Fielding Focus - English Montreal School Board

VOLUME 15
NO 8
M AR C H 2 8 , 2 0 1 3
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: L. SHAW, D. D’ORNELLAS
PROOFREADING/TRANSLATION: ALINE ZEROUNIAN
EMSB LAUNCHES IMPACT PROGRAM
Inside This Issue
 Opposing Bill 14
 St. Gabe’s Library
 Royal West banner winners
 PELO Fair set
 Resource Fair planned
 Languages Commissioner
The Montreal Impact and the EMSB announced that the successful stayin-school program called All the Way with the Impact (Jusqu'au Bout
avec l'Impact) will return for its eighth year, designed to promote the
importance of perseverance in school. The official English launch took
place at Roslyn Elementary School in Westmount. Representing the club
were Impact President Joey Saputo, team captain Davy Arnaud (above),
Impact Team Manager and EMSB alumnus Adam Braz and mascot TacTik. Over the next few weeks, Impact players will visit several EMSB schools
to discuss the importance of staying in school and striving for excellence
with students. Emphasis will be given to the values of taking initiative,
discipline and cooperation in achieving their goals. As part of the
partnership, the traditional “EMSB Night” will take place on Wednesday,
May 1, at 7:30 p.m. at State Saputo against Toronto FC, as part of the
Amway Canadian Championship, which involves the three top
professional clubs in Canada in the race to qualify for the CONCACAF
Champions League - an international competition between professional
clubs from North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Tickets
can be purchased online until April 5 for only $10 at
www.emsb.qc.ca/impact. Here is the press release. You can also see our
video on EMSB TV.
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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
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.
EMSB BEGINS POLITICAL MEETINGS ON BILL 14
EMSB Chairman Angela Mancini has begun a process of meeting with Members of the Quebec National
Assembly, principally at the moment of expressing opposition to the proposed new language legislation set out
in Bill 14. Working with Vice-Chair Sylvia Lo Bianco and commissioners Patricia R. Lattanzio, (Rivière des Prairies)
and Frank Verrillo (St. Léonard), special advisors to the chairman on government relations, Ms. Mancini has set
an objective of meeting with political representatives at the municipal, provincial and federal levels. Initial
meetings have taken place with Quebec Liberal MNAs Filomena Rotiroti, (Jeanne-Mance–Viger) and
Lawrence Bergman (D'Arcy-McGee), as well as the chief of staff for Lise Thériault (Anjou–Louis-Riel), Martin
Lapointe. Ms. Mancini emphasized that Bill 14 would amount to the beginnings of the demise of English public
education in Quebec and a slow suffocation of English society as a whole. She stated that the proposed
amendments to the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms would increase the strict conditions on
who could attend English public schools. Noting that the EMSB has the second highest graduation rate of any
public school board in the province at 84 percent, the schools within the EMSB system continuously produce
educated and bilingual graduates. Other issues were raised. Please read the press release.
PROPOSED NEW SCHOOL NAMED WALLENBERG ACADEMY
The EMSB Council of Commissioners has confirmed that a proposed new high school in Côte Saint-Luc will be
named Wallenberg Academy. It will begin operations for the 2014-2015 academic year, provided an optimum
number of 60 students enrol next fall. EMSB Chairman Angela Mancini stated that unlike previous attempts to
bring a new mainstream high school to the former Wagar High School facility, now called the Giovanni
Palatucci Facility, plans call for an appropriate window to be given to introduce an enriched curriculum with
sports and heritage languages options and an open house in early fall 2013. The new school would cohabitate
with John Grant High School, Marymount Adult Education Centre, the CARE Program and the EMSB Book
Processing Centre. Stay tuned for information soon about a May public information meeting,
CONSULTATION FOR RELOCATION AND COHABITATION PROPOSALS
The Council of Commissioners has approved for consultation proposals which could see two elementary
schools, Coronation in Côte des Neiges and Sinclair Laird in Park Extension, open up its doors to two alternative
schools for the 2014-2015 academic year. Coronation would cohabitate with Programme Mile-End while
Sinclair Laird would share space with St. Raphael School. In conformity with the Education Act, the EMSB must
consult with the affected governing boards of the schools and centres, the Central Parents’ Committee and
affected municipalities and boroughs. They will be invited to submit their views in writing by no later than
November 8, 2013 and then present their views on the matter at a hearing to be held a month later. A final
decision will be made by the Council of Commissioners in January 2014 .
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TERRY FOX DAY PROCLAIMED FOR APRIL 12
Inspired by a suggestion from Roslyn Elementary School caretaker Eddy Nolan, EMSB Vice-Chairman Sylvia Lo
Bianco successfully moved a resolution at the March 27 Council of Commissioners meeting calling for April 12
to be recognized annually as Terry Fox Day at the EMSB. Nolan has played a critical role in Terry Fox Runs at his
school, raising countless thousands of dollars for cancer research, In a terrible irony, like Fox, he was diagnosed
with cancer in recent years and is now in remission. Over $600 million has been raised in the name of Terry Fox
for cancer research since the late runner`s Marathon of Hope was launched on April 12, 1980 in St. John`s,
Newfoundland. He passed away on June 28, 1981 at the age of 22. Ms. Lo Bianco is calling upon school boards
across the country to follow the EMSB`s lead. Nolan has been lobbying the federal government to formally
recognize Terry Fox Day.
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION EVENING
The EMSB will hold its annual Volunteer Appreciation Evening on Tuesday, April 16 at the Plaza Volare of the
Crowne Plaza Hotel in St. Laurent. This year’s event is
being held on the eve of National Volunteer Week,
which runs from April 21 to 27, under the theme of
“Volunteers: The Key To Our Success.” Time and
space do 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 will attend the reception, representing some 500
people. The emcees for the evening will be Global TV
News senior anchor Jamie Orchard and Montreal
stand-up comedian Franco Taddeo. This year, for the
very first time, three individuals will share the honours
of Volunteers of Distinction: Anne Wade (Royal West
Academy in Montreal West), Teresa Cocullo-Scotto
(John F. Kennedy High School in Villeray), and Ilgin
Sartekin (LaurenHill Academy in
Laurent). Each of
them has children completing their studies this year at the Secondary V level of the EMSB. For the fifth
consecutive year, La Capitale Financial Services is the title sponsor for this event. Other corporate sponsors,
which will operate information kiosks at the event, include: the Hampton Inn & Suites North Conway, Double
Pizza, Steve’s Music Store, and Loft Uniforms. Here is the full press release.
NEW DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
The EMSB has announced the appointment of Livia Nassivera as Director of Financial Services.
She will succeed Angelo Marino in April as he assumes on a full-time basis his new duties as
Deputy Director General (Administration). Since 2002 Ms. Nassivera has served as the Director
of Financial Resources for the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board. Please read the full press
release.
REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR WINNERS
The annual Hydro-Québec Montreal Regional Science & Technology Fair took place March 17 to 19 at the
Vanier College Sports Complex (821 Ste-Croix) in St-Laurent. This year’s event, organized by Educational
Alliance for Science & Technology (EAST), was hosted by Vanier. During this one-of-a-kind competition,
budding scientists aged 13 to 20 presented to visitors scientific projects that impassion them, proving that
science and technology can be interesting and accessible. Students from seven EMSB schools participated:
LaurenHill Academy in St. Laurent, Laurier Macdonald High School in St. Léonard Rosemount High School, Royal
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West Academy in Montreal West, Vincent
Massey Collegiate in Rosemount, Westmount
High School and MIND High School in the
Plateau.
Rosemount Technology Centre Vice-Principal
Agostino Porchetta is the president of EAST.
Among the top 12 finishers were Sean Giacobbe
and Jaad Van der Wee from Royal West
Academy for their project on the Impact of
Grey Water on Plants and David Tardio (pictured
at the right) from Vincent Massey Collegiate for
his project on Improved Hospital Wait Lines. The
Royal West students will go on to the Super Exposciences Hydro-Québec Provincial final in Chicoutimi while VMC`s Tardio won the silver medal, the Bell ICT $400
award and the Réseau Action TI Award. Here is a detailed list of
the top winning projects.
GENERAL
VANIER
PROJECTS WIN GOLD
KINDERGARTEN
Science fair is a big deal at General Vanier Elementary School in
St. Léonard. It is mandatory for all Cycle 3 students to present a
project in French as part of their Science grades. But not only
Cycle 3 students make it a big success. All grades
are encouraged to participate, even the kindergartens! This year
three kindergarten projects (pictured) received gold medals.
CARLYLE STUDENTS GO “FISHING”
The Grade 2 students in Donna Friedman-Perlin’s class at
Carlyle Elementary School in Town of Mount Royal have
been learning about recycling. Class lessons have focused
on why recycling is necessary, its benefits and what would
happen to our environment if we didn’t do so. As part of the
unit the students came to realize that they should reuse
material to create art, so they decided to collect water
bottles and asked the staff and students of Carlyle to
participate as well. With the water bottles they created a
fish. The purpose of the fish is to teach everyone that we
have a responsibility to protect the animals in the water.
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NUTRITION MONTH
March is Nutrition Month all across Canada and in celebrating this, the EMSB’s Cafeteria and Nutrition
Education Division has undertaken an array of nutrition activities. The campaign aims to promote healthy
eating habits on a daily basis by promoting nutrition awareness and increasing nutrition knowledge.
In
keeping with the Nutrition Month theme and in support to the “Healthy School” Approach, subsidized cooking
workshops “Cook, Eat & Be Healthy!” will be offered to all elementary schools from March until the end of May,
in collaboration with Les ateliers cinq épices. Elementary schools will also have the opportunity to participate in
a song parody contest entitled “EMSB’s Got Talent – Food Edition,” encouraging nutrition education and
creativity from students as they express food facts in song. In the high schools, the program entitled “EAT RIGHT
FEEL BRIGHT” will take place in the form of two in-class sessions to Secondary II students in Physical Education
Please see the full press release. CTV Montreal recently visited Nesbitt Elementary School in
and Health.
Rosemount and a report is expected to air on April 3.
ST. GABES INAUGURATES LIBRARY
St. Gabriel Elementary School in Pointe St. Charles held its Literacy and Library Week recently, which saw the
involvement of all grades, including Pre- Kindergarten and Kindergarten. Grades 6, 5 and 4 read to the younger
grades and storyteller Esla Perez recounted stories to all grades. Even Scott Flory, an Alouettes football player
was present to talk to the students about literacy. Parents were
invited to read stories to children. Multimedia presentation
allowed students hands on literacy and reading. Principal Jim
Daskalakis said this was a great opportunity to inaugurate the
school library in its new location, incorporating books from St.
John Bosco and St. Gabriel libraries. Banners and posters were
prepared to decorate the library and give artistic and
educational messages to all students for years to come.
Another activity presented to all students was the opportunity to
work and read in a serene environment by the grand opening of
an Oasis, a green space dedicated to peaceful coexistence
with nature. Poetry was read and literacy games ended the
week with great enthusiasm. A book fair closed this great event by allowing students to adopt books.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY BROADCAST ON GLOBAL; ST. MONICA’S GREENING
Global Television’s new morning show broadcast live from St. Gabriel Elementary School in Pointe St. Charles on
St. Patrick’s Day. Weather reporter Jessica Laventure did her forecasts from the school gymnasium and
conducted lively interviews with students, staff and
parents. Some students performed song and dance
routines while highlights from the school’s St. Patrick’s
Day concert were shown on the air.
St. Monica Elementary School in N.D.G. celebrated St.
Patrick’s Day in many different ways. Apparently,
there was a leprechaun playing tricks on the Cycle 1
students! The children and staff were encouraged to
wear green and, to earn that privilege, were asked to
bring in a donation for the school’s food collection
box. The students were asked to bring in a nonperishable food item that contained a GREEN
ingredient such as; green beans, peas, spinach, kale,
okra, or olives. “We were, of course, happy to receive
any non-perishable food item, but ‘going for the
green’ made it even more fun! “ said Principal
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Katherine Snow. “Each level, from pre-K to Cycle 3, celebrated in their own way with special food, poems and
stories and costumes. We are proud of our students’ sense of caring for the community. This food drive is one of
several done this year – we held a successful ‘Wear Red Day”’ and a Walk-A-Thon in February for the benefit of
Share the Warmth.
ALOUETTES VISIT AND SO DOES DAVID HODGES
The St. Monica staff basketball team prepared for an exciting game! This time they suited up to play against
five members of the Montreal Alouettes. Each class had a visit from one of the players. They spoke on the
importance of school, self respect, community building and working toward personal goals. The children loved
having them in their classes, and they plan to write and illustrate thank you cards to show their appreciation.
The basketball game was fast and exciting with all of the students from pre-K to Cycle 3 cheering on both
teams with equal joy and passion. Players Scott Flory, Kristian Matte, Sean Whyte, Ameet Pall and Anthony
Barrette transmitted a great message to the students in the classrooms, and for your enthusiasm during the
game. Meanwhile, hip hop artist David Hodges visited the school recently. Take a look at this fantastic video.
CAREER DAY PART I
As a follow up to the highly successful Secondary V
Career Fair held every October, the Adult Education
and Vocational Services (AEVS) and Student Services
departments of the EMSB launched a complementary
program three years ago which met with great
success.
On Friday, March 22 the first of two
programs took place at St. Pius X Adult Centre (9955
Papineau) in Ahuntsic. In the media sessions, Andrea
Collins (right) from Virgin Radio and a contingent from
Global TV attended. The latter included Jessica
Laventure, Camille Ross, Richard Dagenais,) from the
new morning show and promotions coordinator Travis
Todd and cameraman Sylvain Trudeau (left). Read
Dagenais’ blog on the experience.
The second is set for Friday, April 12. Students take part
in workshops focusing on a wide range of career
opportunities
such
as
Media,
Accounting/Administrative Assistant, Paralegal, Baliffs,
Medical Services Technology, Nursing and Pre-hospital
Care, Animal Health Technology, Police Technology,
Social Services, Journalism and Broadcasting, the
Hotel and Travel industry, Professional Sales, Industrial
Drafting, Furniture Finishing, Computer Graphics,
Hairdressing, Aesthetics and Automobile Mechanics.
DANTE’S MOMENT OF TRUTH
On April 10, Dante Elementary School in St. Léonard will host its first ever Teacher vs. Student game show
entitled “The Moment of Truth.” The activity was created by Spiritual Community Animator Vince Lacroce and
the school`s Student Council. The intent of the project is to promote education, teamwork and school spirit.
“The Moment of truth” game will not only test academics (Math, French, Science, ERC, and Geography) and
physical challenges, but it has combined some of the best elements of some of our favorite games shows.
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Teacher and student contestants will have to guess that tune, will have a minute to win it, call a friend for a
million dollars as they prove that they are smarter than a fifth grader! Principal Ida Pisano wishes to thank Mr.
Lacroce and art teacher Franca Mambro.
Dante will host the Junior Tech Challenge/ Defi Apprenti Genie on May 24. This program gives students in
elementary Cycles Two and Three, the opportunity to experience science and technology in a motivating,
concrete way. The Challenge is a learning situation as well as a turnkey evaluation tool adapted to the school
program. This unifying project is a great way to reward students for their creativity and expertise by entering a
friendly competition held in class, at the school or at a regional final. “We have participated in this event for
three years and we are the only school from the EMSB to do so,” says Dante Principal Ida Pisano.
”Many participating schools are from the CSDM. It would be great to have EMSB elementary schools
participate.
ROYAL WEST JEWISH CLUB
Every Wednesday afternoon, about 15 students from Royal West Academy in Montreal West spend their lunch
hour participating in an extra curricular activity that brings them closer to their Jewish heritage and identity.
Royal West Academy’s Jewish Club was established five
years ago, and is currently under the direction of
Carolyn Gehr, a math teacher at Royal West, and Rabbi
Dovid Pearlstein, who is affiliated with Chai Chabad
and runs similar Jewish clubs at Royal Vale High School
in NDG and Westmount High School. At a recent
gathering of the Jewish Club, Rabbi Pearlstein led a
brief discussion on the history and significance of the
Jewish holiday of Purim. It was followed by a spirited
and lively game of “Family Feud,” in which the students
were tested on their knowledge of Yiddish words and
expressions, Jewish holidays and food, as well as Biblical
figures and events. That week’s meeting concluded
with a kosher pizza lunch. The Royal West Academy
Jewish Club is made possible through a Promise Grant
from GEN J, which awards grants to innovative, creative and inclusive programming that helps to promote
Jewish connections, as well as programs that reach out to Jewish teenagers who attend non-Jewish high
schools. See the full press release.
WORLD CHAMPION SKIER
(From CBC.CA)Royal West Academy grad Kaya Turski wasn't fazed when she botched her opening run at the
freestyle skiing world championships on Saturday in Voss, Norway. The three-time X Games champion nailed
her second run to lead a one-two- Canadian finish in the women's slope style event recently. Teammate Dara
Howell won the silver as Canada raised its tally to nine medals that week. Turski, from Montreal, scored 89.6
points on the three-rail, four-jump course for the victory. "It's really cool to be able to call myself a world
champion," she said on a conference call. "I'm feeling really confident. It's also a great title to have going into
the Olympics …I'm just ready to keep rolling with the momentum." You can read the full story here from the
CBC website.
GOVERNOR GENERAL’S OFFICE RECOGNIZES EMSB STUDENTS
Two Grade 8 students, Shalee Walsh and Jennifer Mashaal, at Royal West Academy have been chosen
among the top three winners of the National Student Banner Contest. Their artwork, A Taste of Canada, will be
produced as a full-size banner that will fly in Major’s Hill Park here in Ottawa beginning the week of May 20.
Copies of the banner will also be sent to the students and the school. The display of banners in Ottawa will be
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accompanied by interpretation panels listing the students’ names,
school, grade, city, province and a brief description adapted from the
text they sent in on their submission form. In May, scans of all the winning
artwork will be showcased on the banner contest website of the
National Capital Commission. Because the students’ high standing, His
Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of
Canada, will have a videoconference conversation with their entire
class on June 10 via Skype technology.
STUDENTS HELP KENYAN STUDENTS
Members of the Centre for the Study of Learning and Performance, Concordia University are working in Kenya
to improve the quality of teaching and to dramatically enhance the English literacy skills of primary school
students. There is much enthusiasm on behalf of the school leaders, teachers, and students about developing
the emerging literacy skills of boys and girls using ABRACADABRA, one of the tools in the CSLP's Learning Toolkit.
The teachers with whom they are working asked to help them further by providing English books and reading
material for beginning readers to build their elementary classroom libraries so that children will practice the
literacy skills they are learning. This request for donations of used children's books to help Kenyan children
experience the joys of reading was passed on to the EMSB schools. Donations were received from the students
at Dante, Dunrae Gardens, FACE, Merton, Michelangelo International, and Pierre Elliott Trudeau. Hundreds of
these books were brought with the CSLP team during their January visit to the Kenya schools (the rest of the
books will be shipped) and they were met with great joy and appreciation. The books will be shared amongst
the research schools in the form of a travelling library. Thank you to all of these school communities for their
generosity! And thank you to Roman Wodzicki for delivering the dozens of boxes of books to the CSLP.
PELO FAIR
The nine unique heritage programs at the EMSB will be celebrated on
April 4 (10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) at Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary School
(6855 Cartier) in Rosemount at the first annual P.E.L.O. (Programme de
l’enseignement des langues d’origine) Fair. International composer,
lyricist, musician and arranger Vincenzo Thoma (left), who came to
Canada from Italy, resides in Town of Mount Royal and is an EMSB
parent, will be a special guest. The P.E.L.O. program aims to improve
the students’ knowledge of their heritage language and gives greater
depth to the students’ understanding of human experience by
fostering an appreciation of the customs and achievements of people
within their communities. A total of 1,596 students at 25 EMSB schools
learn nine languages: Italian, Arabic, Bengali, Greek, Hebrew,
Portuguese, Spanish, Urdu and Tamil, in addition to English and French,
in extra-curricular classes. The Fair, coordinated by EMSB Assistant
Director of Pedagogical Services Christine Denommée, will serve as a celebration of the nine languages and
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cultures through stories, music, theatrical performances and other student presentation.
release.
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Here is the press
LIBRARIAN CONSULTANT AT JOHN ABBOTT
On April 18, EMSB Pedagogical Services Librarian Consultant Julian Taylor will be among many of the individuals
who support future library and documentation technicians to attend the Mock Interview Day for John Abbott
College’s Information and Library Technologies program. The purpose of this event is to provide potential
graduates with the opportunity to receive constructive feedback on their interviewing skills from individuals who
have had hands on experience in the library field. In addition, it provides school boards and other organizations
with the opportunity to preview and identify future technicians for upcoming positions within their institutions.
Student participants will take part in a 20-minute interview followed by a 10-minute feedback period with their
designated interviewer. In order to prepare them for their future careers, each candidate will be constructively
evaluated and guided through their strengths and weaknesses.
EMSB STORYTELLING
Who can resist a good story? It is especially difficult to resist when the talented storyteller comes from
elementary school. Parents, students, teachers, school administrators, school board administrators, and a few
commissioners recently had the opportunity to celebrate the art of storytelling when three events to mark the
age-old tradition were held during the month of March. The first was held on March 13 at Royal Vale School in
N.D.G., where students from cycle 3 regaled the enthusiastic audience with tales that both amused and
intrigued the captivated listeners. Paola Miniaci, Deputy
Director General for Division 1, was on hand to animate the
morning program.
The March 20 event at Parkdale
Elementary School in St. Laurent saw a similar rendition of
stories, with Roma Medwid, Deputy Director General for
Division 2, acting as animator. General Vanier received the
East End schools on March 27, where once again Ms.
Miniaci officiated. Director General Robert Stocker gave
opening remarks.
On each occasion the stories ranged in genre from classic
fairytale and folktale to modern favourites based on
popular authors and much-loved picture books. A retelling
of stories was balanced by stories which some children
chose to make up themselves. Not only were the young
storytellers impressive in their animated presentations but
onlookers were equally impressed with their facility in
French as half of the presenters told their stories in French.
The hosting schools outdid themselves in preparing a
beautiful venue for the stories transforming their gym or
auditorium into a story setting paradise. They also provided
musical entertainment performed by different student
VéroniqueArsenault of Dalkeith.
ensembles as a musical interlude in the morning’s program.
Each storyteller was presented with a name-engraved
trophy and an official EMSB Storytelling Certificate presented by Christine Denommé, assistant director of
Pedagogical Services and Commissioners Joseph Lalla and Liz Leaman. Runners-up from each division school
were also in attendance and were recognized and applauded for their efforts and achievement. The morning
concluded with a small reception including light refreshments for all.
Organized by the Pedagogical Services Department, this event is one which leaves a good feeling about the
fine work that goes on in elementary schools and about the talent that resides in the children.
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NANS PROGRAM MARKS 10th ANNIVERSARY
The EMSB Pedagogical Services Department is celebrating the 10 th anniversary of the New Approaches, New
Solutions (NANS) Program. The NANS strategy consists of implementing enriched success plans and allocating
additional financial resources to target schools in disadvantaged areas. Introduced in 2002 as an initiative to
support 199 high schools at 55 school boards, NANS strategy now includes 778 Schools, both at the elementary
and secondary level from across the province. This includes 15 high schools from the EMSB. Please read the
complete press release.
CHORALE NEWS
The EMSB Chorale has a busy spring season ahead. It is participating once again in the annual fundraising
concert for Sun Youth, sponsored by Mountainside United Church. Also participating are the Petit Choeur de
Rosemère, the Montessori School Choir, the Montreal Chinese Children’s Choir, the FACE Chamber Orchestra
and the church’s own choir. The event takes place at Mountainside United Church on Saturday, April 13 (7
p.m.). Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors. The following Saturday, April 20 (7:30 p.m.), also at
Mountainside, the EMSB Senior Chorale is performing in the memorial concert for composer and longtime
Vanier College professor Robert Frederick Jones. Freewill contributions will be gratefully accepted for the West
Island Palliative Care Home. On Saturday, May 4 (7:30 p.m.) the Chorale will present its annual Spring Gala
Concert at Oscar Peterson Hall. Tickets are $10 and are now on sale. Finally on May 11, the Chorale hosts the
Ottawa Catholic School Board Choir for a 4:30 p.m. concert at Christ Church Cathedral (Ste-Catherine St. and
University).
PAUL VI BECOMES LINKS
The 2012-2013 academic year has marked a new beginning for Paul VI High School in Ahuntsic, as it is now
officially known as LINKS. High School. LINKS, which stands for Literacy, Interdependence, Networking,
Knowledge and Success, was chosen due to the tremendous changes and improvements over the past two
years at the school, which has led to a substantial increase in enrolment. Over the past two years, the school
has adopted the WOTP (Work Oriented Training Path), as well as food preparation, woodworking, photography
and videography courses. LINKS is an alternative high school providing quality educational programs to
students from ages 13 to 21 who have been diagnosed with learning difficulties. Since its founding in 1979, LINKS
has offered a unique opportunity for special needs students develop their fundamental academic
competencies while benefitting from a variety of work skill and daily living skill classes. James Fequet is the
principal of LINKS and John Grant High School in Côte Saint-Luc. Log on to the new school website at
www.emsb.qc.ca/links.
TRANSITIONING TOWARDS INDEPENDENCE RESOURCE FAIR
The objective of the Transitioning towards Independence” Resource Fair, hosted annually by John Grant High
School and LINKS High School, is to provide a collection of resources for all English Montreal School Board
parents and family members of students with learning difficulties and/or special needs, as well as various
professionals whom are seeking resources for their differently-abled clientele. By making all these resources
available in one forum, it enables parents/guardians to make better informed life decisions for their special
needs child. This year’s event will take place on Thursday, April 11 (3 p.m, to 9 p.m.) at St. Pius X in Ahuntsic
(9955 Papineau). Info: [email protected].
FRANCO DI GIOVANNI FOUNDATION SOCIAL
This year, the Franco Di Giovanni Foundation will be holding its ninth annual fundraising social on April 6 (5 p.m.)
at the Prima Luna Reception Hall (7301 Henri Bourassa East). All the money raised will go toward brain tumor
research at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital. The price of a ticket is the same as it has been for
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the last eight years – $ 100 for a seven course meal, open bar, sandwiches and pizza at midnight, dancing,
door prizes and auctions of sport memorabilia. Mike Talevi, Principal of Leonardo Da Vinci Academy, and a
main organizer of the event is asking all schools and centres to consider fundraising for the cause. To date over
$275, 000 has been raised, a good portion of which has come from EMSB schools and centres. Info:
[email protected] or 514-648-2764. Please see the poster.
GIFT’S INSPIRATIONAL STORY
Former EMSB student Gift Samuel Tshuma wants to bring his inspirational story to local schools. Gift, who
attended the Mackay Centre School in N.D.G. and Westmount High School, talks about how any of life's
obstacles can be overcome. Despite the fact he cannot walk, this does not stop him
from fulfilling his dreams. Currently, Gift is not only a successful motivational speaker,
but he is also the co-founder and member of the United Tribulation Choir
(www.utchoir.com) while pursuing full-time Sociology, Law and Society studies at
Concordia University. Born in Zimbabwe, with congenital muscular dystrophy, which
affects muscle strength in his arms and legs. People who are affected by muscular
dystrophy often experience a gradual deterioration of muscle strength. However,
Gift's rare form of muscular dystrophy hasn't had a negative impact on his muscle
strength; instead, they have remained stable over the years. Gift has enough mobility
in his hands to operate the controls of his motorized wheelchair, which provides him
with a lot of autonomy to move around without requiring any assistance. Gift, came
to Canada with his family in 2001 from Zimbabwe in hopes to receive better medical
services that catered to the needs of him and his brother. Please see this press
release to find out how you can invite Gift to your school.
CORONATION GETS GRANT
Vincent Saumure from the Metro grocery store at the
Van Horne Shopping Centre recently visited
Coronation Elementary School in Côte des Neiges to
hand deliver a $1,000 Metro Green Apple School
Program Grant. The funds will be used to create a
small outdoor garden in the school yard, as well as
cycle themed projects. A school garden is a good
way to encourage healthy eating habits through
hands on, positive experiences with food.
Spiritual
Community Animator Linda Luca will be posting
weekly recipes, featuring vegetables and herbs that
are being cultivated in the garden. These will be
posted on a designated METRO GREEN APPLE bulletin
board, as well as the school website. “Coronation
staff and students are very appreciative of this grant
and we anticipate putting the fund to good use,”
commented Interim Principal Christina Chilelli.
BIOLOGY CLASSES MEETS LEUKEMIA SURVIVOR
Secondary V students in the Biology class of teacher Pascale Finet at LaurenHill Academy in St. Laurent got a
true lesson in authentic learning on March 25 when lawyer William Brock told his inspiring story of being a
Leukemia survivor. Mr. Brock also happens to be a graduate of this very school, when it was called Sir Winston
Churchill High School. This year, Mr. Brock will receive the prestigious Community Service Honorary Fellowship
Award from the Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF) on April 9 at the Place des Arts. Mr. Brock was recently
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FIELDING FOCUS
awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his outstanding contribution to the community. A
senior partner in the litigation group of Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg, a leading Canadian law firm, as a
Leukemia survivor he has undertaken a number of major initiatives to advance the treatment of blood cancers,
including the creation of The Fund for Research and Education and the publication of "Portraits of Hope"
(www.portraitsofhope.ca), an uplifting portfolio of photos and testimonials of blood cancer survivors and those
who have accompanied them through their fight.
“When I was diagnosed with acute leukemia on
September 21, 2004, I wasn't under any illusions as to
the gravity of the situation - my father Hyman Brock
had been diagnosed with leukemia on September 27,
1997, seven years previously almost to the day, and he
died on November 6, 1997, a mere six weeks later,” Mr
Brock recounts. “Thankfully, I have been more
fortunate, I not only survived, but I have returned to life
in the full sense of the word.”
COMMISSIONER
OF
LANGUAGES VISITS
OFFICIAL
Graham Fraser, Canada’s Commissioner of Official Languages, paid a special visit to LaurenHill Academy on
March 20. He was a special guest on the bilingual Anglais-French Show on LHA Radio: The Voice, LaurenHill’s
student-run radio station. The hosts, Jonathan Garceau
and Mika Watts, under the direction of their teacher
Louis Bilodeau, distinguished themselves in January
during a special live broadcast from the news
conference where the EMSB
launched its
Kindergarten
Registration
campaign.
The
Commissioner
had in fact requested to do the
interview with Garceau and Watts, in both official
languages. He later addressed a packed auditorium
of students and then did an interview with EMSB
webmaster for schools and special projects Andrea DI
Tomaso for the NousSommesBilingues.ca
French
portal.
INDOOR SOCCER CHAMPS
The Juvenile Boys indoor soccer team at LaurenHill has claimed their second consecutive GMAA Division 1
Championship and will be returning to the RSEQ
Provincial tournament once again. LaurenHill won their
final on March 21, in a grueling and very tight match
against Laurier MacDonald by a slim scoreline of 5-4.
Goal scorers in the game were Simon Malaborsa (four
goals) and Michael Zois (one goal). Pictured is the
team along with
our school principal Claude
Dansereau, assistant coach Kurt Chiricosta and head
coach David Servello.
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FIELDING FOCUS
FRENCH FOR THE FUTURE
The Université du Québec à Montréal (UQÀM) Théâtre Marie Gérin Lajoie (405 Ste. Catherine Street East ,
corner of St. Denis) will be the site for the 2013 French for the Future Montreal Local Forum on Friday, April 12 (9
a.m.). Aimed at promoting bilingualism amongst Canadian youth, the theme is Respect, Culture and
Integration Into Québécois Society. Approximately 500 students from 10 Montreal high schools and three school
boards will be present. Participating schools are: Westmount High School, Royal Vale High School and
Marymount Academy from the EMSB; Lakeside Academy in Lachine, John Rennie High School, Beaconsfield
High School, St. Thomas, Westwood Senior and Lindsay Place from the Lester B. Pearson School Board; and
Howard S. Billings High School will attend from the New Frontiers School Board. The program will include words of
welcome from UQAM Professor Richard Bhouris. Charismatic Montreal producer and break dancer, PierreMichel Jean-Louis, will serve as master of ceremonies. Québécois rapper MC JUNE will share the stage with
musician David Hodges who will perform his smash hit song “Notre Home,” aimed at bridging the gap
between Quebec's two solitudes. This will be followed by some open microphone time for the participating
students to rap in French! Keynote speakers, centre Luc Brodeur-Jourdain and fullback Martin Bédard, from the
Montreal Alouettes will no doubt dazzle the students at 10:30 am. There are many other activities planned. For
more details log on to www.french-future.org.
PERSECTIVES AT THE CAFÉ
Every Monday, students from Perspectives I & II High Schools in St. Michel, are accompanied by spiritual and
community animator, Mary Poullas to volunteer at the Second Chance Cafe in St. Leonard. The students assist
in preparing and serving meals to the homeless and low income clients. This experience has allowed the
students to make a connection to the community and they have receive much praise for their hard work.
ARISTOCATS AT BANCROFT
The students at Bancroft Elementary School presented a fabulous version of the musical The Aristocats. EMSB TV
was there and here are some video highlights.
VMC GETS LEADERSHIP PRESENTATION
Pascal Fleury, a former Georgetown and Harlem Globetrotters basketball player with an imposing height of 7
feet two inches tall, visited Vincent Massey Collegiate (VMC) in Rosemount recently. He gave a presentation
to Secondary V students on setting goals, leadership and
respect. His motivational talk included messages of
perseverance, having a positive attitude, kindness,
determination, and if you work hard dreams can and do
come true.
Police officers from local Station 44, under the direction of
socio community Constable Fatima Pereira, also spoke to
youth about respecting differences, being good citizens
and members of the community. After the presentation
the staff and students were treated to a friendly basketball
game between police officers and VMC. boys basketball
team. Class visits by Spiritual Animator Rocco Speranzo
have been organized in order to further promote the
project and the virtues and characteristics associated with
it. This event was conceived and implemented by Mr. Speranza and Constable Pereira.
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FIELDING FOCUS
REEL FILM FESTIVAL AT LMAC
REEL CANADA will bring its trademark travelling, one-day film festival to Laurier Macdonald High School in St.
Léonard on April 3 to present Canadian films to students. Q&As with special guests will follow the screenings. A
distinguished guest at LMAC will be Steve Galluccio, creator of the play and co-screenwriter of the screenplay
of Mambo Italiano. REEL CANADA founders Jack Blum and Sharon Corder, and programmer Stacey Donen will
also be present. The following day, the program will move to the South Shore for the Riverside School Boar
COMMUNITY CARES GALA
For the third consecutive year, the Montreal Community Cares Awards, presented by CN, will celebrate those
who are actively making Greater Montreal Area a better place to live. The Awards gala fundraiser will take
place on May 18, 2013, at the Corona Theatre. The guest of honour is Montreal City Councillor Mary Deros,
The Montreal Community Cares Award categories are: Community Organization Award; Community Leader
Award; Student/Athlete Award; Youth Leadership Award (in memory of Paul Frappier); and Lifetime
Achievement Award In both 2011 and 2012, 16 individuals and organizations were selected to receive a
Montreal Community Cares Award. For more information call Denburk Reid at 514-816-6232 or email
[email protected]. Schools can find out how to nominate someone by going here.
RIVA AND THOMAS O. HECHT SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Two EMSB teachers have been announced as 2013 winners of the Riva and Thomas O. Hecht Scholarship
Program, Teaching of the Holocaust for Educators: Vincent Gagnon, from Vincent Massey Collegiate in
Rosemount and Georgia Gotsis, from Merton Elementary School in Côte Saint-Luc. They will be joined next
summer at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, Israel by Laurence Assouline from Beechwood Elmentary School (Lester
B. Pearson School Board) and Gina Lavine, from Collège Laflèche in Trois-Rivières.
EMSB EXPRESS NEWSPAPER
The Spring 2013 edition of the EMSB Express Newspaper is out. It includes some attractive page one photos of
anti-bullying initiatives, features on the NousSommesBilingues.ca campaign, messages from Chairman Angela
Mancini and Director General Robert Stocker and interesting news items from our schools. You can read here
online or ask for a copy by calling 514-483-7200 ext. 7245.
DANCE CONTEST
After the huge success of the Quebec Youth Dance Championships, the Youth Stars Foundation is proud to
present the first edition of the Quebec Youth Dance Festival which will be held at Westmount High School on
April 13 and 14. The festival hopes to encourage elementary and high school youth to stay in shape by
maintaining a healthy life style, while taking part in an activity that motivates them. This is open to elementary
and high school students. The Youth Stars Foundation is a non-profit organization, which positively encourages
and educates Quebec’s youth by providing them with various organized activities, programs, events and
workshops, using arts and sports as motivational and educational tools. For more information, call 514-800-9746
or [email protected]. You can read the entire press release here.
EDUCATION IS A PRIORITY
The Coalition priorité education (Education is a Priority) campaign continues, trying to raise awareness to the
Quebec government. This is an initiative of the Fédération des comités de parents du Québec (FCPQ), Please
sign the petition on page one of the EMSB website and see their latest video here.
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FIELDING FOCUS
ST. DOROTHY GETS GOSPEL VISIT
Montreal French language gospel singer Manon Brunet came to St.
Dorothy Elementary School in St. Michel recently and spoke to the Cycle
II and III classes. She showed the students voice warm-up techniques
techniques which she herself learned in the United States, and
performed one of her original songs called "Tomber debout en amitié."
Cycle III classes will sing their gospel cycle 3 chanteront leur chanson
gospel lors du concert de musique et la chorale de l'école interprétera
"Happy Day" par la même occasion.
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.
RADIO CLASS OPPORTUNITIES
Here’s a project for schools that will present topics students are being taught in class in an interesting,
informative and hands-on way - not a Drama project but an extension and support of what a teacher is doing
in class. A Radio Class that would culminate in a mock radio show(s). Fully created by the students, it is a
project that can be adapted to any class size, a project that would include specific topics (book reports,
history assignments, science, politics, etc.) on which teachers are focusing in their classrooms.
1. Students would learn to write and produce commercials, introductions, extros, host a show, write and read
news reports, sportscasts and entertainment.
2. As a host, they would learn the importance of thoroughly researching a topic and how to conduct an
interview.
3. As a newscaster/reporter, the importance of sifting through the news of the day and making choices as to
what goes on air.
4. As a researcher/producer, they will learn, not just the questions to ask, but to listen clearly to answers that will
create more questions spontaneously.
5. In a travel segment, the students will chose the destination and research the area before writing and
presenting the spot. (This could also be done based on trips that students have taken or topics in history
classes.)
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FIELDING FOCUS
RESULTS
The results of this project go far beyond putting on a radio show. It will allow students to find a part of
themselves, especially those who are withdrawn and shy. It will allow them to express themselves. And for those
students who are outgoing and flamboyant, it teaches them restraint, discipline, and the ability to give way to
the importance of the story, controlling the domination of their own personalities. It teaches how to be
opinionated without hurting, but making a clear statement. It will teach them the art of writing clearly and
succinctly, saying a lot in little time. It will teach them history and geography through research needed for
topics. All of this complimenting the English School Board curriculum. It will encourage students to work together
to put on a show that would include what they are studying in class. And...it will offer the topic at hand in a
progressive, non chalk-and-talk way. CJAD’s Sharman Yarnell, who works part-time as a communications
animator at Marymount Academy, Is the person to contact at [email protected]/
MUSICAL SHOWOFF
Due to its popularity over the last two years, the organizers of Musical Show Off (MSO) have announced that
the popular event will return for 2013. Boys and Girls, aged 11 to 17, can once again compete in this musical
theatre competition for the coveted trophy and a cash prize of $1,000. A number of EMSB students have
taken part in the past.
Musical Show Off is much more than lessons in musical theatre. Trained by experienced performers, kids aged
eight to 17, learn to sing, dance and act, and get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform live at the
legendary Rialto Theatre before a capacity crowd. “This is a chance to experience what it is like to be part of a
musical production,” says Bronwen Lloyd-Hughes of Productions BronCon. The senior category, comprised of
eight to 17 year olds, will once again be split into four teams and receive a total of 24 hours of coaching before
they compete against each other live on stage for the chance to win Musical Show Off 2013. Judged by an
expert panel, each team will perform a choreographed musical number taken from popular Broadway shows.
For the past two years, dozens of eight to 17 year olds have boosted their confidence, made new friends and
gained loads of experience in training with Musical Show Off. See the flyer.
WESTMOUNT SCIENCE CAMP
After its first year of success in 2012, the Westmount Science Camp will return this summer by welcoming
campers ages 6-13 years old to the labs of Westmount High School. The camp will be expanding by offering six
weeks of science activities beginning July 8 to all children in these age groups. The science is exciting, hosted
by scientist volunteers from McGill and Concordia Universities and Let's Talk Science. The emphasis is on a low
camper to counselor ratio (about 4:1) to offer individual attention to the kids who run hands-on science
experiments daily. We include field trips to the McGill campus as well of course as the traditional Friday lunch
BBQs hosted by Westmount Sports and Recreation.
This year, the camp has an exciting new addition: the Neuro will be running three weekly modules for our 11-13
year olds entitled "Live the Life of a Scientist...for a week". This will take the kids through weekly sessions of living
the life of a real scientist, designing and performing experiments, undergoing peer reviews and finally
presenting their project at the end of each week. Registration, open to all families, begins in the evening of
March 18 at Westmount's Victoria Hall at 4626 Sherbrooke St. W. The cost is $220/week for Westmount residents
and $240/week for outside Westmount. Full details may be found by following the camp on Facebook or by
contacting the camp director at [email protected], 514-691-9307. See their flyer.
You can also check
out their new website at westmountscience.wix.com/camp
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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].
CALENDAR
April 4, 2013
EMSB PELO Fair
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary School
April 10, 2013
Teacher vs. Student Game Show
April 12, 2013
French for the Future Conference
UQAM
April 13, 2013
Junior Chorale performs in the Mountainside United Church Fundraising Concert
April 16, 2013
Volunteer Appreciation Evening
April 20, 2013
Senior Chorale performs in the memorial concert for composer Robert Frederick Jones
April 21 to 27, 2013
National Volunteer Week
April 24, 2013
EMSB Council of Commissioners meeting
May 4, 2013
EMSB Chorale Spring Gala Concert
7:30 p.m.
Oscar Peterson Hall
Admission: $10
May 24, 2013
Junior Tech Challenge/ Defi Apprenti Genie
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Dante Elementary School
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DATES
-Junior Robotics –Robocup (elementary / high school) April 26 to 27, 2013 @ Royal West Academy
-INTEL ISEF (top 3 projects from MRSTF) May 12 to 17, 2013 @ in Phoenix , Arizona
PLEINS FEUX SUR FIELDING
LA CSEM ENTAME DES RÉUNIONS POLITIQUES AU SUJET DU PROJET DE
LOI 14
La présidente de la CSEM, Angela Mancini, a entamé un processus de réunions avec des membres de
l’Assemblée Nationale, principalement pour exprimer une opposition à la nouvelle législation linguistique
proposée par le projet de Loi 14. En collaboration avec la vice-présidente Sylvia Lo Bianco et les commissaires
Patricia R. Lattanzio (Rivière-des-Prairies) et Frank Verillo (Saint-Léonard), conseillers spéciaux de la présidente
au sujet des relations gouvernementales, l’objectif de Mme Mancini est de rencontrer des représentants
politiques au niveau municipal, provincial et fédéral. Des réunions ont eu lieu avec les députés libéraux
Filomena Rotiroti (Jeanne-Mance-Viger) et Lawrence Bergman (D’Arcy-McGee) ainsi qu’avec Martin Lapointe,
chef de cabinet de Lise Thériault (Anjou-Louis Riel). Mme Mancini souligne que le projet de Loi 14 amorcerait le
début du déclin de l’éducation publique anglaise au Québec ainsi qu’une lente suffocation de la société
anglophone en général. Elle a déclaré que les amendements proposés à la Charte des droits et des libertés
augmenteraient les strictes conditions de fréquentation des écoles publiques anglophones. Soulignant que la
CSEM a le deuxième taux de réussite le plus élevé de n’importe quelle commission scolaire publique du
Québec, soit 84 pour cent, les écoles du réseau de la CSEM diplôment continuellement des élèves éduqués et
bilingues.
CARLYLE CÉLÈBRE SON STATUT INTERNATIONAL
L’Impact de Montréal et la CSEM ont annoncé que le programme de persévérance scolaire couronné de
succès « Jusqu’au bout avec l’Impact » sera maintenu pour une huitième année et continuera à promouvoir
l’importance de la persévérance scolaire. Le lancement officiel en anglais a eu lieu à l’école primaire Roslyn.
Le président de l’Impact, Joey Saputo, le capitaine de l’équipe Davy Arnaud, le gérant de l’équipe et ancien
élève de la CSEM, Adam Braz et la mascotte Tac-Tik représentaient l’Impact. Au cours des prochaines
semaines, les joueurs de l’Impact visiteront plusieurs écoles de la CSEM pour discuter avec les élèves de
l’importance de la persévérance scolaire et de s’efforcer d’atteindre l’excellence. L’accent sera mis sur les
valeurs de prise d’initiative, de discipline et de collaboration dans la réalisation de ces objectifs. Dans le cadre
du partenariat, la traditionnelle « soirée de la CSEM » aura lieu le mercredi 1er mai à 19 h 30 au stade Saputo.
NOUVELLE DIRECTRICE DES SERVICES FINANCIERS
La CSEM a annoncé la nomination de Livia Nassivera au poste de directrice des Services financiers. Elle
succèdera à Angelo Marino en avril lorsque ce dernier assumera à temps plein ses nouvelles fonctions de
directeur général adjoint (Administration). Mme Nassivera a occupé le poste de directrice des ressources
financières de la Commission scolaire Sir Wilfrid Laurier depuis 2002.
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JOURNÉE DE CARRIÈRE 1re PARTIE
Faisant suite à la Foire de carrières du secondaire V couronnée de succès et tenue en octobre, le Service de
l’éducation des adultes et de la formation professionnelle (SEAFP) et les Services aux élèves de la CSEM ont
lancé un programme complémentaire, il y a de cela trois ans, qui a aussi remporté un grand succès. Le
vendredi 22 mars, le premier des deux programmes a eu lieu au Centre d’adultes St. Pius X (9955 Papineau).
Andrea Collins, Virgin Radio et un groupe de Global TV ont assisté aux sessions de médias. Ce groupe incluait
Jessica Laventure et Camille Ross de la nouvelle émission du matin ainsi que Travis Todd, coordonnateur des
promotions.
Le second programme est prévu pour le 12 avril. Les élèves prendront part à des ateliers mettant l’accent sur une
vaste gamme d’opportunités de carrières, dont les médias, adjoint en comptabilité/administration, adjoint juridique,
huissier, technologie des services médicaux, soins infirmiers et pré-hospitaliers, technologie de santé des animaux,
technologie policière, services sociaux, journalisme et radiodiffusion, industrie hôtelière et du voyage, ventes
professionnelles, dessin industriel, finition de meubles, graphiques informatisés, coiffure, esthétique, mécanique
automobile. Les ateliers auront lieu aux horaires suivants : 9 h 20 à 10 h 05; 10 h 10 à 10 h 55; 11 h à 11 h 45 (Bloc A) et
12 h 30 à 13 h 15; 13 h 20 à 14 h 05 et 14 h 10 à 14 h 55 (Bloc B). La pause du repas de midi sera de 11 h 45 à 12 h 30.
Chaque élève prendra part à deux ateliers de 45 minutes.
LES ÉLÈVES DE CARLYLE VONT À « LA PÊCHE »
Les élèves de 2e année de la classe de Donna Friedman-Perlin à l’école primaire Carlyle de Ville Mont-Royal
ont fait l’apprentissage du recyclage. Les leçons en classe ont porté sur la nécessité du recyclage, de ses
avantages et de ce qui arriverait à notre environnement si nous ne le faisions pas. Les élèves ont réalisé qu’ils
devraient réutiliser du matériel pour créer des travaux d’art et ils ont donc décidé de recueillir des bouteilles
d’eau et ont demandé la participation du personnel et des élèves de Carlyle. Ils ont créé un poisson avec ces
bouteilles d’eau et le but de cette création a été de souligner que nous avons la responsabilité de protéger les
animaux aquatiques.
ST. GABRIEL INAUGURE SA BIBLIOTHÈQUE
L’école primaire St. Gabriel de Pointe Saint-Charles a récemment tenu sa Semaine d’alphabétisation et de
bibliothèque à laquelle ont participé tous les niveaux, incluant la prématernelle et la maternelle. Les niveaux 6,
5 et 4 ont fait la lecture aux plus jeunes et la conteuse Esla Perez a raconté des histoires à tous les niveaux.
Même Scott Flory, un joueur des Alouettes de Montréal était présent pour parler d’alphabétisation aux élèves.
Les parents ont été invités à lire des histoires aux enfants. Une présentation multimédia a permis aux élèves
d’avoir une expérience pratique en alphabétisation et lecture. Le directeur, Jim Daskalakis, a souligné que ce
fut une excellente occasion d’inaugurer la nouvelle bibliothèque de l’école qui incorpore des livres des
bibliothèques de St. John Bosco et de St. Gabriel. Des bannières et des affiches ont été préparées pour décorer
la bibliothèque et donner des messages artistiques et éducatifs à tous les élèves pour les années à venir.
Une autre activité présentée à tous les élèves a été l’occasion de travailler et de lire dans un environnement
serein lors de la grande inauguration de l’Oasis, un espace vert dédié à la coexistence pacifique avec la
nature. Des poésies ont été lues et des jeux d’alphabétisation ont clôturé la semaine. Une foire de livres a
clôturé ce grand évènement en permettant aux élèves d’adopter des livres.
MOIS DE LA NUTRITION
Mars est le mois de la Nutrition à travers tout le Canada et, pour le célébrer, la Division des cafétérias et de
l’éducation en nutrition a préparé toute une série d’activités de nutrition. La campagne vise à promouvoir de
saines habitudes journalières alimentaires en encourageant la sensibilisation à la nutrition et en accroissant la
connaissance de la nutrition. Dans le cadre du Mois de la nutrition et en soutien à l’approche « L’école en
santé », des ateliers de cuisine commandités seront offerts à toutes les écoles primaires de mars jusqu’à la fin de
mai, en collaboration avec les Ateliers cinq épices.
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CLUB JUIF DE ROYAL WEST
Chaque mercredi après midi, près de 15 élèves de l’Académie Royal West de Montréal-Ouest consacrent leur
heure du repas de midi à une activité parascolaire qui les rapproche de leur identité et de leur héritage juif. Le
Club juif de l’Académie Royal West a été établi il y a cinq ans et il est actuellement dirigé par Carolyn Gehr,
enseignante de mathématiques à Royal West et le rabbin David Pearlstein qui est affilié à Chai Chabad et
anime des clubs juifs similaires à l’école secondaire Royal Vale et à l’école secondaire Westmount. Lors d’une
récente réunion du club, le rabbin Pearlstein a mené une brève discussion au sujet de l’histoire et du sens de la
fête de Purim. Cette discussion a été suivie par un jeu animé de Family Feud où les élèves ont été examinés au
sujet de leur connaissance de mots et d’expression en Yiddish des fêtes juives et de la nourriture ainsi que des
personnages et évènements bibliques. La réunion de cette semaine s’est terminée par un repas de pizza
kascher. Le club juif de l’Académie Royal West est soutenu par une subvention de Promise Grant GEN J qui
accorde des subventions aux programmes innovateurs, créatifs et inclusifs qui aident à promouvoir les
connections juives ainsi que les programmes qui s’adressent aux adolescents juifs, fréquentant des écoles
secondaires non juives.
FOIRE PELO
Les neuf uniques programmes de langues d’origine de la CSEM seront célébrés le 4 avril (10 h à 13 h 30) à
l’école primaire Pierre Elliott Trudeau (6855 Cartier) de Rosemont lors de la première Foire annuelle P.E.L.O.
(Programme de l’enseignement des langues d’origine). Le compositeur, parolier, musicien et arrangeur musical
international Vincenzo Thoma, originaire d’Italie, qui réside à Ville Mont-Royal et est un parent de la CSEM sera
l’invité spécial de la Foire. Le programme PELO vise à améliorer la connaissance de la langue d’origine des
élèves et à leur faire obtenir une plus profonde compréhension de l’expérience humaine en favorisant une
appréciation des coutumes et des réalisations des personnes de leurs communautés. Un total de 1596 élèves
de 25 écoles de la CSEM apprennent neuf langues : l’italien, l’arabe, le bengali, le grec, l’hébreu, le portugais,
l’espagnol, l’urdu et le tamil, en sus du français et de l’anglais lors de cours parascolaires. La Foire, coordonnée
par la directrice adjointe des Services pédagogiques Christine Denommée célèbrera les neuf langues et
cultures par le biais d’histoires, de musique, de représentations théâtrales et autres présentations d’élèves.
SOIRÉE DE LA FONDATION FRANCO DI GIOVANNI
Cette année, la Fondation Franco Di Giovanni tiendra sa neuvième soirée de levée de fonds le 6 avril (18 h) à
la salle de réception Prima Luna (7301 est Henri Bourassa). Tous les fonds recueillis seront versés à l’Institut et
Hôpital neurologique de Montréal pour la recherche sur la tumeur au cerveau. Le prix du billet est le même
depuis les huit dernières années- soit 100 $ - pour un repas à sept services, un bar ouvert, des sandwiches et de
la pizza à minuit, de la danse, des prix de présence et des ventes aux enchères de souvenirs sportifs. Mike
Talevi, Directeur de l’Académie Leonardo Da Vinci et organisateur principal de l’évènement demande à
toutes les écoles et centres de considérer de lever des fonds pour cette cause. À ce jour, plus de 275 000 $ ont
été recueillis, dont une bonne partie provient des écoles et centres de la CSEM.
HISTOIRE INSPIRANTE DE GIFT
L’ancien élève de la CSEM, Gift Samuel Tshuma veut faire part de son histoire inspirante aux écoles locales.
Gift, qui a fréquenté le Centre Mackay et l’école secondaire Westmount, parle de la façon dont n’importe
quel obstacle de la vie peut être surmonté. Malgré le fait qu’il ne puisse pas marcher, ceci ne l’empêche pas
de réaliser ses rêves. Actuellement, Gift est non seulement un conférencier motivateur, mais il est aussi cofondateur et membre du United Tribulation Choir (www.utchoir.com) tout en poursuivant des études à temps
plein de sociologie et de droit à l’Université Concordia. Il est né au Zimbabwe et il est atteint d’une dystrophie
musculaire congénitale qui affecte la force des muscles des bras et des jambes. Les personnes atteintes de
cette maladie souffrent souvent d’une détérioration graduelle de la force des muscles. Cependant, la rare
forme de dystrophie musculaire de Gift n’a pas eu un impact négatif sur la force de ses muscles qui est
demeurée stable au cours des années. Gift possède suffisamment de mobilité dans ses mains pour pouvoir
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FIELDING FOCUS
opérer sa chaise roulante motorisée qui lui offre beaucoup d’autonomie pour se déplacer sans aide. Gift est
arrivé au Canada avec sa famille en 2001 en provenance du Zimbabwe dans l’espoir de recevoir de meilleurs
soins médicaux.
VISITE DU COMMISSAIRE AUX LANGUES OFFICIELLES
Graham Fraser, commissaire aux langues officielles du Canada, a visité l’Académie LaurenHill le 20 mars. Il a
été l’invité spécial de l’émission radiophonique bilingue français-anglais de LHA Radio : The Voice, station de
radio dirigée par les élèves de LaurenHill. Les hôtes, Jonathan Garceau et Mika Watts, sous la direction de leur
enseignant Louis Bilodeau, se sont distingués en janvier au cours d’une émission en direct de la conférence de
presse, au cours de laquelle la CSEM a lancé sa campagne d’inscriptions à la maternelle. Le commissaire avait
en fait demandé que l’entrevue soit faite par Garceau et Watts dans les deux langues officielles. Il s’est ensuite
adressé à un auditorium bondé d’élèves et il a accordé une entrevue à Andrea Di Tomasso, webmestre de la
CSEM pour les écoles et centres de la Commission pour le portail français NousSommesBilingues.ca.
SOIRÉE DES BÉNÉVOLES
La CSEM tiendra sa Soirée annuelle d’appréciation des bénévoles le mardi 16 avril au Holiday Inn de Côte de
Liesse. L’évènement de cette année aura lieu une semaine avant la Semaine nationale des bénévoles, sous le
thème « La clé de notre succès ».Le temps et l’espace ne permettent pas à la CSEM d’honorer ses 1 500
bénévoles en personne. Par conséquent, seules les personnes qui ont fait du bénévolat pendant plus de cinq
ans assisteront à la réception, soit près de 500 personnes. Cependant, plusieurs milliers de copies du livret du
programme commémoratif seront distribuées aux écoles. Les maîtres de cérémonie de la soirée seront Jamie
Orchard de Global News et l’humoriste montréalais Franco Taddeo. Le nom du/de la Bénévole de l’année sera
dévoilé à une date ultérieure. Pour la cinquième année consécutive, les Services financiers La Capitale est le
commanditaire principal de l’évènement. Les Services financiers La Capitale (www.lacapitale.com) qui est
membre du Groupe financier La Capitale, offre une vaste gamme de produits et de services qui sont conçus
pour simplifier les choix financiers des personnes œuvrant auprès des secteurs publics et parapublics. Ces
services incluent : conseils financiers personnels; épargne, investissements et fonds; assurance vie et santé;
hypothèques et prêts personnels; assurance d’automobiles, de véhicules récréatifs, de maisons, de voyages;
assurance commerciale et assurance de groupe.
FONDS DE BOURSES D’ÉTUDES RIVA ET THOMAS O. HECHT
Deux enseignants de la CSEM sont les récipiendaires de la Bourse d’études Riva et Thomas O. Hecht de 2013 :
Vincent Gagnon, du Collège Vincent Massey et Georgia Gotsis de l’école primaire Merton. Ils seront rejoints
l’été prochain à Yad Vashem à Jérusalem par Laurence Assouline de l’école primaire Beechwood
(Commission scolaire Lester B. Pearson) et Gina Lavine du Collège Laflèche de Trois-Rivières.
CALENDRIER
13 avril 2013
La Chorale junior se produit au concert bénéfice de Mountainside United Church
20 avril 2013
La Chorale senior se produit au concert en commémoration du compositeur Frederick Jones
DATES DE SCIENCE ET TECHNOLOGIE
Robotique junior-Robocup (primaire/secondaire) 26 et 27 avril à l’Académie Royal West
INTEL.ISEF (3 meilleurs projets de MRSTF) 12 au 17 mai à Phoénix, Arizona
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FIELDING FOCUS
The next Focus will be published on April 25, 2013. Submissions should
be made to Michael J. Cohen preferably by e-mail
([email protected]) or fax (514-483-7213) by April 19.
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