May / mai - Lester B. Pearson School Board
Transcription
May / mai - Lester B. Pearson School Board
May 2010 FROM THE DIRECTOR GENERAL & CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Volume XII, No. 10 PEARSON NEWS NEW FEATURE: IF YOU CLICK ON AN ARTICLE’S TITLE IN THE INDEX, YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE REDIRCTED TO THE PAGE 2 WHERE THE ARTICLE IS LOCATED. IN THIS ISSUE: INTERNATIONAL PRE-K WOWS AUDIENCE WITH SPRING CONCERT th costumes to represent the songs they On May 19 , the International were singing, making those watching Pre-K for 3 & 4 year olds very proud. entertained a gym full of parents, family members, school board administrators and commissioners. The 25 students sang songs in an impressive five different languages: English, French, Spanish, Italian and Mandarin. The students not only sang but performed dances and wore WINNER OF THE TEAM 990 SPORTS RADIO STAR CONTEST A big congratulation to Peter Gillich, a Secondary three student at Lindsay Place High School. Peter is the winner of the first annual Team 990 Sports Radio Star contest. He was one of five finalists who did training at the radio station and learned how to write a radio script, file a story and report live on air. The contest was open to students in LBPSB and English Montreal School Board high schools. • Peter has won: • A live broadcast at his school of the Team 990’s popular • mid-day show where Peter will be co-hosting the show. • The opportunity to do a live sportscast, cover a practice or possibly a game of one of Montreal’s professional sports franchises. Courses at the Montreal Radio-TV School A tour of the CTV Montreal studios with sportscaster Randy Tieman Students in grades five and six from both schools played soccer in the round-robin tournament. The teams were mixed with students from each school and conversations in both English and French could be heard throughout the morn- SCHOOLS PARTICIPATE IN MUSIC MONDAY 3 SPACE DAY—A GREAT SUCCESS 4 TEACHER TO STUDY AT INTERNATIONAL SPACE UNIVERSITY 4 INVITATION TO A WORKSHOP 5 A WORD FROM YOUR COMMISSIONERS 5 GREENDALE’S MICHEAL JACKSON TRIBUTE 5 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT 6 PATSY GABRIELLI - ST. PAUL VOLUNTEER 6 ORCHARD CELEBRATES VOLUNTEERS 7 A CIRCUS SHOW 7 DANS LA RUE VISITS BEURLING ACADEMY 7 PACC ADULT STUDENTS HIT HIGH NOTE AT BLUE MET 8 DANIELA’S CORNER 8 SAM ROBERTS - ROCK STAR 8 CYCLE ONE CROSS COUNTRY RUN 9 ST. CHARLES RAISES FUNDS FOR SCHOOL IN SUDAN 9 THORNDALE STUDIES THE HOLOCAUST 9 ST. LAWRENCE ART EXPO 10 REPORT FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD 11 REPORT FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD CONTINUED 12 GREENDALE MUSICFEST 12 WILDER AT THE NEURO 13 DAYCARES HONOURED 13 QUEBEC ENTREPRENEURSHIP CONTEST WINNERS 14 FOREST HILL SR.’S MUSICAL 14 GORDON PATTERSON AWARD WINNER 15 LAKESIDE TRACK AND FIELD 15 ST. PAUL’S ART GALA ST. EDMUND’S LINGUISTIC EXCHANGE St. Edmund Elementary and St. Remi Elementary (Marguerite Bourgeoys School Board) took part in a linguistic exchange on May 7th. The schools participated in friendly “World Cup” soccer fest at City Lane Park in Beaconsfield. 3 DIRECTOR GENERAL’S REPORT 15 MISSING CHILDREN’S NETWORK VISITS GREENDALE ing. Snacks were served to the students, courtesy of both school boards and parents were there to cheer the on children. 16 ST. EDMUND’S CIRCLE OF HUGS 16 A STORY WORTH SHARING 16 LAKESIDE VISITS VERDUN ELEMENTARY 17 ONE STOP SHOP COMMUNITY CHEST WINS AGAIN 17 MUSIC MONDAY AT RIVERVIEW 17 BEURLING’S ANNUAL MULTICULTURAL LUNCH 18 ARTICLE BY PIERRE AUCLAIR 19 NOTES FROM COUNCIL OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING 20 A WORD FROM CPC 20 COMMISSIONERS’ PHONE NUMBERS 20 DATES TO NOTE Page 2 PEARSON NEWS DIRECTOR GENERAL’S REPORT NCERT Earlier this month, as a member of NCERT (The National Center for Education Research and Technology), I had the opportunity to attend the Spring conference. This is an organization that brings together school district superintendents from across North America and a group of distinguished, education-related corporate members who participate actively and collaboratively. Membership is by invitation and is limited to 85 superintendents and 10 corporate leaders. The focus is on contemporary issues that are in the forefront of current consideration. It is always a wonderful validation of our own direction when colleagues confirm and acknowledge our initiatives. The entire experience substantiates the true value of sharing understanding and knowledge. SNAC Parent Information Evening: May 4th On May 4th , Maureen Hunt of our Student Services Department gave a well-attended, excellent presentation on behalf of the Special Needs Advisory Committee on advocating for your child. This is part of a series of presentations that is proving ever-more popular with parents and staff members. Graduations This is the season of Graduation Exercises in our schools and centres as well as Graduation Ball celebrations. These events are exciting and magical but can also be fraught with danger. Thus, I encourage all parents to speak with their graduates and to do all possible to ensure that the young people are safe at all times. Summer School I recommend that all students and parents visit the Board website (www.lbpsb.qc.ca) to investigate the Summer School programs that are offered. These include an on-line offering by LEARN. Summer Literacy Camp Once again this summer, our Educational Services Department is offering a two-week Summer Literacy Camp. The campuses will be at StLawrence Academy Senior and Christmas Park Elementary Schools. Students will receive instruction in reading and writing skills in the morning and will participate in cooperative fun-filled activities in the afternoon. Students will bring their own snacks and lunches. The cost of the camp is $100.00 for the two weeks and provides a wonderful opportunity to increase literacy skills. QESBA / AAESQ Conference The annual conference of the Quebec English School Boards Association and the Association of Administrators of English Schools of Quebec took place in Mont-Tremblant from May 13th to 15th. A wide variety of relevant topics was presented and discussed in workshop format, among them: differentiated instruction; Community Learning Centres; the elementary-to-secondary transition; gender differences and instruction; the GOAL program; Internet safety; Autism Spectrum Disorder. Summer Capital Projects Summer is always a very busy time for our Equipment Services Department that is responsible for maintaining our network of buildings. Many projects are scheduled for the summer period in order to avoid disruption while students and staff are present. Among these are roofing projects to be carried out at thirteen schools, window and door replacement at eight buildings and myriad activities to replace fire alarm systems, heating improvements and, in two buildings, major renovations. All schools and centres are subject to major cleaning during the summer recess as well. A Safe and Happy Summer Although this will not be my last Report to the Council of Commissioners for this school year, it does mark the last edition of the Pearson News for the year. Thus, I wish to extend to all in our community my very best wishes for a wonderful summer vacation, filled with great weather, relaxation and family time. Please make sure that all your activities are safe so that we can welcome you back in late August! R.T. Mills - Director General Page 3 Volume XII, No. 10 PEARSON NEWS SCHOOLS PARTICIPATE IN MUSIC MONDAY Fifteen schools within the Lester B. Pearson School Board took part in Music Monday 2010, on May 3rd. Music Monday is an event that was launched in 2005 by the Coalition for Music Education in Canada. It takes place the first Monday in May every year. It is an event that brings together thousands of students and its mission is to have different communities from around the world celebrate the gift of music on the same day, at the same time. Almost 2,100 schools registered for the event, with some schools from as far away as Indonesia participating in what started out as a national endeavour and has now become international. Schools participating sang Music Monday’s theme song, ‘Sing, Sing’ simultaneously. For more information about Music Monday, visit: www.musicmonday.ca. SPACE DAY—A GREAT SUCCESS! Once again this year, the LBPSB’s Pearson Interactive Community Partnership program partnered with Laurentide Aviation and the St. Lazare Flying Club to celebrate the John Scholefield Science and Technology Day (Space Day), an event celebrated internationally. Retired astronaut, Dr. Dave Williams (and graduate of Beaconsfield High School) greeted students via Skype on the second day of the event, which took place on May 26th and 27th at the St. Lazare Airport and Flying Club. Over 2,000 elementary and high school students, teachers and administrators attended the event, which is the biggest of its kind in North America. As a part of the LBPSB’s on-going initiative to enhance the science and technology programs, over 30 community partners came together to share their expertise with children in the areas of aviation, aerospace, science and technology. More than 50 volunteer exhibitors provided students with the challenges of careers in an engaging manner, where students learn real world applications of math and science, real world situational awareness, effective communications and teamwork. Exhibitors not only allowed students to explore career options, but taught them how what they learn in the classroom is actually applied in the real world and workplace. Space Day was created by Lockheed Martin with US Senator and Astronaut John Glenn in 1997, as a world-wide education initiative to expose students to careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, using aerospace as the theme or motivator. The goal of this event is to promote math, science, technology and engineering education by nurturing young peoples' enthusiasm for the wonders of the universe and inspiring them to understand how Canada is a leader in technology and how technology is used in our everyday lives. Page 4 PEARSON NEWS ALEXANDRA KINDRAT TO STUDY AT THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE UNIVERSITY Space University on a full scholarship. Participants from around the world, totaling approximately 100 individuals, will work with astronauts and other space professionals in addition to studying all disciplines related to space programs and enterprises: space science, space engineering, systems engineering, space policy and law, business and management and space Alexandra Kindrat, a Senior and society. Individuals were selected Mathematics teacher and scientist at based on their interest and implication St. Thomas High School, was recently in space related activities, professional selected to represent Canada and and personal accomplishments and study at the International Space academic merit. University in Strasbourg, France Ms. Kindrat has always had an interest during the summer of 2010. Ten in space and aviation. Having individuals from Canada were completed her Private Pilot’s License selected to attend the International at the age of 17, she continued her edu- INVITATION TO A WORKSHOP For the fourth consecutive year, Concordia University and the Lester B. Pearson School Board have collaborated to organize a workshop for members of the School Board community. The workshop, based on experiential learning, was designed by and will be facilitated by a group of twenty graduate students from the university’s program in Human Systems Intervention. This year’s workshop entitled, “Dilemma of Dilemmas, Identifying and Managing Polarities”, will provide participants a deepened understanding of polarities in order to build solid, productive relationships. Participants will also develop a practical plan to incorporate concepts from the workshop in both their professional and personal lives. Those registered by June 11th, 2010 will be entered in our early bird draw to win a digital camera. For more information: Email: [email protected] Phone: 514-422-3000 and ask for Workshop Info cation in Life Sciences, completing her Master’s degree in Neurology and Neurosurgery and is currently pursuing a Doctorate degree in Mathematics Education in Montreal. She also serves as the Vice-Chair of the Montreal branch of the NinetyNines International Organization of Women Pilots. In her classroom, she has incorporated the Tomatosphere project, a program that allows students to participate in space explorations through studying the effects of no-gravity on the growth of tomatoes. Undoubtedly, Ms. Kindrat will continue to implement what she learns at the International Space University in her classroom for years to come. Volume XII, No. 10 Page 5 PEARSON NEWS A WORD FROM YOUR COMMISSIONERS SUSAN BARTLETT- field trips, school and class LEWIS – Ward 19 - activities; still to be held. Of • graduating and progressing on to elementary school, high Île Perrot course, exams are approaching, school, CEGEP or Email: so good luck to all of you in your university; [email protected] preparations. • moving out into the work This will all culminate in the force; or Another school year graduation ceremonies that are • retiring after a successful draws to a close in a the end result of years of hard career. month’s time. It is a time of great work and success. Best wishes to I want to take this opportunity to activity and celebrations in the all of you moving on to the next wish everyone a safe and schools. Recently, there have step, be it: wonderful summer. been some wonderful concerts • going up to the next grade and plays. These are being level; followed by many athletic meets, THIS IS IT—GREENDALE’S MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE DANCE SHOW the entire student population gathered eagerly and waited together in the schoolyard. Seconds later, one of Michael Jackson’s many hits was played over the intercom for the whole neighbourhood to hear. As the song played, the students followed their dance teacher, Ms. Hudson, as she led a short warm-up routine. Thursday, April 29th was a very exciting During the afternoon, a school-wide day for the staff and students at assembly took place. It was then that Greendale Elementary School. It was the students and staff would pay tribute the day Greendale children felt could to THE KING OF POP and celebrate not come fast enough. It all started his amazing accomplishments as a minutes before the morning school bell. singer, dancer, entertainer and Dressed in their best Michael Jackson humanitarian. Ms. Hudson commenced clothing, accessories, fedora hats, white the assembly by having all of the socks and a glove on their right hand, children raise their glove-covered hands BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT Twenty-nine of our Elementary schools participated in the Annual Basketball Tournament that was held on Friday April 23rd . Evergreen, Greendale, St. John Fisher Senior, St. Lawrence Academy Senior and Wilder Penfield hosted students from various schools. The event was a great success. Many thanks to everyone who participated and also to the organizing committee who helped make it a success. Peter Gilson - PEH Consultant in the air. This was such an intense and powerful moment for everyone. Next, was the viewing of a short video clip, honouring Michael Jackson’s greatest hits and ever so challenging dance moves. The assembly went on to continue with another Michael Jackson warm-up and several different Michael Jackson dance choreography performances that all of the children (K -Gr.6) were taught during their dance classes over the last three months. To conclude the event was a surprise for the students. Some members of Greendale’s teaching staff performed a dance routine to another one of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits. Together, staff and students celebrated the life of a true legend! Page 6 PEARSON NEWS PATSY GABRIELLI - SAINT PAUL VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR This year, Saint Paul chose Patsy Gabrielli as the parent to represent our school at the CPC Parent Volunteer Recognition event. We feel Patsy embodies the exceptional dedication to service and caring that typifies our school volunteers. Patsy has had three children attend our school over the past thirteen years. During that time she has accompanied them on almost every field trip as well as assisted in the library and at such special events as winter carnivals, field days, open houses, graduations and family barbecues. She is also currently a member of our Governing Board. There is, however, a circumstance that makes Patsy’s years of service especially remarkable. Her eldest child, Katie, was diagnosed with severe intractable epilepsy during her Kindergarten year and has endured many surgeries. In gratitude to the Montreal Children’s Hospital for their compassionate and excellent care, Patsy, Katie and her family initiated The Nickels for Neurology Fund. Through annual coin collections and sales of TCBY, they have to date raised $10,000 for the hospital from Saint Paul School alone. In addition, Patsy solicited corporations, and with letters and public speaking campaigns raised an amazing $90,000 for this wonderful cause! We bid her goodbye with both best wishes and deep grati- tude for her dedication and years of devoted service to the Saint Paul community. Linda Choinière - Spiritual Animator Let’s honour the schools’ volunteers in the new ‘Volunteers of the Month’ section. Every month, one or two articles will be published on Page 6 in the Pearson News about the outstanding volunteers in your schools. Please send your articles along with a photo to Daniela Scoppa – [email protected]. ORCHARD ELEMENTARY CELEBRATES VOLUNTEERS! On Thursday, May 20th a group of hardworking grade 4 students prepared and served tea to 18 school volunteers-most of them Home & Schoolers. The students had worked hard preparing a tea with sandwiches and desserts as well as setting up, decorating and wrapping small gifts. The girls greeted each guest at the front door and escorted them to the ‘tea room’ where they were presented with a flower. They set the tables beautifully with real tea cups. This was an especially poignant year for our school as two long time volunteers, who have made an enormous difference, first at Cecil Newman and, for the last four years at Orchard, will be watching their youngest children graduate from our school. Donna Spark and Donna Cobb have worked tirelessly for many years enriching the lives of Orchard Elementary School students. They have put their heads together to make sure our students have fun activities, and they have energetically and enthusiastically participated in probably hundreds of fundraisers, pouring thousands of cups of juice and hot chocolate as well as helping out at every field day, carnival and pizza day event for the last seven or more years. The hard work of ‘Two Donnas’ has brought in desperately needed funding for graduation activities, field trips and other special events. Kudos to Donna Cobb and Donna Spark – Orchard Elementary loves you! At Orchard, we are very dependent on our Home & School not just as fundraisers but as active volunteers in the school. We know without the funds raised and the hours donated our school wouldn’t be the wonderful place it is. For that reason we wanted this to be a very special volunteer celebration. We also want our volunteers to remember that just because your child has left us doesn’t mean you have too! Page 7 Volume XII, No. 10 A CIRCUS SHOW The Circus is coming at Wilder Penfield! The project began in February. Cycle one students had the privilege of working with different artists. A magician revealed some of his secrets, a juggler initiated them to the art of juggling and, with the help of a clown, they discovered their inner clowns. They also visited the Verdun Circus School where they explored different aspects of circus performance. In April, the children participated in our circus workshops. With the help of the Cycle One teachers, they learned their specific roles. Afterwards, they returned to class where they learned the songs and started rehearsals for their respective show. They are excited and anxious to present the circus in front of other students, their parents and their friends. Thank you to the many volunteer parents who helped us find all the materials needed for a successful show. Thank you also to all who came to help us with make-up and backstage support. Thank you to all the students who worked very hard. Congratulations for the wonderful show and teamwork! Cycle One Teachers - Mme Sophie, Mme Myriam, Mme Lyse, Mme Hélène, Mme Louise PEARSON NEWS 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]. DANS LA RUE VISITS BEURLING ACADEMY In May, Sue Medleg, from Dans La Rue, visited Beurling Academy. Sue engaged the Secondary 1 students with a presentation about Dans La Rue. Her PowerPoint presentation included some background information about the organization and Sue also pointed out the struggles that many street youth face daily. On behalf of Dans La Rue, Sue thanked the students for collecting 255 pairs of new socks from their Winter “Socks for Pops” Drive. Tamara Beach - Cycle 1 ERC Teacher PAAC ADULT STUDENTS HIT A HIGH NOTE AT BLUE MET As part of the 12th Blue Metropolis International Literary Festival, English Cycle 1 students at PACC Adult Centre have written and recorded three original songs. Blue Metropolis’ Writing for a Song is an innovative educational programme designed to teach a repertoire of important language skills and strategies to high school and Adult Education students across Canada in English, French mother tongue and French as a second language. Contemporary Canadian songwriters introduced their work to students and helped them to study and create their own song lyrics. Kaldor, (http:// www.conniekaldor.com/ ) the students composed three songs, which reflected their diversity and commitment to learning. ‘Writing for a Song’ has provided the students with the opportunity to tap into the creativity they never knew they had. For a copy of the CD, please contact Shiela Sachdeva at PACC Adult Centre. Although they were asked to write lyrics Shiela Sachdeva – Educational for one song, Karen Colwell’s students went above and beyond everyone’s Consultant expectations. With the guidance of Canadian singer/songwriter, Connie Page 8 PEARSON NEWS DANIELA’S CORNER As you may have noticed on page six, Saint Paul Elementary submitted an article to the Pearson News about their Volunteer of the Year. Volunteers in schools are vital to the school community, often donating a ton of their time and efforts to many different activities and causes taking place within the LBPSB’s schools. I would like to dedicate a space on page six of the Pearson News each month to honour volunteers in schools. I encourage you to send me an article about a volunteer or volunteers in your school. With all those who choose to spend their time helping in schools, this section will never be empty. With the 2009-2010 school year rapidly drawing to a close, this will be the final edition of the Pearson News until next August. The August issue will be a “Back to School” issue and it is here that schools will highlight activities planned to welcome students back, open houses for the 2010-2011 school year and tips on getting students ready for a brand new school year. Send me your articles and if you have any tips you’d like to contribute on the best way to prepare a student for the new school year, please send them to me. I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and restful SAM ROBERTS - ROCK STAR Sam Roberts, guitar in hand, visited a Grade 4/5 class of Riverview students on May 10th. The engaging, interactive hour began with students playing djembes and singing Wavin' Flag with Sam also joining in on vocals and guitar. Sam spoke to the students about his love of music, the positive influence that music has and the importance of working hard to achieve your dreams. A lively dialogue followed with students and Sam sharing names of their favorite rock bands. Sam and the young musicians agreed that The Beatles hold a special place in their hearts an impromptu singing of Yellow Submarine ensued. Students held the Juno Award that Sam received, and autographs were signed for all. Sam gave a Sam Roberts Band poster to students as a memento of his visit: "To all my friends at Riverview - stay passionate about music !" Kathleen WalsheTurcotteMusic Specialist Riverview Elementary School CYCLE ONE CROSS COUNTRY RUN On Wednesday May 19th, fifteen of our elementary schools participated in the annual Cycle One Cross Country Run at Terra Cotta Park in Pointe-Claire. This run specifically targets our K,1 and 2 students. It takes a great deal of time and effort to make this a successful event. From the feedback I received, it is clear that the children really enjoyed themselves. Many thanks to everyone who participated and also to the organizing committee who helped make it a success. Peter Gilson - PEH Consultant summer. Take time with your family and friends, rest and enjoy the beautiful sunshine each day because as we all know, the summer months seem to fly by. I look forward to collaborating with you on the Pearson News next year and as always, do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or comments pertaining to communications at the school board. A happy summer to you all! Daniela Scoppa – Communications Officer [email protected] Volume XII, No. 10 Page 9 SAINT CHARLES RAISES FUNDS FOR SCHOOL IN SOUTH SUDAN PEARSON NEWS was decided that donations would be collected to support Captain Robert Taylor’s mission to build a school in South Sudan (S4SS). Everything went well and the spectators really enjoyed the show. The students performed well and they were able to help a really good cause at the same time. In the end, $500 was raised, so thank you to everyone for your donations. Special thanks to the committee for putting it all together: Mrs. Ariano, Ms. Barroca, Mrs Garritano, Mme Lise, Mrs. McKergow and Mrs. J. Miller with help from M. Yves, Mrs. Pille and Mrs. Long. Last but certainly not least, thanks to our outstanding daycare educators and students led by Ms. Laura Bennett for transforming our stage into an elegant setting perfect for the Saint Charles talent. An initiative taken on by the staff to hold a Saint Charles Talent Show became a show with a cause. On March 31st, Saint Charles held its Talent Show which showcased the students’ talent and family and friends were not disappointed. The Talent Show featured more than 30 acts. Students all the way from grade one to grade six sang, danced, told jokes, played music, just to name a few of the acts put on by the students. The Talent Show took on a special meaning when it Mme Coiteux - Principal, Saint Charles School THORNDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDIES THE HOLOCAUST The grade five students at Thorndale Elementary School have studied The Holocaust along with related topics such as bullying and human rights. In grade four, they read Hana's Suitcase by Karen Levine and this year they read Hiding Edith by Kathy Kacer. Along with these novels they have studied about people like Nelson Mandela, Ghandi and Martin Luther King who advocated non-violent activities towards change and making a better world. On May 5th the students welcomed Mrs. Irene Romer ,a Holocaust survivor, who told us her story. Here are some excerpts from their “Thank You” letters to her. " From hearing your story we learned that friendship is very powerful; just like your friend took care of you and helped you hide who you were. It was nice of your friend to risk her life for you. We also learned an important lesson about treating everybody equally. We learned that treating people badly is unacceptable because even though we SAINT LAWRENCE ACADEMY JR. AND SR. ART EXPO Saint Lawrence Academy Jr. and Sr. hosted an incredible art exposition on May 13th, where over 600 pieces of art were on display. The students studied different periods of art and different artists and then created their artwork based on what they learnt. There was Pop Art, replicas of the Mona Lisa, pottery, sculptures, painted chairs and art representing the 2010 Olympics to name just a few of the pieces on display. The art was auctioned off to those who attended the expo and over $1,200 was raised for the school. may be different, everyone is really the same. We all are human beings and deserve equal respect." Brittnie, Elizabeth, Santhyia & Ms. Samantha. " I find it very brave of you to talk about this terrifying topic...I learned that people were only liberated physically, not mentally and that the thoughts of the war were still in their mind." Yousuf Badawi " You've encouraged me to open up and help someone if they're being bullied or picked on." Deanna Evelyn Braun-Howard - Thorndale School Page 10 PEARSON NEWS REPORT FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD NEW SCHOOL UPDATE The Board continues its close collaboration with the Municipality of St-Lazare. Both organizations’ administrative teams have met and exchanged information several times during the last month. As Chair, I have met with the Mayor and following that meeting I sent a letter, a copy of which follows. We are very hopeful that the land issue will be settled before the end of June and that we will be able to start the construction by this fall. Our target date remains as an opening for the start of the school year 2011/2012. 19 mai 2010 Monsieur Pierre Kary Maire Ville de Saint-Lazare 1960, chemin Sainte-Angélique Saint-Lazare (Québec) J7T 3A3 Monsieur le Maire, Ce fut un plaisir de vous rencontrer aujourd’hui pour discuter de la nouvelle école, et des questions qui préoccupent les citoyens de SaintLazare. Je tiens à vous assurer que nous sommes très sensibles aux questions qu’ils ont soulevées. Nous croyons que les avantages à long terme de la présence d’une école primaire dans une communauté surpassent de beaucoup les inconvénients à court terme que la période de la construction peut causer. Une école primaire attire une communauté jeune et dynamique pendant de nombreuses années. L’infrastructure que nous avons accepté d’installer s’avèrera une réelle valeur ajoutée non seulement pour l’école mais pour toute la collectivité. Vous avez clairement exprimé votre souci au sujet des critères de transport qui pourraient avoir comme conséquence que des enfants de Saint-Lazare soient transportés à l'ouest de votre municipalité tandis que les enfants de l’est viendraient occuper les écoles présentes sur le territoire de Saint-Lazare. Vous nous avez demandé de vous convaincre que le besoin en places-élèves concerne bien Saint-Lazare et que la nouvelle école répondra directement aux besoins des enfants de Saint-Lazare. Saint-Lazare a l’une des populations les plus jeunes du Québec et il semble naturel pour nous d’installer la nouvelle école à Saint-Lazare, ou tout près, pour desservir les enfants de SaintLazare. La lettre du ministère de l’Éducation autorisant la construction de la nouvelle école indique clairement que le Ministère s’attend à ce que l’école desserve les élèves de la région. Nous pouvons comprendre que la question de savoir quels enfants fréquenteront la nouvelle école préoccupe plusieurs personnes. Il est important de noter que les critères d’inscription entrent en jeu seulement lorsque la capacité d’accueil de l’école est atteinte. Bien que nous prévoyions une croissance constante de la population de la région, nous prévoyons également que l’école n’atteindra pas sa pleine capacité d’accueil durant plusieurs années. En d’autres mots, tous les enfants qui demeurent dans le quartier de la nouvelle école de Saint-Lazare et qui désirent la fréquenter pourront le faire (à moins de changements imprévus), au moins pour cette période de temps. À notre commission scolaire, les critères d’inscription font qu’un enfant qui s’inscrit dans une école pourra terminer son cours primaire dans la même école, sauf s’il y a des changements touchant toute la commission scolaire en raison d’un remaniement majeur des écoles. La deuxième priorité d’inscription cible les frères et sœurs des enfants déjà inscrits dans une école. En d’autres mots, les enfants de Saint-Lazare qui s’inscrivent à la nouvelle école, pendant les premières années, ainsi que leurs frères et sœurs pour les années suivantes, seront priorisés par les critères d’inscription (à moins de changements imprévus). La troisième priorité d’inscription cible les enfants qui habitent à la distance de marche déterminée de l’école (1600) et à l’intérieur des zones de fréquentation de l’école. Comme l’école est située à Saint-Lazare, ce sera un avantage pour tous les résidants de SaintLazare vivant dans ce quartier. Une fois de plus, sans vouloir présumer des résultats de notre consultation en cours sur le zonage, je voudrais vous faire remarquer que selon notre pratique passée en ce qui concerne la fréquentation dans le secteur ouest de notre commission scolaire, les élèves sont transférés de l’ouest vers l’est. Si nous obtenons encore ce résultat lors de la présente consultation, ceci voudrait dire que tous les enfants de Saint -Lazare feraient partie de la zone de fréquentation de la nouvelle école. Bref, à moins de changements imprévus, pendant les premières années avant que l’école atteigne sa pleine capacité, la porte de la nouvelle école sera grande ouverte aux enfants de Saint-Lazare. De plus, ils pourront terminer leur cours primaire dans la même école et leur frères et sœurs seront priorisés. Ensuite, les enfants demeurant à une distance de 1.6 km d’une école sont favorisés en troisième lieu. La CSLPB croit que ces critères répondent bien à vos préoccupations. Etant donné l'incertitude pendant les changements en cours, pour rassurer la municipalité de Saint-Lazare, nous avons adopté une résolution qui donne le droit à deux représentants de la municipalité de SaintLazare de siéger au comité consultatif sur le zonage et les critères d'inscription pour la nouvelle école, se joignant à des représentants des écoles Forest Hill, Evergreen, MountPleasant, et Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau pour soumettre des recommandations à la commission scolaire. Le comité Commission scolaire et Communauté doit néanmoins respecter la Loi sur l'instruction publique. La décision d’inclure la municipalité au sein du comité sur le zonage et les critères d'inscription démontre notre engagement envers la municipalité de Saint-Lazare et nous espérons que vous êtes maintenant assuré que les enfants de votre municipalité seront biens servis par la nouvelle école dans le territoire de SaintLazare. En ce qui concerne les questions environnementales, vous n’êtes pas sans savoir que l’école primaire Forest Hill Senior est déjà connue pour être une des écoles publique la plus éconergétique au Québec. Nous avons l’intention d’utiliser le même modèle d’architecture et d’ingénierie, mais avec une technologie de cinq ans plus moderne. La nouvelle école devrait être l’édifice public le mieux coté du Québec en termes de considérations environnementales, une caractéristique avantageuse à mettre en évidence tant pour la municipalité que pour la commission scolaire. Monsieur Kary, je sais que ce fut une période difficile et je tiens à exprimer ma gratitude pour les efforts que vous, votre Conseil, et l’administration de la ville avez exercés. Notre équipe est d’avis que les représentants de SaintLazare ont été coopératifs et obligeants pendant tout le processus. Il est évident que nous recherchons les mêmes résultats – la meilleure infrastructure et les meilleurs services possibles pour ceux que nous servons. J’ai confiance qu’avec la construction de cette nouvelle école primaire, nous atteindrons cet objectif. Si vous avez besoin d’autres renseignements, n’hésitez pas à communiquer avec moi. Veuillez agréer, Monsieur le Maire, l’expression de mes sentiments les meilleurs. Le président du Conseil, Marcus Tabachnick ACCESS TO ENGLISH SCHOOLS On May 11th a press conference was held at Nesbitt School in Rosemont. The goal of the press conference was to demonstrate to all Quebec that the English community is part of Quebec, that we expect to be treated with respect, and that we are concerned about our future. In front of a large gathering of Anglo community leaders and a throng of English and French media, speakers from the LBPSB, EMSB, Riverside School Board, Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board, the Association of Independent Schools, the Quebec English (CONTINUED ON PAGE 11) Page 11 Volume XII, No. 10 REPORT FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, CONT’D. School Boards Association, the Parents Committees of the four sponsoring Boards, and former Commissioner of Official Languages Victor Goldbloom, each talked about our place in Quebec society. Radio, television, and newspapers carried the story across the province for several days. The event was reported as being unprecedented in its ability to gather so many leaders from so wide a cross section of our community, in one place at one time to express their concerns. Some of the guests in attendance were: Robert Libman (former MNA and Mayor of Cote St-Luc); William Steinberg (Mayor of Hampstead); Noel Burke (former Assistant Deputy Minister of Education); Quebec Federation of Home & Schools Associations; Quebec Community Groups Network; Eva Ludwig (Quebec delegate of the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages); and so many others. There is no doubt that this has become much more than just an issue about schools – it is about respect and our place in Quebec society. Thanks to Daniela Scoppa (LBP Communications Officer) and Mike Cohen (EMSB Communications Specialist) along with a host of others who made the event a success. A special word of thanks must go to Nesbitt School, the Principal, and staff who allowed us and so many others the use of the Gym in the middle of a school day. During the week of May 24th a letter, co-signed by Angela Mancini, Chair of the English Montreal School Board, and me, was sent to Premier Jean Charest renewing our request for a meeting to discuss the potential legislation and the long-term effects on the English school system and on the English community. COMPLAINT EXAMINATION PROCEDURE The consultation period for the creation of a new By-law covering the recently legislated Complaint Examination Procedure has ended. We received 16 briefs with suggestions for changes or clarifications. The Governance & Ethics Committee met to review the input and, based on the input, made a number of suggestions for inclusion in the By-law and procedure. The new By-law details the process to follow should a student or her/his parent have a complaint. The process is not meant to circumvent the current practices and procedures. We still expect that most differences will be able to be resolved at the local level. The protection that this new procedure offers is that in the case that there is no other possible solution an independent third party will be available to review receivable complaints and make recommendations to the Council for a resolution. STUDENT OMBUDSMAN The Board advertised in both French and English newspapers for applicants for the position of Student Ombudsman, as per the provisions of Bill 88, now included in the Education Act. A decision had been made that the LBP would engage an individual on a contractual, hourly rate basis for the initial three -year period mandated by law. There will be an evaluation of the Board process, the individual, and the effectiveness of the Board's policy at the end of the second year. The Governance & Ethics Committee met to review the applications and selected a number of individuals for interviews. The interviews will be carried out during the month of June and if the committee is satisfied, a recommendation will be brought to the Central Parents’ Committee for consultation and then to the Council of Commissioners at the end-of-June meeting. If the process is not complete within that timeframe the process will carry over until September. Once a person has been selected, all contact information will be available on the Board's website. In subsequent years the information will also be available in the student agenda handed out to each student at the beginning of each school year. It is important to note that the Student Ombudsman only has the authority to make recommendations to the Council. Those recommendations are not binding and it will still be up to the Council of Commissioners to make the final determination as to the resolution of a complaint. VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMS Our Board has made numerous requests to the MELS for additional Vocational Training courses. We are particularly interested in programs that can be offered in both the Eastern and western sectors of the Board's territory. After several years, the MELS has finally agreed to grant the LBPSB authorization to provide the Plumbing & Heating option. The problem is that the authorization is only provisional. Such an authorization is for only one group of 22 students and there is no funding associated with it. The program will cost some $4-million to set up. This fact is well known by the MELS. Currently there is a multi-year waiting list for the few English program spaces now offered as an adjunct to the Frenchlanguage program at Commission scolaire de Montreal. This is unacceptable. The Board is now calling on the government to make the authorization permanent, extend the authorization to include a minimum of two groups per session, and provide the necessary funding required for setting up the program. PILONGATE A war of words coupled with adults acting like children usually accomplishes nothing. Such is the case in the “great letter exchange” between Mayor Guy Pilon of Vaudreuil-Dorion and me. In all my years as a school board Commissioner, Board Chairman, and provincial and national President I have never written or PEARSON NEWS sent a letter like the one I sent in response to the unfounded and hurtful letter I received from Mayor Pilon. In fact, I agonized over whether or not to respond to such nonsense. However, the fact that the gentleman decided to make his diatribe so public left me little choice. The fact that he sent his letter to the media, the Minister of Education, the area MNA’s and all members of the LBPSB Council before I received the letter that was addressed to me, speaks volumes about the manner in which this Mayor operates. I felt compelled to respond, but I am not at all pleased with myself for doing so. I think our students deserve more from their leaders. I believe that our organization deserves more. To them I apologize. For me, this issue is over – no further comments, no more letters, no more answers to media. This should be a happy, upbeat, positive, file with which to deal. The construction of a new school, especially in the Anglophone community, is something to celebrate. Instead it has turned nasty. Now, after 20+ months of disappointments and with the end of the search phase in sight, we are facing a NIMBY movement in the proposed location in StLazare. The community in that part of our territory needs a new school. The students and staff deserve a proper and not overcrowded school. We have to start construction as soon as possible. It is now up to the St-Lazare Council to decide. HAPPY SUMMER As this is the last Council of Commissioners rd meeting report before school ends on June 23 , I want to take this opportunity to wish all of our students, teachers, staff, parents, partners, and colleagues a safe and happy summer. The Council will meet on June 28th to receive for adoption the 2010/2011 budget. The Executive Committee will meet early in July to monitor progress and approve payments for the summer construction and renovation projects. After that the Council takes a break for the summer season until about mid-August. We look forward to seeing you all back after a well-deserved rest. WEBCAST VIEWERSHIP RECOUNT A follow-up review of the number of viewers logged-in to LBP Council meeting webcasts had revealed that the December 21st Major School Change meeting did not draw 11,500 on -line viewers, but instead the accurate number of live, on-line, viewers was more than 22,000! In addition, the Administrative staffing meeting of April drew more than 3,300 on-line viewers. We hope to be able to provide all statistics for the 2009/2010 school year in September. Marcus Tabachnick - Chairman of the Board Page 12 PEARSON NEWS GREENDALE MUSICFEST On Tuesday, May 18th, our Grade Six Grad Band led by Mrs. Joan Wight played in a mini Musicfest here at Greendale Elementary School. The students in our band played songs that are familiar to us all, “O When the Saints, Hot Cross Buns” and ended their concert time with “Let’s Go Band”, a favorite! We had this Musicfest with a guest choir from an elementary school, École Marc Favreau in NDG. Their Principal, M. Mathieu, accompanied his students on the guitar and we truly enjoyed their beautiful voices. They are students from Grades three to six who have just finished taking part in a Rassemblement put on by the CSDM schools in Montreal. We have been invited to take part in this music festival in February of 2011. We are very excited as this will be the first time a school from the LBPSB will attend. Dona Bianchi - Principal, Greendale Elementary WILDER PENFIELD AT THE NEURO! In February 2009, the Neurological Institute and Hospital invited Gr. 5 and Gr.6 students on the Island of Montreal to participate in a contest to celebrate its 75th anniversary. The time capsule which had been inserted in the building’s cornerstone in 1934 was opened and its content revealed. The contest challenged the children to suggest items to be placed in the 2010 time capsule. The Neuro’s Anniversary Committee was especially happy to have Wilder Penfield Elementary School take part as we are named after their founder. Wilder students rose to the challenge and created a magazine about the brain called “Bring on the Brain’’ which contained articles by students explaining the nervous and sensory systems, brain diseases and disorders, neuroscience and left and right brain functions. They also made a list of items which they believed should be included in the time capsule. Their suggestions were inspired by Dr. Penfield’s research, images and history of Montreal, examples of today’s technology and culture, and current information on the brain. One hundred twenty-three students from Wilder Penfield School went to the Time Capsule Ceremony on May 7th along with several other schools. The current Director of the Neuro, Dr. David Colman, spoke about the power of our brains and where wondering can take us. The Minister of Education, Mme Michelle Courchesne, shared her thoughts and hopes for the children present. Student representatives from each school placed items in the time capsule: an iPod containing music, videos and images, a plastic bag (with the hope that they’ll be extinct in 75 years), a Penfield #4 (a piece of medical equipment designed and used by Dr. Penfield), two current newspapers, a stress ball, our “Bring on the Brain” magazine, as well as several other contributions. We gave Amanda Fritz, who co-ordinated this event for the Neuro, a selection of photographs of Dr. Penfield visiting our school in 1975. These were gratefully acknowledged and will be placed in their archives. An honour guard transferred the time capsule outside where it was sealed and placed in the Neuro’s cornerstone. We watched the proceedings on a live-feed in the auditorium. The children were given a snack and listened as several scientists, researchers and doctors shared their knowledge and answered many questions posed by the students. Everyone was touched by the experience. Many remarked about their excitement at seeing the filling of the time capsule, the beauty and history of the building, the knowledge and information gained from the presentations and the promise of being invited back to the Neuro in 2085! Judy Harper - Cycle Three teacher YOU CAN SIGN UP TO HAVE THE PEARSON NEWS DELIVERED DIRECTLY TO YOUR INBOX EVERY MONTH. VISIT THE ‘PEARSON NEWS’ SECTION ON THE BOARD’S WEBSITE: WWW.LBPSB.QC.CA Page 13 Volume XII, No. 10 PEARSON NEWS DAYCARES HONOURED board room’s ceiling for everyone On May 18th, the LBPSB’s daycare present to admire. A fantastic time employees were honoured with a celebration to thank them for their con- was had by all who attended. stant hard work. The celebration took place in the board room at the school board’s head office. Each school’s daycare created a piece of artwork for the event. This year’s beautiful artwork featured different umbrellas decorated by the students in each daycare. The umbrellas hung from the TWELFTH EDITION OF THE QUEBEC ENTREPRENEURSHIP CONTEST The Quebec Entrepreneurship Contest organization’s mission is to develop Québec entrepreneurial culture through the start-up and recognition of new businesses and entrepreneurial projects in the schools and the community at large. Entrepreneurship projects are done in schools or as extracurricular projects, by students, and must be completed over the course of the school year. These projects enabled students to develop autonomy, a sense of responsibility, creativity, leadership, solidarity, self-confidence, personal fulfillment, initiative, a sense of organization, perseverance, resourcefulness, tenacity, determination, team spirit, motivation and an appreciation of cooperative values. By participating in the Quebec Entrepreneurship Contest, projects are also eligible to receive a grant of up to $750 under the MELS Introduction to Entrepreneurship Measure. Through this program, LBPSB schools received over $150,000 last year. The results of the grants for the 2009-2010 school year will be announced in October 2010. Again this year the Quebec Entrepreneurship Contest was a big success at Lester B. Pearson School Board with a total of 285 projects submitted. Elementary Cycle 1: 25 projects Elementary Cycle 2: 27 projects Elementary Cycle 3: 47 projects High School Gr. 7-8: 33 projects High School Gr. 9-11: 139 projects High School Special Education: 13 projects Adult Education: 1 project An integral part of the Quebec Entrepreneur- ship Program is the contest whereby all projects are judged by local entrepreneurs where they are evaluated to win at the local level. This year, a panel of judges from the Carrefour Jeunesse Emploi organization selected 23 projects to be winners in their respective categories at the School Board Level. These projects were sent to be evaluated at their respective regions. It is with great pride that teachers and students from nine projects (written in blue below) received an award at the Montreal Regional Award Ceremony held at the Botanical Gardens on May 5th, 2010. Montreal Elementary Cycle 1: • Project Afghanistan – Saint Lawrence Academy Junior, Mary-Anne Fyckes • Des Livres-Audio – Saint John Fisher Jr., Martine Déziel Elementary Cycle 2: • Young Stylists- Verdun Elementary, Mary-Anne Fyckes • Halloween Solutions – Meadowbrook, Susan Piffer Elementary Cycle 3: • Me to We Brick by Brick – Saint Anthony, Maria de Souza, Marilyn Carroll • Let’s Make our School Bully Free – Children’s World Academy, Anna Giammario • Computer Literacy for Seniors – Dorval Elementary, Mary-Anne Fyckes • Laundry Services for Hire – Verdun Elementary, Mary-Anne Fyckes Secondary Schools – Grade 7-8 • It’s Fair – Magasin du Monde, Saint Thomas High School, Anne Novak • Lunch for a Bunch without a Punch, Beaconsfield High School, Rosemary Hill • Book Fair Express – Beaconsfield High School, Rosemary Hill Secondary Schools – Grade 9-11 • Minions in Training (MIT) – Riverdale High School, Brent Callahan • Lakeside Blood Donor Clinic – Lakeside Academy, Victoria Pinnell • Hands Help Haiti – Riverdale High School, Tanya Avrith • Seniors Outreach Program – Beaconsfield High School, Nancy Dubuc • United Nations Simulation – St. Thomas High School, Joanna Schreyer Secondary Schools – Special Education • Soup in a Jar – Lakeside Academy, Sherri McCallum Vocational Training and Adult Education • One-Stop Shop Community Chest – Pearson Adult and Career Centre, Robin Leggo, Émilie Dubé Monteregie Elementary Cycle 3: • Student Olympics – Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Diane St-Onge, Jason Cordery Secondary Schools – Grade 9-11 • Think Globally Act Locally Camp, Westwood High School Senior, Peter Nield • T-Shirts for Haiti, Westwood High School Senior, Peter Nield • Westwood Bridge to Burundi, Westwood High School Senior, Peter Nield Secondary Schools – Special Education • Munch Time Movie Club, Westwood High School Senior, Shelly Walters Congratulations to all participants and we are looking forward to next year’s edition. Nancy Battet & Julie Royal Page 14 PEARSON NEWS FOREST HILL SENIOR’S MUSICAL On May 3rd, the 124 grade students of grade 4 performed a wonderful musical called “On the Radio”! They sang, danced, and acted superbly, much to the thrill of their 500 adoring fans! Kudos to all those involved. GORDON PATTERSON AWARD WINNER Dear Members of the QFHSA, The Sherwood Forest Home & School Association would like to nominate Mrs. Diane Martello for the Gordon Patterson Award. We believe Mrs. Diane Martello should be considered for the Gordon Patterson Award as she represents what this award and Home & School is all about. Mrs. Martello believes in working together to achieve greatness. She has been a valued member of the Sherwood Forest Home & School Association as well as our teacher representative for several years. She attends all our meetings and is enthusiastically involved in all our endeavours. She is our link to the teachers and staff and is always very excited to be included in our events. Mrs. Martello is the Sherwood Forest Music Specialist and teaches a love of music to all of our students. Mrs. Martello will be retiring this year and we at Sherwood Forest will miss her greatly. A true Creative Arts Specialist is rare these days and her commitment to teaching the arts to children is tremendous. We wish her all the best but realise that her retirement will leave big shoes to fill and a big space in our school community. With so much emphasis these days on sporting events and competition, it is amazing how Mrs. Martello can find creativity in all the children. It is due to her patience and extremely hard work that the merge of two schools has been so successful. Mrs. Martello always seems to know the talents of our parent population and seeks out the help of parents who have an interest in, or a talent, for the arts. One of her biggest contributions to the Sherwood Forest community are the yearly musical productions, which are performed by the grade six graduating classes. Sherwood Forest is a merge of two school communities, and since the merge, we have had three to four graduating classes every year. This never deterred Mrs. Martello as she proceeds to continue the tradition, and stages three to four full casts of children every year. She is sometimes directing two or three different plays a year. Every child is given a speaking role, which sometimes involves changing scripts and roles in order for every child to participate. With these numbers, parents become very important, and Mrs. Martello has a job for everyone. The children are responsible for their production but our eager director always seems to be able to use parent volunteers and still have the children feel ownership in their production. The involvement of the grade six students provides a chance to learn responsibility, confidence and teamwork. The other grades also learn a great deal from the productions. They learn how to support others and art appreciation. This year she will use the grade five classes as a back-up choir for each cast. It is a great way for the school to benefit from live musical theater without the monetary cost. The entire school gets involved by learning the songs and the classic stories, which Mrs. Martello chooses for the musicals. Volunteers are needed for set decoration, rehearsal supervision, back stage and costume supervision, just to name a few jobs. The night of the play, over two hundred parents, grandparents, and children get set for an entertaining evening. The audience is encouraged to participate and appreciate all the hard work that has built up to this evening. Mrs. Martello is always willing to try new ideas and implement them with the children as well as encourage other staff members. By introducing the students to a former student of hers, Lisa Walsh, a musically gifted girl with Williams Syndrome, she has taught our children acceptance of others and the confidence to always try. Lisa Walsh volunteers her time to come perform concerts for the school, all under the direction of Mrs. Martello. For the past two years, Mrs. Martello has introduced a partnership between our children and the Nova Day Center for seniors. The seniors have visited our school, exchanged mail with students and have received visits from their pen pals. This was a wonderful experience for the students, staff and seniors, as well as for the parent volunteers who were asked to provide goodies for these visits. Mrs. Martello has also taken the Sherwood Forest Choir (another one of her many endeavours) and many parent volunteers to sing in senior residences. The students and parents always come away from these "field trips" with huge smiles and warm stories to tell. Another project that Mrs. Martello has piloted is the “It’s Hip To Hear” project. With this project the children are made aware of the importance of their ears and how to take special care of their hearing and the dangers of high volume. With the help of volunteer health professionals, Mrs. Martello has given yet another gift to our children. This year Mrs. Martello was one of the key factors in the organization of our Olympic Week festivities. It was through her influence that our opening and closing ceremonies involved choir and dance. Thus, once again, incorporating the arts into another aspect of the curriculum. She arranged to have volunteer dancers perform from a local dance school and her school choir sang for the school. As co-presidents of the Sherwood Forest Home & School Association we feel that Diane Martello knows the importance of parents and school community and we are proud to have her as a part of our community. We will miss her. She sits on our governing board, is our Home & School teacher representative and also is the acting principal when our principal, Mrs. Fillatre is not in the building. It is through Mrs. Martello’s active involvement that Sherwood Forest is a warm and welcoming place for the whole community. She has a way of finding and calling upon the special talents in our community and in the end making Sherwood Forest Elementary School the best place possible. We thank you for considering for Mrs. Diane Martello for the prestigious Gordon Patterson Award for 2010. With her huge involvement and commitment with the Home & School Association over all these years we feel that it would surely be an honour well-deserved. Sincerely, Donna Callard & Anne Macdonald Co-presidents, Sherwood Forest Home & School Association Page 15 Volume XII, No. 10 LAKESIDE TRACK AND FIELD Lakeside Academy did amazingly well at the GMAA track and field championships on the 12th and 13th of May 2010. Kareem Alleyne sprinted to a gold medal in the juvenile boys 200 meters and a bronze medal in the 100 meters. The most surprising thing at these meets happened at the end of the day, when the Lakeside Academy juvenile boys won gold in the 4x1 relay. The team was made up of Kareem Alleyne, Andel Gordon, Aaron Butler and Kadeem Fergus. The previous day Jenaya Berridge PEARSON NEWS won gold in the javelin in the bantam girls’ category. Overall, it was an amazing day for Lakeside Academy. Lakeside Academy’s team spirit and determination was demonstrated during this year’s track and field championships. Many thanks go to the two coaches, Greig Campbell and Tanya Litschauer. SAINT PAUL’S ‘ENCHANTED GARDEN’ ART GALA The Saint Paul Art Gala Committee hosted a wonderfully original Enchanted Garden Art Gala Fundraiser in May. Our gym was magically transformed as billowing white sheets were draped from ceiling to floor, with artwork and large bouquets of flowers providing vivid splashes of colour. All of our students showed their diverse talents with displays ranging from colourful flowers to drawings of intricate freedom quilts from the Underground Railway. The huge turnout from our community was also treated to a terrific musical trio playing jazz throughout the evening. A highlight was our Urban Art Project. Sterling Downey, is a self-described “graffiti writer who gives back to the community through art.” He uses this medium both to channel the creative spirit of young people as well as to teach them about responsible ways of taking ownership of their space. This is the first time he has worked with elementary students, and under his expert direction our students set alight our exterior walls with bright blue and yellow graffiti depictions of our school logo of a beehive adorned with the words respect and integrity an a multi-panel ‘Bee Creative’ design. Fundraising came from unique professional works of art exhibited by several parents and Principal Coleen Turner. In addition, tickets were sold for a draw of an array of beautiful garden stones created by our staff. Pictured in a quiet corner of my garden is one created by Sharon Anto, Daycare Coordinator, that I was lucky enough to win, a happy souvenir indeed of this enchanted evening! Linda Choinière - Spiritual Animator MISSING CHILDREN’S NETWORK VISITS GREENDALE On May 26th and 27th, The Missing Children's Network came to our school to teach the students about personal safety. Key points that were stressed are the following: - To always ask for permission - To listen to their body and trust their instinct - To say NO in any situation in which they feel uncomfortable, confused or afraid - To always use a buddy system when playing outside or going anywhere. - To identify safe individuals, as well as places where they can seek help if needed. - To safely navigate the internet using the appropriate tools and resources. The children enjoyed the workshops and learned to be careful about strangers. Dona Bianchi - Principal of Greendale PEARSON NEWS Page 16 SAINT EDMUND ELEMENTARY’S CIRCLE OF HUGS St. Edmund Elementary, this year’s recipient of the Pat Lewis Humanitarian Award from the Quebec Federation of Home and School Associations, has been raising money for the Circle of Hugs for the past 3 years. A “circle” represents $216 ($18 x 12 months). Fundraising events include Dress-down Friday, music concerts, and TCBY sales. Each year, the principal and a few student representatives travel to the Montreal Children’s Hospital to present their cheque for this worthy cause. This year, students have raised $1,296 which equals 6 Circles. To date, they have raised over $2,800 and have already begun collecting money for next year’s National Day of Giving. A STORY WORTH SHARING Thomas Rhymes, Principal of Riverdale High School submitted this story to the Pearson News. It’s a story of good-will and as Mr. Rhymes puts it, the story falls under the category “Man saves cat from tree.” Enjoy. When Canada Post dropped off the mail on April 27th, there was a package from Germany included, which was addressed to me. I have a friend there, but it was not his name on the return address. I didn't recognize the address or name at all. When I opened the package, there was a list of my students who had participated on our Europe tour (which took place from March 26th to April 11th) along with a note from a representative from a bus company saying that one of our students left his iPod on the bus when he travelled from Munich to Rome. The iPod was enclosed in the envelope as well. The iPod belongs to the mother of student, Terell McLeod. She had lent the iPod to Terell for his trip to Europe. The iPod has been returned to Terell who has written to the bus company, Seitz Reisen in Ruhmannsfelden, Germany, to express his thanks to them for returning the iPod. LAKESIDE ACADEMY VISITS VERDUN ELEMENTARY On the afternoon of Wednesday May 5th, four secondary five students from Lakeside Academy visited Verdun Elementary’s Social Justice Club. These grade 5 and 6 students have been learning about social issues in their world, such as racism, poverty, sweatshop labour and fair trade. With their teacher, Jennifer Hayden-Benn, they have initiated various activities to raise awareness among peers about these issues, and to suggest creative solutions that can be implemented by elementary-age children. When describing these activities to her sister, Jessica, it became obvious that these issues are also important for high school students. Jessica Hayden is an art specialist at Lakeside Academy, and has developed amazing art projects around issues of social justice with her secondary 5 students. Together, they planned an afternoon for some of Lakeside’s artists to visit the Verdun Elementary Social Justice Club. The afternoon was a huge success, with Lakeside students showing and describing their social justice art projects. It was an inspiration to watch elementary school children engaged in such real and complex issues with their high school counterparts. After the presentations and discussion, students from both schools created a huge painting depicting different social issues that were discussed. Together, students painted a cityscape where they displayed photographs depicting such issues as teenage pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse, homelessness and poverty. The creative collaboration was a great educational experience for all involved! Page 17 Volume XII, No. 10 ONE STOP SHOP COMMUNITY CHEST WINS AGAIN PEARSON NEWS Congratulations to PACC Adult’s One Stop Shop Community Chest on winning first prize at the regional level of the 12th edition of the Concours québecois en entrepreneuriat. The One Stop Shop Community Chest was created by members of Ma place au soleil students: young single mothers supporting each other while studying. These industrious students decided to open a thrift store for the PACC population to help with the Shelly-Ann Green, Émilie Dubé financial burden that some (Ma place au soleil Facilitator) adult learners have. On May 5th, the entrepreneurs received honours among competing school boards. We wish them success as they compete nationally in the vocational training and adult education category. Photo: Left to right: Nadia Diamond, Gloria Keenan (LBPSB Director of Adult Education and Vocational Training), Kemma Lionel, Saida Djama, MUSIC MONDAY AT RIVERVIEW ELEMENTARY Riverview Community Learning Centre. Riverview students connected online with students in schools in Alberta,Ontario,Quebec, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas and Kansas. Requests to join in the event came from as far as Bermuda and Indonesia! The video conference enabled students to simultaneously perform Sing, Sing the Music Monday 2010 theme song. The Riverview Elementary School filled the skies with music on Music Monday Coalition for Music Education in Canada organizes the yearly Music Monday 2010 in collaboration with other event which takes place on the first schools through the magic of VCN (Video Conferencing Network) in the Monday in May to showcase our BEURLING ACADEMY’S FOURTH ANNUAL MULTICULTURAL LUNCH On Monday, May 17th, all three of my Secondary I Ethics and Religious Culture Classes organized the fourth annual Multicultural Lunch. Each student contributed an appetizer, main course or dessert which represented his/her cultural background. Students were given the opportunity to sample a variety of dishes in the company of their classmates. Parents, grandparents & relatives were invited to attend. This event was the culmination of a unit on World Religions and Religious Culture. It is my hope that this type of projects will help to promote the development of attitudes such as acceptance, respect and openness for students of all Religious and Cultural backgrounds. Some of the aims of the new Ethics and Religious Culture Program are for students to reflect upon their own culture, to be open to cultural diversity and to acknowledge each person’s identity. Tamara Beach - Cycle 1 ERC Teacher students promoting the importance of music in our schools and in our lives. Music Monday 2010 had over 750,000 participants from over 2000 schools. Craig Bullett, Video Conferencing Technology Coordinator of LEARN Quebec was present to connect the participating schools. Page 18 PEARSON NEWS ARTICLE BY PEDAGOGICAL CONSULTANT PIERRE AUCLAIR Volume XII, No. 10 Page 19 UNOFFICIAL NOTES—MAY 31st, 2010 MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF COMMISSIONERS Committee Structure Review Council adopted, in principle, the recommendations contained in the report entitled Internal Management Committee Report on Committee Structure. The final report will be brought for adoption no later than the June 28th meeting. Calendar Amendment – Adult and Voc Ed 2010-2011 Council approved that the Adult and Vocational Training Calendar for the 20102011 school year be amended to include the following change: - The Teachers’ Convention scheduled on November 19th, 2010 be moved to November 26th, 2010. Sir Wilfrid Laurier Foundation “Tapis Rouge” Event Commissioners Barbara Freeston, Suanne Stein-Day, Domenic Pavone and Susan Bartlett-Lewis were named by Council to attend the Fondation Sir Wilfrid Laurier Tapis Rouge event to be held on June 9th, 2010. Riverdale High School Doors, Windows, Auditorium Roof Repair and Relocation of Cycle One High School project Council awarded the contract for the Doors, Windows, Repair of Auditorium Roof and Relocation of Cycle One High School Project at Riverdale High School to the lowest tendered bid, Construction Michel Laurence Ltée for the amount of $878,000 (plus taxes). Student Transportation Organization Plan Council approved the document entitled 2010-2011 Student Transportation Organization Plan as the Board’s course of action for the 2010-2011 school year. Transportation Contract - Transco Council approved that 10 of the 63 school bus routes previously contracted with Transco (1988) Inc. be transferred to 10 other carriers under contract. This was done in full compliance with the Education Act, as Transco (1988) Inc. is unable to secure a collective agreement with their drivers by the contractual deadline. Council approved that the Administration be further mandated to proceed with the tender process as early as June 1st, 2010 for the remaining Autobus Transco (1988) Inc. routes. Governing Board Composition Council approved the following number of representatives for the governing boards of the schools and centres of the Lester B. Pearson School Board, which will take effect for the 2010-2011 school year and will remain in effect until such time as the governing board of a school or centre requests a change. Please visit News from Council section at www.lbpsb.qc.ca to view the number of representatives for each school and centre. By-Law 1 (2010) – Day/Time/Place of Council Meetings Council adopted the following dates for the regular meetings of the Council of Commissioners for 2010-2011: 2010 2011 Monday, August 30 Monday, January 31 Monday, September 27 Monday, February 21 (Exception) Monday, October 25 Monday, March 28 Monday, November 29 Tuesday, April 26 (Exception) Monday, December 20 (Exception) Monday, May 30 Monday, June 27 The meetings will begin at 7:30pm and will be held in the Board Room at 1925 Brookdale Avenue, Dorval. By-Law 1E (2010) – Day/Time/Place of Executive Committee Meetings Council adopted the following dates for the regular meetings of the Executive Committee for 2010-2011: 2010 2011 Monday, July 5 (Exception) Monday, January 24 Monday, August 23 Tuesday, February 15 (Exception) Monday, September 20 Monday, March 21 Monday, October 18 Monday, April 11 (Exception) Monday, November 22 Tuesday, May 24 (Exception) Monday, December 13 (Exception) Monday, June 20 The meetings will begin at 5:30pm and will be held in the Board Room at 1925 Brookdale Avenue, Dorval. School Tax Council approved that the LBPSB call upon the Comité de gestion de la taxe scolaire de l’Île-de-Montréal to adopt a budget for 20102011 that ensures the LBPSB receives its full share of the proceeds from the collection of school tax. Contract for Multifunction Photocopiers Council awarded the contract for the supply PEARSON NEWS and servicing of thirty-seven low and mid-volume multifunction photocopiers with contract expiration dates between June 1st, 2010 and May 31st, 2011 to the lowest tendered bid, XEROX Canada Ltée, for a maximum amount of $680,994 (plus taxes), with the possibility of an additional year of contract for multifunction photocopiers. Partnership Agreement with MELS Council authorized the Chairman and Director General to sign with the Minister of Education, Leisure and Sports, for and on behalf of the LBPSB, a partnership agreement that substantially reflects the draft strategic plan to be presented to the Council of Commissioners at their regular meeting to be held June 28, 2010. Senneville Land Council accepted the offer received by way of call for tender from Lucien Bohbot, acting for a company to be formed to purchase lot number 1977164 cadastre du Québec. Spring Garden Lease Council approved a 10-year lease between the LBPSB and Les Entreprises Éducatives de Montréal Inc. for part of the building situated at 175 Sonata in Dollard-des-Ormeaux. Plumbing and Heating Program - Vocational Council approved that the LBPSB insist that the MELS upgrade authorization for the Plumbing and Heating Program to permanent program status and that this authorization be extended to allow the LBPSB to offer the Plumbing and Heating Program to at least two groups of students. Installation and Repair of Security Systems Vocational Council approved that the LBPSB insist that the MELS grant authorization in permanent program status for the Installation and Repair of Security Systems program to be offered at PEC. Sommellerie Professionelle - Vocational Council approved that the LBPSB insist that the MELS grant authorization in permanent program status for the Sommellerie Professionelle to be offered at the PACC, Pearson School of Culinary Arts. Authorization for 2010-2011 Budget Deficit Council approved that a request be submitted to the MELS to authorize the LBPSB to adopt a budget allowing for expense accruals to exceed income accruals. Gordon Robertson at BHS – Expansion of Vocational Educational Centre Council awarded the contract for the major renovations of the Gordon Robertson Vocational Education Centre (the renovation of washrooms, the replacement of windows, doors and part of the roof at BHS/Gordon Robertson) to the lowest tendered bid, Candev Construction Inc. for the amount of $1,676,000 (plus taxes). PEARSON NEWS Page 20 On behalf of the Central Parents’ Committee, we would like to express our thanks and sincere gratitude to all the parents who participated as a Sector Parent representative this year. As a team, we were able to reach out and communicate with the parents of all our schools and centres, providing information, presentations on topics important to student success and support to Governing Boards. We wish you all a wonderful summer and hope to see you back next year. Nan Beaton Chair Central Parents’ Committee Laura Derry Vice-Chair Central Parents’ 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 John Killingbeck Marcus Tabachnick Susan Williams Martin Sherman Joe Zemanovich Don Rae Suanne Stein Day Luisa Bulgarelli-Vero Judy Kelley Susan Bartlett-Lewis Angela Nolet Daniel Olivenstein Conny Held Domenic Pavone Home Phone # 514-293-2417 514-368-1001 514-365-1638 514-951-5834 514-637-5209 514-636-9315 514-620-8012 514-421-6570 514-683-6671 514-695-3787 514-684-6429 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 514-909-6306 514-566-8869 422-3000 Local 4001 4002 4003 4004 4005 4006 4007 4008 4009 4010 2322 4012 4013 4014 4015 4016 4017 4018 4019 2229 4021 4026 4027 DATES TO NOTE PUBLIC MEETINGS – JUNE 2010 The following meetings will take place at 1925 Brookdale, Dorval (unless otherwise indicated) Central Parents’ Committee June 17th, 2010 7:15 p.m. Board Room Executive Committee June 21st, 2010 7:00 p.m. Board Room Council of Commissioners June 28th, 2010 7:30 p.m. Board Room ***Webcast begins at 7:30 p.m. on www.lbpsb.qc.ca
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