Students of the EMSB’s primary and secondary institutions will return to class on

Tuesday, September 2, 2014. Kindergarten children must be five years of age on or

before September 30, 2014 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 Monday, August 11 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 informationdesk@emsb.qc.ca or you can call 514- 483-7200.

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.

SCHOOL’S ALMOST OUT FOR THE SUMMER

–JUNE 23

Inside This Issue

Westmount Park Centennial

Administrative Appointments

Marymount Web Series

B.A.S.E. Publication

St. Laurent Adult Grads

Fielding Focus

VOLUME 16 NO. 11

EDITOR: MICHAEL J. COHEN

PRINTING SERVICES: D. D’ORNELLAS

PROOFREADING/TRANSLATION: ALINE ZEROUNIAN

JUNE 19, 2014

THE MONTHLY BULLET IN OF THE EMSB

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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.

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

have now enhanced our dedicated sections for EMSB TV, hosted by Vimeo. We now have sections for EMSB TV

Coverage, EMSB Videos and NousSommesBilingues. In order to access EMSB Radio click here.

STUDENT MEETS HER LEGEND

When Elizabeth Ballantyne Elementary School in Montreal West held its annual

Talent Show on June 11, one of nine-time Grammy Award winner John

Legend’s biggest fans had some special motivation. Six year old Kai’yen Springer-Keith, a Grade 1 student who lives in NDG, auditioned for the show

and performed Legend’s all of Me. This impressed teacher Donna Perlin

(pictured below) so much that she contacted the Israel Cancer Research Fund

(ICRF), an organization which just happened to be hosting its annual gala June

9 featuring John Legend. Incoming ICRF Montreal President Jeffrey Bernstein

stepped in, arranged for Kai’Yen and her mother to see the show and meet

her idol. Ms. Perlin purchased her own ticket to be part of the excitement.

“When I first told Kai'Yen she was going to the show she didn't answer,” said

Ms. Perlin. “I asked her if she understood that she was going to see him perform.

She screamed and jumped. During the concert she

cried, her mom asked her why and she said because

she was so happy. After the concert, with my sister's

help, we tried to go backstage and meet John. Security

wouldn't let us through, but we saw Jeff and asked security if Kai'yen could go say thank

you to him. Security said yes, so off Kai'yen went. We were able to see her from afar.

Jeff was with John and introduced the two. She told him she was going to sing All of Me

at her school talent show. John legend said ‘cool.’ Kai'Yen gave him a hug and he

gave her a kiss on the forehead. When she came back to us, she was smiling from ear to

ear and told us what happened.” See our video.

WESTMOUNT PARK TURNS 100

Throughout the year, students and staff at Westmount Park Elementary School have celebrated their school’s

rich history, and on May 29, the doors at 15 Park Place in Westmount opened up to cap the centennial

celebrations. Staff members, students and volunteers whom have contributed to Westmount Park reunited for

an afternoon of celebrations that included musical performances, presentations and a tour of the century-old

building. What is known today as Westmount Park Elementary School was originally founded as a high school,

39 years after the Village of Côte St-Antoine, later renamed to Westmount, was incorporated in 1874. Situated

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adjacent to its namesake, a sprawling which was designed in 1912 by M.J. Manning, the cornerstone for the

school was laid on November 29, 1913 and the building opened shortly after that in 1914. Following World War

II, the school began its transition to its present day status by becoming Westmount Junior High, housing Grades

7, 8 and 9. Elementary students first begun studying at Westmount

Park in 1961 and over the next two decades, the school expanded

its territory to welcome students from Little Burgundy and Pointe St.

Charles. Today, the school continues to reach out across multiple

communities. In 2013, Westmount Park was named by UNICEF

Canada as the first Rights Respecting School in Quebec. The

program, which is grounded in supporting children’s rights and

respecting other cultures, has been welcomed by a multi-cultural

community at Westmount Park which includes children born in over

25 different countries. See this wonderful video from the

celebration.

Meanwhile, Cycle One and Two students danced, sang and played instruments to a full house at Westmount

Park School. The 10 eras of song and dance were represented by all to commemorate the school's 100th

anniversary. Under the musical direction of Music Teacher, Julia Budd and Aurore Chateigner the students

transformed the stage into a musical whirlwind. A great power point presentation put together by Grade Three

teacher Pamela Price and her students complimented this wonderful celebration.

THE HAWKSBILL TURTLE

Every year Westmount Park teacher Hollis Klein does a project with her

class on endangered species and recycled materials. Last year it was the

blue whale, which was made into a transparency and placed on a

container which ships a sustainable waste management machine. It has

gone up north on a Canadian Coastguard ship. This year her class made a

Hawksbill turtle. It too will be used by the same company which is winning

many awards for best sustainable research company called Terragon. Ms.

Klein has a Grade 1/2 split classroom. ”The children worked very hard on

this project,” she said. “They are passionate about this subject.”

MULRONEY SCHOLARSHIPS

The Horatio Alger Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney Quebec Scholarship is awarded to students in critical financial need

and who 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.

This year’s winners are Manisha Khan from Marymount Academy

International in NDG and Whitney Laliberty-Gouveia from Rosemount

High School.

INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE INSTITUTE

The Intercultural Dialogue Institute of Montreal (IDI) is an organization committed to fostering a global agenda

of love, peace, cooperation and compassion. Part of their work involves organizing an annual contest for

Secondary students in Grades 9 to 11. The EMSB recently recognized the five students who were declared

winners at IDI's Annual Friendship dinner. Last year, the EMSB embarked upon a partnership with IDI and for the

first time participated in their Art and Essay Contest. This year, for the second time, the EMSB participated in the

IDI’s annual Art & Literature contest, promoting social harmony and intercultural understanding. Secondary

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students from both the public and private school boards

across Montreal were invited to submit art or literary works

on the theme of “Responsible Citizenship.” Students can

submit their work in either French or English.

The students and their families were invited to the

Intercultural Dialogue Institute’s annual Friendship Dinner

and awards ceremony. Prizes and engraved plaques

were presented. In the written work category, first, second

and third place were awarded: Zhanna Klimanova of

FACE won first prize for her essay “Respect is a Small Word

with a Big Meaning;” Derek Buffone of Vincent Massey

Collegiate won second prize for his essay “Le Choix Est le

Nôtre,” and Ashley Halikas of Royal West Academy captured third prize for her essay “What Does It Mean To

Be A Responsible Citizen?” In the Art Category, third place went to Safiya Kramer Hendrickson of FACE, and

an honorable mention to Lily Carson of FACE.

GREEN AWARDS AND GRANTS

The third year of the EMSB Green Award and a Green Grant program resulted in an array of excellent

submissions with approximately $30,000 worth of awards and grants distributed. The Green Award

acknowledges the important and innovative green

initiatives that have taken place in our schools and centres.

Three Green Awards of $1,000 were bestowed upon Edward

Murphy for Edward Murphy Schoolyard and Garden

Composting Project (Pillar 1), John Caboto for John Caboto

Academy School-wide Composting Initiative (Pillar 3) and

Marymount Academy International for Interfaith eco-action

(Pillar 2). As well, Parkdale Growing up Green at Parkdale

(Pillar 2) and Perspectives-Container Garden (Pillar 2) were

the recipients of Green Recognition prizes of $500. The

Green Grant Program helps schools, centres and the

administrative building implement future environmental

initiatives. These projects are linked to their action plans, as

well as the four pillars of the EMSB Green Policy. See our

press release for all of the winners.

EDWARD MURPHY: SUPPORTING YOUNG CANCER VICTIMS

Students at Edward Murphy Elementary School in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve were asked to make a least one

purchase of a red nose in support of the “Nez pour vivre” campaign which helps young adults aged 18 to 30

who are struggling with cancer. Proceeds from the sale of the red noses go entirely to helping cancer patients

continue to live productive lives. A large event recently took place where anyone who bought a nose was

invited to be part of a picture event in hopes of being part of the Guinness World Record book. The “Nez pour

vivre” campaign is a reminder to everyone that life continues once the diagnosis occurs and that life can be

joyful no matter what happens. For more info about this charity, please go to nezpourvivre.com.

2014-2015 & 2015-2016 SCHOOL CALENDARS

The school calendars for the youth sector for 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 have been approved. Classes will begin

on September 2, 2014. Christmas break will be December 22, 2014 to January 2, 2015 and March Break, March

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2 to 6, 2015. The final day of classes will be June 23, 2015. You can access the calendar for 2014-2015 here and

get a real head start for 2015-2016 here.

PHILIP E. LAYTON RELOCATION

Parents of students attending the Mackay Centre and Philip E. Layton Schools have written to Quebec

Minister of Education, Leisure and Sports Dr. Yves Bolduc and Minister of Health and Social Services Dr.

Gaétan Barrette, to alert them about a crisis facing their respective institutions. The EMSB special needs

schools are effectively tenants of the MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre (MMRC), which falls under the

jurisdiction of Minister of Health and Social Services. In their letter to the Ministers, which has now been posted

on the front page of the EMSB website, they ask why the MMRC is planning to give valuable space to its staff

members rather than to their clients: fragile students, who are blind, deaf, physically disabled and have

communications disorders.

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 MELS favored 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 towards the acquisition of the property. The

EMSB Council of Commissioners tabled a resolution in April to approve the change to the deed of

establishment, expressing great misgivings over the unacceptable position held by MMRC regarding the finite

allocation of space to the Mackay School. When the MMRC announced, in 2011, that due to its new strategic

direction, Mackay and Philip E. Layton would have to relocate by August 2013 to another EMSB facility, they

assured parents that they would: work with the EMSB to adapt a school; provide financial help; and ensure that

the level of services it provides would not decrease. “This time delay was completely unrealistic,” the parents

write. “After a review of its vacant schools and available properties, no appropriate building existed within the

EMSB. An examination of the Décarie property revealed that further adaptations would be needed to

accommodate the Layton students.

“We parents believe that the MMRC is not considering the best interests of our children who are their clients, as

well and has not been acting in good faith in its negotiations with the EMSB for the allocation of space,” the

parents wrote. “Why are they not consulting us as the EMSB has? Don’t they care about what we think? Don’t

they care about our children? Why are decisions being made behind closed doors?” For a complete copy of

the letter go to www.emsb.qc.ca.

JPI MURAL

Students at John Paul I Junior High School in St. Léonard created an art mural in the agora. Sebastien Astoux

from Agor'art worked with the entire student population to paint the mural. A total of 524 students spent four

days and 16 hours doing the painting.

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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.

ADMINISTRATIVE APPOINTMENTS

The Council of Commissioners has approved a number of in-school administrative appointments for 2014-2015.

New principals will be: Anna Sanalitro (current vp at LaurenHill Academy in St. Laurent), Pierre Elliott Trudeau

Elementary School in Rosemount; Sandra Léveillé (current vp at Gardenview in St. Laurent), St. Dorothy

Elementary School in St. Michel; Elizabeth Lagodich (current interim principal at

Roslyn Elementary School in Westmount), Marymount Academy International;

Nick Katalifos (current principal at Pierre de Coubertin in St. Léonard), Roslyn;

Ida Pisano (current principal at Dante), Pierre de Coubertin; Daniela Lattanzio

(currently principal at Westmount Park), Dante in St. Léonard; Richard Di

Marco (current principal at St. Raphael), Westmount Park; Derrek Cauchi

(current vice-principal at Westmount High), James Lyng High School in St.

Henri; Joseph Schembri (current vice-principal at Laurier Macdonald High

School in St. Léonard, pictured), General Vanier; Gail Callendar, currently on

leave as principal of Elizabeth Ballantyne), St. Raphael and Montreal Children’s Hospital; Otis Delaney, interim

principal at Elizabeth Ballantyne, moves to permanent status; and Rick David, John F. Kennedy Adult Centre

(currently interim principal). New vice-principals will be: Patrizia Tummillo, Westmount High School, (currently in

that position interim); Karine Arakelian, Westmount High School (current assistant to the principal, Ecole Notre-

Dame De Nareg in Laval); Cristina Celzi (currently interim vice-principal at Royal Vale School,) becomes

permanent; Despina Michakis (currently a teacher at Coronation), LaurenHill Academy in St. Laurent; Marsha

Excellent (currently a teacher at East Hill), LaurenHill; Chantal Juhasz (currently

a teacher at Westmount High), Royal West Academy; Alain Belair (currently a

teacher at St. Pius X) to the same Centre; Maria Savignano, John F. Kennedy

Adult Centre (currently in that position interim); Vincenzo Timpano, Royal Vale

School (current vice-principal at Lester B. Pearson High School); Clorinda

Antonacci, Lester B. Pearson High School (current vice-principal at the same

school; Nicholas Romano, Laurier Macdonald High School (current vice-

principal at the same school); Miranda Serrecchia, Laurier Macdonald High

School (current teacher at Lester B. Pearson High School); Panorea

Limperopoulos, Gardenview (current vice-principal, Willingdon Elementary School); Nadine Pomilio, High School

of Montreal Adult Education Centre in the Plateau (current mathematics consultant for the EMSB); Giuseppe

Cacchione, Adult Education Centre (currently a vice-principal at Commission scolaire de la Pointe-de-l'Île)

and Tina Spiridigliozzi, Rosemount Technology Centre (current principal, Roslyn Elementary School)

Taking leaves of absence next year will be Angela Vaudry (James Lyng) and Craig Olenik (Marymount).

Retiring are Michelle Stein (principal Pierre Elliott Trudeau, pictured), Agostino Porchetta (vice-principal at

Rosemount Technology Centre), Sylvia Serchuk (principal, General Vanier) and Jean Alexandres

Real Heppelle, a teacher at Honoré-Mercier Elementary School in St. Léonard, is the new vice-principal of East

Hill Elementary School in RDP effective immediately. More appointments will be announced in June.

INSPIRATIONS NEWSPAPER

The spring-summer edition of Inspirations Newspaper has been published. This remarkable snapshot of the

special needs community has a wide array of wonderful and “inspiring” stories.

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CAREGIVER OF INSPIRATIONS

Inspirations Newspaper: a snapshot of our special needs community, is honouring the 2014 Dynamic Funds

Caregiver of Inspirations – Tamara Novak - at a breakfast award ceremony in the gymnasium of Peter Hall

School (840 Boul. Côte-Vertu) in Saint-Laurent, on Friday June 20 (8:30 a.m.). Sponsored by the EMSB, Inspirations

provides uplifting success stories and timely advice in the area of special needs. The newspaper is produced in

collaboration with other English public school boards, private schools, special needs schools and associations,

CEGEPs and universities across Montreal, Laval and the South Shore.

The Dynamic Funds Caregiver of Inspiration award honours outstanding caregivers for their work with people

with special needs. It presents an opportunity to share a fresh perspective with peers, professionals, parents of

children with special needs and the public. Novak has been an employee for over 20 years at Peter Hall

School. She is a member of the school’s crisis intervention team, and is responsible for the school’s involvement

in the Défi Sportif Altergo, organizing and training their ball hockey team.

STUDENT ANTHOLOGY

The English Montreal Student Action Committee (EMSAC) recently presented copies of their year-end

anthology to members of the Council of Commissioners. The final product includes poetry, prose in both English

and French, plus a diverse selection of artwork: photography, sketches, paintings and collages. Students from

FACE, James Lyng, John F. Kennedy High School, John Paul 1 Junior High School, LaurenHill Academy in St.

Laurent, Laurier MacDonald in St. Léonard, Lester B Pearson in Montreal North, Marymount Academy

International in NDG, Royal Vale in NDG, Royal West in Montreal West, Rosemount, Vincent Massey in

Rosemount and Westmount are all included. In a presentation to the Council of Commissioners, VMC

Secondary IV student Laurence Campanella, spoke about the project for which she was a driving force. “This

experience was an important one for us as we learned that all leaders must find the courage to bounce back

and persevere to attain their goals, despite the many challenges they face,” she said. “The anthology

represents all of our high schools in which each was allocated five pages for artwork, poetry and short stories.

This project of ours allowed us to explore the artistic talents that many EMSB students possess in each of our own

schools. Putting the Anthology together was a team effort that all the representatives from each school

participated in and we are proud of the results.”

REMEMBERING LAC MÉGANTIC

Students and staff from John F. Kennedy High School in St. Michel came out to show their support for Lac

Mégantic recently by holding a True Colour Run. The event was organized by Spiritual Animator Frank Lofeodo

and physical education teacher Shaun Simon, with the

support of Principal Joseph Vitantonio and Vice Principal

Sabrina Petrocco. Lac Mégantic has been in the news several

times in the last few weeks. Their recovery process is ongoing

as we approach the first anniversary of that tragic event.

Forty- seven people lost their lives that night. Just before the

run began students and staff paused for a moment of silence

to remember the forty – seven people who died.

JFK responded enthusiastically and generously to help the

residents of Lac Mégantic. Through this event of joy and hope,

JFK recognized those who died and looked forward in hope

with our neighbours in their long recovery process. The event

was one of joy and hope; of looking to the future while

remembering the past. With the funds raised, the intention is to plant a tree in the memorial park at Lac

Mégantic in the name of John F. Kennedy High School. This tree will be dedicated to the memory of those who

died. It will be a continuous memorial to those who lost their lives as well as the community of Lac Mégantic.

8 FIELDING FOCUS

GLOBAL TO REPORT LIVE FROM CORONATION

Global TV’s Jessica Laventure will report live from Coronation Elementary School in Côte des Neiges on the final

day of school, Monday, June 23 from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. The Steel Pan Band will perform. It should be a joyous

atmosphere. Make sure to tune in. Watch this terrific musical presentation.

HOLOCAUST EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS FOR TEACHERS

Three teachers, one each from the EMSB and the Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB) and another from

Collège Laflèche (Trois-Rivières) have been presented with scholarships for a three week experience as part of

the Yad Vashem International Seminar for Educators. Thomas

and Riva Hecht hosted a formal reception for the scholarship

recipients at their home to recognize nine teachers in all.

Marymount Academy International history teacher Richard

Owendyk, Beaconsfield High School drama teacher and

department head Jeffrey Pinsky and Collège Laflèche in Trois-

Rivieres teacher Pierre Picard will have their trip funded by the

Hechts. Vincent Massey Collegiate teacher Vincent Gagnon,

a 2013 recipient was in attendance and is shown in this photo

with Mr. Owendyk and the Hechts.

Other sponsors are Dana and Bill Bell for Libby Fainsilber of

Trafalgar School for Girls in Montreal; Victor David for Jean-

Philippe Bosset of College Jean-Eudes in Rosemount; Rosalind

and Morris Goodman for Line Dubé of Ecole Secondaire

Marie-Clarac in St. Michel; Jane Silverstone-Segal for Hélène Dupuis of Collège Laflèche; Sarah and Irwin

Tauben, Miriam Shuster and Janis Levine for Christophe Surget of L’École Secondaire du Coteau in Mascouche.

Each of the teachers will take part in a professional development program under the direction of the Faculty of

the Yad Vashem Seminars for Educators from Abroad, International School for Holocaust Studies. The goal of

the program is to provide professional development activities to teachers for teaching about the Holocaust

and anti-Semitism to students in the youth Sector. Each recipient will be asked to create at least one teaching

unit or module developed within the context learned. This is the ninth year for the program, with 29 teachers

having gone through it with full scholarships.

BEE THE CHANGE

Carlyle Elementary School in TMR’s Grade 6 students worked diligently on their project on the decline of the

urban honeybee population. On April 16, students presented their research to the listeners of Radio Centre Ville.

Their project was in conjunction with the mayor of TMR. They worked with the ‘Town School Council’ to change

the by-law in order to allow TMR to build a beehive to help increase the honeybee population. This project

could not have been made possible without the kind consideration of “Une école montréalaise pour tous”

(AMSFA) and Radio Centre-Ville. The radio show will be presented in both English and French and it was on May

27.

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ST. DOROTHY CONCERT AND

SCIENCE PROJECT

Ms. Yara has been replacing teachers and working with

the students at St. Dorothy Elementary School in St.

Michel for a couple of years now. It was therefore a

great treat for her to come to the recent school

concert to listen and see the results of months of hard

work and practice. “Thank you Madame Esther for the

discipline and harmony you transmit to your students on

a daily basis,” she remarked. “Bravo to Eleni and

Marianna for being such professional masters of

ceremonies. Big appreciation to the whole staff who

worked overtime to make that night feel magical. The

students’ performance was outstanding!”

In order to welcome spring, the St. Dorothy School Pre-Kindergarten students embarked on a Science project.

Each child received a container with a caterpillar and special food to help it develop into a chrysalis and then

a butterfly. The children named their caterpillars, took care of them and then watched them emerge from their

cocoons into beautiful butterflies before their very

eyes. After a few days, as their wings became stronger

they were ready to go on their journeys. Here we see

some students releasing the “Painted Lady” butterflies

to their freedom in front of the school.

WEB SERIES TO PREMIERE

A group of students are detained after school for

detention, detention is over, the students leave and

something is not right. They cannot leave the school –

they are in Isolation. How do they survive with

language differences, lack of food, emotional

upheaval? Isolation, is a bilingual web series, filmed, performed and edited by the students of Marymount

Academy International. Each of the episodes is approximately five minutes long. The students of teacher

Lauriane Smolla studied with director, Patrice Laliberté. They worked on script creation, camera work, the

intricacies of sound and other technicalities of film. They worked with him in French only. The goal was to

encourage them to perfect their second language. The red carpet gala was a big success. Teacher Lauriane

Smolla is excited about the final result and already planning for next year.

We have posted this extraordinary work for you to watch.

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

Episode 4

Here is a CTV report on the premiere.

MARYMOUNT GRADS MAKE SCHOOL PROUD

Tracy Mangal, a former teacher at Marymount Academy International and now a pedagogical consultant,

had a visit from a former student who is now a recording artist. He is signed to a label and released a song that

has been garnering radio play, and at this point he is changing management. “What he really wanted to tell

me is that he is working hard, doing well, and wants to give back to the EMSB community!“ she said. ”He

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actually came in just to say thank you!” Avner is known as Young Avz. He has been rapping since he was a

teen and even recorded this video at MMA. He is currently starring in a YouTube

serial about his recording career and has a huge following. “I am impressed by his

drive and how far he has been able to get in the music industry,” says Tracy. “This

is bolstered by his recent decision to go independent, he has had to apply his

learning in a very real way that has fostered a sense of genuine appreciation for

the education he received at Marymount. Watching him conduct business has

been a real treat for me!”

Congratulations to Sean Yendrys (pictured), son of Viky Keller and Leonard

Yendrys, and a graduate of Carlyle and Marymount Academy International, on

receiving his MFA in graphic design from Yale University. Sean was one of only six

students accepted into the program. Sean is currently based between New York,

Germany, and Montreal where he works independently in the cultural field, often collaborating with artists,

institutions, and non-profit organizations. He also organizes and teaches special projects at Concordia University

and Rutgers University. Viky Keller is a former EMSB parent commissioner and presently works with the

international students program.

WESTJET LANDS AT GARDENVIEW

Last December the Grade 5 class of Randi Berman at

Gardenview Elementary School in St. Laurent wrote letters

to WestJet regarding this Christmas Miracle video, which

has recorded more than 35 million views. When WestJet

received the letters from the students they were

overwhelmed by the quality and creativity of the writing.

A Westjet employee, Leah O’Donnell, quickly responded

that this was the highlight of her six year career at the

company. WestJet was so moved by the letters that on

June 2 they flew Ms. O’Donnell in from Calgary to come

and personally thank the students for sharing their ideas.

Ms. O’Donnell was accompanied by her Montreal colleague Patrick Ladouceur. The video has had more than

35 million views. Students got to watch the video again, ask questions as to how it was made and received a

number of souvenir gifts from Ms. O’Donnell. See this report on Global TV.

HABS AND ROYAL VALE

Led by teachers Sophie Christopoulos and Norman Katz, the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation had a

presence at Royal Vale School in NDG throughout the 2013-2014 school year. A partnership, which began last

year with the opening of the “Bleu, Blanc et Rouge” skating rink, located within walking distance of the school,

translated into the “Blue, Blanc et Bouge” program last winter. The program featured weekly skating clinics by

members of the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation. In addition to perfecting the art of skating, all

Grade 2 students and their families were invited to the Bell Centre in February for the game featuring the

Hamilton Bulldogs and the Binghamton Senators.

Grade 2 student Andrew Hazan received a special honour as he was asked to return to the Bell Centre on

March 12 for the Foundation’s Radio Telethon. Joining him that evening for radio interviews in English with TSN

690 and in French for 98.5 FN was Sophie Christopoulos. While the Canadiens lost the game, Andrew was the

big winner that evening, earning a coveted Zamboni ride at intermission. Capping off the year on a perfect

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note, led by Mr. Katz, Royal Vale competed in the “Hockey de Rue” tournament at the end of May, benefitting

the Foundation and the YM-YWHA.

JACK LAYTON AWARD The results of the 2014 Learning for a Sustainable Future Jack Layton Award for Youth Action in Sustainability are

in! From over 100 amazing school action projects, Royal Vale and its project was selected to receive

an Honourable Mention. The selection committee was deeply impressed by their student garden project and

the commitment shown to sustainability in their local community.

ALOUETTES NIGHT

The EMSB will have its first ever game time promotion with the Montreal Alouettes, set for a pre-season game on

Friday evening, June 20 at Percival Molson Stadium when the expansion Ottawa Red Blacks are the visitors.

Tickets were made available online only for the special reduced price of $12, with $2 from each purchase

going towards the EMSB produced special needs newspaper, Inspirations.

LONG SERVICE RECEPTION Nearly 90 people attended the annual Long Service Reception, which took place on May 29th at Le

Challenger reception hall in St. Laurent. The EMSB honoured 50 employees – ranging from teachers,

administrators and support staff -- for their 25 years of service with the Board, which began in 1989. EMSB

Chairman Angela Mancini, EMSB Vice-Chairman, Sylvia Lo Bianco, Deputy Directors General Roma Medwid,

Angelo Marino, Paola Miniaci and Assistant Director from Adult Education and Vocational Services Mario

Argiropoulos, along with several commissioners, school administrators and directors from the Administration

Building presented the honoured employees with special EMSB watches courtesy of Promovoir as a token of

appreciation. The honourees for this year were: from the Administration Building: Marlene Baran (Student

Services), Marie-Claude Bergeron (Pedagogical Services), Maria Castellanos (Student Services), Beatrice

Devroye (Student Services), Sandra Heinz (Legal Services), Sarah Kadoche (Pedagogical Services), François

Lemyre (Material Resources), Irene Miller (Student Services), Sheela Ramasamy (School Organization), Marisa

Santeusanio (School Organization), Sherry Skelton (Pedagogical Services) Valerie Whattingham (Financial

Services, pictured with Chairman Angela Mancini, Vice-chairman Sylvia Lo Bianco, & Deputy Director General

Angelo Marino); from Education Division I: Carole Caron (Royal Vale School), Anna Di Raddo (Laurier

Macdonald High School), Linda De Young (Laurier Macdonald High School), Helen Dimakos (Marymount

Academy International), François Grenier (General Vanier School), Michel Latour (Outreach School), Mary

Moroska (Roslyn School), Joyce Palmer (Venture School), Sandra Primiani (John Grant High School), Elliott Roth

(Westmount Park School),Gerald Rowe (Marymount Academy International); from Education Division II: Sylvie

Blain (Nesbitt School), Marie-Josée Dalpé (Dunrae

Gardens School), Ronnie Lascu (Bancroft School),

Kelvin Murray (Laurenhill Jr. Academy), Daniel

Ouellette (Laurenhill Academy), Jean Sebastian

Piquette (Mackay Centre School), and from Adult

Education & Vocational Services; Jacques Caty

(Rosemount Technology Centre), Philip Robert

Christie (Shadd Business & Health Centre), Hipolito

Corral (Marymount Adult Ed. Centre), Gary Currie

(St. Pius X Adult Ed. Centre), Anita De Iure (Shadd

Business & Health Centre), Ann Fairhurst Lozyk

(James Lyng Adult Ed. Centre), Élaine Frenette (St.

Pius X Adult Ed. Centre), Miria Frent (St. Pius X Adult

Ed. Centre), Robert Gallo (James Lyng Adult Ed.

Centre), John Patrick Gilligan (Shadd Business &

Health Centre), Gloria Grimard (High School of Mtl

Adult Centre), Stephen Mcelcheran (James Lyng

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Adult Ed. Centre), Maria Miceli (James Lyng Adult Ed. Centre), Wing Out (James Lyng Adult Ed. Centre), Brenda

Pion (Marymount Adult Ed. Centre), Maria Pitsas (James Lyng Adult Ed. Centre), Anita Raymond (Shadd

Business & Health Centre), Denis Roy(James Lyng Adult Ed. Centre), Paul Saletnig (St. Pius X Adult Ed. Centre),

Alice Sideropoulos (St. Pius X Adult Ed./Culinary) and Susan Yee (St. Laurent Adult Ed. Centre).

NESBITT VIDEO PROJECT

Cycle 3 students at Nesbitt Elementary School in Rosemount spent two years working on a video project about

the environment under the direction of their music teacher Lise Beauchemin en collaboration. She worked with

other teachers and specialists. They were inspired by a song called J’avais une cabane by Blas Sanchez et

de Roger Sanny. The youngsters studied, analyzed and provided the text for the video. They also provided the

audio portion. This was a project which brought together language, music, visual arts, technology, eco

citizenship and entrepreneurship. Here is the video.

SCHOOL PARTNERS WITH CONCORDIA

Sophie Glowa and Naomi Large, Art Education students at Concordia University, wanted to bridge the gap

between art students at the university and elementary level. Nesbitt Elementary School in Rosemount Principal

Elena Zervas, EMSB Arts Consultant Melissa-Ann

Ledo, and Concordia’s Art Education

Department Coordinator Larissa Yousoubova,

collaborated with 16 practicing and university

artists, Grade 4 teacher Thérèse Seguin and her

class to create collection collaborative artworks.

The art making revolved around the theme Our

Imagined Future, responding to the questions:

What will have changed? And what role will you

(the artist) play in it? Using drawing, painting,

printing, and collage, as well as assemblage

and 3-D modeling techniques, the novice and

professional artists reflected on this theme and

considered how their actions contribute to future

societal outcomes. The aim of this project is to

provide young budding artists with mentorship

and an opportunity for expression through

collective art-making. Pairing these practicing

university artists with Nesbitt’s aspiring elementary artists created a context for intergenerational exchange of

perspectives towards positive change in our imagined futures. The project culminated with a Vernissage and

art exhibition on May 29 at Concordia.

SINCLAIR LAIRD CHOIR

Sinclair Laird Elementary School in Park Extension, parents was wowed as the choir of students from grades 3 to

6 accompanied a cast of 35 in the musical L’Exilée: 2014. The children told the adventures of Cassëope des

Prés and her epic odyssey back home. The cast went on to present the musical at Willingdon to the joy of their

fellow students and at the EMSB Festival where the dancers performed 2 choreographies from the musical. The

script, music and lyrics were penned by their own music teacher, M. Bélizaire

LACROCE AWARDED

Laurier Macdonald students from the graduating class of 2014 came together to celebrate their intellectual,

emotional, and spiritual growth at their annual Spiritual Leaving ceremony. The graduating class and their

accompanying families were treated to emotional and uplifting teacher speeches, serenaded by talented

students, and indulged in a delicious five-course meal. This celebration is truly one of the final school events

where staff, students, and families get to immerse themselves in the marvel that is the Laurier Macdonald

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community. This year’s celebration, the tenth in its current format, was marked by a special surprise for Vince

Lacroce, Spiritual Community Animator at the St. Léonard high school. Mr. Lacroce was presented with a

special thank you from the students that he so positively influences on a daily basis. His dedication to student

life and the development of the school’s young people was recognized when he was presented with the

Spiritual Community Animator of the Decade Award by the very students with whom he worked to put the

evening together. When asked what impact Mr. Lacroce has on his students, Annie Cacchiotti (Secondary V

student) responded that he helps students find qualities in themselves that they did not even know they had: “I

feel me! I’m happy! He makes me want to do more and go higher than the expectations.”

FREE THE CHILDREN AT LMAC

Here is a terrific video on EMSB TV of Laurier Macdonald’s connection with Free the Children and the We

Create Change tour.

GRICS ADOPTS HALL MONITOR

A non-profit organization, Société GRICS has been handling all of the computer management needs of the

Quebec education sector for several decades. GRICS has announced

that it has purchased Hall Monitor, a mobile App developed by the

EMSB. It will be distributed free to all school boards in Quebec. Hall

Monitor allows school administrators to quickly identify and look up

student and classroom information within their daily rounds, during

meetings or in emergency situations. By having a consolidated view of

the entire student’s information, previously only accessible through

legacy systems, school administrators can easily help students outside of

class, provide information to parents regarding their child’s progress, and

create a safer environment for all stakeholders. “Not only were we ahead

of the curve, but we defined the curve,” said EMSB Director of Information Technology. Luigi Di Filippo.

PARKDALE AND NESBITT ENTRENEURSHIP

Parkdale Elementary School students from room 19, challenged by their homeroom teacher Sabrina Carbone,

created an eco-friendly cleaning product. Through research and experiment, they came up with their own

secret formula. The students decided to sell their product and convinced the principal to invest. Students

found a name for the product, designed a label, looked into getting spraying bottles and made publicity for it.

They even found out about school board rules surrounding the collection of money! The project grew to

include Math situational problems using data from the

money raised, creating Excel sheets and writing labels

in French. Nature’s Delight received a grant from

Pedagogical Services and was selected to represent

the EMSB at the Montreal finals of the Quebec

Entrepreneurship Contest. On May 7 the students,

teacher and principal were invited to City Hall to

participate in the Regional Gala. Nature’s Delight won

second prize and became a provincial finalist.

Students decided that all the profits from the sales, as

well as the amount from the grants, would go towards

to the Montreal Children’s Hospital charity’s Change

for Change: Rachel’s Journey, as well as to the

purchase of snacks for the entire school for the month

of June. Students are looking forward to continue the

project next year. If you are interested in purchasing

your own bottle, please email the young entrepreneurs at parkdale@emsb.qc.ca.

14 FIELDING FOCUS

Nesbitt’s class was also a winner for A Glimpse of Klimt. Cycle I teacher Christina DeSousa’s class captured the

Coup de Coeur Trophy. Students created a calendar showcasing student art work inspired by Gustav Klimpt’s

technique of paintings. Profits from those sold will pay for new helmets and skates for the school

B.A.S.E. PUBLISHES SUMMER EDITION OF PAPER

At the beginning of June 2014, the B.A.S.E. (Before and After School Enriched) Daycare Program team and its

students published a 12-page all-colour newspaper. The front page of the issue highlights the launch of the

Destination Imagination Program and the events from Mental Health Awareness Week and the sixth annual

Daycare Week festival. Destination Imagination is a challenge program that gets teams of young people from

around the world to compete in imaginative timed challenges. For Mental Health Awareness Week, students

from many daycares expressed their ideas about self-esteem and coping skills through written projects, artwork

and videos. Daycare Week festivities included a variety of performances across the daycares, showcasing all

the hard work of the students.

Two feature-length articles describe the Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program offered to students with special

needs and include many wonderful photos. As June features Environment Week, you will find an article on the

benefits of outdoor education and an entire page devoted to the B.A.S.E. Green Initiative and all the garden

news. The exciting activities and pedagogical day events fill four pages of the newspaper with written work

from the daycare students themselves. From a tennis program for children with special needs, to all kinds of

creative arts, the smiles of the students in the many colorful photos tell the story. To see the full paper as well as

all past editions, find it online under the Press Clipping section of the B.A.S.E. blog at daycarematters.com. The

B.A.S.E. program will be featured during a live broadcast from Pierre de Coubertin Elementary School in St.

Léonard on City`s Breakfast TV Friday, June 20.

LAURENHILL ATHLETIC BANQUET

LaurenHill Academy in St. Laurent held its annual Athletic Banquet. Former

student and one-time world boxing champion Otis Grant was the guest

speaker. Pictured from left to right are: Gisella Scalia, Mike Brown, Grant,

Julia King and David Servello. Granted delivered a stay in school message.

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION

The EMSB Pedagogical Services department has launched its third annual

Anti-Discrimination poster contest for

Secondary students. In light of Bill 56 and

the EMSB’s goal of developing safe and

healthy school environments, students

from all secondary schools were invited to

create posters depicting the short or long term effects of homophobia and

heterosexism. First Prize for the 2014 contest went to Lara Rensullo of Vincent

Massey Collegiate in Rosemount.

DAVID HODGES NOTRE HOME MUSIC PROJECT

The Notre Home Music Project, headed by singer and composer David Hodges, has been working on with

students at Lester B. Pearson High School resulted in some excellent media interest. Hodges and some students

performed live on the Global TV Morning News on June 19; they will be interviewed on 94.7 Hits FM on June 20

at 9:30 a.m.; and on Saturday they will be on stage at the Olympic Stadium for a United Nations Refugee Day

concert.

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SCIENCE FAIR WINNERS

At the last EMSB Council of Commissioners meeting, Matteo Arduini from

Honoré Mercier Elementary School in St. Léonard was recognized for winning

the Premier Senior Gold medal at the Hydro Quebec Montreal Regional

Elementary School Science and Technology Fair for his project on Antibiotic

Resistance.

Also recognized were Abishek Chakraborty and Lia

Loebenberg from Royal West Academy. Both students

participated in the annual Hydro-Québec Montreal Regional

Science & Technology Fair (MRSTF), organized by Educational

Alliance for Science & Technology (EAST) at John Abbott

College in March and the 2014 Super Expo-sciences Hydro-

Québec, Québec final in Terrebonne. Abishek ended up

proceeding to the Canada-wide Science Fair in Windsor and

won an Intermediate Gold Meda, $700 cash and a Western

University scholarship for his work on the Effects of Folic Acid on

Cells. Lia’s project was called Why-Fi? and focused on possible

health issues related to WiFi routers.

HIGH SCHOOL REUNIONS

MONKLANDS HIGH SCHOOL –ANNUAL ALUMNI SUMMER GET-TOGETHER

MHS RestoBar Reunion Dinner 2014

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.

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

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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

MARYMOUNT ADULTS HELP THE HOMELESS

Long before the season’s first snowstorm, Nabiha Tadorian and her students from Marymount Adult Education

Centre in Côte Saint-Luc were thinking of a way to help out the city’s homeless population. After speaking

with, and subsequently helping, an individual who was unhappy with the state of his life, Nabiha and her

colleague, Sandra Costa, took the advice they gave to heart: there are individuals who have no food, warm

clothes, family or a roof over their head. They decided to help, in any way they can. As educators at the

Marymount Adult Education Centre, both Nabiha and Sandra also wanted to develop a project that not only

would help the homeless, but could incorporate their students, and alas, Every Stitch of Hope was born. Read

the full press release here.

ST. LAURENT GRAD CEREMONY

A beautiful graduation ceremony was held at the St.

Laurent Adult Education Centre recently. Twenty-nine

graduates out of a total of 57 participated. Distinguished

guests in attendance included Commissioner Bernard

Praw, AEVS Director Cosmo Della Rocca and guest

speaker Sena Boateng, an alumnus of St. Laurent Adult

Education Centre. While all graduates have worked hard

to earn their Secondary V Diplomas, some have excelled

in areas of academics, creativity, leadership, or

perseverance. A number graduates were honored with

special awards of recognition. Highest Achievement in

Core Academic Courses, English, Chemistry, Manju

Chettri; French, Jane Kishto; , History, Physical Science

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and Math 436, Irina Moraru; Ben Fairbairn Award, Manju Chettr; Freda Greenstone Award, Karl Ericson

Sumalinog; Teachers’ Awards for Perseverance, Sawera Gul, Siham Kamal Mohamad, Riley O’Neil, Lucinda

Roberts, Anat Topor and Ioannis Vouloumanos; Student Life Awards, Vijay Mahalingam, Riley O’Neil and Ann-

Marie Pulice; PSBGM Cultural Heritage Foundation Award, Taimur Ahmed; and Governor General’s Academic

Award and Medal, Irina Moraru.

The Class Valedictorian, Irina Moraru, gave an inspirational speech to her classmates. She was honored with

flowers from last years’ Valedictorian, Vaibhav Kakkar. All in attendance were treated to musical interludes by

Bagpiper Sylvain Jette of the Black Watch Royal Highland Regiment of Canada, and by the St. Laurent Choir,

directed by Myrtle Thomas. After the traditional Tassel Ceremony, a reception was held with a light buffet and

graduation cake.

HIGH SCHOOL OF MONTREAL

The Montreal Gazette wrote this article on High School of Montreal Adult Education Centre teacher Don King.

Another teacher at the school, Beverly Markus, received a literary award recently in Calgary. She won The

Carte Blanche/Canadian Non-Fiction Collective Competition. Log on to http://carte-blanche.org/articles/on-

good-days/

CALENDAR

July 3, 2014

EMSB Council of Commissioners, Special Meeting

August 27, 2014

EMSB Council of Commissioners

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.

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.

WESTMOUNT PARK CÉLÈBRE SES 100 ANS

Tout au long de l’année, les élèves et le personnel de l’école primaire Westmount Park ont célébré la riche

histoire de leur école et, le 29 mai, les portes du 15 Park Place ont été ouvertes pour les célébrations du

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centenaire. Les membres du personnel, les élèves et les bénévoles qui ont contribué à Westmount Park se sont

réunis pour un après-midi de célébrations qui incluait des représentations musicales, des présentations et une

visite du bâtiment centenaire. Ce qui est connu aujourd’hui sous le nom d’école primaire Westmount Park a

originellement été fondé comme une école secondaire, 39 ans après que le Village de Côte-Saint-Antoine,

nommé plus tard Westmount, avait été incorporé en 1874. Située près d’un parc de plus de 100 000 m² qui

avait été conçu en 1912 par M. J. Manning, la première pierre de l’école a été posée le 29 novembre 1913 et

l’école a ouvert en 1914. Après la Deuxième guerre mondiale, l’école a débuté sa transition au statut actuel en

devenant l’école secondaire du 1er cycle Westmount et en accueillant les 7e, 8e et 9e années. Les élèves du

primaire ont commencé à fréquenter Westmount Park en 1961 et, au cours des deux décennies suivantes,

l’école a étendu son territoire en accueillant des élèves de la Petite Bourgogne et de Pointe Saint-Charles. De

nos jours, l’école continue à atteindre de multiples communautés. En 2013, Westmount Park a été nommée par

UNICEF Canada la première école respectant les droits au Québec. Le programme qui a pour base le soutien

aux droits des enfants et le respect des autres cultures, a été favorablement accueilli par la communauté

multiculturelle de Westmount Park, qui inclut des enfants nés dans plus de 25 divers pays.

INSTITUT DE DIALOGUE INTERCULTUREL

L’institut de dialogue interculturel de Montréal (IDI) est un organisme engagé à encourager un agenda

mondial d’amour, de paix, de coopération et de compassion. Une partie de son travail consiste à organiser un

concours annuel pour les élèves du secondaire 9 à 11. La CSEM a récemment reconnu les cinq élèves lauréats

du dîner annuel d’amitié de l’IDI. L’an dernier, la CSEM a conclu un partenariat avec l’IDI et a participé, pour la

première fois, à son concours annuel d’art et de littérature faisant la promotion de l’harmonie sociale et de la

compréhension interculturelle. Des élèves du secondaire du secteur privé et public d’à travers Montréal ont été

invités à soumettre une œuvre d’art ou littéraire sur le thème « Citoyenneté responsable ». Les élèves

pouvaient soumettre leur travail en anglais ou en français.

Les élèves et leurs familles ont été invités au diner d’amitié annuel et à la cérémonie de remise de prix de

l’Institut de dialogue interculturel. Dans la catégorie d’œuvre écrite, Zhanna Klimanova de FACE a remporté le

premier prix pour sa dissertation « Respect is a Small Word with a Big Meaning »; Derek Buffone du Collège

Vincent Massey a remporté le deuxième prix pour « Le Choix est le Nôtre » et Ashley Halikas de l’Académie

Royal West a remporté le troisième prix pour « What Does It Mean To Be A Responsible Citizen?» Dans la

catégorie Arts, Safiya Kramer Hendrickson de FACE a remporté le troisième prix et une mention honorable a

été décernée à Lily Carson de FACE.

EDWARD MURPHY SOUTIENT LES JEUNES VICTIMES DU CANCER

Il a été demandé aux élèves de l’école primaire Edward Murphy de Hochelaga Maisonneuve d’acheter au

moins un nez rouge en appui à la campagne « Nez pour vivre » qui aide les jeunes adultes âgé de 18 à 30 ans

qui luttent contre le cancer. Le produit de la vente des nez rouges servira à aider les patients cancéreux à

continuer à mener des vies productives. Au cours d’un récent évènement important, toute personne qui

achetait un nez rouge était invitée à participer à un évènement de photo dans l’espoir de figurer au livre

Guinness des records. La campagne « Nez pour vivre » est un rappel que la vie continue dès que le cancer est

diagnostiqué et qu’elle peut être heureuse quoiqu’il arrive. Pour plus de renseignements au sujet de cette

activité, veuillez consulter nezpourvivre.com.

CALENDRIERS SCOLAIRES 2014-2015 ET 2015-2016

Les calendriers scolaires du secteur des jeunes pour 2014-2015 et 2015-2016 ont été approuvés. Les classes

débuteront le 2 septembre 2014, le congé de Noël aura lieu du 22 décembre 2014 au 2 janvier 2015 et la

relâche du printemps du 2 au 6 mars 2015. La dernière journée de classes sera le 22 juin 2015. Vous pourrez

accéder au calendrier pour 2014-2015 ici et avoir aussi un aperçu de 2015-2016 ici.

DÉMÉNAGEMENT DE PHILIP E. LAYTON

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Les parents des élèves qui fréquentent les écoles du Centre de réhabilitation Mackay et Philip E. Layton ont

écrit au ministre de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport, le Dr. Yves Bolduc et au ministre de la Santé et des services

sociaux, le Dr Gaétan Barrette, pour les alerter d’une crise qui menace leurs institutions respectives. Les écoles

des besoins particuliers de la CSEM sont locataires du Centre de réhabilitation MAB-Mackay (CRMM) qui relève

du ministère de la Santé et des services sociaux. Dans leur lettre aux ministres, qui est publiée à la première

page du site Web de la CSEM, ils demandent pour quelle raison le CRMM compte donner de l’espace

important aux membres de son personnel plutôt qu’à ses clients : des élèves fragiles qui sont aveugles, sourds,

physiquement handicapés et qui ont des troubles de communication.

Le 27 juillet 2011, le Centre de réhabilitation MAB-Mackay a dévoilé un plan stratégique de consolidation des

opérations dans un nouvel établissement. Cette décision a subséquemment requis que la CSEM loge ses deux

écoles dans un établissement. Étant donné que la CSEM ne disposait pas de bâtiment qui pourrait

adéquatement entreprendre les rénovations nécessaires pour accueillir ces élèves, il avait été déterminé que

l’achat du bâtiment au 3500, boulevard Décarie serait le plus plausible au cas où le MELS favoriserait une

alternative qui serait moins onéreuse que la construction d’un nouvel établissement. Il faut souligner que le

MELS avait déjà alloué des fonds pour que deux nouvelles écoles desservant un effectif semblable

francophone soient construites sur la Rive Nord et la Rive Sud et qu’il avait aussi alloué 16 millions $ pour l’ajout

de huit classes à l’école Victor Doré à Montréal.

Pendant près de trois ans, la CSEM a œuvré avec le MELS pour l’acquisition de la propriété. Le conseil des

commissaires de la CSEM a déposé une résolution en avril pour approuver la modification de l’acte

d’établissement et exprimant de fortes réserves au sujet de la position inacceptable du CRMM au sujet de

l’allocation définitive d’espace à l’école Mackay.

Lorsque le CRMM a annoncé en 2011 que, à cause de sa nouvelle orientation stratégique, Mackay et Philip E.

Layton devraient déménager vers août 2013 à un autre établissement de la CSEM, il a assuré aux parents que :

il collaborerait avec la CSEM pour adapter une école; offrirait une aide financière; et assurerait que le niveau

de services offert ne diminuerait pas. « Cette échéance était totalement irréaliste » ont écrit les parents. Après

une révision des écoles vacantes et des propriétés disponibles, aucun bâtiment approprié n’existait à la CSEM.

Un examen de la propriété de Décarie a révélé que des adaptations futures seraient requises pour recevoir les

élèves de Layton.

« Nous les parents croyons que le CRMM ne considère pas les meilleurs intérêts de nos enfants qui sont aussi ses

clients et qu’il n’a pas agi de bonne foi dans les négociations avec la CSEM pour l’allocation d’espace.

« Pourquoi ne nous a-t-il pas consultés comme l’a fait la CSEM? Est-ce qu’il ne se soucie pas de nos enfants?

Pourquoi les décisions sont-elles prises à huis clos? »

Pour une copie complète de la lettre voir www.emsb.qc.ca

NOMINATIONS ADMINISTRATIVES

Le conseil des commissaires a approuvé plusieurs nominations administratives pour 2014-2015. Les nouvelles

directrices /nouveaux directeurs d’école sont : Anna Sanalitro (actuellement directrice adjointe à l’Académie

LaurenHill) à l’école primaire Pierre Elliott Trudeau de Rosemont; Sandra Léveillé (actuellement directrice

adjointe de l’école Gardenview) à l’école primaire St. Dorothy de Saint-Michel; Elizabeth Lagodich

(actuellement directrice par intérim de l’école primaire Roslyn) à l’Académie internationale Marymount; Nick

Katalifos (actuellement directeur de Pierre de Coubertin) à l’école primaire Roslyn; Ida Pisano (actuellement

directrice de l’école primaire Dante) à l’école primaire Pierre de Coubertin; Daniela Lattanzio (actuellement

directrice de Westmount Park) à l’école primaire Dante; Richard Di Marco actuellement directeur de St.

Raphaël) à l’école primaire Westmount Park; Gail Callendar (actuellement en congé de l’école Elizabeth

Ballantyne) à St. Raphaël et l’Hôpital de Montréal pour enfants; Otis Delaney (directeur par intérim à Elizabeth

Ballantyne) obtient le statut permanent de directeur; Rick David (Centre d’éducation des adultes John F.

Kennedy (actuellement directeur par intérim). Les nominations aux directions adjointes d’école sont : Rea

Limperopoulos (actuellement directrice adjointe de l’école primaire Willingdon) à l’école secondaire Laurier

20 FIELDING FOCUS

Macdonald de Saint-Léonard; Patrizia Tummillo, École secondaire Westmount (actuellement par intérim à ce

poste); Cristina Celzi (actuellement directrice adjointe par intérim à l’école Royal Vale) obtient le statut

permanent à ce poste; Despina Michakis (actuellement enseignante à Coronation) à l’Académie LaurenHill

de Saint-Laurent; Marsha Excellent (actuellement enseignante à East Hill) à l’Académie LaurenHill; Chantal

Juhasz (actuellement enseignante à l’école secondaire Westmount) à l’Académie Royal West; Alain Belair

(actuellement enseignant à St. Pius X) au même Centre; Maria Savignano (Centre des adultes John F Kennedy

(actuellement à ce poste par intérim); Tina Spiridigliozzi Centre de technologie Rosemont. Congés d’absence

pour l’an prochain : Michelle Stein (Pierre de Coubertin), Craig Olenik (Marymount), Agostino Porchetta

récemment retraité du poste de directeur adjoint du Centre de technologie Rosemont, Real Heppelle,

enseignant à l’école primaire Honoré Mercier est le nouveau directeur adjoint de l’école primaire East Hill.

ANTHOLOGIE DES ÉLÈVES

Le comité d’action étudiante English-Montréal (CAEEM) a récemment présenté des copies de son anthologie

de fin d’année au conseil des commissaires. Le produit fini inclut de la poésie et de la prose en français et en

anglais plus une collection de divers travaux d’art, de photographies, de dessins et de collages. Des élèves de

FACE, de James Lyng, de John F. Kennedy et de l’école secondaire du premier cycle John Paul I , de

l’Académie LaurenHill, de Laurier Macdonald, de Lester B. Pearson, de l’Académie internationale Marymount,

de Royal Vale, de Royal West, du Collège Vincent Massey et de l’école secondaire Westmount ont contribué à

cette anthologie. Dans une présentation au conseil des commissaires, l’élève du secondaire IV du CVM,

Laurence Campanella, a parlé du projet dont elle a été l’inspiration principale. « Cette expérience a été

importante pour nous car nous avons appris que tous les leaders doivent trouver le courage de se remettre

rapidement sur pied et de persévérer pour atteindre leurs objectifs, malgré les nombreux défis auxquels ils

doivent faire face » a déclaré Laurence. « L’anthologie représente toutes les écoles secondaires auxquelles ont

été allouées cinq pages de travaux d’art, de poésies et de cours récits. Ce projet nous a permis d’explorer les

talents artistiques que possèdent de nombreux élèves de la CSEM dans chacune de nos écoles. Créer

l’anthologie a été un travail d’équipe auquel tous les représentants de chaque école ont participé et nous

sommes fiers des résultats. »

LAC MÉGANTIC

Les élèves et le personnel de l’école secondaire John F. Kennedy ont récemment démontré leur appui au Lac

Mégantic en organisant une course spéciale. L’évènement a été organisé par l’animateur de vie spirituelle

Frank Lofeodo et l’enseignant d’éducation physique Shaun Simon avec le soutien du directeur Joseph

Vitantonio et la directrice adjointe Sabrina Petrocco. Lac Mégantic a défrayé plusieurs fois les nouvelles au

cours des dernières semaines. Le processus de récupération se poursuit alors que nous approchons du premier

anniversaire de ce tragique évènement. Quarante sept personnes ont perdu la vie ce jour là. Tout juste avant

la course, les élèves et le personnel ont observé un moment de silence en mémoire des quarante sept disparus.

JFK a réagi avec enthousiasme et générosité pour aider les résidents de Lac Mégantic. Par cet évènement de

joie et d’espoir, JFK a reconnu les personnes qui avaient perdu la vie et partagé l’espoir de nos voisins dans leur

long processus de récupération. L’évènement a été souligné d’espoir et de joie d’un regard vers l’avenir tout

en se souvenant du passé. Avec les fonds recueillis, l’intention est de planter un arbre au parc commémoratif

de Lac Mégantic au nom de l’école secondaire John F. Kennedy. L’arbre sera dédié à la mémoire des

disparus et sera un souvenir permanent de ces personnes qui ont perdu leurs vies.

LES CANADIENS ET ROYAL VALE

Menés par les enseignants Sophie Christopoulos et Norman Katz, la Fondation pour enfants des Canadiens de

Montréal était présente à l’école Royal Vale tout au long de l’année 2013-2014. Un partenariat qui a débuté

l’an dernier avec l’ouverture de la patinoire « Bleu, Blanc et Rouge », située à une courte distance de l’école a

donné naissance au programme « Bleu, Blanc et Rouge » cet hiver. Le programme présentait des programmes

hebdomadaires de patinage animés par des membres de la Fondation pour enfants des Canadiens de

21 FIELDING FOCUS

Montréal. En sus de perfectionner l’art du patinage, tous les élèves de 2e année et leurs familles ont été invités

au Centre Bell en février pour la partie opposant les Bulldogs de Hamilton aux Senators de Binghamton.

L’élève de 2e année, Andrew Hazan a reçu un honneur spécial lorsqu’il lui a été demandé de retourner au

Centre Bell le 12 mars pour le téléthon radiophonique de la Fondation. Sophie Christopoulos était présente à la

soirée pour des entrevues en anglais avec TSN 690 et en français avec 98,5 FM. Bien que les Canadiens ont

perdu la partie, Andrew a été le grand gagnant de la soirée en méritant un tour de piste avec le Zamboni

durent l’entracte. Pour terminer l’année sur une note parfaite, sous la direction de M. Katz, Royal Vale a

participé au tournoi de « Hockey de Rue » à la fin du mois de mai qui s’est déroulé au profit de la Fondation et

du YM-YWHA.

SOIRÉE DES ALOUETTES

La CSEM tiendra pour la première fois une promotion avec les Alouettes de Montréal qui a été fixée lors d’une

partie pré-saison dans la soirée du vendredi 20 juin au Stade Percival Molson avec les Ottawa Red Blacks. Les

billets sont maintenant disponibles en ligne seulement au prix réduit de 12 $ dont 2 $ de chaque achat ira au

journal Inspirations, produit par la CSEM.

PROJET VIDÉO DE NESBITT

Les élèves du Cycle 3 de l’école primaire Nesbitt de Rosemont ont consacré deux années à travailler à un

projet vidéo sur l’environnement, sous la direction de leur enseignante de musique Lise Beauchemin et en

collaboration avec d’autres enseignants et spécialistes. Ils ont été inspirés par une chanson intitulée ‘J’avais

une cabane’ de Blas Sanchez et de Roger Sanny. Les élèves ont étudié, analysé et produit le texte pour la

vidéo ainsi que la portion audio. Ce fut un projet qui a regroupé la langue, la musique, les arts visuels, la

technologie, l’écocitoyenneté et l’entrepreunariat.

CHORALE DE SINCLAIR LAIRD

Les parents de l’école primaire Sinclair Laird de Parc Extension ont été ravis par la représentation de la chorale

d’élèves de la 3e à la 6e année qui a accompagné une troupe de 35 interprètes de la comédie musicale

L’Exilée : 2014. Les enfants ont raconté les aventures de Casseöpe des Prés et de son retour épique à la maison.

La troupe a présenté la pièce à Willingdon au grand bonheur de leurs condisciples et du Festival de la CSEM

où les danseurs ont interprété 2 chorégraphies. Le scénario, la musique et les chansons ont été composés par

leur propre enseignante de musique, M. Bélizaire.

NOUVELLES DES SÉAFP

Bien avant la première tempête de neige, Nabiha Tadorian et ses élèves du Centre des

adultes Marymount de Côte Saint-Luc ont pensé à une façon d’aider les sans abris de la

ville.

Après avoir parlé à et, subséquemment aidé une personne qui n’était pas satisfaite de sa vie, Nabiha et sa

collègue Sandra Costa ont décidé de donner suite aux conseils qu’elles avaient prodigué : il y a des personnes

qui, contrairement à nous, n’ont pas de nourriture, de vêtements chauds, de famille ou un toit au dessus de

leurs têtes et elles ont décidé d’aider du mieux qu’elles pouvaient.

En tant qu’enseignantes au Centre des adultes Marymount, Nabiha et Sandra voulaient aussi élaborer un

projet qui, non seulement aiderait les sans abris, mais aussi impliquer leurs élèves et c’est ainsi qu’« Every Stitch

of Hope » est né.

22 FIELDING FOCUS

« Nous avons commencé avec seulement notre groupe, en tricotant durant notre période du repas de midi »

déclare Nabiha. « Après que d’autres personnes aient entendu parler de notre projet, elles ont aussi voulu

contribuer. »

En fait, la soeur de Sandra a entendu parler du projet au New Jersey et, après en avoir parlé à ses collègues, le

projet a reçu plusieurs dons pour acheter de la laine.

« Nous étions et nous serons toujours reconnaissantes de la générosité d’étrangers. Très rapidement des aînés,

des membres de la famille et quelques autres employés se sont aussi impliqués. »

« Nous avons tous commencé à tricoter. Chaque personne avait son propre modèle et il a été intéressant de

constater comment chaque personne apportait sa touche personnelle et son imagination. Bien qu’il ait fallu un

certain temps, nous avons tricoté 25 écharpes en une année. »

Cependant, tricoter n’était que la moitié du projet, étant donné que les écharpes devaient être remises en

mains propres.

« En compagnie de quelques élèves, nous sommes allées au centre-ville et avons commencé à donner des

écharpes aux sans abris. Nous leur avons expliqué notre projet et ils ont été reconnaissants. »

Bien que Nabiha, Sandra et leur équipe de tricoteurs ont apporté une différence dans la vie de plusieurs

personnes cet hiver, elles réalisent que le besoin continue de croître et, en tant que tel, elles espèrent que le

projet s’étendra aussi.

« Nous aimerions aller de l’avant et encourager d’autres personnes à s’impliquer. Que ce soit durant leur

période du repas de midi ou juste en tant que passe-temps : nous espérons ces personnes prendront le temps

de tricoter et nous aideront à étendre Every Stitch of Hope. »

Pour plus de renseignements ou pour impliquer votre classe ou votre école, veuillez communiquer avec Nabiha

Tadorian à ntadorian@emsb.qc.ca.

The next Focus will be published on August 28, 2014. Submissions

should be made to Michael J. Cohen preferably by e-mail

(mcohen@emsb.qc.ca) by August 22, 2014

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