French for the Future - English Montreal School Board

The monthly news bulletin of the EMSB
Vol. 6 No. 7
April 29, 2005
EDITOR: MICHAEL J. COHEN
PRINTING SERVICES: L. SHAW, D. D’ORNELLAS
PROOFREADING/TRANSLATION: ALINE ZEROUNIAN
French for the Future
L
aurier Macdonald High School in St. Léonard
joined other secondary level schools across 17 cities
in Canada on April 27 to discuss the importance of
speaking and writing French in their future careers.
•Tribute to the Pope
•Volunteer Night
•Public Speaking Contest
•Earth Day
• Lester B. Pearson Keeps
Busy
•Brain Waves Gala
•Adult Ed Conference
•Chapeau Les Filles
The focus of the conference was to promote bilingualism
amongst Canadian youth. Justin Trudeau served as the keynote
speaker. The Secondary V students attended workshops given
in French by
guest speakers
from the fields
of journalism,
entertainment
and community
services. They
included Sonali
Karnick
from
CBC
Radio,
Chéli
Sauvé
Castonguay
from Musique
Justin Trudeau meets with Laurier MAC
students
Plus and a representative of Clowns Without Borders. Two
Secondary V students, Vanessa Gareffa and Delia Cariello
represented Laurier Macdonald in Ottawa for the Ambassador
Project where they participated in a national debate at Rideau
Hall on the theme “Canadians and generosity.”
The
EMSB
Administration
and
Commissioners wish to extend their
gratitude to our secretaries on the occasion
of Administrative Professionals Week.
ITALIAN SENATE: The Council of
Commissioners of the EMSB welcomed five
members of Italy’s Senate (Ricardo
Minardo Maria Grazia Pagano, Francesco
Moro, Giovanni Crema and Giuseppe
Mulas), as well as the country’s Consul
General to Montreal (Fabio Cristiani), at a
special gathering on April 21 at central head
office.
EMSB Chairman Dominic Spridigliozzi accepts a
medallion from Senate delegation head Ricardo
Minardo,
EMSB Chairman Dominic Spiridigliozzi
noted that there is a significant Italian
population in the Board’s schools,
particularly in the East End. The EMSB’s
PELO Heritage Languages program, for
instance, aims to improve students'
knowledge of their heritage language and
gives greater depth to students understanding
of human experience by fostering an
appreciation of their culture. “By promoting
the students' language and culture within a
formal course, we recognize alternative
means of expression and the value of cultural
diversity,” he said. “Moreover, a knowledge
of a third language can give students
registered in any one of the 10 international
language programs a competitive advantage
in the workplace by opening up additional
opportunities.
Italian, is, of course, one of the programs
offered at a number of EMSB schools. Last
year, in fact, Italian represented 80 percent of
the registrations. In addition to Italian, other
languages taught at the EMSB are Hebrew,
Tamil, Portuguese, Greek, Spanish, Chinese,
Punjab, Bengali, Urdu and Arabic.
The EMSB wishes to expand the teaching of
Italian in its schools. In fact, the Board has
already integrated courses in Italian into the
regular curriculum at three elementary
schools in St. Léonard -Pierre de Coubertin,
Dante and General Vanier.
The Italian government has shown an interest
in advancing the teaching of the Italian
language outside of the country. Given the
fact the EMSB has the highest proportion of
Italian students of any public board in the
province, Mr. Spiridigliozzi formally asked
the Senators for their support and assistance
in securing special funding from the Italian
government so that advances can be made in
this area.
TRIBUTE TO THE POPE: Students at the
EMSB paid tribute to the late Pope John Paul
II at different ceremonies and assemblies
during the week following his passing. Media
were invited to Vincent Massey Collegiate in
Rosemount where a Secondary I enriched
English class gathered in the school’s
Spiritual Community Room to reflect on the
Pope. Teacher Mari Dimitriou and Spiritual
Community Animator Nancy Pasquini
coordinated the program.
VOLUNTEER NIGHT: The EMSB held
its fourth Volunteer Appreciation Evening on
April 20 at the Oscar Peterson Hall of
Concordia University in N.D.G. This
occurred during National Volunteer Week
under the theme “You’re An Essential
Piece.” Media personality Eramelinda
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Boquer served as the master of ceremonies.
She was joined on stage by American
standup comic Basile, who headlined two
sold-out one-man shows at the 2003 and
2004 Just For Laughs Festival. The Steel Pan
Band from Coronation Elementary School in
Côte des Neiges were the musical guests.
First Canadian Financial Services (www.fcfsinc.com), specialists in Registered Education
Savings Plans (RESPs), once again served as
the title sponsors of event. First Canadian’s
president, Joseph Afshar, was the evening’s
honourary chairman. Basile had the audience
in stitches, with his special comedy routine
and banter with Eramelinda.
Basile signs autographs
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 event, representing some
500 people. However, several thousand
copies of a commemorative program book
were distributed to each school. A highlight
of the evening was the presentation of the
Volunteer of Distinction Award. This year’s
recipient
was
Theodora
Dafniotis
(popularly known as Roula). For the past 25
years she has been the backbone of Carlyle
Elementary School in Town of Mount Royal,
spending countless hours there and stepping
into to many roles. She has volunteered a
total of
34 years.
Please log on to
www.emsb.qc.ca and go to the Parent
Information section for a complete list of
volunteers.
PAUL VI RELOCATION: A special
EMSB Board meeting will be held on May 3
to consider sending out a proposal for
consultation to relocate Paul VI High School
from the Lester B. Pearson facility in
Montreal North to St. Pius X in Ahuntsic.
ELITE HOCKEY TO RETURN: The
EMSB will continue with its Student Athlete
Program at Holy Cross Elementary School in
St. Laurent for the 2005-2006 academic year.
After a very successful first year, in which an
elite hockey system was introduced, the
school is looking forward to welcoming its
returning student athletes along with new
members. Applications are now being
accepted for the hockey component of the
program, which will once again be run by
Shawn
Anderson
Hockey
Specific
Training. Anderson, a former National
Hockey League (NHL) defenseman, has
already begun the process of screening
applicants to determine whether they will be
accepted. Applicants will be evaluated on
both their academic and hockey abilities.
Only hockey players of A to AA calibre will
be considered. Depending on the number of
applications, an on ice evaluation camp may
be planned in May and June. Soccer may
also be added to the program next year. A
press conference is planned soon to announce
more details.
Please log on to
www.hockeyspecifictraining.com
or call
the school at (514) 334-9555.
LESTER B COMMISSIONERS: The
EMSB Council of Commisioners hosted their
counterparts from the Lester B. Pearson
School Board at an April 5 dinner held at the
St. Pius X Culinary Institute. In February, the
Council of the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School
Board were the invited guests.
4
SCIENCE FAIR: EMSB students captured
65 awards in 30 different categories at the
2005 Bell Montreal Regional Science and
Technology Fair
(MRSTF) at Dawson
College recently. Royal West Academy took
home eight medals, John Paul I and Royal
Vale had seven, Wagar had six, Vincent
Massey and Marymount had four , Lester B.
Pearson snared three and FACE and John F.
Kennedy one each. “Not only was there a
tremendous turnout by EMSB schools and a
good time had by all, but the hard work and
dedication of our students and support of
their teachers truly notable,” says EMSB
Science and Technology Consultant Imma
Ienaro. For more details log on to
http://www.exposciencesbell.qc.ca/fute/2005/
presse2005.html. At the Bell Super Expo
Sciences Provincial Science Fair, of the 19
projects selected to go on to the Pan
Canadian Science Fair in Vancouver in May,
six came from the regional fair, once again
more than anywhere else in the province
Overall, the 12 EMSB projects took home a
total of 16 prizes. Meanwhile, the RoboCup
Junior Competition will be held at Lester B.
Pearson High School in Montreal North
May 27 and 28. It was originally scheduled
for May 6, but switched due to work
stoppages planned for that day.
JFK SCIENCE FAIR: John F. Kennedy
High School in St. Michel held its first
Science & Technology Fair.
Being a
Norshield school, JFK has some state of the
art technical equipment that the students and
teachers have been using to produce
interesting projects that were displayed that
evening. The Fair had 22 student booths that
were situated in six different areas of the
building. Each booth displayed exhibits that
explained different aspects and phenomena in
the world of science and technology, such as
electromagnets,
volcanoes,
electricity
production, viscosity, tornadoes and twisters,
and bionics. Also on display was student
Rini Karmaker’s booth about a solar hybrid
car, which won her the silver medal at the
2005 Bell Science Fair, and Tech Vice Inc., a
small company founded by a group of Grade
8 students and their English teacher who are
dedicated to producing movies using the
latest in moviemaking computer technology.
Pierre Pettigrew, (fourth from the left) with (left to
right) EMSB Deputy Director General Donald A.
Reid, Commissioner Rocco Barbieri, Student
Council President Matthew Lopez, Principal
Evelyn Alfonsi and teacher Vito Peragine
PIERRE PETTIGREW: Foreign Affairs
Minister Pierre Pettigrew, the Member of
Parliament for Papineau, visited John F.
Kennedy High School on April 8. The
purpose of the visit was to talk to students
about his recent trips to foreign countries,
notably the tsunami ravaged areas in South
Asia and the Middle East. He also spoke
about the passing of the Pope and even
touched upon the federal sponsorship
scandal. “We want a foreign policy that
reflects Canadian pluralism,” he said. After
his address, Mr. Pettigrew opened the floor to
questions. Principal Evelyn Alfonsi and
Student Council President Matthew Lopez
presented their guest with a John F. Kennedy
High School sweat shirt.
CANSPELL: The EMSB is proud to
announce that two of its students finished at
the top of the Regional CanWest CanSpell
Spelling Bee competition at the Delta CentreVille April 3. Jamie Deshaies, 13, of
Westmount High School finished in first
place followed by Marco Monteferrante,
5
13, of John Paul I Junior High School in St.
Léonard. They are both Secondary II
students. Fifty-six first-rate spellers had made
it to the regional final.
“I am elated” stated EMSB Chairman
Dominic Spiridigliozzi. “I think this says a
lot for the public education system. When
this competition began there were 75 schools,
7,812 students and 323 classes from 12
school boards and private schools.”
Deshaies and Monteferrante represented
Montreal in the CanSpell National Spelling
Bee April 16 in Ottawa and competed with
the 20 winners and runners-up from other
regions. Deshaies
will also be part
of the
78th
annual Scripps
National Spelling
Bee
in
Washington,
D.C. in May.
Among
the
unexpected
EMSB finalists
was a student
James Deshaies
Morris, an educator and behaviour
consultant. Mr. Morris is an international
speaker and workshop leader. His first book,
Secrets of Discipline, helped countless
teachers and parents improve their skills for
teaching children to be responsible,
cooperative and respectful. He provided
participants with skills and techniques to
effectively approach the problems related to
discipline with children. While his 12 Keys to
Dealing with Adolescents were part of his
presentation, Mr. Morrish
presented
information that relates to children of all
ages.
CAREER FAIR: The 2005 Career Fair will
take place at St. Pius X Oct. 25-27, 2005.
Jack Dym of Pipe and Pilings Supplies will
be the title sponsor. Mr. Dym, a successful
Montreal businessman and philanthropist, is
a product of the public system. RBC Royal
Bank
and
Tony
Ruccolo
([email protected]) of Industrial
Alliance Insurance are also sponsors.
PUBLIC SPEAKING: The annual Public
Speaking Competition for Secondary IV and
V students took place on April 26 at
Westmount
High
School.
from Venture Outreach High School in Ville
Émard. Under the tutelage of English
Teacher Michelle Warner, Jessie Arseneau
made it to round four and was among the top
17 spellers in the competition. He placed in
the top three percent.
MEMORY
PROJECT:
Emmanuel
Martinos, a student at Venture (Outreach)
High School in Ville Émard won the Memory
Project’s $100 prize for writing the best essay
in the province of Quebec. He wrote about a
visit to the school on Remembrance Day by
Colonel Bernard Finestone.
SECRETS OF DISCIPLINE: EMSB
Pedagogical Services hosted an evening for
parents at St. Pius X April 21 with Ronald
Participants in the Public Speaking contest.
At the Secondary IV level, Samantha
Bleiziffer of Vincent Massey Collegiate
finished in first place for her address on the
Art of Conversation. Mona Ghassemi of
Westmount High School came in second for
her speech On The Existence of God.
Francesca Magliocco of Rosemount High
School was third for her topic, Second Hand
6
Smoke. In Secondary V competition, Katy
MacDonald’s speech on Homeless in
Montreal won her first place honours.
Marcella De Piano was second for her
address on Idol Mania and finally, Nick
Bohn of Westmount High School came in
third for The Blindness of Western
Civilization. As in the past, the Rotary Club
of Montreal has invited the Secondary V
winner to participate in its event on May 17.
As well, the Women’s Canadian Club
awarded the Secondary IV winner with an all
expense paid week to Encounters with
Canada in Ottawa. The 17 participants
presented persuasive speeches on a subject of
global or social significance. Doris Beck,
Robert Cloney and Peter McNally served as
judges. Languages Consultant Marsha
Gouett was the moderator and coordinator.
Vice-Chair
Elizabeth
Fokoefs,
Commissioner Ginette Sauvé- Frankel and
Director General Antonio Lacroce handed
out awards and certificates of participation.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP: The Quebec
Entrepreneurship Contest (QEC) is an
initiative of the Ministry of Education
designed to promote entrepreneurship in two
divisions: Business Creation and Student
Entrepreneurship. This year, EMSB schools
submitted 31 student entrepreneurship
projects, which will receive a total of over
$21,000 in participation grants to be
disbursed directly to the schools. The quality
of this year’s projects was very impressive.
In addition to the grants, winning projects
from the board are submitted to the regional
level to compete for cash prizes and the
chance to advance to the provincial level of
competition. The EMSB jury to select
winners was comprised of John F. Kennedy
Business Centre Director Keith Imhoff,
Katherine Korakakis and Hans Heisinger
from the NDG Carrefour-jeunesse-emploi
and EMSB Languages Consultant Marsha
Gouett, At the elementary level, Leonardo
Da Vinci School’s project, The Savory World
of Grade 6, was chosen as the winning
project. The Grade 6 students created and
sold a cookbook of healthy recipes after
being inspired by a novel read in class. The
Vincent Massey Collegiate project entitled
Gifted Creations was awarded first place in
the secondary category. A group of 155
students sold hand-made items and earned
over $2,500 to buy materials for the school’s
library. In the second-place project, Business
Creation and Management, students from
four Rosemount High School classes
generated over $1,800 for various charities.
On April 13, the Division Sud-Ouest de l’île
de Montréal of the Entrepreneurship Contest
held its annual gala to honour Business
Creation winners in its territory and also paid
special
tribute
to
the
Student
Entrepreneurship Category.
Ms. Gouett
addressed the large audience assembled at the
Théâtre Corona on the importance and
impact of the QEC. James Lyng High
School’s project Lyng Blyng was awarded a
special Prix Coup de Coeur of $50 to
recognize student projects submitted in the
Sud-Ouest region.
CITIZENSHIP
COURT:
Carlyle
Elementary School in T.M.R. hosted a
Citizenship Court Ceremony, presided over
by Judge Barbara Seal. A Grade 6 class
from Bancroft Elementary School was
invited to attend. Caryle students decorated
the gymnasium with beautiful handmade
posters, including one large one which said
”From Sea to Shining Sea.” Students make
7
pictures of the flags from the countries their
families come from. New citizens were
sworn in from 14 different countries.
Commissioner Ron Paterson, Pedagogical
Services Director John Ryan and former
T.M.R. Mayor and MUC Chair Vera
Danyluk were among those on hand.
Meanwhile, a very solemn ceremony for
new Canadian citizens was held at Edward
Murphy Elementary School in HochelagaMaisonneuve. Judge Seal is the first to
congratulate the new citizens. She is joined
in the procession by EMSB Director General
Antonio Lacroce, Commissioner.Angela
Mancini, and Principal Joseph Marra .
EARTH DAY: The EMSB marked Earth
Day at many of its primary and secondary
institutions on April 22, notably at Montreal
West’s Edinburgh Elementary School and
General Vanier Elementary School in St.
Léonard where Miss Earth Canada, Tanya
Beatriz Munizaga, visited. Ms. Munizaga,
23, speaks English, French, Spanish,
Miss Earth at Edinburgh…
Croatian and Italian. She represented Canada
at the Miss Earth World Pageant in the
Phillipines last fall. She won Miss Earth
Talent.
The main focus of the Miss Earth
competition is to promote awareness and
involvement in youth and the preservation of
the environment. Ms. Munizaga spoke to the
students and then joined them at the start of
cleanup of their schoolyards. Meanwhile, at
Roslyn Elementary School in Westmount
students planted new hedges and Toyota
Canada presented an award to the school for
its greening initiatives. Students and staff
from East Hill Elementary School rolled up
their sleeves, armed themselves with gloves
and garbage bags and cleaned up the school
grounds and green spaces surrounding the
school building. McLearon School also had a
..and at General Vanier
cleanup day and staff and students will be
planting a friendship garden in May. Gerald
McShane will be planting flowers around the
school as well. John Paul I Junior High
School has made recycling a major part of
the school routine. They have added extra
bins in the eating areas for paper bottles and
plastics. They too will be expanding their
existing flower garden in May.
POMPEI NUTRITION: Cycle 3 students at
Our Lady of Pompei Elementary School in
Ahuntsic recently transformed themselves
into nutritionists. They set up kiosques
featuring four food groups and advised other
students in the school about correct eating
habits.
ST. MONICA UNITY: The parent bodies of
St. Monica and St. Ignatius of Loyola
Elementary Schools in N.D.G.have been
working towards an exemplary transition
process. St. Ignatius will close June 30, with
students being directed to St. Monica next
year. “I think people should know about the
absolute class of my two parent bodies over
the closure of St. Ignatius,” says Principal
Maria Di Perna. “My parents at St. Ignatius
8
gave it all they had in preparing a brief to
respond to the proposed closure. My St.
Monica parents have responded with class,
requesting a modification to the composition
of the Governing Board to allow for a
greater number of parents to be elected in
September, this with the hope that a number
of present GB members at St. Ignatius will
make it onto the GB at St. Monica. St.
Monica's GB has adopted a colour code for
our kindergarten children starting in
September, this simply because it's in place
at St. Ignatius.” There are numerous
activities planned,
bringing together
students, parents with their children. This
includes the St. Monica's annual family BBQ
on Sat. June 11, to which all St. Ignatius
families are being invited. And, on Mon.
June 20, the annual St. Monica's field day
will see all St. Ignatius students bussed over
to share in the fun and hot dog lunch.
SINCLAIR LAIRD IN SHAPE: Sinclair
Laird Elementary School has put a lot of
energy into maximizing the physical activity
opportunities for its students this year, reports
phys ed. teacher Scott Danovitch. In the
spring of 2004 they entered the "Active
School Contest" organized by Kino Quebec
and won a $1,000 grant that is being used this
spring to paint games onto the junior
playground, as well as purchase some
equipment that will provide the juniors with
an opportunity for very structured play time
at recess and lunch. In a separate undertaking
they applied for a $3,000 grant in order to
initiate a "Wellness" program for Grade 5
and 6 students. With this money they
provided students with a qualified skating
instructor who worked with them at the
Howie Morenz Arena every Monday from
January through March. The school also has
Grade 5 and 6 boys and girls basketball
teams, an after school soccer program for
Grade 5 students and a dance program for
Grade 5/ and 6 girls. The academic year
began with an outdoors sports driven festive
corn roast, followed up by a major winter
Olympics carnival and will conclude with an
annual field day in June. “We continue to
explore every possibility for further
increasing physical activity,” says Danovitch.
RWANDA: Sinclair Laird held an assembly
for two memorials organized by Spiritual
Community Animator Puynung Choy. One
honoured the late Pope John Paul II and the
other remembered the death of 800,000
people in Rwanda. “We emphasized the
model of peace and care for which the Pope
represented,” says Ms. Choy. “The staff and
students of differing faiths - Muslim, Sikh,
Christian, Buddhism, Judaism and Hindu stood and showed that the Pope accepted
them all. The students lit a pearl candle with
the pearl symbolizing life. They also shared
in their own native tongue words and prayers
of sympathy and condolences.” Immediately
after, they had a memorial for the 10th
anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda. A
number of students and teachers with
Principal Viola Vathilakis each placed a
white rose on that table accompanied by
musical mantras. This was to honour their
spirits and the two million families who were
afflicted by this genocide. The students
learned that world peace is also about
recognizing everyone‚s history and tragedy,
and that negligence and apathy is the
antithesis to care and consciousness.
MUSIC FESTIVAL: The EMSB Music
Festival took place at Rosemount High
School where there were performances by
students from Nesbitt, Honoré Mercier, St.
Raphaël, John Caboto, Pierre de Coubertin,
Pierre E. Trudeau and Michelangelo
elementary schools.
EAST END RETREAT: Since February 23,
2005, Spiritual Community Animators Rocco
Speranza and Vince Lacroce have been
holding retreats at Laurier Macdonald High
School in St. Léonard for elementary and
high schools students from the East End. The
title of the retreat was STUCK, with each
letter stands for a virtue
- Service,
Togetherness, Unity, Caring and Kindness.
9
The objective of the retreats are to guide the
students to find their inner self, gain
confidence, increase self esteem, increase
community involvement and sensitize them
to the needs of members of their
communities. It is for the latter reason that he
has invited guest speakers from Centre
Action, an activity center for people with
physical and/or cognitive disabilities. “I
decided to invite the members in to speak to
the students to help sensitize them to the
issues of
discrimination,
acceptance,
togetherness, unity, caring and kindness,”
says Speranza. “The students are really
moved by the guest speakers that they ask
how they can volunteer at Centre Action. For
more information about the Centre call 3666868 and speak to Mrs. Hasbun.
ROYAL VALE ROCKS:
Royal Vale
School in N.D.G. “rocked” the history books
once again by hiring Inside/Outside Edge
Rock Climbing Company for a week. It was
a great success! Everybody was safe and
enjoyed the experience. The students learned
to challenge themselves beyond what they
thought was possible.
Everyone who
participated had fun. Elementary students
(302) and high school students (88) only had
good things to say about the professionalism
and learning atmosphere. Meanwhile, Cycle
2 and 3 students took part in the Halo Race
on Mount Royal April 27. And, the final
totals are in for Royal Vale’s Jump Rope for
Heart fundraiser. Students brought in over
$13,000 for the Heart and Stroke Association
of Quebec, topping their $9,700 total from
2004.
KIDS FESTIVAL: The first annual Kids
Fun Festival will be held on Tues. June 14 on
the grounds of the Douglas Hospital in
Verdun. Six different schools from the
EMSB and Lester B. Pearson School Board
will be participating for a total of
approximately 1,200 students. It will run
from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. In the event of rain,
it will be moved to June 15. The Kids Fun
Festival will feature at least 25 inflatable
games such as jumper games and slides,
entertainment, and a full BBQ lunch with
hotdogs, hamburgers, salads, drinks and
dessert. Food will also be available for
volunteers and teachers.
The event's
completely free. Westmount Park School,
Coronation and Carlyle are participating.
Lisa Dutton and Caroline Phaneuf of In
Style Events are the organizers. Lisa can be
reached at 412-4400 x23991.
MERTON
COMMUNICATES:
The
Global Virtual Classroom is an educational
program that provides students the
opportunity to develop cross-cultural
communication
collaboration
and
understanding among students around the
world using Internet Technology. This year,
a selected group of students from Cycle 2
and 3 at Merton Elementary School in Côte
St. Luc worked diligently with students in
New Zealand and the United States to build
their website on backyard animals. The
website
can
be
viewed
at
http://gvctemp06.virtualclassroom.org.
ATTENTION DRAMA TEACHERS: The
Dynamic Theatre Factory (DTF) will be
holding its annual Showcase fundraiser at the
Centaur Theatre (453 St-Francois Xavier)
from June 1 – 4. It is a collaborative work
towards which most of the cast lend their
ideas, thoughts and insights, sometimes
writing the scenes that will be performed in
the show. Teachers and students are being
10
invited to come and see this year’s show,
entitled “BELIEFS – do they bring us
together or tear us apart?” Tickets are $25
and can be purchased through the Centaur
Theatre Box Office at: (514) 288 - 3661.
Group rates are available for 10 or more
people ($20 each). You have the additional
option
of
attending DTF’s annual
Industry/VIP Gala on June 3, which will
feature a post-show reception with games,
prizes, and refreshments. Gala tickets are
$50 and are available through the DTF
offices. Reserve yours now by calling (514)
393 – 3383 or log on to www.dtfonline.com.
Emily Van Camp (Everwood) and EMSB
FACE graduate Jay Baruchel (Million
Dollard Baby) are two prominent grads of
DTF. Since opening its doors in 1998,
students have told DTF officials time and
time again that the skills they acquired
through their acting classes had an equally
profound and positive impact on other
important aspects of their lives.
Most
members fall between the ages of 14 and 21
years, one of the most important
developmental stages of someone’s life.
LESTER B. MURAL: As part of its Success
Plan, Lester B. Pearson High School in
Montreal North is creating a literary buzz by
appealing to students’ special interests in this
area. Literacy Week at the school featured a
poetry slam for juniors during lunch hour and
senior
coffee
house
after
class,
allowing a small eclectic group of student
poets, writers and musicians to shine. As a
permanent memento of this event, a talented
crew of students designed and painted a
mural for the library as their tribute to
literature. Their actionfigure-inspired visual
is their perception of literature as modern
mythology. Complementing Literacy Week,
the art department also exhibited students’
work as a testament to visual expression. The
show featured class work by junior and
senior students that started with the visual
aspect of self-expression and creativity and
worked it the other way where art inspires
poetry and written responses and expression.
“The goal of Literacy Week is to show that
literature is all around us, not just in books,”
said teacher Marion Burke. “It enriches our
appreciation of everything as in the lyrics of
a song, or in creating visual images in our
minds. We want students to recognize they
have their own literary culture and to get
involved and celebrate it.”
LOTS OF VARIETY AT PEARSON:
Lester B. Pearson High School presented
their annual Variety Show recently. This
year’s theme was “Destination Hollywood”
and featured singing, dancing, dramatic and
instrumental performances by Pearson’s
many super talented students. Student
Supervisor Pierre Desormeaux continues to
mastermind
each
year’s
masterpiece
performances and to the many students and
teachers that helped to organize and bring the
event to fruition.
Lester B, Pearson senior students have been
busy exploring the world! Secondary IV and
V students travelled to England this spring to
study and explore the rich culture, heritage
and literary legacy. The trip was organized
and spearheaded by teachers Joanna
Genovezos, John Panetta, and Tanya
Yankowsky.
Secondary III students
explored the richness of Orlando, Florida, by
touring the Kennedy Space Centre, Epcot
Centre Universal Sudios, Sea World and
what visit to Orlando would be complete
without a trip to Disneyworld. Teachers
Pierre Labrecque, Julie Mailloux, Photini
Bakopanos and Kevin Darling made the
trip a fabulous success. Finally, to culminate
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their many activities and high school careers
the Secondary V students travelled to New
York to take in its many cultural and
historical treasures. Plays, art galleries,
museums and numerous historical landmarks
accentuated the visit. Teacher Mauro
Zampini organized the trip and was
accompanied by Vice Principal Ron Olivieri,
Pierre Desormaux. Cathy Chevrier and
Janie McLaughlin.
SHARE THE WARMTH: As part of
Lester B. Pearson High School’s Spiritual
and community Service, the students of
Secondary II were asked to get involved in a
community project. Spiritual Community
Animator Carol Lavoie, invited the
executive director of Share the Warmth,
Judy Stevens, to address the students and
explain the work of this organization which is
based in Pointe St. Charles. Within days of
her visit, the “Share the Warmth Drive” was
underway. When it concluded on April 15,
the students of Secondary II had brought in
16, 177 items in the form of pencils, erasers,
crayons, highlighters etc .
TERRY FOX CAMPAIGN: This year’s
annual Lester B. Pearson High School Terry
Fox Fundraising Campaign, dedicated to
the memory of former teacher Fortunata Di
Paolo, got off to a great start with a nonuniform day to raise funds, an ongoing
“Penny War” between the grade levels, $1
Giant Freezie day to culminate in our annual
Terry Fox Walkathon on April 29. Up until
now, the school has raised close to $250,000
towards Cancer research.
STUDENT LED CONFERENCES: On the
evening of April 21, all students from
Kindergarten to level 2 of Cycle 3 held
Student-Led Conferences for the first time at
Leonardo Da Vinci Elementary School in
RDP. Every child had the opportunity to
present his/her portfolio and to engage in a
dialogue about progress with their parents.
E-portfolios were featured as well by some
levels. The evening was a huge success for
all parties involved. Parents, students and
teachers enjoyed this meaningful experience
and quality time together.
TOMORROW’S LEADERS: Cycle III
students from Edinburgh Elementary School
participated in a one-day symposium at
Montreal West Town Hall recently. Training
To Be Tomorrow’s Leaders of Today was the
theme. Students were challenged as to how
they could make a commitment to helping
others, whether it be on the school
playground, in their community or on the
world stage. Guests speakers included Gary
Plume, executive director of WaterCan, an
organization dedicated to bringing access to
safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene to
people
in
developing
countries;
Commissioner and former Montreal West
Mayor John Simms, law professor and
former United Nations worker Dr. Adelle
Blackett; and bullying expert Gabrielli
Patulli.
The Brain Waves cheque presentation.
BRAIN WAVES: More than $25,000 was
raised for brain tumor research, therapies and
equipment at the first annual EMSB Brain
Waves Gala April 19 at the Léonardo Da
Vinci Center in St. Léonard. Organized by
four EMSB high schools – John Paul I and
Laurier Macdonald in St. Léonard, Royal
West Academy in Montreal West and Royal
Vale in NDG – the event benefited the
Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) and
Hospital in their ongoing battle to find a cure
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for brain tumors, as well as enhance the lives
of individuals who are stricken with the
disease.
Hosted by Frank Cavallaro and Mose
Persico of CFCF TV, the gala featured 14
musical and dancing acts performed by
students from the four high schools. As well,
the capacity crowd was entertained by two
special attractions: Montreal-based Blues diva
Dawn Tyler Watson and the Canadian
Armed Forces’ 438 Squadron Helicopter
Band.
There were also two special guests of honour
that were in attendance that evening: Dr.
Rolando F. Del Maestro, clinical director of
the MNI’s Brain Tumor Research Centre, who
accepted the $25,000 cheque from the Brain
Waves Gala Committee; and Lucia Eufemia,
an 18-year-old brain tumor patient at the MNI
and former Rosemount High School student,
who was given a very touching tribute by her
mother and former classmates for her
courageous battle with the disease, which has
afflicted her since the age of seven. Go to the
press release section of the EMSB website
(www.emsb.qc.ca) for more details.
BRAIN AWARENESS WEEK: As part of
Brain Awareness Week last month the
students at Dalkeith Elementary School in
Anjou were first visited by some McGill
graduate students studying at the Montreal
Neurological Institute (MNI). The graduate
students gave a power-point presentation on
the brain, explained its functions, discussed
the senses, and did a number of sensory
experiments. The culmination of the activity
was that the students got to see and touch a
cow’s brain. A few days later the students
went on a field trip to the MNI. There they
were given quiz sheets and broken up into
smaller groups off to go on tours to see the
three research labs and the brain imaging
machine. They saw how a brain scan is done
on an electronic encephalograph, looked at
live brain tissue under the microscope, and
participated in other experiments. During the
tour some of the students got to meet Dr.
Rolando Delmaestro, clinical head of the
Brain
Tumour
Research
Center.
At the end of the visit, all the students
assembled in an auditorium where they were
given the answers to the quiz. Then all the
questionnaires were collected and a draw was
held for five t-shirts. Every student was given
a souvenir stress ball in the shape of a brain.
Lastly, a buffet lunch was served to
everyone. “The whole trip was very
interesting, educational, and well appreciated
by all the students,” says Principal Mike
Talevi,
who thanked
Penelope
Kostopoulos, and the other graduate students
at the MNI.
CEDARCREST TWINS: Over the past
three months, under the guidance of junior
resource teacher Debbie MacTier, a student
Arts teacher from Concordia, Rebecca
Reynolds, has been working with a group of
Cycle 1 and 2 students at Cedarcrest
Elementary School in St. Laurent. Their
project involved making life sized replicas of
themselves. They decorated and painted these
figures to represent how they saw
themselves. Labels in the form of short
messages, written in both French and English
were used to identify the different parts of the
body.
These students them transported their
“twins” to Concordia where they made
presentations to Ms. Reynolds' peers and
professor and answered questions on their
feelings
about
their
work.
The students toured the central head office
this week, where their work is now on
display.
NESBITT MOMS: Volunteer moms Anna
Chechile and Maddalena D'Angelo have
started a breakfast program called Le Club
des petits déjeuners du Québec at Nesbitt
Elementary School in Rosemount. Activities
began on March 16. Along with other
13
volunteer parents and teachers, they serve
breakfast every day to about 180 students.
The children start off the day with a healthy
breakfast and a positive social atmosphere
with their friends and teachers. The breakfast
club is geared to help those with financial
difficulties. It is open to any child regardless
of their family income. The moms welcome
others looking to start a similar program to
call them at 721-2850.
To raise funds for the Tsunami Relief project,
Merton Elementary School music teacher
David Eves composed a piece of music and
lyrics. On April 21, they made a professional
recording of this music. The CD will be sold.
All students, from kindergarten to Grade 6,
are involved, either singing or playing
instruments.
GLOOMY SUNDAY: More than 800
people attended the Montreal premiere
screening of the internationally acclaimed
film Gloomy Sunday at the majestic Imperial
Theatre. Jewish Family Services of the Baron
de Hirsch Institute (JFS) and Jewish
Father
Gerald
Westphal and organizer
Joyce Fishman.
Immigrant Aid Services (JIAS) of Montreal
collaborated on this fundraising initiative
which brought in $100,000 in proceeds. The
EMSB’s Spiritual, Religious and Moral
Education service was represented by Father
Gerald Westphal. The EMSB works closely
with JFS and meetings are planned with JIAS
soon to discuss mutual interests. Subtitled in
English, the film is set circa 1940 in
Budapest, Hungary. The movie, adapted
from the book by Nick Barkow, builds a
drama around the famous song of the title
and the curse it supposedly carries. With the
Holocaust looming, a cast of four individuals
is plunged into an emotional whirlwind that
overwhelms and mesmerizes. CJAD’s
Tommy Schnurmacher was the guest
speaker prior to the movie.
GENERATIONS:
The
Generations
Foundation, which provides hot meals and
snacks to students at many EMSB schools, is
hosting a showing of Tuesdays with Morrie
Thurs. May 5 (8 p.m.) at the Saidye
Bronfman Center (5170 Cote St. Catherine
Road). Funds are needed to sponsor over 300
children to attend summer camp in the
country. Quebec Camping Association
accredited camps, Amy Molson,Trails End
and Bnai Brith were selected to allow needy
children to enjoy new friends, build
confidence, and to experience positive outlets
such as boating, swimming, hiking and other
fun-filled activities in a fresh air
environment. Theatre tickets are $75 and
patron tickets are $250 each, with a reception
to follow. Meanwhile, the Foundation’s La
Stanza Summer and Song Buffet Breakfast is
on Thurs. June 2 (6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.).
Tickets are $9 . It all takes place at
LaStanza Buffet and Grill (1132 Marcel
Laurin Blvd) in St. Laurent. Call 933-8585
to reserve a group and tickets can be
purchased at the door.
DR. PHIL IN MONTREAL: Dr. Phil
McGraw speak in Montreal on Fri. July 8 at
the Power Within Conference at Le Palais
des Congrès. A special educational discount
rate has been established for EMSB
employees. The event features six remarkable
authors and guest speakers including Herb
Cohen (on Negotiation Skills), Loretta
LaRoche (on Stress Management), Mike
Lipkin (on Effective Communication), and
W Mitchell (on Overcoming Challenges &
Personal Inspiration/Motivation).
“The variety of guest speakers and topics
discussed throughout the full day conference
14
offers great value for professional educators,
business professionals and individuals that
recognize the importance of continuous
professional and personal development. The
information is topical, current, and can be
integrated into the work environment and at
home.” says Joseph Khoja, marketing and
sales manager for Power Within Inc.
“Early Bird” registration rates have been
established for the EMSB and a select
number of organizations that qualify. The
“Early Bird” Education rate is $189 for a
General ticket compared to $329.00 (plus
GST). With the purchase of five tickets the
sixthth is complimentary. “The registration
fee is very reasonable and the topics
discussed are of great value. As a result,
many school boards enable their staff to
access professional development funds to
attend the event. In addition, all the guest
speakers are live and in person which makes
this a once in a life time experience!” states
Mr. Khoja.
The Power Within event has sold out in every
city during the national tour including
Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton and
Vancouver. For additional details, contact
Joseph Khoja at Power Within Inc. Toll
Free 1 866 994-2555 Ext. 229 or visit
http://www.powerwithin.com.
HELEN KELLER PROJECT: A Grade 4
class at Frederick Banting Elementary School
in Montreal North taught by Julie Pisani
was fortunate to meet some real life heroes
recently - Tina Mitz and her seeing eye dog
Max. Ms. Tina and Max travelled from the
Montreal Association for the Blind Institute
to meet with the children who had completed
their projects on Helen Keller. This provided
them with an excellent opportunity to have
their questions answered by someone who is
blind. “The two heroes were an inspiration to
all who were present,” says Principal Sharon
Rasytinis. “One of the students summed up
the afternoon very appropriately by saying
‘We learned that we can all be heroes, if we
choose to make the best of every situation,
even when it is not easy.’”
ALUMNI : EMSB grad Matthew Stern
launched his own CD last week at Kola Note.
Matthew went to Roslyn Elementary School
and later graduated from Royal West
Academy. He was a Grade 4 and 5 student of
present-day Honore-Mercier Elementary
School
Principal
Connie
Primiano
« Matthew was a shy but brilliant child, » she
says. « He did exceedingly well in school.
The whole irony is that Matthew was so shy,
whenever we put on school plays. I had to
keep reminding him to loosen up and speak
louder. Now, he is a performer. »
STOPPING HOMOPHOBIA: As a former
high school teacher in New York, New
Hampshire and France, Liz Meyer has
witnessed first-hand how students use antigay slurs to harass and intimidate their peers
in school. But when gay, lesbian, bisexual,
and transgender (GLBT) students turned to
Ms. Meyer for help, she found her
colleagues unsupportive. She also found
information on how to effectively help
GLBT students and stop homophobic
behavior was lacking. “These kids were
clearly having a hard time and someone
needed to defend them,” recalls Meyer, a
McGill doctoral student in the Department
of Integrated Studies in Education. She also
didn’t expect to have her teaching contract
to be revoked when she wrote an article
about how to support GLBT youth and other
victims of harassment in a teacher’s
newsletter. “I became a victim of anti-gay
sentiment myself for advocating for the
rights of students who were being targeted,”
she recalls.
Ms. Meyer has researched the situation
extensively and recently presented research
to the American Educational Research
Association. Labels such as “fag” and
“lesbian” remain popular weapons against
15
students in Canadian and U.S. schools,
according to Ms. Meyer. “Students are
being violently and repeatedly harassed in
schools with anti-gay comments, jokes and
behaviors,” she cautions “When students
are victims of verbal or physical abuse , the
onus for their protection falls on educators.
There needs to be a concerted effort by
educators to create and offer teachers
training that addresses the concerns of
students who are targeted for this sort of
harassment. Educators need to set aside
their personal prejudices and fears to
effectively support and teach all students.
For more details on the study, log on to
http://www.mcgill.ca/newswire/?ItemID=15
226.
Schools have been sent their 2005 packages
for National Denim Day, which takes place
on Tues. May 10. EMSB schools have been
exceptionally successful in this fundraiser for
breast cancer education and research.
Feetfirst is acting as the title sponsor for
National Denim Day. This year hundreds of
thousands of Canadians will take part in
National Denim Day, showing their support
by wearing denim in exchange for a
suggested donation of $5. Since its inception
in October of 1996, the CURE foundation
has raised in excess of $8 million. The funds
raised will enable the CURE Foundation to
raise breast cancer awareness and support
research and technology to provide the means
for earlier breast cancer detection, prevention
and, one day, a CURE. Info: 1-888-592CURE. At central head office, staff will
participate in a special game of Win, Lose or
Draw. Only those who purchase ribbons will
be eligible.
SOCCER CAMPS: Promotions Soccer
M.J.M. in collaboration with the players
from the Montreal Impact, have been
organizing after school soccer camps in nine
EMSB
schools
(Nesbitt,Edward
Murphy,Dalkeith,
Pierre
de
Coubertin,General
Vanier,
Dante,
Michelangelo, St Brendans, St-Dorothy )
since September These camps consisted of 10
one hour sessions. The program was a
success and the students enjoyed themselves.
Promotions Soccer M.J.M. donated over
$4,000$ to the schools which participated.
They are now taking registrations for the
September 2005 session at a cost of $75 per
child, of which $5 per student registered
goes to the school. Please reserve early as
places are limited. Promotions Soccer M.J.M
plans to expand their program city wide as of
September 2005, You can call (514) 8731697 or e-mail [email protected].
MOVIES AT CORONATION: There was a
lot of excitement at Coronation Elementary
School in Côte des Neiges this week when
the gymnasium was used for cast members of
a four-part miniseries movie being shot in the
area. Human Trafficking will star Mira
Sorvino, Donald Sutherland and Robert
Carlyle. Actors portraying members of a
New York City SWAT team posed for photos
with students.
Coronation School held its first annual
Technology Fair. The students from prekindergarten to Cycle III were invited to
share their projects and demonstrated various
computer applications. Students in Cycle I
taught parents how to research a topic, scan
pictures and import
them
for
their
powerpoint
presentations.
Cycle II students
looped
together
their original stories
written
incorporating
animation. Parents
watched a 45 minute animation film in the
gymnasium. Just like a movie theatre,
popcorn was sold to help raise money for the
16
Cycle III students who will represent Canada
at this year’s International Junior Robocup in
Osaka, Japan. Cycle III showed off their
robotics models and shared an i-movie on
their experience teaching at Concordia
University to name just a few of the projects.
The evening went a long way to promote
greater parental involvement. Eighty percent
of the students and parents attended. The
staff, parents and students wish to thank the
Norshield Development Group for donating
$86,000 over the past five years for the
purchase of computer hardware. The state of
the art equipment has allowed us to fast track
the integration of computer technology into
all subject areas.
BRIEFLY: There was more reason to
celebrate on the weekend of April 16-17, as
the LaurenHill Lynx Bantam basketball team
triumphed in the provincial championships in
Quebec City.
ADULT EDUCATION AND
VOCATIONAL SERVICES
MAY CONFERENCE: The Direction de la
formation générale des adultes of the
Ministère de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du
Sport (MELSQ) and English sector school
boards across the province will soon be
welcoming adult education administrators,
professionals, and teachers to the 2005 Adult
Education Conference, “Learning is a
Lifelong Journey… YOU make the
difference.” The conference is scheduled to
take place at the Sheraton Laval Hotel on
May 12 and 13 and it is anticipated that
approximately 600 people will attend.
This conference represents the next phase in
the implementation of the Government Policy
on Adult Education and Continuing
Education and Training (2002). The policy
recommends that adult education not only
prepare adults for the workplace and higher
levels of education, but that it also impart a
desire for lifelong learning through the
development of competencies associated with
learning how one learns and active
participation in all aspects of a democratic
society. Educators at every level and at every
type of adult education centre, as well as
representatives
from
community
organizations and industry, all play an
integral part in the realization of the goals
established by the policy. Noel Burke,
assistant deputy minister for the anglophone
sector of the Ministry of Education,
Recreation and Sport will address
participants at the opening of the conference.
He will be followed by keynote speakers
Budd Hall of the University of Victoria and
Paul Bélanger of the Université du Québec à
Montréal.
Teachers have been invited to create and
animate conference workshops intended to
introduce participants to the template of the
new programs of study for core education
and other topics related to the reform. This
conference forms part of a continuum of
professional development for adult education
teachers, professionals and administrators on
the topic of Quebec’s educational reform that
has included: a general conference in June
2002; a general conference in January 2003
introducing the competency-based approach;
a workshop for administrators in December
2003 on implementing change in centres; a
conference for Curriculum Reform Teams in
December
2004;
a conference for
administrators and guidance counselors in
February 2005 on information, guidance, and
referral services; and many related local and
regional professional development activities.
CURTIS GEORGE: An extraordinary
memorial service was held at Rosemount
Technology Centre (RTC) to pay tribute to
the late Curtis George. The longtime RTC
assistant director lost a battle with cancer
recently. Father Gerald Westphal presided
over the ceremony. The EMSB and the
Quebec Board of Black Educators have
established a Curtis George Memorial
Scholarship Fund. Scholarships will be
17
awarded to students to attend RTC. The form
can be downloaded from the Adult Education
and Vocational Services section of the EMSB
website (www.emsb.qc.ca.). Tax receipts will
be issued for donations of $20 or more.
Cheques can be made payable to the
EMSB/QBBE Scholarship Fund.
CHAPEAU LES FILLES: Two EMSB
students captured honours at the annual
Montreal Island Chapeau Les Filles
competition, which rewards women in nontraditional roles. Jodie Jewel Bard (pictured
left below), who studies cabinet making at
Rosemount Technology Centre (RTC),
received a $500 prize from the Conféderation
des
syndicats
nationaux;
Martha
Almendariz, who is in the automechanics
program at Laurier Macdonald Career Centre
in St. Léonard, won one of four EmploiQuébec bursaries.
Ms. Almendariz possesses all the qualities
that a student needs to succeed in her work
and
achieve the goals she has set for herself. Her
motivation, dedication to her work, assiduous
attention in class, and perseverance in
learning the trade are second to none. This
single mother of five children, has an
outstanding sense of leadership born from the
excellent communication she has with her
peers as well as from her refusal to back
down from any challenge she faces. Her
enthusiasm and up-beat personality shine
through in class, creating an environment
conducive to learning and personal growth.
Ms. Bard says she was first intimidated by
the larger, stronger men around her in the
classroom, but she soon realized that she
didn't need physical strength to be successful
in her chosen trade. While enrolled full-time
during the day in cabinetmaking, she also
studied AutoCAD in the evening and worked
part-time as a waitress.
MARYMOUNT: Even though it will be
switching locations in August to the Wagar
High School facility in Côte Saint-Luc, the
Marymount Adult Centre will keep the same
name with one small addition. It will become
known as Marymount Adult Centre Côte
Saint-Luc.
JAMES LYNG VOC. DAY: James Lyng
Adult Centre in St. Henri will hold a
vocational information day for its students on
Wed. May 11 (8:30 a,.m. to Noon). There
will be representatives of different vocational
centres, providing them with options they
might follow upon graduation.
TRIP TO ITALY: The EMSB’s St. Pius X
Culinary Institute will return May 8 from a
two-week exchange trip to Italy. EMSB
Chairman Dominic Spiridigliozzi and
Commissioner Rocco Barbieri accompanied
the students and staff. This program will
enable students and teachers to develop the
competency
necessary
for
working
successfully with advanced Italian cuisine in
the food service and hospitality industry. It
will also present an opportunity to establish
links with other institutions abroad.
PARTNERSHIP NIGHT: Over 80 people,
including 40 representatives from local
businesses, attended the annual Industry
Partnership in Education celebration, which
was held on April 26 at the John F. Kennedy
Business Centre in St, Michel. The event was
held as a token of appreciation for the 75
local businesses that have given their support
to the centre by furnishing its students with
either internships or jobs. The first part of the
18
program gave the attendees the opportunity
to see what the centre has to offer, as they
observed students at work in the computer
rooms in the travel, secretarial and
administrative work programs. There was
also a mini art exhibition of over 55 paintings
done by professional artists and several
EMSB employees. This was followed by a
ceremony that took place in the auditorium.
The guest speaker was Massimo Pacetti,
Liberal MP from St. Léonard/St. Michel, who
spoke about the importance of the
cooperation between students, educators and
the business world. He also stated that the
federal government is serious in investing
money towards innovation and smart
technology, as well as facilitating industry
with education. Harry Michalopoulas, the
centre’s assistant director, then officially
launched
the
website
(www.emsb.qc.ca/jfkbusinesscentre) of the
JFK Business Centre. Linked through the
EMSB website, it will give students easy
access to information about the centre and its
business partners, who in turn will be able to
access information about students who can be
potential employees for their respective
companies. EMSB Director General Antonio
Lacroce and Deputy Director General
Donald A. Reid then presented special
thank-you gifts to representatives of the
centre’s business partners, which included
Air Canada Vacations, Re/Max Excellence,
the Chomedey News, Scotia Bank, JC Fibers
and Sutton Real Estate.
IMPORTANT DATES
May 1, 2005
EMSB Chorale
25th Anniversary Spring Gala Concert
3 p.m.
Oscar Peterson Hall
7141 Sherbrooke Street West
Tickets: $10 for adults; $5 for students and
seniors)
Info: 483-7200, ext. 7234
May 10, 2005
National Denim Day
May 11, 2005
Curriculum Fair
Carlyle School
109 Carlyle, T.M.R.
6:30 p.m.
May 27, 28, 2005
RoboCup Junior Competition
Lester B. Pearson High School
Montreal North
May 31, 2005
De-tension: The Wizard of Oz
7 p.m.
Presented by EMSB Staff
Westmount High School
(4350 Ste. Catherine Street West)
June 2, 2005
Summer and Song Buffet Breakfast
6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Tickets, $9
La Stanza Buffet and Grill (1132 Marcel
Laurin Blvd) in St. Laurent
Info: 933-8585
June 3 and 4, 2005
Willingdon 75th Anniversary
Info: 484-2881
June 28 and 29, 2005
Summer School Registration
John F. Kennedy High School
3030 Villeray
LaurenHill Academy
2505 Côte Vertu
9 a.m. to Noon and 1 pm. to 5 p.m.
(Classes begin July 4)
PLEINS FEUX SUR FIELDING
SÉNATEURS ITALIENS : Le conseil des
commissaires de la CSEM ont reçu au centre
administratif le 21 avril une délégation de six
19
sénateurs italiens ainsi que le Consul général
d’Italie à Montréal.
pour être en mesure de progresser dans ce
domaine.
M. Dominic Spiridigliozzi, président de la
CSEM, a souligné que les écoles de la CSEM
comptaient un effectif italien significatif,
particulièrement dans les écoles de l’est de la
ville. Le programme PELO, programme
d’enseignement des langues d’origine, vise à
améliorer les connaissances des élèves en
matière de leur langue d’origine et à leur
permettre d’acquérir une plus profonde
compréhension de la vie en favorisant
l’appréciation de leur culture. « En
encourageant la culture et la langue des
élèves dans le cadre d’un programme officiel,
nous
reconnaissons
d’autres
moyens
d’expression et la valeur de la diversité
culturelle », déclare M. Spiridigliozzi. « En
outre, la connaissance d'une troisième langue
peut donner aux élèves inscrits à l’un des dix
programmes internationaux de langues un
avantage compétitif en milieu de travail. »
HOMMAGE AU PAPE : Les élèves de la
CSEM ont rendu hommage au Pape Jean
Paul II au cours de diverses cérémonies et
assemblées tenues dans la semaine qui a suivi
son décès. Les médias ont été invités au
Collège Vincent Massey de Rosemont où la
classe de Secondaire I d’anglais enrichi s’est
réunie à la salle communautaire pour méditer
sur la vie du Pape. Cette semaine était
consacrée à la justice sociale à Vincent
Massey et, dans le cadre de ce thème, les
élèves se sont penchés sur l’héritage
humanitaire du Pape. L’enseignante Mati
Dimitriou et l’animatrice de vie spirituelle et
d’engagement
communautaire,
Nancy
Pasquini, ont coordonné le programme.
L’italien est l’un des programmes offerts
dans plusieurs écoles de la CSEM. En effet,
l’an dernier, l’italien représentait plus de 80
pour cent des inscriptions. En sus de l’italien,
les autres langues enseignées à la CSEM
sont : l’hébreu, le tamoul, le portugais, le
grec, l’espagnol, le chinois, le pendjabi, le
bengali, l’urdu et l’arabe.
La CSEM désire étendre l’enseignement de
l’italien dans ses écoles. En fait, la
Commission a déjà intégré des cours d'italien
au programme d’études de trois écoles
primaires de l’arrondissement de SaintLéonard – Pierre de Coubertin, Dante et
Général Vanier.
Le gouvernement italien est intéressé à
promouvoir l’enseignement de l’italien à
l’étranger. Étant donné que la CSEM a le
plus haut pourcentage d’élèves italiens de
n’importe quelle commission scolaire du
Québec, M. Spiridigliozzi a officiellement
demandé aux sénateurs de l’aider à obtenir un
financement spécial du gouvernement italien
« Nous avons honoré la mort du Pape à cause
de sa profonde influence sur un grand
nombre de questions, telles que la justice
sociale, le respect de la vie, la liberté et la
paix, » a déclaré le président de la CSEM, M.
Dominic Spiridigliozzi. « Son énergie et sa
passion des valeurs ont été reconnues à
travers le monde. Pour les catholiques, ce
moment marquant de l'histoire sera respecté,
non seulement par eux mais aussi à travers le
monde .»
M. Antonio Lacroce, directeur général de la
CSEM, a souligné que, bien que le Pape Jean
Paul II représentait les catholiques à travers
le monde, « les actes de cet homme ont
transcendé toutes les barrières religieuses. Il a
prêché la justice sociale et sa force morale a
été un point de ralliement au sujet d’un grand
nombre de questions importantes au cours de
son pontificat. »
FOIRE DE SCIENCES : Les élèves de la
CSEM ont remporté 65 prix dans 30
catégories différentes à la Foire régionale de
sciences et de technologie Bell, qui a eu lieu
récemment au collège Dawson. L’Académie
Royal West a remporté huit médailles, John
Paul I et Royal Vale sept, Wagar six, Vincent
Massey et Marymount quatre, Lester B.
20
Pearson trois et FACE et John F. Kennedy,
une médaille chacune. « Il y a eu non
seulement une participation remarquable
d’écoles de la CSEM mais le travail et le
dévouement de nos élèves ainsi que l’appui
de leurs enseignant(e)s ont été vraiment
remarquables » déclare Imma Ienaro,
conseillère en sciences et technologie de la
CSEM.
Le Concours RoboCup Junior aura lieu à
l’école secondaire Lester B. Pearson de
l’arrondissement de Montréal-Nord, les 27 et
28 mai. Il avait été prévu pour le 6 mai mais
il a été reporté à cause de la journée de grève
prévue pour cette date.
FOIRE DE SCIENCES À JFK : L’école
secondaire
John
F.
Kennedy
de
l’arrondissement de Saint-Michel a organisé
sa première Foire de sciences et de
technologie. Étant donné que l’école
participe au projet Norshield, elle dispose
d’équipement de premier ordre que les élèves
et les enseignant(e)s ont utilisé pour produire
les intéressants projets qui ont été exposés à
la foire.
NUTRITION À POMPEI : Les élèves du
Cycle 3 de l’école primaire Our Lady of
Pompei d’Ahuntsic ont récemment endossé le
rôle de nutritionnistes. Ils ont monté des
kiosques présentant les quatre groupes
alimentaires et ont donné des conseils de
bonnes habitudes alimentaires aux autres
élèves de l’école.
SINCLAIR LAIRD EN FORME : L’école
primaire Sinclair Laird a consacré beaucoup
d’efforts, cette année, pour maximiser les
occasions d’activité physique offertes à ses
élèves, rapporte Scott Danovitch, enseignant
d’éducation physique. Au printemps de 2004,
ils ont participé au concours « École active »
organisé par Kino Québec et ils ont gagné
une subvention de 1 000 $ qui sera utilisée ce
printemps pour peindre des jeux dans la cour
des jeunes ainsi que pour acquérir certains
équipements qui offriront aux élèves
l’occasion d’avoir un temps de jeu très
structuré aux récréations et à la période du
repas de midi. L’école a aussi fait une
demande de subvention de 3 000 $ dans le
but de lancer un programme de « Bien être »
pour les élèves de 5e et de 6e année. Grâce à
ce financement, l’école a pu offrir aux élèves
un moniteur qualifié de patinage qui a
travaillé avec eux chaque lundi à l’aréna
Howie Morenz de janvier à mars. L’école a
aussi des équipes de basket-ball de garçons et
de filles de 5e et 6e année et un programme
parascolaire de soccers pour les élèves de 5e
année ainsi qu’un programme de danse pour
les filles de 5e et de 6e année. L’année
académique a commencé par une épluchette
de blé d’inde en plein air, suivi par un
carnaval olympique d’hiver et se terminera
par une excursion en juin. « Nous continuons
à explorer toutes les avenues possibles
d’augmentation de l'activité physique »
déclare M. Danovitch.
FESTIVAL DE MUSIQUE : Le Festival de
musique de la CSEM a eu lieu à l’école
secondaire Rosemont où se sont produits des
élèves des écoles primaires Nesbitt, Honoré
Mercier, St. Raphaël, John Caboto, Pierre de
Coubertin,
Pierre
E.
Trudeau
et
Michelangelo.
FESTIVAL DES ENFANTS : Le premier
festival annuel des enfants aura lieu le mardi
14 juin sur le terrain de l’hôpital Douglas de
Verdun. Six différentes écoles de la CSEM et
de la Commission scolaire Lester B. Pearson,
soit un total de près de 1,200 élèves. Le
Festival se déroulera de 9 h à 14 h et, en cas
de pluie, il sera reporté au 15 juin. Le festival
pour enfants mettra en vedette au moins 25
jeux gonflables de sauts et glissades, des
divertissements et un déjeuner BBQ offrant
des hot dogs, des hamburgers, des salades,
des boissons et des desserts. Des repas seront
aussi disponibles pour les bénévoles et les
enseignant(e)s. L’évènement est totalement
gratuit. Les écoles Westmount Park,
Coronation et Carlyle participeront au
Festival qui est organisé par Lisa Dutton et
Caroline Phaneuf de In Style Events. Lisa
peut être rejointe au 412-4400, poste 23991.
21
SEMAINE DU CŒUR : La campagne « Au
Cœur de la Vie » a publié certains des
résultats des écoles de la CSEM qui ont
participé cette année à la Semaine du Cœur.
Les élèves et le personnel ont porté du rouge
et ont fait don de pièces d’un et de deux
dollars pour appuyer l’achat d’équipement et
la formation de l’équipe cardiaque de
l’Hôpital de Montréal pour enfants. « Au
Cœur de la Vie » est un groupe d’appui et de
cueillette de fonds, formé par des parents
associés avec la fondation de l'Hôpital de
Montréal pour enfants. Il a été lancé en 1997
par des parents d’enfants nés avec des
défectuosités au cœur et qui ont subi, à un
très jeune âge, des opérations cardiaques à
l’Hôpital de Montréal pour enfants.
• Frederick Banting 326 $.
MURALE DE LESTER B. PEARSON :
Dans le cadre de son plan de réussite scolaire,
l’école secondaire Lester B. Pearson de
l’arrondissement de Montréal-Nord a créé
une commotion littéraire en faisant appel aux
intérêts particuliers des élèves dans ce
domaine. La Semaine de l’alphabétisation de
l’école a mis en vedette un concours de
poésie pour les élèves du premier cycle au
cours de la période du repas de midi et au
café des seniors après les heures de classe
permettant à un petit groupe éclectique de
poètes, d’écrivains et de musiciens de briller.
Comme commémoration permanente de cet
évènement, une équipe d’élèves talentueux a
conçu et peint une murale pour la
bibliothèque, en hommage à la littérature qui
représente leur perception de la littérature en
tant
que mythologie moderne.
En
complément
à
la
Semaine
de
l’alphabétisation, le département des arts a
aussi exposé les travaux des élèves en
témoignage de l’expression visuelle.
L’exposition offrait des travaux de classe
d’élèves des deux cycles qui a débuté l’aspect
visuel de l’expression et de la créativité et
s’est dirigée ensuite vers l’inspiration de l'art
dans le domaine de la poésie et de
l’expression. « Le but de la Semaine de
l’alphabétisation est de démontrer que la
littérature est toute autour de nous et non
seulement dans les livres, » a déclaré
l’enseignante Marion Burke. « Elle enrichit
notre appréciation des paroles d’une chanson
ou de la création d’images visuelles dans
notre esprit. Nous voulons que les élèves
reconnaissent qu’ils ont leur propre culture
littéraire et qu’ils la célèbrent. »
BRAIN WAVES : Plus de 25 000 $ ont été
recueillis pour la recherche sur la tumeur du
cerveau, les thérapies et l’équipement au
cours du premier gala annuel Brain Waves de
la CSEM, qui a eu lieu le 19 avril au Centre
Leonardo da Vinci de l’arrondissement de
Saint-Léonard. Organisé par quatre écoles
secondaires de la CSEM – John Paul I,
Laurier Macdonald, Académie Royal West et
Royal Vale – l’évènement s’est déroulé au
profit de l’Institut Neurologique de Montréal
(INM) dont la mission est de trouver une cure
aux tumeurs du cerveau ainsi que de
rehausser les vies des personnes affectées par
cette maladie.
Animé par Frank Cavallaro et Mose
Persico de CFCF TV, le gala a mis en
vedette 14 numéros de danse et de musique
exécutés par des élèves de quatre écoles
secondaires. En outre, la salle comble a
apprécié deux représentations spéciales par la
diva Dawn Tyler Watson ainsi que
l’orchestre du 438 escadron d’hélicoptères
des Forces armées canadiennes.
Deux invités d’honneur étaient aussi présents
à cette soirée. Le Dr Rolando F. Del
Maestro, directeur clinique du Centre de
recherches sur la tumeur du cerveau de
l’INM qui a accepté un chèque de 25 000 $
remis par le comité du gala et Lucia
Eufemia, une patiente de 18 ans de l’INM et
ancienne élève de l’école secondaire
Rosemont qui a reçu un hommage touchant
de sa mère et de ses anciens camarades de
classe pour son courageux combat contre
cette maladie qui l’affecte depuis l’âge de
sept ans.
22
MAMANS DE NESBITT : Anna Chechile
et Maddalena D’Angelo, mères bénévoles,
ont lancé un programme de petit-déjeuner
nommé « Le Club des petits-déjeuners du
Québec » à l’école primaire Nesbitt de
Rosemont dont les activités ont débuté le 16
mars. En compagnie d’autres parents
volontaires et d’enseignant(e)s, elles servent
le petit-déjeuner chaque jour à près de 180
élèves. Les enfants commencent leur journée
avec un petit-déjeuner consistant, dans une
atmosphère sociale positive avec leurs amis
et enseignant(e)s. Le club des petitsdéjeuners vise à aider les personnes qui
éprouvent des difficultés financières et il est
ouvert à tout enfant, quel que soit le revenu
de sa famille. Les personnes qui voudraient
lancer un programme similaire peuvent
appeler les mamans au 721-2850.
des résultats exceptionnels dans cette
campagne de levée de fonds pour la
recherche et l’éducation sur le cancer du sein,
Feetfirst sera le commanditaire principal de
la Journée Nationale du Denim. Cette année,
des centaines de milliers de canadiens
offriront leur appui en portant du denim le 10
mai et en faisant un don suggéré de 5 $.
Depuis sa création en 1996, la fondation
CURE a recueilli plus de 8 millions $. Les
fonds recueillis permettront à la Fondation
CURE de promouvoir la sensibilisation au
cancer du sein et à appuyer la recherche et la
technologie requises pour offrir les moyens
de détection précoce de cancer du sein, de
prévention et, un jour, d’une CURE. Info : 1888-592-CURE.
L’enseignant de musique de l’école primaire
Merton, David Eves, a composé une chanson
en vue de recueillir des fonds pour venir en
aide aux sinistrés du tsunami. Le 21 avril, la
chanson
a
été
enregistrée
professionnellement. Toute l’école, de la
maternelle à la 6e année, a participé soit en
chantant ou en jouant des instruments de
musique.
CONGRÈS DE MAI : La Direction de la
formation générale des adultes du ministère
de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport
(MELSQ) et les commissions scolaires
anglophones du Québec recevront bientôt des
administrateurs, des professionnels et des
enseignant(e)s de la formation des adultes au
Congrès de 2005 « Learning is a Lifelong
Journey …YOU make the difference. » Le
congrès aura lieu les 12 et 13 mai à l’hôtel
Sheraton Laval et il est prévu que près de 600
personnes y assisteront.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP : Un projet de
l’école secondaire James Lyng de SaintHenri a remporté le prix spécial « Coup de
Cœur » lors du gala de la Région Sud-Ouest
du
concours
d’entrepreneurship
du
Québec(CEQ). Quelques-uns des élèves et
enseignant(e)s impliqués au projet étaient
présents au gala. Marsha Gouett, conseillère
pédagogique de la CSEM, a parlé brièvement
du concours. Katherine Korakakis, l’une
des agentes de la promotion et de la
sensibilisation à l’entrepreneurship du
gouvernement a aussi parlé brièvement du
projet de James Lyng.
JOURNÉE DU DENIM : Les trousses 2005
de la Journée du Denim, qui aura lieu le
mardi 10 mai, ont été envoyées aux écoles.
Les écoles de la CSEM ont toujours obtenu
ÉDUCATION DES ADULTES
ET FORMATION PROFESSIONNELLE
Ce congrès représente la prochaine phase de
la mise en œuvre de politique du
gouvernement en matière de formation
générale des adultes et de la formation
professionnelle
(2002).
La
politique
recommande que la formation générale des
adultes ne prépare pas seulement les adultes
au milieu du travail et à des niveaux plus
avancés d’éducation, mais qu’elle leur
inculque un désir d’apprentissage permanent
par le biais du développement de
compétences associées à l’apprentissage et la
participation active à tous les aspects d’une
société démocratique. Les éducateurs de
chaque niveau et de chaque type de Centre de
formation des adultes ainsi que les
23
représentants
des
organisations
communautaires et de l’industrie tiennent
tous un rôle dans la réalisation des objectifs
fixés par la politique. Noël Burke, Sousministre adjoint du secteur anglophone du
MELSQ, s’adressera aux participants à
l’ouverture du congrès. Il sera suivi par les
conférenciers Budd Hall de l’Université de
Victoria et de Paul Bélanger de l’Université
du Québec à Montréal.
Les enseignant(e)s ont été invité(e)s a créer et
à animer des ateliers conçus pour présenter
aux participants les modèles des nouveaux
programmes d’étude d’éducation de base et
d’autres sujets reliés à la réforme. Ce congrès
fait
partie
d’un
continuum
de
perfectionnement professionnel pour les
enseignant(e)s, les professionnels et les
administrateurs de la formation des adultes
sur le sujet de la réforme de l’éducation qui
inclut : un congrès général en juin 2002; un
congrès général en janvier 2003 introduisant
l’approche basée sur les compétences; un
atelier pour les administrateurs en décembre
2003 sur la mise en œuvre des changements
dans les centres; un colloque pour les équipes
de la réforme du curriculum en décembre
2004; un colloque pour les administrateurs et
les conseillers d’orientation en février 2005
sur l’information, l’orientation et les services
de soumission de cas ainsi qu’un grand
nombre d’autres activités locales et
régionales
de
perfectionnement
professionnel.
CHAPEAU LES FILLES : Deux élèves de
la CSEM ont remporté des prix au concours
annuel de Chapeau les filles qui reconnaît les
femmes qui se lancent dans des carrières non
traditionnelles. Jodie Jewel Bard, qui étudie
l’ébénisterie au Centre de technologie de
Rosemont (CTR), a reçu un prix de 500 $
décerné par la Confédération des syndicats
nationaux; Martha Almendariz, qui suit le
programme de mécanique automobile au
Centre Laurier Macdonald, a obtenu l’une
des quatre bourses d’Emploi Québec.
Mlle Almendariz possède toutes les qualités
dont un élève a besoin pour réussir et
atteindre les objectifs qu’il s’est fixé. Sa
motivation, son dévouement à son travail,
son attention soutenue en classe et sa
persévérance dans l’apprentissage du métier
sont
incomparables.
Cette
mère
monoparentale de cinq enfants a un sens très
élevé du leadership qui provient de
l’excellente communication entretenue avec
ses pairs ainsi que de son refus de reculer
face aux défis qui se présentent à elle. Son
enthousiasme et sa personnalité dynamique
se communiquent à la classe créant ainsi un
environnement qui incite l’apprentissage et la
croissance personnelle.
JOURNÉE PROFESSIONNELLE DE
JAMES LYNG : Le Centre d’adultes James
Lyng de Saint-Henri tiendra une journée
d’information
sur
la
formation
professionnelle pour ses élèves le mercredi
11 mai (8 h 30 à midi). Des représentants de
divers centres de formation professionnelle
présenteront aux élèves des options qu’ils
pourraient suivre à la fin de leurs études.
DATES IMPORTANTES
1er mai 2005
Chorale de la CSEM
Concert Gala du printemps - 25e anniversaire
15 h
Salle Oscar Peterson
7141, ouest rue Sherbrooke
Billets : Adultes 10 $ ; élèves et aînés 5 $
Info : 483-7200, poste 7234
10 mai 2005
Journée nationale du denim
11 mai 2005
Foire du programme d’études
École Carlyle
109 Carlyle, Ville Mont-Royal
18 h 30
27 et 28 mai 2005
Concours Robocup junior
École secondaire Lester B. Pearson
24
Montréal-Nord
31 mai 2005
De-tension The Wizard of Oz
19 h
présenté par le personnel de la CSEM
École secondaire Westmount
(4350, ouest rue Sainte-Catherine)
2 juin 2005
Petit-déjeuner buffet - Été et chansons
6 h 30 à 10 h
Billets 9 $
Buffet La Stanza
(1132 Boulevard Marcel Laurin)
Info 933-8585
3 et 4 juin 2005
75e anniversaire de Willingdon
Info : 484-2881
28 et 29 juin 2005
Inscription aux cours d’été
École secondaire John F. Kennedy
3030 Villeray
Académie LaurenHill
2505 Côte Vertu
9 h à midi et 13 h à 17 h
(les classes commencent le 4 juillet)
Submissions for the Fielding Focus
should be made to Michael J.
Cohen
by
e-mail
([email protected]), fax (4837213) or drop it by room 109.