The monthly news bulletin of the EMSB

The monthly news bulletin of the EMSB
Vol.11. No. 5
EDITOR: MICHAEL J. COHEN
PRINTING SERVICES: L. SHAW, D. D’ORNELLAS
December 18, 2008
PROOFREADING/TRANSLATION: ALINE ZEROUNIAN
∆ Public School Month
∆ Annual Report
∆ Toy Tea
∆ Book Trailers
∆ Spirit of Giving
∆ Children’s Party
∆ Sports Études
∆ Evil of Styrofoam
∆ Free the Children
∆ Teacher Scholarships
∆ James Lyng Choral
The EMSB has launched its elementary school registration campaign
with newspaper advertisements like this. There will also be television
and radio spots.
2
January is Public School Education Month
SURPLUS SPENDING: The English
Montreal School Board has announced plans
of how it intends to spend almost $4 million
in funds which became available as a result
of an operational surplus in 2007-2008.
EMSB Chairman Angela Mancini said that
the Council of Commissioners has agreed to
allocate $3,858,000 towards a literacy early
intervention program over three years ($1.2
million), school/centre projects ($1,050
million),
information
technology
($870,000), washroom improvements for 10
high schools and centres ($500,000), a
professional development plan for support
and professional staff ($200,000) and the
marketing of the youth sector ($38,000).
More discussions on the literacy and
information technology initiatives will take
place in January at the Education and
Facilities Committee.
“The EMSB has been fortunate to record
surpluses in each of the past three years,” says
Ms. Mancini. “We have made a point of
taking this money and reinvesting it in our
system.”
The EMSB recorded a surplus of $1.5 million
in 2006-07 which was earmarked for physical
and washroom improvements across the
network. The previous year, a surplus of
$500,000 was used for renovations in schools
and centres.
Ms. Mancini congratulated the senior
management team of the
EMSB for
presenting such viable options for the surplus
this year. More details on these new initiatives
will be forthcoming in early 2009.
ANNUAL REPORT: The EMSB 2007-2008
annual report has been published, with hard
copies distributed to all schools and centres.
You can access this comprehensive document
on the EMSB website in English and French at
http://www.emsb.qc.ca/en/pressroom_en/pdf/2
007-2008_Annual%20Report_en.pdf.
Former NHLer Robin Burns (right), seen here at last
spring’s Irishman of the Year Breakfast, will speak at
Marymount
Academy.
PUBLIC
SCHOOL
EDUCATION
MONTH: The EMSB is gearing up for Public
School Education Month in January. Activities
will be kicked off on Friday, January 9 when
an EMSB kiosk begins a three day run at the
Place Vertu Shopping Centre in St. Laurent.
Local schools will be present at the booth to
provide information and talk to interested
parents and students. During the month
graduates who have gone on to interesting
careers will return to their old schools. The
EMSB Communications and Marketing
Division will coordinate these visits.
However, schools are encouraged to email
[email protected] with any suggestions
they may have. Some of the confirmed
speakers thus far include: Victoria Kaspi
(Edinburgh), a Professor of Physics at McGill
University and the Lorne Trottier Chair in
Astrophysics and Cosmology and a Canada
Research Chair in Observational Astrophysics;
Helen Georgaklis (Gardenview), a successful
financial consultant for the Investors Group
where she manages millions of dollars for
people planning their retirement; Anna
Gainey (Roslyn), executive director of the
Gainey Foundation; former NHL forward and
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successful businessman Robin Burns
(Marymount);
Dr.
Albert
Cohen
(Coronation), chief of gastroenterology at the
Jewish General Hospital; and Luigi Greco
(John F. Kennedy High School), an associate
director for La Capitale Financial Services.
For complete details see the Press
Release/Press Room section on the EMSB
website. More names and activities will be
announced in January.
Emily Vallée Watt and Anne Malcolm
congratulated at the EMSB Council meeting.
mainstay in Quebec Protestant English schools
for over 20 years.
NEW IT DIRECTOR: The EMSB has
appointed Luigi Di Filippo as the new
director of information technology. He will
succeed Julia Sarhan, who retired last June.
Mr. Di Filippo most recently served as project
manager for Information Systems and
Technology at Bombardier Transporaton.
Prior to that he worked at the McGill
University Health Centre and CANAC Inc., a
rail engineering subsidiary of Candian
National Railways.
are
PECK AWARD: The winners of the Robert
Alfred Peck Prize for Excellence in French
were announced at the December EMSB
Council of Commissioners meeting. This year
there were two winners, each of whom
received 99 percent in their final year of high
school in 2007-2008: Anne Malcolm and
Emily Vallée Watt each received medals and
cash prizes of $75. In attendance at the
ceremony was their teacher, Milada Prachar,
Principal Mary Reynolds and Vice Principal
Tony Pita. The late Mr. Peck, served as the
superintendent of French for the Ministry of
Education and held similar posts with the
former Westmount School Board and the
former Protestant School Board of Greater
Montreal. He was a department head for
French at Lachine High School and viceprincipal of Riverdale High School on the
West Island. He completed his career as a
teacher in Africa and co-authored Le
Français Pratique, the textbook for the
teaching of French as a second language with
Elizabeth Buchanan. This textbook was a
Dunrae Gardens students at the Toy Tea.
TOY TEA: Thirteen participating EMSB
schools managed to collect about 3,000 new
toys – as well as some monetary donations -for the 17th annual Christmas and Chanukah
Toy Tea, which was held on December 3 at
Tudor Hall, which is located on the 5th floor of
Ogilvy’s department store. The toys will
benefit children with AIDS and children who
are being sheltered and protected from abuse,
war, poverty and/or violence. This is the sixth
year of the EMSB’s involvement in the Toy
Tea Campaign, which is an initiative of
Spiritual, Religious and Moral Education
Consultant Irene Miller. The participating
EMSB schools were: Dante and Honoré
Mercier in St. Léonard; Dunrae Gardens and
Carlyle in TMR; Royal Vale Elementary and
High School in NDG; Lester B. Pearson High
School and Our Lady of Pompei in Montreal
North; Roslyn in Westmount; LaurenHill
4
Academy Junior Campus and Gardenview in
Ville St. Laurent; and Vincent Massey
Collegiate and Nesbitt in Rosemount. Student
representatives from each school, along with
their
respective
spiritual
community
animators, teachers, administrators, and Ms.
Miller, attended the event to drop off their
donated toys and receive special certificates of
participation. The event also featured the
singing of Christmas carols by several private
school choirs and a fashion show. Attendees
were also treated to performances by the
Roslyn and Dante school choirs, who were
making their first appearances at the Toy Tea.
The Dante choir’s performance of an original
Christmas song that was written by the
students was such a hit with the audience, it
even got Santa and Mrs. Claus dancing. The
Toy Tea, chaired by Montreal philanthropist
Ginger Petty, collects and donates brand new
toys to over 5,000 children in over 27 shelters
of various ethnic and religious backgrounds in
Montreal.
ROYAL WEST: The Royal West Academy
Bardolator Group was selected for broadcast
on television and will be shown on CBC News
at Six on Thursday, January 1 (6:30 p.m.).
Check
out
http://www.cbc.ca/montreal/features/independ
entproducers/docshop.html for a sneak
preview. Look for the Shakespeare
Extravaganza on the bottom left hand side of
the page.
SCIENCE OLYMPICS: As part of its
ongoing 10th anniversary celebrations, the
EMSB is calling upon its Cycle 3 elementary
and Cycle 1 high school students who have a
knack for science to participate in the Science
Olympics, which will take place on January
21, 2009 (10 a.m. to Noon) at Laurier
MacDonald High School (7355 Viau) in St.
Léonard.
The Science Olympics will have the
participating schools test their creativity and
scientific knowledge by competing in two
specific, science-related challenges. Their
efforts will be decided by a panel of 15 judges
that are going to be selected from the EMSB’s
Adult and Vocational Centres. Each student
will receive a certificate of participation, and
each winning team will be awarded a plaque
for their school. As well, the winners of the
challenges will get a special voucher for a
pizza lunch for a class of 32 students.
Each school is allowed to enter a maximum of
two teams for the Science Olympics, with
each team containing no more than six
students.
Randi Berman, Mitchell Miller and Sara Iatauro
with some of their film crew.
BOOK TRAILERS: Three English/Drama
classes at Royal Vale High School in N.D.G.
have begun filming book trailers on the Lord
of the Flies movie. Teacher Randi Berman
and her student teacher Mitchell Miller were
inspired to undertake such an initiative after
attending a seminar on information technology
offered by Pedagogical Services. “The
interesting part is that we have ambitiously
enlarged the magnitude of the project by
having all the students in a class, as one group,
write, design, and act in these trailers,” says
Berman.
Sara Iatauro from the EMSB RÉCIT is very
interested in the project and is lending the
class a number of new digital video cameras.
Apple Canada wants to be in on this
technologically
innovative
and
crosscurricular, Quebec Education Plan-based
project too and is lending 10 MacBooks
5
equipped with the iMovie program. The
Fielding Focus visited one of the recent
filming sessions. Students were busy putting
on makeup, making storyboards and
developing a musical score by using the
program Garage Band.
One of the Royal Vale actors gets a makeup
application.
The final products will be shown in early 2009
as part of a small film festival at the school.àà
A VANIER VISIT: John McMahon,
Academic Dean of Vanier College came to
James Lyng High School in St. Henri recently
to speak to the Secondary IV and V students
about their educational future after high
school. Dr. McMahon was clear in his
message that Vanier intends to promote access
to its programs. Looking back over the course
of his own education and career path, he
stressed that obstacles can be overcome and
dreams achieved. Vanier, in particular, he
noted, offers a wide variety of support to
students engaged in pursuing goals. Vanier’s
door, he emphasized, is open and every effort
will be made to help the students achieve
his/her goals.
YOU CAN GO: James Lyng was host to the
official launch of the You Can Go Program.
This program, an initiative of the Canadian
Millennium Scholarship Foundation and the
YMCA, is designed to broaden programs
which increase access to post-secondary
education among youth. In the past,
limitations of the Foundation’s activities
meant, as Dr. Norman Riddell observed “I was
hosting a party but nobody was coming.”
The difficulties encountered by youth seeking
to pursue education after high school are many
and varied. Devising a realistic plan is the
first hurdle and so the You Can Go project
offers workshops on future planning and
mentorship for students unsure about their
paths. The project also offers a wealth of
information on financial support for students
attending colleges and universities as well as
real and virtual tours of many establishments
in Canada.
James Lyng is the first Montreal high school
to welcome this project, and its recent Trades
Fair was developed with enormous support
from local coordinator Michael Sitruk. You
Can Go is now slated for implementation at
two other EMSB schools.
Impact player Adam Braz seen here at the launch of
last year’s program at Gardenview
STAY IN SCHOOL: The Montreal Impact
soccer team’s stay-in-school initiative called
"All the Way With The Impact" continues to
grow. Launched with the EMSB four years
ago, it now includes four other boards:
Commission scolaire de Montréal (CSDM),
Commission scolaire Pointe-de-l'Île (CSPI),
Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board (SWLSB)
and Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB).
"I am thrilled to participate again in this tour
and I feel there is a positive connection with
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the youth," said Montreal Impact midfielder
Patrick Leduc, who is one of the
spokespersons of the program. “I am pleased
to share my experience with them and pass on
the importance of believing in themselves and
their dreams. If this tour can inspire students
to persevere when faced with their own
challenges, then the objective is met."
“We are proud to have been one of the
pioneers of the Impact stay-in-school
program," said Angela Mancini, chairman of
the EMSB. "Our board is delighted to
continue the partnership we have forged with
the Montreal Impact. The students look
forward to the school visits and we always
turn up in big numbers to the annual EMSB
Night in June. I have personally seen firsthand
the school visits and attended the games with
my children. We are fortunate to have such a
community minded sports franchise in our
city."
Tony Licursi, the long-time team statistician
who died in 2006.
HOLIDAY CONTEST: This year the Grade
6 students at Honoré-Mercier Elementary
School in St. Léonard participated in the CBC
Holiday Writing Contest. The theme for this
year was "What is the nicest thing you've ever
done for someone or someone has done for
you over the holidays?" This had to be a true
story. Three students were chosen and read
their story on the CBC Radio 88.5 FM drive
home program. They also received a Homerun
Holiday Prize Pack. Congratulations to
Giancarlo Russo, Julia Rodighiero and
Carmine Spina.
Renewing its commitment for a second
consecutive year, the National Bank Financial
Group will once again support the program of
school visits.
"Sports play a frontline role in the youth's
development. Not only do they promote a
healthy lifestyle, but they teach determination,
discipline and the importance of surpassing
oneself. This set of values play a role in
preventing students from dropping out. We are
proud to be once again associated to this
program and wish it long life and success,"
said Sylvie Roy, vice-president of Corporate
Marketing and Communications for the
National Bank Financial Group.
Over the next few months, members of the
Impact will visit elementary and high schools
to remind young students of the importance of
studying, persevering and building selfconfidence to succeed. Once again each
school board will also have its own game
during the 2009 season. The top two students
from each school board will be awarded Tony
Licursi bursaries, named in honour of the late
Giancarlo Russo, Julia Rodighiero and Carmine
Spina were the CBC winners from Honoré-Mercier.
Two students from St. Dorothy Elementary
School in St. Michel were also chosen to read
their stories: Maria Dryden from Grade 3
and Corey Scalia from Grade 6. Maria’s story
will be broadcasted on December 23 at 3:50
p.m. while Corey’s will air on December 29 at
6:15a.m.
7
CTV’s Lori Graham is seen here with students from
Our Lady of Pompei.
SPIRIT OF GIVING: Dalkeith Elementary
School in Anjou was featured on CTV’s Spirit
of Giving, which focuses on charities and
organizations that help our city's less
fortunate. Go to www.emsb.qc.ca/dalkeith for
all of the details and photos.
Students from Our Lady of Pompei
Elementary School visited the Foyer Dante
seniors residence Dec. 5 as part the Spirit of
Giving. The students performed musical
numbers for the seniors.
At John Paul I Junior High School this year
the students played teachers and four Montréal
Impact players (Adam Braz, Rocco
Placentino, Simon Gatti, and Jason Di
Tullio) in their annual soccer game benefiting
the campaign. Teachers and students had a
great time. The score was 8-7 favouring the
teachers.
Though the real winners are the
10 community organizations that the school’s
campaign will aid, six from the CTV Spirit of
Giving campaign and four local charities that
aid families and children this time of year.
Spiritual Animator Rocco Speranza noted:
“Thus far we have collected over 30 boxes of
food, 25 boxes of clothing , and 5 boxes of
toys and still counting. John Paul I High
School collects all year round, especially nonperishable food items. It is important to have
the Spirit of Giving all year round, simply
because families are in need all year round. I
extend my heartfelt thanks to all the students
and their families who generously responded
to our campaign. A big thank-you to the
Montreal Impact players and Mr. Pat
Franceshini from Mass Sport who donated
shirts, caps and track suits to the cause. “
A number of other EMSB schools were
featured as well, including Elizabeth
Ballanytine, Laurier Macdonald, Pierre de
Coubertin and Gerald McShane.
A GOAT PURCHASE: The Cycle II
children at Elizabeth Ballantyne Elementary
School in Montreal West raised $200 for
World Vision, a Christian relief, development
and advocacy organization dedicated to
working with children, families and
communities to overcome poverty and
injustice. The money will be used to buy two
goats, which will eventually provide milk,
meat and skin for some family in the world
which, at this moment, has no livelihood at all.
The fundraiser was a raffle with book
certificate prizes. A total of $110 would have
bought four hens and two roosters; $150
would be enough for a woolly sheep and $300
could buy a donkey. If your school is
interested in this project, you can contact
World Vision at 1-800-844-7993.
Elizabeth Ballantyne students participate in their
Festival of Lights.
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: The Elizabeth
Ballantyne School assembly for the “Festival
of Lights and the Spirit of Giving” took place
on the day of the December 10 snow storm.
The event ironically took place in semidarkness because the school lost power an
hour before the celebration. As the candles
were lit for each tradition, the message of the
value of bringing light into darkness was ever
more strongly sent and received. The children
read well and sang with their whole hearts.
Many teachers said that they were often near
tears and the children were totally silent. It
was quite powerful. The music teacher,
Daveen Garland, assisted by Cycle III
8
teacher,
Gail Robinson, had taught the
children songs from many of the faith
traditions such that the readings and candle
lightings were interspersed with song,
recorder, and xylophone. Spiritual Animator,
Catherine Cherry, who drew it together,
reports that it was a joyful and moving
celebration.
EMSB and party officials present a cheque to the
Generations Foundation.
Westmount High School students who volunteered
at the Generations Foundation breakfast take a
break with members of the Montreal Juniors,
including Angelo Esposito (right).
GENERATIONS
BREAKFAST:
The
Generations Foundation held its annual
holiday breakfast on December 5 at a new
location – the Buffet La Stanza in St. Léonard.
was broadcast live on Q92 and 940 Hits.
EMSB Chairman Angela Mancini, ViceChair Sylvia Lo Bianco, a number of
commissioners, staff, principals and students
from different schools were in attendance.
Westmount High School students and staff
once again volunteered to clear tables. The
entire Montreal Juniors hockey team
participated as well. The Generations
Foundation provides hot meals to students in
dozens of schools at the EMSB and the
CSDM.
For more details, log on to
www.generationsfoundation.com.
CHILDREN’S PARTY: The EMSB’s annual
holiday staff party was held on Sunday,
December 14 at James Lyng High School,
with proceeds going to the Generations
Foundation. A total of $19,850 was raised.
There was plenty of food and entertainment
for the families of EMSB staff and
commissioners who attended.
Leopold Steinberger stands by his smart board.
SMART BOARD: Rosemount High School
teacher Leopold Steinberger, won a smart
board last spring as a prize at the annual
National Science Teachers Association
(NSTA) conference, which was held in
Boston. In order to win the prize he had to be
seen wearing the great T-Shirt from Smart
Technologies, which he did so diligently for
three days. Mr. Steinberger was able to travel
to the conference thanks to the EMSB PIC
(Professional Improvement Committee) fund.
“I would like to thank the EMSB, PIC and of
course Smart Technologies from Calgary,
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Alberta for making this wonderful gift
possible,” he says. “This board has already
seen some extensive use by me and many of
my fellow teachers. We are now starting to
move into the new media world with great
enthusiasm.”
CHORALE: The EMSB Senior Chorale
performed at Pollack Hall December as
part of the CBC/McGill Youth Choir Gala.
This will be aired nationally on CBC Radio
Two on December 24 ( 8 p.m.) and CBC
Radio One on December 25 (9 p.m.).
Highlights will air on Radio Noon, CBC
Radio One, on December 23. The annual
Holiday Concert took place December 14 at
Mountainside United Church.
The Chorale in action.
All 90 voices of the Junior and Senior
Chorales
performed classical, traditional
and contemporary music for the season. For
the 16th year in a row, this concert raised
funds for the Salvation Army's Holiday
Campaign to help Montreal's needy. Since
starting this tradition, the Chorale has raised
more than $20,000 for the Campaign. No
tickets are required.
Rehearsing for the Nutcracker at Mackay.
NUTCRACKER: On December 16 the
Mackay Centre School in N.D.G. had the
chance to experience dance and movement
through the presentation of an adapted version
of the Nutcracker Suite, catered to the special
needs of the students. Anne Marie Crisanto,
a
therapeutic
recreation
specialist,
implemented the schools’ own version of this
magical story and gave direction to the
students ideas and movements for the “mise
en scene.” Her background as a professional
dancer influenced the students of the school in
a positive way. This innovative and
experimental project gave the students of the
school an opportunity to enhance their
developmental process and growth. The decor
for the different sets was the art work of the
students. From the sugar plum fairy to the
marching toy soldiers, with modern twists and
classical overtones, it turned out to be a true
work of art!
Some Edinburgh students happily pack grocery
bags.
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SUPER C STUDENTS: Students at
Edinburgh Elementary School in Montreal
West, with the help of their parents, packed
groceries at the Super C store on St. Jacques
Street West in N.D.G. to raise money for
their Grade 6 graduation activities. A total of
$920.60 was collected.
EMSB and the CSPI is the first of its kind in
the sport and will see students from the two
schools studying together. Students from the
French language board, many of whom will be
seeking U.S. scholarships, will have a unique
opportunity to improve their English language
skills.
SPORTS ÉTUDES: Lester B. Pearson High
School in Montreal North has announced that
its highly successful Sports-Études Program
will be expanding its activities for hockey and
soccer as part of an agreement made between
the English Montreal School Board (EMSB)
and the Commission scolaire de la Pointe-del’Île (CSPL). An open house was held
December 9.
“It is hoped that by pulling our resources we
will be able to provide greater support to our
student athletes,” said Mr. Gagné.
The Sports-Études program is a partnership
between the school board, the school and the
sports federations and clubs, under the
umbrella of the Ministry of Education, Leisure
and Sports (MELS). Once in a Sports-Études
Program, students follow the regular Ministry
curriculum in an accelerated manner.
Typically, a student must meet the
requirements for a Secondary School Diploma
in approximately 70 percent of the designated
time, leaving the remaining time to pursue an
athletic endeavor. The school schedule is
organized so that the student-athletes finish
their formal school day early, allowing
sufficient time for training, study and tutoring.
Coaches,
academic
advisors/guidance
counsellors and teachers work collaboratively
to ensure that the student is progressing
academically.
Lester B. Pearson High School was awarded
the Sports-Études program in 2002. It now has
approximately 100 students enrolled. Besides
hockey and soccer, the program offers
students the possibility to participate in
various other sports such as figure skating,
karate/kickboxing,
gymnastics,
diving,
swimming and baseball. The CSPI started its
Sports-Études program at École Secondaire
Antoine- de- St- Exupéry a few years earlier
than the EMSB. This agreement between the
EXCHANGE
CONTINUES:
Student
representatives from Lester B. Pearson High
School and École Secondaire Henri-Bourassa
in Montreal North continue to work together
on different projects. Last May, after months
of collaboration following incidents which
occurred the previous fall, the two schools
from the EMSB and the Commission Scolaire
de la Pointe-de-l'Île (CSPI)
held a well
attended press conference at which time
beautiful murals produced by both student
bodies were displayed. They also unveiled a
joint glossy and bilingual newsletter, which
was distributed to the combined 3,500
students.
On Wednesday, December 10, the Lester B.
Pearson High School Student Council visited
École Secondaire Henri-Bourassa
and
presented them with large poster boards of
the joint newspaper aimed at serving as a
reminder of the declaration of unity made by
the two schools last May. The two Student
Councils are also discussing joint projects
for this year.
EAST HILL EXPRESS: The East Hill
Express newspaper is now into its third year
and publishes three times annually. “This is a
trilingual project and that alone makes it rather
unique,” says Principal Maria Di Perna.
“Greater still is that it is entirely written by
students and pictures are taken by student
photographers. They also do a great deal of
the layout.” Take a look for yourself at
http://www.emsb.qc.ca/easthill/East%20Hill%20Express/vol.3%20iss
ue%201.pdf.
Teacher
Nadia
Barrafato
11
([email protected]) is the editor-inchief.
Rachel Krecklo and Vanessa Knight.
WAR AMPS: Students from East Hill took
part in an interactive War Amps Play Safe
workshop that was presented by 18 year old
War Amps Safety Ambassador, Vanessa
Knight. The aim of the presentation was to
spread awareness among students and
encourage them to play safe. Ms Knight was a
most engaging and excellent presenter. Her
message was simple and to the point. “Be
careful and aware. A small accident could cost
you more than you'd expect." East Hill level
two student Rachel Krecklo assisted Ms
Knight with the presentation, as she spoke to
her classmates and peers about her prosthetic
leg. While Ms Knight’s message was
important, it was Rachel who best
demonstrated to her friends that she does not
have a disability. She is very able and excels is
most areas. The children can evidence her
success each and every day. This year marks
the 30th anniversary of the War Amps Play
Safe program. Anyone interested in a Play
Safe workshop in their schools can contact the
War Amps at the toll-free number 1-800-2677487.
BRAIN TUMOUR RESEARCH: The sixth
year of fundraising for the Franco Di Giovanni
Foundation, supporting the Brain Tumour
Research Centre at the Montreal Neurological
Institute and Hospital, is underway. This year
plans call for two major events to occur. The
first is a fundraising campaign in all schools
and centre. They are being urged to
participate by organizing dress down days,
bake sales, raffles or whatever else they
choose. To facilitate the fundraising two
items are available: a grey metal ribbon for a
$2 donation and an EMSB dog tag for a $3
donation. Over the past five years over
$150,000 dollars has been collected for the
Brain Tumour Research Center! The second
event is the annual Franco Di Giovanni
Foundation Social to be held at the Prima
Luna Reception Hall on Saturday March 28,
2009. Tickets are $100 per person for which
you receive a seven course meal with wine, an
open bar, countless door prizes, auctions of
sports memorabilia and dancing to the music
provided by Goldstarr Entertainment. For
tickets please contact Lina Di Giovanni at
514-494-6831 email: [email protected]
or
Mike Talevi at ext. 2004 or email:
[email protected].
FREE SEMINARS FOR EMPLOYEES: La
Capitale Financial Services Inc., the financial
services firm dedicated to serving employees
in the Quebec public and para public sectors,
is pleased to offer all EMSB employees the
opportunity to benefit from an overview of the
financial aspects affecting retirement and find
out more about the factors likely to influence
their financial future in the lead-up to this
important time in their life.
Three free seminars have been arranged for
the following age groups and themes to take
place at 6000 Fielding Avenue, one of which
already took place
On November 5, a session on Financial
Planning for Retirement took place for
employees aged 50 and over. This session
focused on sticking to a budget as part of your
financial plan, taking into account how to
plan a good financial strategy, pension plans,
12
the Quebec pension plan, budget issues, legal
issues and how to protect your estate.
Still to come are:
Mid-Career Financial Security Planning :
January 21, 2009 for employees aged 35 to
50. The agenda will include securing your
financial future, taking into account financial
management, pension plans, legal issues and
life and health insurance.
opportunity to work with the latest edition of
this comprehensive guide to using robotics in
the classroom. Excitement was in the air as
students followed along in the new book and
used the step-by-step instructions to help them
accomplish their missions. What a wonderful
experience for all!
Financial Security Planning, Building Your
Future : April 23, 2009 for employees aged
35 and under. Discussion will focus on
financial management, the importance of
pension plans, legal issues and life and health
insurance.
Seminars will last three and a half hours. To
register or for more details, please contact the
EMSB Human Resources Department at 514483-7200 ext. 7279. Please note that these
training sessions will be held outside working
hours. No leave or compensation will be
granted for attendance.
Principal Lucy Buscemi, teacher Mary Diano and
students proudly display the amount of money they
raised.
TELETHON OF STARS: John Caboto
Elementary School in Ahuntsic participated
for the 29th year in The Telethon of Stars,
raising $5,122 for research into children’s
diseases. They made the official presentation
on the CTV broadcast December 7. This is a
tradition at the school that could not be done
without the help of parents, teachers and
“friends of John Caboto.” Money was raised
through donations, raffles and bake sales.
Teacher Mary Diano once again served as
the chief organizer.
Patrick Charland with his students.
TEACHERS BOOK: Coronation Elementary
School in Côte-des-Neiges recently hosted the
official launch of teacher Patrick Charland's
second book entitled: "L'enseignement de la
Robotique." During the Saturday Robotics
Workshops, students got a first-hand
Leonardo Da Vinci students are seen here Christmas
carrolling for the cause.
13
Students, parents, teachers, daycare staff and
neighbours from Leonardo da Vinci
Elementary School in RDP all participated in
raising money for the Foundation of
Stars/Téléthon des étoiles. After students
collected money with two dress-down days
and Grade 6 students sold placemats, a group
of parents and students led by
Principal
Phyllis D’Amato went out on the streets
around the school carrolling, stopping here
and there at our neighbours’ homes to raise
more money that was going to be presented on
Saturday night during the telethon. A total
amount of $2,500 was then handed over to the
Foundation.
SINCLAIR LAIRD: The EMSB Council of
Commissioners has approved a change of
French programs from English Core to
Bilingual at Sinclair Laird Elementary School
in Park Extension. This program will be
gradually implemented at Sinclair Laird
beginning with Kindergarten and Cycle 1
students in September 2009.
The EMSB’s Sylvie Beaudry accepts the
Marymount petition.
EVIL OF STYROFOAM: Marymount
Academy in N.D.G. has a tradition of being
aware and proactive when it comes to
environmental issues. It was the first school
in the English Sector to earn membership in
the Brundtland Green Schools movement.
So, upon being presented with the
contradiction of a green school using
styrofoam in its cafeteria, a number of
students decided to make a positive change.
Under the direction of staff, a group of
Secondary II students prepared and presented
a petition, which was eventually signed by
over 400 students and staff.
This was
accompanied by an extensive poster
campaign. An assembly was convened with
Sylvie Beaudry from EMSB Cafeteria
Services as the honoured guest. Ms. Beaudry
not only heard from three Secondary II
presenters about the evils of styrofoam and
possible alternatives, but also from a
representative of Eco Cartier, Jessica
Zoblowski and McGill graduate student,
Ladau Mahabadi. She promised that the
EMSB would study and reconsider the use of
Styrofoam. Special thanks goes out to all
students involved in both the poster campaign
and assembly, particularly: Michael Smith,
Vigigah Sinnathamby, Shanel St. Martin,
Kristina Brown, Liam Schmid and Ruby
Boulard.
St. Dorothy hands over its cheque of $2,550.
ST. DOROTHY BREAKFAST: St. Dorothy
Elementary School celebrated its traditional
Breakfast with Santa 2008 on December 10
with lots of excitement. To mark the EMSB
10th year anniversary the children contributed
to building a promising future in Africa. As
well, in keeping with the spirit of Christmas,
the children presented to the Montreal Impact
coach and UNICEF Ambassador, Youssef
Dahha, a cheque of $2,550. In attendance
14
were honoured guests such as EMSB Director
General Antonio Lacroce, Regional Director
Angeline Roumeliotis, Commissioner and
EMSB Chairman of the Executive Rocco
Barbieri, Sgt. Infante and Officer
Tenneriello of Station 30 and the Montreal
Impact Mascot, Tac-Tic. A special thank you
to the Montreal Impact for giving again this
year to our community and contributing all of
the wonderful prizes for the children.
DIRECTORS OF CHANGE: Free The
Children, the world’s largest network of
children helping children through education, is
seeking more participation from EMSB high
schools via a learning opportunity for
students that brings global social issues into
the
classroom
through
youth-made
documentary films. Free The Children has
partnered with Nokia and the International
Youth Foundation to bring you the Directors
of Change program—a unique global youth
development initiative. Founded in 1995 by
international child rights activist Craig
Kielburger at age 12, Free The Children has
established a strong presence within Canadian
schools, inspiring tens of thousands of
students to take action for positive change.
The aim of Directors of Change is to create a
generation of globally aware and socially
engaged youth who are equipped to take
action in their own communities and help
improve the lives of disadvantaged children
overseas. To achieve this goal, one youth team
each year will travel with an experienced
filmmaker to Kenya, India or Mexico to
volunteer and explore critical global issues.
They will return home with footage of their
discoveries to educate and inspire their peers.
Directors of Change wishes to provide youth
with an opportunity to explore their world
through innovative use of film and
technology,
help young people develop
important life skills, including creative
thinking, critical thinking, empathy, effective
communication and a sense of contribution to
global citizenship and equip students with the
tools they need to create lasting change both
locally and globally
Kielberger and program coordinator Anna
Crosskill emphasize that our educators play
a vital role in leading students along this
journey and their organization is committed
to providing support every step of the way.
They provide free comprehensive educator
resources, including the Directors of Change
resource guide, documentary films, an
interactive program website for educators and
their
students
(www.freethechildren.com/directorsofchange)
and a free workshop on adapting the program
for your school. Participating educators will
receive a free resource guide to accompany
each year’s documentary film. The guide
features teaching strategies, lesson plans and
group activities to prompt discussion, foster
critical thinking, and help students satisfy
Quebec’s provincial curriculum expectations.
The guide complements existing curriculum
and clearly outlines how the program meets
the curriculum expectations of social studies,
civics, language arts, and technology courses.
Administrators are being asked to take these
two steps:Talk with fellow educators at their
school who may be interested in the program
or sign-up to receive their free resources and
free workshop on the program. To sign-up, or
if you have any questions, please contact Anna
Crosskill, program coordinator, by phone at
1.416.925.5894 ext.196 or by e-mailing
[email protected]
TEACHER SCHOLARSHIPS:
EMSB
teachers interested in an all expenses paid
scholarship to study about the Holocaust at
Yad Vashem in Israel are urged to apply now
to the Riva and Thomas O. Hecht
Scholarship Program for Educators.
Three scholarships are available this year and
invitations to the competition are now being
extended to qualifying teachers at the EMSB
and the Lester B. Pearson School Board.Each
15
scholarship will provide the successful
candidate with return air transportation costs
(Montreal – Israel), all tuition costs associated
with the three-week program at Yad Vashem
and room and board for the period in Israel.
The applicant must be a permanent member of
the teaching staff at either Board, at the
elementary or secondary level, with a teaching
assignment for the 2008-2009 school year at
Cycle 3, Year 1, or above. The Advisory
Council will consider candidates who submit a
joint proposal to be implemented within the
same school or within different schools as
well as individual proposals. Deadline for
applications is February 15, 2009. Three
EMSB teachers are among the previous
winners over the past two years: Karine
Lajeunesse, Rosemount High School; Linda
Shetzer, Parkdale Elementary School; and
Xavier Désilets, Royal West Academy.
The seminar convenes six full days a week –
Sunday to Thursday, from 08:30-17:00 and on
Friday, lectures will end at 14:00. A typical
day’s activities include lectures, pedagogic
workshops, group discussions, survivor
testimonies and film. To enrich the program of
approximately 140 hours, field trips have been
included – in Jerusalem, Christian and Jewish
Holy sites, a visit to the Ghetto Fighters’
Museum in the North of Israel, a trip to the
Palmach Museum and Diaspora Museum in
Tel Aviv, and a trip to Massada and the Dead
Sea in the Judean Desert. Evening sessions
will give participants the opportunity to absorb
and discuss topics that appear in the program.
Complete information on the Seminar can be
found on www.yadvashem.org, click on
Education and follow the links to International
Seminar Summer Session. This seminar is
accredited by the Hebrew University in
Jerusalem and a participant can receive up to
four MA credits. For more information and
details about how to apply, please visit our
web site at www.t-h-e-program.org.
ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS: The 20082009 Entertainment Books are now available
at the Administration Building. The cost is
$30. All proceeds will go to the EMSB
Alric Peters Humanitarian Fund, which is
available
to
Administration
Building
employees and their immediate families at a
time of need. The Fund was established when
Alric Peters, whose father Calvin managed
the printing service, had leukemia and needed
a bone marrow transplant.
Funds were
required for various medical expenses and
sadly, assistance with his burial. Calvin Peters
passed away August 27 of a massive heart
attack. For more information on the books,
contact Carol Anne Maker at 514-483-7200
ext. 7479 or [email protected].
STOPPING RACISM: Danse Québec and
renowned Musique Plus vee-jay, motivational
speaker, mentor to youth and Westmount High
grad Malik Shaheed, will present a unique
event that will unite thousands of young adults
aged between nine to 20 years old and
teenagers who share a passion for the art. This
event will take place on Saturday, January 10
(Noon to 5 p.m. at the Centre Sheraton (1201
Rene Levesque West in downtown Montreal).
Many celebrities from the artistic community
will be on hand. The ultimate goal of this
event is to prepare the teenagers and young
adults attending, for an upcoming contest,
“Racism Stop it” and “The Mathieu Da
Costa Challenge.” The activities featured
that day are meant to increase public
awareness by using differences as the focal
point in the various workshops, including
video production and drawing.
The video production workshop will consist of
an introductory level of video making and
multimedia world. First, the participants will
be given half an hour introduction and
explanatory session. Next, they will be asked
to prepare a written script on multiculturalism.
They will then be given one hour to test their
newly acquired skills by preparing and filming
their simulated interviews with video
equipment provided. The drawing workshop
16
will invoke the a whole new challenge, as was
the Mathieu Da Costa, the first Black man to
have walked the Canadian soil and worked on
the ship of Samuel de Champlain sailed into
the St-Lawrence river. The workshop is a
chance for youngsters to make the most of
their creativity and discover how people from
many different backgrounds have contributed
to making Canada the country it is today. The
contestants will be guide by a professional
artist who will teach them drawing techniques
and prepare them for the Da Costa Challenge
contest.
Info:
Daphney
Augustin
([email protected]) at
514-866-8377 // 514-812-7924.
TIP CORNER
Editor’s
Note:
The
Communications
Department of the EMSB is contacted
regularly by organizers of different
conferences, facilitators of interesting
workshops and developers of innovative
fundraising opportunities. We screen these
requests and make the information available to
schools and centres. From this point on, we
will group these in our Tip Corner and give inschool administrators, teachers, other staff,
parent groups and even students of making
contact directly.
GUTSY GENERATION: The Crohn’s and
Colitis Foundation of Canada (CCFC) is
pleased to announce the launch of a new
website –www.thegutsygeneration.ca - to
improve communication among youth affected
by Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
www.thegutsygeneration.ca
“There are over 200,000 Canadians suffering
with IBD. Many of them are under the age of
25,” says Jaclyn Fisher, chair of the Montreal
Youth Committee for the CCFC and Regional
Representative
for
Quebec
on
the
Foundation’s national Youth Advisory
Council. “This website is what youth across
the country have been missing. It provides a
place where they can go to connect with
others, share their stories and get advice on
how to answer questions about Crohn’s and
Colitis. It also gives them the opportunity to
get involved with the Foundation and be a part
of finding the cure! Jackie can be reached at
[email protected] or 514.262.5517
STORYTELLER: Sheila Pinsky is a
creative
storyteller-puppetter
animating
imaginative and interactive fun-filled puppet
stories to children from pre-k to grade 3. Her
adorable puppets and props are creative as
well as handmade (green with a capital G).She
uses an amazing variety of voices to entertain
and excite audiences. Her themes range from
animals, friends, seasons, holidays, zoo,
circus...etc. It is an entertaining and
imaginative animation, adored by all. She
would be delighted to come to your school for
as many hours as you wish. Her fee is $60 an
hour. Please phone Sheila the Storyteller 514
484 2730
[email protected]
She is animating a funfilled workshop at the
QPAT convention on Friday, November 21.
Hope you can come and participate.
Sheila
the
Storyteller
Entertaining
and
Educational!
With puppets, props, costumes and art
projects!
For daycares, libraries, community centers,
elementary
schools,
Sheila
Pinsky
(514)
484-2730
[email protected].
ONE OF US: The Yaldei Development
Centre is introducing One of Us, a hands-on
interactive three part program that is designed
to raise awareness and sensitize children to
their peers with special needs. The program is
geared to elementary students in grades 3 and
4 and the feedback that Yaldei officials
received has proven that the issues and topics
are very timely and relevant to this age group.
In many classrooms, the incidents of teasing
and bullying children who are “different”
dramatically decreased.
“We offer this
program to all school boards and I think all
17
teachers and principals should be made aware
that this is available to them.,” said Ayala
Conway from Yaldei.
Log on to http://yaldei.org/One-Of-Us.asp and
read the first issue of the “One of Us”
newsletter that will be distributed on a bimonthly basis to schools across Montreal.
Info: Ayala Conway, (514) 279-3666 ext. 250
or email [email protected].
ADULT
EDUCATION
VOCATIONAL SERVICES
AND
CHORAL GROUP: On December 11, 2008
the choral group of James Lyng Adult Centre
made its annual visit to three senior homes to
offer their gift of song to its residents (St.
Andrews, Montclair and the Catherine Booth).
Nothing is more special than seeing the joy
and hope in the gentle faces of so many of our
senior citizens who are unable to leave these
homes to be with their families for the Holiday
Season. On December 13, the choral group,
under the direction of C.C. Walker, reached
across the aisle and joined forces with the
choir of Pearson Adult Centre to sing at a
Variety Show at the Caribbean Paradise
restaurant in Lasalle.
DATES OF NOTE
January 2009
Public School Education Month
January 9 to 11, 2009
EMSB Kiosk at Place Vertu
Shopping Centre in St. Laurent
January 21, 2009
Science Olympiad
Laurier Macdonald High School
February 2 to 6, 2009
Kindergarten Registration Week
February 12, 2009
Marymount Academy Night
Montreal Juniors Hockey
February 15, 2009
John Paul I Day
Montreal Juniors Hockey
February 27, 2009
LaurenHill Academy Night
Montreal Juniors Hockey
PLEINS FEUX SUR FIELDING
DÉBUT DU CONGÉ DES FÊTES : Le
dernier jour de classe pour les écoles et les
centres de la CSEM sera le vendredi 19
décembre. Les élèves profiteront d’un congé
de deux semaines et retourneront en classe le 5
janvier 2009. Nous vous souhaitons une
joyeuse période des Fêtes!
The James Lyng Adult Centre Choral Group.
The proceeds of this annual show will go
toward offering a free Christmas dinner to
over 100 families.
RAPPORT ANNUEL : Le rapport annuel
2007-2008 de la CSEM a été publié et des copies
ont été distribuées à toutes les écoles et centres.
Vous pouvez accéder à ce document en anglais
et en français au site Web de la CSEM à
http://www.emsb.qc.ca/en/pressroom_en/pdf/20072008_Annual%20Report_en.pdf.
18
MOIS DE L’ÉDUCATION PUBLIQUE :
La CSEM se prépare au mois de l’éducation
publique qui aura lieu en janvier. Les activités
seront lancées le vendredi 9 janvier alors que
le kiosque de la CSEM ouvrira pour trois jours
au centre d’achats Place Vertu de SaintLaurent. Les écoles du quartier seront
présentes pour offrir des informations et parler
aux parents et aux élèves intéressés. Au cours
du mois, les diplômés qui ont entrepris des
carrières intéressantes retourneront à leurs
anciennes
écoles.
La
Division
des
communications et du marketing de la CSEM
coordonnera quelques unes de ces visites. Les
écoles sont encouragées à adresser un courriel
à [email protected] pour faire part de
toutes suggestions qu’elles pourraient avoir.
OLYMPIADES DES SCIENCES : Dans le
cadre des célébrations du 10e anniversaire, la
CSEM lance un appel aux élèves du Cycle 3
du primaire et ceux du Cycle I du secondaire
qui ont un penchant pour les sciences de
participer aux Olympiades des Sciences, qui
auront lieu le 21 janvier 2009 (10 h à 12 h) à
l’école secondaire Laurier Macdonald, 7355
Viau, Saint-Léonard.
Les écoles participantes mettront à l’œuvre
leur créativité et leurs connaissances
scientifiques en prenant part à deux épreuves
spécifiques reliées aux sciences. Les résultats
seront décidés par un jury de 15 juges qui
seront choisis des Centres d’éducation des
adultes et de formation professionnelle de la
CSEM. Chaque élève recevra un certificat de
participation et une plaque pour leur école sera
décernée à chaque équipe gagnante. Les
gagnants des épreuves recevront aussi un bon
spécial pour un déjeuner de pizza pour une
classe de 32 élèves.
Chaque école a le droit d’inscrire un
maximum de deux équipes aux Olympiades
des Sciences, chaque équipe ne comptant pas
plus de six élèves.
UNE VISITE DE VANIER : John
McMahon, directeur des études du Collège
Vanier, s’est rendu récemment à l’école
secondaire James Lyng pour s’entretenir avec
les élèves du secondaire IV et V de leur avenir
éducatif après le secondaire. Le Dr McMahon
a clairement souligné que Vanier a l’intention
de promouvoir l’accès à ses programmes. En
parlant de son éducation et de son
cheminement de carrière, il a insisté que les
obstacles peuvent être surmontés et que les
rêves peuvent être réalisés. Vanier, en
particulier, offre une grande variété d’appuis
aux élèves qui veulent atteindre leurs
objectifs. Il a souligné que les portes de
Vanier sont ouvertes et que tous les efforts
possibles seront déployés pour permettre à
l’élève d’atteindre son objectif.
NOMINATIONS ADMINISTRATIVES: Le
conseil des commissaires de la CSEM a
approuvé plusieurs nominations administratives
au niveau des écoles/centres. Les nouveaux/
nouvelles directeurs/directrices sont : Maria
Palmieri, école secondaire Lester B. Pearson (de
directrice de l’école primaire Edward Murphy);
Cynthia Koomas, Centre d’adultes Marymount
(de directrice du Centre d’adultes Saint-Laurent);
Nancy Richer, Edward Murphy (de directrice
adjointe du Collège Vincent Massey); Caterina
Bernucci, Centre d’adultes Saint-Laurent (de
directrice adjointe du Centre d’adultes St. Pius
X). Les nouveaux/nouvelles directeurs adjoints/
directrices adjointes sont : Anna Maria
Borsellino, école primaire Dunrae Gardens (du
poste d’enseignante à l’école secondaire John F.
Kennedy); Saverio Servello, Centre d’adultes
St. Pius X (du poste d’enseignant à l’école
secondaire Westmount) et Angela Vaudry,
Collège Vincent Massey (du poste d’enseignante
à l’école secondaire James Lyng). Le directeur
du Centre d’adultes Marymount, Nick Furfaro,
prend sa retraite.
RESTER À L’ÉCOLE : L’initiative de
l’équipe de soccer Montréal Impact, intitulée
« Jusqu’au bout avec l’Impact » continue à
progresser. Lancée il y a quatre ans avec la
CSEM, elle englobe maintenant quatre autres
19
commissions scolaires : la Commission
scolaire de Montréal (CSDM), la Commission
scolaire de la Pointe-de-l’Île (CSPI), la
Commission scolaire Sir Wilfrid Laurier
(CSSWL) et la Commission scolaire Lester B.
Pearson (CSLBP).
« Je suis enchanté de participer à nouveau à
cette tournée et je ressens une connexion très
positive avec les jeunes » déclare le demi
Patrick Leduc de l’Impact de Montréal, qui
est l’un des porte-paroles du programme. « Il
me fait plaisir de partager mon expérience
avec eux et de leur inculquer le sens de
l’importance de croire en eux et en leurs rêves.
Si cette tournée peut inspirer les élèves à
persévérer lorsqu’ils sont confrontés à leurs
propres défis, nous aurons réalisé notre
objectif ».
« Nous sommes fiers d’avoir été l’un des
pionniers du programme de lutte au
décrochage de l’Impact » déclare Angela
Mancini, présidente de la CSEM. « Notre
Commission est enchantée de poursuivre le
partenariat que nous avons forgé avec l’Impact
de Montréal. Les élèves attendent avec
impatience les visites de l’équipe et nous
assistons en grand nombre à la soirée annuelle
de la CSEM en juin. J’ai assisté
personnellement à des visites aux écoles et à
des parties de soccer avec mes enfants. Nous
avons de la chance d’avoir dans notre ville une
franchise avec un tel esprit communautaire. »
Pour la deuxième année consécutive, le
Groupe financier Banque Nationale appuiera
le programme de visites aux écoles. » Les
sports occupent une place de premier plan
dans le développement des jeunes. Ils
encouragent, non seulement un mode de vie
sain, mais ils enseignent aussi la
détermination, la discipline et l’importance de
se surpasser. Cette série de valeurs tient un
rôle important dans le combat contre le
décrochage scolaire. Nous sommes fiers d’être
à nouveau associés à ce programme et nous lui
souhaitons beaucoup de succès » déclare
Sylvie Roy, vice-présidente du marketing
corporatif et des communications du Groupe
financier Banque Nationale.
Au cours des prochains mois, les membres de
l’Impact visiteront des écoles primaires et
secondaires pour rappeler aux jeunes élèves
l’importance d’étudier, de persévérer et
de bâtir une confiance en soi pour réussir. À
nouveau, chaque commission scolaire aura sa
propre partie durant la saison 2009. Les deux
meilleurs élèves de chaque commission
scolaire recevront des bourses d’études Tony
Licursi, ainsi nommées en l’Honneur du
statisticien de longue date de l’équipe, qui est
décédé en 2006.
PETIT DÉJEUNER GENERATIONS : La
Fondation Generations a tenu
son petit
déjeuner des fêtes le 5 décembre dernier à un
nouvel emplacement – Buffet La Stanza à
Saint-Léonard. La présidente de la CSEM,
Angela Mancini, la vice-présidente Sylvia Lo
Bianco, un nombre de commissaires,
personnel, directions d’école et élèves de
diverses écoles étaient présents. Les élèves de
l’école secondaire Westmount et le personnel
se sont à nouveau portés volontaires pour
nettoyer les tables. Toute l’équipe de hockey
du Montreal Juniors a participé.
TÉLÉTHON D’ÉTOILES : L’école primaire
John Caboto a participé pour la 29e année au
Téléthon des Étoiles et a recueilli 5 122 $ pour
la recherche sur les maladies infantiles. Ils ont
présenté officiellement ces fonds le 7 décembre
lors d’une émission de CTV. Cette tradition de
l'école ne peut avoir lieu sans l’aide des parents,
des enseignant(e)s et des « amis de John
Caboto ». Les fonds ont été levés par le biais de
dons, de loteries et de ventes de gâteaux.
L’enseignante Mary Diano a de nouveau été
l’organisatrice en chef de l’évènement.
Les élèves, les parents, les enseignant(e)s, le
personnel des services de garde et les voisins
de l’école primaire Leonardo Da Vinci ont
tous participé à la levée de fonds pour la
Fondation du Téléthon des étoiles. Après deux
journées de tenue décontractée où les élèves
20
de 6e année ont vendu des napperons, un
groupe de parents et d’élèves, mené par la
directrice Phyllis D’Amato, a parcouru les
rues autour de l’école et frappé aux portes des
maisons pour recueillir plus de fonds pour le
Téléthon du samedi soir. Un montant de 2 500
$ a été remis à la Fondation.
oundation fournit des repas chauds aux élèves
de plus d’une douzaine d’écoles de la CSEM
et de la CSDM. Pour plus de détails, consultez
www.generationsfoundation.com.
FÊTE DES ENFANTS : La Fête annuelle des
enfants de la CSEM a eu lieu le dimanche 14
décembre à l’école secondaire James Lyng et
les recettes ont été versées à Generations
Foundation.
CHORALE : Après sa représentation à
guichets fermés du 3 décembre avec la
chanteuse Julie Crochetière au studio Juste
Pour Rire, la Chorale de la Commission
scolaire English-Montréal
s’occupe
des
derniers préparatifs de ses prochaines
représentations de la période des Fêtes.
La Chorale senior de la CSEM s’est produite
en décembre à la salle Pollack dans le cadre
du gala des chorales de jeunes CBC/McGill.
Cette représentation sera transmise à l’échelle
nationale par CBC Radio Two, le 24 décembre
(20 h) et CBC Radio One, le 25 décembre (21
h). Le concert annuel de la période des Fêtes a
eu lieu le 14 décembre à l’Église Unie
Mountainside. Les 90 voix de la chorale junior
et senior ont interprété de la musique classique,
traditionnelle et contemporaine. Pour la 16e
année consécutive, ce concert a recueilli des
fonds pour la campagne des Fêtes de l’Armée
du Salut. Depuis le début de cette tradition, la
Chorale a recueilli plus de 20,000 $ pour la
campagne.
LIVRE D’UN ENSEIGNANT : L’école
primaire Coronation de Côte-des-Neiges a été
récemment l’hôtesse du lancement officiel du
deuxième livre de l’enseignant Patrick
Charland intitulé « L’enseignement de la
Robotique ». Au cours des ateliers de
robotique du samedi, les élèves ont eu
l’occasion d’utiliser ce guide d’utilisation de
la robotique en classe. L’enthousiasme régnait
alors que les élèves ont suivi, étape par étape,
les instructions du nouveau livre qui les a aidé
à faire leur travail. Ce fut une merveilleuse
expérience pour tous.
PETIT DÉJEUNER DE ST. DOROTHY :
Pour souligner le 10e anniversaire de la
CSEM, les élèves de l’école primaire St.
Dorothy de Saint-Michel ont levé des fonds
pour l’UNICEF au profit des enfants du
Malawi et du Rwanda. Au cours du petit
déjeuner annuel avec le Père Noël, un chèque
a été présenté à Youssef Dahha de l’Impact
de Montréal.
DATES À RETENIR :
Janvier 2009
Mois de l’éducation publique
9 au 11 janvier 2009
Kiosque de la CSEM au Centre d’achats
Place Vertu à Saint-Laurent.
21 janvier 2009
Olympiades des sciences
École secondaire Laurier Macdonald
2 au 6 février 2009
Semaine des inscriptions à la maternelle
12 février 2009
Soirée du Hockey Junior de Montréal
à l’Académie Marymount
15 février 2009
Journée du Hockey Junior de Montréal
à John Paul I
27 février 2009
Soirée du hockey Junior de Montréal
à l’Académie LaurenHill
21
Submissions should be made to Michael J.
Cohen
preferably
by
e-mail
([email protected]) or fax (514-483-7213).