The monthly news bulletin of the EMSB The monthly news bulletin of

The monthly news bulletin of the EMSB
Vol. 8 No 4
EDITOR: MICHAEL J. COHEN
PRINTING SERVICES: L. SHAW, D. D’ORNELLAS
Dec. 22, 2005
PROOFREADING/TRANSLATION: ALINE ZEROUNIAN
Ken Dryden Visits The EMSB
∆ Mountainview Math
∆ Toy Tea
∆ Children’s Holiday Party
∆ Homework Program
∆ Lizann’s Hurricane Fund
∆ Green Party Leader
∆ Nesbitt Cares
∆ Human Rights Winner
∆ Munsch At Gardenview
∆ Food For The Hungry
∆ Spirit of Giving
∆ RTC Rocks
Dr. John Simms, Ken Dryden, Mary Reynolds, Elizabeth
Fokoefs, Marlene Jennings, Irwin Cotler and Royal West
students.
Federal Minister of Social Development Ken Dryden visited
Royal West Academy in the company of Justice Minister
Irwin Cotler and Member of Parliament Marlene Jennings.
She described Mr. Dryden as a role model for students given
how he played professional hockey and attended law school at
the same time. He is also an established author and in fact
donated a copy of his best-selling book The Game to the school
library, presenting it to Principal Mary Reynolds and student
Gregory Randolph. On the subject of education, Mr. Dryden
talked about how when he was growing up most parents had
not gone to university. “My father dropped out in Grade 11,”
he said. “That was the responsible thing to do because you
wanted to go out and work. But for my generation born after
WWII “our parents were of the mind that their kids were
going to university.” Mr. Dryden decided to spend most of his
time listening to what students had to say about Canada and
issues, which concern them. Topics of discussion included the
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environment, complacency,
the treatment of Natives
JANUARY 23-27, 2006
LIBRARY WEEK
and intolerance.
IS
EMSB
BUILDING PROJECTS: The EMSB has
appointed professionals for three significant
building projects. Work is expected to
commence sometime in the spring on a new
gymnasium for Royal West Academy and the
construction of new classrooms at Dunrae
Gardens Elementary School in TMR and East
Hill Elementary School in RDP. The
architectural firms, structural consulting
engineers and mechanical and electrical
consulting engineers selected through the
tendering process will carry out the projects.
McGill Conservatory Youth Choir, the FACE
Young Singers senior choir and the South
Shore Children’s Chorus. The concert will be
broadcast on Radio Two’s Quebec in Concert
on Sun. Dec. 25 at 12:05 p.m. (93.5), while
highlights will be featured on Dec. 23 on
Radio Noon (CBC Radio One, 88.5).
This performance kicked off the Chorale’s
holiday concert season, which was followed
up with shows at Salvation Army Citadel,
Maison Alcan Atrium and Notre-Dame-dela-Paix in Verdun, with soprano Chantal
Richard and baritone Janusz Wolny. Find
out more about the choir on its website:
www.emsbchorale.org.
SCHOOL TIME: The new subject-time
allocation of 25 hours will be implemented at
EMSB elementary schools as of July 1, 2006.
This is up 90 minutes from present-day.
LISTINGS NEEDED: Schools and centres
are being asked to submit dates of any events
or programs that would be of interest to the
system at large in 2006. These will be
published in the Fielding Focus and EMSB
Express “Important Dates to Remember”
files and on the website. Please send them to
[email protected].
CHORALE PERFORMANCE: The EMSB
Senior Chorale once again distinguished
itself in the third annual CBC Youth Choir
Gala. Part of the CBC/McGill concert series
sponsored by the McGill Schulich School of
Music and the McGill Conservatory, as well
as CBC Radio; this concert on November 27
at Pollack Hall brought together some of the
finest children’s choirs in the city, together
with the nationally acclaimed choir from
Newfoundland, Shallaway (formerly the
Newfoundland Symphony Youth Choir).
EMSB chorister Hannah Cowen was chosen
for one of the solos in the massed choir
selections. Also performing on the program,
in addition to the EMSB Chorale, were the
Larry Smith meets General Vanier students.
PROMOTION CAMPAIGN: The EMSB
will be running a special promotion
campaign in January for Kindergarten
Registration Week (Feb. 6-10). This will
include spots on Global TV featuring
Montreal Alouettes president Larry Smith
and local radio stations, as well as the TV
Times, The Gazette, Montreal Families and
community weeklies. Mr. Smith taped the
commercial at General Vanier Elementary
School in St. Léonard. He took the
opportunity to chat with students.
MOUNTAIN OF MATH: On Thurs. Nov.
17, a historical workshop was held at
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Mountainview High School Project Center on
Côte Saint-Luc Road.
EMSB Math
Consultant Tom Booth presented the Nelson
Math program to all the math teachers in the
Social Affairs system. Teachers
from
Mountainview, Focus, Montreal Children’s
Hospital, Sir Mortimer B. Davis, Hugessen
Hall and Cité des Prairies
were all
represented. This marked the first time that
all these schools were able to get their
teachers together for an event. “It was a
great opportunity for teachers to meet and
network, aside from the wonderful workshop
conducted by Tom Booth,” said Felix
Gelbart, principal of the Social Affairs
schools. “And, to make things even better,
all teachers were able to leave with their new
math materials in their hands.”
Léonard; Dalkeith in Anjou; Michelangelo in
RDP; Edinburgh and Elizabeth Ballantyne in
Montreal West; Dunrae Gardens and Carlyle
in TMR; Royal Vale Elementary and High
School in NDG; St. Raphaël Elementary and
High School in Ahuntsic; Lester B. Pearson
in Montreal North; John F. Kennedy High
School in St. Michel; and Vincent Massey
Collegiate and Nesbitt in Rosemount. Student
representatives from each school, along with
their
respective
spiritual
community
animators, teachers, administrators, and Ms.
Miller, attended the event to drop off their
donated toys and receive special certificates
of participation from Suzanne TailleurTremblay, wife of Montreal mayor Gérald
Tremblay. The Toy Tea, chaired by
Montreal philanthropist Ginger Petty,
collects and donates brand new toys to over
5,000 children in over 26 shelters of various
ethnic and religious backgrounds in
Montreal.
Students from the EMSB Toy Tea team.
TOY TEA: Eighteen participating EMSB
schools managed to collect over 3,000 new
toys for the 14th annual Christmas and
Chanukah Toy Tea, which was held on
November 30 at Tudor Hall, which is located
on the 5th floor of Ogilvy’s department store.
The 3,000 toys will benefit children of
battered women, children with AIDS and
other children’s charities in Montreal during
this holiday season. This is the third year of
the EMSB’s involvement in the Toy Tea
Campaign, which is an initiative of Spiritual,
Religious and Moral Education Consultant
Irene Miller. The participating EMSB
schools were: Honoré Mercier, Dante,
Général Vanier and Laurier MacDonald in St.
A symbolic $21,000 cheque is presented to the
Generations Foundation.
CHILDREN¹S PARTY: The EMSB
Children's Holiday Charitable Committee
held its 5th annual Children's Holiday
Charitable Event in support of Generations
Foundation on Dec. 11 at James Lyng High
School in St. Henri, raising $21,000. To
date this committee has brought in some
$56,000 for the Generations Foundation,
whose mandate is to provide breakfasts, hot
lunches, snacks, and social programs to inner
city schools, group homes and senior
residences. This Foundation is currently
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providing services in all five schools boards
on the island of Montreal and has committed
half of its operating budget to the EMSB. As
in past years, raffle tickets were sold to raise
money for this special cause. There was over
$ 5,000 in prizes to be won. This year’s
entertainment included Zuruba Percussion,
which
performed
at
the
Montreal
International Jazz Festival and recently
opened the CIBC Run for the Cure
Foundation this past September; Fine Line
Serpents brought an array of live reptiles
for all to touch and learn about as well as
their 100 lb sea turtle; the wonderful magic
of Ish Kabible; Elvis Baggio was back by
popular demand and Miss Kathy’s Dance
Academy had their junior group perform a
few dances for all to enjoy. A gift from Santa
and his elves was given to every child. Face
painting, arts & crafts table, popcorn, snow
cones, cotton candy and a light buffet were
available throughout the day. This event was
funded solely through sponsors and personal
contributors and all proceeds go to
Generations Foundation so that they may
continue their vital work in our schools and
communities.
The Montreal Teachers
Association played an active role.
HOMEWORK PROGRAM: The EMSB
has allocated $501,789 for 37 elementary
schools to participate in the Ministry of
Education Homework Assistance Program.
Section 4 of the Basic school regulation for
preschool, elementary and secondary
education stipulates that students should have
support services designed to provide
conditions that are conducive to learning and
to help with their academic and career
choices, and with any difficulties they
encounter. In its 2004-2005 budget, the
Ministry allocated $20 million for this
program and to keep these students interested
in school. It also aims to mobilize the
community and to simulate local initiatives to
set up programs adapted to each school in
order to boost student motivation to carry out
their work, improve the quality of parent-
school relations and get the community to
take a greater interest in the success of young
people. Students are receiving this homework
assistance on school premises after classes.
WELLNESS: The EMSB has allocated
$127,336 from the Ministry to implement a
Wellness-Oriented School Program at 47
elementary and high schools. Section 4 of the
Basic school regulation also stipulates that
students should be provided with an
environment conducive to the development
of a healthy lifestyle and skills that are
beneficial to their health and well-being. This
$5 million Ministry sponsored program
encourages students to adopt healthy lifestyle
habits such as regular physical activity and
healthy eating. Projects include cooperative
play with Dynamix (www.getdynamix.com),
outdoor education, anti-bullying and conflict
resolution with Sun Youth, activity through
yoga, playground leadership, healthy eating,
skating, golf skills and character education.
PASTA NIGHT: LaurenHill Academy’s
second major fundraiser, held on Nov. 16
was an unqualified success. Pasta Night,
besides amassing close to $10 000, attracted
many students, with their families and
friends. No one left disappointed, as the food
was plentiful and delicious, the entertainment
captivating, and the raffle and door prizes
impressive. Meanwhile. LaurenHill’s Junior
Academy and the Art of Living Foundation
featured the Kids 4 Kids Project at an
assembly on December 16 for all Grade 7
students and parents who accepted their
invitation. Part of a United Nations initiative,
this is aimed at promoting Random Acts of
Kindness, while supporting the fundraising of
the Montreal Children’s Hospital.
BOARD POLICIES: All of the EMSB’s
policies
have
been
posted
online
(www.emsb.qc.ca) in the English section
under governance. The English version of the
2004-2005 annual report can also be found
online.
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QUEBEC
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
PROJECT: Congratulations are due to
Merton Elementary School of Côte Saint-Luc
Cycle 2 teacher Liliane Yiptong and the
students who participated in the 2004-05
version of the Quebec Entrepreneurship
Project –ExotiKids Exotic Recipes. Merton
has been awarded $750 by the Ministry of
Education. And hats off
to Grade 6
student Alisa Knezevic
who submitted a
winning entry in the Literacy Partners of
Quebec competition Come Read With Me!
Alisa has received a gift certificate from
Babar’s Book Store and Merton received a
gift certificate of $400 toward the purchase of
books for the school library.
ANTONIO
COLANNINO
AUDITORIUM: John F. Kennedy High
School in St. Michel has announced a tribute
to
its
late
principal.
The Antonio Colannino Auditorium is
being named after the gentleman who lost his
life to a brain tumour earlier this year. Mr.
Colannino had a lifelong connection to the
school. He graduated from there in 1968 and
then went on to serve as a teacher, assistant
to the principal, fine arts program
coordinator, vice-principal and principal for
six years until falling ill.
KOOKIES FOR KATRINA: A reminder to
schools that if you are looking to do a
fundraiser for a charitable cause, the head
office of Cantor’s Bakery is willing to lend a
helping hand. While dubbed “Kookies for
Katrina,” since it was launched in the wake
of Hurricane Katrina, Cantor’s is willing to
bake the specially baked cookies for use in
the charity of their choice. Cantor’s is
underwriting the initiative with the help of
Smucker’s Canada. Merton has just raised
$494.54 for Hurricane victims. Interested
schools that wish to obtain pre-packaged
cookies (oatmeal, chocolate chip and double
chocolate) at no cost to sell them, can request
an
order
form
by
e-mail
at
[email protected].
LIZANN’S HURRICANE FUND: Local
recording artist and singer Lizann of
Montreal has embarked upon a fundraising
project with Father Paul Pomkoski, of St.
Brendan’s Parish to create the St. Brendan’s
Hurricane Katrina Fund. Although it has been
a while since Hurricane Katrina first hit,
there are far too many families just beginning
to put the pieces of their lives back together.
“For us time has passed, and perhaps for
most people Katrina is old news, but
unfortunately for many families, not much
has changed since the day Katrina disrupted
their reality forever,” says Lizann. “The goal
of the St. Brendan’s Hurricane Katrina Fund
is to choose a family affected by Katrina and
monetarily help them as they start rebuilding
a new life. That is why this project is a little
different than your standard fundraiser,
which aims at distributing funds to a large
charitable institution; our ongoing efforts to
make a difference should not be affected by
the ‘old news’ syndrome. I want to empower
the donors with the knowledge that their
money is going to a specific family. The
purpose of this fund is to put a name, a face,
and a story behind one’s donation. Unless we
are bombarded by media coverage of what is
going on, we tend to forget and simply move
on. I want to remind people that we simply
should
not
be
looking
away.”
After much consideration, the first family
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chosen by Father Paul consists of the
Martinez family (from Louisiana). Ken and
Pat Martinez (married for 40 years) and their
daughter Susan and son-in-law-Chuck along
with their four young boys (aged 10, 8, 6, and
5), are all living with their son Kenny as a
result of having lost everything and
remaining homeless. Kenny and his wife
Kathy also have one son, Jacob (age 9), who
suffers from severe cerebral palsy and
pulmonary fibrosis. Lizann has personally
decided to contribute to this project with a
song called Not This Time which she
originally wrote in honour of those affected
by the Asian Tsunami. In light of the
devastation caused by Katrina, the song has
now taken on a new and deeper meaning.
“This song is my call for others to join me in
making a difference in the lives of those who
have become temporarily lost and in search
of a new truth,” she says. “We’ve decided
that for every ten-dollar donation or more, a
disc will be given as a token of gratitude.
for details on the NTT project. Log on to
www.lizann.net
or
e-mail
[email protected], The parish is located
at 3542 Rosemount Blvd, Their phone
number is
[514] 376-4537. Lizann is
encouraging EMSB schools to come on
board and be a part of this campaign.
“Because of the nature of this project, I
believe that it can be introduced to the
schools as a full scale community service
campaign in which we are empowering the
students and their respective families to be a
part of something that is changing lives,” she
says.
GOLF SCHOLARSHIPS: The EMSB
distributed 22 cash scholarships of $500 each
on Wed. Nov. 30 (7 p.m.) to students from
the graduating class of 2005. These
scholarships are being funded from the
proceeds of the first EMSB Scholarship Golf
Tournament held in Lachute in June, 2004.
Beneficiaries from the tournament, which
took place this past June, will be chosen at
the end of the current academic year.
Scholarships were awarded to high school
students who are continuing their studies in a
post-secondary educational program. The
scholarships were divided into two
categories. Category I scholarships were
presented to students who have demonstrated
a high academic achievement as well as
involvement in school life activities such as
leadership, volunteerism, student council,
school sports, representing the school in
different events. Category II scholarships
were awarded to students who have
persevered in the face of overwhelming odds
and personal difficulties.
The 2006
tournament will take place again in Lachute
on Thurs. June 29.
Jim Harris talks to James Lyng students.
GREEN PARTY LEADER: Green Party
of Canada leader Jim Harris visited James
Lyng High School in St. Henri recently,
enlightening more than 100 Secondary IV
and V students about his platform. Mr.
Harris has been an active member of the
Green Party for over 17 years. Since 1990,
he has run as a candidate in municipal,
provincial, and federal elections in his
ongoing efforts to raise environmental
awareness. He was elected leader of the
Green Party of Canada in 2003 and led the
party through its most successful election
ever, winning nearly 600,000 votes - almost
six times the results for 2000. Politically,
Mr. Green’s shift to ecological conservative
was motivated by the need to create a
positive future for future generations. In the
short time that he has been leader, the
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Green Party has gone from relative
obscurity to becoming a major player on
the political landscape. The staggering
success of the 2004 election campaign
marked a significant point in the party’s
evolution.” The Green Party is concerned
about education,” said Mr. Harris, who
took part in an animated question and
answer period. “Education is the fuel of the
future because we have a knowledge based
economy.” Mr. Harris was presented wth a
school sweat shirt by Principal Wayne
Commeford who agreed the talk was very
educational for his students. For more
details log on to www.emsb.qc.ca (press
room).
CTV’s Frank Cavallaro at Our Lady of Pompei.
DOMM AND CAVALLARO: Grade 2
students at Our Lady of Pompei Elementary
School in Ahuntsic had a visit by Canadian
born author Kristen Domm. She displayed
her books and asked for the students'
feedback on the progress of her up-coming
book. She read them her book "Atlantic
Puffin" and explained that her husband,
Jeffrey Domm, is the illustrator of her
books. She shared with the children some of
her writing strategies, which the children are
now making use of in their own writing. It
was a pleasant experience and greatly
appreciated by the students and teachers.
Meanwhile, popular local CTV weather
forecaster Frank Cavallaro came to speak
to some of the students at Our Lady of
Pompei Elementary School. The students
are presently working on the theme
"Hurricanes and Tornadoes" and were happy
to share with Frank what they learned in
class. They also had many questions about
his work.
CLIMATE
CHANGES:
ActionEnvironnement has launched a provincial
training tour on Climate Changes for
teachers. It will continue until March 31,
2006. These free workshops are proposed to
teachers and educational advisers who
would like to explore the interdisciplinary
potential offered by climate changes in the
spirit of the reform. Depending on your
availability, workshops last between 90 and
120 minutes, These workshops are aimed at
the elementary and high school levels and
are intended for groups between six and 30
people.
For details, log on to
http://www.evb.csq.qc.net/index.cfm/2,0,16
66,9457,0,0,html, call (514) 949-3225 or email [email protected] .
NESBITT CARES: At Nesbitt Elementary
School in Rosemount, children who have
outgrown their winter snowsuits, coats,
boots or school
clothes, have been
donating material that is in good condition
to other families in need. We have several
families who would greatly appreciate
them. On December 9, Nesbitt held a dress
down day for students to raise money for
UNICEF, to help children in Rwanda.
Meanwhile, volunteer moms at Nesbitt
have started a breakfast program. Le Club
des Petits-Déjeuners du Québec started its
activities on October 4, 2005. Maddalena
D’angelo, Anna Chechile and Sylvie
Rubiano, along with other volunteer
parents and teachers, serve breakfast every
day to approximately 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 but is open to any
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child regardless of their family income.
of extra-judicial executions, torture and
sexual violence.
The John Humphrey Freedom Award is
given each year by Rights & Democracy.
Named in honour of John Peters
Humphrey, the Canadian law professor
who prepared the first draft of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
the award includes a $25,000 contribution
to the Winner’s work and a speaking tour
of Canadian cities.
Laurier Macdonald celebrates the visit of Yan
Christian Warinussy.
HUMAN RIGHTS: Yan Christian
Warinussy, winner of Rights &
Democracy’s 2005 John Humphrey
Freedom Award – one of Canada’s highest
honours for work in the field of
international human rights – visited Laurier
Macdonald High School in St. Léonard
Dec. 6
to meet with students. Mr.
Warinussy was touring Canada
for a
series of public presentations on the
courageous struggle for human rights
taking place in his native West Papua,
Indonesia. He was presented with the 2005
John Humphrey Freedom Award at a
special awards ceremony in Ottawa on Dec.
8.
As executive director of the Institute for
Research, Analysing and Development of
Legal Aid, also known as LP3BH, Mr.
Warinussy is committed to the often
dangerous task of providing legal
representation to West Papuans affected by
the Indonesian military's 42-year-old
campaign to assert control over the region,
which occupies the western half of the
island shared with Papua New Guinea. It is
estimated that as many as 100,000 Papuans
have died since Indonesia took control of
West Papua in 1963, many of them victims
Laurier Macdonald’s multicultural club,
headed by teacher Jake Sookhdeo,
arranged this visit. Student Michele
Mulchandani served as emcee.
GIVING SANTA A HAND: Josie Silvano's
Grade 2 students at Gardenview Elementary
School in Saint Laurent decided to give
Santa a hand during the Christmas holiday
season. The children helped their parents
bake goodies, which were then sold to
Grades 1, and 2 during their December bake
sale. The children marketed their products
by making posters for the sale. Most difficult
of all, the children helped their parents with
chores around the house such as making their
beds, sweeping, car washing, laundry,
vacuuming, taking out the garbage and
babysitting younger siblings. Their parents
paid them for the chores, and the children
donated 10 per cent of their earnings to the
fund. These generous gestures helped us
donate $400 to the Gazette Christmas Fund.
MUNSCH AT GARDENVIEW: The
Gardenview Elementary School community
hosted a very entertaining visit by prominent
children’s author Robert Munsch on Dec. 1.
Big and little enjoyed hilarious and heartwarming stories with Gardenview students as
characters, which were told over, giggles and
grins. Almost everyone came with book in
hand to be signed as a token of this
memorable event and this was indeed
accomplished very patiently by our visitor.
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Robert Munsch was invited to spend the day
by Grade 4 teacher Cathy Bensmihan, an
acquaintance of the famous author who
donated his time for Gardenview students.
The staff and administration demonstrated
their appreciation by cooking a scrumptious
potluck luncheon for their guest. Grade 3
students dedicated a special song to him and
everyone pitched in to decorate the school
with welcoming banners and posters related
to his books. Many answers to questions
were received by the children at the end of
each storytelling session such as how he gets
his ideas, how he started, how many books
he has written, which were his most famous
and what inspired him to become a writer.
His message was clear that it was his
experience as a daycare worker that provided
him with a wealth of ideas and inspirations to
the wonderful stories he has written over the
past thirty years. He also enticed the children
by challenging any one of them to come up
with good story ideas for a new book which
he will co-write with them and share the
benefits. He invited them to forward their
ideas onto his website. “In line with our
Success Plan Orientation pertaining to the
enhancement of literacy, the children spent
several weeks prior to his arrival reading and
studying his books in both languages,
learning about his style and his humour,”
says Principal Tina Lavranos. “They made
illustrations of his book covers, wrote stories
similar to his and even rewrote some of the
endings of his stories. This inspiring visitor
brought fun, laughter and enthusiasm towards
literacy—and possibly motivated an aspiring
author -to-be!”
SUPPLEMENTAL
EXAMS:
The
Pedagogical Services Department of the
EMSB has released the schedule for the high
school supplemental examinations, which
will take place from Jan. 16-20, 2006:
January 16 -- French Reading (8:45-10:45
a.m.) and French Listening (1:00 – 3:00
p.m.); January 17 – Mathematics 436 (9:00
a.m. – 12 p.m.) and French Writing (1:00 –
3:00 p.m.); January 18 – English Language
Arts, Part I (8:45 – 11:45 a.m.) and English
Language Arts, Part II (1:00 – 4:00 p.m.);
January 19 – English Language Arts, Part III
(8:45-11:45 a.m.), History of Quebec and
Canada and Histoire du Québec et du Canada
(both 1 :00 – 3 :15 p.m.); January 20 –
Mathematics 514 and 536 (both 9:00 a.m. –
12 p.m.), Physical Science 416 (1:00 – 3:00
p.m.) and Physical Science 436 (3:00 – 4:00
p.m.). As well, the Français écriture (5e)
exam is scheduled for December 8, 2005
from 8:45 a.m. – 12 p.m. For more
information, contact Sarah Kadoche at
Pedagogical Services, ext. 7384.
NUTCRACKER Les Grands Ballets
Canadiens of Montreal presents, for the fortysecond consecutive year, the children’s
favourite show during the Christmas holiday
period the Nutcracker ballet. No other show
of any kind has appeared regularly for so
many years in Montreal as The Nutcracker.
This fall close to 800 children and teens
attended the public auditions for The
Nutcracker in Montreal and Quebec City, and
a hundred were selected to fill the roles of the
rats, mice, cotton-candy angels, deer, lambs,
Russian dolls, Orientals and the children at
the party. They have put in two and a half
months of rehearsals to polish their roles.
Among this group is Grade 3 Royal Vale
School student Elizabeth Roy, who will be
playing a mouse for a second year. Her
father James is president of the Home and
School Association.
10
“Elizabeth Roy is one of our ‘Eco-Warriors’
who empties the recycling bins to the
recycling area,” says Royal Vale VicePrincipal Alice Buchanan.
Elizabeth is a petite eight year old in Grade 3
who loves to show everyone how a mouse
walks. She explains that last year her mother
submitted her name without her knowledge
and when she found out that she had to
audition she was very nervous. This year she
had to audition again. Elizabeth says she
loves being on stage. She is not nervous or
afraid any longer. Her rehearsals have been
taking place on Saturday and Wednesday
nights, where she gets to meet mice from
other school. When asked if it is tiring to
perform at night she said it was fine and that
getting homework done was not a problem.
“She is delightful and perfect for the part,”
says Ms. Buchanan.
For information on showtimes, log on to
www.grandsballets.com.
FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY: Did you
know that the NDG Food Depot has had an
80 percent increase in demand in the last five
years? Grade six and seven pupils at Royal
Vale School have responded to the invitation
of the NDG Fool Bank and Rosedale-Queen
Mary United Church to take part in a visual
arts competition with the theme of
food. Judging of the art was done by
Montreal City Councillor Marcel Tremblay,
parent representative Mona Rutenberg and
NDG Food Depot Director Michael Kay.
The top winners of the contest were
Samantha DiLella and Saman Ahmed,
but all students learned how different
community groups could work together
to help people appreciate life more richly and
justly. Special thanks to Neil Whitehouse
(pastor of Rosedale-Queen Mary Church),
Wendy Baker (NDG Food Band), Michael
Donkers (Spiritual/Community Animator),
and teachers Michelle Finkelstein (Gr.
7) and Cynthia Bennett (Gr. 6). The Politics
of Food Exhibition will be showcased at the
Fraser-Hickson Library in December.
ROYAL VALE HOCKEY: In September,
Royal Vale School Phys Ed teacher Norman
Katz and his counterpart at Lower Canada
College, Cris Viau, were chatting on a
shared school bus going to a GMAA
elementary cross country meet. Mr. Viau
invited Royal Vale to join their self created
hockey league with Kuper Academy, Selwyn
House and a Stanislas Academy in
Outremont “They bent over backwards to
allow us to join even without a home arena,”
said Katz. “We travel to all our games by
parent car pooling. We’ve had a couple of
practices at Doug Harvey Arena, put together
a 16 player team of Grade 5 and 6 boys, and
one girl. As of December 12, we have an 04 record, but the kids are improving and are
enjoying this great experience that no other
public elementary. school as far as I know
has. It’s a real Cinderella story.” Katz credits
the team manager, parent Edwina Huculak,
for her dedication.
CRIME PREVENTION: Responding to the
invitation of the SPVM (Service de la Police
de la Ville de Montréal), Grade 6 students at
Dante Elementary School in St. Léonard
participated in a special art activity during
Crime Prevention Week in November. As an
art teacher, Franca Mambro saw a great
opportunity to make the art class more
significant and real to her students. In the
context of Competency 2 of the Art Program
(to produce media works in the visual Arts)
the students put their talents to good use by
creating artwork in the form of a poster with
the slogan “Voici moi et ma gang. Je choisis
une bonne gang.” The goal of the activity
was to bring forth a reflection on the existing
“gang” phenomena and how the need to
belong to a group can be directed to making a
positive choice of a “good gang”. A good
part of the class was spent brainstorming on
the stereotype ideas of the word “gang”.
11
Both the art teacher and student teacher,
Maria Violini were amazed by the intense
enthusiasm with which the students
responded.
The medium and technique used for the
drawings was left up to the individual
student. The results well expressed the
students’ passion and concerns. Their efforts
proved the need of the pre-adolescent to
express his individuality and ideas. One
student even wrote a Rap song in both
languages, which he recited to the police
officers when they came to choose the
winning drawings. Constables Diane
Gemme and Claire Levac from Police
Station 42 came to Dante to choose four
preliminary drawings to be placed in a further
selection in May. After having an interactive
conversation with the students, the officers
awarded prizes to the winners. Not only was
this a great learning experience for the
students; it was also a way for them to realize
that there do exist good choices to make once
they leave the more sheltered environment of
the elementary school.
SPIRIT OF GIVING: During the month of
December, McLearon, Dalkeith and Edward
Murphy elementary schools and John Paul I
Junior High School took part in CTV's Spirit
of Giving Campaign. Students helped collect
warm clothing, toys and food for the city's
less fortunate families. They aided The Park
Extension community organization's Share
Store, Bon Dieu Dans La Rue, West Island
Assistance, Renaissance and Multicaf. The
students and the staff at these schools did a
great job sharing and caring. Local CTV
entertainment host Mose Persico even
reported live from John Paul I as the students
played the teachers in a game of soccer,
raising over $400 in the process. Jason
DiTullio of the Montreal Impact was on hand
and even took a turn in nets for the student
team!
Phys
Ed
teachers
Andrea
DiPietrantonio and Nevio Marzinotto
organized this annual event.
Santa’s workshop at Dalkeith.
MORE ON DALKEITH: This year
Dalkeith’s involvement in The Spirit of
Giving Campaign took an entire school effort
whereby students were able to visit and take
a picture with Santa Claus in his workshop,
with a donation of a non-perishable food
item. Students and teachers were greeted by
parent and student carollers’ all around the
village. .
TELETHON OF STARS: The Pierre de
Coubertin Elementary School Choir is now in
its third year under the direction of Carolyn
Hanenian. The ages of the children vary
between eight to 10. These are pupils who
have an absolute passion for singing.
Recently the choir performed at the Telethon
of Stars on CTV and Quatre Saisons. Three
students from the choir were the official
school representatives that presented a
12
donation along with Vice-Principal Rosetta
Perri. They sang two songs from “The
Sound of Music” and “My Favorite Things,”
followed by “Climb Every Mountain.”
Sheldon Goldfarb presents his book to teacher Laura
Oakes, Principal Itrat Ahmad and students.
RETURN TO CARLYLE: Author Sheldon
Goldfarb returned to his former elementary
school, Carlyle, in Town of Mount Royal on
Wed. Dec. 21 to talk to students about his
career. Goldfarb, who now lives in British
Columbia, recently completed a new book
called Remember Remember. Set in Victorian
England, it is the story of a 14-year-old
schoolboy who gets swept out of his peaceful
existence at a British boarding school and
finds himself forced to solve first a case of
blackmail and then a murder. “It’s a fun
story, mostly,” says Goldfarb, “but I hope
with a little bit of substance. I mean, it's a
murder mystery first of all, but it’s also about
growing up and learning to cope with the
adult world.” Goldfarb grew up in TMR,
attending both Algonquin and Carlyle
elementary schools and the old Mount Royal
High School, where he graduated in 1970.
He later did a BA at McGill. He now lives in
Vancouver. The book is aimed both at a
young adult and an older audience. “My
favourite reaction,” says Goldfarb, “was from
my 10-year-old cousin, who told me that
Aleister was ‘so cool’. Who would have
thought that something of mine could be
cool? On the other hand, adult readers have
enjoyed it too. One of them told me she
found my style impressive and my plot
captivating.” Mr. Goldfarb answered many
interesting questions posed by the students.
He also told them that he is now working on
his second book, a modern day mystery to be
called Decentered. What career did he want
to pursue when he was in seventh grade at
Carlyle in the 1960s? “Our teacher Miss
Jones asked us to write a composition on
what we thought we’d be doing in 2000,” he
recalled. “I did not save mine, nor do I
remember what I saw for myself as a 12 year
old.”
BANTING PROJECTS: Students at
Frederick Banting Elementary School in
Montreal North launched the second year of
the Pacific Path Program.
Each class designed a ship which will sail on
the waves of the ocean, which was prepared
by the Frederick Banting Pacific Path
Committee. Meanwhile, students donated
their stuffed animals for the Blondin
Beaulieu Foundation of Montreal North and
the Montreal Children's Hospital. To date
838 stuffed animals have been collected.
Federal MP Denis Coderre, Commissioner
Sylvia LoBianco and Regional Director Pat
Moffa were on hand for the ceremony. The
10 foot Christmas tree was decorated with
stuffed animals.
13
ENDING RACISM: Members from The
Student Commission in Ottawa visited John
Paul I High School recently and teamed up
with the schools' spiritual animator (Rocco
Speranza) to speak to over 300 students,
about the positive and constructive ways to
reduce and put an end to racism. Workshops
were facilitated and discussion centered
around racism and how
students can
participate in the Racism Stop It and
elimination program
offered by The
Canadian Heritage Department. During their
drama classes, students will be working on
developing skits and public service
announcements that will serve to send a
message about unity acceptance and
diversity. On December 6 and 7, students
from John Paul I High School took part in
the City of Montreal Firefighters and
Canadian Forces Holiday Toy Project. Over
20 students accompanied by Mr. Sperenzo
volunteered their time to help sort, repair,
clean, wrap, and pack toys for Montreal's'
less fortunate children. The students efforts
aided in the preparation of over 346 presents.
PEOPLE: Grade 11 Vincent Massey
Collegiate student Marquise Lee has written
her own novel called The Pain I Couldn’t
Remember about a woman with amnesia..
With a passion for the literary classics and an
insightful love for writing, Marquise delivers
her first novel in a distinctive style all her
own at the young age of 16.
FASHION SHOW: Returning by popular
demand in May will be EMSB In Vogue,
Fashion for Compassion Act II. This wildly
popular fashion show raised $10,000 for the
Shriner’s Hospital two years ago. It features
in-school administrators and central office
staff as models. This year’s event will take
place on Tues. May 30 (7 p.m,) at the Hellenic
Community Center (5777 Wilderton) in
Outremont. Tickets are $20 each. Proceeds
will go to the Autism Clinic of the Montreal
Children’s Hospital. Cheques can be
forwarded to Tina Lavranos, Gardenview
Elementary School; Connie Primiano,
Honore-Mercier Elementary School; Paul
Saunders, central head office. Reserve now,
since the 2004 soldout early.
POWER WITHIN: Former American
President Bill Clinton and Tour de France
legend and “Live Strong” cancer survivor
Lance Armstrong will be the keynote
speakers at the next Power Within
(www.powerwithin.com)
conference
in
Montreal on Tues. March 7 at the Palais des
Congrès. Just as was the case last summer
when Dr. Phil McGraw headlined the list of
speakers, a special rate is being offered to
EMSB personnel. Log on to www.emsb.qc.ca
for all of the details.
ADULT EDUCATION AND
VOCATIONAL SERVICES
St. Laurent Adult Centre students.
RAY OF SUNSHINE: St Laurent Adult
Centre (SLAC) began its annual giving by
entertaining senior citizens at the St.
Andrews and the Montclair senior homes. On
December 19 the SLAC Choir brought a ray
of sunshine to the faces of the seniors who
spend their lives in these homes.
The following day the SLAC student council
members delivered 25 boxes of food to the
Goodwill Mission in St. Laurent. This
annual giving has become a tradition for all
the members of the St. Laurent Adult Centre
14
as both students and staff become actively
involved in the community.
Power Within Conference
Featuring former US President Bill Clinton
and Tour de France winner Lance
Armstrong
Palais des Congrès
www.powerwithin.com
MAY 11-13, 2006
Canadian
Association
Conference
Quebec City
www.cap2006.ca
of
Principals
May 25-27, 2006
Canadian School Boards
Association Congress 2006, hosted by
QESBA
Delta Centre-Ville
RTC Rocks.
ROCKING HORSES: The Cabinetmaking
Department of Rosemount Technology
Centre (RTC) made 30 beautiful rocking
horses for Christmas. They will be
donated to inner-city schools of the
EMSB, Sun Youth and women’s shelters
as part of “Giving back to the
Community” by RTC.
IMPORTANT DATES
DECEMBER 26, 2005 – JANUARY 6,
2006
Christmas Holiday Break
MAY 30, 2006
In-School Administrators Fashion Show
Fashion for Compassion
EMSB in Vogue Act II
7 p.m.
Hellenic Community Center
5777 Wilderton
Tickets: $20 each
Cheques can be forwarded to Tina Lavranos,
Gardenview Elementary School; Connie
Primiano, Honoré-Mercier Elementary
School; Paul Saunders, central head office
JUNE 29, 2006
EMSB Golf Tournament
JANUARY 23-27, 2006
EMSB Library Week
PLEINS FEUX SUR FIELDING
JANUARY 27, 2006
Family Literacy Day
FEBRUARY 6-10, 2006
EMSB Elementary School
Week
MARCH 6-10, 2006
Spring Break
MARCH 7, 2006
SEMAINE DE LA BIBLIOTHÈQUE DE
LA CSEM, DU 23 AU 27 JANVIER 2006
Registration
PROJETS DE CONSTRUCTION : La
CSEM a engagé des professionnels pour la
réalisation de trois projets majeurs. Les
travaux de construction d’un nouveau
gymnase à l’Académie Royal West et de
nouvelles salles de classe à l’école primaire
15
Dunrae et à l’école primaire East Hill,
devraient commencer au printemps. Les
firmes d’architectes et d’ingénieurs qui
entreprendront ces projets ont été choisies par
le biais d’appels d’offres.
CHORALE : La chorale senior de la CSEM
s’est distinguée à nouveau au troisième
concert -gala annuel de chorales des jeunes
de la CBC. Ce concert fait partie de la série
de concerts CBC/McGill, parrainé par l’école
de musique Schulich et le conservatoire de
McGill, ainsi que par CBC Radio. Il a eu lieu
le 27 novembre à la salle Pollack et a réuni
quelques unes des meilleures chorales de
jeunes de la ville ainsi que la chorale de
réputation nationale de Terre Neuve,
Shallaway (anciennement le Newfoundland
Symphony Youth Choir). La choriste de la
CSEM Hannah Cowen a été choisie pour
l’un des solos des sélections des messes
chorales. En sus de la Chorale de la CSEM,
la chorale des jeunes du conservatoire de
McGill, la chorale senior des jeunes
chanteurs de FACE et la chorale des jeunes
de la Rive Sud étaient représentées au
programme. Le concert sera diffusé sur Radio
Two au programme Québec en concert, le
dimanche 25 décembre à 12 h 05 (93,5)
tandis que les faits saillants seront présentés
le 23 décembre à Radio Noon (CBC Radio
One, 88,5).
Cette représentation a lancé la saison des
fêtes de la Chorale et a été suivie par des
représentations à la Citadelle de l’Armée du
Salut, à l’atrium de la Maison Alcan et à
Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix à Verdun avec la
soprano Chantal Richard et le baryton
Janusz Wolny. Pour plus de renseignements
sur la chorale, consulter son site Web au
www.emsbchorale.org.
MONTAGNE DE MATHÉMATIQUES :
Le jeudi 17 novembre, un atelier historique a
été tenu à l’école secondaire Mountainview
Project Centre de Côte-Saint-Luc. Tom
Booth, conseiller en mathématiques de la
CSEM, a présenté le programme de
mathématiques
Nelson
à
tous
les
enseignant(e)s de mathématiques du réseau
des écoles des Affaires Sociales. Des
enseignant(e)s de Mountainview, Focus, de
l’hôpital de Montréal pour enfants, de Sir
Mortimer Davis, Hugessen Hall et Cité des
Prairies ont pris part à cet atelier qui , pour la
première fois, a permis à ces écoles de réunir
leurs enseignant(e)s. « Cet évènement, en sus
de l’excellent atelier animé par Tom Booth,
fut une excellente occasion de rencontre pour
les enseignant(e)s, » a déclaré Felix Gelbart,
directeur des Écoles des Affaires Sociales.
« Et, encore mieux, tous/toutes les
enseignant(e)s ont quitté l’atelier en
possession du nouveau matériel de
mathématiques.»
AIDE AUX DEVOIRS : La CSEM a alloué
501 789 $ aux 37 écoles primaires qui
participent au programme d’aide aux devoirs
du MELS. L’article 4 du Régime
pédagogique du préscolaire, du primaire et du
secondaire stipule que les élèves devraient
disposer de services de soutien conçus pour
offrir
des
conditions
propices
à
l’apprentissage et visant à les aider dans leurs
choix académiques et de carrières ainsi que
pour toutes les difficultés qu’ils pourraient
rencontrer. Dans son budget de 2004-2005, le
ministère a alloué 20 millions de dollars à ce
programme pour maintenir l’intérêt de ces
élèves envers l’école. Il vise aussi à mobiliser
la communauté et à stimuler les initiatives
locales d’élaboration de programmes adaptés
à chaque commission scolaire, qui motivent
l’élève à travailler, améliorent la qualité des
relations des parents avec l’école et poussent
la communauté à s’impliquer à la réussite des
jeunes élèves. Ce programme d’aide aux
devoirs est dispensé aux élèves à l’école
après les heures de classe.
ÉCOLES EN FORME ET EN SANTÉ : La
CSEM a alloué 127 336 $ à la mise en œuvre
du programme « Écoles en forme et en
santé » du MELS dans 47 écoles primaires et
secondaires. L’article 4 du Régime
pédagogique stipule aussi que les élèves
devraient jouir d’un environnement favorable
16
au développement de saines habitudes de vie
et de compétences qui influencent, de
manière positive, leur santé et leur bien-être.
Ce programme de 5 millions de dollars
parrainé par le ministère encourage les élèves
à adopter de saines habitudes de vie, dont la
pratique régulière d’activités physiques et
une saine alimentation. Les projets incluent le
jeu
coopératif
Dynamix
(www.getdynamicx.com), l’éducation en
plein air, l’anti-intimidation et la résolution
de conflits de Jeunesse au Soleil, le
leadership en récréation, l’alimentation saine,
le patinage, et le golf et la formation de
caractère.
POLITIQUES DE LA COMMISSION : Toutes les
politiques de la Commission sont disponibles
à la section française du site Web de la
CSEM sous gouvernance (www.emsb.qc.ca).
La version française du rapport annuel 20042005 est aussi disponible sur le site.
BISCUITS POUR KATRINA : Un rappel
aux écoles qui désirent organiser une levée de
fonds pour une cause charitable : le siège
social des Boulangeries Cantor est disposé à
apporter son aide. Bien que nommé
« Biscuits pour Katrina », depuis son
lancement, suite à l’ouragan Katrina, les
Boulangeries Cantor sont disposées à cuire
des biscuits spécialement pour l’organisme
caritatif de leur choix. Les Boulangeries
Cantor souscrivent à cette initiative avec
l’aide de Smucjer’s Canada. L’école Merton
vient de recueillir 494,54 $ pour les victimes
de Katrina et les écoles intéressées qui
désirent obtenir gratuitement des biscuits
préemballés (avoine, brisures de chocolat et
double chocolat) aux fins de vente peuvent
demander un formulaire de commande en
adressant un courriel à [email protected]
BOURSES D’ÉTUDES : La CSEM a
décerné 22 bourses d’études de 500 $
chacune le mercredi 30 novembre (19 h) aux
élèves de la classe des finissants de 2005. Ces
bourses d’études sont financées par le produit
du premier tournoi de golf de la CSEM tenu à
Lachute en juin 2004. Les bénéficiaires du
tournoi, qui a eu lieu en juin dernier, seront
choisis à la fin de l’année scolaire courante.
Les bourses d’études ont été décernées à des
élèves du secondaire qui poursuivent des
études post-secondaires et elles ont été
réparties en deux catégories. Les bourses
d’études de Catégorie I ont été décernées aux
élèves qui ont fait preuve de rendement
académique élevé ainsi que de participation
aux activités de la vie scolaire dont le
leadership, le bénévolat, le conseil d’élèves,
les sports scolaires représentent l’école lors
de divers évènements. Les bourses d’études
de Catégorie II ont été décernées aux élèves
qui ont persévéré malgré d’écrasants
obstacles et difficultés personnelles. Le
tournoi de 2006 aura lieu à nouveau à
Lachute le 29 juin.
CHANGEMENTS
CLIMATIQUES :
Action- Environnement a lancé une tournée
de formation provinciale sur les changements
climatiques à l’intention des enseignant(e)s,
qui se poursuivra jusqu’au 31 mars 2006. Ces
ateliers gratuits sont proposés aux
enseignant(e)s
et
conseiller(ère)s
pédagogiques qui aimeraient explorer le
potentiel interdisciplinaire offert par les
changements climatiques. Selon votre
disponibilité, les ateliers durent entre 90 à
120 minutes; ils visent les niveaux primaire
et secondaire et sont prévus pour des groupes
de six à trente personnes. Pour
renseignements supplémentaires, consultez
http://www.evb.csq.qc.net/index.cfm/2.0.166
6.9451.0.0.html ou appelez au (514) 9493225 ou adressez un courriel à
[email protected].
DOMM ET CAVALLARO : Les élèves de
deuxième année de l’école primaire Our
Lady of Pompei ont reçu la visite de l’auteur
canadienne Kristen Domn. Elle a exposé ses
livres et a demandé aux élèves de donner leur
avis au sujet du livre qu’elle écrit
présentement. Elle a aussi lu des passages de
son livre « Atlantic Puffin » et a expliqué que
son mari, Jefferey Domn, illustrait ses livres.
Elle a partagé quelques unes de ses stratégies
17
de rédaction avec les élèves qui les utilisent
maintenant pour leurs propres travaux. Ce fut
une expérience très agréable qui a été
fortement appréciée par les élèves et les
enseignant(e)s.
Frank
Cavallaro,
météorologue très connu du réseau CTV,
s’est adressé à quelques élèves de l’école Our
Lady of Pompei. Les élèves travaillent
actuellement au thème « Ouragans et
tornades » et ils ont été heureux de partager
avec Frank ce qu’ils avaient appris en classe.
Ils lui ont posé aussi de nombreuses
questions au sujet de son travail.
AIDE AU PÈRE NOËL : Les élèves de 2e
année de Josie Silvano de l’école primaire
Gardenview ont décidé d’aider le Père Noël
durant la période des Fêtes. Les enfants ont
aidé leurs parents à cuire des friandises, qui
ont été ensuite vendues à la 1re et 2e année au
cours de la vente de gâteaux de décembre.
Les enfants ont fait la publicité de leurs
produits en affichant des avis de vente. Ils ont
aussi aidé leurs parents à la maison en
s’acquittant de tâches plus difficiles dont
faire leur lit, balayer, laver la voiture, la
lessive, passer l’aspirateur, sortir les
poubelles et garder leurs frères et sœurs plus
jeunes. Les parents les ont payé pour ces
travaux et les enfants ont remis 10 pour cent
de leurs gains au fonds. Ces gestes généreux
ont permis de faire don de 400 $ au fonds de
Noël de la Gazette.
CASSE-NOISETTES : Les Grands Ballets
Canadiens de Montréal présentent, pour la
quarante-deuxième année consécutive, le
spectacle favori des enfants de la période des
Fêtes : Le ballet Casse-noisettes. Aucun autre
spectacle de n’importe quel genre n’a été
présenté régulièrement depuis tant d’années à
Montréal. Cet automne, près de 800 enfants
et adolescents à Montréal et à Québec ont
assisté aux auditons publiques pour CasseNoisettes et une centaine d’entre eux a été
choisie pour les rôles de rats, souris, anges,
agneaux, cerfs, poupées russes , orientales et
celui des enfants à la fête. Ces enfants ont
consacré deux mois et demi de répétitions à
leurs rôles. Parmi ce groupe, l’on retrouve
Elizabeth Roy, élève de 3e année de l’école
Royal Vale, qui tiendra le rôle d’une souris
pour une deuxième année. Son père James est
le président de l’Association foyers-écoles.
« Elizabeth Roy est l’une de nos ‘Éco
guerrières’ qui vide les contenants de
produits à recycler au site de recyclage »
déclare Alice Buchanan, directrice adjointe
de Royal Vale.
Elizabeth est une élève de huit ans en 3e
année qui prend plaisir à démontrer à tout le
monde la façon dont une souris marche. Elle
explique que l’an dernier sa mère a soumis
son nom sans l’aviser et que le fait de devoir
passer une audition l’avait rendue très
nerveuse. Cette année, elle a dû passer à
nouveau une audition, mais comme elle aime
beaucoup être sur scène elle n’est plus
effrayée ou nerveuse. Ses répétitions avaient
lieu les samedis et les mercredis soirs et elle
avait l’occasion de rencontrer des souris
d’autres écoles. Lorsqu’on lui a demandé si
ce n’était pas fatiguant de monter sur scène le
soir, elle a répondu qu’elle n’avait pas
d’objection et que finir ses devoirs ne lui
posait aucun problème. « Elle est délicieuse
et parfaite pour le rôle » souligne Mme
Buchanan.
Pour tous renseignements sur l’horaire des
spectacles,
consultez
www.grandsballets.com.
PRÉVENTION DE LA CRIMINALITÉ : En
réponse à l’invitation du Service de la Police
de la Ville de Montréal, les élèves de 6e
année de l’école primaire Dante ont participé
en novembre à une activité artistique spéciale
au cours de la Semaine de la prévention de la
criminalité. L’enseignante d’art, Franca
Mambro a saisi cette occasion pour rendre sa
classe d’arts plus significative et plus réelle
pour ses élèves. Dans le contexte de la
Compétence 2 du programme d’arts (produire
des travaux de médias en arts visuels), les
élèves ont eu recours à leurs talents pour
créer une affiche portant le slogan « Voici
moi et ma gang. Je choisis une bonne gang ».
18
L’objectif de l’activité a été de susciter une
réflexion sur le phénomène actuel de ‘gang’
et comment le besoin d’appartenir à un
groupe peut être orienté vers le choix positif
d’une « bonne gang ». Une grande partie du
cours a été consacrée à un remue-méninges
sur les stéréotypes de ‘gang’. L’enseignante
d’art et l’enseignante de la classe, Maria
Violini, ont été agréablement surprises par
l’enthousiasme intense des réponses des
élèves.
Le médium et la technique utilisés pour les
dessins ont été laissés au choix individuel de
l’élève. Les résultats ont parfaitement
exprimé la passion et les préoccupations des
élèves. Leurs efforts ont prouvé le besoin du
pré-adolescent d’exprimer son individualité
et ses idées. Un élève a même écrit une
chanson rap dans les deux langues qu’il a
récité aux agents du service de police quand
ils sont venus choisir les dessins gagnants.
Les policières Diane Gemme et Claire
Levac du poste 42 se sont rendues à l’école
Dante pour
choisir
quatre dessins
préliminaires qui feront partie d’une autre
sélection en mai. Après avoir eu une
conversation interactive avec les élèves, les
policières ont remis des prix aux gagnants.
Ce fut non seulement une excellente
expérience d’apprentissage pour les élèves
mais aussi une façon pour eux de réaliser
qu’il existe de bons choix à faire dès qu’ils
quittent l’environnement protégé de l’école
primaire.
METTRE FIN AU RACISME : Des
membres de la Commission des étudiants
d’Ottawa ont visité récemment l’école
secondaire John Paul I et se sont joints à
l’animateur spirituel Rocco Speranza pour
parler à plus de 300 élèves des façons
positives et constructives de réduire et de
mettre fin au racisme. Des ateliers ont été
organisés et la discussion a porté sur le
racisme et sur la façon dont les élèves
peuvent participer au programme « Mettre fin
au racisme » offert par le ministère de
l’Héritage canadien. Au cours de leurs
classes d’art théâtral, les élèves travailleront à
la production de sketchs et à des annonces
d’intérêt public qui serviront à faire parvenir
un message au sujet de l’acceptation de
l’unité et la diversité. Les 6 et 7 décembre,
les élèves de l’école secondaire John Paul I
ont pris part au projet de distribution de
jouets des pompiers de la Ville de Montréal
et des Forces armées canadiennes. Plus de 20
élèves accompagnés par M. Speranza se sont
offerts bénévolement pour aider à trier,
réparer, nettoyer, envelopper et empaqueter
des jouets pour les enfants démunis de
Montréal. Le bénévolat des élèves a permis
de préparer plus de 346 cadeaux
FÊTE DE NOËL DES ENFANTS : Le
comité de la Fête de Noël des enfants de la
CSEM organisera son cinquième évènement
annuel au profit de Generations Foundation
le dimanche 11 décembre à l’école
secondaire James Lyng. À ce jour, le comité
a recueilli plus de 35 000 $ pour Generations
Foundation dont le mandat est d’offrir des
petits-déjeuners, des repas chauds, des
collations et des programmes sociaux aux
écoles en milieux défavorisés et aux
résidences d’aînés. Cette Fondation dispense
actuellement des services à toutes les cinq
commissions scolaires de l’île de Montréal et
a engagé la moitié de son budget de
fonctionnement à la CSEM. Comme par les
années passées, des billets de loterie ont été
vendus dans le but de lever des fonds pour
cette cause et il y a eu plus de 5 000 $ de prix
à gagner. Les spectacles de cette année ont
été présentés par Zuruba Percussion qui
s’est produit au Festival international de jazz
de Montréal et qui a récemment inauguré, en
septembre, la campagne de la Fondation de la
Course à la Vie de la CIBC; Fine Line
Serpents a présenté une variété de reptiles
vivants que tout le monde pouvait toucher
ainsi qu’une tortue marine de 100 lbs; le
spectacle de magie d’Ish Kabile; Elvis
Baggio qui était de retour à la demande
générale et l’Académie de danse Miss
Kathy dont le groupe junior a interprété
quelques danses au grand plaisir de toutes les
personnes présentes. Un cadeau de la part du
Père Noël et de ses lutins a été remis à
19
chaque enfant. Le maquillage d’enfants, une
table d’artisanat, du maïs soufflé, et un léger
buffet ont été offerts tout au long de la
journée. Cet évènement a été financé
entièrement par des commanditaires et des
dons personnels et le produit de la journée a
été remis à Generations Foundation afin que
cet organisme puisse poursuivre son mandat
dans nos écoles et la communauté.
L’Association des enseignantes et des
enseignants de Montréal a participé
activement à cet évènement.
30 MAI 2006
Défilé de mode des cadres scolaires
Acte II – 19 h
Centre communautaire hellénique
5777 Wilderton
Billets : 20 $
Les chèques peuvent être adressés à Tina
Lavranos,
école primaire Gardenview; Connie
Primiano,
école primaire Honoré Mercier; Paul
Saunders,
centre administratif
DATES À RETENIR
29 JUIN 2006
Tournoi de golf de la CSEM
26 DÉCEMBRE 2005 – 6 JANVIER 2006
Congé de Noël
23-27 JANVIER 2006
Semaine de la bibliothèque de la CSEM
27 JANVIER 2006
Journée familiale d’alphabétisation
6-10 FÉVRIER 2006
Semaine des inscriptions au primaire
7 MARS 2006
Congrès Power Within
Mettant en vedette Bill Clinton, ancien
président des
États-Unis et Lance Armstrong, vainqueur du
Tour de France.
Palais des Congrès
www.powerwithin.com
11-13 MAI 2006
Congrès de l’Association canadienne des
Directeurs d’école (CAP)
Québec
www.cap2006.ca
25-27 MAI 2006
Congrès 2006 de l’Association des
commissions
scolaires canadiennes
Sous les auspices de l’ACSAQ
Delta Centre-Ville
Submissions for the Fielding Focus should be
made to Michael J. Cohen by e-mail
([email protected]), fax (483-7213) or drop
it by room 109.