Fielding Focus - English Montreal School Board

VOLUME 14
NO . 1 1
J U NE 2 1 , 2 0 1 2
Fielding Focus
T H E M O NT H L Y B U L L E T I N O F T H E E M S B
EDITOR: MICHAEL J. COHEN
PRINTING SERVICES: L. SHAW, D. D’ORNELLAS
PROOFREADING/TRANSLATION: ALINE ZEROUNIAN
Inside This Issue
DALKEITH CELEBRATES 50 YEARS
 See our Green Award Photos
 Westmount Lipdub
 IPads in Class
 School of Rock
 Long Service Reception
 Taste of the Carribean
As a fitting end to the academic year, students, staff and
alumni were invited back on June 7 to Dalkeith Elementary
School in Anjou to celebrate the school’s 50th anniversary
As a tribute to the past 50 years and a token for future
Dalkeith students, a time capsule was buried featuring various
tokens and predictions, to be reopened in 25 years. Even
parents wrote messages for the time capsule. Student work
created throughout the year and additional projects created
for this event were on display in the gym for guests to admire.
Anjou Borough Mayor Luis Miranda, a one-time principal
Beverly Townsend and commissioner Ted Donnini were
among the special guests on hand. Principal John Wright
welcomed everyone on hand, thanking his staff and parent
volunteers for their support. Pictured above, students Juliano
Cerrone and Megan Medeiros help dig a hole for the time
capsule while Miranda, Donnini and Wright look on. See the
photo album.
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EMSB IN THE MEDIA
The EMSB would like to point readers to the media clippings section of our website where we provide links to
newspaper articles about our Board or relevant to the local education system. You can click here to access all
of the links.
EMSB TV AND RADIO GUIDE
The EMSB posts links to television and radio reports, as well as videos produced in-house on our website. We
now have dedicated sections for EMSB TV, hosted by Vimeo, and EMSB Radio. To access EMSB TV click here. In
order to access EMSB Radio click here.
VINCENT MASSEY EXPANSION
The EMSB has received formal confirmation from Quebec Minister of Education, Leisure and Sports (MELS)
Michelle Courchesne that funding in the amount of $4.3 million has been granted to construct a new double
gymnasium and four additional classes at Vincent Massey Collegiate in Rosemount. EMSB Chairman Angela
Mancini and Vice-Chairman Sylvia Lo Bianco have worked diligently on this dossier for well over a year. Vincent
Massey is an Article 240 special status school, with an enriched and structured CEGEP preparatory program. It
has a student population of 752 in a building which was designed to accommodate 725 when it was
constructed in 1959.
“Vincent Massey is one of the jewels of our system,” said Ms. Mancini, who not only represents the school as a
commissioner, but is also a graduate and the parent of two present-day students. “There has been a cap in
enrolment for a very long time. Year after year we have to turn students away. This influx in much needed
funding will bring the building up to the standards it deserves.” See the EMSB blog for a copy of Ms. Mancini’s
letter to parents, students and staff.
EMSB BUDGET
The 2012-2013 EMSB Budget will be presented at the August 29, 2012 meeting.
JFK- JFKBC UPDATE
Students from John F Kennedy High School will begin the 2012-2013 academic year at Rosemount High School
as a result of the asbestos situation in their facility. Similarly, the operations of John F. Kennedy Business Centre
(JFKBC) will occur at the Shadd Business Centre and the Rosemount Technology Centre Curtis George Campus
Montreal North. “We are working slowly and methodically to determine if there is another source of asbestos
fibre that exists so that once we begin the cleanup we will be sure that there will be no further contamination
from another source,” said EMSB Director General Robert Stocker. “We want to be absolutely sure that the
students and staff will be going back to a clean, safe environment.” Please read his updated reports on the
youth and adult sections.
BACK TO SCHOOL
Students of the EMSB’s primary and secondary institutions will return to class on Wednesday, August 29, 2012.
Kindergarten children must be five years of age on or before September 30, 2012 while Grade 1 (Cycle 1)
students must be six years old on or before the same date. Registration for those not previously enrolled will
begin on Tuesday, August 14 for elementary and secondary schools. Parents are asked to call the school in
their neighbourhood to make an appointment. Parents are urged to consult the Board’s website at
www.emsb.qc.ca, which also contains information about the successful adult education and vocational
training programs. E-mail inquiries can be sent to [email protected] or you can call 514- 483-7200.
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The EMSB serves more than 34,000 students at 35 elementary schools, 17 secondary schools, nine outreach
schools, 11 social affairs institutions and 11 adult and vocational centres.
All pupils registering for the first time are required to provide a birth certificate and vaccination records to the
school the child will be attending. Parents will be asked to fill out forms which will allow the school to apply for
the certificate of eligibility for English schooling. Under the Charter of the French Language, a certificate of
eligibility is generally granted to children who did the majority of their elementary or secondary studies in English
in Canada; whose mother or father did the majority of his/her elementary studies in English in Canada or
whose brother or sister did the majority of his/her elementary or secondary studies in English in Canada. Please
note that as a result of Bill 104, this criteria excludes studies completed in the Quebec Private School system.
WESTMOUNT HIGH LIPDUB
After six months of practice and an intense afternoon of shooting, Westmount High premiered its extraordinary
lip dub for students and staff. The soon-to-be viral sensation was conceived by teacher Fiona Chung who
worked tirelessly from the beginning of the school year to get
the project off the ground. Assisting her was Sarah Barrable
Tishauer (pictured right with students), a communications
consultant for the school but best known for playing the role of
Liberty on CTV’s Degrassi the Next Generation for nine seasons.
She even makes a cameo appearance. Featuring the entire
student body and staff, other individuals set to appear in the lip
dub are Principal Michael Cristofaro, vice-principals Steven
Erdelyi and Joanna Genovezo, as well as the Westmount High
School Leadership team. Westmount High School is following in
the footsteps of the Université de Québec á Montréal whose lip
dub has amassed more than 10 million views on YouTube.
Watch the video here and please pass it on.
DUFFIELD DOES HER EXAM HERE
The Westmount High lipdub resulted in the school winning a contest which will see pop star Victoria Duffield
(below) perform at their prom. The coolest part of the story is how, being a high school student herself, 17 year
old Duffield had a final exam to write on June 21 – but in BC!
Everyone involved collaborated to make it possible for her
to write the exam right here in Montreal on the day of the
prom. Westmount High School principal Michael Cristofaro
worked very closely with The Beat, who in turn coordinated
the whole thing with Duffield’s management and, more
importantly, with her mom. ”This is a real feel-good story,”
Beat officials note. “Victoria is a true role model for all kids
her age. She makes her studies a priority while not
disappointing her fans. And she’s smart – real smart.
Duffield’s average in school is an astounding 99 percent,
almost incomprehensible considering her typical day consists of school, dance practice, dance training, voice
lessons and home work.
“I set a very high standard for myself,” Duffield adds. “People don’t have to push me; I push myself even
further.”
IN-SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE APPOINTMENTS
A number of in-school administrative appointments have been made for the 2012-2013 academic year. Newly
appointed principals are: Steven Erdelyi, Hampstead Elementary School (current vice-principal at Westmount
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High); Evelyn Alfonsi, Gardenview Elementary School in St. Laurent (current principal at Gerald McShane
Elementary; Tina Spiridigliozzi, Roslyn Elementary School in Westmount (current vice-principal there); Eleni
Zervas, Nesbitt Elementary School in Rosemount (current interim principal there); Itrat Ahmad, Coronation
Elementary in Côte des Neiges (current principal at Parkdale); Nancy Richer, Gerald McShane Elementary in
Montreal North (current principal at Edward Murphy); Nathalie Lacroix-Mailette (pictured), Royal Vale School in
NDG (Katherine Snow, St. Monica Elementary in NDG (current principal at St. John Bosco): Daniela Lattanzio,
Westmount Park Elementary School (current acting principal at St. Dorothy); Marylène Perron, Parkdale
Elementary School in St. Laurent (current principal at General Vanier); Sylvia Serchuk, General Vanier
Elementary in St. Léonard (current principal at St. Brendan); and Franca Cristiano, Edward Murphy Elementary
in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve (current acting principal at Fraser Academy). Newly appointed vice-principals are:
Joseph Vitantonio, John F. Kennedy High School in Montreal North
(currently interim v-p at the same school); Antoinette Scrocca,
Leonardo Da Vinci Elementary School (current vice-principal at
John F. Kennedy); Jean Alexandre, Royal Vale (current viceprincipal at Leonardo Da Vinci in RDP); Rosanne Caplan, Roslyn
(from the private sector); Lindsay Heckersbruch, John Paul I Junior
High School in St. Léonard (current teacher at Riverside School
Board); Lisa Ancona, vice-principal, Vincent Massey Collegiate in
Rosemount (current teacher at Lester B. Pearson School Board);
Otis Delaney, Lester B. Pearson High School (current pedagogical
consultant); Anna Sanalitro, LaurenHill Academy in St. Laurent
(current v-p at Riverside School Board); Mike Brown, LaurenHill
Academy in St. Laurent (current teacher at that school); Gisella Scalia, LaurenHill Academy in St. Laurent
(current v-p at Honoré Mercier); Charles Hendrickson, Westmount High School (current v-p at Lester B. Pearson
School Board); Civita Tudino, St. Laurent Adult Education Centre (current teacher at Lester B. Pearson High
School); and Maria Calderellam Shadd Business Centre (current teacher at Riverside School Board). Retiring
next year as principals will be Tina Lavranos (Gardenview), James McMorran (Roslyn) and Marcia KennedyGaul (Hampstead); Teresa Germano-Saucier (Coronation); and Claire Caillé (St. Monica). Chantal Martin
(Royal Vale) is taking a leave of absence.
TWO PIONEERING TEACHERS TO RETIRE
Among the teachers set to retire this month are Lidia Wozniak (left) and Edith Coleman (right), both head
teachers from the EMSB Alternative/Outreach high school system. A full interview can be found here.
IPADS IN THE CLASSROOM
Continuously ensuring that EMSB students have access to the latest educational technologies at school,
commencing with the 2012-2013 academic year, the Pedagogical Services Department and their Information
and Communications Technologies (ICT) team will introduce the use of iPads into the curriculum. Intended to
become a key tool for both teachers and students, iPads will serve multiple learning and teaching purposes
ranging from being used by an entire class, in a cooperative and collaborative learning groups or in a learning
centre by individual students. iPads and their pedagogical apps will support and facilitate communication,
collaboration, cooperation and creation in learning and teaching activities for all students. See the full press
release.
LEADERSHIP
More than 200 high schools from across the EMSB (James Lyng, John Paul I, LaurenHill Academy, Laurier
Macdonald, Lester B. Pearson, Marymount Academy, Royal Vale, Rosemount, Royal West Academy, Vincent
Massey Collegiate and Westmount), recently attended the 14th annual Student Leadership Camp, which took
place at Val-Estrie in Waterville, Quebec. The camp was organized and run by approximately 30 high school
students. This annual retreat provides an opportunity to nurture a spirit of sharing and community amongst
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students as they hone their leadership skills. The mission of the
camp was to foster the development of student leadership
through icebreakers, experiential learning, guided discussions,
team building activities and personal reflections, as well as
imparting leadership experiences between the campers. These
undertakings are accomplished in a safe and friendly
environment where students are encouraged to challenge
their comfort levels and grow as leaders. The keynote address
by Chris Cummins stressed the importance of goals,
accomplishing your dreams and making a difference one
small step at a time. Please see the full press release.
EMSAC
Once a month, a classroom at an EMSB high school doubles as a board room as nearly 40 students come
together to form the English Montreal School Advisory Committee (EMSAC).
Together, the students
representing FACE downtown, James Lyng High School in Ville-Émard, John F. Kennedy High School in St.
Michel, LaurenHill Academy in St. Laurent, Laurier Macdonald High School in St. Léonard, Lester B. Pearson High
School in Montreal North, MIND in the Plateau, Marymount Academy and Royal Vale High School in N.D.G. ,
Rosemount High School and Vincent Massey Collegiate in Rosemount, Royal West Academy in Montreal West,
Westmount High School as well as two students from the Outreach system, debate and discuss issues pertinent
to the EMSB and the student body. Please read the full press release here.
SCHOOL OF ROCK
The rock ‘n roll emanating from Bancroft Elementary School in the Plateau every lunch is not an accident.
Throughout May and until the end of June, students are spending their lunch hour (Noon to 1 p.m.) recording
“Bancroft Rock Factory,” an original compilation CD which was launched on June 18. Courtesy of a donation
of 30 guitars from Sun Youth, Bancroft has implemented a new Music through Rock learning program.
Throughout the year, all the senior students learned to play guitar and, as a culmination project, every student
composed an original song featuring both lyrics and music. The original songs range from Blues to Country as
well as from Pop to Opera was recorded with a full rock band, including keyboards, guitar, drums and backup
singers composed of teachers and students. See this video.
PRESERVING AND ENHANCING THE ENVIRONMENT
On June 6, Bancroft’s Grade 2 class enjoyed a spiritual trip to La Maison de L’Amitié and Santropol Roulant
where they learned about preserving and enhancing the environment. The trip gave the students a hands-on,
visual and a kinesthetic experience and complemented both the subjects in Ms. Rubinoff’s class and the
spiritual class visits on conscious choices that respect the environment for this particular issue. They visited a
green house, urban gardens, green made spaces in public space, a bee hive and a non-profit centre whose
objective is to support self sustaining communities and the elders.
The children learned about community
responsibility and environmental consciousness: composting instead of disposing unused fruits and vegetables;
converting anything concrete such as alleyways and parking lots into gardens; contributing to a community by
volunteering and collective action; and supporting each other by making a difference in the neighborhood.
When asked if the students had much fun, all raised their hands with smiles. In this fun experience, the
underlying theme was the deliberate effort to ensure a better quality of life for all.
POETRY MONTH
In order to mark National Poetry Month in April, teachers at Elizabeth Ballantyne Elementary School had their
students write alliterative poems. Alison Lydynia (Cycle 1) worked with Donna Friedman-Perlin (Cycle 2 class) in
order to create these poems. Before the students were paired, they taught their students about alliteration
poetry. Once both classes had a firm understanding, the students in Cycle 2 were paired with the students in
Cycle 1.
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STUDENT PASSES AWAY
Jeremy Allan Bélanger, a student at Lester B. Pearson High School, passed away last week, after a battle with
cancer. The EMSB extends its sympathies to his family. Jeremy was a passionate Montreal Canadiens fan. Read
about it here.
EMSB STAFFER RETURNS FROM HAITI
Beatrice Cavaliere, a secretary in the Regional Office, recently returned from a humanitarian mission to Haiti.
Here is her report: I can finally share some of my incredible experiences me and the team had! See the
YouTube video clip below!! Sorry that this took so long. I want to thank everyone for your encouragement and
support. The monetary contributions collected here at the EMSB were $812, plus the many wonderful gifts so
many of you donated. We were able to transport 9 hockey bags filled with supplies for the kids. You have no
idea how excited they were each day when we brought something for them, whether it was new flip-flops or
candies or new clothes, they were so thrilled! By the end of our stay, the water filtration system was installed, the
bunk beds were built, the walls were cleaned and painted, the kids were happy and we were so grateful to be
there. Here is an excellent video from the trip.
MARKETING AND NEW EMSB C.A.R.E.S COMMITTEES
The EMSB Marketing Committee and the new EMSB C.A.R.E.S (Choice, Access and Rights to English Schools)
convened last Wednesday and Thursday respectively. EMSB Vice-Chair Sylvia Lo Bianco chairs the Marketing
Committee. Their meeting included a presentation by the Central Parents Committee. The EMSB C.A.R.E.S
Committee is chaired by Commissioner Patricia Lattanzio. It will soon start to meet with elected officials at the
provincial and municipal level to bring important public education issues to their attention.
STE. ANNE’S HOSPITAL AND JPI
Twenty five students from the IB program at John Paul I Junior High School IB group 202, along with teachers
Nicole Simone and Spiritual Community Animator Rocco Speranza, recently completed a year long joint
community program with Ste. Anne’s Hospital. Students for the group visited the seniors last October, providing
entertainment, speeches and desserts. Most importantly, they spent time sharing and reading to seniors during
their three hour visit. On May 8 the students hosted the community lunch at John Paul I and were joined by 20
Canadian World War II and Korean Veterans and six Canadian veterans from the Afghanistan conflict. The
event also marked the 67th anniversary of the end of World War II. Organizers wish to thank these sponsors;
Buffet Riviera Receptions, Napoli Pizzeria, XO Biscotti, Ristorante Portovino, Second Chance Café and
L’intermarche De Risi, who made our community event a huge delicious event.
MISSING CHILDREN’S DAY
May 25 marked National Children’s Day - a day to remember all missing children. Since April John Paul I
Junior High School students, and Mr. Speranza, have worked on a very special project entitled ``Voices of
the Missing`` that honoured and provided a voice for three
missing children. In April and May, students, met with the parents
and siblings of several of these missing children, interviewed them
and spent an afternoon chatting. Based on these meetings and
the friendships that formed, the students worked with great
dedication, devotion and conviction to honour them with songs,
poetry and art works. Throughout the day of May 25, at the Hilton
Montreal Bonaventure Hotel, The Missing Children’s Network marked
this important day by hosting a very special day of hope,
remembrance, and faith. The day allowed for the remarkable
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and dedicated group of students from JP1 to lend a voice to the missing through their emotional and moving
tributes. They truly shone a light on the lives of these three missing children- demonstrating that they may be
missing but they are not forgotten. The guests and family members were deeply touched by the tributes.
PARKDALE CLC
While Parkdale Elementary School’s Community Learning Centre (CLC) has been active since September, the
St. Laurent community was invited to the building on June 11 for the official inauguration. Under the guise of
Principal Itrat Ahmad and CLC Coordinator Christopher Popowycz, students at Parkdale benefitted from a
variety of activities and partnerships throughout the year. Since September, Popowycz has overseen the “5 out
of 5” program, where students are given healthy snacks and parents are invited for monthly health and
nutrition workshops. You can see the full press release here. And here is a video produced by EMSB TV.
WALK TO THE STONE
For a number of years the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Canada has had
its annual Walk to the Stone. The Canadian Irish community held this
annual walk on Sunday, May 27, to commemorate the men, women and
children who died escaping the Irish Famine. This is in memory of Irish
immigrants who landed in the city dead or dying after traveling on
disease-infested ships. A march is organized annually from St. Gabriel
Parish Church to the site of the Stone next to the Victoria Bridge. Students
Alana Hosie and Tamia Vanderwal-John from St. Gabriel Elementary
School in Pointe St. Charles had the honor of laying the wreath at this
annual event.
UP UP AND AWAY
St. Gabriel Students were recently treated to a once in a lifetime experience. Students ages eight to 12 were
invited to the Cornwall Air field by the COPA organization which
promotes aviation. The students were given the opportunity to
learn about planes and flight. Then the students were
individually or in groups of two, taken by plane for their first flight
experience. Every St. Gabriel student experienced flight in a
single engine plane with a qualified pilot. Some students were
given the opportunity to fly in a helicopter. This unique
opportunity adds to the dimension of promoting lifelong
learning experiences and giving the student an added
dimension in future choices.
B.A.S.E. SHOWCASE
The EMSB B.A.S.E. Daycare Program hosted its end-of-year festival on June 6 and 7 at Royal Vale School NDG.
This festival was called EMSB BASE Reveals Their Talent and showcased the different talents and expertise of
B.A.S.E daycare students through films, television shows, music videos, animations, live choreography and more
.Daycare students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 have been working diligently since October to show their
multimedia projects and live performances at this festival. The students executed all projects, from conception
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to finished products. A total of 21 daycares are taking part at the festival over the course of two days. B.A.S.E
students also gave a live performance of the B.A.S.E theme song at each festival showing. Daycare Services
recently created a new identity called The Before and After School Enriched (B.A.S.E) Daycare Program. The
new name was unveiled at a press conference held at John Caboto Academy last January,
COMMUNITY GARDEN
The votes have been counted! The Home Depot Canada Foundation and John Caboto Academy in Ahuntsic
are excited to announce that the John Caboto Community Garden will be built this summer and fall by Team
Depot! Between April 4 and 24, community members voted
to determine which project they wanted to take place in
their neighborhood as a part of the ``Rénover sa
communauté, C’est Beau`` campaign. The John Caboto
Community Garden took home the most votes in the
Ahuntsic neighborhood of Montreal.
Home Depot l’Acadie is further helping sponsor the John
Caboto Community Garden by raising money at each of
their check-out counters. Until July 4, shoppers at Home
Depot can purchase a “paper hammer” for two dollars to
support the garden project or donate online at
www.homedepot.ca/foundation. All proceeds collected will
go directly to the project, which will be put into action this summer and fall with the help of Team Depot! For
more information, visit www.homedepot.ca/communaute or www.emsb.qc.ca/johncaboto.
KILLINGBECK SCHOLARSHIPS
The EMSB hosted a video screening on June 18 at 6000 Fielding Avenue in NDG, which summarized the
learning gained by two school recipients of a John Killingbeck Teacher/Administrator Scholarship. Teams from
Roslyn Elementary School in Westmount of the EMSB and St. Lawrence Academy Senior School in LaSalle of the
Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB) shared what they learned from their visit to three schools of The Halifax
Regional School Board. Both school teams gained a better understanding of how Professional Learning
Communities (PLCs) at the school level use various sources of student achievement data to make informed
decisions about teaching practices that directly impact students and lead to increased student success.
The John Killingbeck Teacher/Administrator program provides teachers, in-school administrators and centre
directors, with funding opportunities for short-term study visits to exemplary schools or centres to experience
good practice, carry out research and share information with a network of other participants. The objectives
are to expand the knowledge base of teachers and administrators in order to improve student learning and to
create a network within the English educational community for the sharing of successful practices. A
requirement of the scholarship is for school teams to produce a video account of their visit highlighting the
purpose, the location and sites, their learning and how they plan to implement what they learned in their
respective schools. You can read more about it and the people involved in the project here. You can also
tune into this video reportage.
PHILIP E. LAYTON GETS A VISIT
Loyola High School’s Jazz Band graced the stage at neighbouring Phillip E. Layton School for the Blind in NDG
recently when they performed for teachers and students. The goal of this intimate gathering was to provide
both groups of students with the ability to communicate among each other in an interactive and joyful
atmosphere. Once the performance ended, the students from Loyola circulated among the audience and
gave the students from Phillip E. Layton the opportunity to join in and create music together. Phillip E Layton is a
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school dedicated to providing education for the visually impaired. It is located within the MAB-MacKay Centre
facility.
LONG SERVICE RECEPTION
About 65 people attended the annual EMSB Long Service Reception, which took place on Thursday, May 31 at
the Le Challenger reception hall in St. Laurent. The EMSB honored 37 employees – ranging from teachers,
administrators and support staff -- for their 25 years of service with the Board, which began in 1987. EMSB
Director General Robert Stocker, Chairman Angela Mancini, along with several commissioners, regional
directors, school administrators and the directors from Adult Education and Vocational Services, the
Administration Building, Information Technology Services, and Buildings & Grounds, presented the honoured
employees with special EMSB watches as a token of appreciation. The honourees for this year were George
Belanzaran (Westmount High School), Gordon Butt (Marymount Academy), Vyolette Diane Chalifoux
(Willingdon School), Diane Chapdelaine (LaurenHill Academy), Sylvaine Couillard (Gardenview School), Jean
François Dion (Dunrae Gardens School), Luis Fernandes (James Lyng High School), Romolo Finelli (Merton
School), Dan Fornade (Marymount Adult Centre), Mike Fulvio (James Lyng Adult Centre), Martin Gagné (Our
Lady of Pompei School), Elizabeth Goralewicz-Biernat (St. John Bosco School), Rosanne Harrison (Buildings &
Grounds), Isidore Havis (James Lyng Adult Centre), Eddy Hong
(Information Technology Services) pictured with Angela Mancini and
Robert Stocker, Erminia Iaccino (Gerald McShane School), Layla
Khanji (Westmount High School), Thaddeas Krasnicki (St. Pius X Adult
Centre), Danielle Lachance (Dunrae Gardens School), Nathalie
Lacrochelle (Dunrae Gardens School), Serge Lapierre (Lester B.
Pearson High School), Josephine Longo (Nesbitt School), Louise Lorrain
(Gardenview School), John MacMillan (Buildings & Grounds), Luisa
Mercadante (Nesbitt School), Danielle Ouellette (Royal West
Academy), Georgia Papadopoulos (Carlyle School), France
Patenaude (Merton School), Marisa Pedi-Boezio (General Vanier
School), Roxana A. Reich (Laurenhill Academy), Barbara Rudnick
(James Lyng Adult Centre), Doris Perron (James Lyng High School), Diane Séguin (Administration Building),
Nancy Snipper (James Lyng Adult Centre), Lesia Tomastczuk (John F. Kennedy Business Centre) and Joyce Wihl
(Marymount Adult Centre).
EDINBURGH MATH CHAMP
Tanya Radhakrishna, coordinator of the Math-a-Maniacs Program at Edinburgh
Elementary School in Montreal West poses with Taisei Fu, a Grade 4 student after winning
the recent Provincial Math Championship. Fu has captured the title for two straight
years.
STRENGTHENING BLACK FAMILIES
During the 2011 - 2012 academic year, Westmount Park Elementary School was the first primary school in the
EMSB to offer the Strengthening Black Families program. On Wednesday, June 20, these families graduated,
empowered and ready to take on a new lease on family life.
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As the first school to offer the program in the EMSB, the 14-week initiative is designed to bring parents and their
children together and give both the opportunity to share thoughts and feelings and establish stronger
communication skills. Involving multiple families, the weekly session involves two parent and child trainers.
Working individually at the beginning of each session and then together, the trainers empower parents with the
necessary tools to become entrenched in their child’s lives, both at home and at school. By being in an
environment with other parents, they have the opportunity to express emotions with others who are
experiencing the same difficulties. Likewise, the children can do the same with their trainer. Please read the
press release.
MARYMOUNT READS
Marymount Academy in NDG has announced that Heather Sellers, the award winning author of You Don’t
Look Like Anyone I Know, will visit the school on September 27, An English professor at Hope College in Holland,
Michigan, Sellers has been featured in O, the Oprah Magazine, The New York Times, Good Housekeeping, More
and Elle, and has appeared on Good Morning America, Rachel Ray, NPR, Dick Gordon’s The Story.
JAMES LYNG AT CTV
Students in the Training for a Semi-skilled Trade program at James Lyng High School in St. Henri recently visited
the newsroom of the local CTV studios with teacher Kavita Gardner and James Lyng Parent-Student Animator
Maria Di Stavolo. Students in this program take a course entitled, “Preparation for the Job Market,” and one of
the course competencies is gains an understanding of the job market. The field trip was an exceptional job
awareness activity. The students toured the studio, central newsroom, editing booths, and even the control
room where the Director gives his cues. The students were in the studio during a broadcast and got to see some
real action! The students were excited to meet and have their picture taken with local CTV celebrities Paul
Karwatsky (a Vincent Massey Collegiate graduate) and Lori
Graham. This kind of activity is a great way to teach young
people that within one worksite, there are a multitude of job
opportunities, many of which they would have never
considered or have even heard of. These same students also
recently completed practical work training in a variety of
workplaces as part of their Training for a Semiskilled Trade
program.
EDWARD MURPHY MURALS
In an innovative project which united the literacy and the arts,
the EMSB’s Pedagogical Services department and Edward Murphy School in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve
unveiled five “Literacy Murals” on June 20 The project was conceived by Principal Nancy Richer, Literacy and
Resource Teacher Emiliana Settino, EMSB Arts Education Consultant Melissa-Ann Ledo with the artwork
overseen by artist Kevin Ledo (www.kevinledo.com). Following the
unveiling on Wednesday, the murals will now serve as unique literacy
areas in the giving each “house” of students their own place where
they can read and spend time together.
In advance of the painting, students completed visual arts lessons in
their classrooms which opened up their eyes to the different types of
literacy. Each cycle was given a different theme for which to draw
inspiration for their murals.
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CHORALE LOOK AHEAD
The EMSB Chorale will start its 33rd season on Saturday, September 8, 2012 and looks forward to welcoming
back a majority of the 2011-2012’s 95 members along with many new members. The first performance of the
season, the fall mini-concert and general meeting for parents, is slated for October 27. The Junior and Senior fall
music camps will take place in November at the Parc Nature Cap St-Jacques’ Base de plein air. The Senior
Chorale will be performing in the 10th anniversary edition of the CBC/McGill Youth Choir Gala on November 25
at Pollack Hall, and both the Junior and Senior Chorales will be singing in the choir’s annual Holiday Concert at
Mountainside United Church on December 8. Winter Camp will take place at the Camp musical des
Laurentides once again February 1 to 3. The Chorale will then prepare for its annual Spring Gala Concert to
take place May 4 at Oscar Peterson Hall. The choir also hopes to travel next year and is auditioning for several
festivals.
Students from Grades 4 to Secondary V (treble voices) with an interest in music and in developing their singing
voice are invited to audition for the award-winning EMSB Chorale as of September 8. For more information, call
the conductor, Pat Abbott, at (514) 483-7200, ext. 7234, or write to her at [email protected]. Ms. Abbott will
be undertaking her 23rd season as conductor of the choir.
Perspectives High School accepts its
Green Award.
St. Gabriel School accepts its Green Award.
ADULT EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL SERVICES
MISSION TO CHINA
For the second time in six months, an EMSB delegation visited China in an effort to develop further
cooperation with the country’s education system. The trip began on May 25 and concluded June 7. The
delegation was headed by the newly appointed Regional Director of Adult Education and Vocational
Services Cosmo Della Rocca. He was joined by EMSB Commissioner Ginette Sauvé-Frankel, Director of
Pedagogical Services Sandra Furfaro and Recruitment Officer Cindy Yao. Their itinerary was filled with visits to
technical and vocational centres throughout seven cities in China: Guangzhou, Taishan, Jiangmen, Huizhou,
Huidong, Nanchang, and Beijing. The goal of this trip was to sign cooperation agreements between
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educational establishments in those cities and the EMSB. “Our visits continue to establish a positive EMSB
brand name in China,” said Mr. Della Rocca.
TASTE OF THE CARIBEAN
Students from the St. Pius X Culinary Institute worked alongside
top chefs to prepare a Caribbean feast for the senses. The
Caribbean chefs included, Theo Gumbs, Shorne Benjamin,
Anthony Mair and Cherrie Jones (pictured) who exposed the
students to new and exciting dishes, ingredients and techniques.
The highly successful annual event, A Taste of the Caribbean
was held at Marché Bonsecours on Sunday May 27, 2012.
ELEMENTARY STUDENTS AT PIUS
Thirty three excited Grade 6 students from Edward Murphy Elementary School, accompanied by their Spiritual
Community Animator Rocco Speranza and teachers Giovanna Orobello, Maria Schembre, and childcare
worker Karina Macri, visited the St. Pius X Culinary Institute. They received wonderful presentations
by Chef Adamo Piperni, Chef Antonio Mancini, and Vice Principal Saverio Servello, on healthy eating, healthy
lifestyles, and details on becoming a chef. Students were treated to an amazing lesson on how to make pizza
and calzones, from preparing the dough, to healthy toppings and cooking instructions. The students were
captivated. Afterwards the students were given the opportunity work on and prepare their very own pizzas.
The students were very excited and created wonderful delicious dishes. The Chefs were amazing and really
related to the students. This visit, was a great way to teach and learn. Many students aspire to be chefs one
day.
GALILEO STUDENTS GIVE BACK
Four literacy students from Galileo Adult Education Centre in Montreal North, and one teacher have joined
forces to hold their very first end of the year raffle to help “pay-it-forward” for future learners. Each student has
donated $30 out of their own pocket to help cover the cost of next year's registration fee for five randomly
selected winners. The idea was thought up by a student from Lisa Trotto's evening class, Salah Touafdit, as a
gesture to demonstrate his appreciation to teachers and
administrators for how much he has learned since his first enrollment
at the school one year and a half ago. "My English has improved so
much thanks to the dedicated staff and fellow classmates so I want
to pass it on," says the student. And indeed, his generosity has
encouraged his evening teacher as well as three other classmates
Moncef Yahia-Cherif, Hiam Berri, and Hassan Fares to partake in the
fun.
The raffle was held at the school's end of the year BBQ celebration
last Wednesday, June 13, Anyone who attended the feast, which
included food, music, and lots of dancing was eligible to win. Tickets
were distributed among 300 students at the start of the evening and later hand-picked by none other than the
school's Principal, Angela Monteferrante Orsi. The five lucky winners who were selected to receive one free
semester at Galileo Adult Centre, were all smiles upon hearing the news that they had been chosen to receive
free education as a result of their classmates' generosity and kindness.
(written by Tania Piunno)
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CALENDAR
June 22, 2012
Last day of classes
June 27, 2012
Council of Commissioners
6 p.m. (completion of June 20 meeting)
August 29, 2012
-First day of classes
-EMSB Council of Commissioners Meeting
4 p.m. (then adjournment until 7:30 p.m.)
6000 Fielding Ave.
Dunrae Gardens receives its Green Award.
PLEINS FEUX SUR FIELDING
DERNIÈRES NOUVELLES JFK –CECJFK
Les élèves de l’école secondaire John F. Kennedy commenceront l’année scolaire 2012-2013 à l’école
secondaire Rosemont à cause du problème d’amiante dans leur bâtiment. De leur part, les élèves du Centre
d’études commerciales John F Kennedy seront dirigés vers le campus George Curtis du Centre de technologie
de Rosemont à Montréal-Nord. « Nous travaillons lentement et méthodiquement à déterminer si une autre
source d’amiante existe afin que lorsque nous commencerons le nettoyage nous serons certains qu’il n’exste
pas d’autre contamination provenant d’une autre source » déclare le directeur général de la CSEM, Robert
Stocker. « Nous voulons être absolument certains que les élèves et le personnel retourneront dans un
environnement propre et sécuritaire. »
RETOUR À L’ÉCOLE
Les élèves des établissements primaires et secondaires de la CSEM retourneront en classe le mercredi 29 août
2012. Les enfants de la maternelle doivent être âgés de cinq ans le ou avant le 30 septembre 2011(SHOULD IT
NO BE 2012 ?, tandis que les élèves de 1ere année (Cycle I) doivent être âgés de six ans à ou avant la même
date. Les inscriptions de ceux qui ne sont pas encore inscrits débuteront le mardi 14 août pour les élèves du
primaire et du secondaire. Il est demandé aux parents d’appeler l’école de leur quartier pour prendre rendezvous. Les parents sont instamment priés de consulter le site Web de la Commission à www.emsb.qc.ca qui
contient aussi des informations au sujet des programmes d’éducation des adultes et de formation
professionnelle. Les questions par courriel peuvent être adressées à [email protected] ou vous
pouvez appeler au 514-483-7200. La CSEM dessert plus de 34,000 élèves dans 35 écoles primaires, 17 écoles
secondaires, neuf écoles innnovatrices, 11 écoles des affiares sociales et 11 centres d’adultes et de formation
professionnelle.
Tous les élèves qui s’inscrivent pour la première fois doivent soumettre un certificat de naissance et des dossiers
de vaccination à l’école que l’enfant fréquentera. Il est demandé aux parents de remplir les formulaires qui
permettront à l’école de faire une demande de certificat d’admissibilité à l’enseignement en anglais. Selon la
Charte de la langue française, un certificat d’admissibilité est généralement accordé aux enfants qui ont fait
la majorité de leurs études primaires ou secondaires en anglais au Canada; dont la mère ou le père a fait la
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majorité de ses études en angalis au Canada ou dont le frère ou la sœur a fait la majorité de ses études
primaires ou secondaire en anglais au Canada. Veuillez prendre note que selon la Loi 104, ce critère exclut les
études complétées au réseau des écoles privées du Québec.
NOMINATIONS ADMINISTRATIVES SCOLAIRES
Plusieures nominations administratives scolaires ont été annoncées pour l’année scolaire 2012-2013. Les
nouveaux directeurs d’école nommés sont : Steven Erdelyi, école primaire Hampstead (actuellemnt directeur
adjoint de l’école secondaire Westmount) : Evelyn Alfonsi, école primaireGardenview (actuellement directrice
de l’école primaire Gerald McShane); Tina Spiridigliozzi, école primaire Roslyn (actuellement directrice adjointe
de la même école); Eleni Zervas, école primaire Nesbitt (actuellemt directrice par intérim de la même école);
Itrat Ahmad, école primaire Coronation (actuellement directrice à Parkdale); Katherine Snow, école primaire
St. Monica (actuellement directrice de St. John Bosco); Marylène Perron , école primaire Parkdale
(actuellement directrice de Général Vanier); Franca Cristiano, école primaire Edward Murphy (actuellement
directrice par intérim de l’Académie Fraser). Les nouveaux directeurs adjoints sont : Joseph Vitantonio, école
secondaire John F. Kennedy (actuellment directeur par intérim de la même école); Antoinette Scrocco, école
primaire Léonardo Da Vinci (actuellment directrice adjointe de John F. Kennedy); Lindsay Heckersbruch, école
secondaire du premier cycle John Paul I (actuellment enseignante à la Commisison scolaire Riverside); Lisa
Ancona, directrice adjointe Collège Vincent Massey (actuellement enseignante à la Commission scolaire
Lester B. Pearson); Anna Sanalito, Académie LaurenHill (actuellement directrice adjointe à la Commission
scolaire Riverside); Mike Brown, Académie LaurenHill ( actuellement enseignant à cette école); Gisella Scalia,
Académie LaurenHill (actuellement directrice adjointe à Honoré Mercier); Charles Hendrickson , école
secondaire Westmount (actuellement dirrecteur adjoint à la Commission scolaire Lester B. Pearson); Civita
Tudino Centre d’éducation des adultes Saint-Laurent (actuellement enseignante à l’école secondaire Lester B.
Pearson); Maria Calderellam, Centre d’études commerciales Shadd ( actuellement enseignante à la
Commisison scolaire Riverside); L’an prochain les directeursd/directrices d’écoles uivants prendontleur retraite
Tina Lavranos (Gardenview), James McMorran (Roslyn), Marica Kennedy-Gaul (Hampstead), Teresa GemanoSaicier (Coronation) et Claire Caillé (St. Monica).
LES IPADS EN CLASSE
Afin d’assurer continuellment que les éléves de la CSEM aient accès aux technologies éducatives de pointe à
l’école, à compter de l’année scolaire 2012-2013, les Services pédagogiques et son équipe de Technologies
de l’information et des communications (TIC) introduiront l’utilisation de tablettes électroniques iPads au
programme d’études. Conçus pour devenir un outil clé pour les enseignant(e)s et les élèves, les iPads serviront
à de multiples usages d’apprentissage et d’enseignement pour être utilisés par toute la classe en groupes
d’apprentissage coopératif ou individuellement par les élèves dans un centre d’apprentissage. Les iPads et
leurs logiciels pédagogiques soutiendront et faciliteront la communication, la collaboration et la cération en
apprentissage et activités d’enseignement pour tous les élèves.
LEADERSHIP
Plus de 200 équipes d’écoles secondaires de la CSEM (James Lyng, John Paul I, Académie LaurenHill, Laurier
Macdonald, Lester B. Pearson, Académie Marymount, Royal Vale, Rosemont, Académie Royal West, Collège
Vincent Massey et Westmount) ont pris part récemment au 14 ème camp annuel de leadershipt étudiant qui a
eu lieu à Val-Estrie à Waterville, Québec. Le camp a été organisé et géré par près de 30 élèves du secondaire.
Cette retraite annuelle offre l’ocassion d’entretenir l’esprit de partage et de communauté parmi les élèves qui
pratiquent leurs habiletés de leadership. La mission du camp a été d’encourager le développement du
leadership étudiaant par le biais d’apprentissage expérimental, de discussions guidées, d’activités de création
d’équipes et de réflexions personnelles ainsi que le partage d’expérience de leadership parmi les campeurs.
Ces activités sont entreprises au sein d’un environnement sécuritaire et amical où les élèves sont encouragés à
mettre au défi leurs niveaux de confort et de se développer en leaders. Le conférencier invité Chris Cummings
a souligné l’importance d’objectifs, de réalisation de rêves et de faire une différence une étape à la fois.
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MOIS DE LA POÉSIE
Afin de souligner le Mois National de la Poésie en avril, des enseignates de l’école primaire Ballantyne ont
demandé à leurs élèves de composer des poémes allitératifs. Alison Lydynia (Cycle I) a travaillé avec Donna
Friedman-Perlin (Cycle 2) à la création de ces poémes. Avant de placer les élèves par paires, elles leur ont
appris la poésie allitérative. Dès que les deux classes ont bien compris le concept, les élèves du Cycle 2 ont été
placés en paires avec cuex du CycleI
COMITÉS DE MARKETING ET D’ACTION POLITIQUE
Le comité de marketing et le nouveau comité CAP (Comité d’action politique) se sont réunis mercredi et jeudi
dernier respectivement. La vice-présidente de la CSEM Sylvia Lo Bianco préside le comité de marketing et sa
réunion a inclus une présentation du Comité central de parents. Le comité CAP de la CSEM est présidé par la
commissaire Patricia Lattanzio. Il rencontrera bientôt les élus au niveau provincial et municipal pour porter à
leur attention d’importantes questions d’éducation publique.
JOURNÉE DES ENFANTS DISPARUS
Le 25 mai à souligné la Journée national des enfants- une journée pour se souvenir de tous les enfants disparus.
Depuis le mois d’avril, les élèves de l’école secondaire du premier cycle John Paul I et M. Speranza ont travaillé
à un projet très spécial intitulé Voix des disparus qui a honoré et donné la parole à trois enfants disparus. En avril
et en mai, les élèves ont rencontré les parents et les frères et sœurs de trois enfants disparus, les ont interviewé
et on passé une après-midi avec eux. Suite à ces rencontres et les amitiés qui se sont nouées, les élèves ont
travaillé avec un grand dévouement et conviction pour les honorer par des chansons, des poèmes et des
travaux d’art. Tout au long de la journée du 25 mai, à l’Hôtel Hilton Montreal Bonaventure, les Réseau des
enfants disparus a souligné cette importante journée d’espoir, de souvenir et de foi. La journée a permis au
groupe remarquable et dévoué de John Paul I de donner une voix aux disparus par le biais de leurs hommages
touchants. Ils ont vraiment fait la lumière sur les vies de ces trois enfants disparus, démontrant qu’ils pouvaient
avoir disparu mais qu’ils n’étaient pas oubliés.
JARDIN COMMUNAUTAIRE
Les votes ont été comptés ! La Fondation Home Depot Canada et l’Académie John Caboto d’Ahuntsic ont le
grand plaisir d’annoncer que le jatdin communautaire de John Caboto sera construit cet été et cet automne
par l’équipe de Home Depot ! Entre le 4 et 24 avril, les membres de la communauté ont voté pour déterminer
quel projet allait avoir lieu dans le cadre de la campagne « Rénover sa communauté, C’est Beau » Le jardin
communautaire de John Caboto a remporté le plus de votes dans le quartier Ahuntsic de Montréal,
Home Dépôt l’Acadie commandite le jardin communautaire de John Caboto enl evant des fonds à chacune
de ses caisses. Jusqu’au 4 juillet, les clients de Home Dépot peuvent acheter « un marteau en papier » au prix
de deux dollars pour appuyer le projet de jardin ou faire un don en ligne à www.homedepot.ca/foundation.
Tous les dons seront versés directement au projet qui débutera cet été et se poursuivra en automne avec
l’aide de l’équipe Home Depot.
VISITE À L’ÉCOLE PHILIPP E, LAYTON
L’orchestre de jazz de l’école secondaire Loyola est monté en scène à l’école Philipp E. Layton pour les
aveugles pour se produire pour les enseignant(e)s et les élèves. Le but de cette réunion a été d’offrir aux deux
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groupes d’élèves la possibilité de communiquer entre eux dans une atmosphère joyeuse et interactive. Dèla fin
de la réprésentation, les élèves de Loyola ont circulé parmi l’auditoire et ont donné l’occasion aux élèves de
Philipp E. Layton de se joindre à eux pour faire de la musique. Philipp E. Layton est une école dédiée à
l’éducation d’élèves avec déficiences visuelles et elle est située au bâtiment du Centre Mackay.
RENFORCEMENT DES FAMILLES NOIRES
Au cours de l’année scolaire 2011-2012, l’école primaire Westmount Park a été la première école primaire de la
CSEM à offrir le programme de renforcement des fanilles noires.
En tant que première école à offrir ce programme à la CSEM, l’initiative de 14 semaines vise à réunir les parents
et leurs enfants et leur donner l’occasion de partager des pensées et des sentiments et d’acquérir de plus
fortes habiletés de communications. Avec la participation de plusieurs familles, la session hebdomadaire réunit
deux parents et des formateurs travaillant individeullement au début de chaque session et ensuite ensemble,
les formateurs offrent aux parents les outils nécessaires pour participer pleinment à la vie de leurs enfants à la
maison et à l’école. En se trouvant dans un environnement avec d’autres parents, ils ont l’occasion d’exprimer
des émotions avec d’autres personnes qui vivent les mêmes difficultés.
ÉDUCATION DES ADULTES ET FORMATION PROFESSIONNELLE
LE GOÛT DES CARAÏBES
Les élèves de l’Institut culinaire St. Pius X ont œuvré en compagnie de chefs réputés à la préparation d’un
repas des Caraïbes stimulant pour les sens. Tho Gumbs, Shome Benjamin, Anthony Mair et Cherrie Jones ont été
les chefs carribéns qui ont présenté aux élèves leurs nouveaux plats, ingrédients et techniques. Le goût des
Caraïbes, cet évènement annuel couronné de succès s’est tenu au Marché Bonsecours le dimanche 27 mai
2012.
CALENDRIER
22 juin 2012
Dernier jour de classes
29 août 2012
Premier jour de classes
Réunion du conseil des commissaires de la CSEM
16h (ajournée ensuite à 19h30)
6000 avenue Fielding
Dante School receives its Green Award.
The next Focus will be published on August 31. Submissions should be
made to Michael J. Cohen preferably by
e-mail
([email protected]) or fax (514-483-7213) by August 24.
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Rachel Mudrosky and Shira Azoulay of Westmount High
School are presented with awards for posters they
made for International Day Against Homophobia.
Science Fair Awards are presented.
James Lyng receives its Green Award.
John Paul I Junior High School receives its
Green Award.
Parkdale receives a Green Award.
Gerald McShane gets it Green Award.