EMSB Focus Newsletter - January 2024 Edition

Students from Dante Elementary School.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION: The EMSB has announced that Elementary School Registration Week for the 2024-2025 academic year will take place from Monday, February 5 to Friday, February 9.  If one child from a family is already enrolled in a particular school, a sibling registration period will take place a week earlier. Parents are asked to register at the EMSB elementary school nearest their residence offering the French program of their choice. For more information please call (514) 483-7200, extension EMSB (3672) or log on to the Board’s website at www.emsb.qc.ca. Three years ago  the EMSB adopted a new format whereby parents could book a registration appointment online at some schools.  As of Monday, January 29 at 7 am, reservations will open at 23 elementary schools – a big jump from the five that launched the original pilot project three years ago.  One only needs to go to   www.emsb.qc.ca/reserve. Over the years some of these schools have had long lineups, in certain cases starting days before registration occurred. Parents will be called to validate their information, told if they have a spot and given an appointment time. As per the EMSB enrollment policy, priority will be given to children residing within the school’s distinct boundary. Royal Vale and FACE are exceptions, since they do not have boundaries or bus transportation.  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. As a result of language legislation, this criteria excludes studies completed in the Quebec Private School system. 

Watch the Global TV Commercial

Watch the CTV Commercial

Listen to the CKAC French Radio Commercial 

Listen to the CJAD/Bell Media Commercial

Listen to The Beat 92.5 FM Commercial

Students, staff, mascot Bumble and guests at the press conference.

QUEBEC FRANCOPHONE CULTURE CAMPAIGN: During the month of January, EMSB has been celebrating how the French language is cultivated at its schools through the arts. On Tuesday, January 9 at Dante Elementary School in St. Leonard, programming was unveiled at the Board’s first-ever press conference held exclusively in French.  EMSB Assistant Director General Jack Chadirdjian  and EMSB Educational Consultant Sonya Jean were the emcees. One of the special guests was Stéphane Tétrault, a celebrated Canadian cellist who has made international headlines. He attended the EMSB’s FACE and Royal Vale schools. When he was enrolled at FACE elementary school, he didn’t speak English. By the time he graduated Royal Vale High School, he was bilingual and went on to become a professional musician. 

In January, several artistic and cultural events are and will be happening at schools during the month. This is part of the Quebec government’s La culture à l’école program.

Here is some of the media coverage

CTV News Coverage of Press Conference

City News Montreal Coverage of Press Conference

Global News interview with Joe Ortona about Kindergarten Registration

Montreal Gazette page 1 story

Terry Haig Discussion on TSN 690 Radio

Marie Claude Bergeron

CBC RADIO NOON SHOW ON OUR PRESS CONFERENCE: Host Shawn Apel from CBC Radio One devoted an entire hour to the theme of the EMSB press conference. He interviewed Willingdon  student Lea McNeill, Joe Ortona, Marie Claude Bergeron, Nicolas Doyon and Maria Corsi.

You can listen to it here

Nicolas Doyon and Anabel Fournier with Mayor Bissonnette.

SPECIAL PODCASTS: Please watch our excellent special podcasts.

The French podcast was anchored by Educational Consultants Nicolas Doyon and Anabel Fournier. They interviewed St. Léonard Mayor Michel Bissonnette, music teacher Natalie Ann Summers (an anglophone from Toronto who came here to study, fell in love with French and became a French teacher), musician Stephane Tétreault and EMSB Chair Joe Ortona.

Watch it here  

The English podcast was anchored by Pamela Pagano and Terry Haig. They spoke to Educational Consultant Marie-Claude Bergeron, social media influencer and Dante grad Catherine Woron, Director General Nick Katalifos and Parent Commissioner Maria Corsi.

Watch it here  

There are also audio versions of the podcasts

French Audio Podcast

English Audio Podcast

Thanks to Daniel Smajovits for producing the podcasts.

ADVENT CALENDAR: During the month of January, the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) is celebrating how the French language is cultivated at its schools through the arts. One special feature is an online advent calendar for January with each clickable date opening a window into a mini cultural experience.   Created by the team of pedagogical consultants for French as a Second Language in elementary schools, the calendar was designed for teachers to explore, with their students, the diverse aspects of Quebec culture in French. Available in two versions appropriate for younger or older students in elementary school, many aspects are covered including songs, literature, sports, dance, painting, cooking and more.  We asked the creators behind the calendar, Marie-Claude Bergeron, Sonya Jean and Anik Malenfant, to tell us more about it.  You can read it here 

Here is the calendar for the older students 

Here is the calendar for the younger children 

WOULD YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN TO LIVE IN A WORLD WITHOUT TRUSTED NEWS?  

More and more young people are learning to use trusted news brands to check what they see on social media, and say they feel less anxious once they corroborate the story.  The Gazette is that brand. Serving our community for over 245 years, we deliver authoritative, resonant English-language news and commentary about Montreal in a manner that reflects the diversity of its people, culture, politics, institutions, and its unique place in Quebec.  The Gazette is offering all EMSB parents a special rate on a digital subscription here, so that your children can grow up with responsible reporting and reliable news that matters.  Go to  https://montrealgazette.com/subscribe/campaign/emsb/

 - Lenie Lucci, Editor-in-Chief 

EXPANDING APPRECIATION OF QUEBEC CULTURE: Nick Batzios is the music specialist at Willingdon Elementary School in NDG, where he has been teaching for 25 years. As a practicing musician himself – he sings, plays the piano and the guitar – music is not only integral to his own life but also to his teaching profession. He sees teaching music as a way to increase brain health and improve cognitive functioning.   Art teacher Michael Venditti says there is great openness to learning in French at Dunrae Gardens, especially through art. Multilingual himself.   At Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary School in Rosemount, teacher Arianne Asly-Verdon is busy. She teaches music to students in every grade level, from pre-K to Grade 6, including the SEEDS classes. And in Grade 1 and 2, she teaches drama.   See our feature on these teachers here.

Five-year-old Kindergarten students at Pierre de Courbertin Elementary School in St. Leonard participated in a workshop called "Les Hurlus-Berlue," led by Le Théâtre Tortue Berlue in January. Students created their puppets, first by giving them eyes, then adding a head, hair, a mouth... and then a voice! They learned how to teach their puppets  to communicate and show different emotions, all the while having fun.

HOTBED OF ACTIVITIES:  Although artistic and cultural activities take place in French all during the year across EMSB schools, several special events have been planned for the month of January. The new year  started off with a diverse selection of artistic and cultural activities in French - from traditional Québéçois jigs to puppetry to poetry. As part of the Quebec government’s La culture à l’école program, Quebec artists, writers and cultural organizations who are part of the Répertoire culture-éducation, are invited to visit schools and provide a live cultural or artistic experience based in their genre. Nicolas Doyon, Arts Education Consultant and Culture in School Respondent at the EMSB, works with both the specialists who teach music, art or drama, and with classroom teachers throughout the year to bring interesting artistic experiences to students. He believes that there is great success teaching French via the arts.  Learn more here 

Stéphane Tétreault

A TRULY BILINGUAL GRAD: Stéphane Tétreault, professional cellist, made a special guest appearance at Dante Elementary School in St. Léonard on January 9. The Royal Vale School and FACE alum was chosen by the EMSB to be the ambassador for its campaign À la CSEM, on cultive le français…jour après jour, which opened with a celebratory event at the school. Mr. Tétreault, now 30, is full swing into his career as a professional musician. He performs mainly in Quebec, but also throughout Canada, the United States and abroad. Being bilingual has been an asset, he says, because it has enabled him to pursue his career in Quebec and in Europe, where proficiency in both languages is an asset. Growing up, it was commonplace to switch in and out of English and French, he recalls. Both his parents have a French Canadian heritage, though his mother did her schooling in English in several different provinces. When it was time to enrol the young Tétreault in school, his parents chose FACE Elementary School in downtown Montreal.  At that time there was only room in the English section of the school. Although he had eligibility there was one small problem: he only spoke French. His mother taught him to speak English the summer leading into his Kindergarten year. He says he adapted quickly to an English setting at school. “At that age, we learn pretty fast!” he said.  See our profile on him.

TEACHERS FROM FRANCE: The EMSB is pleased to have surpassed its expectations for the 2023-2024 academic year with the hiring of nine new teachers from France. This brings its contingent from France to a total of 12, who are teaching in nine elementary schools as generalists across all grades, and three in high schools who teach the French language as well as other courses taught in French. New among them, in elementary schools, are Grade 6 teachers Justine Biotteau at Bancroft and Flora Boisteau at Dunrae Gardens, Marianne Landru teaching in the Success for All program at Hampstead, Ymene Belazzoug teaching Grade 2 and 5 at Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Léa Sautière teaching Grade 3 at St. Monica and Léa Gasqueres teaching Kindergarten at Willingdon. At the high school level, Lea Garault is teaching French as a core program to Secondary II and III students at Marymount Academy International, Simon Mallier is teaching the French language and other courses in French at various levels at Royal Vale High School and Hugo Caloin is teaching various courses in French at Westmount High School. They join three teachers, already in their second year with the EMSB: Grade 4 teachers Diane Leuillot at Edinburgh and Julie Caplier at Roslyn, and Pre-K teacher teacher Adèle Guilloteau at Royal Vale Elementary.

Joseph Ruvo  (third from the left) is presented with a certificate.

DANTE GRAD: Les Délices Lafrenaie is a family owned business dating back to 1979. In the summer 1979 Giuseppe Ruvo (Sr.) along with two of sons decided to embark on a new journey. They purchased Milano bakery located at 5866 Jean Talon Est, Saint Leonard.  On July 1, 1979 the Ruvo family officially took over and began serving up bread, cakes and pastries to the Saint-Leonard community. Business flourished and Milano bakery began serving restaurants, halls and distributors. The present Les Délices Lafrenaie location in St. Leonard opened in the early 1990’s serving only the wholesale industry and seeing that space and storage were tight at Milano, all goods were produced on Jean Talon and stored at Lafrenaie. What started off as a small local bakery has now turned into a six store operation,  Original owners Frank, Gerry and Peppi Ruvo are still present daily in Saint-Leonard. Joseph Ruvo (Frank’s son), a graduate of Dante Elementary School, is also involved and manages all six locations. Joe was given a special certificate at the EMSB press conference to thank him for his support.   To make your next order go their website: https://lesdeliceslafrenaie.com/about-us/?lang=en 

Matthew Conway and his daughter Gillianne.

TRULY BILINGUAL STUDENTS:  St. Monica Elementary School in NDG, like others across our network, has a number of students whose mother tongue is French. However, due to the fact they have eligibility their parents decided to enrol them at the EMSB. Interviewed with their parents were  Gilliane Delage Conway (Grade 2) and siblings, Foulques Lefeubvre (Grade 5) and Enguerrand Lefeubvre (Grade 2). Please watch this video to see what a terrific example they set.

Minister Girard is greeted at the school.

MINISTER VISITS:  Eric Girard, Quebec Minister of Finance and Ministre responsable des Relations avec les Québécois d’expression anglaise, visited Dunrae Gardens Elementary School in TMR as a very special guest for a concert of French songs presented by the students of music teacher Noemi Batista. 

Minister Girard is given a special certificate to thank him for the visit from Giulia Materassi.

Mr. Girard, who resides in the Town of Mount Royal, was given a tour of the school by two students.  Representing Mount Royal-Outremont MNA Michele Setlakwe was her attaché Israa Labiod.

The Minister gets a tour of the school.

This was an outstanding presentation, which included group performances and solos as follows: Grade 3-singing and playing "coton-ouaté" from Bleu Jeans Bleu; Kindergarten dancing with scarves to "la bastringue" from Edith Butler;  Grade 2  singing to "J'entends frapper" from Michel Pagliaro; Cycle 3 students (Glee Club)- ging "un medley québécois" ("Pour un instant" from Harmonium, "Dégénération" from Mes Aïeux and "C Okay" from Le groupe swing) and Giulia Materassi sing a solo of "Un air d'été" from Pierre Bertrand.

Dunrae Gardens students take flight.

CAMPS AT DUNRAE: Also from Dunrae Gardens, teacher Flora  Boisteau wishes to share some recent activities with her students. In the fall they went on a two-day camp to take part in sports activities, discover life in nature and spend time together outside school to get to know each other better.  Meanwhile, Ms. Boisteau says that she organizes   a lot of science and experiments so that students can develop an investigative approach. In December students had to optimize and model an airplane to find out what makes it fly better. Soon after the students met with scientists from Hôpital Sainte Justine to discover the world of research. 

GAZETTE STORY ON LEGISLATION: EMSB Chair Joe Ortona was featured in a comprehensive story on Bills 21,23, 40 and 96 in The Montreal Gazette. You can read it here.  

Recipients of the Robert Alfred Peck Prize for Excellence in French who were in attendance at the last Council meeting with Chair Joe Ortona and staff.

PECK AWARDS:   A record number of 21 students were presented with the Robert Alfred Peck Prize for Excellence in French at the monthly Council of Commissioners meeting on January 23. Based on the 2022-232 academic year, 15 Secondary IV and six Secondary V students were recognized for attaining the mark of 100 percent. They will be each be receiving certificates and cheques in the amount of $100. There are nine students from  Royal West Academy in Montreal West, six from Vincent Massey Collegiate in Rosemount, four from Westmount High School and two from MIND (Moving in New Directions) in the Plateau.  Please see this press release for the names of all of the recipients.

Electric Thunder with teachers Maxime Mallette, Patrick Charland, Principal Tanya Alvares and Regional Director Darlene Kehyayan.

ROCK MUSIC AT PET: Teachers Maxime Mallette and Patrick Charland were channeling their inner Jack Black at Pierre Elliott Trudeau School when they established Electric Thunder, the school’s first 🤟 rock band 🤟 last year. According to the Mallette and Charland, some students have a passion for music but lack opportunities to perform. The project offers these students that chance, in addition to the ability to record 🎧 in a studio, participate in several concerts as well as having their faces featured on a poster. This year's trio helped us mark our celebration of French culture with a special three-song performance of Ensemble (Coeur de Pirate), L'amérique pleure (Les Cowboys Fringants) and La vie chante (René Simard). Check out their performance here.

The FACE OSF at a previous concert.

FACE ORCHESTRA: The Orchestre Symphonique FACE (OSF) will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a concert at the Maison Symphonique at Place des Arts on Thursday, February 1 (5 pm). EMSB instrumental music teacher Theodora Stathopoulos founded the OSF in 1998 – EMSB’s very first year! “The Orchestra’s first years saw the participation of just a handful of FACE students. However, within five years, following the orchestra’s inception, everything changed as more and more FACE students became motivated to excel and join this ensemble” says Stathopoulos. Presently, the complete string section (almost 70 violins, violas, cellos and basses) is entirely made up of FACE students, some as young as 10 years old. The wind section of the orchestra is also entirely made up of students from FACE School’s wind department. These latter are members of the FACE’s wind ensemble Con Brio under the direction of another EMSB FACE instrumental music teacher, Marie-Eve Arseneau. It is noteworthy that the OSF’s most recent PDA concert, in May 2019, was prepared and conducted by Ms. Stathopoulos and Arseneau. Throughout its 25 year history the OSF has had many glorious moments, including a number of performances in PDA and other prestigious Montreal venues (eg Basilique Notre Dame ); Ms. Stathopoulos receiving the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence, and hundreds of collaborations with famous people and community organizations and institutions. Please see the complete press release.

TRANSCO UPDATE: The strike by the drivers for Transco Bus Service continues, affecting more than 4,000 EMSB students. Here is the latest press release issued by the company: http://www.emsbupdate.com/2024/01/transco-bus-strike-update.html 

James Kromida with his children, the Alouettes and the Grey Cup.

NEW VICE-CHAIR:  James Kromida has been elected as the new vice-chair of the EMSB Council of Commissioners. Mr. Kromida has been an EMSB commissioner for 25 years. His two children attend Gardenview Elementary School in St. Laurent.

It was pandemonium at Gardenview  when the Grey Cup arrived.

THE GREY CUP VISITS GARDENVIEW:  Star Montreal Alouettes running back William Stanback, along with teammate and offensive tackle Jamar McGloster, were  at Gardenview Elementary School  in St. Laurent on January  12 with the Grey Cup trophy. Stanback’s son is in kindergarten at the school. They were introduced to loud cheers and confetti. Moderator Terry Haig asked them some questions and then turned it over to the students. Each class present in the gymnasium got to pose with the Grey Cup. St. Laurent Mayor Alan DeSousa, Commissioner James Kromida, Director General Nick Katalifos and Assistant Director General Jack Chadirdjian were also present. See Pat Hickey's story.

Patricia Lattanzio and students.

MP VISITS:  Patricia Lattanzio, Member of Parliament for Saint Leonard and former school commissioner, was invited to Honore Mercier Elementary School recently by Spiritual and Community Animator Mary Poullas. Ms. Lattanzio shared with the Grade 6 students about what happens when they vote on legislation in the House of Commons. The students were very excited to meet such an honored guest.

The Royal Vale girls basketball team.

ROYAL VALE CHAMPS: Every January, Royal Vale  School's girls basketball team, led by coach Norman Katz, makes its way to Ottawa to Turnbull School for their annual tournament. Once again Royal Vale took home the championship, going undefeated in all four games. Unique to this tournament is the RVS Girls share their experience with Lower Canada College - travelling to and from Ottawa together and spending time off the court as well. Thank you to Lower Canada College for always welcoming our girls on the bus and being such good friends!

The Montreal Chan Lion Dance Group at OLP.

LUNAR NEW YEAR: In preparation for the Lunar New Year,  students in Cycle 2 and 3 at Our Lady of Pompei Elementary School in Ahuntsic were treated to a wonderful performance by the Montreal Chan Lion Dance Group. Spiritual Animator  Hewot Dawit organized this incredible experience.

Looking back at Christmas being top of "MIND."

SPIRIT OF GENEROSITY AT MIND: Organized by Elizabeth Pellicone, Spiritual and Community Animator, and Aline Saba, teacher, at MIND, Bancroft kindergarten students learned the meaning of generosity, wrote kindness letters to Santa Claus and received personalized replies from his "elves" - Secondary IV and V MIND High School students! The letters were hand delivered on Monday December 18. It was a heartwarming experience for all students involved. 

The look of henna.

HENNA AT FOCUS AND OUTREACH:  On   December 2, organized by the Spiritual and Community Animator, Ibrahim Abou Arab, Focus and Outreach High Schools hosted a Montreal henna artist, Sheneeza Husain. Students kicked off the holiday season with beautiful henna designs on their hands. Natural henna is a red-brown color derived from the dried leaves of the Lawsonia plant (henna powder), combined with ingredients such as sugar, lemon juice, eucalyptus essential oil, black tea, and cloves. When applied to the skin, henna can produce a brown, orange-brown, or reddish-brown tint. Henna is frequently associated with joyous occasions and is utilized by numerous cultures worldwide to signify happiness. This experience brought enjoyment to our students and enhanced cultural diversity in our schools as they learned about new forms of celebrations. To echo the sentiments of our students, “Experiencing henna drawn on my hands feels very therapeutic.”

BREATH AND BALANCE AT PDC AND LDV: During the month of January, students from Pierre de Coubertin Elementary and Leonardo Da Vinci Academy are participating in a two-part wellness/nutrition workshop called “Breathe & Balance.”  The program developed by Spiritual and Community Animator Vince Lacroce will discuss the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and aims to increase confidence and positive self-image among students, as well as help them to manage stress through breathing exercises, yoga exercises, and mindful movements. “We hope to empower our students to take an active role in their well-being and incorporate times of reflection and mindfulness throughout their day. By participating in this program, students will be able to improve their flexibility and balance, boost self-esteem, enhance their focus and concentration, improve overall fitness, enhance their sleep quality, and reduce their overall stress and anxiety.” The Breathe & Balance program will culminate on January 24, 2024, Bell Let's Talk Day, as students will have an opportunity to reflect on the impact of the program during the reflective portion of the sessions. Bell Let's Talk Day is dedicated to moving positive mental health initiatives forward across Canada in order to make a positive impact on the mental health landscape of our schools.

NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE: January 29 is The National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia. This day serves as a reminder of the work we must do as a nation to eradicate Islamophobia, hate and racism in Canada. In honour of the memory of the victims, in recognition of those who selflessly and courageously put themselves in harm’s way to protect others, and in solidarity with the survivors of this tragedy, many schools will observe this day, with support from the Spiritual and Community Animation Service and resources from the Green Square Campaign. Learn more here

HOLOCAUST EDUCATION: Embark on an insightful journey with award-winning teacher Chantal Clabrough, recipient of the 2023 Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Teaching. Joining Chantal are two exceptional students, Aissatou Barrie and Joseph Pozdena,  on the EMSB Holocaust Education podcast as they share their moving experiences at the Montreal Holocaust Museum and discuss the profound impact of learning about the Holocaust in the classroom. This episode unveils the power of history education, offering a compelling exploration of real-world and classroom perspectives on this crucial topic. You can listen to it here.

Samantha Smith and survivor Nathan Leipciger.

INTERNATIONAL HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY: The EMSB will mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day with a video interview with Nathan Leipciger, a 95 year old Holocaust survivor. Copies of his book, published by the  Azrieli Foundation and entitled The Weight of Freedom, will be made available for schools that watch the video discussion. In the book Leipciger tells his story as  a thoughtful, shy eleven-year-old boy, plunged into an incomprehensible web of ghettos, concentration and death camps during the German occupation of Poland. Demonstrating incredible strength of character as he struggles to survive, he forges a new, unbreakable bond with his father and yearns for a free future. With memories that remain etched in tragedy and pain even as he looks optimistically to the future, Nate builds a new life in Canada. Introspective and raw, yet ever hopeful, The Weight of Freedom is Nate’s vivid journey through a past that can never be left behind. The video will be made available on Friday, January 26, a day prior to International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Chloe Xiao is congratulated.

STUDENT OF THE MONTH:   Chloe Xiao from Carlyle Elementary School in TMR is the Student of the Month for January. Chloe is in Grade 1 and has overcome many obstacles in her life and continues to persevere with a positive attitude, which resonates throughout the school. Chloe comforts other children who cry or experience anxiety as well as helps the Pre K students during recess. Academically, she is an advanced reader – reading at a Grade 5 level – attends Hebrew class and is always willing to volunteer and participate in a variety of extra-curricular activities. Chloe is a bright star in the Carlyle community and is a very deserving Student of the Month!

UNIVERSAL NATIONAL SCHOOL FOOD POLICY:  The EMSB Council has adopted a resolution to support New Brunswick Liberal MP Serge Cormier’ Private Member’s Bill C-322, National Framework for a School Food Program Act in the House of Commons. This type of program could provide a variety of benefits for students, including: improving access to nutritious food for students; allowing all students to focus on learning in school; addressing food insecurity and the resulting anxiety and mental health challenges that affect students; improving the social determinants of health for marginalized communities; promoting healthy eating habits, choices, and lifestyles; increasing food literacy; and supporting local agriculture and traditions  and a healthier and more sustainable food system. A national school food policy and program would also help ensure that all children have the nourishment they need to learn and grow and improve their health and well-being and  also contribute to the development of a more sustainable food system by supporting local and sustainable food production, and local economies through the creation of jobs.  Whereas an investment in budget 2024 in a national school food program will support both families and school food providers, who have been struggling due to the affordability crisis, EMSB Chair Joe Ortona emphasizes that this policy should be followed up by the rollout of a National School Nutritious Meal Program, and with it the $200 million per year that the Government of Canada committed to in 2021. 

Aiva Furfaro

TEN  YEAR OLD TED-TALKER:  Aiva Furfaro, a well-rounded Grade 5 East Hill student and a young activist, is shaking things up at East Hill Elementary School in RDP. In this impassioned Ted-Ed Talk, the  10 year old   dives into the environmental crisis of pollution.  Reaching out to the mentors at the Jane Goodall Institute, Aiva invokes expert advice and offers youth-oriented solutions to the growing climate crisis, reminding kids everywhere that they are not too young to become environmental activists». To view this amazing video, please click on this link: https://youtu.be/9OjPEMcNKVc

Ethan presents his cheque.

BAKE SALE FOR CHARITY AT LYNG:  During Spirit Week  at James Lyng High School in St, Henri, Secondary II  SAIL student Ethan Kam-Tong coordinated with staff a bake sale charity event to fundraise money for the Welcome Hall Mission in St. Henri. The idea came from Ethan's feelings of gratitude during the start of the holiday season and his desire to give back. Ethan has a keen interest in trains and was eager to showcase his vast train collection along with the bake sale, which took place on December 21.  Thanks to generous contributions of baked goods and monetary donations from students and staff, the James Lyng community raised a total of $426.90 along with a $100 Super C gift card for the Welcome Hall Mission. Ethan personally delivered this donation to the organization on December 22 right in time for the holidays! The James Lyng Community is very proud of Ethan for taking this initiative in the spirit of giving.

NESBITT MUSIC WINNERS: Nesbitt Elementary School  in Rosemount is proud to announce that out of thousands of submissions nation-wide, their Ukulele and Percussion Ensemble, directed by Music Specialist Caroline Derome, won third place in the Category #2 (Instrumental - Grade 4 to 6) of the 2023 CBC Canadian Music Class Challenge (See the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahOT0MIiNB8). The ensemble performed their instrumental rendition of the song "Born to be  Wild" by the band Steppenwolf.  Notable mention also goes out to the Junior Music Club (Grades 1, 2 and 3) for their interpretation of B R A V E by Splash 'N Boots (See the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFymo-p8qnU) and the Senior Music Club and Choir (Grades 4, 5, 6) for their interpretation of Mahsi ts' enjwe by Leela Gilday (See the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7-hnNhy5Rc).

Here is the link to the Winning Announcement by CBC Music. 

CHARLOTTE’S WEB: On  December 20,  the Grade 4 students at Cedarcrest Elementary School (along with the ¾ split class)  in St. Laurent performed their production of “Charlotte’s Web.”  The students had been studying the novel throughout the term and this was one way for them to represent their understanding of the story.  Parents were welcomed to be an audience to support their children, and were a great source of encouragement for the students.  A huge thank you goes out to   teachers  Mina Bilios and  Stacey Monk, who worked very hard to prepare the students for this.  They spent countless hours getting the set ready, rehearsing lines, and giving directions to the students.   

Storytelling and Breakfast with Santa was a perfect combination.

PRE-K STORYTELLING: On   December 21,  Cedarcrest   hosted a Storytelling event with the EMSB’s very own arts consultant Nicolas Doyon.  Parents and families of the pre-school students were invited to join their child to experience to Mr. Doyon’s engaging storytelling skills and they were not disappointed!  All students received two books to read with their parents at home at the end of the session.  The importance and impact of reading to children starting from a young age was also discussed with the parents and they were then invited to join everyone for the annual Breakfast with Santa.   

EMPOWERING YOUTH DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH: In an exciting initiative to empower youth and celebrate Black History Month, the Youth Stars Foundation is delighted to invite students across Canada to participate in the Unity Link Up 2024 program. Generously sponsored by the Canadian Heritage Foundation and the Youth Stars Foundation of Montreal, this free webinar promises an enriching experience for all participants.  Carefully scheduled during school hours, the program ensures easy access for students, allowing them to engage without disrupting their regular academic commitments. Each session of this dynamic program consists of an interactive workshop, discussion, and information session. Students will explore opportunities aligned with their interests, enhancing their knowledge and broadening their horizons. Running throughout February to commemorate Black History Month, the Unity Link Up 2024 program is offered every Thursday for five weekly sessions, each lasting one hour from 1 pm  to 2 pmé  Covering essential subjects such as Financial Empowerment, Community Engagement, Arts and Culture, Sports and Leisure, Entrepreneurship, and Business Development, the program aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of diverse fields. Registering for class participation is a straightforward process. Visit www.unitylinkup.ca, peruse all planned events and register for the topics of interest. Registrants will receive a confirmation email with a follow-up web link and reminders leading up to the day. 

SUMMER JOBS FOR STAFF: Camp B’nai Brith of Ottawa is searching for a Social Worker, Head Counselor, and an inclusion coordinator (for students with an IEP), for seasonal employment this summer.  To learn more please contact their director Dov “Bear Shapiro at bear@cbbottawa.com.

HOOKED ON SCHOOL:  The 20th edition of Hooked on School Days will take place from February 12 to 16, 2024. Here is the web link: https://journeesperseverancescolaire.com/en 

CHAMPIONS: The Champions for Life Program, which is present in many EMSB schools, has published its annual report. You can view it here.

KIDS BASKETBALL: Discover the joy of basketball with the Montreal Kids Basketball Program at LCC on weekends! Our dynamic sessions cater to six to eight year-olds every Saturday from 10 am to 11 am and nine to  12 year olds   from 9 am to 10:30 am. It began on January 20. They prioritize both fun and exercise, offering a perfect blend for your child's holistic development. Join us for a weekend full of laughter, teamwork and the thrill of the game. Info: youthstars.org or send an email to basketball@youthstars.org

ADULT EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL SERVICES

Galileo students enjoy their dance session.

LIGHTS!MUSIC!PLIE!   Once again, this year, Galileo  Adult Education Centre SI/SVI students had the opportunity to participate in dance therapy through a partnership with Les Grand Ballets National Centre.  The dance session ran from September to December with dance teacher extraordinaire, Angélique Dumet-Kerhero. Through this dance therapy program, students were able to further develop their communication skills, increase their awareness of self, enhance and refine their gross motor skills as well as further develop their creative and self-expression skills.  The end the session was commemorated with a performance for the whole school to enjoy.  

INTENSIVE ACADEMIC COURSES: Your future can start here! The HSM Adult Education Centre is now registering for intensive academic courses leading to a Quebec High School Diploma and pre-requisite courses that students need in order to enrol in a vocational programme or CEGEP. Classes start January 30, 2024. Registration and/or Academic advising is by appointment only. Space is limited. For a registration appointment, please email cromeo@emsb.qc.ca.. Info: www.hsmontreal.ca for details watch https://fb.watch/pxnCsL8OCO/