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| Joe Ortona meets with Stephen Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the National Council of Canadian Muslims at the Court of Appeal. The NCCM is also a plaintiff in the case. |
BILL 21: The Quebec Court of Appeal has begun hearing the case on Bill 21, An Act Respecting the Laicity of the State. In April of 2021, a Quebec Superior Court decision found that Bill 21 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. “We remain committed to continue our challenge to Bill 21 and to defend our exclusive right to manage and control our institutions in accordance with our culture,” said EMSB Chair Joe Ortona.
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| Officer Benzakour is thanked by EMSB officials. |
COVID-19 UPDATE: Here is our latest COVID-19 update with important information for parents and staff.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES: Montreal Police Officer Nabil Benzakour has given a number of workshops on emergency and lockdown procedures to EMSB in-school administrators and members of the management team.
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| Students visit a kiosk at the Fair. |
EDUCATION AND CAREER FAIR: More than 2,000 Secondary V students attended the 22nd annual EMSB Career Fair on October 19 and 20 at St. Pius X Career Centre in Ahuntsic. Jack Dym of Pipe and Piling Supplies Ltd was the event’s title sponsor.
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| Vinny and Shannon from Virgin Radio visit the LMAC Career Centre booth. |
Several on air personalities from the media were on hand to talk to students about careers in this field and serve as guest emcees: Laurier Macdonald High School grad Pamela Pagano from CityNews Montreal; Vinny and Shannon from Virgin Radio; Sean Henry and Sonali Karnick from CBC Radio; and Kim Sullivan from Global News Montreal. This marked the first in-person Education and Career Fair since 2019. The previous two editions were presented virtually. On the evening of October 19, the Education and Career Fair was open to the community-at-large. This was an excellent opportunity for parents to attend with their children as they look towards post-secondary education options in a one-stop shopping experience.
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| There were large crowds at the open house. |
More than 500 people showed up. Mario Argiropoulos from EMSB Adult Education and Vocational Services is the Education and Career Fair chair. The Student Services and AEVS Departments of the EMSB coordinate this program. The main objective was to provide students with an in-depth exposure to the various educational opportunities available to them. All students will take part in a brief general information session in the St. Pius X auditorium. Students then had the chance to visit the various exhibition/information booths staffed by representatives from English vocational centres, CEGEPS, universities and some private business colleges
See our press release and photo album
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| Legal emissaries are given a warm welcome at Royal Vale. |
INTERNATIONAL LEGO EMISSARIES: Two senior leaders from LEGO Education visited Royal Vale School in NDG on October 25. Manager of Strategic Markets Villy Outzen from Denmark and Manager of Americas Claudette Munoz from Mexico were excited to see the school’s robotics program in action. They visited the Robotics Lab with club coordinator Dexter Lavery-Callendar and then with specialist Avelino Morais. The visit was made possible by Éric Patenaude, Director of Pedagogical Development for Brault et Bouthillier. On hand were Robotics Consultant Sara Iatauro and Robotics STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) Valerie Honig. “I can see the sparkle in their eyes,” Outzen said as he watched the students work on a project. Added Munoz: “I am energized just watching them.”
For the link to the above, click here
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| QBBE President Alix Adrien is welcomed by senior management and the Council of Commissioners. |
QBBE ENTENTE: The EMSB has signed a five year entente with the Quebec Board of Black Educators (QBBE), which promotes the development of educational services for black youths and other youths between the ages of five and 25 who reside in the Greater Montreal area. The DaCosta Hall program provides academic enrichment, remediation, and the opportunity to write supplemental exams necessary for graduation. The QBBE also offers tutoring as a way to supplement formal education. The main goal of the tutor is to provide support to the student and help them gain proficiency in the subject area. Grades 7 to 9 students have access to the core course of Math, English, and French. Grade 9 History is also offered. In Grades 10 and 11, students can take bridge courses for upgrades in Math and Science, and they can write supplemental exams leading to graduation. Resolutions were adopted at the November 8 Council of Commissioners meeting for the entente and to launch a consultation process to allow the QBBE to rent space at Marymount Academy International in NDG and for that facility’s annex to serve as their new head office.
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| Alix Adrien signs the entente with Chair Joe Ortona, DG Nick Katalifos and ADG's Jack Chadirjian and Pela Nickoletopoulos. |
REGISTRATION FOR PROGRAMS: The QBBE is pleased to share information for this year’s hybrid Academic Support Program. Registration to the online learning platform is currently open. This year they offer a hybrid program of online support during the weekdays, and in-person support during the weekend on Saturdays at their head office on 5165 Sherbrooke West, Suite 317. The location is easily accessible and walking distance from the Vendôme metro station. For all of the details and the flyer click here.
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| Nick Katalifos, Joe Ortona, Rosemary Federico, Maria Corsi, Tony Speranza and Daniel Tatone. |
PARENT ELECTIONS: On October 20 the EMSB Parents’ Committee members met for the first time this year to elect their executive members and observer to a Board Governance Committee. The chair of the EMSBPC for 2022-2022 is Katherine Korakakis from Hampstead Elementary School; vice chair, Jason Trudeau from Rosemount High School; and treasurer, Franco Mazzariello from Lester B. Pearson High School. Parent Commissioners are Maria Corsi (Elementary), Tony Speranza (High School), Rosemarie Federico (ACSES) and Daniel Tatone (no designation). The member elected to the Transportation & Safety Advisory Committee is Stephanie Passucci from Michelangelo International Elementary School. The parent representatives to the English Parents Committee Association (EPCA) are Ms. Korakakis and Gloria Lombardi (Alternate Delegate from ACSES).
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| Joe Ortona, Katherine Korakakis, Jason Trudeau and Nick Katalifos. |
MEET AND GREET: EMSB Chair Joe Ortona and the Council of Commissioners invited members of the Parents Committee and representatives from Governing Boards to a “Meet and Greet” to discuss some important issues related to the public education system on November 1.
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| Joe Ortona addresses the gathering. |
Mr. Ortona went over the different court cases the EMSB is involved in and answered questions on various subjects.
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| A guest speaker at Nesbitt School helps students make poppies. |
REMEMBRANCE DAY: Leading up to November 11, schools across the EMSB continue to commemorate Remembrance Day through unique in-class activities, events and field trips. Please see our detailed press release here.
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| It was all smiles at the sneaker giveway. |
THE GIFT OF SNEAKERS: For the second year in a row, every student who is enrolled at James Lyng High School in St. Henri was presented with a free pair of sneakers on October 17. This shoe-drive was initiated by third year McGill University Social Work student Julian Grau-Brown. Julian attended three EMSB schools: Edward Murphy Elementary in Hochelaga Maisonneuve, Dante Elementary in St. Léonard, and Laurier Macdonald High School in St. Léonard. With a generous donation from retired EMSB employee Eddy Hong, alongside a sponsorship from the sneaker boutique Exclucity, Julian was able to get enough brand-new pairs of sneakers to reach his goal of donating to all students at James Lyng. Mr. Grau-Brown was presented with a Certificate of Gratitude for his kindness towards the students. He got to know the James Lyng High School community when he did an internship there. “Julian was actually my student when I was teaching History back at Laurier Macdonald High School many years ago. He always had a great energy about him and I am so proud of him,” said James Lyng Principal Giovanni Iammarrone. James Lyng High School hosts students from various communities and socio-economic backgrounds.
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| Michael Talevi (fourth from the left) is thanked by EMSB officials. |
RETIREES DINNER: The EMSB honoured 73 individuals at its first in-person retirees tribute dinner in three years. Held at Le Challenger in St. Laurent, Chair Joe Ortona and Director General Nick Katalifos provided opening remarks. Former Coronation Elementary School Principal Mike Talevi had the most years of service, 52. Among teachers, Cyril Payne of Rosemount Technology Centre worked for 45 years. In all, the 73 honourees have given 1,650 years of service to education. “Retirement is a new beginning, and that means closing the book on one chapter in order to begin the next,” said Mr. Ortona. “We know the past few years have been extremely challenging. Yet all of our staff rose to the occasion during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.”
See our full press release and photo album from the evening
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| East Hill students always embrace Media Literacy Week. |
MEDIA LITERACY WEEK: Canada’s 17th annual Media Literacy Week took place from October 24 to 28. The annual event invites all Canadians - teachers, students, seniors, community groups, libraries and museums - to celebrate by engaging in digital media literacy activities. Under the guidance of Nadia Barrafato, Grade 3 to 6 students at East Hill Elementary School in RDP, took part all week long through various activities, many provided by Media Smarts. Topics included: conducting proper online research, understanding advertising, Digital Citizenship Day and setting rules and boundaries when playing online.
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| Mark Bergman, Anthony Housefather, Michael Cohen and students. |
HOLOCAUST EDUCATION PROGRAM: The EMSB Holocaust Education Program , supported by a Nova grant from the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal, continues in November. This is Holocaust Education Month. A number of school visits are planned to the Montreal Holocaust Museum – Mountainview, Rosemount High, Honore Mercier, Edward Murphy and Gerald McShane. Author Monique Polak will read from her new book, The Brass Charm, on November 17 at Westmount Park Elementary School. And, on November 24, Holocaust survivor Muguette Szpajzer-Myers will visit Marymount Academy International to speak to students. That speaking engagement was made possible by the Azrieli Foundation Holocaust Memoirs Program. The teacher is Stacey Blumer, who went to Israel and studied at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem via scholarship from the Riva and Thomas O. Hecht Scholarship Program, Teaching of the Holocaust for Educators. As well, Mount Royal Liberal MP Anthony Housefather spoke to a class at Carlyle Elementary School in TMR to discuss the Inter-Parliamentary Task Force to Combat Online Antisemitism that he co-chairs with U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Stay tuned for more podcasts. On December 7, Nazi hunter Steve Rambam will do a virtual lecture for students at Westmount High School.
Please listen here to our latest podcast with MP Housefather and some students.
The Holocaust Survivor Memoirs program seeks to sustain the memory of all those who perished at the hands of hatred, abetted by indifference and apathy. The personal accounts of those who survived against all odds are as different as the people who wrote them, but all demonstrate the courage, strength, wit and luck that it took to prevail and survive in such terrible adversity. The memoirs are also moving tributes to people – strangers and friends – who risked their lives to help others, and who, through acts of kindness and decency in the darkest of moments, frequently helped the persecuted maintain faith in humanity and courage to endure. These accounts offer inspiration to all, as does the survivors’ desire to share their experiences so that new generations can learn from them. Recognizing that most survivor memoirs never find a publisher, the Azrieli Foundation established the Holocaust Survivor Memoirs Program to collect, archive and publish these distinctive records.
NEW SERIES OF AUDIOBOOKS: The Azrieli Foundation has transformed the powerful stories of our survivor memoirs into riveting audiobooks, which will be launched in 2023 in partnership with Penguin Random House Canada. As part of Holocaust Education Week 2022, survivor authors Elly Gotz, Judy Cohen and Pinchas Gutter spoke with actor Jake Epstein, who narrates the audiobook of the late Morris Schnitzer’s memoir, about what it was like to produce the first audiobooks ever narrated by Holocaust survivors themselves and how they look forward to sharing their stories in this new form.
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| Alice Abracen |
Inspired by a true story, The Covenant is set in June, 1944 at Theresienstadt. Red Cross dignitaries are invited to marvel at this lively town which appears to be a haven for Jewish people in the heart of Czechoslovakia. Little do they know that this paradise is a ghetto and concentration camp, elaborately staged in order to conceal Nazi crimes against humanity. Forced to participate in the terrible charade, the ambitious politician Peter and the dedicated doctor Hilde find their idealism, their faith, and their love put to a terrible test. Nine Secondary III English Language Arts classes from Royal West will be attending shows on November 23 and 30. See this story.
BLUE SHIRT DAY: In honour of World Diabetes Day, Royal West Academy’s Ambassadors of DiaCare will be hosting a gathering on November 14 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Come celebrate the school’s Blue Shirt Day for Type 1 Diabetes. Blue Shirt Day is dedicated to spreading awareness for Type 1 Diabetes. We hope that this event will expose our ambitious student ambassadors to advocacy work and involve them in conversation concerning the innovation of healthcare.
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| Students dressed for the occasion at Honoré-Mercier. |
HALLOWEEN FUN: EMSB schools were very much in the Halloween spirit on October 31, as was the Administrative Head Office.
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| The Human Resources Department personnel at head office. |
See this report on CityNews Montreal from Honoré-Mercier Elementary School.
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| Students pay a visit to a seniors residence. |
SPREADING CHEER: LINKS WOTP students along with their teachers Anna Gualtieri, Chelsea Doczy and Spiritual and Community Animator Rocco Speranza visited seniors at a Rosemont residence in order to spread Halloween cheer. Since it was a beautiful sunny fall day, a carnival was held outdoors among nature's beautiful canopy of brightly colored leaves. Students prepared and created all the Halloween carnival games with the seniors in mind. The activities aimed to encourage teamwork, movement, and fun. Time spent decorating pumpkins together allowed for wonderful conversations. This visit allowed for welcomed connection, that brought smiles to everyone's faces. Bridging the gap between generations is typically very challenging, but the carnival was a fun way to create meaningful connections between students and residents.
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| Walking for a good cause. |
HONORÉ MERCIER WALK: Congratulations to the Pinsky family, led by students Vince and Sofia, at Honoré Mercier Elementary School in St. Léonard who recently organized a walk for Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association Canada. The walk was a huge success, raising over $1,000 for the cause! Hats off to the whole family and school community. CMT is a disease of the peripheral nerves that control muscles that can cause progressive loss of function and sensation in the hands, arms, legs, and feet.
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| Simon Chang, Principal George Koutsoulis, Commissioner James Kromida and students congratulate the winners. |
PARKDALE AND SIMON CHANG: The Simon Chang Difference Maker Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment in the special needs community via Inspirations Newspaper. The recipients for Fall 2022 are the dynamic teaching team of Cynthia Yee, teacher, and Natalina Melillo, special education technician from Parkdale Elementary School in St. Laurent. A special ceremony was held on November 2.
HOME AND SCHOOL CONFERENCE: After two years of virtual events, the Quebec Federation of Home and School Associations (QFHSA) is very pleased to host an in-person Fall Conference once again. The day-long event will take place on Saturday, November 12 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Merton Elementary School (5554, av. Robinson) in Côte St-Luc. The event gives Home and School parents and the wider education community an opportunity to reconnect, share ideas, and gather valuable information. The Fall Conference will open with a short ceremony to recognize in person the 2021/22 recipients of the QFHSA's major awards. Morning and afternoon workshops will cover a variety of topics—parenting styles, mental health, dealing with homework, the Governing Board/Home and School relationship, and more. The day will close with a regional council meeting—a forum for participants to share news from their local Home and School Associations, discuss issues, ask questions, and find out the QFHSA's latest news. The admission fee for the event is $25 per person (lunch included). To find out more/register for the 2022 QFHSA Fall Conference, please call 514-481-5619 or email info@qfhsa.org. The Quebec Federation of Home and School Associations Inc. (QFHSA) is an independent, incorporated, not-for-profit volunteer organization dedicated to enhancing the education and general well-being of children and youth. Since 1944, the QFHSA has been promoting the involvement of parents, students, educators, and the community at large in the advancement of learning and acting as a voice for parents. For more information on the QFHSA, please visit qfhsa.org, follow us on Facebook.com/qfhsa and Twitter.
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| Some of the Champions for Life leaders. |
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| Harvest Festival time at Edinburgh. |
B.A.S.E GARDEN CLUB HARVEST FESTIVAL Have you ever seen a blender powered by a bicycle? The students of the Edinburgh Elementary School B.A.S.E. (Before and After School Enrichment) program have! On October 18, the students of Grade 6 in B.A.S.E. hosted their very first fall harvest festival! Every student got to participate in a variety of special activities, including painting the exterior of the school’s garden and playing fun games! That day, BASE’s third graders picked fresh basil from their very own school garden to make pesto pizza for an amazing snack Students dug a flower bed and every student planted tulip bulb’s planting almost 600 tulips for the spring. Tulips were sold to raise money for a BASE garden club! Just by selling tulips made over $ 700. In the end the harvest festival was a huge success and hopefully B.A.S.E. will be doing it again.
Written by Teo Ricci and Jacqueline Sidel, Edinburgh B.A.S.E. Grade 6 students
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| Brian Ewenson presents. |
OUT OF THIS WORLD: On Tuesday, October 25, Edinburgh students in Grades 4 to 6 were visited by a guest speaker who is quite literally “out of this world.” Brian Ewenson, an Aerospace Educator, Consultant, and Professional Speaker, was brought in to talk about his experience working for NASA and the Canadian Space Agency. He also showcased a large collection of space artifacts with him.
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| Planting at Pompei. |
GREEN YARD PROJECT: The team at Our Lady of Pompei Elementary School in Ahuntsic are very proud of their Green Yard Project that took place last month. Students planted five trees inside the Astro-turf line of the South Yard and six fruit trees along Saint-Michel.
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| Students take part in CPR training. |
CPR TRAINING AT PET: At Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary School in Rosemount, Grade 5 students received the Kids-Save-Lives training. This is an awareness made by a medical team from the local CIUSSS on CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and the use of AEDs (automated external defibrillator) adapted to children of primary age. Several countries around the world offer this training to young people at the primary level. The school wishes to thank Dr. Lawrence Leroux of the local CIUSSS and Nurse Blandine.
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| FACE students experience the thrill of a lifetime. |
ADISQ AWARDS: ADISQ invited 40 students from the Grade 5 classes at FACE School, representing both the EMSB and the Centre de Services Scolaire de Montréal. They were invited to participate in the opening act of the 44th ADISQ Gala which took place at Place des Arts on November 6. The students were asked to participate in the opening act of Patrice Michaud to accompany him to sing one of his songs "Vous êtes ici." The students helped sing the chorus and lit up the stage with their energy to open the gala. They had the time to also spend time backstage with this singer- songwriter . They were also treated to tickets to the show. "We were very honoured to be a part of this gala and very proud of all our students!"said Principal Jennifer Harriet.
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| FACE students strike the pose. |
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| Regional Director Jimmy Giannacopoulos, Adrian Bercovici, Global's Kim Sullivan, Natalie Bercovici and Principal Peter McKelvie join students for breakfast. |
TOY AND FOOD DRIVE: Adrian and Natalie Bercovici of The Generations Foundation kicked off their holiday Toy and Food Drive live on Global TV on November 8 with a broadcast from St. Monica Elementary School in NDG. Global's Kim Sullivan did a series of interviews. The school has a dedicated food program run by Ava. Joseph. They currently serve as many as 80 breakfast meals per school day, hosted by volunteers. Ms. Joseph solicits the food donations.
See this interview with Mr. McKelvie
COMMUNITY CONTACT: On October 13, St. Monica hosted Community Connect Night for families of K4 and K5. The night was about facilitating a connection between home and school, building strong relationships between families and staff, and creating awareness of our community resources and supports. Representatives from NDG Food Depot, Women on the Rise, Honey Books, and Explorations Learning were present to offer information to families and provide animation for our students. Laughter and conversation were shared during a chili supper before students were led off to storytelling and hands-on activities while the adults remained for a presentation about the importance of engagement, routine, and fun within the family structure. Once children returned, families were given the space and materials to practice various games that promote nurture, structure, engagement and challenge. The event was a Student Services collaboration between Project Harbor, the Spiritual and Community Animation Service, and the Transitions Facilitation Consultant. St. Monica wishes to thank Samantha Smith (Spiritual and Community Animator) and Carmen Mucci (Preschool Consultant) for their efforts on coordinating organizing the event…and for cooking too!
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| Respect at LINKS. |
RESPECT AT LINKS: Students at LINKS High School in Ahuntsic want everyone to know how they feel about it. They don’t just read books about respect and kindness or have discussions about the topic. They live and breathe it and put those words into action every day. From the time they enter the classroom with a cheery “good morning” to engaging in appropriate conversations and conduct with peers and staff to exercising these skills in the workplace, they are putting in maximum effort to stand out as polite and considerate individuals. Gail Bernstein, DÉFIS teacher at LINKS relates, “Our students want to fit in whether it be at work, leisure activities or other community programs and events. However, individuals with neurodiversity may not always read social cues, react or learn the same way as those who are neurotypical. But, they are human beings and deserve respect as well. So, our students have their own messages to share. After all, the onus is not just on our students to show respect, kindness and empathy. We have to put more emphasis on sensitizing the public on how to interact appropriately with them.” The DÉFIS students participated in a deep and thoughtful dialogue about how they feel, how they have been treated throughout their lives and how they wish to be seen. They wrote meaningful and powerful messages and posted them on the school bulletin board for all to read. Some examples are “I have Autism, don’t hurt me”, “Remember, we have a heart, too”, “Discover my talents”, “We help people”, “I can do more than you think.” They have been inviting other students and staff to create their own messages and will spread the word on social media platforms. Ms. Bernstein adds, “My students believe strongly in the words of Temple Grandin: “I am different, not less.”
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| Svens Tekemaque made an impact at Roslyn School. |
EMPOWERING YOUTH THROUGH RESPECT: Part of the EMSB Respect Campaign, Svens Telemaque presented to students at Roslyn Elementary School in Westmount on self-respect, respect for others and the respect for environment. Svens, who persevered after an upbringing filled with drugs, crime and near death experiences, has dedicated his life to empowering youth, helping to inspire creativity, motivate performance, cultivate leadership and discourage bullying. Here is a video with Svens, students Emery Bruce Blackburn, Isaiah Leacock and Lea Coletti as well as Roslyn Principal Joanna Genovezos and Mireille Tehbellian, following his dynamic presentation: See this short video.
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| Willingdon soccer champions. |
SOCCER WIN: Soccer fever has hit Willingdon Elementary School in NDG. This year for the first time in its history, Willingdon decided to put together a girl's soccer team for Cycle 3 students and played games against other schools. On October 14 and 15 they participated in the famous Lower Canada College (LCC) soccer tournament that featured mostly private schools from Quebec and Ontario. From the moment the tournament started, the Willingdon girls demonstrated exceptional teamwork, perseverance and sportspersonship. Willingdon won all of its games and defeated Kuper 1-0 in an exciting finals. The PE department is now preparing for its Cycle 2 soccer league.
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| The Headstrong Mental Summit was a positive experience. |
HEALING TOGETHER: On October 27, Spiritual and Community Animator Vince Lacroce, Special Education Technician Maria Zarelli, Guidance Counsellor Lucy Beneventi, Youth Counsellor Carmela Piazza, alongside Secondary IV and Secondary V students from Rosemount High School participated in the Headstrong Mental Health Summit, hosted by the Mental Health Commission of Canada. The three day event culminated with a heartfelt testimonial of perseverance by Azzura Macrogliese, RHS graduate class of 2022. In September 2021, she was diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia, a rare disease that causes painful sensations like an electric shock on one side of the face; it is known to be the worst facial pain known to humanity. After many tests and treatments, her doctors and surgeons decided it was best to get brain surgery. On March 22, 2022, she underwent microvascular decompression surgery. Through all her ups and downs, her mom, family, and her best friend Monica helped her get through every step of the way. “I learned that a positive mindset and a strong network of family and friends will help you get through anything that comes your way,” says Azzura. “I hope that my story allowed the students to realize that we all have a story to share but most importantly, we need to support one another!” The organizing committee of staff and students will be piloting new initiatives at the schools such as: Mindful Morning whereby students will have an opportunity to talk about their feelings and how to get support; a mindfulness club that is available to students every Wednesday at lunch time that will offer a space to pause, reflect and reconnect to oneself to improve our mental state; and 30-Day Mental Health Challenge where the goal is simple - one small self-care/mental health-related activity a day for 30 days, with the hope to notice improvements in your overall frame of mind at the end!
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| EMSB officials welcome Grand Chief Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer. |
THE WAY FORWARD: There was an important step forward for the EMSB when Rosemount High School and Nesbitt Elementary welcomed Grand Chief Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer, Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke and Chief Jessica Lazare, Lead Chief on the Heritage Portfolio, Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke. The commemoration was spearheaded by Spiritual Community Animator Vince Lacroce. “The Way Forward” Indigenous Commemoration showcased the musical talents of Rosemount High School’s Symphonic Winds and Nesbitt Elementary’s choir along with the artistic talents of Rosemount High School students. This event would not have been possible without the tremendous support of the management team and table of the EMSB, Grand Chief Sky-Deer, Chief Rice, Chief Lazare, and the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake, the Administration teams of Rosemount High School, Nesbitt Elementary, and Perspectives High School, Danika Swanson, SCA Consultant, the music and art teachers, Debbie Best, Anthony Cooperwood, Mr. Mailloux, and Ms. Petruta. Thank you to Ms. Derome and her Nesbitt choir for their performance of 'Strawberry Moon (Ode'min Giizis), a performance that won 1st place in CBC ’s Indigenous Languages category. A special thank you to Les Delices Lafrenaie for their beautiful “Every Child Matters” cake for our invited honoured guests from the EMSNB and the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke.
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| Students from the participating schools. |
Grand Chief Sky-Deer from the Wolf Clan is the elected Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke. She was first elected to Council in 2009 and is serving her community in her fifth straight three-year term of office. She was elected as the first ever female Grand Chief in July of 2021 making history for Kahnawà:ke. Grand Chief Sky-Deer’s current areas of focus in her role as Grand Chief are: External Government Relations (Kahnawà:ke/Canada Relations), Nation Building, Border Crossing and Indigenous Relations and Governance. Grand Chief Sky-Deer graduated from Vanier College before moving to Florida to play women’s professional football. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida in 2008. She returned to her community of Kahnawà:ke that same year and has been living and working in her community ever since. Grand Chief Sky-Deer is very passionate about issues pertaining to the protection of inherent rights, the revitalization of the Mohawk Language and the survival of the Cultural Identity of her People.
PROFESSIONALS IN EDUCATION WEEK: This year's Education Professionals' Week is November 15 to 19, under the theme Professional Education Services: Engraved in My Heart. There are 11,000 professionals, members of the FPPE, who reach out in many small and large ways every day to students, teachers and principals in elementary, secondary, adult general and vocational education. Professionals include guidance counsellors, psychologists, pedagogical consultants, archivists, spiritual community animators and speech language pathologists. Every professional plays an essential role in school success. Let's recognize the invaluable work of public education professionals and say "thank you!"
INNOVATIVE PRACTICES: School Executives Day will be celebrated throughout Quebec on December 1. The Association québécoise des cadres scolaires (AQCS) is the proud initiator of this event. This year's theme, "From the Field and the Vanguard", highlights the role of school administrators in educational success, as well as their innovative practices. AQCS will celebrate School Administrators' Day on different platforms. A Virtual Recognition Wall will showcase a school executive or group of executives who have made a difference for educational success, completed an innovative project, or is involved in the field in a unique way? L’Association québécoise des cadres scolaires (AQCS) invites you to watch this video.
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| EBS students make their Lego Sukkah. |
LEARNING ABOUT SUKKOT: The Grade 1 students of Patti Surette at Elizabeth Ballantyne Elementary School in Montreal West learned about the Jewish Holiday of Sukkot. They watched videos explaining the origin of the holiday, how it is celebrated, and saw examples of sukkahs. In groups, they then created sukkahs out of Lego pieces. Some even made the inside of the sukkahs. It was a fun hands on experience. The challenge they were given was to find sukkahs in Côte St Luc.
VISIT TO KAHNAWAKE: The students from Mountainview Alternative High School in Côte Saint-Luc commemorated Orange Shirt Day and Thanksgiving with a visit to Kahnawake shortly after Sept. 30th. Former Band Council Chief Tom Dearhouse opened the gathering with a traditional Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address before leading an educational conversation about Indigenous Ways of Knowing. The talk was around an outdoor pit fire next to a Gazebo, where students enjoyed a delicious traditional meal. The visit closed with a sage ceremony for students and staff. Spiritual and Community Animator, Puynung Choy, who led the visit said, “It was an incredibly enlightening spiritual and educational experience for the group.” This visit was one of several immersive community-based educational experiences planned for students at Mountainview this year.
FOCUS VOLUNTEERS: On October 24, for the first time, Focus Alternative High School in St.Henri senior students went to the Sister Sabria Foundation (SSF) as part of their volunteering outings organized by the Spiritual and Community Animator, Ibrahim Abou Arab. SSF acts as a community pillar and serves multiple functions. What started with making sandwiches for homeless people in one metro station, evolved into a full soup kitchen where hot meals are prepared and distributed to shelters such as Old Brewery Mission, and for people that are homeless in the downtown area. SSF also serves as a women’s shelter for Muslim women in need. Focus students worked hard preparing 180 meals that were distributed later that evening. They packed the cutlery, made salads, and cut and prepped the vegetables. Our students served as an important piece of a large mission that placed a spotlight on a population that is often forgotten. To put it in the words of our students “giving back to people in need is always important and should be done throughout the whole year.” During the visit, students exemplified important values such as generosity, teamwork, and kindness. We look forward to going back soon!
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| Fidaa Chowdhury |
HATS OFF: Bravo to Secondary V Laurier Macdonald High School student Fidaa Chowdhury who works the cash at La Belle Province downtown on Peel Street, engaging when necessary in French with the clientele.
NEUROSCIENCE TALKS: On November 26 there will be a series of TED style talks given by neuroscience academics geared toward the general public. NeuroLingo is an organization formed by graduate students in McGill University and Université de Montréal to deliver cutting edge neuroscience research using accessible language. Similar to the TED talks or WIRED series on YouTube, we aim to have experts in the field explain complex neuroscientific terms in a simple and easy to understand manner. For the last two years, our virtual event was viewed by thousands of scientifically curious minds and the audience response has been phenomenal. With our fall event, we plan to have our first in-person event inviting researchers from diverse neurological backgrounds to present their research. This is an excellent opportunity for people to learn about the current neuroscience research.The event will occur on November 26 at BAnQ Auditorium, and the ticket will cost only $5 per person! Buy your tickets here.
ADULT EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL SERVICES
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| There are so many options in the SBG. |
SUPPORT FOR BUSINESS: The EMSB has a new service that can certainly benefit employees of local businesses. Called the Service to Business Group (SBG), it provides customized training to businesses, aiming to provide creative, advanced, and modern training practices designed to assist companies build better performance and productivity within their corporate structure. These tailor-made instructional packages are specifically customized to meet each business’s training needs. Instruction can be done in person or online. Some of the most popular and successful training programs have revolved around the following themes: business/e-commerce courses; language courses; Français au Bureau; tools to make your workday more professional and less stressful; software training; computer graphics; secretarial and accounting; hotel reception; professional sales; healthcare training; beauty care; automotive training; client communications skills; and teambuilding activities for staff. BG also offers the RAC Program (Recognition of Acquired Competencies), which is a formal recognition of acquired competencies that leads to an official diploma of Vocational Studies for your staff. For further information go to the SBG website at www.sbg.emsb.qc.ca or call 514-483-7200 ext. 7724
GALILEO ARTISTS: In June 2022, four of Galileo Adult Education Centre’s special needs students participated in the Festival Imagine’s Neurodivergent Student Artwork Exhibition, which brings neurotypical and neurodivergent communities together to celebrate the creativity of autistic artists. Alfonso Guerrero, Sara Padar, Marco Macri and Malachi Lewis submitted artwork, and two winners were selected! Sara Padar and Marco Macri each won a $50 Michael’s gift card for their artistic work, and Guerrero and Lewis received participation awards.
CHRISTMAS BASKETS: Friends 4 Cause, a non-profit organization in support of Galileo and other special needs programs within the EMSB, have launched their annual Christmas Basket and Gourmet Box campaign. These holiday baskets and gourmet boxes, which are hand assembled by the autistic students in their work program, consist of specialty Italian products such as panettone, chocolates, pastas, oils and sauces. The Christmas baskets and gourmet boxes, available for all budgets, make wonderful gifts for teachers and administrative staff. What better way to thank your staff this holiday season than to give them a gift that gives back to your students! The Christmas baskets and gourmet boxes are also available to the public and are sure to delight anyone on your gift list and warm their heart to know that your purchase went in support of Autism awareness. The complete catalogue is available on the Friends 4 Cause website at www.friends4cause.com. The Christmas baskets and gourmet boxes can be purchased online or in person. The friendly staff of volunteers at the Friends 4 Cause boutique located at 3177 rue Fleury Est, H1H 2R2 will be happy to show you the selection of baskets in store on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am to 4 pm. As the holiday season approaches, the boutique will have extended holiday hours available.
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| Enjoying their steamies. |
A TREAT OF STEAMIES: The iconic Chez Ma Tante restaurant made a special visit to Galileo Adult Centre on September 29 to surprise special needs students with delicious hot dog steamies. They parked their food cart on site to welcome the students back for a new school year, and to thank Galileo for everything that the school does to enrich the lives of its students. Hot dogs were not the only thing in abundance that morning; smiles and cheers could be seen and heard all morning long as students discovered their surprise treat. Chez Ma Tante also added some sweetness into the mix with candy treats as dessert for every student. Their generosity extended past the special needs program as they extended their hot dog invitation to the entire student body. What a delicious way to start the school year!
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| Students gather at the St. Laurent Adult Education Centre. |
LEARNING ABOUT TERRY FOX: Students and staff from Saint Laurent Adult Education Centre participated in various events to raise $1,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation this past month. On September 18 the entire school participated in a 2 km run around the school block to raise awareness and funds for Cancer Research. In addition, Common Core Basic Education (CCBE) teacher Victoria Callocchia, used the Terry Fox Run to educate her class about Terry Fox the person and the organization. They planned a two-day bake sale which raised over $535 over two days which helped the center get to its goal of $1000. Meanwhile, over 100 CCBE day students went apple picking in Oka on October 11. Students had the chance to experience a typical Canadian tradition. They were allowed to pick two bags of apples to bring with them and students had very positive reviews about the experience. Over 40 CCBE evening students, led by teacher Katayoun Tavoosi, went for a field trip to one of Montreal’s premier attractions the Botanical gardens on October 19. The students were able to explore and learn about plants from all types of ecosystem through a night life experience.
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| A proud student showcases his work. |
CABINETMAKING SUCCESS: At Rosemount Technology Centre, cabinetmaking students have completed some outstanding final projects. The students will now be advancing to the internship module.
FLEX-TIME: In general, one can agree that perception of time can create the biggest clashes among people. As an Adult Education teacher, the world enters my classroom. Although this is a culturally enriching experience, the challenge has always been having my adult learners conform to North America’s linear time culture as “learners.” What does it mean to be punctual and to respect deadlines? Most of my students come from a Flex-time culture and this means that in their native countries, time is elastic and so delays are not only anticipated but also, tolerated. The notion of “late” is not punishable as it is here in North America. Now, having been an adult educator for over 20 years, this has been my greatest challenge in the classroom. My perception of time is rigid and this is due to my learned behaviour as a North American. You can read HSM Adult Education Centre teacher Anna Panunto's full article here.
ÉDITION DU MOIS DE NOVEMBRE 2022 / BULLETIN DE LA CSEM
FOIRE DES CARRIÈRES: Plus de 2 000 élèves de 5e secondaire ont pris part à la 22e édition annuelle de la Foire des carrières de la Commission scolaire English-Montréal les 19 et 20 octobre au Centre de carrières St. Pius X à Ahuntsic. Jack Dym de Pipe and Piling Supplies Ltd était le commanditaire en titre de l'événement. Plusieurs personnalités des médias étaient sur place pour renseigner les élèves sur les carrières dans ce domaine et ont agi à titre de maîtres de cérémonie : Pamela Pagano de CityNews Montreal, diplômée de l'école secondaire Laurier Macdonald; Vinny et Shannon de Virgin Radio; Sean Henry et Sonali Karnick de CBC Radio; et Kim Sullivan de Global News Montreal.
Il s'agissait de la première Foire de l'éducation et des carrières en présentiel depuis 2019, les deux éditions antérieures s’étant déroulées en mode virtuel. Le 19 octobre en soirée, la Foire de l'éducation et des carrières a ouvert ses portes au grand public. À cette occasion, parents et élèves ont pu se renseigner sous un même toit sur les diverses options postsecondaires offertes. La Foire a accueilli plus de 500 visiteurs. Mario Argiropoulos du Service de l'éducation des adultes et de la formation professionnelle (EAFP) de la CSEM préside la Foire de l'éducation et des carrières. Coordonnée par l’EAFP en collaboration avec les Services aux élèves de la CSEM, cette Foire vise principalement à sensibiliser les élèves aux nombreux programmes d’enseignement qui s’offrent à eux. Tous les élèves ont assisté à une brève séance d'information générale dans l'auditorium de St. Pius X. Ils ont ensuite eu la possibilité de visiter les divers kiosques d'information/d'exposition afin de s’entretenir avec des représentants d’établissements anglophones, notamment des centres de formation professionnelle, des cégeps, des universités et quelques écoles de gestion privées.
ÉLECTION DE PARENTS: Le 20 octobre, les membres du comité de parents de la CSEM (CPCSEM) se sont réunis pour la première fois cette année afin d'élire les membres de l’exécutif ainsi qu’un observateur à l’un des comités de gouvernance de la commission scolaire. La présidente du CPCSEM pour 2022-2023 est Katherine Korakakis de l'école primaire Hampstead; le vice-président, Jason Trudeau de l'école secondaire Rosemont; et le trésorier, Franco Mazzariello de l'école secondaire Lester B. Pearson. Les commissaires parents sont Maria Corsi (primaire), Tony Speranza (secondaire), Rosemarie Federico (CCSAS) et Daniel Tatone (sans désignation). Stephanie Passucci de l'école primaire internationale Michelangelo a été élue au comité consultatif de transport et sécurité. Les représentants des parents auprès de l’Association des comités de parents anglophones (ACPA) sont Katherine Korakakis et Gloria Lombardi (déléguée substitut du CCSAS).
SÉANCE D’ACCUEIL: Le président de la CSEM, Joe Ortona, et le conseil des commissaires ont convié les membres du comité de parents et les représentants des conseils d'établissement à une séance d’accueil (Meet and Greet) le 1er novembre afin de discuter de certains enjeux importants en lien avec le système d'éducation publique.
JOUR DU SOUVENIR: Jusqu'au 11 novembre, les écoles de la CSEM continuent de commémorer le jour du Souvenir en organisant des activités uniques en classe, des événements et des sorties.
DON DE CHAUSSURES: Pour une deuxième année consécutive, chaque élève inscrit à l'école secondaire James Lyng de Saint-Henri s’est vu remettre une paire d’espadrilles gratuite le 17 octobre. Cette collecte de chaussures a été mise sur pied par Julian Grau-Brown, étudiant en troisième année en travail social à l'Université McGill. Julian a fréquenté trois écoles de la CSEM, soit l'école primaire Edward Murphy dans Hochelaga-Maisonneuve ainsi que l'école primaire Dante et l'école secondaire Laurier Macdonald à Saint-Léonard. Grâce à un don généreux d'Eddy Hong, employé retraité de la CSEM, et à un parrainage avec la boutique de chaussures de sport Exclucity, Julian est parvenu à se procurer suffisamment d’espadrilles neuves pour atteindre son objectif et ainsi faire don d’une paire à tous les élèves de James Lyng. Mr. Grau-Brown s’est mérité un certificat de reconnaissance pour sa bienveillance envers les élèves. Il a fait connaissance avec la communauté de l'école secondaire James Lyng lors d'un stage. « Julian était en fait l’un de mes élèves lorsque j'ai enseigné l'histoire à l'école secondaire Laurier Macdonald, il y a de nombreuses années. Il a toujours fait preuve d'une grande énergie et je suis très fier de lui », a déclaré Giovanni Iammarrone, directeur de l'école James Lyng. L'école secondaire James Lyng accueille des élèves issus de diverses communautés et de divers milieux socio-économiques.
SOUPER DES RETRAITÉS: La CSEM a honoré 73 personnes lors de la première édition en présentiel, depuis trois ans, de la soirée de reconnaissance du personnel retraité. Le souper a eu lieu à la salle de réception Le Challenger à Saint-Laurent. Le président Joe Ortona et le directeur général Nick Katalifos ont prononcé le mot de bienvenue. L'ancien directeur de l'école primaire Coronation, Mike Talevi, a affiché les plus longs états de service, soit 52 ans. Parmi le personnel enseignant, Cyril Payne du Centre de technologie Rosemont cumule 45 années de service. Au total, les 73 personnes honorées ont consacré 1 650 années à l’éducation.
«L’heure de la retraite sonne un nouveau départ, c’est la fin d’une étape et le début d’une nouvelle aventure », s’est exclamé M. Ortona. « Nous sommes conscients que ces dernières années ont été extrêmement difficiles. Malgré tout, l'ensemble du personnel s'est montré à la hauteur au cours de la pandémie sans précédent de COVID-19. »
« La pandémie nous a obligés à nous adapter sur le plan social et à garder nos distances avec nos proches et nos amis pour protéger les plus vulnérables. Maintenant que la vie semble être revenue à la normale, nous pouvons recommencer à célébrer tous ensemble vos réalisations », de renchérir M. Katalifos.
« Votre travail acharné et votre dévouement se sont avérés une véritable source d'inspiration pour vos collègues et ont contribué à transformer la vie de nombreux élèves », de conclure M. Katalifos.
SEMAINE ÉDUCATION MÉDIAS: La 17e édition annuelle de la Semaine éducation médias du Canada a eu lieu du 24 au 28 octobre. Cet événement annuel invite tous les Canadiens – enseignants, élèves, aînés, regroupements communautaires, bibliothèques et musées – à célébrer en participant à des activités d'éducation aux médias numériques. Sous la direction de Nadia Barrafato, les élèves de la 3e à la 6e année de l'école primaire East Hill de RDP ont pris part tout au long de la semaine à diverses activités, dont plusieurs proposées par HabiloMédias. Parmi les thèmes abordés : effectuer des recherches appropriées en ligne, comprendre la publicité, la Journée de la citoyenneté numérique et fixer des règles et des limites pour les jeux en ligne.
PROGRAMME D'ÉDUCATION SUR L'HOLOCAUSTE : Le programme d'éducation sur l'Holocauste de la CSEM (www.HolocaustEducationMtl.com), rendu possible grâce à une subvention Nova de la Fondation communautaire juive de Montréal, se poursuit en novembre. C'est le Mois de l'éducation sur l'Holocauste. Un certain nombre de visites scolaires sont prévues au Musée de l'Holocauste de Montréal – Mountainview, Rosemount High, Honore Mercier, Edward Murphy et Gerald McShane. L'auteure Monique Polak lira un extrait de son nouveau livre, The Brass Charm, le 17 novembre, à l'école primaire Westmount Park. Et, le 24 novembre, Muguette Szpajzer-Myers, survivante de l'Holocauste, se rendra à l'Académie internationale Marymount pour s'adresser aux élèves. Cette visite a été rendue possible grâce au Programme des mémoires de survivants de l'Holocauste de la Fondation Azrieli. L’enseignante, Stacey Blumer, s’est rendue en Israël et a étudié au Musée de l'Holocauste Yad Vashem à Jérusalem grâce à une bourse octroyée dans le cadre du programme de bourses d’études Riva et Thomas O. Hecht pour l’enseignement de l’Holocauste aux éducateurs. En outre, le député libéral de Mont-Royal, Anthony Housefather, s'est adressé à une classe de l'école primaire Carlyle de TMR afin de discuter du groupe de travail interparlementaire sur la lutte contre l'antisémitisme en ligne qu'il copréside avec Debbie Wasserman Schultz, membre du Congrès américain. Restez à l'affût des balados à venir. Le 7 décembre, Steve Rambam, surnommé le chasseur de Nazis, s’entretiendra virtuellement avec les élèves de l'école secondaire Westmount.
Le Programme des mémoires de survivants de l'Holocauste vise à entretenir la mémoire de tous ceux et celles qui ont péri aux mains de la haine, soutenue par l'indifférence et l'apathie. Les récits personnels de ceux qui ont survécu contre toute attente sont aussi différents que les personnes qui les ont écrits, mais tous démontrent le courage, la force, la présence d'esprit et la chance qu'il leur a fallu pour vaincre et survivre face à une telle adversité. Les mémoires sont aussi des hommages émouvants à des gens – des étrangers et des amis – qui ont risqué leur vie pour aider les autres et qui, par des actes de bonté et de décence dans les moments les plus sombres, ont souvent aidé les persécutés à garder la foi en l'humanité et le courage d'endurer. Ces récits sont une source d'inspiration pour tous, tout comme le désir des survivants de partager leurs expériences afin que les nouvelles générations puissent en tirer des enseignements. Consciente que la plupart des mémoires des survivants ne trouvent jamais d'éditeur, la Fondation Azrieli a créé le Programme des mémoires de survivants de l'Holocauste pour collecter, conserver et publier ces documents inédits.
UNE DIPLÔMÉE DE ROYAL WEST: Le Théâtre Ouest End convie les élèves à assister à la présentation de The Covenant, une œuvre de la dramaturge montréalaise Alice Abracen, diplômée de l'Académie Royal West. Lauréate du Canadian Jewish Playwrighting Award, elle offre une expérience d'apprentissage théâtral inestimable en abordant les thèmes de l'histoire, de l'Holocauste et du génocide, et en dressant des parallèles avec des enjeux actuels telles les fausses nouvelles (fake news). Ces représentations sont recommandées pour les élèves du deuxième cycle du secondaire et serviront de complément aux cours de sciences humaines, d'anglais/d’art dramatique et d'ECR. Il y aura des séances de questions-réponses pour certaines représentations. Pour toute information au sujet des réservations pour les groupes scolaires, prière de contacter Jess Fildes (jfildes@segalcentre.org) au 514 739 7944. Pour infos
The Covenant se déroule en juin 1944 à Theresienstadt. Des dignitaires de la Croix-Rouge sont invités à venir s'émerveiller devant cette ville animée qui semble être un havre de paix pour le peuple juif au cœur de la Tchécoslovaquie. Ils sont loin de se douter que ce paradis est un ghetto et un camp de concentration, mis en scène de manière élaborée afin de dissimuler les crimes nazis contre l'humanité. Contraints de participer à cette terrible mascarade, l'ambitieux politicien Peter et Hilde, médecin dévoué, voient leurs idéaux, leur foi et leur amour mis à rude épreuve.
SIMON CHANG: Le prix Simon Chang Difference Maker Award récompense les personnes ayant fait preuve d'un engagement exceptionnel au sein de la communauté aux besoins particuliers via le journal Inspirations. Le dynamique duo composé de Cynthia Yee, enseignante, et de Natalina Melillo, technicienne en éducation spécialisée, de l'école primaire Parkdale à Saint-Laurent sont les lauréates pour l'automne 2022. Une cérémonie spéciale a eu lieu le 2 novembre.
ÉLÈVE DU MOIS: Kiara Idemudia-Hankey, élève de 5e secondaire à l'école secondaire Rosemont, a été nommée l’Élève du mois d'octobre à la CSEM. Kiara a joué un rôle déterminant en offrant à l'école et à la communauté élargie des occasions de vivre des situations réelles qui ont encouragé l'estime de soi chez nos élèves, leur conscience de soi et le désir de donner en retour. Ses talents, son leadership et son grand cœur ont toujours été grandement appréciés dans tous nos projets et programmes scolaires. Kiara a été choisie pour agir comme maîtresse de cérémonie à l'école secondaire Rosemont dans le cadre de la célébration du Mois de l'histoire des Noirs en 2021. Elle a également été nommée ambassadrice et fut l'une des coordonnatrices de la récente commémoration des peuples autochtones à l'école. En outre, en novembre, Kiara participera à uu programme d'action communautaire où les élèves découvrent les besoins de leur communauté et apprennent à y répondre en faisant du bénévolat.
CONFÉRENCE FOYER-ÉCOLE: Au terme de deux années d'événements tenus en mode virtuel, la Fédération québécoise des associations foyer-école (FQAFE) est très heureuse d'organiser à nouveau une conférence en présentiel à l'automne. Cet événement d'une journée aura lieu le samedi 12 novembre de 8 h à 16 h, à l'école primaire Merton (5554, av. Robinson) à Côte St-Luc. Les parents des associations foyer-école et l'ensemble de la communauté éducative auront ainsi l'occasion de se retrouver, de partager des idées et d’obtenir des informations précieuses. La conférence d'automne débutera par une courte cérémonie afin d’honorer en personne les lauréats 2021-2022 des principaux prix décernés par la FQAFE. Les ateliers en matinée et en après-midi porteront sur une foule de thèmes – les diverses pratiques parentales, la santé mentale, la gestion des devoirs, la relation entre le conseil d'établissement et l’association foyer-école, et plus encore. La journée se terminera par une réunion du conseil régional – un forum permettant aux participants de parler de leurs associations foyer-école locales, de discuter des enjeux, de poser des questions et d’être au fait des dernières nouvelles de la FQAFE. Le droit d'entrée pour participer à la conférence est de 25 $ par personne (dîner inclus). Pour en savoir davantage ou pour vous inscrire à la conférence d'automne 2022 de la FQAFE, veuillez composer le 514 481 5619 ou acheminer un courriel à info@qfhsa.org. La Fédération québécoise des associations foyer-école inc. (FQAFE) est un organisme bénévole indépendant, incorporé et à but non lucratif, avec pour mission d’améliorer l'éducation et le bien-être à tous points de vue des enfants et des adolescents. Depuis 1944, la FQAFE encourage les parents, les élèves, le personnel enseignant et l'ensemble de la collectivité à promouvoir l'apprentissage, en se faisant le porte-parole des parents. Pour plus d'informations sur la FQAFE, nous vous invitons à consulter le site qfhsa.org ou encore à nous suivre sur Facebook.com/qfhsa et Twitter.
FÊTE DES RÉCOLTES DU CLUB DE JARDINAGE B.A.S.E: Avez-vous déjà vu un mélangeur actionné à l’aide d’un vélo? Les élèves du programme des services de garde B.A.S.E. (Before and After School Enrichment) de l'école primaire Edinburgh en ont été témoins! Le 18 octobre, les élèves de 6e année du programme B.A.S.E. ont organisé leur toute première fête des récoltes d'automne! Chaque élève a pu participer à une série d'activités spéciales, qu’il s’agisse de peindre l'extérieur du jardin de l'école et de jouer à des jeux amusants! Ce jour-là, les élèves de la 3e année du programme B.A.S.E. ont cueilli du basilic frais dans le jardin de l'école pour préparer une savoureuse pizza au pesto en guise de collation. Les élèves ont creusé une plate-bande et chacun y a planté des bulbes de tulipes, soit au total près de 600 tulipes qui fleuriront au printemps. La vente de bulbes de tulipes a permis de récolter plus de 700 $ pour le club de jardinage B.A.S.E. La fête des récoltes s’est avérée un franc succès et nous espérons que B.A.S.E. répétera l’expérience.
(Rédigé par Teo Ricci and Jacqueline Sidel, élèves de 6e année du programme B.A.S.E. à Edinburgh)
FORMATION EN RCR À L'ÉCOLE PET: À l'école primaire Pierre Elliott Trudeau (PET) de Rosemont, les élèves de 5e année ont reçu la formation Kids-Save-Lives. Il s'agit d'une activité de sensibilisation à la RCR (réanimation cardiorespiratoire) et l'utilisation des DEA (défibrillateur externe automatisé), adaptée aux enfants d’âge primaire et présentée par une équipe médicale du CIUSSS local. Plusieurs pays dans le monde offrent cette formation aux jeunes du primaire. L'école tient à remercier Dr Lawrence Leroux, le CIUSSS et l'infirmière Mme Blandine.
COLLECTE DE JOUETS ET DE DENRÉES ALIMENTAIRE : La Fondation Générations donnera le coup d'envoi de sa campagne de collecte de jouets et de denrées alimentaires lors d’un reportage en direct sur Global TV depuis l'école primaire St. Monica à NDG. L'école compte un service d'aide alimentaire géré par Ava Joseph. Présentement, on y sert à chaque journée d’école jusqu'à 80 déjeuners, organisés par des bénévoles. Madame Joseph sollicite les dons alimentaires.
LE RESPECT À L.I.N.K.S. : Les élèves de l'école secondaire L.I.N.K.S. à Ahuntsic veulent que tout le monde sache ce qu'ils pensent du respect. Ils ne se contentent pas de lire des livres sur le respect et la gentillesse ou d'avoir des discussions sur le sujet. Ils le vivent, le respirent et le mettent en pratique jour après jour. Ils font un maximum d'efforts pour être perçus comme des personnes polies et prévenantes en lançant un joyeux « bonjour » lorsqu’ils entrent dans la salle de classe, en s’engageant dans des conversations et en adoptant des comportements appropriés avec leurs camarades et le personnel, ou en exerçant leurs compétences en milieu de travail. « Nos élèves veulent s'intégrer, que ce soit au travail, dans les activités de loisir ou d'autres programmes et événements communautaires. Cependant, les personnes neurodivergentes ne détectent pas toujours les signaux sociaux, ne réagissent pas toujours ou n'apprennent pas toujours de la même manière que les personnes neurotypiques. Or, ce sont des êtres humains et ils ont eux aussi droit au respect. Nos élèves ont donc leurs propres messages à partager. Après tout, il n'incombe pas seulement à nos élèves de faire preuve de respect, de gentillesse et d'empathie. Nous devons conscientiser davantage le public sur la manière d'interagir de façon appropriée avec eux », de s’exclamer Mme Gail Bernstein, enseignante du programme DÉFIS à L.I.N.K.S. Les élèves de DÉFIS ont participé à un dialogue profond et réfléchi sur ce qu'ils ressentent, sur la façon dont ils ont été traités tout au long de leur vie et sur la façon dont ils souhaitent être perçus. Ils ont écrit des messages porteurs de sens et puissants qu'ils ont affichés sur le tableau d'affichage de l'école pour que tous puissent les lire. En voici quelques exemples : « Je suis autiste, ne me faites pas de mal », « N'oubliez pas que nous avons aussi un cœur », « Découvrez mes talents », « Nous aidons les gens », « Je peux faire beaucoup plus que vous ne le pensez ». Ils ont invité d'autres élèves et membres du personnel à créer leurs propres messages et feront passer le mot sur les plateformes de médias sociaux. « Mes élèves croient fermement aux paroles de Temple Grandin : « Je suis différent, pas moins », d’ajouter Mme Bernstein.
VICTOIRE AU SOCCER: La fièvre du soccer s'est emparée de l'école primaire Willingdon à NDG. Cette année, pour la première fois de son histoire, l'école Willingdon a décidé de former une équipe féminine de soccer pour les élèves du 3e cycle et a disputé des matchs contre d'autres écoles. Les 14 et 15 octobre, elles ont participé au célèbre tournoi de soccer de Lower Canada College (LCC) qui réunissait principalement des écoles privées du Québec et de l'Ontario. Dès le début du tournoi, les filles de Willingdon ont fait preuve d'un travail d'équipe, d'une persévérance et d'un esprit sportif exceptionnels. L'équipe de Willingdon a remporté tous ses matchs et a défait l’Académie Kuper 1-0 lors d'une finale enlevante. Le Département d'éducation physique est maintenant à mettre sur pied une ligue de soccer pour le 2e cycle. Merci aux entraîneurs et aux bénévoles sans qui tout cela n’aurait pu être possible!
SEMAINE DES PROFESSIONNELES ET PROFESSIONNELS DE L'ÉDUCATION: Cette année, Cette année, la Semaine des professionnelles et professionnels de l’éducation a pour thème Mes services professionnels publics, je les ai tatoués sur le cœur. "Ils sont 11 000 professionnelles et professionnels, membres de la FPPE, qui par de multiples petits et grands gestes, tendent la main chaque jour aux élèves, aux enseignants et aux directions d’écoles du primaire, du secondaire, de la formation générale aux adultes et de la formation professionnelle. Il s’agit notamment des conseillers et conseillères d’orientation, des psychologues, des conseillers et conseillères pédagogiques, des archivistes, des animateurs et animatrices de vie spirituelle et d’engagement communautaire ainsi que des orthophonistes. Chaque professionnelle et chaque professionnel joue un rôle essentiel dans la réussite scolaire. Cette semaine, reconnaissons la valeur inestimable de leur travail en éducation publique et profitons-en pour leur dire « merci! »
PRATIQUES INNOVANTES: La Journée des cadres scolaires sera célébrée partout au Québec le 1er décembre 2022! L'Association québécoise des cadres scolaires (AQCS) est la fière instigatrice de cet événement. Le thème de cette année, « De terrain et d'avant-garde », met en évidence le rôle des cadres scolaires pour la réussite éducative, de même que leurs pratiques novatrices. L'AQCS célébrera la Journée des cadres scolaires sur différentes plateformes. Un/une cadre scolaire ou un groupe de cadres a fait la différence pour la réussite éducative des élèves, a mené à bien un projet novateur ou s’est engagé sur le terrain d’une façon unique? Vous êtes invité à en témoigner sur le Mur de reconnaissance de l’AQCS.
CONSEIL DES ÉDUCATEURS NOIRS DU QUÉBEC: Le Conseil des éducateurs noirs du Québec (QBBE) est heureux de partager de l’information sur le programme de soutien scolaire hybride offert cette année. La période d’inscription à la plateforme d'apprentissage en ligne est en cours. Cette année, le Conseil propose un programme de soutien hybride en ligne les jours de semaine, et en personne le samedi, dans ses locaux situés au 5165, rue Sherbrooke Ouest, bureau 317. L'endroit est facilement accessible et se trouve à quelques minutes de marche de la station de métro Vendôme. Pour plus de détails et pour consulter le dépliant, cliquez ici.
SERVICES D'ÉDUCATION DES ADULTES ET DE FORMATION PROFESSIONNELLE
SOUTIEN AUX ENTREPRISES: La CSEM offre un nouveau service qui profitera assurément aux employés des entreprises locales. Le groupe Services aux entreprises (SAE) propose des formations personnalisées en faisant appel à des pratiques créatives, poussées et modernes conçues pour aider les entreprises à améliorer la performance et la productivité au sein de leur organisation. Ces programmes sur mesure sont spécialement modulés en fonction des besoins de formation propres à chaque entreprise. La formation peut être dispensée en personne ou en ligne. Les programmes de formation qui portent sur les thèmes suivants figurent parmi les plus populaires et réussis : solutions d’affaires/commerce électronique; cours de langues; Français au bureau; outils pour rehausser le professionnalisme et réduire le stress au travail; formation en logiciels; infographie; secrétariat et comptabilité; réception en hôtellerie; vente professionnelle; formation en soins de santé; soins esthétiques; formation automobile; compétences en communication client; et activités de consolidation d'équipe pour le personnel. Le SAE propose également le programme RAC (Reconnaissance des acquis et des compétences), reconnaissance officielle des compétences acquises menant à l’obtention d’un diplôme officiel d'études professionnelles pour votre personnel. Pour de plus amples renseignements, consultez le site Web des SAE à www.sbg.emsb.qc.ca ou composez le 514 483 7200, poste 7724.
PANIERS DE NOËL: Friends 4 Cause, un organisme à but non lucratif qui soutient Galileo et d'autres programmes destinés aux personnes à besoins particuliers au sein de la CSEM, a donné le coup d’envoi à sa campagne annuelle de paniers de Noël et de coffrets gourmands. Ces paniers et ces coffrets, assemblés à la main par les élèves autistes dans le cadre de leur programme de travail, renferment des produits italiens de spécialité tels que panettone, chocolats, pâtes, huiles et sauces. Les paniers de Noël et les coffrets gourmands, qui conviennent à tous les budgets, constituent de merveilleux cadeaux pour les enseignants et le personnel administratif. Quelle meilleure façon de remercier votre personnel en cette période des Fêtes que de leur offrir un cadeau qui profite à vos élèves! Les paniers de Noël et les coffrets gourmands sont également disponibles pour le grand public. Ils sauront plaîre à tous ceux qui figurent sur votre liste de cadeaux et ces derniers seront touchés en apprenant que votre achat a servi à soutenir la sensibilisation à l'autisme. Vous trouverez le catalogue complet sur le site Web de Friends 4 Cause à www.friends4cause.com. Il est possible de commander les paniers et les coffrets en ligne ou en personne. Les sympathiques bénévoles de la boutique Friends 4 Cause située au 3177, rue Fleury Est, H1H 2R2 se feront un plaisir de vous présenter la collection de paniers en magasin les vendredis et samedis, de 11 h à 16 h. À l'approche de la période des Fêtes, les heures d’ouverture de la boutique seront prolongées.
DÉCOUVRIR TERRY FOX: Les élèves et le personnel du Centre d'éducation des adultes Saint-Laurent ont participé à divers événements afin d’amasser 1 000 $ au profit de la Fondation Terry Fox le mois dernier. Le 18 septembre, tout le Centre a participé à une course de 2 km autour de l’établissement afin de susciter une prise de conscience et de recueillir des fonds pour la recherche sur le cancer. De plus, Victoria Callocchia, enseignante au programme FBC, a profité de la course Terry Fox pour présenter à sa classe l’individu et l'organisation Terry Fox. Ils ont organisé une vente de pâtisseries maison sur deux jours qui a rapporté plus de 535 $, contribuant du coup à l’atteinte de leur objectif de 1 000 $. Par ailleurs, plus de 100 élèves du programme FBC ont participé à une activité de cueillette de pommes à Oka le 11 octobre. Les élèves ont eu la chance de vivre une tradition typiquement canadienne. Chacun a pu rapporter à la maison deux sacs de pommes. Les élèves ont émis des commentaires très positifs sur cette expérience. Dans le même ordre d'idées, plus de 40 élèves du programme FBC de soir, dirigés par l'enseignante Katayoun Tavoosi, ont visité l'une des principales attractions de Montréal, le Jardin botanique, le 19 octobre. Ils ont pu admirer et découvrir des plantes de tous types d'écosystèmes lors d’une expérience nocturne.
Le prochain numéro de Pleins feux sur Fielding sera publié le 13 décembre 2022. Prière de soumettre vos articles au plus tard le jeudi 8 décembre à midi. The next edition of the EMSB Focus will be published on December 13 2022. Deadline for submissions is Thursday, December 8 at Noon.
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