Fielding Focus - English Montreal School Board

VOLUME 16
NO . 8
M AR C H 2 7 , 2 0 1 4
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: D. D’ORNELLAS
PROOFREADING/TRANSLATION: ALINE ZEROUNIAN
Inside This Issue
MICHELANGELO INTERNATIONAL LAUNCH
 Gay Straight Alliance
 Science & Tech Fair
 Inspirations Express
 Harlem Globetrotters
 Vocational Olympiad
Michelangelo International Elementary School in RDP recently
held an inauguration party for its newly acquired IB World
School accreditation. The event was held at Plaza Antique,
with over 230 guests. Students, teachers, parents and special
guests enjoyed a fancy atmosphere, great food and music.
A fun photo booth and face painting was provided for
students present. Many prizes were drawn and every child left
with a gift pack of books. Present as well were EMSB Chair
Angela Mancini, Commissioner Rosa Cerrelli, Deputy Directors
General
Paola Miniaci and Roma Medwid; Director of
Pedagogical Services Alessandra Furfaro and retired regional
director, Marzia Michielli. Educator and comedian Joe
Cacchione, the school’s spokesperson, entertained everyone
with amusing skits and magic tricks
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FIELDING FOCUS
SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS: GET ON THE ELECTORAL LIST
The next school board elections will take place on November 2, 2014. In the case of the EMSB, voting will take
place for a chairman and 10 commissioners. You can see the precise electoral divisions here.
We are
encouraging all voters who may be on the French school board electoral list who wish to be transferred to the
English list to fill out and submit this form. This is an appeal to our parents to help us get their relatives, friends
and children over 18, on the EMSB Electoral List.
VALUE OF SCHOOL BOARDS: ELECTORAL RECRUITMENT & PROMOTION
Some 100 people participated in person, by videoconferencing or webcast in last Saturday’s Commissioner
Recruitment Class organized by the Quebec English School Boards Association (QEBSA). The three-hour session,
hosted by Lester B. Pearson School Board, featured an inspiring and focused coaching session with former
Education Minister Michelle Courchesne, followed by a seminar on the “nuts ‘n bolts” of running for elected
school board office by Communications and Special Projects Director Kim Hamilton and Political Attaché
Jean-Pierre Mackenzie. The webcast is being prepared for archive at www.qesba.qc.ca and should be up by
this week. Please check the site for other updates and information surrounding the school board electoral
process.
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: WESTMOUNT HIGH DRAWS ATTENTION
The EMSB posts links to television and radio reports, as well as videos produced in-house on our website. We
have now enhanced our dedicated sections for EMSB TV, hosted by Vimeo. We now have sections for EMSB TV
Coverage, EMSB Videos and NousSommesBilingues. Please see this extraordinary new video produced by the
staff and students at Westmount High School against the Charter of Values. It was also featured on CTV News
and on Global TV. In order to access EMSB Radio click here.
SEXUAL EDUCATION PROGRAM AND GAY-STRAIGHT ALLIANCE
On March 12, Lester B. Pearson High School in Montreal North held its first sex education seminar. The aim was to
give students an opportunity to discover and inform themselves on the various issues regarding sex and
sexuality. Six different lectures will be offered and students chose three each: Respectful Relationships; SelfIdentity; Violence in Romantic Relationships; Contraception; StIs and Why Must We Understand them; and Sex,
Drugs, and the Law. Here is a video produced by The Gazette of a play which was brought to the school.
Meanwhile, in the spirit of fostering a safer school
environment, Lester B. Pearson High School has formed a
group called the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA). The GSA (right)
is an inclusive group that welcomes students from all
backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. This
space allows students to feel valued, recognized, and
accepted. The GSA provides a platform for students to have
a voice and empowers them to effect change. Furthermore,
the GSA also promotes diversity and awareness through
education, support, social justice, and advocacy. The GSA
committee is made up of 25 committed, passionate, and
brave students who believe in equality and who want to be
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part of a movement. The school’s guidance counsellor initiated and developed this project after noticing a
need to reach out to the LGBTQ community. The GSA is officially the first of its kind at the EMSB! At the official
opening, there was the unveiling of a painting by a student, and the opportunity to hear GSA members speak.
The goal of the ceremony was to ultimately cultivate awareness and acceptance within the school
community.
CHESS COMPETITION
This year, Lester B Pearson High School started a student Chess
Club as an after-school activity. The new club met twice every
nine day cycle and organized their first chess master
competition entitled “Who Will Be King?” The event was wellorganized by students Afzaal Gahia and Ali Gahia pictured
above with Vice Principal Hilda Hacikyaner. It took place on
February 26, with 12 students and four staff members
competing. Using the Swiss elimination method, gold, silver and
bronze medals and monetary awards were distributed to the
winners. The first, second and third place winners were Tristan Di
Paolo, Andre Lamontagne-Clark and Sajeen Thayaparan.
Lester B Pearson High School staff and administration recognize
the power of chess as a learning tool, which research has
proven enhances concentration, critical thinking skills, problem
solving, self-esteem, and a host of other qualities that every parent and teacher desires. This successful event
sets the stage for the school’s goal to host a board-wide chess competition for the 2014-2015 academic year.
EMSB STUDENTS SHINE AT REGIONAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY FAIR
The annual Hydro-Québec Montreal Regional Science & Technology Fair (MRSTF), organized by Educational
Alliance for Science & Technology (EAST), took place March 23 to 25 at John Abbott College in Sainte-Annede-Bellevue. During this one-of-a-kind competition, budding scientists aged 13 to 20,
presented visitors with a wide variety of projects, proving that science and technology
can be interesting and accessible. EMSB
schools represented were John Paul I
Junior
High
School
and
Laurier
Macdonald High School in St. Léonard,
Royal West Academy in Montreal West,
Westmount High School and Vincent
Massey
Collegiate
in
Rosemount.
Exhibitors at the regional final are
competing for awards with a total value
of $30, 000. Twelve projects overall were
selected to represent the MRSTF at the
2014
Super
Expo-sciences
HydroQuébec, Québec final, to be held April 10 to 13, 2014 in
Terrebonne. This Québec final is also a springboard for
participating in the Canada-Wide and International Science Fairs. Two EMSB projects from Royal West
Academy have advanced: Lia Loebenberg (left) at the Junior level for her project Why-Fi?, which focuses on
possible health issues related to WiFi routers and Abishek Chakraborty (right) at the Intermediate level for the
Effects of Folic Acid on Cells. EMSB students captured a number of the other prestigious awards as well. See this
complete list of school by school award recipients.
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2014-2015 SCHOOL CALENDAR
The school calendar for the youth sector for 2014-2015 has been approved. Classes will begin on September 2,
2014. Christmas break will be December 22, 2014 to January 2, 2015 and March Break, March 2 to 6, 2015. The
final day of classes will be June 23, 2015. You will be able to access the calendar on the EMSB website under
Schools and then Calendars. Here is the calendar.
PHILIP E. LAYTON RELOCATION
The EMSB held public hearings on March 18 for the purpose of relocating the Philip E. Layton School for the
visually impaired to the Mackay Centre School facility beginning with the 2014-2015 academic year. For
decades, the Philip E. Layton School has been located at the Montreal Association for the Blind (MAB) on
Sherbrooke Street West in NDG. The Mackay Center School, located on Decarie Boulevard, also in NDG,
educates children with motor, speech or sensorial
difficulties. P.E. Layton services the blind and/or
physically handicapped and /or intellectually
handicapped students. Both schools have a
supra-regional mandate and consequently the
EMSB is the only school board to offer services to
this particular group of English students, not only in
the Montreal region, but in the province of
Quebec.
On July 27, 2011, the MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation
Centre unveiled a strategic plan to consolidate its
operations into one new facility. This subsequently
required that the EMSB house its two schools at
one site. Since there was no EMSB building
available that could adequately facilitate the
needed renovations required for housing these
students, it was determined that the purchase of
the building at 3500 Decarie Blvd. would make the
most sense in the event that the Ministry of
Education, Leisure and Sports (MELS) favoured an alternative that would be less costly than constructing a
new facility. It should be noted that the MELS has already allocated funds so that two new schools servicing
similar French populations be built on the North and South Shore, as well as allocating over $16 million for the
addition of eight classes to Victor Doré School in Montreal.
For almost three years, the EMSB has been working with the MELS and the MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre
towards the acquisition of the property. “We are doing our utmost to bring a resolution to this situation,” stated
EMSB Chairman Angela Mancini. See the detailed press release. The Council of Commissioners has tabled a
resolution to approve the move in order for negotiations to continue with the MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation
Centre
EMSB EXPRESS
The latest EMSB Express Newspaper has been published, with copies sent to schools, media and government
offices. There is a special four page section on The Arts Are Alive @EMSB press conference held in January,
columns by Chairman Angela Mancini and Director General Robert Stocker, an Alumni Showcase, sports news
and an opportunity for students/parents to nominate a teacher for a dinner at P.F. Chang’s China Bistro. You
can read the paper here.
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THE NEW INSPIRATIONS EXPRESS NEWSPAPER
We are very proud to announce that Inspirations Newspaper, a snapshot of our special needs community, has
come out with a brand new Inspirations Express online edition which will be published in between our regular
print editions. Please read the latest right here.
PROPOSED MAJOR SCHOOL CHANGE
The Long Range Planning Committee has recommended that Options I Alternative High School close in 20152016 and the related services and program currently offered for Secondary Cycle 2 Year 1 (Secondary
3/Grade 9) be relocated to Venture Alternative High School (which operates out the same facility in Ville
Émard). Venture would continue to offer Secondary Cycle 1 and Secondary Cycle 2 Year 1 (Secondary 1, 2
and 3/Grade 7, 8 and 9). Related services and programs currently offered for Secondary Cycle 2 Year 2
(Secondary 4/Grade 10) at Options I would relocate to Options II High School, also in the same building.
Options II High School would continue to offer Secondary Cycle 2 year 2 and 3 (Secondary 4 and 5/Grade 10
and 11). This will now go out for consultation, with a decision to be rendered by the Council of Commissioners
next winter.
SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCE FAIR
John Grant and L.I.N.K.S. High Schools, in
collaboration with the EMSB and Inspirations
Newspaper, co-hosted their annual special needs
resource fair. It took place at the EMSB on March 13.
John Grant and L.I.N.K.S. cater to students with
special needs. Their mandate is to encourage
personal and academic growth for all learners,
regardless of the challenges they face.
The
Transitioning Towards Independence Resource Fair
brought together a variety of resources for parents,
family members, teachers and caregivers of students
of all ages with learning difficulties and/or special
needs. Two lectures took place during the fair that
provided attendees with invaluable information.
Gamoon Lau from EDUCATE Montreal spoke about
general educational planning and transitions,
covering everything from Individual Education Plans
to the role of a Child Care Worker. Stefanie Demberg from CSSS Cavendish spoke about the services offered by
the CSSS and the government of Quebec. Under the direction of James Fequet, principal of John Grant and
L.I.N.K.S. High Schools, this event provided invaluable information to parents and family members, teachers and
caregivers of students of all ages with special needs.
M.I.N.D. COFFEE HOUSE 2014
The success of last year's Coffee House, which raised $600 for the senior prom, has M.I.N.D. School students
eager and ready to put on another show! This year's event will feature musical and dance performances by
students, as well as several guest invites. Student art will be available for purchase, with snacks and drinks
complimentary. It all takes place on Friday May 2 (6:30 p.m.) at the Bancroft Elementary School Gym (4563 St.
Urban). RSVP to Monica Paraghamian (mparaghamian@emsb.qc.ca).
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NATIVE SPIRITUALITY AND CULTURAL TRADITIONS
On March 15, Nacera Krim and Christina Poliafico’s Grades 3 and 4 students at Bancroft Elementary School in
the Plateau went on a spiritual outing to the Native
Friendship Centre. They listened to a native origin story
and participated in a traditional dance. The workshop
was highly interactive and the volunteer staff was dressed
up in traditional regalia. The details of the story came to
life as the students made their own animal headbands in
which to act out the story. “The desire to learn the dance
and finding out more about the Native culture and
spirituality was outstanding,” said Spiritual Community
Animator Puynung Choy. “The students mentioned how
much fun they had. They learned a lot from the event
and wanted more, but it was time for us to leave.” says
Spiritual Animator Ms. Puynung, “This goes to show that
learning about another culture, which is one of the many
successful components of Bancroft’s curriculum, makes students very happy. This field trip encouraged the
development of their personal responsibility as global citizens; being open to discovering the world”.
ASTRONAUT LANDS AT ROYAL VALE
Students at Royal Vale in NDG got a special visit from astronaut David Saint-Jacques earlier this week. They
talked math, science, and robotics.
ST. GABRIEL STUDENT ENSEMBLE
I Medici di McGill, accompanied by the St. Gabriel Student Ensemble, recently performed a benefit concert to
support the QMEA VIVA! SISTEMA Music Program at the Pointe St. Charles primary school. St. Gabriel’s students
are also involved with two outside music programs. The Viva!El Sistema program originated in Venezuela which
encourages social change and social interaction through the
teaching of violin and cello. It attracts 22 students from the
school and the surrounding community who learn and practice
two hours daily, four days a week. The church was filled with
patrons who were rewarded with and inspiring concert
featuring a performance by world renowned cellist Stephane
Tétreault, who played on a 1707 Stradivarius cello (loaned by
Mme. Jacqueline Desmarais.) The audience was drawn to its
feet to applaud the young cellist who was a student at FACE
School where he started his magnificent career. Two EMSB
employees, Diane Pontikes and Marja Coady, play in this
orchestra also. Featured performers at the concert were 25
students from St. Gabriel who had been studying violins or cellos (some were in their first year and others in their
second year of study).
FRENCH FOR THE FUTURE
The Université du Québec à Montréal (UQÀM) Salle Marie-Gérin-Lajoie (405 Ste. Catherine Street East, corner of
St. Denis) will be the site for the 2014 French for the Future Montreal Local Forum on Wednesday, April 16 (9
a.m.). Aimed at promoting bilingualism amongst Canadian youth, the theme is Respect, Culture and
Integration Into Québécois Society. Approximately 550 students from 13 Montreal high schools and four school
boards will be present. Participating from the EMSB will be: Westmount High School, Marymount Academy in
NDG and LaurenHill Academy in St. Laurent. Charismatic Montreal producer and break dancer, Pierre-Michel
Jean-Louis, will serve as master of ceremonies. Montreal’s two English language morning show weather
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forecasters, both Francophones, will share their career paths with the students. Jessica Laventure from the
Morning News on Global TV and Catherine Verdon-Diamond from City’s Breakfast Television are the epitome of
“charisma.” They light up the TV screen each morning. Québécois rapper and street artist, MONK. E will inspire
the youth with his story and powerful trilingual lyrics. This will be followed by some open microphone time for the
participating students to rap in French!
SUN YOUTH ANTI-BULLYING FUNDRAISER
The Crime Prevention Department of the Sun Youth Organization is organizing a pasta dinner fundraiser for its
Bullying, Taxing and Conflict Resolution program which has been making a difference in public schools around
Montreal, with youth and social mentors providing them with an additional resource in their effort to solve the
problems presented by bullying, taxing, intimidation and conflicts among students. With this fundraiser, Sun
Youth is hoping to raise some funds which will eventually contribute to adding another school to their current
list: LaurenHill Junior and Senior Campuses in St. Laurent, Marymount Academy in NDG and Bancroft
Elementary School in The Plateau. It will take place on April 24 (6:30 p.m.) at 4251 St. Urbain Street. The cost is $8
and $5 for kids aged four to 11 years old. Kids under three eat for free. There will be limited tickets at the door.
Info: (514) 842-6822 ext. 249 or write to police@sunyouthorg.com. See the flyer here.
INTERNATIONAL SPEAKER
Staying true to their IB philosophy and commitment to providing students with an international education,
Michelangelo International Elementary School in R.D.P. recently welcomed Serge Ouédrago, a Swiss national
who is currently working in Nigerian refugee camps on behalf of the United Nations Refugee Agency.
Speaking to Grade 6 students, Ouédrago educated students on the efforts needed and challenges of working
with Malian refugees arriving in Niger such as poor road conditions which may cause cars to fall into muddy pits
or sand dunes as well as the army escorts that are necessary to keep the United Nations workers safe from
terrorist organizations that may try to interfere with the UN relief efforts. Additionally, Ouédrago has worked with
the Malian Itikane nomadic tribes. Students paid close attention to the challenges associated with this aspect
of his job, such as having to move the refugee camp from one location to safer ones that are further away
from the border.
IMPACT LAUNCH
The Montreal Impact and the EMSB announced
that the successful stay-in-school program called
All the Way with the Impact (Jusqu'au Bout avec
l'Impact) continues for a ninth consecutive year,
designed to promote the importance of
persevering in school. The official English launch
took place on
March 20 at Honoré-Mercier
Elementary School in St. Léonard. Special guests
were goalkeeper Troy Perkins and technical
director Matt Jordan (with staff and students
right). Perkins is in his third season with the Impact
and ninth as a professional. Jordan is former star
goalkeeper who concluded his playing career
with the Impact. A native of Denver, Colorado,
he graduated from Clemson University with a
Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and a minor in
Sports Marketing. He settled in St. Léonard a few years ago with his family. His children attend Honoré-Mercier
and his wife heads the Home and School Association. See the family picture below. He is in his fourth year
working in the club’s front office As part of the partnership, the traditional “EMSB Night” will take place on
Wednesday, May 14 (7:30 pm) at Stade Saputo against either Ottawa or Edmonton.
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This is part of the Amway Canadian Championship, which involves the five top professional clubs in Canada, in
the race to qualify for the CONCACAF Champions League, which is an international competition between
professional clubs from North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Tickets can be purchased online
for only $10 at www.emsb.qc.ca/impact.
HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS
Buckets Blakes, a player from the world famous Harlem Globetrotters, visited with students at two EMSB
elementary schools on March 26, to present “The ABCs of Bullying Prevention,” which targets six to 12 yearolds. The programs took place at Edinburgh Elementary School (left) in Montreal West and Westmount Park
Elementary School (bottom right). The Globetrotters, who will play at the Bell Centre on April 4, designed the
program in coordination with the National Campaign to Stop
Violence (NCSV). It focuses on Action, Bravery, and
Compassion, comprising the ABCs.
Blakes asked the kids their definition of each word in the ABCs
and expanded on the answers. For example: “COMPASSION
means caring
about
others
and
your
community.
You can stop
bullying
by
being a friend
and
staying
involved
in
positive activities that show that you care about other people.
When a child fell ill at one of the school’s and had to leave the
gym, Blakes told the students how this was a perfect example
of where compassion is needed. For the finale, Blakes chose a
few kids and staff to join him up front to teach them some
special Globetrotter ball handling moves to the tune of the team’s “Sweet Georgia Brown” theme music The
Globetrotters will bring “The ABCs of Bullying Prevention” to nearly 400 schools and youth centers as part of their
2014 “Fans Rule” World Tour, celebrating the team’s 88 th consecutive year. The visits by Blakes, facilitated by
Evenko, were extremely well received by staff and students. Blakes is
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EMPOWERUS! PROGRAM FOR TEENAGE GIRLS
A number of EMSB high school students have already signed up for the Montreal Community Cares
Foundation’s much anticipated ‘EmpowerUs!,’ program for teenage girls. Held at McGill University Athletics
facilities, the event will include a full day of workshops and activities focused on building the confidence, life
skills and academic success of Montreal’s teenage girls on Saturday, May 3. One-hundred girls from various
backgrounds between the ages of 13 and 18, will participate in workshops on financial literacy, self-esteem,
nutrition, anger management and goal-setting. Activity stations will also give the teenagers an opportunity to
explore dance, kickboxing, basketball and soccer. In the evening, 1,000 girls and women – sisters, mothers,
grandmothers and aunts – will gather at McGill University for the EmpowerUs! celebration of women, featuring
entertainment and motivational testimonials by accomplished women in diverse fields. A small entrance fee
($20) will be charged. During the day, lunch will be served to the workshop participants and leaders. In the
evening, a bar and canteen will be available. Kiosks will also be set up for vendors and community
organizations to promote their youth- and women oriented programs. EmpowerUs! will also add its voice to
events and movements around the city that seek to raise awareness of and eliminate violence against women.
EmpowerUs! partners to date include the YMCA, McGill Athletics, ING, the EMSB, Lester B. Pearson School
Board, Mère avec Pouvoir and various other community groups across the city. For more info, please contact
us at info@montrealcommunitycares.com.
BRIAN MULRONEY SCHOLARSHIPS
The Horatio Alger Association of Canada has announced that 20 Quebec students have been awarded $5,000
scholarships as part of the Horatio Alger Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney Quebec Scholarship Program. The Association
offers scholarships to full-time high school students in Quebec who have a critical financial need and have
demonstrated integrity and perseverance in overcoming
adversity, as well as strength of character, a good
academic record, a commitment to pursue higher
education, and a desire to contribute to society. Two of
those winners are from the EMSB: Manisha Khan (left) from
Marymount Academy in NDG and Whitney LalibertyGouveia (right) from Rosemount High School. The Association
received more than 3,600 applications in the four provinces
in which it currently operates.
ROSEMOUNT HIGH MURALS
Three Cycle Two classes at Rosemount High School are currently in the process of designing a mural for a
Montreal organization/institution where positive contributions to the community are being made. One mural will
remain in the high school, another will be donated to the Share The Warmth Organization and the third
location has yet to be determined (the local CLSC or the Sun Youth Organization). Each student is designing
their own stencil with the help of Montreal Artist Roadsworth (a.k.a. Peter Gibson). These stencils will be
combined to create large collaborative art pieces. Roadsworth will visit each class four times throughout the
course of this project. He has already initiated the students in this project by sharing his experience and
demonstrating various stenciling techniques. The students admit that working with a guest artist has been an
enriching experience to date. Their goal is to complete the murals by the end of April so they can be included
temporarily in the school`s annual art exhibit. The students have been learning about the importance of
building strong communities - this is their opportunity to contribute in a creative and empowering way.
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REVAMPING THE SCHOOL’S GREENHOUSE
With a grant received from the Métro Croque Santé program, Rosemount High School spiritual community
animator Katie Leggitt and biology teacher Robert Douglas have
revamped the school’s greenhouse and it is ready for growing.
The first seeds entered the earth just after the March break and
are sprouting into future zucchinis, cucumbers, tomatoes and
herbs. Students have been involved every step of the way and
are keen to be a part of this project. Twice weekly, students and
Ms. Leggitt will spend their lunch in the greenhouse, working on
germination and upkeep of the seedlings. On March 19, Shylah
Wolfe (pictured with students) from Les Filles Qui Poussent, a nonprofit organization aimed at empowering girls through green
initiatives, visited the greenhouse and gave a workshop on
starting seedlings, where students learned how to use basic
household objects like eggshells, egg cartons and toilet paper rolls
to plant seeds with. The idea behind the greenhouse is to give
students access to edible plants as well as to encourage our
urban youth to grow at home.
LAZYLEGZ AT LAURENHILL
Both the Junior and Senior Campuses of LaurenHill Academy in St. Laurent recently welcomed Luca “Lazylegz”
Patuelli (below with Mr. Dansereau), who delivered an inspirational performance in words and dance Mr.
Patuelli was born with Arthrogryposis, a rare disorder that limits joint movement and poor muscles growth. This
condition affected him below the waist making walking and even standing extremely hard. However, he never
let his condition get the best of him. Throughout his life, Mr. Patuelli decided that he could do the same
activities’ as his friends, but in his own way. He swam, dived, skied, skateboarded and much more. In 1999 he
discovered “B-boying” a.k.a Breakdancing. Like the other activities
he had participated in, he decided to do it his own way and
incorporated both his extreme upper body strength and crutches
into the mix. Right there is where his inspirational journey took off.
Luca has been the guest recently on the Ellen Degeneres Show,
NBC Today Show, So You Think You Can Dance Canada and Tout
Le Monde en Parle on Radio Canada. In 2007 he created an
international dance group called “ILL-Abilities,” that consists of the
word’s best-disabled dancers. Their goal is to show the world that
as long as you are positive, creative and willing to adapt yourself to
any situation, anything is possible. Hence, Mr. Patuelli’s main
message, “No Excuses, No Limits.”LaurenhHill Academy Principal
Claude Dansereau couldn’t be happier with Mr. Patuelli’s message
to his students. “The reason why we invited Luca to the school is
because he is a young man who is sharing a very strong message
with the world,” stated Mr. Dansereau. See the complete press
release. You can also see this video.
JFK AND JAMES LYNG HOOPSTERS WIN
The John F. Kennedy Juvenile I Boys basketball team won the Greater Montreal Athletic Association (GMAA)
championship 45-41 against Lester B. Pearson High School. The Knight's veteran leadership proved to be too
much for the previously undefeated and host Pearson squad in this "Beast of Montreal East" battle. Game MVP
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Felix Anor and fellow co-captain Thanh Doan made key shots down the stretch to help the team seal the
victory. Meanwhile, the James Lyng Juvenile II Boys Basketball team beat Herzliah High School to capture
the 2013-2014 GMAA championship."
SPEAK UP MONTREAL
Continuing the strong tradition of arts at the EMSB, Marymount Academy in N.D.G. hosted the EMSB’s inaugural
slam poetry/spoken word competition on February 27. Entitled “Speak Up Montreal!” the competition featured
students presenting slam poetry, known as well as spoken word poetry, a modern art which invites individuals to
express their feelings and emotions without inhibitions or rules in a style mirroring hip-hop music. At the EMSB’s
January Arts Showcase, students Melissa Montuori, from Laurier Macdonald High School and Nayem Alam from
Marymount Academy presented this slam/spoken word poetry. In addition to sparking creativity in his peers,
this event was organized by the aforementioned Nayem Alam as his International Baccalaureate (IB) personal
project. All IB students must complete a personal project in order to meet the requirements of the IB program.
Nayem came in first place for a single performer, while Alexia and Melissa Montuori and Amanda
Mastrogiovanni came in first place for a group performance. Mathias McRae of Marymount came in second
place for a single performer. Here is our video on the event.
GENERAL VANIER WINTERFEST
Carnival Week at General Vanier Elementary School in St. Léonard celebrated the joy of winter beginning with
a two hour skating session at Roberto Luongo Arena, located right next door.
Hockey players and figure skating champions skated around helping the
beginners with tips and tricks and parents and teachers joined in the fun! After
the walk back from the arena, the students were very excited to spot The
Beaver Tail Cantine parked right in our very own school yard! Upon entering
the school yard, students and staff lined up and were served hot beaver
tails, compliments of one of the GV families. The following day, the entire
school geared up in their warmest winter clothes to spend the day at Mont
Royal, where they participated in tubing as well as a guided snow-shoe
walking tour in the forest. Despite the bitter winter cold, a great time was had
by all! Finally, on the third day they hosted their annual English Book Fair. What
better way to end off this winter week with a cup of hot chocolate, a cozy
blanket and a good book!
ROYAL WEST STUDENT LASSMAN A HERO
The Royal West Academy community in Montreal West wishes to acknowledge the quick thinking and fast
actions of Matthew Lassman, a Secondary V student. At lunch time on February 26, he intervened with a man
choking at the Pâtisserie on Westminster and quite probably saved the man’s life. Sheena McLaughlin, an
employee at the Pâtisserie, commented on Matthew’s super-calm and confident approach to the whole
situation by sharing, “He just stood up and did it without thinking about it.” As Matthew and a friend were sitting
in the popular coffee and pastry shop a man began choking on what appeared to be a quiche crust.
Matthew asked the gentleman if he was choking. The man could not respond, but was flailing his arms.
Matthew told him what he was going to do to help and that it might hurt. He then proceeded to administer
abdominal thrusts, dislodging the piece of food. “I really didn’t know what was going on until I saw the piece of
food come flying out” says McLaughlin. The man thanked Matthew and the restaurant patrons applauded
him. Matthew has no formal training in First Aid or CPR, but was reacting to a situation and drawing on
information obtained from television and the internet. When questioned about these heroic actions, Mr.
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Lassman responded by saying “I just wanted to do the right thing and be a vector of change instead of waiting
for someone else to do something.”
TWO CUPIDS AND THE ANGEL OF LOVE AT OUR LADY OF POMPEI
Our Lady of Pompei Elementary School in Ahuntsic was bustling with excitement in February with two major
activities. In honour of Valentine’s Day, each student was invited to write a letter to a classmate, chosen at
random. Once the letters, which were in the shape of a heart, were completed, students dropped them off in
mailboxes situated at different corners of the school. The letters were finally delivered on February 14 in each
class by two cupids and the Angel of Love. To celebrate this day of love and friendship, the students came to
school wearing a red or a pink shirt. Leading up to March Break, Our Lady of Pompei also welcomed Jeunesses
Musicales Canada, a group that provides a fun and interactive musical performance. Students from
kindergarten to Grade 2 were treated to unique renditions of “Giggle & Stomp,” while Grade 3 to Grade 6
enjoyed “Rhythm & Stomp.” Both presentations had the students singing and dancing throughout.
DR. JOE VISITS ROSLYN
As part of Nutrition Month at the EMSB, Roslyn Elementary School in Westmount welcomed Dr. Joe Schwarcz to
address students in Grades 5 and 6 on March 20. Dr. Schwarcz is Director of McGill University’s “Office for
Science & Society.” He is well known for his
informative and entertaining public lectures.
Over the years he h as received numerous
awards for teaching chemistry and for
interpreting science for the public and is the
only non-American ever to win the American
Chemical Society’s prestigious Grady-Stack
Award for demystifying chemistry. He hosts
"The Dr. Joe Show" on Montreal's CJAD,
writes a weekly column for The Montreal
Gazette and has appeared hundreds of
times on The Discovery Channel, CTV, CBC,
TV Ontario and Global Television. Joining Dr.
Schwarcz was Lynne Goldberg, a Chopra
certified meditation teacher, whole plantbased diet educator and author of the book
Get Balanced Get Blissed. Dr. Schwarz
discussed
the science of nutrition and
chemistry. Ms. Goldberg followed that up with
a presentation about surprising foods that
contain sugar. She also touched upon the importance of label reading.
EAT RIGHT- FEEL BRIGHT
During the month of March, EMSB dietician Giuliana Di Quinzio, along with Spiritual Community Animator Vince
Lacroce, collaborated on the Eat Right - Feel Bright Nutrition Education Program. The program focused on
educating students at both John Paul I Junior High School (Ethics Classes) and Laurier Macdonald High School
(Physical Education classes) in St. Léonard about healthy life choices and eating habits, sensitizing them to the
social influences media imposes on their perception of beauty and health. Follow up presentations
spearheaded by Mr. Lacroce and International Baccalaureate students from John Paul I and Laurier
Macdonald will be targeting Cycle 2 and 3 classes at Dante, Dalkeith and Pierre de Coubertin students. The
intent of these presentations is to stress the importance of positive role models, the negative influences of the
media and media personalities as well as to promote and create positive life choices. The programs will
culminate in May whereby John Paul I and Laurier Macdonald High School Physical Education classes’ will be
participating in Yoga workshops which will introduce the idea and concepts of reflection and mediation. The
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one-hour workshop will educate students about the importance of bridging the mind and body into perfect
harmony, the workshops will be overseen by Sasha Mattew (Shantidas Yoga) and Frank Spera (DragonFlow
Yoga).
EMSB MASTER CHEF
The team of School Organization/ Cafeteria and Nutrition Education Services and the EMSB Administration
Building Cafeteria at head office featured their first 2014 EMSB Master Chef Challenge throughout the month of
February. In an effort to add traditional meals that are easy to prepare, nutritious and delicious to our repertoire
of recipes, we invited head office staff
members to submit their homemade recipes
for our Master Chef Challenge!
Three Chefs
among head office staff, with a culinary talent
and passion for cooking, were then invited to
compete for the ultimate title by cooking their
traditional family recipe! Three individuals
participated. Melanie Piette from the Human
Resources Department prepared Broccoli and
Chicken Lasagna; Gina Mancini from
Pedagogical Services Department prepared
Salmon with Vegetables in a Basket & Wild
Rice; and Eleni Ioannidis from Human
Resources Department prepared Gemista
(Traditional Greek-Style Stuffed Peppers) with
Lemon-Roasted Potatoes. They tied on their
aprons and slipped on their chef hat! The
turnout was outstanding! “Their homemade
recipes truly tantalized our taste buds and
aimed to please! “noted dietician Giuliana Di
Quinzio (pictured with Gina Mancini). “Dining for head office staff was delightful, but challenging when it
came time to vote!” On Thursday February 27, a Master Chef Ceremony was held to announce Gina Mancini
as the winner.
ANNUAL VOLUNTEER NIGHT
The EMSB will hold its annual Volunteer Appreciation Evening on Tuesday, April 8 at Le Renaissance Reception
Hall (7550 Henri Bourassa Boulevard East) in RDP. This year’s event is being held to commemorate National
Volunteer Week, which runs from April 6 to 12, under the theme of “Above and Beyond.” Time and space do
not allow the EMSB to honour all of its nearly 1,500 volunteers in person. Therefore, only those individuals who
have volunteered for more than five years will attend the reception, representing some 500 people. However,
several thousand copies of a commemorative program book will be distributed to each school. The emcees for
the evening will be Global News anchor Jamie Orchard and Montreal stand-up comedian Franco Taddeo.
This year’s Volunteer of Distinction is Debbie Hanley from Roslyn Elementary School in Westmount. A volunteer
with Roslyn for over 30 years, Ms. Hanley has dedicated plenty of hours and energy towards a variety of the
school’s activities, such as welcome back events, book fairs, food drives, toy drives, fundraisers and the school’s
popular spaghetti talent show night. And when she isn’t volunteering her time for the school, Ms. Hanley has a
full time job there, as the office secretary, a position that she has held for the past 20 years.
For the sixth consecutive year, La Capitale Financial Services (www.lacapitale.com) is the title sponsor for this
event. The EMSB is proud to have the following companies as its major sponsors: Green Apple Studio
(www.greenapplestudio.ca);
Steve’s
Music
Store
(www.stevesmusic.com);
Loft
Uniforms
(www.loftuniforms.com); the Putting Edge (www.puttingedge.com); Halifax Citrus (www.halifaxcitrus.ca); The
Big Blue Hug (www.thebigbluehug.com; and Learning Associates of Montreal (www.learnmtl.org). La Ronde
(www.laronde.com) will have an information kiosk.
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LA CAPITALE DEAL FOR THE EMSB
La Capitale Insurance and Financial Services allows staff and family members to get privileged rates and
offers as well as: sound advice and attractive rates on your home, auto and leisure vehicle insurance; nocost services from a financial security advisor in your establishment, including personalized advice, an
analysis of your financial situation and free financial education seminars; and attentive customer service.
Staff can take advantage of exclusive privileges by meeting with an on-site financial security advisor or
speaking to someone by telephone for a quote. He or she will enter you in their contest for a chance to win
an Alaskan cruise valued at $8,000. Get more details on the benefits that we negotiated especially for you
by visiting this microsite.
THE PUTTING EDGE
The Putting Edge has three locations (downtown Montreal, the Spheretech in St. Laurent and the Centropolis in
Laval), and offers a new and exciting way to play miniature golf. Each 18-hole mini golf course is Blacklit, and is
filled with plenty of glow in the dark colours, images and sounds; each hole transports players into a different
world, whether it be under an ocean, a rain forest, an Aztec jungle or medieval times. As well, each Putting
Edge branch contains party rooms, an interactive arcade and concession stands that enhance its unique fun
and escapist experience.
And now, the Putting Edge is offering 10 percent off regular group package rates for all EMSB events, which is
ideal for ped days, carnival days, summer outings, grad parties and more. This offer is valid for group events
booked from now until June 24, 2014. Bag lunches are permitted. To book a Putting Edge event for your school,
call any one of their three locations: 514-439-3310 (Spheretech), 514-507-8106 (downtown), or 450-681-3334
(Centropolis).
GREEN APPLE
Green Apple Studio is a photography studio that serves schools and daycare centres, and uses award-winning
background replacement technology, which gives more flexibility and choices when it comes to student
portrait photos. Last year, they just introduced the “Portrait Book,” in which a student’s school portrait is
presented in a high quality, durable book format. They will also serve as the official photographer for Volunteer
Appreciation Night.
SPECIAL NEEDS WORKSHOP
The EMSB Student Services Department is organizing a series of workshops offered by the Advisory Committee
on Special Education Services (ACSES). The first workshop will take place on Tuesday, April 22 from 7 pm to 9 pm
inside the Laurence Patterson Conference Room (6000 Fielding Avenue). The workshop titled “How to teach
appropriate sexual behaviors to students with Autism Spectrum Disorders,” is open to parents of special needs
students and other interested individuals. This presentation will explain to parents how to teach appropriate
sexual behaviors to adolescents with ASD. It will explore how intensive sex education can help individuals with
ASD replace problem sexual behaviors with new appropriate behaviors that enhance social interaction and
decrease inappropriate sexual encounters. Dr. Isabelle Hénault, a psychologist from the University of Québec in
Montreal and the author of “Asperger’s Syndrome and Sexuality: From Adolescence through Adulthood,” will
be presenting. Her practice and studies have focused on providing diagnosis, education and support to
children, adolescents, adults and couples living with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome (AS). Limited spaces are
available. If you are interested, please confirm your presence by contacting Nikoleta Spiropoulos at 514-4837200 ext. 7307 or nspiropoulos@emsb.qc.ca, by Friday, April 11, 2014 at the latest.
NON-SUICIDAL SELF INJURY
The Mental Health Resource Centre (MHRC) organized a March 17 workshop with guest Dr. Nancy Heath, a
James McGill Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology at
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McGill University. She is a professor in the Human Development and School/Applied Child Psychology
programs. Her particular interest is in the effective management of self-injury in schools.
CAREER EXPLORATION
Joseph Fraschetti, a student from Vincent Massey Collegiate in
Rosemount and Gabriel Grau-Brown, a student at Laurier Macdonald
High School in St. Léonard, had the privilege to visit the Liberal riding of
Jeanne-Mance-Viger as part of the EMSB’s Career Exploration Program.
They met with the Liberal candidate Filomena Rotiroti who explained the
world of politics, the upcoming election and various important issues. “It
was interesting to see how well our students were informed with the
upcoming election,” said Catia Ambrosia, who organizes the sessions.
“Our students had very pertinent questions. They experienced a political
environment, behind the scenes. I would personally like to thank Filomena
Rotiroti, who took the time from her busy schedule to meet with our
students. “
LECTURES AVAILABLE TO SCHOOLS ON THE HOLOCAUST
Bob Nathan (second from the left) taught a course in Modern Jewish History for 25 years in the Jewish Day
School System. Included was a major section on the Holocaust. Since his retirement he has put together a 70
minute presentation titled “Because They Could,” which examines many of the issues that were included in his
course. Among them are: How could this happen and could it happen again? Were the Nazis monsters or
ordinary people? What role did the Jewish people play in this tragedy? Who was Adolf Eichmann? Is this type of
Genocide still going on today? It is a multi-media presentation and he has presented it in a number of schools
to date, including Royal Vale High School, Rosemount High School and Perspectives I Alternative High School.
“It has been met with universal enthusiasm and I am looking to expand this program to other English schools in
Montreal,” said Nathan, who can be booked via bnathan@videotron.ca. There is no fee for the lecture.
MOURNING A LOSS
It is with extreme sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Matteo Palumbi, a six year Grade 1 student
at Edinburgh Elementary School in Montreal West. He was the victim of a terrible accident. Members of the
EMSB Trauma Team have spent several days at the school this week. Matteo leaves behind his beloved parents
Sabrina and Joseph and cherished brother Marco. Matteo will be missed by his loving Grandparents, aunts,
uncles, cousins, family and friends.
JUMP ROPE FOR HEART
Royal Vale Elementary School in NDG has announced that Megan Duhamel, a Silver medalist for the pairs
skating/team at the recent Sochi Winter Olympics, will take part in the Jump Rope for Heart Event on April 11.
She is expected to arrive at noon. This year will be the 11th consecutive year hosting the event in benefit of the
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Quebec. More than $160,000 has been raised since its inception. The
fundraising part consists of staff and students participating in a skipping challenge. Prior to the event,
participants secure pledges. Students receive wonderful thank-you prizes provided by the Heart and Stroke
Foundation, based on the pledges students collects individually.
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CARLYLE IP-PYP EXHIBITION
Carlyle Elementary School in TMR hosted their annual International Baccalaureate - Primary Years Program
Exhibition on February 27. The Grade 6 students worked diligently in
preparation for this event. The Exhibition is a significant event in the
life of a PYP student and school. This year’s topic revolved around,
The Arts. Inquiry is individually and group driven. Exhibition is a
student-centered project and it is a culmination of all the essential
elements of the IB-PYP program. This year’s Central Idea was
developed under the transdisciplinary theme; How We Express
Ourselves. The students created the Central Idea “Humans have
been expressing themselves for generations in numerous ways.”
Once the students were placed in groups they chose the following
four topics: Film, Music, Dance and Painting. The Carlyle family
congratulates all the students for their dedication and all their hard work.
VMC AND MOUNTAINVIEW
Students from Vincent Massey Collegiate (VMC) in Rosemount and Mountainview Alternative High School in
Côte Saint-Luc continue building friendships and working on C.A.R.I.N.G. . They had their second encounter at
VMC via a friendly basketball game. This was designed to
encourage and strengthen community, a sense of
sportsmanship, respect, inclusion, noble actions, and goal
setting. Students focused on three points, team building, fair
play and understanding the importance of building bridges.
Mountainview and V.M.C. staff have been working hard and
encouraging their students to be healthy and active via
playing sports for many years.
It was rewarding to have the two schools continue interacting and taking part in the C.A.R.I.N.G. program. The
day ended with a community lunch held at VMC thanks to its administration. Everyone had a wonderful, and
rewarding time and do look forward to the final meeting, a soccer match that will take place in late April. This
successful activity was made possible thanks to the dedication of schools’ staff, administration, and Spiritual
Community Animator Rocco Speranza.
HIGH SCHOOL REUNIONS
Due to popular demands, the EMSB has created a High School Reunion section on our website. Here are the
first two entries. Send your submissions to mcohen@emsb.qc.ca.
WESTMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL
A "Thirty Something" Reunion (for the years 1978, 1979, 1980)
May 17, 2014, 5 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Vieux-Port Steakhouse (39, rue Saint-Paul E. Old Montreal)
Tickets are $110 (Includes one free drink and half bottle of wine with dinner). Cash bar following dinner.
TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED BEFORE APRIL 1 (There are deposits that we are responsible for at the venue).
For further information, contact: Anne Wade (wada@education.concordia.ca) or join our Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/events/215370225329768/
MONKLANDS HIGH SCHOOL –ANNUAL ALUMNI SUMMER GET-TOGETHER
MHS RestoBar Reunion Dinner 2014
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Saturday, July 19, 2014 at 5:00pm
Ye Olde Orchard Pub & Grill (NDG) in Montreal, Quebec
Info on the MHS Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/MHSMTLQC/
FIELDING FOCUS BULLETIN BOARD
Editor’s Note: The Communications and Marketing Division 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 in-school administrators, teachers, other staff, parent
groups and even students of making contact directly.
MUSICAL SHOW OFF
Due to its popularity over the last three years, the organizers of Musical Show Off (MSO) have announced that
the popular event will return for 2014. Boys and Girls, aged 11 to 17, can once again compete in this musical
theatre competition for the coveted trophy and a cash prize of $1,000. Please place the attached poster in a
prominent spot. Musical Show Off is much more than lessons in musical theatre. Trained by experienced
performers, kids aged eight to 17, learn to sing, dance and act, and get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to
perform live at the legendary Rialto Theatre before a capacity crowd. “This is a chance to experience what it is
like to be part of a musical production,” says Bronwen Lloyd-Hughes of Productions BronCon.
Lloyd-Hughes is a dance teacher at the EMSB’s LaurenHill Academy in St. Laurent and also runs their successful
Glee Club, which finished second in last fall’s city-wide high school competition. A number of EMSB students are
part of Musical Showoff already, including four members of the Marra family in St. Léonard.
See their video here.
YOUTH ZONE AT WESTMOUNT YMCA
The Westmount YMCA Youth Zone, located at the Westmount Recreation Center at 4675 St. Catherine Street
West, opened recently. The Youth Zone is a place where young people, from the ages of 12 to 17, come to
relax, meet friends and engage in passive and active activities. The Youth Zone offers diversified programming
combined with the organized structure that teens require. This provides teens with an environment that fosters
self-actualization through leadership programs and others. The goal of The Youth Zone is to provide a safe
space as well as to encourage active involvement within the community. In addition to daily programming
they hope to offer our teens with special events and outings in the Montreal region. Info: 514-989-5252 or email rachael.ampofo@ymcaquebec.ca
WESTMOUNT SCIENCE CAMP
The third annual Westmount Science Camp for youngsters aged six to 13 will run for six weeks from July 7 to
August 15, 2014. Building on last year's success, they are adding even more real science activities with many of
the same volunteer scientists returning. McGill University is offering an exciting weekly field trip program with the
support of Dr. Joe Schwarcz from the Office of Science and Society, Dr. Amir Raz from the Raz Lab, Ingrid Birker
from the Redpath Museum and a host of other Real Science activities from the departments and faculties of
chemistry, geography, engineering and physics. Concordia University will also be running field trips for us under
the leadership of Miriam Posner and her team! Director Nigel Penny wishes to acknowledge the great support
the camp has received from the City of Westmount, Westmount High School, McGill and Concordia Universities
and the Hampton YMCA. They are grateful for financial support from the McGill Dean of Science, Deputy
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Provost, Tomlinson project and Office of Science and Society, as well as from PWL Capital Inc. and Art-Enfant,
Montreal's top hobby store. Info:www.westmountscience.com.
JUNGLESPORT IN YOUR SCHOOL
Junglesport sets up its unique, fully engineered, self-supporting climbing and ropes course structure in school
gymnasiums. Our qualified instructors run your physical education classes for you; teaching climbing, ropes
courses and adventure activities. We run a S.A.F.E. program – Safe, Active, Fun, Educational; that is enjoyed by
all students from kindergarten to Grade 6. We offer programs from three days up to two weeks with discounts
for programs in September and October. For more information, please refer to our website –
www.junglesport.ca; send us an email – info@junglesport.ca; or give us a call – 1 888 541 3343 and ask for Nick
Anning. We would be very happy to refer you to EMSB schools that have used Junglesport to supplement their
curricular program in the past.
FOR TEACHERS: A FREE NETWORKING SITE
Shareor, a free social networking platform for teachers is an initiative designed to simplify communications
between teachers in Canada. As the first online social network designed exclusively for teachers, Shareor
empowers educators to share, collaborate, and connect within the teacher community.
Teachers use Shareor to plan their lessons, organize projects, collaborate with colleagues and promote student
work online. Teachers can also browse lesson plans created by other teachers to discover new things as well as
get inspired from other teachers' interests. Shareor is an initiative of a group of Canadian teachers and is made
possible
through
the
generosity
of
private
funders
and
community
partners.
To learn more about Shareor, please visit: http://www.shareor.com. More details are available by contacting
Rosa Delia at rosad@shareor.com.
PROSET AUTISM
Proset Autism Special Needs Adaptive Tennis Program, is extremely proud to present for the
first time in a Montreal School area, an Adaptive Tennis Program, for students with Special
Needs. This program would assist special needs students from both Elementary to Secondary
levels through an (extracurricular) activity, during after school hours. Our professional adaptive tennis coach
Philippe Manning, Director of Proset Autism, would be offering the tennis lessons in the school gyms (three times
a week) or as much time as needed, and would gladly be guiding each of the students to their full potential as
this program is progressive in nature.
What the students will be learning during the course of six to 12 weeks
- how to follow instructions during the lessons.
- new skills that demands Physical Activity and Concentration.
- how to work in a social environment.
- to play different games that associate movement and flexibility.
- to balance and coordinate the different skills associated with the activity.
Info: www.prosetautism.ca
AEVS NEWS
REDUCING NOISE LEVEL AT RTC
The English Montreal School Board wishes to reassure residents living in the immediate vicinity of Rosemount
Technology Centre at 3737 Beaubien Street East that the necessary measures are being taken to reduce the
noise level for the welding exhaust system. EMSB Chairman Angela Mancini stated that the EMSB is doing
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everything possible to ensure that the reduction of the noise level from the welding exhaust system at
Rosemount Technology Centre (Centre) conforms to current municipal by-laws, and allows residents to enjoy a
quieter living environment. The EMSB has an action plan in place and intends to replace the exhaust system by
August 29, 2014. See our full press release.
MACHINING TECHNIQUES
Rosemount Technology Centre students Jonathan Brown and Brian Figurniak, under the watchful eyes of
Richard Pilat (Machining Techniques Instructor) placed first and second respectively in the Regional Skills
Olympics competition within the Machining Techniques vocational training program of study. In addition,
coached by Danny Midlash (welding Instructor), students Alberto Polloni and Mathieu Zanti placed second and
fourth respectively for Welding. “It’s great to see all the hard work and determination by our students and
teachers paying off”, said RTC Principal Harry Michalopoulos.
VOCATIONAL OLYMPIAD
During this year’s Vocational Education Olympiad Competition, Shamini Somasundram of St. Pius X Culinary
Institute finished first at the regional level of the Skills Canada Culinary event. Ms. Somasundram joins fellow
EMSB gold medalist, Han Hyunsoo, winner of the auto mechanics competition. The two will head to Québec
City to compete in their chosen disciplines during the provincial competition from May 7 to 10.
Above are some of the winners and their teachers at an EMSB Council meeting.
Every year, students enrolled in vocational programs everywhere compete to win the title of the best in their
area of study. The competition starts out locally, with each career centre holding their own competition
internally within each program. The top two in each discipline are selected and allowed to compete in the
regional competition. Winners from each field travel to Expo Cité Centre de Foires in Quebec City and
compete against the best of the best. The victors from Quebec City are invited to compete in the national
competition that will be held in Toronto. Finally, the champions from the nationals will then proceed to the
international competition in São Paulo, Brazil next August.
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The regional level of the Skills Canada Culinary Competition was hosted at Pearson School of Culinary Arts,
where participants from all five culinary schools in Montreal competed for the chance to represent the region
of Montréal at the provincial level in May. Coming off the heels of their second place finish in the Taste of
Canada Competition in Toronto (where Somasundram represented the school as well), St. Pius X has plenty to
celebrate. Under the guidance of chef instructors Giulia Civitarese and Alain Bélair, Shamini resumes her
training soon to prepare for the Provincial Skills Competition or les Olympiades Québécoises de la Formation
Professionnelle et Technique, held in Québec City.
VIDEO SECTION ONLINE
The EMSB Adult Education and Vocational Services (AEVS) Department has produced a series of catchy
promotional videos. You can see them on this new section on the EMSB website.
CALENDAR
April 6 to 12, 2014
Volunteer Appreciation Week
April 7, 2014
World Health Day
April 8, 2014
Volunteer Appreciation Evening
April 22, 2014
Earth Day
April 23, 2014
Council of Commissioners Meeting
April 24, 2014
Administrative Assistants/Secretary’s Day
April 27, 2014
Holocaust Remembrance Day
Come join the RWA Foundation for a special evening at the Centaur Theatre
Order your tickets now for RWA Foundation’s fundraising evening at the Centaur Theater
to see the award-winning play 2 Pianos 4 Hands.
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at 8 pm (reception & silent auction following the show)
Ticket price: $50 (tax incl.) A tax receipt will be issued for $25. Go to www.rwaf.ca
to order your tickets today!
May 3, 2014
EMSB Chorale
Spring Gala Concert – 34thSeason
Oscar Peterson Hall (7141 Sherbrooke Street West)
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Loyola Campus, Concordia University
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $10 for adults / $5 for students
Tickets go on sale March 1, 2014.
Info: 514-483-7200, ext. 7234
May 7, 2014
National Teacher’s Day
May 12 to 16, 2014
BASE Daycare Employees Recognition Week
May 13, 2014
National Denim Day
May 14, 2014
EMSB Impact Night
Calendar of EAST events for 2014
Super Expo Science
April 10-13
CEGEP Terrebonne, QC
(Provincial S-Fair)
Junior Robotics Competition
April 25, 26,
John Rennie H.S.
CWSF
May 10-17
Windsor, Ontario
May 11-16
Los Angeles, California
(National S-Fair)
INTEL ISEF
(International S-Fair)
PLEINS FEUX SUR FIELDING
.
ÉLECTIONS SCOLAIRES: INSCRIVEZ-VOUS À LA LISTE ÉLECTORALE
Les prochaines élections scolaires auront lieu le 2 novembre 2014. Dans le cas de la CSEM, le vote désignera le
président et 10 commissaires. Vous pouvez voir les circonscriptions électorales ici. Nous encourageons tous les
électeurs qui pourraient figurer aux listes électorales francophones et qui désirent être transférés à la liste
anglophone de remplir et de soumettre ce formulaire. Ceci est un appel à nos parents pour nous aider à faire
inscrire leurs familles, amis et enfants, âgés de plus de 18 ans, à la liste électorale de la CSEM.
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CALENDRIER SCOLAIRE 2014-2015
Le calendrier scolaire du secteur des jeunes pour l’année scolaire 2014-2015 a été approuvé. Les classes
débuteront le 2 septembre 2014, le congé de Noël a été fixé du 22 décembre 2014 au 2 janvier 2015 et le
congé de la relâche du printemps du 2 au 6 mars 2015. La dernière journée de classes sera le 23 juin 2015. Vous
pourrez avoir accès au calendrier scolaire au site Web de la CSEM, sous la rubrique ‘Écoles’ et ensuite
‘Calendriers’.
RELOGEMENT DE L’ÉCOLE PHILIP E. LAYTON
La CSEM a tenu des audiences publiques le 18 mars pour le relogement de l’école Philip E. Layton pour les
malvoyants du Centre Mackay, et ce à compter de l’année scolaire 2014-2015. Pendant des décennies,
l’école Philip E. Layton a été logée à l’Association Montréalaise pour les aveugles (AMA) à la rue Sherbrooke
ouest, NDG. L’école du Centre Mackay, située au boulevard Décarie, aussi à NDG, forme des enfants ayant
des difficultés motrices, de langage ou sensorielles. P.E. Layton dessert des élèves aveugles et/ou handicapés
physiques et /ou intellectuellement handicapés. Les deux écoles ont un mandat suprarégional et, par
conséquent, la CSEM est la seule commission scolaire à offrir des services à ce groupe particulier d’élèves
anglophones, non seulement de la région de Montréal, mais aussi de la province de Québec.
Le 27 juillet 2011, le Centre de réadaptation MAB-Mackay a dévoilé un plan stratégique de consolidation de
ses opérations dans un nouvel établissement. Cette décision a amené la CSEM à loger les deux écoles dans un
même établissement. Étant donné que la CSDM ne disposait pas de bâtiment vacant qui pourrait
adéquatement accommoder les rénovations nécessaires pour recevoir ces élèves, il avait été déterminé que
l’achat du bâtiment du 3500 boulevard Décarie serait le plus plausible au cas où le ministère de l’Éducation,
du Loisir et du Sport favoriserait une solution de rechange qui serait moins onéreuse que la construction d’un
nouveau bâtiment. Il faut souligner que le MELS avait déjà alloué des fonds pour que deux nouvelles écoles
desservant deux effectifs scolaires semblables soient construites sur la Rive Nord et la Rive Sud ainsi que
l’allocation de 16 millions $ pour l’ajout de huit classes à l’école Victor Doré de Montréal.
Pendant près de trois ans, la CSEM a collaboré avec le MELS et le Centre de réadaptation MAB-Mackay en
vue de l’acquisition de la propriété. « Nous faisons de notre mieux pour apporter un règlement à cette
situation » a déclaré la présidente de la CSEM, Angela Mancini.
SOIRÉE D’APPRÉCIATION DES BÉNÉVOLES
La CSEM tiendra sa Soirée annuelle d’appréciation des bénévoles le mardi 8 avril à la salle de réception La
Renaissance (7550, boulevard Henri-Bourassa est) à RDP. L’évènement de cette année souligne la Semaine
nationale des bénévoles qui se tient du 6 au 12 avril sous le thème « Bénévole de la tête aux pieds ».
Le temps et l’espace ne permettent pas à la CSEM d’honorer ses près de 1 500 bénévoles en personne. Par
conséquent, seules les personnes qui ont fait du bénévolat pendant plus de cinq ans, soit plus de 500,
assisteront à la réception. Cependant, plusieurs milliers de copies du programme commémoratif seront
distribuées dans chaque école. Les maîtres de cérémonie de la soirée seront Jamie Orchard de Global News et
l’humoriste montréalais Franco Taddeo. La Bénévole émérite de cette année est Debbie Hanley de l’école
primaire Roslyn de Westmount. Pour la sixième année consécutive, les Services financiers La Capitale
(www.lacapitale.com) sont les commanditaires principaux de cet évènement.
En sus de la Capitale, la Soirée s’appréciation des bénévoles 2014 de la CSEM est fière d’avoir les commanditaires
majeurs suivants : Studio La Pomme Verte (www.greenapplestudio.ca); Le magasin de musique Steve’s
(www.stevesmusic.com); Uniformes Loft (www.loftuniforms.com); the Putting Edge (www.puttingedge.com);
Halifax Citrus (www.halifaxcitrus.ca); The Big Blue Hug (www.thebigbluehug.com) et Les Associés d’apprentissage
de Montréal (www.learnmtl.org).
23
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FOIRE RÉGIONALE DE SCIENCES
La Foire régionale annuelle D’Hydro Québec de Science & Technologie, organisée par l’Alliance pour
l’enseignement de la science et de la technologie (AEST) a eu lieu du 23 au 25 mars au Collège John Abbott
de Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue. Au cours de ce concours unique en son genre, des scientifiques en herbe, âgés
de 13 à 20 ans, ont présenté aux visiteurs une vaste variété de projets, prouvant ainsi que la science et la
technologie pouvaient être intéressantes et accessibles. Les écoles de la CSEM représentées ont été l’école
secondaire du premier cycle John Paul, l’école secondaire Laurier Macdonald de Saint-Léonard, l’Académie
Royal West de Montréal-Ouest, l’école secondaire Westmount et le Collège Vincent Massey de Rosemont.
ENSEMBLE DE ST. GABRIEL
I Medici di McGill, accompagnés par l’ensemble des élèves de St. Gabriel, se sont produits récemment à un
concert-bénéfice appuyant le programme de musique QMEA VIVA! SISTEMA de l’école primaire de SaintCharles. Les élèves de St. Gabriel ont aussi participé à deux autres programmes musicaux. Le Viva! El Sistema
programme a vu le jour au Venezuela et encourage le changement social et l’interaction sociale par le biais
de l’enseignement du violon et du violoncelle. Il attire 22 élèves de l’école et de la communauté qui
apprennent et pratiquent deux heures par jour, quatre jours par semaine. Un grand nombre de spectateurs se
trouvait à l’église et ils ont été charmés par un concert inspirant, mettant en vedette le violoncelliste de
renommée internationale Stéphane Tétreault qui a joué sur un violoncelle Stradivarius de 1707 (prêté par Mme
Jacqueline Desmarais). L’auditoire a applaudi avec enthousiasme le jeune violoncelliste qui était un élève de
FACE lorsqu’il a débuté sa magnifique carrière. Deux employées de la CSEM, Diane Pontikes et Marja Coady
faisaient aussi partie de l’orchestre. Les interprètes vedettes de ce concert étaient 25 élèves de St. Gabriel qui
étudient le violon et le violoncelle (certains d’entre eux étaient à leur première année et d’autres à leur
deuxième année d’étude).
LEVÉE DE FONDS ANTI-INTIMIDATION DE JEUNESSE AU SOLEIL
Le Service de prévention du crime de l’organisation Jeunesse au Soleil organise un diner de levée de fonds
pour son programme d’intimidation, de taxage et de règlement de conflits qui a apporté une différence dans
des écoles publiques de Montréal où des mentors sociaux leur offrent une ressource additionnelle pour leurs
efforts de régler les problèmes reliés à l’intimidation, le taxage et les conflits parmi les élèves. Avec cette levée
de fonds, Jeunesse au Soleil espère recueillir des fonds qui contribueront éventuellement à ajouter une autre
école à leur liste actuelle : campus junior et senior de LaurenHill, Académie Marymount et l’école primaire
Bancroft. Le diner aura lieu le 24 avril (18 h 30) au 4251, rue Saint-Urbain. Le coût est de 8 $ et de 5 $ pour les
enfants âgés de 4 à 11 ans. Les enfants de moins de 3 ans mangent gratuitement. Un nombre limité de billets
est disponible à la porte. Informations : (514-842-6822, poste 249) ou écrivez à police@sunyouthorg.com.
HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS
Buckets Blakes, un joueur des fameux Harlem Globetrotters s’est entretenu avec des élèves de deux écoles de
la CSEM le 26 mars. Il a présenté « l’ABC de la prévention de l’intimidation » qui vise les 6 à 12 ans. Les
rencontres ont eu lieu à l’école primaire Edinburgh de Montréal-Ouest et l’école primaire Westmount Park. Les
Globetrotters qui joueront au Centre Bell le 4 avril, ont conçu le programme en collaboration avec la National
Campaign to Stop Violence (NCSV). Le programme est axé sur l’Action, la Bravoure et la Compassion.qui
forment l’ABC. Blakes a demandé aux enfants quelle était leur définition de chaque mot de l’ABC et a élaboré
les réponses. Par exemple : « COMPASSION » signifie être attentionné envers les autres et votre communauté.
Vous pouvez mettre fin à l’intimidation en étant un ami et en participant à des activités positives qui
démontrent que vous avez à cœur d’autres personnes. Pour la finale, Blakes a choisi quelques enfants pour leur
enseigner quelques mouvements spéciaux des Globetrotters, au son de la musique de l’équipe « Sweet
Georgia Brown ». Les Globetrotters présenteront « L’ABC de la prévention de l’intimidation » dans près de 400
écoles et centres de jeunesse dans le cadre de leur tournée mondiale de 2014 célébrant la 66 e année
consécutive de l’équipe.
24
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BOURSES D’ÉTUDES BRIAN MULRONEY
L’Association Horatio Alger du Canada a annoncé que des bourses d’études de 5 000 $ avaient été
décernées à 20 élèves québécois dans le cadre du Programme de bourses d’études le très hon. Brian
Mulroney du Québec. L’Association offre des bourses d’études à des élèves du secondaire à temps plein qui
ont un besoin financier critique et qui ont démontré de l’intégrité et de la persévérance pour surmonter
l’adversité ainsi qu’une force de caractère, un bon dossier académique , un engagement à poursuivre des
études supérieures et le désir de contribuer à la société. Deux des lauréates sont de la CSEM : Manisha Khan de
l’Académie Marymount de NDG et Whitney Laliberty-Gouveia de l’école secondaire Rosemont. L’Association
a reçu plus de 3,600 candidatures dans les quatre provinces où elle opère actuellement.
MOIS DE LA NUTRITION
Au cours du mois de mars, la diététicienne de la CSEM Giuliana Di Quinzio, en collaboration avec l’animateur
de vie spirituelle Vince Lacroce a participé au programme d’éducation en nutrition Bien manger-Bien se sentir.
Le programme a été axé sur l’éducation des élèves de l’école secondaire du premier cycle John Paul (classes
d’éthique) et de l’école secondaire Laurier Macdonald (classes d’éducation physique) de Saint-Léonard à des
choix de vie saine, de bonnes habitudes alimentaires, la sensibilisation à l’influence sociale imposée par les
médias sur la perception de la beauté et de la santé. Des présentations de suivi, dirigées par M. Lacroce et des
élèves du baccalauréat international de John Paul I et de Laurier Macdonald viseront les classes des Cycles 2
et 3 des élèves de Dante, Dalkeith et Pierre de Coubertin. Le but de ces présentations est de souligner
l’importance de modèles positifs, les influences négatives des médias et des personnalités des médias ainsi que
de promouvoir et de créer des choix de vie positifs. Les programmes culmineront en mai lorsque les classes
d’éducation physique de John Paul I et de Laurier Macdonald participeront à des ateliers de yoga qui
introduiront l’idée et les concepts de réflexion et de méditation. Cet atelier d’une heure apprendra aux élèves
l’importance de mettre à niveau l’esprit et le corps en une parfaite harmonie. Les ateliers seront supervisés par
Sasha Mattew (Shantidas Yoga) et Frank Spera (Dragonflow Yoga).
ATELIER DES BESOINS PARTICULIERS
Les Services aux élèves de la CSEM organisent une série d’ateliers offerts par le Comité consultatif des services
d’adaptation scolaire (CCSAS). Le premier atelier aura lieu le mardi 22 avril de 19 h à 21 h à la salle Laurence
Patterson (6000, avenue Fielding). L’atelier intitulé « How to teach appropriate sexual behaviors to students with
Autism Spectrum Disorders » est ouvert aux parents d’élèves aux besoins particuliers et autres personnes
intéressées. La présentation expliquera aux parents comment enseigner des comportements sexuels appropriés
à des adolescents avec TEC. Elle explorera comment l’éducation sexuelle intensive peut aider les personnes
avec TEC à remplacer des problèmes de comportement sexuel par de nouveaux comportements appropriés
qui enrichissent l’interaction sociale et diminuent les contacts sexuels non appropriés. La Dr Isabelle Hénault,
psychologue de l’Université de Québec à Montréal et l’auteure de « Asperger’s Syndrome and Sexuality : From
Adolescence through Adulthood » présentera l’atelier. Sa pratique et ses études ont été axées sur le
diagnostic, l’éducation et l’appui aux enfants, adolescents, adultes et couples vivants avec l’autisme et le
syndrome d’asperger. Des places limitées sont disponibles. Si vous êtes intéressé, veuillez confirmer votre
présence en communiquant avec Nikoleta Spiropoulos au 514-483-7200, poste 7307 ou au
nspiropoulos@emsb.qc.ca d’ici le vendredi 11 avril 2014 au plus tard.
NOUVELLES DES SÉAFP
OLYMPIADES DE LA FORMATION PROFESSIONNELLE
25
FIELDING FOCUS
Au cours des Olympiades de la formation professionnelle de cette année, Shamini Somasundram de l’Institut
culinaire Pius X a remporté la première place au niveau régional des Habiletés culinaires du Canada. Mme
Somasundram rejoint le médaillé d’or de la CSEM, Han Hyunsoo, lauréat du concours de mécanique
automobile. Ces deux élèves participeront au concours provincial du 7 au 10 mai dans leur discipline
respective.
Chaque année, des élèves inscrits à des programmes de formation professionnelle participent à des concours
pour obtenir le titre de meilleur dans leur domaine d’études. Le concours commence localement avec
chaque centre de carrières tenant son propre concours pour chaque programme. Les deux premiers de
chaque discipline sont choisis et participent au concours régional. Les lauréats de chaque domaine se rendent
au Centre des Foires Expo Cité de Québec et les lauréats de ce concours sont invités au concours national qui
se tiendra à Toronto. Finalement, les champions du concours national participeront au concours international
qui se tiendra en août prochain à Sao Paulo, Brésil.
Le niveau régional du concours des Habiletés culinaires du Canada s’est tenu à l’école Pearson d’arts
culinaires où des participants des cinq écoles culinaires de Montréal courent la chance de représenter la
région de Montréal au niveau provincial en mai
CALENDRIER
6 au 12 avril 2014
Semaine nationale de l’action bénévole
7 avril 2014
Journée mondiale de la santé
8 avril 2014
Soirée d’appréciation des bénévoles
22 avril 2014
Journée de la Terre
24 avril 2014
Journée des assistantes administratives/secrétaires
27 avril 2014
Journée du Souvenir de l’holocauste
3 mai 2014
Chorale de la CSEM
Concert de gala du printemps – 34e saison
Salle Oscar Peterson (7141, rue Sherbrooke ouest)
Campus Loyola, Université Concordia
19 h 30
Billets: 10 $ pour adultes / 5 $ pour élèves
Billets en vente le 1er mars 2014.
Informations : 514-483-7200, poste 7234
7 mai 2014
Journée nationale des enseignant(e)s
12 au 16 mai 2014
Semaine de reconnaissance du personnel des Services de garde BASE
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13 mai 2014
Journée nationale du Denim
14 mai 2014
Soirée CSEM de l’Impact
Calendrier des évènements d’EAST pour 2014
Super Expo Science
10-13 avril
CÉGEP Terrebonne, QC
Concours Robotique junior
25, 26 avril
École secondaire John Rennie
CWSF
10-17 mai
Windsor, Ontario
11-16 mai
Los Angeles, Californie
(Foire provinciale)
(Foire nationale)
INTEL ISEF
(Foire internationale)
The next Focus will be published on April 24, 2014. Submissions
should be made to Michael J. Cohen preferably by e-mail
(mcohen@emsb.qc.ca) by April 18, 2014
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