai, les élèves ont remis plus de 100 poupées (plus du double de leur objectif) à l'organisme Dolls of Hope. L'organisme va maintenant distribuer ces poupées là où les besoins se font le plus sentir. L’organisme (https://www.dollsofhope.org/) fut créé par une incroyable mère de cinq enfants qui, lors d'une visite en Grèce, a découvert un camp de réfugiés et décidé d’organiser une collecte de fonds dans l’espoir d’apporter un peu de joie et de réconfort aux enfants dans les camps de réfugiés. Elle a entrepris de confectionner à la main des poupées et des oursons pour les envoyer aux enfants réfugiés d’un peu partout dans le monde. Dolls of Hope a déjà distribué des oursons et des poupées faits à la main à plus de 52 180 enfants dans 41 pays.
COMBATTRE L'ANXIÉTÉ: Les parents de l'école primaire St. Monica à NDG ont eu droit récemment à une présentation de la Dre Alissa Sklar, chercheuse renommée, professeure et rédactrice primée, intitulée Worried Sick : What Parents & Kids Need to Know about Anxiety. L'atelier a eu lieu dans le cadre de la Semaine de sensibilisation à la santé mentale des jeunes. Dre Sklar, qui dirige également le projet de consultation montréalais Risk(within)Reason, a passé en revue divers articles et études dénotant une augmentation « marquée et inquiétante » des niveaux d'anxiété chez les enfants, à tel point qu'il a été déterminé que l'anxiété est devenue le principal problème de santé mentale chez les enfants. Nous vous invitons à lire l’intégral de l’article : https://mhrc.emsb.qc.ca/mhrc/articles/dr-alissa-sklar-tackles-all-things-anxiety-in-presentation-to-saint-monica-parents.
RELIGIONS DU MONDE: Dans le cadre de la mission de l'équipe d'animateurs de vie spirituelle et d’engagement communautaire qui vise à sensibiliser nos élèves aux cultures et aux religions du monde entier, les élèves de l'école Nesbitt ont été accueillis au Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbarin à LaSalle où ils ont passé la matinée à découvrir le sikhisme. Les animateurs Jagdeep Trehin et Vince Lacroce ont organisé cette merveilleuse initiative.
BALADO À LDVA: Les élèves et le personnel de l'Académie Leonardo Da Vinci à RDP se sont mobilisés pour venir en aide aux réfugiés ukrainiens, et ce, d'une manière incroyable! Apprenez-en plus en écoutant le balado de la CSEM réalisé par Mark Bergman alors qu’il s'entretient avec la directrice de l'école, Nadia Sammarco, de même que les élèves Nino Fusco et Mia Campilii :
FOURNITURES ET MATÉRIEL D’ART POUR L'UKRAINE: Sous la direction des enseignantes Bernadette Samanica-Steiner et Donna Perlin, ainsi que de la directrice Myrianne Lusignan et de l'adjointe administrative Carla Batista, toute la communauté de l'école primaire Bancroft du Plateau s'est mobilisée pour soutenir Kids Create Ukraine en remplissant quatre grandes boîtes de fournitures et matériel d'art. Au total, la communauté a amassé 108,45 kg de fournitures qui ont déjà été livrées en Ukraine. Les organisatrices de Kids Create Ukraine sont Veronika Gruntovskaya, ancienne stagiaire à Bancroft, et sa sœur Masha. Leur objectif est d'apporter un peu de normalité, de créativité et de répit aux enfants ukrainiens. Outre les fournitures, les élèves ont dessiné des cartes postales qu’ils ont déposées dans chaque boîte pour transmettre des messages d'espoir, de joie et de bienveillance à d’autres enfants. Pour plus d'informations sur Kids Create Ukraine, suivez-les sur Instagram à @KidsCreateUkraine.
SOIRÉE DES BÉNÉVOLES: En avril, la CSEM a tenu en mode virtuel sa Soirée annuelle de reconnaissance des parents bénévoles. Nous vous invitons à la visionner.
CONCERT-BÉNÉFICE: À la fin avril, des élèves de l'école secondaire Rosemont, de l'école primaire Nesbitt et de l'école Pierre de Coubertin se sont réunis pour la présentation d’un concert spécial en l'honneur de plus de 30 bénévoles qui appuient les efforts humanitaires de la métropole pour la communauté ukrainienne. Cette initiative a été pilotée par Vince Lacroce, animateur de vie spirituelle et d’engagement communautaire; Caroline Derome, spécialiste en musique à l’école Nesbitt; Maria Alongi, spécialiste en musique à l’école Pierre de Coubertin; ainsi que les équipes administratives de chacune des écoles. Une incroyable prestation musicale de Steven Atme, défenseur de l'autisme, a donné le coup d’envoi au concert, en plus d’un duo formé de Daniela De Los Santos et Lea Granata, élèves de 4e et 5e secondaire, et des chorales des écoles primaires Pierre de Coubertin et Nesbitt.
BALADO EN FRANÇAIS: Nous vous invitons à écouter un autre balado remarquable de la CSEM réalisé en français et animé par les conseillers pédagogiques Nicolas Doyon et Marlène Boudreault. Il met en vedette la chorale de la CSEM. Écoutez-le au bureau, à la maison ou dans votre véhicule et, surtout, partagez-le. Nous sommes très fiers de la façon dont nos élèves s’expriment en français. Les invités sont Patricia Abbott, directrice de la chorale, et les élèves Amélie Convié (académie Royal West) et Marshall Israll-Burnett (école secondaire Laurier Macdonald). Ici.
RÉCEPTION POUR SOULIGNER LES LONGS ÉTATS DE SERVICE: Depuis le début de la pandémie, la CSEM n'a pas été en mesure de tenir une réception en l'honneur de ses employés qui comptent 25 ans de service. Au cours de l'année scolaire 2021-2022, un total de 35 employés dont des enseignants, des administrateurs et du personnel de soutien ont atteint ce jalon en cumulant 25 années de service au sein de la Commission. Cette année, le directeur général de la CSEM, Nicholas Katalifos, a honoré ces employés dans une lettre de félicitations. « Au cours des 25 dernières années, votre dévouement envers l'éducation, votre diligence et vos contributions à la Commission scolaire English-Montréal ont profité à de nombreux élèves et employés. » Les employés honorés ont été invités à prendre des dispositions afin de recevoir une montre Monarch CSEM en guise de reconnaissance pour leurs états de service.
Les personnes honorées cette année sont – Au centre administratif : Laura Cesari (Bureau de la direction générale), Marlène Boudreault (Services éducatifs), Kosta Alichos (Ressources matérielles) et Nadia Greco (en prêt à l’AEEM). Au Service de l’éducation des adultes et de la formation professionnelle : Georgia Argyropoulos et Iliana Panova (Centre d’éducation des adultes High School of Montréal); Sonia Zuccaro et Pietro Tiscione (Centre de formation professionnelle Laurier Maconald); Atef Messiha (Centre de technologie Rosemont). Au secteur secondaire : Johny Philibert et Patrizia Mastrodomenico (école secondaire John F. Kennedy); Kathleen Timney (Centre Mackay); Rosmond Ryan (académie internationale Marymount); Alain Turgeon (école Mountainview); Sophia Petritsis (école Philip E. Layton); Luigi Santamaria (école secondaire Rosemont), George Hilal et Christos Lagakos (école Royal Vale); Louise Moreau (académie Royal West) et Kimberley Dawn Sipos (école secondaire Westmount). Au secteur primaire : Suzanne Ayotte (école Bancroft) et Myrianne Lusignan (école Bancroft / école secondaire M.I.N.D.); Pam Koumoutsakis et Jennifer Youakim (école Coronation); Isabella Pasqualini (école Dante); Connie Cirella (école East Hill); Catherine Brault (école Edinburgh); Sandra Greco (école Edward Murphy); Lorraine Black (école Gardenview); Geneviève Legaré (école Gerald McShane); Marie-Josée Pira et Nunzia Omobono (école Honoré Mercier); Cynthia White (académie John Caboto); Renata Nespeca et Marie Savoie (académie Leonardo da Vinci); Ida Pisano (école Pierre de Coubertin); Suzanne Lozin (école Roslyn) et Maria Mattiace (école St. Gabriel).
ROYAL VALE: Les travaux de 6 millions de dollars ont pris fin au tout nouveau centre sportif à l'école Royal Vale de NDG, dans un espace qui abritait autrefois une piscine de la Ville de Montréal. De l'extérieur, rien ne laisse supposer qu'un projet de rénovation aussi ambitieux a été réalisé à l'intérieur. Aucun changement n'a été apporté à la façade, si ce n'est le remplacement de quelques portes et fenêtres. Or, à l'intérieur, la métamorphose est époustouflante. Le nouveau gymnase, qui vient s’ajouter à l’autre installation de ce type à Royal Vale, consiste en un terrain de basketball réglementaire situé dans un espace souterrain aéré et lumineux, doté d’une large fenestration au-dessus du niveau du sol, avec une orientation vers le sud. On y accède par un escalier, au même étage que la toute nouvelle salle de conditionnement physique et le nouveau studio de danse (qui sera bientôt équipé d'une barre de ballet), les vestiaires avec casiers, douches, lavabos et toilettes. Plusieurs équipements sont activés par des capteurs sans contact, notamment les lumières, les robinets et les séchoirs. L’inauguration officielle a eu lieu le 6 mai. Nous vous invitons à lire l’intégral du communiqué.
NOUVEAU PARTENARIAT: Le Programme des mémoires de survivants de l'Holocauste de la Fondation Azrieli s'est associé à la Commission scolaire English-Montréal (CSEM) dans le cadre de son premier partenariat à l'échelle de la commission scolaire, afin d’enseigner l’histoire de l'Holocauste dans les salles de classe de la ville dès mai 2022. L'annonce de ce nouveau partenariat fait suite à des sessions de formation des directions d’école et des éducateurs animées par des experts de l'équipe éducative du Programme des mémoires de survivants de l’Holocauste. Au cours de ces séances, les directions d'école ont découvert les ressources du Programme et comment les éducateurs peuvent enseigner aux élèves en toute sécurité et avec succès l'Holocauste en utilisant ces ressources. Après Yom HaShoah (Journée dédiée à la mémoire des victimes de l'Holocauste, le 27 avril 2022), les directions d’école entameront la distribution du matériel pédagogique à leur personnel, qui commencera ensuite à enseigner l'Holocauste aux élèves. Dans le cadre du partenariat, l'équipe des mémoires sera disponible pour fournir des conseils et de l'aide, afin de s’assurer que les éducateurs sont soutenus dans leur démarche.
ÉTUDIER LES GÉNOCIDES: À l'occasion de Yom HaShoah, les animateurs de vie spirituelle et d’engagement communautaire des Services aux élèves ont organisé une conférence Zoom présentée par la Fondation pour l'étude des génocides. Un certain nombre d'écoles y ont participé. La présentation portait sur une histoire de survie, partagée à travers des témoignages vidéo et des photos de famille par la fille d'une survivante du génocide. Cette présentation a eu lieu le jour même du lancement d'un nouveau guide pour l'enseignement des génocides au Québec.
APPRENDRE SUR LE PASSÉ: L'école secondaire L.I.N.K.S. a commémoré la sensibilisation, la prévention et l'éducation aux génocides en avril et en mai au moyen de diverses activités proactives. Sophia Boyadjian a animé à la grandeur de l’école un cours sur l'éducation aux génocides en relation avec l'histoire mondiale et les injustices contemporaines. Les élèves ont fait la découverte de plusieurs événements tragiques survenus au cours du siècle dernier, notamment l'Holocauste ainsi que les génocides arménien et rwandais. Étant donné que Mme Sophia et d'autres membres du personnel de L.I.N.K.S. ont des liens personnels avec le génocide arménien et l'Holocauste, que des membres de leur famille ont survécu à un génocide, les élèves ont entendu des histoires personnelles marquées par les difficultés, la persévérance et l'espoir. Ils ont participé à la réalisation d’une murale collective représentant des fleurs de myosotis, accompagnée de messages d'espoir et de paix inscrits sur chaque pétale. De plus, les élèves du programme de préparation au travail ont visité le Musée de l'Holocauste de Montréal en compagnie des enseignantes Anna Gualtieri, Lauren Costello et Jenica Tandoc. Pendant la visite, les élèves ont été invités à participer à une activité d'écriture sur les différentes expositions. Mme Sophia est convaincue qu'en enseignant le passé, les élèves comprendront mieux la société d'aujourd'hui et développeront des compétences pour identifier la discrimination, dénoncer les mauvais traitements et accepter les différences qui font de nous des êtres uniques. Mme Sophia a déclaré : « En fin de compte, l'objectif principal de L.I.N.K.S. est de promouvoir le respect de la diversité et de fournir à nos élèves les compétences nécessaires pour devenir des citoyens équilibrés, pour un avenir meilleur et plus prometteur ».
JOURNÉE DE LA TERRE: Les écoles de la CSEM ont célébré la Journée de la Terre de diverses façons. Pour un résumé complet : http://www.emsbpressreleases.com/2022/05/emsb-2022-earth-day-roundup.html.
LUTTE CONTRE LE CANCER: Le sport étant au cœur de l'école primaire Gerald McShane à Montréal-Nord, Alissa Minicucci, élève de 6e année, a mobilisé ses camarades de classe pour que grâce au soccer ils puissent faire leur part dans la lutte contre le cancer. Le 18 mai, Alissa et 25 de ses amis se sont élancés sur le terrain afin de recueillir des fonds au profit de la Société canadienne du cancer. Bien que l'initiative ait été lancée par Alissa à la suite du décès récent de son cousin des suites de la maladie, la collecte de fonds est une façon, pour tous les élèves et le personnel, d'honorer des êtres chers ayant perdu leur combat au fil des ans. Le mois dernier, le père du directeur (David Lee) ainsi que celui de l'enseignante-ressource (Melissa Malourni) ont tous deux été emportés par un cancer. En outre, le souvenir d'Erika Cipolla, ancienne élève ayant succombé à cette maladie alors qu'elle fréquentait l'école en 2008, restera à jamais gravé dans le cœur de tous les élèves de Gerald McShane. « Nous sommes si nombreux à avoir été touchés par cette maladie et nous tentons de nous mobiliser en tant que communauté pour faire une différence, aussi mince soit-elle », de dire Kathy Vella, agente de développement communautaire à l’école Gerald McShane. « Tant de personnes au sein de notre communauté ont côtoyé le cancer. Cet événement permettra de recueillir des fonds et, surtout, de sensibiliser nos élèves. »
SAVE THE POLAR BEARS: À l'école primaire East Hill de RDP, les enseignantes Nadia Barrafato et Veronica Bastone ont participé à un programme intitulé Save the Polar Bears. Les élèves de 4e année ont pris part à un projet transversal STIAM intégrant les sciences, les arts, les médias et la technologie. Leur mission est de sensibiliser les gens aux changements climatiques et aux répercussions sur les ours polaires au Canada. Elles ont consacré plusieurs semaines à faire des recherches, à discuter et à travailler ensemble pour créer un site Google bilingue informatif. De plus, les élèves ont conçu une épinglette qui met en lumière cette cause. Pour visiter leur site Save the Polar Bears : https://sites.google.com/emsb.qc.ca/savethepolarbears/home.
INFOLETTRE DES CSC: Une multitude d'activités intéressantes ont eu lieu dans les quatre centres scolaires et communautaires (CSC) de la CSEM à l'école secondaire James Lyng de Saint-Henri, à l'école secondaire Laurier Macdonald de Saint-Léonard, à l'école primaire Gerald McShane de Montréal-Nord et à l'école primaire Parkdale de Saint-Laurent. Nous vous invitons à consulter la plus récente infolettre CSC sur notre site Web.
PROGRAMME DE PETITS DÉJEUNERS À MOUNTAINVIEW: L’an dernier, le Club des petits déjeuners du Canada a constaté une augmentation notable de la demande et du besoin accru de programmes de petits déjeuners. Le Club doit s'assurer de pouvoir continuer à desservir le nombre considérable d'enfants qui ont bénéficié de ces programmes au cours de la dernière année. Par conséquent, Amazon Canada a fourni près d'un million de dollars en financement spécial pour permettre au Club de lancer de nouveaux programmes de petits déjeuners quotidiens dans des écoles de la Colombie-Britannique, de l'Alberta, du Manitoba et du Québec. Ces écoles figuraient auparavant sur la liste d'attente du Club. Le 13 mai, le Club des petits déjeuners, Amazon et le patineur de vitesse olympique sur courte piste, Charles Hamelin, ont rendu une visite surprise à l'école secondaire alternative Mountainview de Côte Saint-Luc pour annoncer la bonne nouvelle aux enseignants et les remercier de leur engagement envers les élèves au cours des deux dernières années fort difficiles. Un véhicule Amazon a livré à l'école des fournitures achetées par des clients et choisis parmi une liste de souhaits spéciale sur Amazon.ca (www.amazon.ca/supportBCC).
SERVICE DE L’ÉDUCATION DES ADULTES ET DE LA FORMATION PROFESSIONNELLE
BINGO POUR L'UKRAINE: Les élèves du Centre d'éducation des adultes Galileo de Montréal-Nord ont participé à une collecte de fonds dans le cadre d’une activité de bingo qui a eu lieu le 21 avril. Les élèves des programmes académiques, de base et à besoins particuliers ont recueilli plus de 1 700 $ dans le but d'aider les réfugiés ukrainiens nouvellement arrivés à Montréal. La somme amassée grâce à la générosité des élèves servira à acheter des cartes-cadeaux qui seront remises à la paroisse catholique ukrainienne Assomption-de-la-Sainte-Vierge-Marie.
Le 3 mai, les élèves se sont rendus dans la paroisse catholique ukrainienne Assomption-de-la-Sainte-Vierge-Marie où ils ont fait un don de plus de 1 800 $ sous forme de cartes-cadeaux et de colis réconfort pour les réfugiés ukrainiens ayant fui la guerre. Les élèves d'une même classe sont parvenus à amasser à eux seuls plus de 500 $ en vendant des bougies. Les élèves d'une autre classe ont versé un don de plus de 300 $ dollars provenant des ventes du Snack Shack. Un bingo couronné de succès pour les élèves des SIS (services d’intégration sociale) et des SISP (services d’intégration socioprofessionnelle) a eu lieu dans le gymnase. Le reste des fonds ont été récoltés avec le soutien du CCBE (programme de formation de base commune)/des services académiques. Ils ont pu visiter le sous-sol de l'église où sont soigneusement triés tous les dons de vêtements, d'articles d'hygiène, de médicaments et de produits ménagers destinés aux familles de réfugiés. La paroisse reçoit environ 20 familles par semaine, qui acceptent humblement ce dont elles ont besoin. Cette expérience a permis aux élèves de constater la générosité de la communauté et la multitude de bénévoles qui prennent le temps de trier tous les dons. Nous sommes très reconnaissants d'avoir pris part à cette expérience.
EN PEINTURE: Les élèves des programmes académique et de base du Centre d'éducation des adultes Galileo, en collaboration avec Pop Up Paint Shop à Montréal, ont peint des toiles inspirantes dans le cadre de leur projet de bien-être qui vise à promouvoir la santé mentale et le bien-être. Les élèves ont été guidés dans l'art de la peinture collaborative et, en l’espace d’une semaine, ont peint quatre toiles vibrantes à l'effigie de personnages inspirants accompagnés de leurs célèbres citations. Terry Fox, Malala Yousafzai, Nelson Mandela et Muhammad Ali ont ainsi été immortalisés par les élèves. L'ensemble du Centre a ensuite eu l'occasion d’admirer le résultat final lors d'un vernissage. Nos élèves ont été très fiers de découvrir un talent inexploité, ont appris à libérer leur stress un coup de pinceau à la fois et ont laissé leur empreinte à Galileo grâce à ces peintures.
Le prochain numéro de Pleins feux sur Fielding sera publié le 21 juin 2022. Prière de soumettre vos articles au plus tard le 17 juin 2022 à midi, à mcohen@emsb.qc.ca.
The next Focus will be published on June 21, 2022. Deadlines for submissions is Fruday, June17 at Noon to mcohen@emsb.qc.ca
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