November - Lester B. Pearson School Board

November 2011
FROM THE DIRECTOR GENERAL & CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Volume XIV, No 4
PEARSON NEWS
LBPSB AND MONTREAL IMPACT SOCCER TEAM RENEW PARTNERSHIP
The Lester B. Pearson School Board
(LBPSB) and the
Montreal Impact
soccer team recently
announced at a joint press
conference, held at Pierrefonds Comprehensive
High School, the continuation of a longstanding partnership. The Montreal Impact
soccer club will become a part of Major
League Soccer
(MLS), playing its
first game as a part
of the professional
soccer league in
2012. The LBPSB
joined forces with
the Montreal Impact for its “All the
Way with the Impact” Program.
The “All the Way with the Impact” partnership involves current and former players as
well as administrators from the soccer
team visiting a number of the LBPSB’s
classrooms, preferential priced tickets to
Impact’s home games, two annual bursaries
for exceptional LBPSB students as well as
soccer school expertise for lunch and after
school programs. The overall message of
the” All the Way with the
Impact” Program is the
importance of staying and
striving in school and the
role that sports can play in
helping students achieve
this.
A number of LBPSB
representatives were on hand for the
announcement of the partnership as well as
Mauro Biello, Assistant Coach of the
Montreal Impact and
former player and Adam
Braz, Team Manager
and former player. Both
Biello and Braz spoke to
the students about the
importance of staying in
school and how athletics
and academics could be
combined if there is a
balance between the
two.
Nicolas Gaillard, in charge of marketing and
sales development for the Impact’s soccer
schools, also demonstrated a short soccer
clinic, with the assistance of a number of
Pierrefonds Comprehensive High School
students.
I N T HI S I S S U E :
2
DIRECTOR GENERAL’S REPORT
3
MEASLES VACCINATION CAMPAIGN
3
CONGRATULATIONS ST. PAUL ELEMENTARY
3
LBPSB’S ANNUAL MATH OLYMPICS
4
JRHS - CINDERELLA PRODUCTION
5
CENTRAL STUDENTS’ COMMITTEE 2011-2012
5
ANNUAL CAREER AND EDUCATION FAIR
5
JUSTING TRUDEAU VISITS BEURLING ACADEMY
6
PEF’S ANNUAL GALA
6
PCHS STUDENT RAISES FUNDS FOR BREAST CANCER
7
‘CANADA CLASS’ IN CHINA
7
LAKESIDE’S HALLOWEEN FOOD DRIVE
8
SHERWOOD FOREST’S TERRY FOX RUN
8
JRHS STUDENTS HELP FIRE VICTIMS
8
ST. ANTHONY ELEMENTARY PERFORMS AT COUNCIL
9
DR. JUDITH SPRINGATE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
9
PETES CELEBRATES HALLOWEEN
9
REMEMBRANCE DAY ASSEMBLY AT ALLION
10 REPORT FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
11 PACC ADULT LEARNER NOMINATED
11 LAKESIDE’S GOLDEN GIRLS
11 ST. CHARLES ELEMENTARY REMEMBERS
12 REMEMBRANCE DAY: WHAT IF EVERYONE WINS?
LBPSB SIGNS MAJOR PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
At the November 28th
Council of Commissioners’ Meeting, the LBPSB
signed a major partnership
agreement that will allow for
50 students from India to
come to the board’s International Language Program
to study Accounting. This
symbolizes not only
another expansion for the
LBPSB’s already large
international program but
it is also the first partnership of its kind in Quebec,
as well as the school board’s
first major partnership with
India.
The students from India will
be studying the vocational
program beginning next year.
All classes that are part of the
1,800 hour Accounting
Program will be offered at
the International Language
Centre, Marcus Tabachnick Pavilion, located in
Dorval. The program will
take one year and a half for
the students to complete.
12 JRHS STUDENT JOINS RICK HANSEN
12 LINDSAY PLACE HIGH SCHOOL AT THE OPERA
13 BEURLING VISITS ASTRAL RADIO STATIONS
13 THORNDALE REMEMBERS…
13 ASSOCIATION OF TEACHERS OF ENGLISH QUEBEC
14 PCHS GOES TO BEECHWOOD
14 THE STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
14 JRHS HOSTS WEEKLONG HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES
14 STUDENTS LEADING STUDENTS
15 UNOFFICIAL NOTES FROM COUNCIL
15 COMMISSIONERS’ PHONE NUMBERS
16 DATES TO NOTE
Page 2
PEARSON NEWS
DIRECTOR GENERAL’S REPORT
A Tragic Loss
On behalf of our
entire school board
community, I wish to
express to the family
of St. Thomas High
School student,
Razmig Soukuassian, and his mother,
Carolin Boghosin, our most sincere
sympathies on their loss in the recent
terrible fire. The family remains in
our thoughts and prayers.
Career Fair
This year’s Career Fair was once
again a truly excellent and valuable
experience for the student and staff
participants as well as for those
present as representatives of their
schools, professions and occupations.
This event is, in many ways, a twoway street in that there is a wealth of
information given to students and, on
their part, they give a confirmation to
the presenters that there is enthusiasm, energy and ability coming to
them. I extend a most sincere “Thank
You” to our corporate and educational
partners and to the staff members who
created a very significant event.
Pearson Educational Foundation
Gala
I wish to extend congratulations to
Barbara Freeston and her organizing
group for the success of the Second
Annual Pearson Educational Foundation Gala held on the evening of
November 10. As its major fundraising event, it proved highly
effective and, more important, a most
enjoyable evening of dinner and
dance.
Workshop for New Teachers
Almost 80 of our teachers who are
new to the profession attended an
afternoon workshop that was addressed
by EMSB Principal Harold Penn. The
youth, enthusiasm and energy that was
present in the Board Room was truly
remarkable, confirming that our
profession is in excellent hands for the
future. The hands-on part of the session was led by our own Dr. Cindy
Finn who shared her commitment and
professional expertise. This event was
part of the on-going staff mentoring
program in our schools that has been
implemented by Mrs. Betty
MacKinnon.
Reporting
Our first formal reporting period is
now over and the information in the
hands of parents and students. The
common report format mandated by
the MELS was used and we trust that
parents found it meaningful and useful.
Winter Safety for Students and Staff
As the colder winds approach, this is a
reminder that roads are more treacherous and that our streets and sidewalks
are filled with youngsters in the early
morning and late afternoons. Please
drive with extra care. I wish also to
remind parents that students are
expected to participate in outdoor
recess periods so please ensure that
they are dressed properly for the colder
days.
LPHS Staff in Henan Province,
China
Three teachers from Lindsay Place
High School are presently teaching at
Luoyang Foreign Language School in
Henan Province of China. They are
working with 22 Chinese teens who
will be attending Lindsay Place in
Secondary 5 for the 2012-2013
academic year. The teachers are providing intensive English classes as well
as preparing the young people for
the adjustments they will face in
coming to Canada. They continue
to be impressed with the work and
study ethic of their charges but find
them identical in interests to their
Canadian counterparts.
R.T. Mills - Director General
Strategic Directions in the
Pearson News
As you read through the
Pearson News, you’ll notice
that some of the articles have
the numbers one through four
next to them. These numbers
are associated
with the
LBPSB’s 2010-2015
Strategic Plan and its four
main directions. Each month,
you’ll see these numbers next
to the articles found in the
pages of the Pearson News
and it will give you an idea of
what the
board’s
schools and
centres are doing in line with
the new Strategic Plan. You’ll
find a legend on page 14 with
details on what strategic
direction each number is
related to.
Volume XIV, No 4
Volume XIV, No 4
Page 3
PEARSON NEWS
MEASLES VACCINATION CAMPAIGN IN SCHOOLS
The Lester B. Pearson
School Board, along with
other school boards across
Quebec, will be collaborating with the Ministère de
Santé et de Services Sociaux
(MSSS) to offer the measles
vaccination in schools,
beginning in January 2012.
More than 750 cases of the
measles have been reported in Quebec
since April 2011, with two-thirds of
these cases being in schools. To help
stop the spread of the measles, the
MSSS will be vaccinating all students
and staff who have not received the
necessary doses of the vaccine or who
do not have proof of vaccination.
Parents whose children fall into this
category will be sent a consent form or
a request for proof of vaccination. The
vaccines will be offered at school and
students aged 14-years and older can
give consent themselves to receive the
vaccine.
A person is considered to be protected
if he or she:
•
•
•
Was born in 1980 or after and
received two doses of measles
(rubeola) vaccine on or after his or
first birthday;
Was born between 1970 and 1979
and received one dose of measles
vaccine on or after his or her first
birthday;
Was born before 1970 even if he or
she has never been vaccinated
against measles.
Vaccination remains the most effective
way to protect yourself against measles.
It is most effective when given before
contact with a contagious person. If
you or your child has been vaccinated,
you will find one of the following vaccine names in your vaccination record:
M-M-R, M-M-R II, Priorix or Priorix
-Tetra, Trivirix, Attenuvax, Rimevax,
Rubeovax, Lirugen, M-R Vax, antirubeola vaccine (vaccin antirougeoleux).
The MSSS is recommending that if you
or your child has the following symptoms, it’s best to stay home to reduce
the risk of infecting others:
High fever
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes
Cough
Red spots all over the body
For more information about measles,
the vaccine, and the campaign in
schools, contact your school nurse or
a health care professional, visit the
website at www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/
rougeole, or call Info Santé by
dialing 8-1-1.
CONGRATULATIONS ST. PAUL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Students and staff at St. Paul Elementary are celebrating the recent
announcement that their school
placed first in the nation-wide Majesta
Trees of Knowledge contest. The school
has been awarded with a $20,000, customdesigned outdoor classroom from Majesta.
St. Paul Elementary was the only school in
Quebec to be chosen as one of 10 finalists
from across Canada. Each participating
school submitted a design of what their
outdoor classroom would look like. St.
Paul Elementary’s classroom will feature a
movable chalkboard, stump
seating, bird houses, games
logs, reading circles and
much more. Building of the
classroom will start in
April or May, which will
allow the students and staff
to begin enjoying the
classroom before the end of
the school year.
Popular vote decided the winner of the
contest and St. Paul Elementary received
59,727 votes. “I would like to thank every-
one who took the
time to vote for us,”
said Judi Pyves,
Principal of St. Paul
Elementary. “The
students and staff are
looking forward to
using the outdoor
classroom. A big
thank you to Majesta and to the two
parents, Linda Thompson and Monica
Szekely, who headed this project on
behalf of the school.”
LBPSB’S ANNUAL MATH OLYMPICS
Eighteen Lester B. Pearson School Board elementary schools will participate in the
board’s annual Math Olympics, an event at which participants learn to perform and
apply math procedures in a limited time frame. The Math Olympics provides students with
an opportunity to work in teams while engaging in fun and challenging math activities
outside the classroom. As part of this year’s event, students will have the opportunity to
experience an exploration activity using a new platform of technology such as the iPod and
laptop.
This year’s Math Olympics will take place on December 8th at Lakeside Academy from
6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and December 15th at Riverdale High School from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30
p.m.
Page 4
PEARSON NEWS
Volume XIV, No 4
Page 5
PEARSON NEWS
CENTRAL STUDENTS’ COMMITTEE 2011-2012
dent representatives were on hand for the Di Bello, Commissioner, Nancy Hain,
Reginoal Director, and Rebecca Binet,
committee’s first meeting and voted the
following students as executive members: Leadership Consultant.
Chair: Alex D’Arienzo, John Rennie
High School,
Vice Chair: Genevieve Reeves, Beurling
Academy,
Vice Chair: Destini Maighan, Beurling
Academy,
Secretary: Caroline Gregory, John
Rennie High School,
Treasurer: Daniel Gabrielli, BeaconsThe Lester B. Pearson School
Board’s Central Students’ Committee field High School.
recently nominated its executive members
for the 2011-2012 school year. Thirty stu- Representing the school board are Frank
ANNUAL CAREER AND EDUCATION FAIR A BIG SUCCESS
The Lester B. Pearson School
Board guidance counselors and
a number of the school board’s
partners were pleased to host the 2011
edition of the annual LBPSB Career
and Education Fair. The fair was held
at Pierrefonds Comprehensive High
School on November 22nd. More than
3,500 students and adult learners from
the board’s schools and centres parover 70 interactive kiosks representticipated in the event, which featured ing CEGEPs, colleges, vocational
centres, universities and local businesses. Representatives were on hand
at every kiosk to engage students in
career exploration conversations and
activities.
JUSTIN TRUDEAU VISITS BEURLING ACADEMY
students. They waited in
eager anticipation as he
made his way down the
hall and into their classroom. He spent most of
the class answering the
students’ insightful and
well thought out questions, such as whether or
not he plans on running as the head of the
Liberal Party in the future. His response?
Beurling Academy was very fortuFor the moment he wants to spend time
nate to be graced with the presence of with his children. “Awwwwwww,” was the
Justin Trudeau on the morning of Friday, unanimous reaction of the students.
November 18th. Justin, Member of
Justin then made his way to the auditorium
Parliament for Papineau and son of the late where he met with the entire Secondary 5
Prime Minister Pierre E. Trudeau, curclass. He spoke briefly about environmental
rently dedicates his time as Liberal Party
activism, as well as education and multiculCritic for Youth. Being a teacher himself, turalism. Throughout the presentation, the
he seemed genuinely excited to be
point he stressed was the role that young
amongst the students of Beurling.
people play in all elements of society. To
Justin began his day in an intimate setting quote Justin, “You are NOT the future of
by meeting with the Secondary 5 IB
tomorrow, but rather the future of TO-
DAY!” His goal was to
inspire the students and
make them realize that
every little thing they do
counts, whether it be for
the environment or to
further their education.
During recess, many of
our students took the
opportunity to speak with Justin one-onone, take some pictures or get his autograph as he circulated through the
cafeteria. The students were enthusiastic
to get to know him on a slightly more
personal level. As he left the building, the
excitement continued throughout the day
as students realized just what a unique
opportunity this was. His inspiring
message may just have had the impact
that he had hoped!
Tania Tabet - Senior Social Studies
teacher, Beurling Academy
Page 6
PEARSON NEWS
PEARSON EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION’S ANNUAL GALA
The Pearson
Educational
Foundation
(PEF) enriches the
lives and
classrooms of
the students
of the Lester
B. Pearson School Board. The biggest
single fund raiser of the year is the annual
Gala. On Thursday, November 10th, employees, suppliers, friends, and supporters
from the community at large, gathered at
Sorrento’s in LaSalle for a lovely evening
of food, wine and music, bringing in more
than $57,000 with donations still arriving
and gratefully accepted!
The light and entertaining touch of MC
Christine Long of CTV
kept the evening popping.
Former LBP Chairman
Marcus Tabachnick
received the PEF 2011
Honorary Life Member
Award for his constant
strong support of the
Foundation since its
inception.
We thank our major sponsors, Groupe
Laudie, Johnson Controls and Autobus
Transco, all the donors who filled the raffle
table to the brim and everyone who sponsored services and products free or at very
special rates in making the evening a
success.
A special thank you to
our students: of
Pearson Culinary Arts
for dessert and gifts of
truffles, of Light a
dream for the beautiful candles, and from
LaSalle Community
Comprehensive High
School for the photography.
See the sponsors and the photos on the
PEF website: www.pef.lbpsb.qc.ca.
Barbara Freeston – President of the PEF
HOLIDAY GREETING CARDS FOR SALE
12 assorted cards for $12, tax included
Painted by Beaconsfield High School and Pierrefonds Comprehensive High
School students
Order now at www.pef.lbpsb.qc.ca.
PCHS STUDENT RAISES FUNDS FOR BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION
It is with great pride that Pierrefonds Comprehensive High
School announces that Katie Howard
(Secondary 5) organized her very own
Walk/Run for the Cure to benefit the
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation as
part of her ambitious Personal Project.
Through her amazing “IB Learner”
organizational skills, help from staff
and students and even encouragement
from Virgin Radio’s Kelly Alexander,
more than $2300 was raised for an excellent cause. Congratulations, Katie!
Volume XIV, No 4
Page 7
PEARSON NEWS
“CANADA CLASS” IN CHINA
Three teachers from Lindsay Place
High School are in Beijing, China for
one month , teaching a class of students
English and academic expectations in
Canada to prepare them for their studies at
the Lester B. Pearson School Board next
year. Below is what one of the teachers
wrote about the experience so far in China.
Since coming to Luoyang Foreign Language
School, we have met and worked with many
different stakeholders in education. By far,
the most rewarding experiences, as most
teachers would agree, have been our daily
interactions with our "Canada Class."
There are 22 students ranging in age between
15 and 18 in our class. Each student has
chosen an English name to complement his
Chinese name. Poter is a born leader, and
full of mischief. Nova loves to
dance. Crystal is a serious academic who
plays piano beautifully. Jenica is soft spoken
and shy, with incredible artistic talent. Susan and Janet are identical twins who
dress the same. Winnie, named for Winnie
the Pooh, is an excellent basketball player, as
is John, the 6 foot 5 inch 16 year old. Martin
is a quiet and unassuming guy with formidable Kung Fu talent. It has been a pleasure
getting to know all of these unique individuals.
Everyday, we teach three periods of Drama
and three periods of English. Aside from the
intensive six periods in English that these
students have with us everyday, they have
three extra periods a day for Chinese instruction and math.
Students begin their school day at
7:40a.m. They have 40 minute periods with
10 minutes
between each
class. At
10a.m.,
students have a
half hour
recess, where
often they must
participate in
daily exercise
in the school
yard. Students
break for lunch
at noon and
return to
school at 2:30 for afternoon instruction. Our
afternoon classes finish at 5p.m., but students
stay at school, in some cases, until 9p.m.
Our students will spend the next school year,
2012-2013, at Lindsay Place High School. It
is our job to give these students a taste of what
the academic expectations will be. Many of
them are nervous about communication, about
being away from home for such an extended
period of time, about how they will fit into the
community at LPHS.
In English, we have been studying Lois
Lowry's classic and award winning novel, The
Giver. Increasing comprehension and vocabulary has been a main focus for these students,
and they are up to the challenge. In every
instance, when tasks are assigned, students
dive into their work with energy and determination. There are many different levels in the
classroom, as in any classroom, but each
student understands the importance of working
hard to achieve goals. What we are asking of
these students is difficult. They are immersed
in a foreign language all day, often only
comprehending a
fraction of the
lesson. One would
think that these
students would
become discouraged or frustrated,
but the opposite is
true. They are
cheerful and polite,
always doing their
utmost to follow the
lesson and produce
their best work.
Students have also
been hard at work with an artistic endeavour
that showcases their creativity and individuality. We are making a quilt that will
remain on display at Luoyang Foreign
Language School with this Canada Class
until the end of the school year, and will be
brought to LPHS next year, to showcase in
our school.
It is truly amazing to see these students,
who live a world away from Pointe Claire,
acting like, talking about, and caring about
the same things our students do. Their ideas
and perceptions about the world are shaped
by interactions with their families, their
friends, and their society. Although these
Chinese students come from half way
around the world, they share the same
values, hopes, and dreams, as our students
at LPHS.
We are enjoying our time in Luoyang and
look forward to welcoming the Canada
Class to Lindsay Place next school year.
LAKESIDE’S HALLOWEEN FOOD DRIVE
The
Student
Council at
Lakeside
Academy
organized a
food drive for
Halloween
week. A total of 674 non-perishable food
items were collected, packaged and sent to
the Saint Vincent de Paul Society. Each
student in the school was asked to bring in
two cans but some graciously brought
many more. It was a great way to help
others and participate as a cooperative
school. It is the third year that the students
have organized the food drive, which is
one of the many activities they have been
planned as a Peaceful
School Initiative. This is
a big year for Lakeside as
the school is working
towards gaining their
Peaceful Schools International peace flag by the
end of the school year.
Dahlia Giobbi
Page 8
PEARSON NEWS
SHERWOOD FOREST’S TERRY FOX RUN
Congratulations to the Sherwood
Forest Community for an amazing, inspirational and active Terry Fox
Run held on Wednesday, October 12th.
Thank you to: all the parent volunteers, The Terry Fox Foundation for
their educational presentation, Kayla
Dorion, our Grade 6 student and
cancer survivor for her inspirational
speech, Home & School who provided
a tasty apple to each participant after
our run, and to our students and staff lenges pertaining to health and wellwho ran/walked with outstanding
ness and we are proud of them for their
determination!
efforts. Our school community surpassed the $3,000 challenge to raise
All classes worked on group chal$5,800 and won a Hair Raising
Performance presentation by staff.
We all worked together to outrun
cancer.
Thank you Nancy Bulow and Lisa
Carbonneau for coordinating this
effort!
JOHN RENNIE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS HELP FIRE VICTIMS
Students at
John Rennie
High School,
along with the
West Island community, rallied
together to help 30
families left
homeless by a fire
in an apartment
across the street
from the high
school. The fire also tragically claimed
the lives of Razmig Soukiassian, a
Secondary 2 student at St. Thomas High
School and his mother, Carolin
Boghosin. Donations of furniture, food,
clothing and money were being accepted
at three drop-off
points, one of
which included
John Rennie High
School, to help the
fire relief victims.
An abundance of
items for the victims was collected
thanks to the
generosity of many
members of the
West Island community. A team of John
Rennie High School students and community volunteers recently helped move
the collected items onto trucks that were
donated by Kings Transport. The items
were taken to FP Inovations, a Pointe-
Claire business that donated the use of
one of its garages to store the donations
until they are picked up by the victims of
the fire.
The West Island Community Resource
Centre on Donegani is continuing to
raise funds and collect food. For more
information, please contact:
Patricia Enborg
Centre de Ressources Communautaire de
l'Ouest-de-l'Île
West Island Community Resource
Centre
114, Donegani in Pointe-Claire
514-694-6404
[email protected]
www.crcinfo.ca
ST. ANTHONY ELEMENTARY PERFORMS AT COUNCIL MEETING
Commissioners meeting. Our “Free the
Children” youth committee spoke of our
successful and ongoing
Adopt a Village campaign. The three students spoke extremely
well on the positive
impact our school community has made in
Makeni, Sierra Leone.
What was particularly touching was how
On Monday, October 24th, Saint
Anthony Elementary students were this work has had a profound impact on
invited to speak and sing at the Lester B. them personally as well as all the
students involved. This campaign has
Pearson School Board Council of
opened their eyes to the plight of kids their
age in less fortunate regions of the world.
They, as young persons, can
have a profound impact and
help create positive change.
Our Waka Waka singing
group followed the speeches
accompanied by our drummers. The commissioners
were very impressed with
the students and the Saint Anthony
community for its commitment to helping
Makeni, Sierra Leone and our local support
of the West Island Mission.
Volume XIV, No 4
Page 9
PEARSON NEWS
DR. JUDITH SPRINGATE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
College.
Dr. Springate presented Jillian with
the scholarship at the October 24th
Meeting of the Council of Commissioners and described the student as
being actively involved with school
and her community, having achieved
academic excellence and as being a
well-rounded athlete.
a profession and
Congratulations
who have continto former Lindued their studies
say Place High
at John Abbott
School student,
College. Dr.
Jillian Brayne,
Springate is a
who was the
product of the
recipient of the
Lakeshore
2011 Dr. Judith
School Board,
Springate
having graduated
Scholarship.
from Valois Park
The scholarship
pays tribute to students who have gone Elementary School as well as Lindsay
Place High School. Dr. Springate also
to Lester B. Pearson School Board
schools, who have chosen teaching as spent 35 years teaching at John Abbott
PIERRE ELLIOTT TRUDEAU ELEMENTARY CELEBRATES HALLOWEEN
Pierre Elliott Trudeau
Elementary School
celebrated Halloween on
October 27th. The entire
staff dressed as Crayola
Crayons and greeted the
students in the school yard,
leading them in a dance to
kick off the celebration. The school was
also hosting a special guest, Phillipa
Hampton from Windhill School in Eng-
land, who enthusiastically
participated in all the
festivities, thoroughly
enjoying experiencing
Halloween “Canadian”
style. In addition to the
festivities, a haunted house
was organized and animated by the school’s Cycle 3 students
and was visited by all classes.
Do you have an article to submit for the Pearson News?
Please send your articles and pictures to your
Principal who will forward them to us.
Questions or comments? Email Daniela Scoppa at [email protected].
REMEMBRANCE DAY ASSEMBLY AT ALLION
Allion Elementary
School held its
Remembrance Day
Ceremony November 15,
opening with the entrance
of our special guests from
the local Royal Canadian
Legion, led by a bag piper.
Mr. Clahane and Ms.
Rutherford reminded students of the solemnity of
the occasion. Mrs. Di Iorio welcomed
Allion’s special guests and the ceremony
began with a Moment of Silence, Lament,
recital by Dahlia, Emily and Crystal and then
the choir led everyone in the singing of “O
Canada.”
The Grade 5 students recited In Flanders
Fields in English and
the Grade 6 recited the
same in French. Chad,
one of our Grade 4
students, reminded us
that this assembly was
to show our respect for
all those who made
sacrifices so we could
live in freedom. Mr.
Clahane led the choir
in the song, “Amazing Grace.”
Luca and Maddie brought a symbolic wreath
to the front and Matthew explained that this
wreath is a reminder of those who have died
for freedom. The choir then sang, “Soldiers
and Sailors.” One of our guests, Captain
Nunez, spoke about not only about remem-
bering the soldiers that died, but also respecting
the veterans that are still alive amongst us. He
encouraged us not to be afraid to approach
veterans, to shake their hands, and thank them
personally for the sacrifices they made for us
all.
The choir sang a special song for our veterans,
followed by Carina and Chiara, who announced
the lighting of the candles, a symbol of our
hope for a world that is lit by peace. This was
followed by Francis singing, “Let there be
Peace.” The ceremony ended with the grade 4
students leading the veterans out with paper lanterns. The choir sang “When the Lights
Go on all Over the World.”
All in all, it was heartfelt assembly and a great
tribute to our veterans.
Page 10
PEARSON NEWS
REPORT FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
On behalf of the Council
of Commissioners, I extend condolences to the
family and friends of
Razmig Soukiassian and
his mother Carolin Boghosian, who tragically
died in a fire in an apartment complex
in Pointe Claire. Condolences are also
extended to the St. Thomas and John
Rennie communities on the loss of
their classmate and co-worker. Many
thanks to Mario Barrette, Director of
Community Services, for coordinating
efforts with the West Island Community Resource Centre in providing
assistance to those residents who lost
everything in the fire.
allows our young adult students with
intellectual delays to learn life and
business skills. Their candle shop is
located in Dorval at 475 ave Dumont
and is a wonderful place to shop for
your holiday gifts.
Congratulations to the Pearson Educational Foundation on their second
annual Gala Night on the Town. The
evening was beautiful, the company
wonderful, the music, food and special
treats fantastic.
Friends of the Environment Foundation. Again with votes from the
community, the school won a $500
prize! Many congratulations!
Last but not least, I am so pleased to be
able to tell you that, after many delays
and months of anticipation, we have
received the keys to Birchwood Elementary School. We now have a new
English public school in our territory.
Final touches are being put on the
school as our staff move in all the
furniture and fixtures this week. First
day of school for students, in their
brand new schools, is planned for
December 7th. Students will be
moving into a state of the art facility
which will, no doubt, be the model for
future schools in Quebec.
On November 17th, we again launched
our All the Way with the Impact
Program. This year, with the Impact
joining the MLS, we were especially
pleased to renew our partnership. The
At the last Council meeting, we swore program is designed to promote the
in our Parent Commissioners. I’m not importance of staying in school, strivsure that everyone knows the extent of ing to improve and demonstrating the Follow me on Twitter the commitment that is asked of them. role that sports can play. Adam Braz, @suannesteinday
First, these two individuals have to be Team Manager and formerly a player
members of their schools’ governing
and Mauro Biello, Assistant Coach and Suanne Stein Day - Chairman
boards and they also have to be voted another former player spoke convincin as the Parent Representative to the
ingly to our students inspiring them to
Regional Parents’ Committee. From
succeed in whatever they do.
there, they are voted in as members of In addition, the Impact Soccer School
the Central Parents’ Committee. It is
is being offered as after school proat that level that they are voted in as
grams or pedagogical day activities to
Parent Commissioners to Council. In interested schools. The Impact has
addition to the four meetings per
been offering the Tony Licursi scholarYOU CAN SIGN UP TO
month that are part of these commitships to deserving students for six
HAVE THE PEARSON
tees, these two people attend our
years now. Tickets for the 2012 season
Executive Committee meetings and
will be on sale through the Pearson
NEWS DELIVERED
other standing committees. The very
Educational Foundation.
DIRECTLY TO YOUR
nature of their position tells us that
INBOX EVERY MONTH.
they also have families and schoolCongratulations to our International
aged children at home. To Nan Beaton Studies Program staff. LBPSB was
VISIT THE ‘PEARSON
and Domenic Pavone, thank you for
awarded the prize for InternationalizaNEWS’ SECTION ON
commitment and dedication to our
tion Initiatives for the centre at
THE BOARD’S
board, our schools and our students.
Seignory in Pointe Claire. The board
WEBSITE:
was also recognized as finalists in two
The annual Light a Dream Casino
other categories.
WWW.LBPSB.QC.CA
Night and Auction was held October
27th and raised more than $23,000!
A Grade 2 student from Edgewater
submitted her artwork to the Earth Day
Light a Dream is part of the LBPSB
Canada Art Contest run by the TD
Cooperative Education Program that
Volume
XIV,XIV,
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Volume
Page 11
PACC ADULT LEARNER NOMINATED
Congratulations to PACC Adult Education student, Woldu Issak, finalist
for the prestigious Bernard-Normand
award. He was among three finalists across
the province of Quebec who were nominated for their perseverance and determination in their studies.
After leaving his native country of Eritrea,
Woldu worked in many countries before he
came to Canada. All he wanted was a
better life for his family. His journey has
been difficult.
Woldu understands the power of an education. He feels privileged to come to class
and learn at the Pearson Adult and Career
Centre. Not one day goes by without a
smile for his teacher and words of encouragement for his classmates. Despite
having difficulties with the language, he
works hard to overcome his weaknesses.
He struggles every day to understand the
words, the actions, and the customs of the
people of this new country, and he never
gives up.
But what most people don’t know is that
Woldu works every night, Monday to Saturday. But that doesn’t stop him from
coming to school from 9 to 4 every day.
PEARSONNEWS
NEWS
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He perseveres in order for he and his wife
to study. Woldu has vowed to get his high
school diploma as fast as he can.
Woldu is now studying at the presecondary level of English and secondary
level of math. His teachers have recognized his determination and have helped
him along the way. But it is Woldu’s
unrelenting commitment to education that
has proven to be his biggest ally.
Vice Chairman of the LBPSB, Angela
Nolet and Adult Education and Vocational
Training Director Gloria Keenan were
proud spectators at the ICEA Gala on
November 16. Although Woldu did not
win the award, he continues to embody the
LBPSB values of honesty, courage, and
determination. Congratulations Woldu!
LAKESIDE’S GOLDEN GIRLS
Lakeside Academy Bantam Volleyball team won the gold in a dramatic playoff tournament at Lower Canada College. Despite playing teams
seeded higher than they, the girls came
out and played their best ever volleyball
to go undefeated for the entire tournament. Every game was a nail-biter, with
the girls having to battle for every point
against some strong opposition. Showing
amazing character and will to win, they
came through, cheered on by some vocal
parental support and buoyed by the excellent coaching of Ms. Mitchell and Ms.
Zakutney. Another banner will now be
added to the growing collection on the
gymnasium wall and a life-long memory
is added for the team.
Way to go girls!!
Jane Preston
ST. CHARLES ELEMENTARY REMEMBERS
November
11th is
always a very
special day of the
year as we all take
a moment to pause
and reflect on the
sacrifices that men
and women have
made and continue
to make to secure our freedom and peace.
Theresa Bigland, our school’s spiritual
animator, took this opportunity to introduce
the school’s newest addition to the current
group of Peer Mediators. Mrs. Bigland
works tirelessly and is committed to providing these students with the proper peer
mediation training. Our Peer Mediators have
graciously given up their recess and lunch
play time to be present in
the school yard and are
the extra eyes and ears
helping to achieve a
peaceful playground.
This year, it was extra
special in that we have so
many students willing to
help maintain a peaceful
school environment by
becoming a Peer Mediator. The Peer Mediators,
led by a bag piper, were
introduced to the rest of
the school so everyone is
aware of who they are.
Songs filled the air as the
children sang “Where
Have All the Flowers
Gone” and “Une Colombe est Partie en
Voyage,” in addition to a performance of
“Vivre en Amour” by the Grade 4 students.
The students were led outside by the bagpiper proceeded to raise the new flags to
replace the old worn out ones to the rendition
of “O Canada.” St. Charles strives to promote
a community where the teachers, students
and community members collaborate in an
environment of safety and respect. It is for
this very same reason that
St. Charles is a member of
Peaceful Schools International. Thank you to Mrs.
Bigland for organizing the
assembly and to Ms. Francesca for putting together a
wonderful presentation.
Mme Coiteux - Principal, St.
Charles School
Page 12
PEARSON NEWS
REMEMBRANCE DAY: WHAT IF EVERYONE WINS?
Remember Remembrance Day. What if
you can't? What if you don't even have the
concept?
Every year, in schools across this country,
students and teachers assemble on November 11th to remember and share the images
and symbols of this day. Perhaps they
watch a video, hear a piper, listen to a
veteran speak, remain silent for a moment
or recite “In Flanders Field.” If John
McCrae could only have known how many
generations and millions of school children
he touched with his words of Remembrance.
Every year, teachers have the challenge of
teaching, of explaining, this special day to
young children. More than 20 years ago,
when I began my career, there were still
grandparents in children's lives who had
their medals, shared a photo or two of their
remembrances of war and sacrifice. Now
the grandparents are my age (or irritatingly
younger) and they don't have memories of
the last “Great War.” They go to yoga
class. Some may have been touched, of
course, by the Korean conflict, Bosnia,
Rwanda or Afghanistan but those earlier
Remembrance connections are fading. It
has been a hundred years since the first
'Great War' and the poppies of Flanders.
It is 2011 and I am once again explaining
what a poppy is and why we wear it. Why
do I forget each year how hard it is to
explain remembering to a group of five
year-olds? There are
many good books for
young children, 'Proud as
a Peacock, Brave as a
Lion' by local author
Jane Barclay or 'A Poppy
is to Remember' by
Heather Patterson. These
usually help frame the
classroom conversation.
Last year my class certainly “got it;” to the
point of at least one boy hoping there
would be no wars that could include his
going to war and "maybe not coming
back."
This year though, on one of my first attempts, it was literally an up hill battle. I
showed pictures, the poppy I was wearing
and a good book. I explained one way,
then another. I received looks and questions of incomprehension. One child
wondered aloud why we would be wearing
puppies? They are bright, engaging, sweet
children, but they didn't get it.
But then, I think I got it. These young
students, who in their first few months of
formal schooling have exhibited very little
interpersonal conflict, couldn't get it.
People fighting each other to the point of
killing and dying? She can't be serious?
Countries sending their young men into the
skies, seas and battlefields to attack one
another? Is she making this up?
Teachers have to know when to hold them
and when to fold them.
So I bailed. I didn't stop
because
they couldn't understand
on that particular day. I
paused because, perhaps
for one more day,
they shouldn't understand
war. There would be days
in their lives at school or
at home when they will find out about war,
about Paschendale or Vimy, about Silver
Star mothers, flags at half mast and highways of heroes.
I stopped because, for one more day, there
would be children who thought war was
too awful to imagine. That's fine with me
and isn't that what everyone was fighting
for after all?
As Shel Silverstein wrote:
I will not play at tug o' war
I'd rather play at hug o' war,
Where everyone hugs
Instead of tugs
Where everyone giggles
And rolls on the rug,
Where everyone kisses
And everyone grins
And everyone cuddles
And everyone wins.
Ann Tellier - Kindergarten teacher, Dorset
JRHS STUDENT JOINS RICK HANSEN
As Rick Hansen’s
Foundation launches the
25th Anniversary of the “Man
in Motion” relay, a new journey across Canada to raise
awareness and funds begins.
Rick Hansen was selected to be
the parade marshal in the 2011
Calgary Stampede Parade
where John Rennie Grade 8
student, Sam Tilden, joined
him as a medal bearer. Medal
bearers will pass a Rick Hansen
medal from participant to
participant throughout the relay
and these chosen individuals
are recognized as difference
makers in their communities
through their contributions towards championing inclusion,
empowering youth, protecting
the planet and promoting health
or medical progress. The 25th Anniversary Relay passed through Montreal on
Saturday, October 22, 2011 where Sam
participated as a medal bearer in the
relay. The relay continues on and will
travel through 600 communities in a
nine month tour, which will wrap up in
Vancouver on May 22, 2012. For more
information or to donate please go to
www.rickhansenrelay.com.
LINDSAY PLACE HIGH SCHOOL AT THE OPERA
On November 10th, Lindsay Place High School music students went at the opera. It was
a non-mandatory outing but 50 students were there. We saw the dress rehearsal of
Rusalka at the Opera de Montreal! It was an exciting and unforgettable experience for our
students.
Our next stop will be Faust from Gounod, a French opera with action!
Lea Millar
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Page 13
BEURLING ACADEMY STUDENTS VISIT ASTRAL RADIO STATIONS
It was an eye opener for the would-be
radio stars as they took in the CJAD
Newsroom, the production
studios where commercials
are made, and where various music mixes are put
together for the FM stations, with many of these
mixes they had possibly
heard on the radio.
Our students dropped in to
On Wednesday, November 9th, 20 of the Virgin and CHOM studios where they
got a chance to meet and ask questions of
our Grade 9 POP students along
with teacher, Trevor Potter, went on a field the respective announcers, Nikki B and
Too Tall, finding out that he’s really tall.
trip, visiting the Astral Group of radio
stations downtown, which includes CJAD, We also dropped into the CJAD control
CHOM, and Virgin Radio, to maybe look room and watched live the Ric and Suzanne show, and had a chance to listen to
at this as a possible career option.
PEARSONNEWS
NEWS
PEARSON
hosts Ric Peterson and Suzanne Desautels
take calls from listeners.
Our guides, Astral VP
Martin Spalding and
CHOM Promotion
Manager, Matthew Wood,
answered all of the students’ questions as the
curiosity factor was really
running high on this visit.
Upon leaving, our students
were all given CHOM tuques as a souvenir
of their visit and just in time for the winter
season. We would like to thank Martin
Spalding and Matthew Wood for the great
and informative tour and we hope to make
this an annual trek.
Bob Dubois
THORNDALE REMEMBERS...
The
Grade 6
class of Mrs.
Di Valerio
commemorated Remembrance Day
with an
assembly that was marked by many
touching moments.
We were honoured to have as our special
guests, Captain Joe Nunez and Lieutenant
Doran Skryzpinski. The students were
highly attentive to veteran Lieutenant
Skryzpinski’s vivid description of his
experiences in both Afghanistan and
Bosnia. Captain Nunez, a Canadian
Peacekeeper who has served in Bosnia,
showed a stirring presentation that cov-
ered the proud and valorous history of our
Canadian Forces. He concluded by asking
our students to honour our
military men and women
by never forgetting Remembrance Day and by
taking the time to stop and
thank veterans for the
service they have
rendered to our country.
Our Grade 6 students gave
affecting readings on the
meaning of the poppy, “In Flanders Fields”
and “They Shall Grow Not Old.” Under the
guidance of our art teacher, Mrs. Giulia
Carosielli, they created several colourful
and beautiful banners depicting the themes
of courage and sacrifice, one of which
Captain Nunez requested as a souvenir of
this occasion. Music teacher, Mme Aline
Lajoie, conducted all students as they
sang a sweet and
poignant rendition of
the song, “A Pittance of
Time.” Bagpiper,
Graham Batty, provided
a final special touch as
he concluded the minute of silence with the
melancholy “Lament”
and piped our students
out of the assembly,
bringing to a close a moving tribute by
the very young to the memory and sacrifices, both past and present, of our
Canadian soldiers and veterans.
Linda Choinière - CASCA (Community
and Spiritual Care Animator)
The Association of Teachers of English Quebec Offers its members:
Online resources at ateq.org
Accessible grants to support projects in your classroom
Professional Development annually at Springboards & now at Fall Fare
Professional Learning Community
Literacy Trunks (a bin of thematically grouped books free on loan to ATEQ members!)
FREE membership for this year! (Save $20!!!)
To become a member or find out more, contact your school board’s teacher representative:
Karen Colwell
[email protected]
Page 14
PEARSON NEWS
PCHS GOES TO BEECHWOOD
As part of
School walked
the Hallowover to
een celebrations
Beechwood
the Work Study
Elementary
and WOTP (Work
School to read
Oriented Training
Halloween
Path) classes at
story books.
Pierrefonds Com- The PC students brought their favourite
prehensive High
Halloween stories to share with the
Kindergarten and Grade 1 classes. After
some reading, drawing and discussions,
the students headed to the gym to take
part in the amazing Halloween gym
activities set-up and run by the
Beechwood Grade 6 students.
JOHN RENNIE HIGH SCHOOL HOSTS WEEKLONG HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES
The leadership students
at John Rennie High
School, under the guidance of their teacher,
Raquel Lobaton, hosted
a number of Halloween
activities during the
week leading up to Halloween. Throughout the week, during
junior and senior lunches, students were
invited to take part in “Fear Factor” type
games, ranging from outrageous dares
such as swallowing three spoonfuls of
mayonnaise to
students having
to fish out fake
spiders from an
aquarium filled
with live crickets and worms.
The school’s
leadership students also helped with the
school’s Fourth Annual Community
Halloween Haunt. The school graciously
opened its doors to the public and treated
members of the community to trick or
treating, a haunted house and a dance.
The school asked the community to
donate one can of non-perishable
food in order to participate. The food
collected will benefit local charities.
STUDENTS LEADING STUDENTS
On October
31, the
Grade 10 leadership
students from LaSalle Community
Comprehensive
High School, under
their teacher, Nic
Fournier along with Shanna Lynn
Kavanagh, planned and organized a special
event for the students of Allion: a Haunted
House Event for Halloween Day! The
Grade 10 LCCHS students set up a haunted
house in the basement of the high school
and on their PED day, came in to
put on a live show for the elementary students of Allion. It was a
whole day affair, which was led
by Allion’s Grade 5 and 6
Leadership students, who joined
forces with their high school
counterparts to make this a
successful event. The Allion
leaders escorted the younger
students through the haunted
house, while the older students manned
their spooky stations. It was great to
watch the peer-mentoring that took place
the older students helping and
coaching the younger ones and
also learning from the younger
ones. All in all it was a great
day for all! Allion’s Leadership
students are looking forward to
participating in some of the
Leadership classes with the
LCCHS students. Special
thanks also goes out to Allion’s
Home and School who provided
healthy snacks at recess and a special treat
for the children to take home.
Volume XIV, No 4
Page 15
UNOFFICIAL NOTES FROM NOVEMBER 28, 2011 COUNCIL OF
COMMISSIONERS MEETING
Linguistic Policy Consultation Launch
Council approved the draft of the Linguistic Policy on the Use of
French. The consultation document will be distributed to the
consultative partners of the Lester B. Pearson School Board during the week of December 5, 2011, with responses to be returned
to the Director of Secretariat no later than February 27, 2012.
The final draft will be submitted for adoption at the May 28, 2012
Council of Commissioners Meeting.
Staffing – Assistant Director of Student Services
Council appointed Christopher Fuzessy as Assistant Director of
Student Services, effective January 16, 2012.
Sir Wilfrid Laurier Foundation Dance and Show Festival
Council named Commissioners Suanne Stein Day, Martin
Sherman, Sergio Borja and Conny Held to attend the Sir Wilfrid
Laurier Foundation Dance and Show Festival to be held on January 12, 2012.
CGTSIM 2012-2013 Group Purchasing Plan
Council approved the Lester B. Pearson School Board’s participation in the Comité de gestion de la taxe scolaire de l’Île de
Montréal Group Purchasing Plan for the 2012-2013 school year
for the following products:
• The school board’s Purchasing Department: computer supplies, paper, office supplies;
• The school board’s Equipment Services Department
PEARSON NEWS
(Maintenance): ballasts, fluorescent tubes and incandescent
lamps, garbage bags, hand towels and toilet paper, chemical
products and cleaning supplies, heating oil;
• Schools and Centres: travel services.
Policy Review – Rules of Internal Management of the Council
of Commissioners
Council approved that the responsibility for the revision of the
Rules of Internal Management of the Council of Commissioners
Policy be directed to the Governance and Ethics Committee.
Policy Review – Document Management
Council approved that the responsibility for the revision of the
Document Management Policy be directed to the Executive Committee.
Policy Review – School Name
Council approved that the responsibility for the revision of the
School Name Policy be directed to the Executive Committee.
Policy Review – Emergency Preparedness
Council approved that the responsibility for the revision of the
Emergency Preparedness Policy be directed to the Facilities
Committee.
COMMISSIONERS’ PHONE NUMBERS
Below is a list of Commissioners along with their home telephone numbers and school board locals.
Ward
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
CPC
CPC
Communities
Verdun/Nuns’ Island
LaSalle South
LaSalle Northeast
LaSalle West/Ville St-Pierre
Lachine
Dorval
Dollard-des-Ormeaux East
Roxboro/Pierrefonds East
Pointe-Claire East
Pointe-Claire West
Dollard-des-Ormeaux Center
Pierrefonds/Île Bizard
Dollard-des-Ormeaux Center/West
Dollard-des-Ormeaux W./Kirkland E.
Beaconsfield North
Kirkland West
Pierrefonds West
Ste-Anne/Baie d’Urfé/Beaconsfld S./Senneville
Île Perrot
Les Cèdres/Vaudreuil-Dorion
Hudson/St-Lazare
Secondary Representative
Elementary Representative
Commissioner
Douglas Flook
Sergio Borja
Ruben Fazio
Frank di Bello
Patrick Whitham
Barbara Freeston
Rosemary Murphy
Craig Berger
Allan Levine
Conny Held
Ruth Dangoor Gdalevitch
Susan Williams
Martin Sherman
Joe Zemanovich
Don Rae
Suanne Stein Day
Luisa Bulgarelli-Vero
Judy Kelley
Susan Bartlett-Lewis
Angela Nolet
Daniel Olivenstein
Nan Beaton
Domenico Pavone
Home
Phone #
514-293-2417
514-368-1001
514-365-1638
514-951-5834
514-800-9240
514-636-9315
514-620-8012
514-421-6570
514-683-6671
514-233-5966
514-906-7320
514-620-4745
514-684-2742
514-624-2376
514-697-9878
514-630-9824
514-694-0475
514-697-7619
514-453-6650
514-453-5462
450-458-1413
514-713-3892
514-566-8869
422-3000
Local
4001
4002
4003
4004
4005
4006
4007
4008
4009
4026
4011
4012
4013
4014
4015
2322
4017
4018
4019
2299
4021
4026
4027
Page 16
PEARSON NEWS
DATES TO NOTE
PUBLIC MEETINGS – DECEMBER 2011
The following meetings will take place at 1925 Brookdale, Dorval (unless otherwise indicated)
Executive Committee
December 12, 2011
5:30 p.m.
Board Room
Advisory Committee on Student
Transportation
December 14, 2011
5:30 p.m.
Room 123
Council of Commissioners
December 19, 2011
7:30 p.m.
Board Room
***Webcast begins at 7:30 p.m. on www.lbpsb.qc.ca