One of Canada’s Outstanding Meet our Rocket Principals new mascot launch see page 2 see page 14 See page 19

Commission scolaire English-Montréal Volume 22 Number 2 SPRING 2019 xpress www.emsb.qc.ca e English Montreal School Board

EMSB proudly kicks off Physical Literacy campaign

Nolan O’Rourke, right, Secondary IV student from LaurenHill Academy in St. Laurent, was awarded a bursary from the Georges St-Pierre Foundation recently via The Foundation for Athletic Excellence of Quebec (FAEQ). St-Pierre, left, a former three-time UFC welterweight champion, presented the cheque personally to Nolan, who came here from Prince Edward Island to pursue his dream of becoming an Olympic wrestler.

CERTIFICATES TO SEE A MOVIE AT

THEATRES PASSES TO OR Matteo Rendinella from Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary School demonstrates his impressive skipping technique at the EMSB Physical Literacy press conference. MERCHANDISE The English Montreal School Board (EMSB) officially kicked off its new Physical Literacy is FROM EMSB PHYSICAL LITERACY Everyday Life campaign at a high-profile press conference at Hampstead Elementary School recently. OR Board officials were joined by special guests, including some high-profile sports personalities, A as well as media and a contingent of students from six other EMSB schools, to learn more about GIFT CARD TO physical literacy through numerous activities and presentations on the subject. Hampstead School is one of the elementary institutions which has assumed a leadership role in this area. Please read our special section in this edition of the EMSB Express on pages 6 to 13. see page 4 2 www.emsb.qc.ca EXPRESS | vol. 22 | Nº 2 | Spring 2019 From the Chairman’s Desk Marisa Mineiro Angela Mancini named one of Canada’s

Religious Symbols and clear when we held a very Outstanding Principals successful public forum on the In response to the new CAQ issue in February. by Daniel Smajovits government’s plans to proceed with a law prohibiting public History Course While Michelangelo International Elementary School in RDP servants in positions of authority might be tucked away at the eastern edge of Montreal, Principal from wearing religious symbols, The EMSB Council of Marisa Mineiro has been thrust we have been down this road Commissioners recently accepted into the national spotlight as before when we strongly opposed the independent History Experts she was recently named as one the former Parti Québébois gov- Committee report on the revised of Canada’s Outstanding ernment’s proposed Charter of Secondary III and IV compulsory Principals. The announcement Values in the winter of 2014. The History of Québec and Canada was made by the Learning EMSB wishes to convey how, as program. The revised curriculum Partnership. an educational institution which raised a number of issues of Overall, 30 educators across fosters respect among our students, concern to the EMSB. Given these the country were chosen by we can in no way support this type concerns, in June, the EMSB asked The Learning Partnership as of legislation which violates the an independent History Experts Canada’s Outstanding Prin - I would like to take this Quebec Charter of Human Rights Committee to review the content cipals of 2019. This marks the opportunity to update and Freedoms. If enacted, this kind of this program as well as sixth time that an EMSB of legislation will force individuals the Ministry-approved English- educator was amongst those stakeholders on a to choose between government language textbooks. The report has chosen. Ms. Mineiro follows number of matters. employment and a desire to wear been shared with other boards and Lester B. Pearson High Marisa Mineiro religious apparel. It is a personal the Ministère de l’Éducation et de School’s Joseph Vitantonio Enrolment choice to wear such apparel. The l’Enseignement Supérieur. (2018), Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary School’s Anna EMSB values the diversity of our Sanalitro (2017), Westmount Park Elementary School’s Marylene For the second year in a row, students and staff, and respects Investment Perron (2016), retired principal Claude Dansereau (2015) and enrolment in the EMSB youth their personal and religious rights, LaurenHill Academy’s Donna Manos (2011) as winners. sector is on the rise. A total of which are guaranteed both by the in FACE “I’m very honoured, but I cannot take all the credit,” said Ms. 19,811 students was recorded as Canadian and Quebec Charters We recently welcomed the Mineiro. “It’s a team effort here at Michelangelo International part of the September 30 count. of Rights. We cannot be party to a $11-million investment announced Elementary School. I did not do this on my own.” That is 250 more than the 2017-18 proposed legislation which, if by MEES in order to prepare a Ms. Mineiro has been an administrator at the EMSB for seven academic year. With more than passed, runs contrary to what we business case and preliminary years, the last three at Michelangelo International Elementary 22,000 students in the adult sector, teach our students insofar as plans vis-à-vis very significant School. Her first foray into administration came under the EMSB remains the largest tolerance and respect of individual renovations at FACE School continued on next page English public school board in rights and religious freedoms are downtown. This heritage build - the province. concerned. This came out loud ing itself is managed by the Commission Scolaire de Montréal governance and management in se fait auprès des élèves de la (CSDM). We have about one quar- the completion of their work. This Commission scolaire English- ter of the student population. We inquiry has caught us completely Montréal…” We want our stake - very much appreciate the partner- by surprise given the fact that the holders to know that it will be ship we have with the CSDM at previous Liberal government had business as usual at our schools FACE. This is an excellent example assigned two auditors to review and centres. We continue to take of collaboration between two school certain EMSB practices. One great pride in the fact that we have Produced by the Communications and boards. We are grateful to the found no irregularities and the one of the highest success rates of Marketing Services Division of the government for its commitment to other deposited her report with any public school board in the English Montreal School Board fund the renovations that this build- former Minister Sébastien Proulx province, and our enrolment is also 6000 Fielding Avenue, Montreal (Quebec) H3X 1T4 ing requires, and we will work in June 2017. The EMSB never on the rise. closely with the CSDM to relocate heard back from the Ministry Phone: (514) 483-7200, ext. 7245 our students during the work. This about the second report. Our Fax: (514) 483-7213 is a great relief for the school natural conclusion over the last E-mail: [email protected] community that has been living in eighteen months is that, again, Web site: www.emsb.qc.ca uncertainty in the past years. Our there were no irregularities. biggest challenge is to find a space CAQ Minister of Education, Editor: Mike J. Cohen large enough to relocate all of the Jean-François Roberge stated Communications & Marketing Specialist, EMSB students while having the least effect himself during his press conference Copy Editor: Kristin McNeill on the vocational arts of the school. recently, that these are merely allegations. Nothing has been Proofreading: Alessandra Nardolillo @EnglishMTL MEES Investigation determined as factual. None - Translation: Manon Bourassa theless, an investigation has been Finally, we issued a statement launched. It was also stated Layout & design: Ponctuation Grafix Inc. www.ponctuation.com in response to the MEES an - that no specific member of nouncement that an investigation governance nor management is Legal Deposit: Bibliothèque Nationale du Québec has been launched. We have targeted by this investigation. National Library of Canada absolutely nothing to hide and, Minister Roberge also ISSN 1488-416X the MEES will have the full stated in his press release cooperation of the EMSB’s that “Un travail remarquable EXPRESS | vol. 22 | Nº 2 | Spring 2019 www.emsb.qc.ca 3 Outstanding Principals – continued from page 2 Ms. Manos at Honoré Mercier “We work as a team. I make the numbers just over 500 members. Elementary School in St. Leonard. decisions when I need to, but I try In addition to an awards ceremony Her full-time teaching career began to include the staff in the process,” in Toronto, Ms. Mineiro will be in 2002 at the former Frederick she added. “We work in colla - enrolled in an executive leader ship Banting Elementary School before boration for the benefit of our training program at the University moving to Michelangelo from school and the students.” of Toronto’s Rotman School of 2004 to 2012. Another factor for Ms. Mineiro Management as well as other As a principal she puts a lot of is developing a strong relationship professional development courses. emphasis in ensuring that the staff with her community at large and her at Michelangelo feel empowered. parent body, both key elements in You can listen to As such, it is a direct credit to this ensuring that she maintains a healthy Suzanne Desautels’ EMSB that her nomination came from and happy school environment. podcast with Marisa at: resource teacher and staff assistant With her selection, Ms. Mineiro [https://bit.ly/2SgQvka ] Marissa Miniero, pictured here with Chair Angela Mancini, Stephanie Fuoco. joins an exclusive club that Regional Director John Pevec, Vice-Chair Joe Ortona and Parent Commissioner Pietro Mercuri. DateBook EMSB Commissioners 2019 WARD 3 WARD 8 (Westmount / Southwest / (St. Léonard) Ville-Marie West) March 24 to 26 May 4 Montreal Regional EMSB Chorale Spring Science and Gala Concert ANGELA MANCINI Technology Fair 7:30 pm | Oscar Peterson Hall Chairman Concordia University (Concordia University), Member, Executive Committee ME PATRICIA LATTANZIO www.sciencetech.ca 7141 Sherbrooke St. W. JULIEN FELDMAN President, Comité de gestion de la taxe Tickets: $15/adults – $10/students – President, Human Resources Committee / scolaire de l’île de Montréal / Chairman, $5/children 12 and under WARD 10 Transportation Advisory Committee / April 7 Vice-President, Finance Committee / (Rivière des Prairies/ Member, Audit Committee / Vice-Chairman, Governance & Ethics World Health Day May 13 to 17 Pointe-aux-Trembles) Member, Governance and Ethics Committee / Member, Education Committee / Member, Education Committee / Member, Adult Education & BASE Daycare Employees Committee / Observer, Educational Vocational Services Committee April 7 to 13 Recognition Week Policies Committee Volunteer WARD 9 Appreciation Week May 14 WARD 4 (Anjou / Mercier / Hochelaga / Maisonneuve / Petite Patrie) April 8 National Denim Day JOE ORTONA (Hampstead / Côte Saint-Luc) International Day Vice-Chair Volunteer of Families Vice-Chairman, Transportation Advisory Appreciation Evening Committee / Member, Executive Committee / Member, Governance & May 23 to 25 Ethics Committee / Member, Human April 11 Resources Committee / Member, Quebec Association of Holocaust English School Boards Association / BERNARD PRAW ROSARIO ORTONA Administrators of English Member, Education Committee / Chairman, Adult Education & Vocational Remembrance Day Chairman, Education Committee / Vice- Schools of Quebec and Member, Finance Committee / Chairman, Human Resources Committee / Services Committee / Vice-Chairman, Executive Committee / Member, Audit the Quebec English School Member, Adult Education & Member, Executive Committee / Member, April 12 Vocational Services Committee Governance & Ethics Committee / Committee / Member, Human Resources Boards Association Member, Quebec English School Boards Committee / Member, Education Terry Fox Day Conference, Quebec City Association / Member, Adult Education & Committee / Member, Finance Committee WARD 1 Vocational Services Committee April 22 May 31 (Côte-des-Neiges / Snowdon / Outremont / Town of Mount Royal / PARENT Earth Day World No-Tobacco Day Park Extension) WARD 5 (St-Laurent) COMMISSIONERS April 24 June 2 to 8 Administrative Quebec Week for Assistants / the Handicapped Secretary’s Day June 15 MORDECHAI ANTAL May 8 JAMES KROMIDA EMSB Caretakers Day Chairman, Audit Committee / PIETRO MERCURI Chairman, Executive Committee / EMSB Teacher WARD 2 Elementary Schools Recognition Day (Montreal West / NDG) Chairman, Finance Committee June 21 May 6 to 10 Last Day of Classes WARD 6 Mental Health (St-Michel / Villeray / Awareness Week Plateau-Mont-Royal / Ville-Marie East) http://www.mentalhealthweek.ca/ All meetings can JOSEPH LALLA be viewed live at Chairman, Governance & NORM GHARIBIAN Ethics Committee / Vice-Chairman, Secondary Schools www.emsb.qc.ca Audit Committee / Vice-Chairman, Education Committee / Member, Executive Committee / AGOSTINO CANNAVINO Meetings Member, Human Resources Committee Vice-Chairman, Adult Education & urged to bookmark the EMSB website Vocational Services Committee / Member, Audit Committee / The EMSB council of commissioners meet (www.emsb.qc.ca) to access Board Member, Finance Committee / in public once a month. They convene at meeting agendas and to be advised Substitute, Comité de gestion de la taxe 4:30 p.m., only to adopt the agenda, and about special meetings. To register for scolaire de l’île de Montréal MUBEENAH MUGHAL in camera question period please call 514-483-7200, Advisory Committee on Special move . Therefore, the session La version Education Services (ACSES) for the public convenes at 7:30 p.m. ext. 7264. The meetings scheduled for française des comités WARD 7 spécifiques de chaque (Ahuntsic / Cartierville / and is held in the Laurence Patterson this academic year are as follows: Montreal North) Con ference Room of the administration commissaire se trouve • March 27 sur le site de la CSEM : building at 6000 Fielding Avenue. www.emsb.qc.ca Everyone is welcome to attend. Please • April 24 note that occasionally during the year • May 22 special meetings are called. Parents are • June 12 ANDREW ROSS SYLVIA LO BIANCO 4 www.emsb.qc.ca EXPRESS | vol. 22 | Nº 2 | Spring 2019

Director General: Ann Marie Matheson’s Message

Financial Minister of Education Jean- account of the implementation of the strategies employed and their François Roberge and football its strategic plan and the results contribution to the attainment of Statements star Laurent Duvernay Tardif, an obtained with regard to the goals the objectives. This allows the Our 2017-2018 audited fi - offensive lineman with the NFL’s and measurable objectives set out Board to identify strategies that are nancial statements of the EMSB Kansas City Chiefs and a graduate in the partnership agreement that less effective and that need to be were deposited at a recent Council of McGill University’s Medical was entered into with the Minister modified or discontinued. Where meeting. The operating surplus for School, this year’s spokesperson. of Education on July 1, 2010. The there is insufficient progress, the 2017-2018 is slightly under $1 annual report informs the reader board re-examines once again its million. This amount is added to Annual Report of the board’s objectives and the educational and organizational the accumulated surplus from targets set, the context as to why practices and determines what new which Council may appropriate at Article 220 of the Education they were set, the results obtained, strategies should be developed to the rate of 15 percent per year for Act requires each school board the board’s interpretation of increase student success. This is the next two fiscal years. Council to report on its partnership agree - the results, and the adjustments the last year for the report on the was pleased to be able to use close ment in its Annual Report. Our or corrective strategies to be Partnership Agreement. As of next to $6.5 million from the June 30, Partnership Agreement Annual implemented as a consequence year, the board will be reporting 2017 accumulated surplus in 2018- Report informs all of its stake - of the results. The report also in a very similar way on its 2019 for continued services to holders in its territory with an analyzes the degree of success of Commitment to Success Plan. It is my pleasure directly benefit students, including to share some the introduction of new initiatives as well as direct allocations to information about schools for improvements to recent developments schools and centres. at the EMSB. Policy on Cannabis ENTER THE More Pre-K Classes We have adopted a new policy EMSB EXPRESS QUIZ We are pleased to announce on the possession and/or con - the addition of 13 new Pre- sumption of cannabis. In view of Kindergarten classes funded by the the recent legalization of recre - CERTIFICATES PASSES TO Ministry of Education. ational cannabis in Canada, we A TO SEE A MOVIE AT Set to receive new Pre-K intend to namely protect the GIFT CARD classes for the 2019-2020 health and safety of our students, TO academic year will be: Sinclair employees, elected representatives, Laird in Park Extension (1), volunteers as well as all users THEATRES Parkdale in St. Laurent (2), of any of our establishments, ™/® Cineplex Entertainment LP or used under license Go to www.laronde.com General Vanier in St. Leonard (1), including the grounds, premises Go to www.pizzapizza.ca Go to www.cineplex.com to find out more about Dalkeith in Anjou (1), Westmount and buildings. Possession and/or to find out the location to find the location closest Quebec’s largest Park (3), Gerald McShane in consumption of recreational closest to you. to your neighbourhood amusement park. Montreal North (1), Coronation in cannabis is strictly prohibited OR OR Côte des Neiges (1), Mackay for any person present in any Centre/Philip E. Layton in NDG EMSB establishment. MERCHANDISE (1), Pierre Elliott Trudeau in FROM EMSB PHYSICAL LITERACY Rosemount (1) and Bancroft in the Hooked on Plateau (1). The conditions and Go to www.emsb.qc.ca/pl to find out more criteria considered when making School Days about our new campaign. theses selections were the poverty I was pleased to continue in my index, schools with existing half- role as president of the Réseau EMSB Express Quiz day Pre-K’s and available space Réussite Montréal campaign and The answers to these questions can be easily found and teachers. preside over the recent kickoff for CLUE: by reading this issue of the EMSB Express. At the present time we have Hooked on School Days (HSD), 12 Ministry-funded Pre-K’s, inclu - always held during the third 1 Which EMSB Physical Literacy Ambassador once played for the Montreal Canadiens? ding four of the aforementioned week of February. This program ______schools: Gerald McShane (2), mobilizes Quebecers around the 2 At what school does Marisa Mineiro serve as principal? Pierre Elliott Trudeau (2), Bancroft educational success of young ______(2) and Coronation (1). The list people. The event reminds stu- Who is the EMSB Parent Commissioner for ACSES? is also composed of Nesbitt in dents, parents, school staff, em- 3 Rosemount (1), John Caboto (1) ployers, and all provincial and ______and Our Lady of Pompei (1) in regional stakeholders that they 4 When is Volunteer Appreciation Week? Ahuntsic, St. Dorothy (1) in play a vital role in encouraging ______St. Michel and St. Gabriel (1) in young Quebecers to stay in school. 5 Which restaurants sponsor our National Teachers Day promotion? Pointe St. Charles. On hand for the event were the ______6 At what school did the EMSB hold a press conference for Physical Literacy? ______7 How many bike blinders does the EMSB B.A.S.E. Daycare Program use? ______8 What is the name of the new EMSB mascot? ______9 Which drug became legal in Canada on October 17? ______For monthly updates 10 Which famous book did players from the Laval Rocket read to students from? and breaking news ______about the EMSB Please cut out this form and bring it to the office of your NAME school and ask that it be sent # SCHOOL to Room 109 of the EMSB log to our Focus Newsletter at: Head Office at 6000 Fielding E-MAIL ADDRESS via the internal mail system. You can also access the form The deadline is April 18, 2019. at www.emsb.qc.ca. EXPRESS | vol. 22 | Nº 2 | Spring 2019 www.emsb.qc.ca 5 Des poupées à Galileo

de la CSEM Nouveau site web

La thérapeute artistique Erica Nicole Onofrio a eu l’idée de proposer aux élèves un projet différent : fabriquer des poupées pour des mères célibataires. À l’approche de la période des Fêtes, les élèves des services d’intégration sociale (SIS) au Centre d’éducation des adultes Galileo à Montréal-Nord étaient impatients de célébrer. La thérapeute artistique Erica Nicole Onofrio a eu l’idée de proposer aux élèves un projet différent : fabriquer des poupées pour des mères célibataires, par l’entremise du Centre des Femmes de Montréal. Certains ne connaissaient pas cet organisme; ils ont donc été initiés aux diverses conditions dans lesquelles les gens vivent dans la métropole. Ils se sont montrés très réceptifs à l’idée d’offrir des poupées aux enfants, car ils voulaient que les enfants soient heureux et n’aient pas le sentiment d’avoir été oubliés en cette période des Nathalie Lauzière, Mike Cohen, Nur Erdem, Andrea Di Tomaso, Fêtes. « Lorsque nous avons commencé à confectionner les 23 poupées, un esprit de David Verrillo et William Hawker. solidarité s’est installé petit à petit », a souligné madame Onofrio. « Les élèves ont travaillé La CSEM a officiellement procédé au nouveau lancement de son site web (emsb.qc.ca). ensemble, se sont entraidés, se sont tournés les uns vers les autres plutôt que de demander Cette réalisation aura nécessité plusieurs années de travail. Figurent sur la photo (de gauche l’aide des enseignants. Ils ont également vécu différentes expériences sensorielles en à droite), la secrétaire générale de la CSEM Nathalie Lauzière; le spécialiste en manipulant des tissus, de la laine et du rembourrage. La fabrication de ces poupées a fait communication et marketing Mike Cohen; la webmestre Nur Erdem; la conceptrice appel à plusieurs aptitudes, allant de la motricité globale à la motricité fine, et les élèves principale Andrea Di Tomaso et David Verrillo technicien de réseau, ainsi que William en ont fait la démonstration sans aucune difficulté. Au fil des semaines, alors que les Hawker (gestionnaire du projet) des Services éducatifs et de la technologie. Notre nouveau poupées prenaient forme, un sentiment de fierté et d’accomplissement a gagné la salle de site moderne et réactif est adapté aux appareils de bureau et mobiles. Il assure la diffusion classe. La confection de poupées a sans contredit été bénéfique comme en témoignent les des notifications d’urgence à la grandeur de la Commission et permet de partager aisément liens qui se sont tissés entre les créateurs et les poupées. Ces poupées ont éveillé des de l’information entre les sites. Nous procéderons au transfert des sites de nos écoles souvenirs chez certains adultes, ce qui les a poussés à raconter des histoires. Pour d’autres, primaires et secondaires sur la même plateforme au cours des 12 à 24 prochains mois. Les le simple fait de tenir les poupées s’est avéré une expérience réconfortante. Nous espérons sites Web des écoles sont maintenant automatiquement redirigés vers leur propre domaine que ces expériences positives seront transmises à ceux qui recevront ces poupées! » (nom de l’école.emsb.qc.ca.). C’est tout à fait normal et les écoles peuvent choisir de continuer à utiliser leur ancienne adresse électronique (www.emsb.qc.ca/nom de l’école). Toutefois, les liens vers les sous-pages mises en signet pourraient ne pas fonctionner. Si c’est le cas, il suffit de supprimer vos favoris, d’accéder à la page à partir du site Web et de l’ajouter à nouveau à vos favoris. Nous vous invitons à nous faire part de vos Foire des carrières commentaires à [email protected]. Plus de 2 000 élèves de la 5e secondaire ont pris part à la 18e édition annuelle de la Foire des carrières de la Commission scolaire English-Montréal (CSEM) le mercredi 17 octobre et le jeudi 18 octobre au Centre de carrières St. Pius X situé au 9955, avenue Papineau à Ahuntsic. Jack Dym de Pipe and Piling Supplies Ltd. et la Banque Royale RBC étaient Vanessa Grimaldi les commanditaires en titre de cet événement. Plusieurs s’implique encore une fois personnalités des médias étaient sur place pour renseigner les Le mardi 18 décembre, élèves sur les carrières dans ce la vedette de télé-réalité domaine et ont agi à titre de Vanessa Grimaldi s’est maîtres de cérémonie. Il s’agit rendue à l’école primaire notamment de Catherine Verdon- Edward Murphy afin Diamond de Breakfast TV, d’offrir une quatrième salle Christine Long de CTV, Shaun sensorielle à la CSEM. McMahon de The Beat 92.5 FM, Cet important soutien Travis Todd de Global TV et financier provient de la Sabrina Marandola de CBC. Fondation Votre meilleur Deux athlètes olympiques Plus de 2 000 élèves de la 5e secondaire vous (No Better You) mise du programme RBC se sont ont pris part à la 18e édition annuelle de la Foire des carrières. sur pied par Vanessa entretenues avec les élèves : (www.nobetteryou.org). Vanessa Grimaldi s’est rendue à l’école primaire Edward Murphy Jacqueline Simoneau, double médaillée d’or des Jeux panaméricains qui s’est afin d’offrir une quatrième salle sensorielle à la CSEM. Vanessa, qui travaillait classée au 7e rang lors de ses premiers Jeux olympiques à Rio en 2016 en nage en tant qu’enseignante en adaptation scolaire au Centre d’éducation des adultes Galileo synchronisée, et Sandrine Mainville, l’une des meilleures nageuses en relais ayant de la CSEM à Montréal-Nord avant sa participation à l’émission The Bachelor sur les remporté une médaille de bronze à Rio ainsi que l’or et l’argent aux Jeux ondes d’ABC, a lancé sa fondation à l’été 2017 dans le but de faire progresser l’éducation panaméricains en 2015. La Foire des carrières ouverte au grand public le 17 octobre en offrant des outils et des programmes spécialisés destinés aux apprenants exceptionnels a enregistré une participation record. Harriet Cohen du Service de l’éducation des à la grandeur du pays. La présidente de la CSEM, Angela Mancini, souhaite exprimer sa adultes et de la formation professionnelle (EAFP) préside le comité de la Foire des gratitude à Vanessa puisque le produit de ses levées de fonds a été affecté à la construction, carrières. Les Services aux élèves et l’EAFP de la CSEM coordonnent ce à l’entretien et au fonctionnement des salles sensorielles à l’école Edward Murphy, au programme. Mme Cohen souligne que l’objectif principal de la Foire des carrières Centre d’éducation des adultes Galileo et à l’école Coronation à Côte-des-Neiges, de même vise à sensibiliser les élèves aux divers programmes d’enseignement qui s’offrent qu’à l’école primaire Pierre Elliott Trudeau à Rosemont. à eux. Tous les élèves ont assisté à une brève séance d’information générale dans « Une salle sensorielle propose de nouvelles façons d’apprendre qui font appel à tous l’auditorium du Centre de carrières St. Pius X. Ils ont ensuite eu l’occasion de les sens. C’est un endroit thérapeutique pour les élèves », a expliqué Vanessa. « Cet espace visiter les divers kiosques d’information/d’exposition et de s’entretenir avec des peut faire en sorte de stimuler ou de calmer les élèves. Il les conscientise davantage, leur représentants des centres de formation professionnelle, des cégeps, universités, de procure un sentiment de sécurité et contribue à la relaxation mentale et physique, ce qui certains collèges privés, des Forces armées canadiennes, du Service de police de les amène à réaliser qu’ils n’ont pas à se tenir toujours sur leurs gardes. » Montréal, du Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal et de la Sûreté du Québec. Visitez le site Web Votre meilleur vous pour rester à l’affût des activités à venir. 6 www.emsb.qc.ca EXPRESS | vol. 22 | Nº 2 | Spring 2019 Physical Literacy is Everyday Life Giving students more opportunities to develop movement skills to broaden horizons by Kristin McNeill

On the eve of Kindergarten and Elementary School Registration Week (February 4 to 8), the EMSB showcased its programs that support the development of physical literacy. Special guests, media and small contingents of students from six EMSB schools were invited to Hampstead Elementary School to learn more about physical literacy through numerous activities and presentations on the subject. Hampstead School is one of the elementary institutions which has assumed a leadership role in this area. What is physical literacy? Physical Literacy ambassadors, special guests and EMSB officials gather after the press comference. Physical literacy is about developing the competence, How EMSB health education can have on A variety of engage in a short period of confidence and motivation to be students’ success and overall well- physical activity in the hallway, active in a variety of ways and supports physical being. Some of the ways in which physical activity such as passing around a soft environments. The idea is that by literacy the board ensures strong support experiences football or soccer ball. Similarly, being confident in physical activity, for this subject area are the stationery bikes positioned on the students benefit in their overall Students all across EMSB following: Within Physical Education and ground floor allows students who physical, mental and emotional schools have many physical • It is the only English board that Health classes, EMSB schools struggle with sitting and remaining health. Physical Education plays a activity options throughout their has a full-time Physical Edu- expose students to a variety of focused for longer periods of time critical role in developing physical schooling. The most foundational cation and Health Consultant; physical activity experiences. to expend some energy. Providing literacy – in Phys. Ed. classes, is the Physical Education and • An annual grant, Keeping the Students develop different physical these opportunities to students is students develop their move - Health program in each school. Physical Education, provides competencies such as circus-act backed by research that clearly ment competence, and Physical During these classes, students schools with funding to purchase skills, jump-rope skills, throwing demonstrates the impact of Education teachers are also develop fundamental movement equipment that allows them to skills, game tactics, fitness skills physical activity for increased careful to structure their classes skills such as throwing, running, offer a varied Physical Education or gymnastics. They also learn attention spans afterwards. to encourage confidence and jumping, balancing and kicking. program; about fair and inclusive behaviour, The school is also set apart by motivation, two important com- These skills are the building blocks • A Professional Improvement the human anatomy, stress and the fact that it offers 160 minutes ponents of physical literacy. The of physical literacy, and throughout System allows teachers to apply relaxation strategies and other a week of physical education for benefits of regular physical activity 11 years of Physical Education and for funding to bring in presenters examples. Kindergarten students (who have are already well documented: Health in EMSB’s elementary and so that multiple physical a class every day), compared to the sustained long-term health, secondary schools, students learn education and health-specific Special day more standard 120 minutes a week. increased social connectedness, to apply them in a variety of phy - workshops are offered annually; Grades 1 to 6 have 150 minutes per improved general mental and sical activity settings. They also • Technology funding is provided at Hampstead week of Phys. Ed., which includes physical well-being and better learn tactics and strategies needed to support learning in Phys. Ed. Special celebrity ambassadors the BOKS morning fitness quality of life. But children who to apply these skills in a number classes, such as 15 recently were on hand January 25. Each program (based on Reebok’s are more physically literate have of different sports and activities. installed SMART Panels in visited different classrooms to “Build Our Kids Success”) when more access to these benefits, Most importantly, they are pro- EMSB gymnasiums; see the variety of ways that move - each school day begins. which is central to their success vided these opportunities in a • Active participation by EMSB ment is incorporated throughout Hampstead has also established as students. learning environment that is Phys. Ed. and Health teachers in the school day at Hampstead an extensive equipment distri - The EMSB’s strength in carefully structured by the Phys. projects help develop curriculum Elementary, and also to answer bution system for recess and lunch physical literacy rests on four Ed. teacher to instill a love of and teacher resources that students’ questions. play that gives students access to pillars: its robust Physical life-long physical activity. are shared and presented Hampstead School was chosen equipment for outdoor games and Education and Health programs, In addition to Physical provincially and nationally; to host the special event because sports. Finally, Hampstead is one its “60 Minutes of Daily Physical Education and Health, non- • Collaboration between EMSB’s it is a leader in increasing of the 15 EMSB schools to Activity” program (based on the competitive options of extra- Educational Services department opportunities for movement participate in the “60 Minutes of Quebec government initiative curricular activities include and Student Services (autism throughout the school day, as well Daily Physical Activity” program. À l’école, on bouge!), its avid outdoor education in hiking, consultants and occupational as ways for students to be active in Schools participating in this participation in inter-scholastic camping, skiing, snowshoeing, therapists) provides workshops the outdoors. On a daily basis, program commit to providing the sports and its additional pro - canoeing, biking and rock and support to enable Physical students can take “brain breaks,” opportunity for all students to gramming in outdoor and active climbing. Through the Greater Education and Health teachers to where a hallway pass provides accumulate 60 minutes of physical living activities. Montreal Athletic Association offer the best possible program permission for a single student or activity during every school day. The EMSB strives to help all school sport leagues, students also for students with special needs. a pair to leave the classroom to students achieve success, and have the opportunity to participate supporting the development of in sports that have a competitive or physical literacy through various team aspect, including swimming, programs is an important pathway track, golf, and team sports such Global TV Focus Montreal interview: https://vimeo.com/315262083 to this goal. What’s more, more as basketball and badminton, CBC Radio Noon Program: movement in the school day is among others. https://www.cbc.ca/listen/shows/radio-noon-montreal/episode/15666468 usually accompanied by more fun The EMSB recognizes the [EMSB Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cD8o60dd3KQ ] and engagement in the classroom. impact that a quality physical and PHYSICAL LITERACY www.emsb.qc.ca 7

An apple ” and 60 minutes ” a day by Kristin McNeill every school board shift in school culture. Many of our in Quebec for a designated classes are now equipped with The EMSB now counts 15 number of schools to participate activity bins and stationary bikes; elementary schools which have in the program with the aim we encourage flexible seating and opted to participate in a Quebec of changing school cultures to brain breaks to support students in government health initiative called incorporate more activity in the their learning styles and specific À l'école, on bouge! The objective school day. Some 450 schools needs. Students have also benefited is to transform school culture around the province took part from interesting outdoor activities. toward an active one, specifically the first year. The EMSB was It is important for teachers to by ensuring that students are originally given funding to include realize that giving active breaks to provided with the opportunity to six of its schools. But elementary students will improve their accumulate at least 60 minutes of school principals showed so much attention and performance in class; physical activity during each interest that the EMSB Council the message is slowly spreading. school day. Be it for cognitive approved its own funding to bring Active students do better. We just functioning, social or physical in additional schools. need to provide them with health, this initiative allows Funding is allocated over a opportunities. We are confident students to experience the multiple three-year period, regressively, with that the measures that we put in benefits of physical activity the objective of rendering the place are having a lasting impact throughout the school day and initiatives, put into place by on students and staff.” – Nathalie Lacroix-Maillette , Principal Michelle Kim Van Houtte and students from Elizabeth Pierre de Coubertin Elementary School. Ballantyne “Elizabeth Ballantyne has participated in this initiative by adding movement bins filled with equipment, such as agility ladders, fit deck cards and more. We worked with Project Move to educate our staff and students on the importance of movement. We organized different outdoor field trips for our students and also launched the Boks program so that students could be active in the morning.” – Carmelina Colafabio, Special Education Technician East Hill Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary School Physical Education and Health teacher Patty Foschi and her students. “Being an active school, we commit to offering 60 minutes of encourages teachers to be stra - schools with the funding over the physical activity per day. In tegic with using movement to three years, self-sustaining after addition to an enriching and benefit learning and classroom that period. rigorous Physical Education management. There is also an outdoor activity program, our students begin their Launched by the Ministère de component to the initiative. The school day with 15 minutes of l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement MEES has long recognized the brain activity in order to truly supérieur (MEES) in the 2017-18 benefits that nature and the embrace their role as active academic year, several EMSB outdoors have to offer. Addition- learners. Each classroom is schools are already in their second ally, in a province like Quebec, the supplied with hands-on tools, both year participating in the 60 opportunities for physical activity electronic and hard copy, that Minutes initiative. They are: in the outdoors throughout all facilitate the process of nurturing Elizabeth Ballantyne in Montreal four seasons are plentiful, so the our active learners. A common West, Hampstead, Royal Vale in À l'école, on bouge! initiative ‘Active School Board’ is set up so NDG, Parkdale in St. Laurent, naturally seeks to encourage our students can proudly share St. Raphael in Park Extension, students to explore physical their accomplishment in moving St. Dorothy in St. Michel, activity in the outdoors. All daily.” – Jessica Monti, Vice- Michelangelo and East Hill students, from Kindergarten Principal in RDP, Edward Murphy in through Grade 6, participate in at Hochelaga Maisonneuve and least one outdoor activity or nature Parkdale Pierre de Coubertin in St. Leonard. class throughout the school year. Newer participants, currently Schools can decide to use some of “So far, Parkdale has purchased active in the initiative this school the funding to have a school-wide equipment, desk cycles and ‘fit year, include Leonardo Da Vinci trip or for the different grade levels bins’ that contain resources to help in RDP, Edinburgh in Montreal to have separate outings. enable physical activity in every West, Sinclair Laird in Park classroom. Last year, students Extension, Pierre Elliott Trudeau Here is what some participated in an active outdoor in Rosemount and Merton in Côte of the participating school-wide field trip for the Saint-Luc. schools are doing first time through this initiative. The EMSB hopes to expand This year, we added lines to our this program to more schools. Royal Vale school yard to further increase participation in physical activities The way the “Royal Vale has put in place at recess and lunch. As the year funding works various initiatives that support the progresses it is our wish to perhaps objective of having 60 minutes of purchase winter equipment and The initiative was introduced daily physical activities in a day. begin new initiatives to increase by the MEES in the spring of With the help of a facilitator/school students' access to various outdoor 2017. Money was allocated to leader, we are slowly operating a continued on page 8 8 www.emsb.qc.ca EXPRESS | vol. 22 | Nº 2 | Spring 2019

The EMSB was pleased to count on the volunteer support of the RBC Côte Saint-Luc Road branch, led by Manager Marisa Volpe at Carmy Colafabio and students from Elizabeth Ballantyne the Physical Literacy press Elementary School. conference. RBC staff activities.” – Diana Piazza and need them. During our homework served as official guides Matt Guy, Physical Education and assistance program after school, for our ambassadors. Health Teachers I begin and end the program with gym activities providing movement a further 15 minutes of physical St. Raphael before and after they do home- activity outside. We have pur - work.” – Marco De Crescentis, chased sleds and other outdoor “St. Raphael has made a Child Care Worker winter equipment for the students commitment to have at least 60 to encourage more dynamic play. minutes of movement in the school Michelangelo Indoor soccer is popular in EMSB gymnasiums And we have purchased indoor day by having a school-wide like this one in Hampstead. equipment for the students to exercise period at the beginning of “We’ve been using the funding for each classroom so that the week and almost every grade gets be more active in the classroom. the day, in addition to time spent to help us with the purchase of children can have the opportunity to go play in the park next to our These include agility ladders, outside at recess and during the equipment and resources to help to move while doing work or just school three times per week.” mini-stilts, ice cream catchers, lunch period. We have purchased teachers with keeping students have the opportunity to get some – Patrizia Granaudo, Physical exercise dice, activity/fitness cards, cross-curricular materials with the active in the classroom. This was movement breaks within their day.” Education and Health Teacher juggling scarves and foam balls. money provided by the initiative the particular need for us to get the – Elisa Giampa, Physical Edu - Starting in January 2019, we will so that language arts and math 60 minutes of activity in a day. cation and Health Teacher Leonardo Da Vinci be adding a school-wide physical activities can be more active and This includes: foldable exercise activity break for 10 minutes. hands-on (and minds-on) for our bikes and pedals in the classroom Pierre de Coubertin “Leonardo da Vinci is located We will be playing some uplifting students. The administration has and informational resources with next to a beautiful park. As a Force music from the intercom to ensure organized activities and expe - ideas for ‘brain-break’ activities “We have a morning and an 4 school, we have purchased snow participation. We are training riences for the students where teachers can lead in the classroom. afternoon recess, which last shoes to initiate our students to this both teachers and Grade 6 students they can extend their physical We also participated in a school- 13 minutes each. We also have a wonderful wintertime activity. We (showing them games and re - vocabulary and surpass their wide outdoor activity in the spring lunch recess, which lasts about have created a parkour obstacle sources) in order to facilitate the expectations of their own abilities. at Centre Plein Air Notre-Dame- 25 minutes. The students are active course to challenge students’ augmentation of more physical The staff is working hard to remind De-Fatima.” – Mario Benvenuto, outside for a total of approximately endurance and mobility. Students activity throughout the day.” our students of the value of playing Physical Education and Health 51 minutes, so a lot of our focus from pre-k to Grade 6 enjoy this – William Cho, Physical Edu- outside, either with sleds on the Teacher for this initiative has been on activity! This winter, ski instructors cation and Health Teacher snow or with simple winter walks maximizing physical activity levels are coming to the school to around the neighbourhood. We are Edward Murphy for all students during the time introduce our students to cross- Sinclair Laird all becoming more physically spent in the school yard.” One way country skiing, which they will literate as a result.” – Robert Le “Edward Murphy has been part PdC has done this is through experience in our adjacent park! “We are creating ‘fit bins’ for Couteur, Physical Education and of the 60 minutes a day initiative making sure there is a variety of We have purchased equipment, for each classroom group to get Health Teacher for the second year now. We invited activities to offer students, since example sleds and balls, for our students active on a regular basis Project Move to come in last year not everyone enjoys the same type school yard so that students can in the classroom. We will also St. Dorothy to kick off the initiative. They of activity. Our recesses offer participate in various stations to be supplement our energy stations helped get the teachers and activities such as soccer, dodgeball, active and creative during their with more activities. We are “At St. Dorothy, we have our students motivated to move. With Champ, basketball, tag, skipping outdoor play.” – Nadia Sammarco, expanding our skating program movement room up and going the funds, we purchased play - and "Walk & Talk" around the Principal and are looking into various pos - for another year. Teachers select ground equipment for the kinder - track, as well as snow-building toys sibilities for outdoor education.” – 30-minute movement periods per garten yard. We also planned for and sleds that the students use to Edinburgh Scott Danovitch, Physical day. Hallway games are set up both a school-wide winter activity trip, pull each other around. At Education and Health Teacher on our junior and senior sides for which we will do again this year. lunchtime, we also offer open gym “We have added an afternoon movement breaks when students We also purchased stationery bikes to Cycle 3 students, three times a recess where the students can get PHYSICAL LITERACY www.emsb.qc.ca 9 EMSB students take part in many outside initiatives that develop Physical Literacy by Daniel Smajovits from Mackay Centre School as Energy Cubes challenge well as students from other schools. (month of May) The EMSB is proud to partner with a number of outside orga - Swim to Survive • The Energy Cubes program from nizations to offer students at both Program Le Grand défi Pierre Lavoie has students moving as much as the elementary and high school • The Swim to Survive Program possible to collect the maximum level opportunities to develop their from the Lifesaving Society Swim number of “energy cubes” throu - physical literacy through different teaches students the essentials ghout the month of May. In the programs and activities. needed to survive an unexpec - competition, 15 minutes of phy- The EMSB would like to ted fall into deep water – an sical activity equal one energy highlight the following programs important first step to being safe cube. Energy cubes for family and/or partnerships: around water. members (parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters) that move with students count too, so it’s not uncommon to see students getting their families up and moving even more during this month.

BOKS (Build Our Kids Success) Physical Activity program • BOKS is a free physical acti- vity program from Reebok that improves children physically, mentally and socially by strength - Students at Leonardo ening their minds and bodies Da Vinci Academy work out through movement. Many schools in the Vehicube of offer this program to start the Le Grand défi Pierre Lavoie. school day, at lunch or after school. Active bodies = active minds! friends to walk to school together. Special Olympics The event takes place a few days into the new school year so as • The Special Olympics are a to encourage students and parents unique athletic competition held to continue this throughout the specifically for the students of school year. the Mackay Centre and Philip E. values, and engaging Canadians Layton Schools. in adopting and maintaining On Your Feet (Canadian healthy active lifestyles. Cancer Society) Edinburgh Elementary School student Avah Pennefather, Basketball Jamboree with Principal Mauro Zampini and Darrell Fox, at McGill University BLEU BLANC BOUGE • Participating schools and families are encouraged to make walking, younger brother of Terry Fox. Avah was honoured by in Action Program • This an annual basketball tour - cycling or scootering part of their the Terry Fox Foundation for her for 10 years of (Montreal Canadiens nament featuring a number of daily lives and to add up their participation with them. She did her first walk in skating program) elementary school teams. km in an attempt to cover the her stroller and she had her own pledge form. • This winter-long program utilizes equivalent of 6,000 km! Canadian Olympic the Montreal Canadiens’ “Bleu School Program Blanc Rouge” rinks spread out Trottibus Walking across the city to promote physical School Bus program • The Canadian Olympic School Terry Fox Foundation Jump Rope for Heart fitness and skating skills. (Canadian Cancer Society) (Terry Fox Run) Program (COSP) includes over • This is an annual event where 100 free online education re - International Walk • A program that enables of stu - • Annual walk or run in the elementary students skip rope sources that are aimed at promot - to School Day dents who live in close proximity community that promotes physical for extended periods of time, ing safer and more inclusive to their elementary school to come fitness while raising money for the promoting physical fitness while sport environments, inspiring • Annual event in September that together with an adult to form a Terry Fox Foundation, in honour raising money for the Heart and the application of the Olympic encourages students, parents and walking group to school. of the late Terry Fox and his Stroke Foundation. Marathon of Hope.

Greater Montreal Athletic Association • Halo Road Race: Annual run for students in Grade 5 and 6 on Mount Royal organized by the with Suzanne Desautels GMAA. • A variety of intra-scholastic We are proud to announce that well-known local media personality sports and competitions. Suzanne Desautels is the new host of the EMSB Podcast. She succeeds Barry Morgan, who was hired in early January as a communications Défi sportif AlterGo consultant for the CIUSSS West-Central Montreal. Suzanne was a • Défi sportif is the largest annual mainstay on the Montrealer TV and radio scene. Born in Washington, multisport event in Canada. This DC, she says her upbringing gave her a strong background and one-of-a-kind event hosts over experience in US Politics. “My broadcasting career has taken me around 7,000 elite and up-and-coming the world on shows like Travel, Travel while other opportunities have athletes, across all abilities, from allowed me to interview politicians, actors, fascinating people from all all over Quebec and from abroad. walks of life,” she said. “Montrealers know and trust me as I have never The EMSB is led by a strong team tried to be what I am not on the air. What you see or hear is what you get! I’m a mom with three daughters, a faithful friend and I play well with others.” The EMSB Podcast is our own in-house radio show. SEE INFO ON PAGE 12 10 www.emsb.qc.ca EXPRESS | vol. 22 | Nº 2 | Spring 2019

The EMSB has introduced its first group of Physical Literacy Ambassadors. They made their debut at the press conference at Hampstead Elementary School January 25, visiting classes and engaging with students (and staff). Plans call for this list to grow, with new members being introduced over time as these kinds of visits are stepped up.

The ambassadors spoke to the kids Last December, assembled in the gym and later visited Theodore Fairhurst several classrooms, where students made a successful ascent of Ojos del asked them prepared questions. The Suburban sports editor Mark Lidbetter Salado, the highest volcano in the world Here is the initial group: with Rick Green and JP O’Connor. located in the Andes. It Rick Green is a former member of the 1986 Stanley Cup Montreal Canadiens was the culmination of team. He was also an assistant coach for the Canadiens. “My path was determined his personal challenge at Rocco Placentino through a lot of exercise in my youth,” he said. “I was able to continue to play in 70 to climb the highest is a former member of higher levels every year through discipline and keeping active.” volcano on every the Montreal Impact, a continent. He is an JP O’Connor is a former professional hockey player and currently a colour graduate of our own alumni of Elizabeth commentator for Laval Rocket broadcasts on TSN 690. He told Grade 6 students Gerald McShane and Ballantyne Elementary his active childhood paved the way for a career in sports: “The first person Lester B. Pearson High School in Montreal West who ever motivated me to get out there and play was a member of my family – School and currently and Montreal West High my older brother.” the technical director of School, now Royal West. the Club de Soccer St. When asked about his Laurent. He had some accomplishments, he thoughts on how to said: “It’s about attitude. It’s motivate youth about about being positive and physical literacy. “Being Geraldine (Gigi) about looking at the glass active at a young age Cabillo-Abante is half full. It’s about having a is super important as a guard on the McGill passion for life and having the new generation Martlets women’s basket- challenges and learning is distracted with devices and video games. ball team. She spoke with what you’re made of.” I remember as a youngster being active was part of students in Grade 1 and 2. my nature – whether it was playing multiple sports “It’s so important to instill or even just playing hide-and-go-seek with my [physical activity] at a friends in the school yard or in the parks.” young age because that’s when you want them to start developing healthy habits and to continue with those habits later on in adulthood when they might be less likely to Gigi Cabillo-Abante and Commander Luis Oliveira. start,” she said.

Luis Oliveira is the commander of Montreal Police Station 9 (Côte Saint-Luc, Hampstead, Montreal West), but in his youth he was an offensive guard for the McGill Redmen football team. One of the questions from the group of Grade 1 and 2 students Oliveira spoke with had to do his work-outs. “As a police officer, when do you work out?” He answered “I always bring my gym clothes with me in the car. I usually go to work out directly after work. Being in the gym is part of my everyday life. It makes me happy and clears my mind of stress.” Jill Barker is the director of Athletics and Recreation at McGill and Dwight Walton is a fitness columnist for a student supervisor the Montreal Gazette. at John F. Kennedy Steve Frischman and Kavis Reed. She visited a Grade 6 Adult Education class to share her Centre in St. Michel, Steve Frischman is a former football player for the Concordia Stingers. He thoughts and advice served as head coach of the Madrid Bears Football Team and was a professional but is well-known as about physical literacy. strength and conditioning coach for professional athletes. For the past few years, a former professional “At your age, it is via a machine called the Magnesphere, he has helped former Alouette Michael basketball player in important to try as many Soles cope better with ALS. He is a graduate of our own Gardenview Elementary Europe and a mem- sports as you can. The School and LaurenHill Academy. When asked by a student what were his goals ber of the Canadian movements you do and for 2019, he responded “I have several goals. That happens when you have kids. Olympic men’s skills you learn through My personal goal is to actually get to the gym more. The other thing is to help my basketball team in sports translate into your high school and sons, who are both in the fitness business, make their business grow.” the 1988 Seoul university years, and will Summer Olympics. He spoke with some Grade 1 and Kavis Reed, a former player and coach in the CFL, is the vice president of football benefit you in many 2 students. He said electronic devices are very operations and general manager of the Montreal Alouettes. Physical literacy helps ways,” she said. “The with self-esteem, he said. He described the players as not just being in good present nowadays but advised the children “to get whole idea is to not be physical shape, but having confidence, feeling good and taking a holistic approach up, and be active. Get the blood moving. It increases the best in one sport, to their well-being. He encouraged kids to play outside. “It’s not just for your physical the oxygen in the brain and gives you more capacity but to do your best in activity, it’s also part of socializing and getting to know people.” to learn in school.” lots of sports.” PHYSICAL LITERACY www.emsb.qc.ca 11

David Arsenault and Joanne Lawson of the Champions for Anthony Housefather is the Life Foundation, visited Grade 1 Liberal Member of Parliament and 2 students. Mr. Arsenault for the Mount Royal riding and a answered whether he did sports competitive swimmer who has won everyday by saying “Sports might multiple medals at the Maccabiah have a competition aspect,” he Games in Israel. He advised young said. “So, I don’t do sport everyday people “when you grow up, you but I do some physical activity.” have to keep involved in sports. When a student asked about Being physically fit is as impor- coaching, Ms. Lawson said she tant as being mentally active has been teaching students and emotionally happy. They all from Kindergarten to Grade 2 go together.” fundamental movement skills, such as how to throw, catch, drib- Anthony Housefather and ble with hands and or with feet. Jeremy Filosa of 98.5 FM Sports. Joanne Lawson and David Arsenault

The EMSB will announce the names of more Physical Literacy ambassadors soon!

Shawn Brown chats with students. William Stanback is Shawn Brown is a former professional basketball a running back for the player and a member of the Physical Education staff Alouettes. Jean-Gabriel at Hampstead Elementary School. "Physical activity Poulin is a linebacker. has been a part of my daily routine since I was a child William Stanback, Jean-Gabriel Poulin and Nolan O’Rourke with students. When asked what the in my country of St. Vincent,” he said. “ As I got older, most important thing for it started off as me improving my physique but I learnt Nolan O’Rourke is a Grade 10 student from LaurenHill Academy and elite them as athletes is, both more about the importance of physical activity as it wrestler with his sights set on the 2020 Summer Olympics. He spoke with Grade players said that it was relates to health, well-being and prevention. So I try 5 students who asked what advice he would share with fellow students. “Keep the camraderie built with to educate the youth on the benefits of keeping active, working hard,” he said. “Learn as much as you can, set up a strong foundation and teammates. exercise, the confidence it builds and responsibility keep building on it.” of taking care of themselves through fun activities."

Rastko Popovic is the head coach of the Concordia University Stingers basketball team. Students in Grades 3 and 4 were interested in asking him different types of questions, including the more obscure “Does sports have an imagination”? He answered that you can determine what your goals are, then “use your imagination of where you’d like to be, whether it’s in a specific sport or anything else you’d like to do in life.”

Elio Dimeo and Amy Walsh Sami Ghandour stands six foot six Elio Dimeo attended Gerald McShane Elementary and is a forward for the Concordia School in Montreal North. He is a forward with the basketball team and former member of Junior AAA Montreal North Arctic and is currently the Lebanese basketball team. One of studying Physical Education at McGill. He spoke to the questions asked by a student was Rastko Popovic, Sami Ghandour and Kim St-Pierre. Grade 3 students. “It’s important to be introduced to “How often do you practice?" He said he all sports and to know that to be physically active liked this question because it allows you don’t necessarily have to do it on a competitive him to talk to kids about how he manages his time between Kim St-Pierre was a goalie for three level. You can do it for fun.” school and basketball. “Being a student athlete, we practice Canadian Women’s Olympic team gold medal anywhere from three and a half to five hours a day,” he Amy Walsh winners, an all-star during her years at McGill is a former midfielder for the Canadian explained. “Being involved in sports has always helped me and today works for BOKS Canada as a regional Women’s Soccer Team and a member of the properly manage my time, which is not only useful at school. coordinator. “I want to encourage you to be Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame. She spoke with We must keep our grades up in order to be able to play sports active and healthy,” she said. “And it starts at Grade 3 students about what her message would as a student athlete. Having the skill of time management plays the school level. Every day you need to move. be to kids and parents about fitness. “It’s about a huge role in a productive day-to-day life.” Every single day.” doing well, moving often, finding enjoyment and integrating it not only into your school life, but into your daily life, and that becomes part of the normalcy of what you do,” she said. Reporting by Kristin McNeill, Ishini Fernando, Cindy Davis and Wendy Singer. 12 www.emsb.qc.ca EXPRESS | vol. 22 | Nº 2 | Spring 2019 Physical Education tailored to special needs

Modifying Physical by Wendy Singer Education

The EMSB strives to support the Parkdale Elementary School development of physical literacy Phys. Ed. teachers offer their for all students, no matter what students with autism a modified challenges they face. Phys. Ed. experience. Students Physical literacy is a journey attend classes that run one half upon which children and youth, hour (instead of the regular hour) and everyone, develop the know - three to four times weekly. The ledge, skills and attitudes they shorter class time enhances their need to enable them to part - focus as they work on movement icipate in a wide variety of skills through class routines and activities. From Mackay Centre cues, and enjoy activities both School students that have motor, indoors and outdoors. Phys. Ed. language and communication teacher Dianna Piazza explains disorders, and those that are that the goals are very different in Deaf and use American Sign Mackay Centre School students participate in the Défi Sportif. these adapted classes, where Language to communicate, to following instruction, developing Philip E. Layton (PEL) School Tailored to the chologists, specialized equipment teacher at Mackay Centre School fundamental skills like throwing, students that have many of these that is normally used in phy- Bob Simpson. catching, gross motor, and climb- same issues in addition to visual abilities of students siotherapy type setting, and lots In addition to attending Phys. ing, are reinforced. According to impairments, or students with The Physical Education and of creativity to adapt movement Ed. classes in the gymnasium two Piazza, classroom teachers remark autism and intellectual diffi- swimming teachers at the Mackay to the individual abilities of each times per week, Mackay students that their students with autism are culties that attend many EMSB Centre School tailor their pro- student. “By tailoring the Phys. enjoy their weekly swimming calmer and more focused after schools, the Physical Education grams to the abilities and the Ed. program to the individual session in the school’s pool, where Phys. Ed. class. and Health teams are adapting special needs of their students. abilities of our students, we de- the water allows them the freedom their programs to focus on the They think outside the box to velop their competence, con - to move without the force of A unique opportunity abilities of their students as they meet the needs of their students, fidence, and enjoyment of phy- gravity, allowing them more progress along their individual integrating onsite physio and sical activity, regardless of their freedom of movement while they Every April, Altergo organizes physical literacy journeys. occupational therapists and psy- disability,” says Physical Education develop swimming skills. the Défi Sportif, the largest annual multisport gathering in Canada that hosts thousands of athletes with special needs from Quebec, Canada and abroad, from elite and B.A.S.E. Daycare Program bike blenders up-and-coming athletes to Quebec school teams. EMSB B.A.S.E. DAYCARE GREEN CLUB INITIATIVE At the Défi, people with disabilities are the majority, giving by Léah Hendriks to use in teaching children about students the unique opportunity to Nutrition, Physical Education and compete with others with similar This academic year, the B.A.S.E. Health and STEAM (Science, abilities. The event caters to the Daycare Program has introduced Technology, Engineering, Arts and strengths of competitors, creating two bike blenders into its stock of Mathematics). competitions that meet the skill equipment to service our schools. sets of students. For example, the The EMSB Before and After Nutrition & Phys Ed power wheelchair obstacle course School Enriched (B.A.S.E.) was designed for those who are Daycare Program is excited to The bike blender can be used quick with the controls of their introduce bike blenders into as a tool for highlighting nutrition power chairs. schools on a rental basis. The through creating healthy snacks. Last year, 39 athletes from the bikes have been modified to Another great theme to explore Mackay Centre School competed propel a blender that can make using the the bike blender is in six events: track and field, simple smoothie recipes. Students physical literacy. This is accom - power wheelchair obstacle course, will have the chance to pedal a plished through involving students swimming, rhythmic gymnastics, bike and blend their own smoothie directly in physical activity: students ball hockey and soccer. Athletes Students experience the bike blender while also creating their own need to pedal the bike to generate were from Grades 4 and up, with help from Ryan Oxley. recipe. It is an excellent tool for motion in order for the blender to including their Westmount High educators to use in animating function. Friction powered by the observe first-hand how the blen - B.A.S.E. Daycare Program Head School Satellite class (fondly activities with their students as pedalling engages the cog that der’s motor operates along with Office for west sector schools, and referred to as the Leaders on part of pedagogical day activities, drives the blender’s motor. how the bike’s back tire generates a second bike blender located at Wheels); a group of teenagers up harvest parties, school events and the energy to drive the blender. General Vanier Elementary to age 21 with physical and fundraisers. The bike blenders STEAM (Science, There are currently two bike School for east sector schools. communication disorders. provide opportunities to increase Technology, Engineering, blenders available as part of the “We are excited to offer this educational competencies while Arts and Mathematics) B.A.S.E. Daycare Program extra- exciting new opportunity to stu- Wendy Singer is the managing engaging students in a positive There is a great deal of engi - curricular activities equipment dents and staff alike,” said Ryan editor of Inspirations Newspaper, social experience. In particular, neering involved in the bike stock: there is a bike blender Oxley, Green Club Animator, a special needs publication spon- bike blenders are an excellent tool blender’s mechanics. Students can located at the school board B.A.S.E. Daycare Program. sored by the EMSB. Log on to www.inspirationsnews.com.

Listen to the EMSB in-house radio show with Suzanne Desautels https://soundcloud.com/englishmtlpodcasts Google: • Launch the “Google Play Music” app iTunes: from your Home screen or from the app drawer. • Launch the “Podcasts” app • Tap the menu button on the top left of the screen Here’s how: from your home screen or (three horizontal lines). download it the App Store • Tap “Podcasts” * • Search “EMSB” • Search for “EMSB” * • Click on the EMSB • Click on the EMSB Podcasts logo Podcasts logo iTunes • Tap “Subscribe” • Tap “Subscribe” Google * iTunes = Apple Podcasts (iPhone, iPad, iMac, iPod). | Google = Google Podcasts (all Android, Google devices) LA LITTÉRATIE PHYSIQUE www.emsb.qc.ca 13 La littératie physique au cœur du quotidien Multiplier les occasions offertes aux élèves de développer des habiletés motrices pour élargir leurs horizons

Pour y parvenir, il importe d’appuyer le développement de la littératie physique par l’entremise de divers À l’aube de la semaine des physique. Dans les classes programmes. Qui plus est, l’ajout inscriptions à la maternelle et au d’éducation physique, les élèves d’activités physiques à l’horaire primaire (4 au 8 février), la développent leurs habiletés mo - quotidien de l’école se traduit Commission scolaire English- trices et les enseignants d’éducation généralement par une meilleure Montréal (CSEM) a présenté ses physique structurent soigneusement participation et un plus grand programmes qui favorisent le leurs cours de manière à stimuler enthousiasme de la part des élèves. développement de la littératie la confiance et la motivation, deux physique. composantes clés de la littératie Comment la CSEM Des invités de marque, des physique. Les bienfaits associés à appuie la littératie médias et un petit nombre d’élèves la pratique régulière d’activités provenant de six écoles de la physiques sont déjà bien docu - physique CSEM ont été conviés à l’école mentés : maintien de la santé à long primaire Hampstead dans le but terme, accroissement des liens Tout au long de leurs études, d’en apprendre davantage sur la sociaux, amélioration du bien-être les élèves des écoles de la CSEM littératie physique grâce à diverses mental et physique et meilleure ont plusieurs options quand il est activités et présentations sur ce qualité de vie. Or, les enfants qui question d’activités physiques, thème. Hampstead est l’une des ont un plus grand savoir-faire la plus fondamentale étant le écoles primaires ayant joué un rôle physique tirent davantage profit de programme d’éducation physique de premier plan à ce chapitre. ces bienfaits, ce qui est essentiel à et à la santé offert dans chacune leur réussite scolaire. des écoles. Dans le cadre de ces La force de la CSEM en matière cours, les élèves acquièrent des Qu’est-ce que la Élève de 2e année (Hampstead) Stephen Porcelli. littératie physique? de littératie physique repose sur habiletés motrices de base telles quatre piliers : ses solides pro - que lancer, courir, sauter, se tenir à l’application de ces habiletés d’activités para scolaires extérieures La littératie physique vise à grammes d’éducation physique et en équilibre et frapper un objet. dans différents sports et activités. dont la randonnée pédestre, le développer les compétences, la à la santé, son programme qui Ces aptitudes constituent le Mais surtout, ces occasions leur camping, le ski, la raquette, le confiance en soi et la motivation préconise 60 minutes d’activité fondement même de la littératie sont offertes dans un environ - canot, la bicyclette et l’escalade. pour être actif de diverses façons physique par jour (fondé sur physique, et pendant les 11 années nement d’apprentissage soigneu- Par l’en tremise des ligues sportives et dans une multitude d’environ- l’initiative du gouvernement du de cours d’éducation physique et sement structuré par l’enseignant scolaires de la Greater Montreal nements. En développant leur Québec À l’école, on bouge!), sa à la santé dispensés dans les écoles d’éducation physique dans le but Athletic Association, les élèves confiance en leurs aptitudes participation active aux sports primaires et secondaires de la de les encourager à adopter un peuvent également pratiquer des physiques, les élèves améliorent interscolaires et sa programmation CSEM, les élèves apprennent à les mode de vie physiquement actif sports d’équipes ou de compé - en général leur santé physique, complémentaire d’activités exté - mettre en pratique dans divers tout au long de leur vie. tition, notamment la natation, mentale et émotionnelle. L’édu- rieures et de vie active. contextes d’activité physique. Ils Outre le programme d’éducation l’athlétisme, le golf, le basketball cation physique est essentielle au La CSEM s’efforce d’aider tous se familiarisent également avec des physique et à la santé, soulignons et le badminton, pour n’en nommer développement de la littératie les élèves afin qu’ils réussissent. tactiques et stratégies nécessaires les options non compétitives que quelques-uns.

La Commission scolaire English-Montréal (CSEM) compte désormais 15 écoles primaires ayant choisi de prendre part à Le financement est alloué sur une période de trois ans, selon un l’initiative santé du gouvernement du Québec intitulée À l'école, modèle régressif, dans l’espoir que on bouge! L’objectif vise à dynamiser la culture scolaire en les pratiques mises en œuvre par les s’assurant principalement que les élèves ont la possibilité écoles au cours de ces trois années d’accumuler au moins 60 minutes d’activité physique à l’école, soient solidement implantées au chaque jour. Des habiletés cognitives aux compétences sociales terme de cette période. en passant par la santé physique, cette initiative permet aux L’initiative comporte également élèves de tirer avantage d’une foule de bienfaits liés à l’activité un volet dédié aux activités physique tout au long de la journée de classe et incite les extérieures. Le MEES reconnaît enseignants à utiliser le mouvement de façon stratégique afin depuis longtemps les bienfaits de favoriser l’apprentissage et la gestion de classe. associés à la nature et au plein air. Et puisque ce ne sont pas les Cette initiative, lancée au cours écoles qui ont adhéré cette année occasions qui manquent au Québec de l’année scolaire 2017-2018 par à cette initiative, mentionnons : de faire de l’activité physique à le ministère de l'Éducation et de Leonardo da Vinci à RDP, l’extérieur à longueur d’année, l'Enseignement supérieur (MEES), Edinburgh à Montréal-Ouest, l’initiative À l'école, on bouge! vise plusieurs écoles de la CSEM Sinclair Laird dans Parc-Extension, incite les élèves à découvrir des qui en sont déjà à leur deuxième Pierre Elliott Trudeau à Rosemont Batteurs de Hampstead. activités de plein air. Tous les année de participation : Elizabeth et Merton à Côte Saint-Luc. élèves de la maternelle à la 6e Ballantyne à Montréal-Ouest, La CSEM souhaite étendre ce commissions scolaires au Québec CSEM a initialement reçu une année participent à au moins une l’école Hampstead, Royal Vale à programme à un plus grand pour soutenir la participation allocation pour six de ses écoles. activité extérieure ou une classe NDG, Parkdale à Saint-Laurent, nombre d’écoles. d’un nombre donné d’écoles au Or, devant le grand intérêt nature au cours de l’année scolaire. St. Raphaël dans Parc-Extension, programme destiné à transformer démontré par les directions Il est laissé à la discrétion des St. Dorothy à Saint-Michel, Appui financier la culture scolaire en intégrant d’écoles primaires, le conseil de la écoles d’utiliser une partie des Michelangelo et East Hill à RDP, quotidiennement à la journée de CSEM a approuvé l’affectation sommes allouées pour organiser Edward Murphy dans Hochelaga- Dans la foulée de cette mesure classe davantage d’activités d’une part de ses propres fonds une sortie destinée à l’ensemble Maisonneuve et Pierre de introduite par le MEES au physiques. Quelque 450 écoles de afin que d’autres écoles puissent des élèves de l’école ou encore Coubertin à Saint-Léonard. printemps 2017, des allocations ont la province ont pris part à cette elles aussi emboîter le pas. pour planifier des sorties adaptées Au nombre des nouvelles été versées à chacune des initiative la première année. La aux différents niveaux scolaires. 14 www.emsb.qc.ca EXPRESS | vol. 22 | Nº 2 | Spring 2019 Westmount Grad Running for US President Accolades In the yearbook photo of the 1981 graduating class at Westmount High School, the left hand of a beaming Kamala CTV COMMERCIAL Harris is resting on the right shoulder of Hugh Kwok. Kwok went on to run a Montreal car business with his father. Unbeknownst to him, Harris went on to be a U.S. senator. She’s now announced a bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020. When Kamala Harris Kwok was asked in December for his thoughts on his old pal’s potential run, he answered a reporter’s question with a question. “She’s running for president of what?” he asked in a tone that suggested he thought the answer might be the local Rotary Club. Informed that it was the presidency of the United States, his voice rose. “No way. Oh my goodness. I can’t believe it,” he said. Then he decided he was supportive of this idea. “We could use a good president,” he said. “She was a sweet, kind person. Very happy, very social. I’m just very excited for her, if that’s what she wants to do with her life.”

The Singing Chef

CTV reps Chris Malazdrewicz and advertising sales executive Samantha Calabrese also Stefano Guadagnino (top right) with students and staff. known as local television’s “The Singing Chef,” is a 14-year- A commercial promoting Elementary School Registration Week, which was February 4 to 8, aired on old Secondary III student CTV Montreal in December and January. You can view it here: https://vimeo.com/304432830 The production at Rosemount High School. took place in November at Royal Vale School, where the entire K to 11 experience could be caught on camera. Samantha always dreamed of Senior Producer Chris Malazdrewicz and advertising sales executive Stefano Guadagnino, a graduate of being on television and when Vincent Massey Collegiate, showed the commercial to a Grade 10 Drama class at Royal Vale first and took she won the contest Cook for a part in a lesson of authentic learning as to how such a production is put together from scratch. CTV’s Nadine Cure, everything fell into place. Ishak, an EMSB parent, voiced the commercial. On May 10, 2017, Samantha presented her dish at the Cook for a Cure event organized by Spiritual Animator, Vince Lacroce. Alongside her god - Singing chef father, the poached pear dish Samantha Calabrese. Our Mascot won dish of the night! The prize was to appear on Breakfast Television, but little did she know it The EMSB has been proud to would be the start to much more! Samantha has been cooking introduce the EMS Bee, our first since the age of two and continues to do so at home with her mom ever mascot called Bumble. She has and family. While on the show, she was asked if she had any other been making the rounds of schools passions other than cooking. Singing was one of them, and she and special events throughout the was asked to do a presentation. She proceeded to sing “Rolling in year. If you would like to book the Deep” by Adele. That’s when her singing talent was discovered Bumble for a school event email and she earned the title of “The Singing Chef.” Although she loves [email protected]. cooking, singing is also her passion and this began because of her sister who also likes to belt out a tune. She loves music from previous generations such as Michael Jackson and The Beatles. Bumble meets Samantha is a natural born star, she loves being on television and his Montreal Canadiens for her it comes so naturally. Go to this link to see her on Breakfast counterpart Youppi! TV: https://vimeo.com/310348754

Because You Teach Student Meets Contest Winner Stephen Harper Coronation Elementary School Teacher, Amanda Dandy Last summer, LaurenHill Academy in St. Laurent won the Microsoft Canada’s Secondary V student Vanessa Collao was fortunate enough #BecauseYouTeach Contest. to work for the Canadian Senate in Ottawa as a student. Microsoft expressed their Vanessa completed various tasks that enabled her to grow her gratitude on World Teacher’s Day understanding of the political world. She attended press that Canadians nominate an conferences, assisted colleagues with written work and also instructor who enrichs learning, had the opportunity of meeting many Senators. Currently, inspires students, and fosters an she is continuing her work for the Senate during the school inclusive learning environment. year from home. She is regularly assigned a variety of A Coronation Elementary different projects (i.e. transcribing speeches, assisting with School parent nominated Ms youth outreach activities, etc.). Earlier in December, she Amanda as she saw all these Amanda Daddy attended former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s qualities in her. As part of the book launch. Since she continues to work for the Senate, award the Microsoft team will be going to Coronation to celebrate Vanessa was invited and attended the event where Mr. Harper with Amanda by throwing her a thank you party to show their Student Vanessa Collao meets spoke to her personally about his book and her role with the appreciation for the work she does in her ASD Senior classroom. Stephen Harper. Senate. Vanessa has great aspirations to continue her This celebration will include a staff luncheon, a surprise gift bag education and work towards a career in politics. and a celebration banner. A warm congratulations to Ms Amanda! EXPRESS | vol. 22 | Nº 2 | Spring 2019 www.emsb.qc.ca 15 A Heartwarming Story Accolades at Edward Murphy

Excellence in French Five students from Vincent Massey Collegiate in Rosemount and one from Royal Vale School in NDG were recently presented with the 2018 Robert Alfred Peck Prizes for Excellence in French. Present day Grade 11 students (below left to right) Bryanna Bragagnolo, Gabrielle Calabrese, Rebecca Dupont, Amanda Vanasse and Carl Le Breux from Vincent Massey and Gilbert

Liam Dubois is surrounded by the Edward Murphy family.

Last July, Liam Dubois, a Grade 3 student at Edward Murphy Elementary School in Hochelaga- Maisonneuve, received a new heart after being hospitalized for 427 days. Thanks to his incredible medical team at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, Liam has made a full recovery. This year, unlike last, Liam celebrated Christmas at home with his family. He woke up on Christmas morning, excited for the day, like a typical eight year old should be. As a way to brighten up the holiday season for many children who were not home for the holidays, Liam’s teachers and classmates dressed up in their “ugly” Christmas sweaters and donated gifts to the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation. Their wish was to spread some holiday cheer to those in need and for everyone to have a merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year. Edward Murphy School Principal Cristina Celzi notes: “Liam has been back since October and is doing really well! It has Paradis from Royal Vale each attained the mark of 100 percent. been quite a roller-coaster though; he first got sick at school in June 2016 and we all feared the worst. He is They received medals and cheques in the amount of $150. The a true miracle child!” late Mr. Peck began teaching in the 1930s and served as the superintendent of French for the Ministry of Education and held similar posts with the former Westmount School Board and the Spirit of Giving former Protestant School Board of Greater Montreal. He was the department head for French at Lachine High School and vice- principal of Riverdale High School on the West Island, having completed his career as a teacher in Africa. Mr. Peck co-authored Le Français Pratique, the textbook for the teaching of French as a second language with Elizabeth Buchanan. It was a mainstay in Quebec Protestant English schools for over 20 years. This prize was established by the Peck family and the EMSB in 2002.

PSBGM Cultural Heritage Foundation Gives Back Proceeds from the sale of an art collection several years ago have and will continue to provide scholarships in the thousands of dollars CTV’s Christine Long with students at Michelangelo International School in RDP. to EMSB students for many years to come. In preparation for the holidays, the EMSB once again teamed up with CTV Montreal for the annual Spirit For decades, the former of Giving campaign, which brings much needed assistance to the less fortunate throughout Montreal. Non- Protestant School Board perishable food, toys and miscellaneous items, such as soap and cleaning supplies, were collected, sorted and of Greater Montreal donated to Donald Berman Chai Lifeline Canada, Share The Warmth, West Island Assistance Fund, Renaissance (PSBGM) collected Montreal, Multicaf, Batshaw Youth and Family Services, Mile End Mission, La Mosaique, The Nazareth House paintings through the and The Depot (Formerly NDG Food Depot). In all, the combined efforts of the EMSB, its schools and facilities generous donations of generated over 1,000 boxes of non-perishable food, and over 50,000 toys and miscellaneous items. For the many benefactors, as first time in the history of the campaign, individual schools collected on behalf of individual charities. In well as purchasing total, more than 40 schools and centres took part in the campaign, as well as some community organizations. some. It was maintained by the PSBGM Cultural Heritage Foundation. There were more than Lester B. Pearson High School Financial Literacy Book Launch 100 works of art, and vice-principal Patrizia Tummillo some were on display When it comes to children and their education, a great deal of emphasis is placed on reading, writing, presents a scholarship at the school board arithmetic and science. But are kids learning financial literacy? As far as Roslyn Elementary School parent to Emma Mancini. and various schools. A Mark Tilden is concerned, the answer is no. So he did something to change that. Mr. Tilden has been an decision was made to give the collection to the Montreal Museum investment advisor for 18 years and believes children should be taught how to handle money from a very of Fine Arts. But the museum only wanted some of the pieces. young age. That’s why he was at Roslyn in Westmount, to launch the world’s first financial fantasy fiction Those who cared for the art preferred that if the collection was to stories, complete with illustrations, for kids under the age of eight. Mr. Tilden held a launch/reading of The be viewed, it should be in its entirety. Instead, a decision was made Adventures of Princess Mikalia and Prince Pete for kindergarten and Grade 1 students. Mikalia is also the to auction off the work and create scholarships to benefit students. name of the author’s daughter. Mr. Tilden said he wrote the book because there isn’t anything out there like The artwork, more than half of the collection, sold for $1.4 million it. The stories about money made an impression on many of the students including five-year-old Gabriel in March of 2013. Since then, 46 high school students have received Aziz. “You can buy stuff with it,” he said. “You can earn it...you should get stuff that you need. Like if you scholarships worth $1,000 each while 100 elementary students don't have any food, you should buy food.” The Adventures of Princess Mikalia and Prince Pete is available have received $100 scholarships. for purchase online and is also sold at Babar Books in Pointe-Claire. 16 www.emsb.qc.ca EXPRESS | vol. 22 | Nº 2 | Spring 2019 Playwright/Actress Returns to LMAC Accolades Actress Michaela De Cesare recently returned to Laurier Macdonald High School in St. Léonard to speak to a creative Wellness Event writing class about her career. Commissioner for St. Léonard and City Councillor Patricia Lattanzio was on hand and took part in the program. The class, taught by Alessio Giancola, is actually working on script writing at the moment so the timing was perfect. Ms. Lattanzio asked Michaela if she would consider coming back to the school as a mentor, to which she agreed. Michaela holds an MA in Theatre from the University of Toronto and an undergraduate degree in Creative Writing & Theatre from Concordia University. She has DKG Quebec, an organization which promotes professional appeared in many movies, Michaela De Cesare (second from the left) is welcomed back and personal growth of women educators and excellence in television shows and stage to Laurier Macdonald by staff, students and education, has announced that it will host a special Wellness Event productions and writes her own Commissioner Patricia Lattanzio. for Educators on Saturday, April 13 at the Novotel Montreal Airport plays as well. (2599 Boul. Alfred-Nobel) in St. Laurent. “It’s My Day!” is the theme. This will mark the first time that teachers and educators will be offered a full day to recharge their batteries with uplifting, inspiring and life-changing workshops created especially for them. Ville Émard Bagels Teachers will meet experts in the fields of mental health, life skills, human behaviour, mindfulness and conflict prevention. It’s My TOY Day! is a day for personal growth. This day is for all those men and women working in a school environment from daycare to university. The cost for the day is $54. This includes a full buffet TEA lunch, refreshments and free parking. Teachers are welcome to dress comfortably as they may be interested in attending one of the mindfulness workshop sessions offered during the day. Students from the EMSB once again Registration for workshop sessions will be on a first come, first collected new toys for the 27th annual Christmas served basis. There will be an inspiring keynoter and three and Chanukah Toy Tea, held at Victoria Hall in breakout sessions, with 12 workshops available. Extraordinary Westmount on December 12. The aim of this door prizes will also be up for grabs. You can access the program program is to ensure disadvantaged children in at https://www.dkgquebec.com/its-my-day-event.html. Montreal have toys for the holiday season. The 2018 edition distributed toys to over 5,000 children living in 31 shelters for victims of domestic abuse and violence, as well as to th 10 Anniversary Larah Bross (fourth from left) returned to her children at The Welcome Hall Mission, The former high school, Option in Ville Émard, to Montreal Diet Dispensary, Tyndale St. Georges Parish, St. Willibrord’s Parish, La Rue des Celebration share with present day students how she moved to Scotland and started her own Femmes and Batshaw Youth and Family Services. This marked the 16th year of the Monreal-style bagel shop. She was joined EMSB’s involvement, which is an initiative of by Jimmy Rennie (fifth from left), a graduate former Spiritual, Religious and Moral Education of James Lyng High School, who now runs Consultant Irene Miller. Listen to our podcast: the very successful Ville Émard Bagels. https://soundcloud.com/englishmtlpodcasts.

Parent Conference a Big Success The EMSB Parents Committee held another highly successful Parent Conference on November 17 at the St. Laurent Adult Education Centre. It was a free event and featured 20 Martha Wainwright performs with her son, workshops dealing with a a Mackay student. wide variety of issues faced Inspirations Newspaper welcomed over 100 friends, colleagues by children and teenagers and supporters to the Mackay Centre and Philip E. Layton Schools and how parents can learn in NDG on the afternoon of February 22 to celebrate 10 years of how best to help. Among service to the special needs community. Everyone in attendance the workshops were topics had one thing in common – working together to break down such as understanding the barriers and promote the inclusion of people with special needs. new sexuality education The event showcased innovative vocational programs and the program, what parents talents of people with special needs. Lunch was catered by Summit should know about cannabis School’s TECC Bistro, a full-fledged catering enterprise. and teens, dealing with EMSB officials and student volunteers at the annual Parent Conference. Approximately 40 students were involved in the food preparation bullying, helping kids and service, providing them with invaluable work experience. through anxiety and stress, how to make literacy fun, how to motivate teens and advice for those at-risk and Renowned recording artist Martha Wainwright sang with the for those already excelling. EMSB Director General Anne Marie Matheson opened the conference by Mackay Centre School Choir, made up of 10 Grade 4 students, saying that what binds the school board is the coming together of different communities to work for com - one of which is her son! Master of ceremonies Steven Atme kept mon goals: the education and well-being of the board’s students. Norm Gharibian, conference co-organizer the event running smoothly. Steven, a columnist for Inspirations, and EMSB Parent Commissioner, said he was extremely satisfied with how the day went. “I think it was an speaks to students across the island of Montreal about living with amazing day,” he said. “We had great presenters, great participants. The food was right on the mark, and autism, and runs his own music school, Creaversity. I think a good time was had by all.” EXPRESS | vol. 22 | Nº 2 | Spring 2019 www.emsb.qc.ca 17 NEWS UPDATES EMSB/Chabad Program Provides a Lifeline to Parents by Barry Morgan “We’re addressing the kids, as about any of the struggles that they There are many parents who best we can, dealing with the kids.” may be having at the moment are struggling when it comes to he said. “But really, the parents are or any questions that they may the issue of a child having a the ones who are really searching have regarding substance use in potentially destructive behaviour. and willing and really hungry for general...We also invite guests, If this affects you or someone you support and guidance. So that’s usually a person in long-term know, then you should also know what we’re doing this for.” recovery, who tell their story about about the Chabad Lifeline Parent In Chabad Lifeline now offers how they got sober and what Support Group, in partnership once-a-week parent support group type of issues they struggled with the English Montreal School meetings. They are held Mondays with when they were growing up. Board (EMSB). from 5:45 pm to 7 pm at 4615 And help the students relate to Chabad Lifeline Director Rabbi Cote Ste. Catherine, near the something real, something Benyamin Bresinger explains that Jewish General Hospital. It is free tangible right in front of them. the organization's mission is to act and non-denominational. This is somebody who lived this as an educational, preventative re - Rabbi Bresinger also explained problem and somebody who has source for students experiencing that Chabad visits 15 EMSB high gotten out of it.” some type of substance abuse issue. schools, where youth counsellors Stein said it has been extremely “We have 10 full-time staff and drug counsellors offer: effective. “Every time I do one of where we deal with anybody who’s • One-on-one counselling these presentations, I see the light affected by addiction,” Rabbi • Workshops on prevention bulbs go on in some of the stu - Bresinger said. “So, not only the • Speakers dents and relate. And I think it’s actual person coming for addiction, “Young people are coming in,” extremely, extremely important and but their family member is a very Rabbi Bresinger said. “So it’s peer valuable to be able to do that.” important part. And that family to peer conversations. Not about Stein tells the story of a Grade member is not necessarily coming ‘Don’t do drugs.’ But more about, 8 student who was abusing drugs here to help us help the addict. We what would bring a person to want and alcohol. "He was using a lot. Rabbi Benyamin Bresinger and Jason Stein. see the family member, themselves, to do drugs and how to deal with it.” He wasn't able to control it and he are in need of support.” Jason Stein is one of Chabad’s reached out for help. He saw one basis... He’s still attending school. needed to hear what they needed Rabbi Bresinger said it was addiction counsellors. of our presentations. He came to It was nice to see that our to hear at that time.” important for Chabad to reach out “We sit one-on-one with the see me after the presentation and presentation was effective, it Info: 514-738-7700 or go on - to parents. students,” he said. “We talk to them started seeing me on a regular reached that one person who line www.chabadlifeline.com. EMSB rolls out Sexuality Education groundwork

The process to introduce Sex - concerns such as the pervasiveness and young people. Comprehensive education. Parents’ role is crucial uality Education to the curriculum of messages about sexuality in sexuality education enables young in educating their children about at the EMSB is well underway, the media, easy access to porno - people to protect their health, well- sexuality. They contribute to their says Chairman Angela Mancini. graphy, sexting, and increased rates being and dignity. child’s well-being, while respecting EMSB Pedagogical Consultant of STBBI’s. Last fall, each EMSB school, the values of their family. The Jamie Quinn has been touring all “The implementation of the together with a team made up of complementary nature of the roles primary and secondary schools Sexuality Education program for the principal, teachers, spiritual of the family and the school to work with the respective admin - the 2018-2019 school year in all animator, guidance counselor, reinforces and optimizes the efforts istrators to determine in which EMSB schools is imperative for psychologist, school nurse and in educating our children and subject areas the different themes the mental, physical and collective social worker discussed the details youth regarding their sexuality. will be taught. well-being of every student and is regarding the imple mentation and The EMSB’s mission is to All school boards across a vital part of living a harmonious delivery of the program. Training “support its schools and centres in Quebec have started to implement lifestyle,” said Ms. Mancini. sessions and preparatory work - their efforts to educate students the Sexuality Education program The program and materials shops were offered for all those within a caring, safe and inclusive this year. As Ms. Mancini notes, were created by the Ministry of involved in the program. learning community.” A school is the reasons for providing sexuality Education, in collaboration with Jamie Quinn The school’s responsibility for a place of learning that contributes education 40 years ago are still the World Health Organization, providing sexuality education is to the development of each student. valid today: to gain knowledge of UNESCO, sexologists and other appropriate educational approach, part of its mission and offers a In addition to providing instruction the human body, combat gender professionals, and then tailored to known as comprehensive sex u - framework for learning in which and guidance in their academic stereotypes, educate students the psycho- sexual development of ality education. The program is all students receive the same studies, the goal is to support to help prevent sexual assault, children and youth. Sexuality scientifically accurate, incremental, information. It is a place of students as they learn to get along understand puberty, reflect on Education is to be provided to all age and developmentally appro - reflection where children and youth with others, encourage lifelong romantic experiences and prevent students in Quebec in the 2018-19 priate, curriculum based, com- can engage in discussions with learning and critical thinking, and sexually transmitted and blood- academic year for five to 15 hours prehensive, and builds on and their peers in a respectful and safe to become active members of a borne infections (STBBI’s). In per year, per grade level. The promotes an understanding of environment. School and family democratic society. addition, today there are other Ministry program uses the most universal human rights of children play parallel roles in sexuality 18 www.emsb.qc.ca EXPRESS | vol. 22 | Nº 2 | Spring 2019 NEWS EMSB and the Research UPDATES Institute of the MUHC launch historic STEAM partnership James Lyng STEAMS ahead with its new MAKER SPACE by Kristin McNeill “We are really happy for the school,” said Mr. Buttino. “This was What was once a small science the brain child of Ms. Ramlakhan lecture auditorium is now a spark - last year, and I am so proud of her ling new STEAM Maker Space for bringing this to light.” at James Lyng High School. And Ms. Ramlakhan, in turn, ac - it was a hive of industry recently knowledged the teachers involved, when the school invited guests to and said it was a collaborative a ribbon-cutting ceremony to effort with students too. “The show off the innovative space in students will be able to be full function. engaged in their learning and In pursuit of its two-year-old hands-on, which our students STEAM (Science, Technology, really like,” she said. Engineering, Arts and Mathe- Set against a chalkboard style matics) program, the school backdrop of a city skyline, the redesigned an old lecture-style space had several levels separa- Students from Lester B. Pearson High School learn more about Bob, auditorium into a bright, multi- ted by a few steps. Much of the the high-tech mannequin patient at the MUHC.

The EMSB and the Research A rich educational hospital and research institute,” Institute of the McGill University opportunity adds Dr. Pierre Gfeller President and Health Centre (RI-MUHC) are proud Executive Director of the MUHC. to have launched a new initiative For the last few years, the in which high-school students will EMSB has been supporting and Skills for the future collaborate with researchers on promoting the STEAM framework science, technology, engineering, in numerous schools. The partner - By embracing the STEAM arts and mathematics projects – ship with the RI-MUHC will allow framework, the ESMB also hopes also known as STEAM projects. the school board to further explore to better prepare students for This unique partnership be- its possibilities. the future. tween a public educational insti- “The EMSB is grateful and “This partnership not only gives tution and a large biomedical honoured that the RI-MUHC aspiring young students access research center is based on the has opened its doors to us, giving to some of the best biomedical STEAM framework, an educa- our teachers and students this science being conducted inter - tional approach to learning that educationally rich opportunity,” nationally, it gives McGill research uses Science, Technology, Engi- says EMSB Chair Angela Mancini. trainees the unique opportunity to neering, the Arts and Mathematics “The relevant and dynamic inspire and help shape the next to guide student inquiry, dialogue learning environment of the RI- generation of creative thinkers and Commissioner Julien Feldman and Regional Director and critical thinking. MUHC combined with real-life leaders,” explains David Eidelman, Pela Nickoletopoulos work with students at the launch. Over 40 students from seven examples will not only foster Vice-Principal of Health Affairs level, renovated workspace, com- furniture, including unused high schools of the EMSB creativity, but also encourage and Dean of Medicine at McGill plete with tools, designed for shelving from the school library, (Marymount in NDG, John Grant students to take thoughtful risks, University. “As an academic collaborative work and hands-on was salvaged and repurposed on Côte Saint-Luc, LaurenHill in engage in experiential learning partner of the MUHC, we are very projects. It was created to “engage for storage and display. Thought- St. Laurent, Lester B. Pearson in and persist in problem-solving.” proud to see our teaching and students, with more hands-on, ful aesthetic touches, such as Montreal North, Laurier Macdonald “This project was possible research mission serve society in project-based learning,” explained mounting old film reels on and John Paul I in St. Leonard thanks to the great collaboration this way; and we applaud the RI- Vice-Principal Marilyn Ramlakhan, the walls to appear as gears, a and Vincent Massey Collegiate in between the EMSB and the MUHC and EMSB for launching the visionary behind the project. common engineering symbol, Rosemount), along with their RI-MUHC, two positive organi- this project.” Five academic disciplines gave the space a creative and teachers from various disciplines, zational leaders in my riding of “We have a responsibility to combine to make STEAM, a friendly feel. will partner with laboratories at the NDG-Westmount,” says federal give back to our community in multi-disciplinary initiative that As guests trickled in, students RI-MUHC to produce STEAM- Transport Minister Marc Garneau. meaningful ways,” says Jenny promotes creativity and high and teachers were actively related projects. During a six-week “As a scientist myself, I know Koulis, who manages the Office of levels of student engagement. working on projects at most of the period, graduate research trainees first-hand how important it is Research Administration, Academic Students work on group and six work stations that make up will dedicate their time, to men- to introduce young Canadians Affairs and Community Outreach individual projects that take a James Lyng’s Maker Space. For toring students and guiding them to scientific thinking, a skill Programs for the RI-MUHC and creative and discovery-based example, students were making throughout their projects. that will serve them throughout coordinates this project. “What approach. The concept behind chess pieces at the 3-D printer “As the largest biomedical re - their careers. ” better way to do this than by encour - STEAM is that it encourages a and electronic station that search Centre in Quebec, the RI- “I am proud to see the RI- aging our children to develop the hands-on, trial-and-error approach provides the technology for MUHC is proud to take part in this MUHC at the forefront of this skills and knowledge they need to to learning. Projects tend to be students to design their own unique educational partnership and educational initiative that will become the critical thinkers and interactive, using both current objects and print them. They can help high-school students prepare strengthen connections with a part innovators of the future?” technological devices, as well as also build and program robots, for the future. Using STEAM to of our community. The MUHC the simplest of building materials. using online software. create unprecedented community prides itself on the quality and To listen to Suzanne Desautels' Principal Lino Buttino engagement is a fulfilling and re - innovation of its clinical and podcast go to this link: invited the district school In other spaces: warding mission for our institute and scientific training; we will make https://soundcloud.com/englishmtl Commissioner Julien Feldman, • The “classroom” station our trainees,” says Dr. Bruce Mazer, sure to inspire the next generation podcasts/emsb-podcast-emsb-the- along with Regional Director Pela includes computers and an interim Executive Director and Chief by sharing our knowledge and research-institute-of-the-muhc Nickoletopoulos and several interactive white board for Scientific Officer of the RI-MUHC. passion of the work here at our EMSB education consultants, to presentations. witness first-hand the space in • The arts and crafts station is full operation. Active in designing intended for art projects that background, is used to project back-lit working tables for Students currently use the and creating the Maker Space, also includes sewing, using images for videos, animation, tracing and drawing projects. Maker Space with their teachers, teachers Victoria Gagliano and two sewing machines that had with the ability to implement • And the woodworking station but the hope is that it becomes a Helen Stambelos were pleased to been donated. different backgrounds. has a workbench, with con - space students can use on their explain how the room had been • The “green screen” station, • The light table station has struction tools hanging in an own between classes. transformed and equipped. with its namesake green several of the architect-style, orderly way on a pegboard. EXPRESS | vol. 22 | Nº 2 | Spring 2019 www.emsb.qc.ca 19 SPORTS CAPSULE

Rocket Launch at EMSB HABS FEVER For the Montreal Canadiens game on January 23 at the Bell Centre vs. Arizona, the EMSB was fortunate to receive some generous donations of tickets. Grade 6 students Dylan Allison and Madison McGravie from Willingdon Elementary School in NDG sat in the private loge of Paysafe with Principal Carmen Nicolas and Interim Vice Principal Maya Doughan. Grade 11 students Fazle James Yaxley Junior, Fazle Ahmad, Ahmad and James Nicolas Buttino and Lino Buttino. Yaxley Junior from James Lyng High School in St. Henri sat in the Club Desjardins Gardenview students and Vice Principals Gaetano Sifoni and Eugenia Carystios meet section thanks to CTV Montreal with Principal Lino Buttino Rocket mascot Cosmo, author Roch Carrier, St. Laurent Liberal MNA Marwah Rizqy, players Daniel Audette, Charlie Lindgren and Michael McCarron, former NHLer and and his son Nicolas, a Grade 5 student at Honoré Mercier current Marquette Liberal MNA Enrico Ciccone and team animator Olivia Duclos. Elementary School in St. Léonard. This marked the first time ever each student had seen a Habs The EMSB is pleased to have Elementary School in St. Léonard Hockey Sweater to Grade 1 and 2 game at the Bell Centre. Paysafe launched a new partnership with the and Gardenview Elementary School students before playing a ball hockey is a Montreal-based corporation Laval Rocket, the American Hockey in St. Laurent. Students got to meet game against a team made up of which provides simple and secure League farm team of the Montreal them and team mascot Cosmo. As the older grades. The EMSB also payment solutions to businesses ARCTIC Canadiens. Some players have the format goes, one player reads had its first Montreal Rocket Night of all sizes around the world. thus far visited Pierre de Coubertin Roch Carrier’s classic book The at Place Bell in Laval in March. VISITS Players from the Montreal

LaurenHill PHOTO BY MICHAEL MICHETTI North Arctic, of the Quebec Junior AAA team, along with team vice-president Lina Di Giovanni and marketing director Alexia Perretta, once again visited a number of East End schools this year. The players spoke to students at three primary – Pierre de Coubertin, Honoré Mercier and General Vanier – about how they continue to attend school while playing elite hockey. Each visit concluded with a scrimmage. The schools then received free tickets for an Arctic game.

Coach Sacco and his players. Hockey Excellence A competitive hockey team was revived last year at LaurenHill Academy in St. Laurent, and on February 25 they played before a capacity crowd of just over 1,000 people at Raymond Bourque Arena. St. Laurent Liberal MNA Marwah Rizqy performed the ceremonial opening faceoff with Principal Donna Manos. LaurenHill was defeated 3-1 by John Rennie High School from Pointe Claire in the Greater Montreal Athletic Association (GMAA) Juvenile Division 2 Championship game. Getting this far was quite a feat for the St. Laurent team, brought back to life in 2017-18 by head coach and mathematics teacher Shawn Sacco after a 15-year absence. Coach Sacco played high level hockey himself in United States prep schools. Last year the new LaurenHill squad went all the way to the semi finals. This year they had an undefeated season until one forfeited game. They won their semi final vs Pierrefonds Comprehensive High School. All of the more than 1,000 LaurenHill students an at least 100 staff members attended the game as part of their last period of the day and walked over to the arena. Arctic players and officials with the General Vanier contingent. www.emsb.qc.ca EXPRESS | vol. 22 | Nº 2 | Spring 2019