Fielding Focus - English Montreal School Board

VOLUME 16
NO . 9
AP R I L 2 4 , 2 0 1 4
Fielding Focus
T H E M O NT H L Y B U L L E T I N O F T H E E M S B
EDITOR: MICHAEL J. COHEN
PRINTING SERVICES: D. D’ORNELLAS
PROOFREADING/TRANSLATION: ALINE ZEROUNIAN
Inside This Issue
HONOURING OUR VOLUNTEERS
 Miss Teen Quebec
 Energy Efficiency
 Justin Trudeau Visits
 Gardenview Triumph
 St. Laurent Adult Awards
Interim Principal Elizabeth Lagodich, DDG Paula Miniaci, Chairman Angela Mancini, Debbie
Hanley, Commissioner Bernard Praw and Vice-Principal Rosana Caplan.
The EMSB held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Evening on April 8 at Le
Renaissance Reception Hall in Anjou. This year’s event was held to
commemorate National Volunteer Week, under the theme of “Above
and Beyond.” Time and space did not allow the EMSB to honour all of its
nearly 1,500 volunteers in person. Therefore, only those individuals who
have volunteered for more than five years attended the reception,
representing some 500 people. However, several thousand copies of a
commemorative program book will be distributed to each school. The
emcees for the evening were EMSB Communications and Marketing
Specialist Michael Cohen and Montreal stand-up comedian Franco
Taddeo. This year’s Volunteer of Distinction was Debbie Hanley from
Roslyn Elementary School in Westmount. For the sixth consecutive year, La
Capitale Financial Services (www.lacapitale.com) was the title sponsor for
this event. Here is an interview Jamie Orchard did with Debbie Hanley.
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SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS: GET ON THE ELECTORAL LIST
The next school board elections will take place on November 2, 2014. In the case of the EMSB, voting will take
place for a chairman and 10 commissioners. You can see the precise electoral divisions here.
We are
encouraging all voters who may be on the French school board electoral list who wish to be transferred to the
English list to fill out and submit this form. This is an appeal to our parents to help us get their relatives, friends
and children over 18, on the EMSB Electoral List.
ELECTION READINESS TRAINING SESSION
The Quebec English School Boards Association is pleased to be offering a second elections readiness session to
be held on May 1, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This session will focus solely on building electoral platforms/issues for
potential candidates to build on to personalize their own platforms. The special guest will be Olivier Marcil,
Vice-President of Communications for McGill University and former chief of staff to one-time Quebec
Intergovernmental Affairs and Democratic Institutions Minister Benoit Pelletier, Mr. Marcil was also the author of
the 2008 winning provincial elections platform. The main location will be the Lester B. Pearson School Board
located at 1925 Brookdale in Dorval. Webcasting (question setting available) and videoconferencing will be
made available to those who request it. Please confirm your participation by e-mail at [email protected]
further information please e-mail [email protected] or call 514-849-5900.
EMSB IN THE MEDIA
The EMSB would like to point readers to the media clippings section of our website where we provide links to
newspaper articles about our Board or relevant to the local education system. You can click here to access all
of the links.
EMSB TV AND RADIO GUIDE:
The EMSB posts links to television and radio reports, as well as videos produced in-house on our website. We
have now enhanced our dedicated sections for EMSB TV, hosted by Vimeo. We now have sections for EMSB TV
Coverage, EMSB Videos and NousSommesBilingues. In order to access EMSB Radio click here.
MISS TEEN QUEBEC FROM LMAC
When Laurier Macdonald High School’s Pamela Pagano was
entered into the Miss Teen Quebec pageant last year, her goal was
simply to become more involved with her community. Little did she
know that six months later, she would be doing just that – but with a
crown as a new accessory Pamela, a Grade 9 honour student at
the St. Léonard high school was recently named Miss Teen
Quebec 2014, an honour which recognizes her personality and
community involvement, while putting a lesser emphasis on
appearance, as to discourage the event being dubbed solely a
“beauty contest.” For Pamela, being named Miss Teen Quebec is a
testament to her character and personality. “I hope to one day be
an inspiration to many. I love being happy and maintaining a
positive outlook on life,” said Pamela. “Personally, I adore school
and I am an artistic person, I also focus a lot on my health by
eating well and exercising daily.”
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TRANSGENDER SPEAKER
Award winning author Joy Ladin will share her amazing story and will reflect on her book A Jewish Journey
Between Genders on Friday, April 25, (11 a.m.) at Royal Vale School (5851 Somerled) in NDG. This talk has
been arranged by the Jewish Public Library, which will feature Ladin the evening before as part of its Legacy
for Learning series. Joy Ladin’s return to Yeshiva University as a woman after receiving tenure as a man made
her the first openly transgender employee of an Orthodox Jewish institution and made page-three news in the
New York Post. Her memoir of gender transition, Through the Door of Life: A Jewish Journey Between Genders,
was a finalist for a 2012 National Jewish Book Award, winner of a Forward Fives award, and she was named to
the 2012 Forward 50 list of influential or courageous American Jews. Students from a number of EMSB high
schools have been invited to be part of this intimate talk and find out how Joy Ladin’s transition has affected
her as a person and in public life.
EMSB STUDENTS/ALUMNI SHINE AT SUPER EXPOS-SCIENCES
Two EMSB projects from Royal West Academy qualified for the 2014 Super Expo-sciences Hydro-Québec in
Terrebonne, Quebec: Lia Loebenberg at the Junior level for her project Why-Fi?, which focuses on possible
health issues related to WiFi
routers and Abhishek
Chakraborty at the Intermediate level for the Effects of
Folic Acid on Cells. Two EMSB graduates were also part of
the event: Nivatha Balendra attended Royal West,
Edinburgh and Elizabeth Ballantyne. She is presently
completing CEGEP studies at Marianopolis. Her project
was entitled: Don’t Cry Over Spilled Oil! Steven Kong
attended Royal West and Gardenview. He and his fellow
classmate from Marianopolis, Yu Chen Hou, did their
project on Geographical Data I/O. Nivatha is advancing
to the Intel International Science Fair in Los Angeles in
May. Abhi, who only moved here in January from
Manitoba and Steven go on to the Canada-wide Science
Fair in Windsor. See the video. The EMSB students and alumni are pictured above.
2014-2015 & 2015-2016 SCHOOL CALENDARS
The school calendars for the youth sector for 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 have been approved. Classes will
begin on September 2, 2014. Christmas break will be December 22, 2014 to January 2, 2015 and March Break,
March 2 to 6, 2015. The final day of classes will be June 23, 2015. You can access the calendar for 2014-2015
here and get a real head start for 2015-2016 here.
PHILIP E. LAYTON RELOCATION
The EMSB held public hearings on March 18 for the purpose of relocating the Philip E. Layton School for the
visually impaired to the Mackay Centre School facility beginning with the 2014-2015 academic year. For
decades, the Philip E. Layton School has been located at the Montreal Association for the Blind (MAB) on
Sherbrooke Street West in NDG. The Mackay Center School, located on Decarie Boulevard, also in NDG,
educates children with motor, speech or sensorial difficulties. P.E. Layton services the blind and/or physically
handicapped and /or intellectually handicapped students. Both schools have a supra-regional mandate and
consequently the EMSB is the only school board to offer services to this particular group of English students, not
only in the Montreal region, but in the province of Quebec.
On July 27, 2011, the MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre unveiled a strategic plan to consolidate its
operations into one new facility. This subsequently required that the EMSB house its two schools at one site.
Since there was no EMSB building available that could adequately facilitate the needed renovations required
for housing these students, it was determined that the purchase of the building at 3500 Decarie Blvd. would
make the most sense in the event that the Ministry of Education, Leisure and Sports (MELS) favoured an
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alternative that would be less costly than constructing a new facility. It should be noted that the MELS has
already allocated funds so that two new schools servicing similar French populations be built on the North and
South Shore, as well as allocating over $16 million for the addition of eight classes to Victor Doré School in
Montreal.
For almost three years, the EMSB has been working with the MELS and the MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre
towards the acquisition of the property. See the detailed press release. The Council of Commissioners has
tabled a resolution to approve the change to the deed of establishment, expressing great misgivings over the
unacceptable position held by MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre regarding the finite allocation of space to
the Mackay School.
EMSB EXPRESS
The latest EMSB Express Newspaper has been published, with copies sent to schools, media and government
offices. There is a special four page section on The Arts Are Alive @EMSB press conference held in January,
columns by Chairman Angela Mancini and Director General Robert Stocker, an Alumni Showcase, sports news
and an opportunity for students/parents to nominate a teacher for a dinner at P.F. Chang’s China Bistro. You
can read the paper here.
ADMINISTRATIVE APPOINTMENTS
The Council of Commissioners has approved a number of in-school administrative appointments for 2014-2015.
New principals will be: Anna Sanalitro (current vp at LaurenHill Academy in St. Laurent), Pierre Elliott Trudeau
Elementary School in Rosemount; Sandra Léveillé (current vp at Gardenview in St.
Laurent), St. Dorothy Elementary School in St. Michel; Elizabeth Lagodich (current
interim principal at Roslyn Elementary School in Westmount – pictured at left),
Marymount Academy International; and Rick David, John F. Kennedy Adult Centre
(currently interim principal). New vice-principals will be: Rea Limperopoulos (current
vice-principal, Willingdon Elementary School in NDG), Laurier Macdonald High School
in St. Léonard; Patrizia Tummillo, Westmount High School (currently in that position interim); Maria Savignano,
John F. Kennedy Adult Centre (currently in that position interim); and Tina Spiridigliozzi, Rosemount Technology
Centre. Taking leaves of absence next year will be Michelle Stein (Pierre Elliott Trudeau) and Craig Olenik
(Marymount). Agostino Porchetta recently retired as vice-principal at Rosemount Technology Centre. Real
Heppelle, a teacher at Honoré-Mercier Elementary School in St. Léonard, is the new vice-principal of East Hill
Elementary School in RDP effective immediately. More appointments will be announced in May.
THE NEW INSPIRATIONS EXPRESS NEWSPAPER
We are very proud to announce that Inspirations Newspaper, a snapshot of our special needs community, has
come out with a brand new Inspirations Express online edition which will be published in between our regular
print editions. Please read the latest right here. Inspirations produced a special video commercial which will
be shown on the screens at Cinema Guzzos. Here is a CBC report on the company responsible for it.
VIDEO CONFERENCING AT LDV
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy in RDP has purchased a video conferencing unit. What exactly is a VC unit? It is a
telecommunication technology that enables users to communicate and see others around the world live. This
system enables LDVA to be at the forefront of an ever-changing technological
world.
The first video conferencing session was a special one to the North Pole! Santa took
time out of his very busy schedule to speak and sing with Pre-K, Kindergarten,
Grades 1 and 2 students! In February, the Grade 6 students travelled to Townsville,
Australia. They connected with a scuba diver in Great Barrier Reef Aquarium.
Starfish, turtles, rays and even sharks were swimming around during the visit! Even
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Dory, from Finding Nemo, made an appearance! The most exciting part was the close up of a shark sleeping.
From Australia, LDVA headed to Ghana! In March, Grade 4 students had the opportunity to connect with a
classroom in Cape Coast, Ghana. Students shared their knowledge of Black History Month, focusing on the
Underground Railroad and slavery. Both groups also had the chance to discuss everyday life. The next video
conference will be about The Titanic. Grade 5 students are in for quite the adventure!
HECHT SCHOLARSHIP TO MARYMOUNT TEACHER
Richard Owendyk, a history teacher at Marymount Academy International in NDG, is one three recipients of a
2014 Thomas and Riva Hecht Scholarship for a three week experience as part of the Yad Vashem International
Seminar for Educators in July. Mr. Owendyk teaches the history of Quebec and Canada, as well as
Contemporary World, a course which combines 20 th Century History and Current Events. “At a diversely
populated high school like Marymount Academy International I am in a unique position to further integrate
teaching of the Holocaust into my classroom,” he said. “Our school is a member of the International
Baccalaureate Organization and the philosophy of global citizenship is already a central theme for both our
students and teachers.”
One of the main themes that students in Mr. Owendyk‘s class study in Contemporary World is that of tension
and conflict. “If my students are to understand the dynamics of geopolitics in the Middle East, it is essential that
they understand the history of the modern state of Israel,” he said. “Obviously, an enormous factor in the
creation of Israel was the response of the victors of the Second World War to the horrors of the Holocaust
perpetrated by Nazi Germany. Rather than simply discussing the headlines of the last few years, I am careful to
foster an understanding of the historical context of the continuing conflicts for my students. In one particular
project, however, we also look at the possibility of peace through the organization of the United Nations. Each
student chooses a country for the duration of the school year and they are expected to research the history of
that nation and how the country’s history led to their present situation. I find that this project greatly expands
their empathy for the positions of all of the nations involved in the Middle East and beyond.”
BOLD STEP TOWARDS ENERGY EFFICIENCY
The EMSB has accepted a proposal from energy efficiency experts Énergère to begin a feasibility study that will
lay the foundation for a proposed bolstering of the energy efficiency of 17 schools and centres. This project
consists, among other measures, of modernizing equipment using aerothermal technology, and adding more
control points to enhance the comfort of staff and students. Once the project is complete, the 17 buildings will
realize a 50 percent reduction in energy consumption and a 72 percent reduction in Green House Gas
emissions. Lighting in halls, stairways, and classrooms will be converted from fluorescent to leading technology
LED which will save energy, last longer, and simplify maintenance and care while maintaining or enhancing
lighting levels. Savings are projected to amount to more that $1 million per year once all measures are installed.
The EMSB received proposals from three firms for such a project. Énergère’s project was deemed to be the best
and now the company has five months to present the EMSB Council of Commissioners with a detailed study
that will confirm the results projected by their proposal. See the full press release here.
IMPACT LAUNCH
The traditional “EMSB Night” will take place on Wednesday, May 14 (7:30 pm) at Stade Saputo as the host
Montreal Impact take on either Ottawa or Edmonton as part of the Amway Canadian Championship. This
involves the five top professional clubs in Canada, in the race to qualify for the CONCACAF Champions
League, which is an international competition between professional clubs from North America, Central
America and the Caribbean. Tickets can be purchased online for only $10 at www.emsb.qc.ca/impact or via
coupons which have been sent out to each school. See this marvelous video from Matt Jordan and Troy
Perkins’ visit to Honoré-Mercier Elementary School in St. Léonard.
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CEDARCREST AND HOME DEPOT
The library at Cedarcrest Elementary School in St. Laurent needed a makeover. After assessing the needs, the
Home and School Association realized that not only did the library require new content, such as books, e-books
and computers, but a fresh design and paint job was greatly needed as well. What to do? While fundraising did
help, the members of the Association decided to think outside of the box and try some new initiatives to aid in
the total re-vamping of the library. After careful thought, list making, cold calls and reaching out to
connections, things began to fall into place. One member wrote a letter to Home Depot, explaining the
project. Later, Home Depot agreed to donate six litres of paint and all painting supplies to the school to design
the new library. Principal Nadia Sammarco also reached out to Chapters Indigo for assistance. Read the entire
press release.
MAJESTIC TREES OF KNOWLEDGE COMPETITION
Cedarcrest Elementary School in St. Laurent has been selected as a finalist in the Majesta Trees of Knowledge
competition, in which the winner will receive an outdoor classroom valued at $20,000. Voting for the contest
runs from April 7 to May 5 and is open to the general public via the contest website:
http://majestatreesofknowledge.ca/Default.aspx “We believe that our students will benefit from having the
opportunity to take their learning outdoors and experience fresh air and a sense of freedom, without the roof
and four walls around them,” said Principal Nadia Sammarco. “The ability to reach all learners is of the upmost
importance in modern day teaching and we have all come to understand that teaching within the confines of
the classroom isn’t always the best for all – therefore having this outdoor classroom would provide us with the
space to reach outside the box.” Please see the full press release.
JUSTIN TRUDEAU VISITS JFK
Justin Trudeau, Member of Parliament for Papineau
and leader of the Federal Liberal Party, visited John
F. Kennedy High School in St. Michel on April 15 as
the school inaugurated a new student support
centre bearing his father’s name. Principal Joseph
Vitantonio and students Sarah D'Amours Thompson
and Sonia Bassani made the official presentation.
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Student Support Centre will
provide comprehensive support service to all
students, Secondary I through V. It is designed to
provide additional assistance to students who
request this help or for those who are referred by
school staff.
The personal and social support that
will be available through the Pierre Elliott Trudeau
Student Support Centre is designed to complement the excellent services already available at John F. Kennedy
High School and the English Montreal School Board through the Guidance Department and other support
services. The school is situated in Trudeau’s Papineau riding. For more details see the press release.
LES MIS AT WESTMOUNT HIGH
Students of Westmount High School took to the stage and performed Les Miserables recently. Ranging from
eight to 17 years of age, these students exuded their passion for this story of hope and love in the midst of
incredible suffering, of the power of the voice of youth and how it is a force to be reckoned with.
The
production of Les Miserables began during the summer of 2013 from the suggestion of a group of the core
actors. This was a major undertaking for both staff and students and the cast and crew were incredibly
dedicated to the process. Teacher Rachel Stevenson served as the director and co-vocal coach with Elisa
Cura. The show starred Jessica Byrne as Jean Valjean, Zac Wolofsky as Javert, Blaire Montgomery as Gavroche
and Kaytlyn Abreu as Eponine.
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GLOBAL HERITAGE WEEK
St. Gabriel Elementary School in Pointe St. Charles celebrated
its first Global Heritage Week recently which saw the entire
study body sharing and presenting various works from an
array of counties and cultures. All students were involved in
learning a story, poem, custom, literary work, theatrical story,
or information about a chosen country. The students
presented their work to each other in all Cycles in a day of
parade, presentations and songs. The climax of the week
was the preparation of international recipes by all students
including Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten with help of
professional chefs. An International Buffet was readied and
the food displayed for every student, teacher and parent to
sample. Music from around the world was supplied during the Buffet and a great learning experience was had
by all.
FRENCH FOR THE FUTURE
The Université du Québec à Montréal (UQÀM) Salle Marie-Gérin-Lajoie was the site for the 2014 French for the
Future Montreal Local Forum on April 16. Aimed at promoting bilingualism amongst Canadian youth, the theme
is Respect, Culture and Integration Into Québécois Society. Approximately 550 students from 13 Montreal high
schools and four school boards were present. Participating from the EMSB were: Westmount High School,
Marymount Academy in NDG and Lester B. Pearson High
School in Montreal North. Charismatic Montreal producer
and break dancer, Pierre-Michel Jean-Louis, served as
master of ceremonies. Montreal’s two English language
morning show weather forecasters, both Francophones,
shared their career paths with the students. Jessica
Laventure from the Morning News on Global TV and
Catherine Verdon-Diamond (seen with students from the
three EMSB schools) from City’s Breakfast Television are
the epitome of “charisma.” They light up the TV screen
each morning. Québécois rapper and street artist,
MONK. E inspired the youth with his story and powerful
trilingual lyrics. This was followed by some open
microphone time for the participating students to rap in
French! See this Global TV report. There is also this nice Breakfast TV clip. Back to Global, here some Westmount
High School students do the weather in French.
FIREFIGHTERS VISIT EBS
The Cycle 1 Year 2 students in Donna Friedman-Perlin’s class at
Elizabeth Ballanytne Elementary School in Montreal West got a
surprise visit, on April 3, from the firefighters stationed at the
local Fire Department. The students have been learning about
various community helpers. Part of the unit included a letter
writing activity which was done as a class with the help of
Valeria Chiniara, a fourth year McGill student. The class chose
to write a letter to the Montreal West Fire Department. The
firefighters personally delivered their reply and even brought
their fire truck. Students were excited to talk with the
firefighters and go on their truck
.
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WILLINGDON THANKS FIREFIGHTERS
Willingdon Elementary School in NDG raised $2,803 in the span of a week in order to support 30 firemen from
the Montreal Fire Department who are participating in a
humanitarian trip to Haiti. The firemen will be involved in the
construction of an extension to Mark Bourque School in Debussy,
Haiti, which was built by Montreal firemen and police officers in
2006. Originally intended for 50 students, the school is now has an
enrolment of 126. An extension to the school will help improve the
conditions under which the students learn. An assembly recently
and the Willingdon students met one of the firemen going on the
trip—Fireman Pierre Luc Bielo. Mr. Bielo met the students and
reviewed fire safety with them, talked about a fireman’s job and
even let some of the students wear his jacket! He shared his
stories about the children in Haiti and asked the students to
collect as much money as they could to help the firemen build
the extension.
In the span of one week, piggy banks were broken, cookies were
baked and sold, children asked neighbours and friends for
donations and a total of $2,803 was collected. The fireman had
promised a pizza lunch to the class with the most donations but
was so overwhelmed with Willingdon’s generosity, the two top
classes were treated to the pizza lunch and the fireman joined the
students. The staff of Willingdon is overjoyed with the community’s accomplishments and is extremely proud of
its students, their generosity and their very giving hearts!
GARDENVIEW MATH AND WRITING
Demonstrating their prowess in math and writing, students from Gardenview
Elementary School in St. Laurent garnered top honors in both the prestigious
CNML mathematics competition and the QFHSA 2014 Family Treasures
Writing Contest. Gardenview students in the Enriched Math Program with
teacher Rose Landau, an endeavor sponsored by their Home and School
Association, participated in the CNML competition with 250 schools across
the country took home first place in Quebec and fourth place in Canada.
Six Gardenview students also ranked in the top 10 Quebec: Anthony
Mirarchi, Melissa Yu, Alois Orozco, Victoria Anson, David Lanyi and Kaitlin
May Wong. Anthony Mirarchi also placed in the top 30 in Canada. Not to
be outdone by their peers, students of room 21 entered the QFHSA 2014
Family Treasures Writing Contest and excelled above all other participants
in Quebec. The first prize was awarded to Michael Guluzian for his
essay “The Promise” and the second prize was awarded to Stephen
Mikus for his essay “The Piano.” Honourable mentions were awarded to Ruth
Sivagnanam for her essay “The Bracelets” and to Rianna Angelopoulos for
her poem “The Treasure Box.” The competition was spearheaded by
teacher Nina Wong who gave her students the unique opportunity to share their talents as young writers.
TIME FOR FLOWERS, TIME FOR SNOW
On Saturday, April 5, the students of Gardenview, under the direction of Dimitris Ilias and Karen Pearce,
debuted “Time for Flowers, Time For Snow – The Musical” at Royal Vale School in NDG. This adaptation of the
book/CD by the same name is the tale of how Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, the Greek goddess of
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Harvest, is kidnapped by Hades, the Ruler of the Underworld, and how Demeter’s sadness brings on the
changing of the seasons. The students from Gardenview, the EMSB’s largest elementary school, were hard at
work all year long rehearsing with renowned Mr. Ilias and Ms. Pearce. This musical production showcased the
acting, dancing and singing abilities of 125 Kindergarten to Grade 6 students who have been involved both on
stage and behind the scenes while learning the ABCs of staging a musical. See the press release. Please also
see this video.
EMPOWERUS! PROGRAM FOR TEENAGE GIRLS
A number of EMSB high school students have already signed up for the Montreal Community Cares
Foundation’s much anticipated ‘EmpowerUs!,’ program for teenage girls. Held at McGill University Athletics
facilities, the event will include a full day of workshops and activities focused on building the confidence, life
skills and academic success of Montreal’s teenage girls on Saturday, May 3. One-hundred girls from various
backgrounds between the ages of 13 and 18, will participate in workshops on financial literacy, self-esteem,
nutrition, anger management and goal-setting. Activity stations will also give the teenagers an opportunity to
explore dance, kickboxing, basketball and soccer. In the evening, 1,000 girls and women – sisters, mothers,
grandmothers and aunts – will gather at McGill University for the EmpowerUs! celebration of women, featuring
entertainment and motivational testimonials by accomplished women in diverse fields. A small entrance fee
($20) will be charged. During the day, lunch will be served to the workshop participants and leaders. In the
evening, a bar and canteen will be available. Kiosks will also be set up for vendors and community
organizations to promote their youth- and women oriented programs. EmpowerUs! will also add its voice to
events and movements around the city that seek to raise awareness of and eliminate violence against women.
EmpowerUs! partners to date include the YMCA, McGill Athletics, ING, the EMSB, Lester B. Pearson School
Board, Mère avec Pouvoir and various other community groups across the city. For more info, please contact
us at [email protected].
FAME AT ROSEMOUNT HIGH
Rosemount High School recently presented Fame The Musical, based on the movie that highlighted the lives of
the students of the New York High School of Performing Arts. Sharman
Yarnell was the director and
Phil Cole served as choreographer.
Rosemount High has a plethora of talented students, be they in the Jazz
Band, Orchestra, or Visual Arts. The teachers at Rosemount High joined
together and supported the show by helping the students in their spare
time with voice work and line-learning. The school’s Art students
creating the set on their own, after school, under the guidance of the
Art teacher. Lighting design and sound was also done by students with
the help of the music teacher. Acquisition of props was
commandeered by the English teacher, who with the help of student
stage manager, Cristian Bellini, searched out the bowels of the school
to find lockers and ancient desks that might have been used in the 80s.
ARTS SHOWCASE
Rosemount High School (3737 Beaubien Street East) will be holding an arts showcase in their school Resource
Room on Friday, April 25 (3 p.m. to 7 p.m.) The event is titled “Come and Celebrate Unity,” and will feature on
site art making with local Montreal artist Peter Gibson, a.k.a “Roadsworth,” a photo contest exhibit,
refreshments and community mural unveilings, with all the proceeds going to Dans La Rue. Last November a
select group of Grade 10 students set out to attend ‘WE’ Day, an educational and inspiring event organized for
today’s youth. Led by their art teacher, Sabrina Bejba, guidance counselor Jamie Dimopoulos and spiritual
animator Katie Leggitt, the students left Rosemount High School and travelled to the Theatre St-Denis. Months
later, the students are just as motivated to work within their school and community. “We selected students who
showed leadership qualities,” said Ms. Bejba. “After ‘WE’ Day they were really motivated and asked what else
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they could do to raise money and help.” See their flyer.
GETTING “MUGGED”
The theme was “Getting Mugged,” but nobody was hurt.
Secondary III students from Perspectives I Alternative High
School in St. Michel were involved in an amazing
entrepreneurship project called, “Mug Me.” They produced
mugs painted with chalk board paint so that mug owners can
write personal messages, or just their names. On April 4 the
students “mugged” the EMSB in the Atrium. The mugs were
wrapped in cellophane, and each one contained two pieces
of chalk and two Hershey Kisses. The mugging was a huge
success, thanks to the EMSB employees who supported the
project beautifully. Some people were disappointed, because
they came, money in hand, but there were no mugs left. The
experience was great for the Perspectives I Entrepreneurship students, and because of the heavy demand,
watch for another “mugging” in the Atrium as soon as the production line turns out more mugs.
LOCAL HEROES
Perspectives I students Roman Morrocco Street and Fernando Gimeno- Escobedo are local heroes!
Thanks to their quick thinking the police were able to arrest a man suspected of committing a crime. What
positive role models. We are very proud of them!
VMC FASHION
Thanks to the unwavering support and generosity from the school
community, teacher organizers Cassandra Bauco, Isabella
Dellerba, Sabrina Gagliard and Ettore Zuccheroso, along with a
dedicated army of students raised over $30, 000 for this year’s
worthy cause. A portion of this year’s proceeds will go to support
the multi-disciplinary Multiple Sclerosis Clinic at The Montreal
Neurological Institute and Hospital and the balance of the
money raised will help fund support groups for young MS patients
through the Tristan WilliaMS Foundation.
WILLY WONKA
In what will be their largest musical production to date, Willy Wonka will be bringing his chocolate factory to
Bancroft Elementary (4563 St. Urbain) in the Plateau on April 29 (7 pm) and May 1 (7 pm). Willy Wonka Jr. is set
to feature 110 students on stage with a full complement of sets and costumes. Students and scores of parent
volunteers have been preparing and rehearsing since January. The annual dinner-theatre tradition will
continue in advance of the May 1 performance. Priced at $25, a limited number of tickets are still available for
an enchanting evening (6:15 pm) which includes a multi-course, home-cooked meal. Performance-only tickets
for Willy Wonka Jr. are priced at $10 for both April 29 and May 1 shows. Sold out productions in prior years have
included The Aristocats and Alice in Wonderland. EMSB elementary schools are invited to attend dress
rehearsals on Tuesday (April 29) and Thursday (May 1) from 10 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. To see if there is availability
for your school, please contact Dorothy Ostrowicz at: [email protected]
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ROYAL WEST STUDENT LASSMAN A HERO
The Royal West Academy community in Montreal West wishes to acknowledge the quick thinking and fast
actions of Matthew Lassman, a Secondary V student. At lunch time on February 26, he intervened with a man
choking at the Pâtisserie on Westminster and quite probably saved the man’s life. Sheena McLaughlin, an
employee at the Pâtisserie, commented on Matthew’s supercalm and confident approach to the whole situation by sharing,
“He just stood up and did it without thinking about it.” As
Matthew and a friend were sitting in the popular coffee and
pastry shop a man began choking on what appeared to be a
quiche crust. Matthew asked the gentleman if he was choking.
The man could not respond, but was flailing his arms. Matthew
told him what he was going to do to help and that it might hurt.
He then proceeded to administer abdominal thrusts, dislodging
the piece of food. “I really didn’t know what was going on until I
saw the piece of food come flying out” says McLaughlin. The
man thanked Matthew and the restaurant patrons applauded
him. Matthew has no formal training in First Aid or CPR, but was
reacting to a situation and drawing on information obtained from television and the internet. When questioned
about these heroic actions, Mr. Lassman responded by saying “I just wanted to do the right thing and be a
vector of change instead of waiting for someone else to do something.” See this terrific video on Matthew.
EMSB’S GOT TALENT-FOOD EDITION
The 2014 Nutrition Month Contest, the EMSB’s Got Talent Food Edition, was a big success. Here is a list of the
elementary and high school winners.
CARLYLE CABANE À SUCRE
On the crisp spring day of March 31, Carlyle Elementary School
students and staff ventured off on a school- wide trip to “La
Goudrelle- cabane à sucre” located in St. Gregoire. The day
began with a lovely sleigh ride around the grounds to see the
rural landscape with its abundance of bare maple trees. When
walking through the forest the students discovered the process
of collecting sap. The students proceeded to visit a mini farm
where they were able to view goats, sheep and a llama. Once
indoors, the children were enthusiastic about dancing and
participating in an obstacle course, which helped them to work
up an appetite. The children enjoyed a traditional “cabane à sucre” breakfast from locally sourced
ingredients, followed by delicious maple taffy for dessert. Made from a variety of fresh ingredients, the meal
was delicious and quintessentially reflected the traditions of Quebec. It was a great cultural learning
experience for the entire Carlyle family!
JAMES LYNG AND THE LEARNING PARTNERSHIP
Tyndale St. Georges Community Centre and The Learning Partnership (TLP), a national non-profit organization
dedicated to building partnerships to support, promote and advance publicly funded education in Canada
through a variety of programs, hosted an event for Secondary IV and V students, as well as CEGEP students
throughout Montreal. Titled It's My Future/C'est mon avenir, recent high school graduates and high school
seniors had the opportunity to share their voice and perspective about their K-11 public education experience.
Similar events have taken place across Canada and results of the focus groups will be shared with Federal and
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Provincial governments, as well as school boards, community organizations and business
leaders to ensure that these key stakeholders are given the opportunity to shape the future
of education.
James Lyng High School sent four students (Harrison Yue, Alec Temporal, Jordan Hall
Derapp and Joshuan Mwembuela) to attend this event. Liz Falco, Regional Relationship
Manager from The Learning Partnership, said the students “were great participants – their
input was thoughtful and insightful and we truly appreciated their presence.” The event
organizers were so impressed by our students that they offered James Lyng
an all
expenses paid spot for one student to attend the National Symposium of “It’s My Future” in
Toronto on April 23 and 24. The James Lyng team is very excited that Secondary V student
Alec Temporal will be the only Montreal representative to attend this event.
A SPECIAL DAY OPPORTUNITY FOR MICHELANGELO AND JPI
On December 17, 2013, Grade 5 students at Michelangelo International had the opportunity to visit John Paul I
Junior High School to help create a Friendship Quilt with the IB MYP students. The purpose of this exchange was
to build friendships among schools, to develop lifelong skills and work collaboratively with each other. The
students worked together in drawing a scene depicting friendship
among people and then choosing an art medium of their choice to
transfer the image onto a canvas. When working together, the
students were able to use their knowledge to communicate a
friendship message. It was the first time that both groups of students
met and they immediately showed enthusiasm in working with each
other. This month, Grade 5 students will be participating yet again in
an activity geared towards building friendships with the international
students at John Paul I. They will be spending a half day creating
Tangrams with the Math teacher and his students and then
participate in rock climbing activities in the afternoon. “We would
like to thank John Paul I for their hospitality!” said Ida De Laurentiis,
the IB PYP Facilitator
“SWEET” BOOK “OPTIONS”
Students at Options I Alternative High School in Ville Émard launched their very
own book this month. "Our Memories, Our History" is a collection of Oral history
about some of Canada's most iconic moments in contemporary times. The
vignettes were compiled by Grade 9 and 10 students by conducting dozens of
interviews with their elders, both at home and in the community. The project was
part of the new alternative history local program in the Alternative Outreach
Network. Be ready to feel the excitement as you take a ride on the monorail at
Expo '67, or to experience anxiety and fear as you anticipate a mailbox explosion
during the October Crisis. The stories in this book are from the people who lived
these events and now they are available for the first time for everyone to read.
The book features a preface by the Right Honourable Paul Martin, P.C., the 21st
Prime Minister of Canada. This book is the twelfth book from Learning for a Cause,
a nonprofit student press founded in 2004 by teacher Michael Sweet.
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MIND PUTS ON A SHOW
This year’s Secondary V students at M.I.N.D High School in Plateau Montreal were ready to put on a show.
Inspired by their everyday life and contemporary video art, the students created a series of art videos that was
displayed at La Centrale on April 17, Libres Comme L'Art is a program in collaboration between the Conseil des
arts de Montréal (CAM), the Conférence régionale des élus de Montréal (CRÉ) and the Ministère de
l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport (MELS). This spring, Julie Lequin was artist in residence in the Secondary V class
of M.I.N.D. Libres Comme L'Art is a program of artistic residencies in the school system for professional artists.
Ms. Lequin obtained a BFA from Concordia University in 2001 and a MFA from the Art Center College of Design
(Pasadena, California) in 2005. Her multidisciplinary practice includes video art, performance, drawing, writing
(lists, narratives, scripts) and the conception of accessories and costumes. Julie Lequin has exhibited her work
in Canada and Internationally.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK
The Mental Health Resource Centre (MHRC) of the EMSB Student Services Department is offering several
activities to promote Mental Health Awareness Week – May 5-9, 2014. These will be held at the EMSB
Administration Building in NDG (6000 avenue Fielding), with the target audience including in-school
administrators, administrative building staff, guidance counselors and spiritual community animators. The
MHRC has organized several diverse activities that include the following: elementary level art display by
B.A.S.E. daycare, secondary level suicide prevention contest and Atrium Day, which will take place on
Thursday, May 8 in the Atrium of the EMSB. During this activity there will be booths that will feature
physiotherapists, nutritionists, Employee Assistant Program representatives, naturopaths, community officers,
and the EMSB’s MHRC professionals who will provide supportive advice to any interested participants. There
will also be an art display from B.A.S.E. daycare in the Atrium, in the cafeteria via video, and in the display
case outside the regional offices. Finally there will be a raffle with excellent prizes. Proceeds will be donated
to the Herzl Clinic of the Jewish General Hospital, which has been providing services to EMSB students for
almost 30 years.
Outstanding professionals such as Dr. Joe Flanders, a clinic psychology of McGill University; Dr. Laurie Betito, a
clinic psychologist specializing in sex therapy and Dr. Sydney Miller, a clinical psychologist will give special
presentations to head office staff on May 7, 8 and 9.
FREE THE CHILDREN AT LMAC
As students from Laurier Macdonald High School (7355 Viau) in St. Léonard work towards honouring their
commitment of adopting two villages in the developing world by 2015, the school will receive an inspiring visit
from Free the Children’s We Create Change tour on Thursday, April 24 (1:15 p.m.). Visiting the school will be
Spencer West and Hannah Alper along with musical guest Neverest. The goal of their visit is to expose students
to a movement of young people leading local and global change. Elementary students from Michelangelo
International School in R.D.P. will also be in attendance for the event. At the age of five, Spencer West lost his
legs from the pelvis down. Last year, he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain, using his hands
and wheelchair. Spencer is a top-ranked keynoter, author of the best-selling book Standing Tall: My Journey,
and star of the documentary Redefine Possible: The Story of Spencer West, which made its debut at the Toronto
International Film Festival in 2012. Please read the full press release here.
JUMP ROPE FOR HEART
The annual Jump Rope for Heart took place at Royal Vale School in NDG on April 11. This was the 11th
consecutive year hosting the event in benefit of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Quebec. More than
$160,000 has been raised since its inception. The fundraising part consists of staff and students participating in a
skipping challenge. Prior to the event, participants secure pledges. Students receive wonderful thank-you prizes
provided by the Heart and Stroke Foundation, based on the pledges students collects individually.
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UNLEASH YOUR CHILD’S POTENTIAL
If your child is having difficulty in school, studying or organizing him/herself, Improving Study Skills is an excellent
organization with a 35 year track record for helping children and parents succeed. The workshops and seminars
that we offer are a great way for children to learn how to become more successful and how to achieve better
grades. They are also excellent for parents to learn how to help their children become independent learners.
HIGH SCHOOL REUNIONS
Due to popular demands, the EMSB has created a High School Reunion section on our website. Here are the
first two entries. Send your submissions to [email protected].
WESTMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL
A "Thirty Something" Reunion (for the years 1978, 1979, 1980)
May 17, 2014, 5 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Vieux-Port Steakhouse (39, rue Saint-Paul E. Old Montreal)
Tickets are $110 (Includes one free drink and half bottle of wine with dinner). Cash bar following dinner.
TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED BEFORE APRIL 1 (There are deposits that we are responsible for at the venue).
For further information, contact: Anne Wade ([email protected]) or join our Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/events/215370225329768/
MONKLANDS HIGH SCHOOL –ANNUAL ALUMNI SUMMER GET-TOGETHER
MHS RestoBar Reunion Dinner 2014
Saturday, July 19, 2014 at 5:00pm
Ye Olde Orchard Pub & Grill (NDG) in Montreal, Quebec
Info on the MHS Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/MHSMTLQC/
FIELDING FOCUS BULLETIN BOARD
Editor’s Note: The Communications and Marketing Division of the EMSB is contacted regularly by organizers of
different conferences, facilitators of interesting workshops and developers of innovative fundraising
opportunities. We screen these requests and make the information available to schools and centres. From this
point on, we will group these in our Tip Corner and give in-school administrators, teachers, other staff, parent
groups and even students of making contact directly.
YOUTH ZONE AT WESTMOUNT YMCA
The Westmount YMCA Youth Zone, located at the Westmount Recreation Center at 4675 St. Catherine Street
West, opened recently. The Youth Zone is a place where young people, from the ages of 12 to 17, come to
relax, meet friends and engage in passive and active activities. The Youth Zone offers diversified programming
combined with the organized structure that teens require. This provides teens with an environment that fosters
self-actualization through leadership programs and others. The goal of The Youth Zone is to provide a safe
space as well as to encourage active involvement within the community. In addition to daily programming
they hope to offer our teens with special events and outings in the Montreal region. Info: 514-989-5252 or email [email protected]
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WESTMOUNT SCIENCE CAMP
The third annual Westmount Science Camp for youngsters aged six to 13 will run for six weeks from July 7 to
August 15, 2014. Building on last year's success, they are adding even more real science activities with many of
the same volunteer scientists returning. McGill University is offering an exciting weekly field trip program with the
support of Dr. Joe Schwarcz from the Office of Science and Society, Dr. Amir Raz from the Raz Lab, Ingrid Birker
from the Redpath Museum and a host of other Real Science activities from the departments and faculties of
chemistry, geography, engineering and physics. Concordia University will also be running field trips for us under
the leadership of Miriam Posner and her team! Director Nigel Penny wishes to acknowledge the great support
the camp has received from the City of Westmount, Westmount High School, McGill and Concordia Universities
and the Hampton YMCA. They are grateful for financial support from the McGill Dean of Science, Deputy
Provost, Tomlinson project and Office of Science and Society, as well as from PWL Capital Inc. and Art-Enfant,
Montreal's top hobby store. Info:www.westmountscience.com.
JUNGLESPORT IN YOUR SCHOOL
Junglesport sets up its unique, fully engineered, self-supporting climbing and ropes course structure in school
gymnasiums. Our qualified instructors run your physical education classes for you; teaching climbing, ropes
courses and adventure activities. We run a S.A.F.E. program – Safe, Active, Fun, Educational; that is enjoyed by
all students from kindergarten to Grade 6. We offer programs from three days up to two weeks with discounts
for programs in September and October. For more information, please refer to our website –
www.junglesport.ca; send us an email – [email protected]; or give us a call – 1 888 541 3343 and ask for Nick
Anning. We would be very happy to refer you to EMSB schools that have used Junglesport to supplement their
curricular program in the past.
FOR TEACHERS: A FREE NETWORKING SITE
Shareor, a free social networking platform for teachers is an initiative designed to simplify communications
between teachers in Canada. As the first online social network designed exclusively for teachers, Shareor
empowers educators to share, collaborate, and connect within the teacher community.
Teachers use Shareor to plan their lessons, organize projects, collaborate with colleagues and promote student
work online. Teachers can also browse lesson plans created by other teachers to discover new things as well as
get inspired from other teachers' interests. Shareor is an initiative of a group of Canadian teachers and is made
possible
through
the
generosity
of
private
funders
and
community
partners.
To learn more about Shareor, please visit: http://www.shareor.com. More details are available by contacting
Rosa Delia at [email protected].
PROSET AUTISM
Proset Autism Special Needs Adaptive Tennis Program, is extremely proud to present for the
first time in a Montreal School area, an Adaptive Tennis Program, for students with Special
Needs. This program would assist special needs students from both Elementary to Secondary
levels through an (extracurricular) activity, during after school hours. Our professional adaptive tennis coach
Philippe Manning, Director of Proset Autism, would be offering the tennis lessons in the school gyms (three times
a week) or as much time as needed, and would gladly be guiding each of the students to their full potential as
this program is progressive in nature.
What the students will be learning during the course of six to 12 weeks
- how to follow instructions during the lessons.
- new skills that demands Physical Activity and Concentration.
- how to work in a social environment.
- to play different games that associate movement and flexibility.
- to balance and coordinate the different skills associated with the activity.
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Info: www.prosetautism.ca
AEVS NEWS
ST. LAURENT ADULT CENTRE AWARDS OF RECOGNITION
The following students from St. Laurent
Adult
Education
Centre
were
nominated by their teachers to
receive Awards of Recognition from
L’Institute
de
cooperation
pour
l’education des adultes: Adokai
Adoquaye; Georgina Amoh; Corina
Belical; Verona Charles; Manju Chettri;
Nina Dedal; Ian Ralf Dianang; Lavanya
Elankainathan;
Surendran
Lourd
Fernando; Susan Homer; Thi Mong
Linh Huynh; Trudy Jack; Mousa Jbara
Jane Kishtoo; Mark Adrian Lagustan;
Mary Rica Lo; Sofia Mohammad; Irina
Moraru; Margarita Popesco; Emmanuel
Rey Ramirez; Parimah Said Toransha;
Taron Abosco Smith; McSteven Troy
Tambalque and Darrahn WilliamsRawlins. These awards recognize the
students’ dedication and continued
efforts toward their studies. Manju Chettrie also had her name drawn to win a $150 bursary. On April 4 a small
ceremony was held in the student lounge during which the students were presented with their awards.
Teachers spoke about each student, recognizing their individual efforts in pursuit of their goals. The St. Laurent
Adult Education Centre Community extends its congratulations and best wishes for continued success to the
award winners. Pictured are bursary winner Manju Chettrie and French teacher Suzanne Turp.
VIDEO SECTION ONLINE
The EMSB Adult Education and Vocational Services (AEVS) Department has produced a series of catchy
promotional videos. You can see them on this new section on the EMSB website.
CALENDAR
Come join the RWA Foundation for a special evening at the Centaur Theatre
Order your tickets now for RWA Foundation’s fundraising evening at the Centaur Theater
to see the award-winning play 2 Pianos 4 Hands.
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at 8 pm (reception & silent auction following the show)
Ticket price: $50 (tax incl.) A tax receipt will be issued for $25. Go to www.rwaf.ca
to order your tickets today!
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May 3, 2014
EMSB Chorale
Spring Gala Concert – 34thSeason
Oscar Peterson Hall (7141 Sherbrooke Street West)
Loyola Campus, Concordia University
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $10 for adults / $5 for students
Tickets go on sale March 1, 2014.
Info: 514-483-7200, ext. 7234
May 7, 2014
National Teacher’s Day
May 12 to 16, 2014
BASE Daycare Employees Recognition Week
May 13, 2014
National Denim Day
May 14, 2014
EMSB Impact Night
May 28, 2014
EMSB Council of Commissioners
June 18, 2014
EMSB Council of Commissioners
PLEINS FEUX SUR FIELDING
ÉLECTIONS SCOLAIRES: INSCRIVEZ-VOUS À LA LISTE ÉLECTORALE
Les prochaines élections scolaires auront lieu le 2 novembre 2014. Dans le cas de la CSEM, le vote désignera le
président et 10 commissaires. Vous pouvez voir les circonscriptions électorales ici. Nous encourageons tous les
électeurs qui pourraient figurer aux listes électorales francophones et qui désirent être transférés à la liste
anglophone de remplir et de soumettre ce formulaire. Ceci est un appel à nos parents pour nous aider à faire
inscrire leurs familles, amis et enfants, âgés de plus de 18 ans, à la liste électorale de la CSEM.
HOMMAGE À NOS BÉNÉVOLES
La CSEM a tenu sa Soirée annuelle d’appréciation des bénévoles le 8 avril dernier à la salle de réception Le
Renaissance de Ville d’Anjou. Le temps et l’espace n’ont pas permis à la CSEM d’honorer en personne tous ses
quelques 1 500 bénévoles. Par conséquent, seules les personnes qui ont fait du bénévolat pendant plus de
cinq ans, soit près de 500 personnes, ont assisté à la réception. Cependant, plusieurs milliers de copies du
programme commémoratif seront distribuées dans chaque école. Les maîtres de cérémonie de la soirée ont
été le spécialiste en communications et marketing de la CSEM, Michael Cohen, et l’humoriste montréalais
Franco Taddeo. La Bénévole émérite de cette année est Debbie Hanley de l’école primaire Roslyn. Pour la
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sixième année consécutive, les Services financiers La Capitale (www.lacapitale.com) ont été les
commanditaires principaux de l’évènement.
SEMAINE DE SENSIBILISATION AUX MALADIES MENTALES
Le Centre de ressources de santé mentale (CRSM) des Services aux élèves est en voie de formuler des plans en
matière d’initiatives à entreprendre durant la Semaine de sensibilisation aux maladies mentales, du 5 au 9 mai.
La mission du CRSM, qui est composé d’une équipe multidisciplinaire de professionnels, est de promouvoir une
santé mentale positive parmi la communauté de la CSEM, par le biais de diffusion d’informations, de sessions
dans les écoles pour le personnel de la CSEM et les parents (sur l’intimidation, l’anxiété, etc.), la tenue d’ateliers
(ex : automutilation non suicidaire), l’établissement de partenariats avec des organismes externes (ex : AMIQuébec), des recommandations de programmes et la consultation avec divers intervenants (ex :
professionnels, directions d’école, etc.) de la CSEM. Une série exceptionnelle de programmes est disponible.
CONFÉRENCIÈRE TRANSSEXUELLE
L’auteure primée Joy Ladin partagera son émouvante histoire et présentera une réflexion au sujet de son livre
A Jewish Journey Between Genders le vendredi 25 avril (11 h) à l’école Royal Vale (5851 avenue Somerled,
NDG). Cette présentation a été organisée par la Bibliothèque publique juive qui mettra Ladin en vedette la
veille, dans le cadre de ses séries Legacy for Learning. Le retour de Joy Ladin à l’Université Yeshiva en tant que
femme, après avoir été titularisée en tant qu’homme, a fait d’elle la première employée ouvertement
transsexuelle d’une institution juive orthodoxe. Ses réflexions de transition de sexe Trough the Door of Life : A
Jewish Journey Between Genders, ont été finalistes au National Jewish Book Award de 2012, lauréate du prix
Forward Five et elle figure à la liste des 50 influents ou courageux juifs américains. Des élèves de plusieurs écoles
de la CSEM ont été invités à cette présentation intime et découverts comment la transition de Jay Ladin l’a
affectée en tant que personne et dans la vie publique.
CALENDRIERS SCOLAIRES 2014-2015 ET 2015-2016
Les calendriers scolaires du secteur des jeunes pour l’année 2014-2015 et 2015-2016 ont été approuvés. Les
classes débuteront le 2 septembre 2014, le congé de Noël aura lieu du 22 décembre 2014 au 2 janvier 2015 et
la relâche du printemps du 2 au 6 mars 2015. La dernière journée de classes sera le 23 juin.
TRANSFERT DE PHILIP E. LAYTON
La CSEM a tenu des audiences publiques le 18 mars pour le déménagement de l’école Philip E. Layton pour les
malvoyants à l’école du Centre Mackay, à compter de l’année scolaire 2014-2015. Pendant des décennies,
l’école Philip E Layton a été située à l’Association Montréalaise pour les aveugles à la rue Sherbrooke ouest de
NDG. L’école du Centre Mackay, située sur le boulevard Décarie, éduque des enfants avec difficultés
motrices, de langage ou sensorielles. P.E. Layton dessert les élèves aveugles et/ou physiquement handicapés
et/ou intellectuellement handicapés. Les deux écoles ont un mandat suprarégional et, par conséquent, la
CSEM est la seule commission scolaire qui offre des services à ce groupe particulier d’élèves anglophones, non
seulement de la région de Montréal, mais aussi du Québec.
Le 27 juillet 2011, le Centre de réadaptation MAB-Mackay a dévoilé un plan stratégique de consolidation de
ses opérations dans un nouvel établissement. Cette décision a subséquemment requis que la CSEM loge ses
deux écoles dans un seul site. Étant donné qu’il n’y avait pas de bâtiment CSEM disponible qui pourrait
adéquatement être rénové pour accueillir ces élèves, il avait été déterminé que l’achat du bâtiment du 3500,
boulevard Décarie serait le plus plausible au cas où le ministère de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport (MELS)
favoriserait une alternative qui serait moins onéreuse que la construction d’un nouvel immeuble. Il faudrait
souligner que le MELS avait déjà alloué des fonds pour que deux nouvelles écoles desservant un effectif
similaire francophone soient construites sur la Rive Nord et la Rive Sud ainsi que l’allocation de plus de 16 millions $
pour l’ajout de huit classes à l’école Victor Doré de Montréal.
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Pendant près de trois ans, la CSEM a œuvré avec le MELS et le Centre de réadaptation MAB-Mackay pour
l’acquisition de la propriété. « Nous faisons tout notre possible pour régler cette situation » a déclaré la
présidente de la CSEM, Angela Mancini. Le conseil des commissaires a déposé une résolution pour approuver
le déménagement afin que les négociations avec le Centre MAB-Mackay puissent se poursuivre.
CEDARCREST ET HOME DEPOT
La bibliothèque de l’école primaire Cedarcrest avait besoin de rénovations. Après avoir évalué les besoins,
l’Association parents-élèves a réalisé que la bibliothèque avait besoin non seulement de nouveau contenu,
dont des livres numériques, des livres-e et des ordinateurs, mais aussi d’une nouvelle conception et d’une
bonne couche de peinture. Que faire? Bien que les levées de fonds aient été d’une grande aide, l’Association
parents-élèves a décidé de sortir des sentiers battus et d’essayer quelques nouvelles initiatives. Après de mûres
réflexions, de listes, d’appels, un membre a écrit à Home Depot pour expliquer le projet. Ce dernier a accepté
de faire don à l’école de six litres de peinture et de toutes les fournitures de peinture afin de planifier la
nouvelle bibliothèque. La directrice Nadia Sammarco s’est aussi adressée à Chapters Indigo pour demander
leur aide.
JUSTIN TRUDEAU VISITE JFK
Justin Trudeau, membre du Parlement et chef du Parti Libéral du Canada, a visité l’école secondaire John F.
Kennedy de Saint-Michel le 15 avril à l’occasion de l’inauguration d’un nouveau centre de soutien aux élèves
portant le nom de son père. Le directeur Joseph Vitantonio et les élèves Sarah D’Amours Thompson et Sonia
Bassani ont fait la présentation officielle. Le Centre Pierre Elliott Trudeau de soutien aux élèves offrira un service
de soutien général à tous les élèves du secondaire I au secondaire V. Il est conçu pour apporter une aide
additionnelle aux élèves qui en ont besoin ou pour ceux dont le cas est soumis par le personnel de l’école. Le
soutien social et personnel, qui sera disponible par le biais du Centre Pierre Elliott Trudeau de soutien aux
élèves, est conçu comme complément aux excellents services déjà disponibles à l’école secondaire John F.
Kennedy et à la Commission scolaire English-Montréal, par le biais du Service d’orientation et d’autres services
de soutien. L’école est située dans la circonscription de Justin Trudeau.
WILLINGDON REMERCIE LES POMPIERS
L’école primaire Willingdon de NDG a recueilli 2,803 $ en l’espace d’une semaine pour appuyer 30 pompiers
du Service d’incendies de Montréal qui participent à un voyage humanitaire en Haïti. Les pompiers
participeront à un agrandissement de l’école Mark Bourque à Debussy, Haïti, qui a été construite par des
pompiers et policiers de Montréal en 2006. Conçue à l’origine pour 50 élèves, l’école a maintenant un effectif
de 126 élèves. Un agrandissement de l’école aidera à améliorer les conditions d’apprentissage des élèves. Les
élèves de Willingdon ont rencontré récemment l’un des pompiers qui participera au voyage- Pierre Luc Bielo.
Ce dernier a rencontré les élèves et a passé en revue avec eux les mesures de sécurité en matière d’incendie,
il a aussi parlé de la tâche d’un pompier et a même permis à quelques élèves de porter sa jacquette! Il a
raconté des histoires au sujet d’enfants à Haïti et a demandé aux élèves de recueillir autant d’argent que
possible pour aider les pompiers à construire l’agrandissement de l’école.
Dans l’espace d’une semaine, les tirelires ont été brisées, des biscuits ont été cuits et vendus, les élèves ont
demandé des dons aux voisins et amis et un montant de 2 803 $ a été recueilli. Les pompiers avaient promis un
déjeuner de pizza à la classe qui avait levé le plus de fonds mais ils ont été si impressionnés par la générosité de
Willingdon que les deux meilleures classes ont partagé un déjeuner pizza avec les pompiers. Le personnel de
Willingdon est ravi des réalisations de la communauté et extrêmement fier de ses élèves et de leur générosité.
LANCEMENT DE L’IMPACT
La Soirée traditionnelle de la CSEM aura lieu le mercredi 14 mai (19h30) au Stade Saputo lorsque l’Impact de
Montréal affrontera soit Ottawa ou Edmonton dans le cadre du Championnat Amway Canada qui regroupe
les cinq meilleurs groupes professionnels du Canada qui tentent de se qualifier pour la Ligue des champions
20
FIELDING FOCUS
CONCACAF, qui est une épreuve internationale entre des clubs professionnels d’Amérique du nord, de
l’Amérique Centrale et des Caraïbes. Les billets peuvent être achetés en ligne pour seulement 10 $ à
www.emsb.qc.ca/impact ou par le biais de coupons qui ont été envoyés à chaque école. Visionnez cette
magnifique vidéo de la visite de Matt Jordan et de Troy Perkins à l’école primaire Honoré Mercier de SaintLéonard.
LES MIS À L’ÉCOLE SECONDAIRE WESTMOUNT
Des élèves de l’école secondaire Westmount sont montés sur scène récemment pour interpréter Les
Misérables. Âgés de 8 à 17 ans, ces élèves ont exprimé leur passion pour cette histoire d’espoir et d’amour qui
se déroule au milieu d’incroyables souffrances, du pouvoir de la voix des jeunes et comment c’est une force
dont il faut tenir compte. La production des Misérables a commencé durant l’été 2013 à la suggestion d’un
groupe d’acteurs. Ce fut un projet majeur pour le personnel et les élèves et la troupe et l’équipe technique ont
été incroyablement dévoués à cette tâche. L’enseignante Rachel Stevenson a été la réalisatrice et codirigeante vocale avec Elisa Cura. La pièce a mis en vedette Jessica Byrne dans le rôle de Jean Valjean, Zac
Wolofsky dans celui de Jalbert, Blaire Montgomery a tenu le rôle de Gavroche et Kaytlyn Abreu celui
d’Éponine.
CABANE À SUCRE DE CARLYLE
Le 31 mars, les élèves et le personnel de l’école primaire Carlyle ont entrepris une visite à la cabane à sucre
« La Goudrelle » située à Saint-Grégoire. La journée a débuté par une merveilleuse randonnée en traineau
pour admirer le paysage rural avec son abondance d’érables. En déambulant dans la forêt, les élèves ont
découvert le processus de recueil de sève. Les élèves ont visité une mini ferme où ils ont pu voir des chèvres,
des béliers et un lama. Dès qu’ils se sont rendus à l’intérieur, ils ont dansé avec enthousiasme et participé à une
course à obstacles qui leur a permis d’aiguiser leur appétit. Les enfants ont apprécié un petit déjeuner
traditionnel de cabane à sucre, suivi de délicieuse tire d’érable. Cuit à partir d’une variété d’ingrédients frais, le
repas a été délicieux et a reflété les traditions du Québec. Ce fut une excellente expérience d’apprentissage
culturel pour toute la famille de Carlyle!
SEMAINE DE SENSIBILISATION AUX MALADIES MENTALES
Le Centre de Ressources de santé mentale (CRSM) des Services aux élèves de la CSEM offre diverses activités
visant à promouvoir la Semaine de sensibilisation aux maladies mentales – 5 au 9 mai 2014. Ces activités se
dérouleront au centre administratif de la CSEM (6000 avenue Fielding) NDG et l’auditoire visé inclura des
directions d’école, du personnel du centre administratif de la CSEM, des conseillers d’orientation et des
animateurs de vie spirituelle.
CALENDRIER
3 mai 2014
Chorale de la CSEM
Concert de gala du printemps – 34e saison
Salle Oscar Peterson (7141, rue Sherbrooke ouest)
Campus Loyola, Université Concordia
19 h 30
Billets: 10 $ pour adultes / 5 $ pour élèves
Billets en vente le 1er mars 2014.
Informations : 514-483-7200, poste 7234
7 mai 2014
Journée nationale des enseignant(e)s
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FIELDING FOCUS
12 au 16 mai 2014
Semaine de reconnaissance du personnel des Services de garde BASE
13 mai 2014
Journée nationale du Denim
14 mai 2014
Soirée CSEM de l’Impact
The next Focus will be published on May 28, 2014. Submissions should
be made to Michael J. Cohen preferably by e-mail
([email protected]) by May 23, 2014
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