High school students had pies on their ‘MIND’

AEVS Update

see pages 14 and 15

Win prizes with our quiz

see page 4

Honouring our Volunteers

see pages 7 to 12

E n g l i s h M o n t re a l S c h o o l B o a rd

Volume 25 Number 1 FALL 2021

www.emsb.qc.ca expressC o m m i s s i o n s c o l a i re E n g l i s h - M o n t ré a l

High school students had pies on their ‘MIND’by Maxie Ornstein-Ostroff

With an incredibly challenging school year now in the past, the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) plans to celebrate the resilience of our students, staff and families in a fun and unique way.

Partnering with The Directors Showband and their team of professional videographers, the EMSB worked with the

popular group – sidelined from large celebrations due to the pandemic – to produce an original song celebrating wellness,

resilience and perseverance.

Accompanying the song is a professionally shot and edited music video starring our students, staff and families.

Please view it at: http://www.emsb.qc.ca/wellnessStudents like Abigail Rosenberg of

John Caboto Academy in Ahuntsic became accustomed to wearing masks in class.

MIND students showcase some of their pies.

Selena Lavalle, Grade 9 student at Rosemount High School

Students at MIND High School in the Plateau embarked upon a new community engagement project towards the end of the last academic year.

The theme was education for social justice and personal well-being while creating spaces for youth autonomy within an alternative school system. MIND, an alternative option for independent and motivated students, strives to create a unique educational experiences within anenvironment that fosters diversity, inclusivity and critical thinking. MIND staff and students are currently involved in an experiential learning opportunity by working on an intergenerational project that will benefit a neighbourhood community organization, Projet Changement, a community centre for seniors. They learned about the organization and explored the social justice issues that are at the core of their mission.

Students organized a pie bake sale to raise funds for Projet Changement. Their goal was to make 60 pies under the supervision of a professional baker in a kitchen certified by the MAPAQ (Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec) following public health guidelines. Recording artist Martha Wainwright generously allowed access to Ursa MTL’s kitchen space at 5589 Park Avenue. Marie-Josée Katcho, a professional pastry chef, oversaw the baking.

Info: https://www.mindhighschool.com/

The EMSB celebrates

EMSB_Express_Fall2021_FINAL.qxp 2021-08-12 12:25 PM Page 1

w w w. e m s b . q c . c a E X P R E S S | vo l . 2 5 | N º 1 | Fa l l 2 0 2 12

Last spring we were elated with the Quebec Superior Court’sdecision to strike down keyprovisions of Bill 21, An ActRespecting the Laicity of the State.This decision was specific to allEnglish language school boardsbased on Section 23 of theCanadian Charter of Rights andFreedoms. Regrettably, the Quebec government appealed the ruling and therefore the law remains in place.

Our position has always been that Bill 21 conflicted with our values and our mission and with those of all Quebecers as expressed in the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. Its very adoption was contrary to our societal goal of promoting our peaceful co-existence in a pluralistic and inclusive Quebec.

We argued successfully thatSection 23 guarantees minoritylanguage educational rights toEnglish-speaking minorities inQuebec, including the exclusiveright of management and controlof minority language schools.

Section 23 has evolved throughthe years and successive decisionsof the Supreme Court of Canadahave recognized an exclusive right of management and controlaccorded to linguistic minoritycommunities across Canada forthe operations of their publicschool systems.

We have seen the negative impact of Bill 21 on our staff andon the culture in our schools andcentres. The law is forcing indi-viduals to choose between govern-ment employment and a desire towear religious apparel. We havehad to refuse employment to somequalified candidates and promo-tions for others. And of course, many have simply not applied.

Most importantly it sends a message of intolerance and exclusion to our students and their families. We hope that this court decision ends the discussion once and for all. It has already caused significant damage to the careers of many individuals.

We value the diversity of our students and staff and respect their personal and religious rights,

which are guaranteed both by theCanadian and Quebec Charters ofRights. This legislation runs contrary to what we teach and to the culture of respect for individual rights and religious freedoms within English-language schools. Moreover, a religious symbol worn by a teacher in no way affects their ability to provide quality education in a secular state, within a secular education system and in the classrooms of public schools administered by the EMSB.

Our challenge to Bill 21 wasalso based on gender discrimina-tion, prohibited under section 28 of the Canadian Charter. Rather than promoting gender equality, Bill 21 had the opposite effect. Due to the preponderance of women working in Quebec schools, the law is having a disproportionate effect on them, particularly well-educated Muslim women with university teaching degrees whose role in public life was restricted. Bill 21 was an

attempt to solve a non-existentproblem, and we are frustratedthat the Court did not rule in our favour in this regard.

As of this writing, we also anxiously await the Quebec Superior Court’s decision on Bill 40, which would have seen entities like the EMSB transformed into service centres. Once again Section 23 of the Charter comes into play. We sincerely hope for a favourable decision.

Chair’s Message: Our Challenge to Bill 21

Joe Ortona

Chair Joe Ortona marks the Bill 21 victory with some Westmount High School staff and students.

Editor: Michael J. Cohen Communications & Marketing Specialist, EMSB

Proofreading: Kristin McNeill and Ivana Bahdo

Translation: Manon Bourassa

Layout & design: Ponctuation Grafix Inc. www.ponctuation.com

Legal Deposit: Bibliothèque Nationale du Québec National Library of Canada ISSN 1488-416X

Produced by the Communications and Marketing Services Division of the

English Montreal School Board 6000 Fielding Avenue, Montreal (Quebec) H3X 1T4

Phone: (514) 483-7200, ext. 7245 Fax: (514) 483-7213 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.emsb.qc.ca

Nicholas Katalifos is the new EMSB Director General

Nicholas Katalifos began his duties as the new EMSB Director General last May.

Mr. Katalifos has worked for the EMSB and the former Protes-tant School Board of Greater Montreal for 29 years. For the pre-vious three years he has served as the Principal of the Wagar Adult Education Centre in Côte Saint-Luc. Prior to that he was the Principal of three elementary schools – Roslyn in Westmount and General Vanier and Pierre de Coubertin in St. Léonard – and he was the Vice Principal of two schools – Gardenview in St. Laurent and Westmount High. Hebegan his career in the educationsystem as a teacher.

Mr. Katalifos has been inte-grally involved with communitygroups and associations, particu-larly as they relate to specialneeds. Since 2010 he has been the

Chairman of the Board of Direc-tors of the Giant Steps School and Resource Center. The school wasestablished to educate and provideassistance to students on theautism spectrum. In addition, theschool runs a resource center forparents, professionals and autisticadults. His term as Chairman endsin June.

Mr. Katalifos will be working with the Council of Commission-ers and his management team on the development and implementa-tion of the EMSB strategic plan and overseeing the professional-ization of administrative support services.

Mr. Katalifos obtained his BA and MA in History from Concordia University, his Diploma in Educa-tion from McGill University and his Workplace Mental Health Certificate more recently from Queens University.

“This is a very exciting oppor-tunity for me, and I cannot wait to get started,” said Mr. Katalifos.“I consider the EMSB to be part of my DNA. I am so proud to be assuming this position for a Board, which continually has the highest success rate amongEnglish Montreal school boards inthe province.”

Nick Katalifos


w w w. e m s b . q c . c aE X P R E S S | vo l . 2 5 | N º 1 | Fa l l 2 0 2 1 3

The dates of the regular Board meetings for the 2021-22 session shall be held as follows:

• September 1, 2021 • October 6, 2021 • November 10, 2021 • December 15, 2021 • January 26, 2022 • February 23, 2022 • March 23, 2022 • April 27, 2022 • May 25, 2022 • June 22, 2022

The EMSB council of commissioners meets in public once a month. They convene at 4:30 p.m., only to adopt the agenda, and move in camera. Therefore the session for the public convenes at 7:30 p.m. and is held in the Laurence Patterson Conference Room of the ad-ministration building at 6000 Fielding Avenue. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please note that occasionally during the year special meetings are called. Parents are urged to bookmark the EMSB website (www. emsb.qc.ca) to access Board meeting agendas and to be advised about special meet-ings. To register for question period, please call 483-7200, ext. 7264.

JOE ORTONA Chair

[email protected] Member of Executive Committee (Chair), Comité de gestion de la taxe scolaire de

l'île de Montréal and Quebec English School Boards Association

WARD 6

St-Michel, Villeray, Plateau-Mont-Royal, Ville-Marie East

AGOSTINO CANNAVINO Vice-Chair

[email protected] Member of Executive Committee and

Comité de gestion de la taxe scolaire de l'île de Montréal (Alternate)

WARD 1

Côte-des-Neiges, Snowdon, Outremont, Town of Mont-Royal,

Parc-Extension ELLIE ISRAEL

[email protected] Member of Executive Committee and

Governance & Ethics Committee

WARD 2 Montreal West, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce

JOSEPH LALLA [email protected]

Member of Human Resources Committee (Chair)

*WARD 3

Westmount, Southwest, Ville-Marie West

JULIEN FELDMAN [email protected]

Member of Governance & Ethics Committee (Chair) and Human Resources Committee (Vice-Chair)

WARD 4 Hampstead, Côte Saint-Luc

JAMIE FABIAN [email protected]

Association and Audit Committee Member of Quebec English School Boards

WARD 5 St-Laurent

JAMES KROMIDA [email protected]

Member of Audit Committee (Chair) and Executive Committee

WARD 7

Ahuntsic, Cartierville, Montreal North SOPHIE DE VITO [email protected]

Member of Governance & Ethics Committee

WARD 8 St-Léonard

MARIO PIETRANGELO [email protected]

Member of Governance & Ethics Committee (Vice-Chair) and Human

Resources Committee

WARD 9 Anjou, Mercier,

Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Rosemount-La Petite-Patrie MARIO BENTROVATO

[email protected] Member of Executive Committee (Vice-

Chair) and Human Resources Committee

WARD 10 Rivière-des-Prairies, Pointe-aux-Trembles PIETRO MERCURI [email protected]

Member of Executive Committee and Transportation & Safety Advisory

Committee

Parent Commissioner

Elementary Schools MARIA CORSI

[email protected] Member of Executive Committee

Parent Commissioner Secondary Schools

TONY SPERANZA [email protected]

Member of Audit Committee (Vice-Chair) and Transportation & Safety Advisory

Committee

Parent Commissioner ACSES

(Advisory Committee on Special Education Services)

MUBEENAH MUGHAL [email protected]

Member of Human Resources Committee

Parent Commissioner at Large

DANIEL TATONE [email protected]

Member of Governance & Ethics Committee

EMSB CommissionersDateBook

Council of Commissioners Meetings

* Since more than one candidate has filed a nomination paper for Ward 3, the previously elected candidate, Julien Feldman, remains in office, pursuant to Decree 1039-2020 adopted on October 7, 2020, until the election resumes.

All meetings can

be viewed live at

www.emsb.qc.ca

September 8 International Literacy Day

September 12 National Grandparents’ Day

October 3 to 9 Fire Prevention Week www.afleq.ca

October 5 World Teachers Day

October 10 World Mental Health Day

October 11 Thanksgiving

October 18 to 22 Virtual Education Fair Hosted by EMSB Student Services and Adult Education and Vocational Services

October 25 to 30 National Media Literacy Week www.medialiteracyweek.ca

November 11 Remembrance Day

November 15 to 19 Professionals in Education Week

December 10 Human Rights Day

December 22, 2021 to January 5, 2022 Holiday Break

January 2022 EMSB Public School Education Month

January 27 Family Literacy Day (www.fld-jaf.ca)

January 31 to February 6 Kindergarten Registration Week

February 2022 Black History Month

February 7 to 11 Teacher Appreciation Week

February 14 to 18 Hooked on School Days

February 28 to March 4 March Break

March 2022 EMSB Nutrition Month

April 12 Terry Fox Day

April 24 to 30 National Volunteer Week

May 6 EMSB Teacher’s Recognition Day

May 19 to 13 Daycare Appreciation Week

2021 s 2022

Kamala Harris

EMSB Chair Joe Ortona has written to Federal Liberal MP for NDG-Westmount and Minister of Foreign Affairs Marc Garneau to raise the possibility of United States Vice-President Kamala Harris visiting Westmount High School as part of the itinerary on any future visit to Canada. Vice-President Harris graduated from the school in 1981.

Invitation to Vice-President Harris

“Vice President Harris’ story has inspired, and continues to inspire, young people around the world and the students of Westmount High are no exception,” said the EMSB Chair. A story was carried by Canadian Press and published in newspapers across the country.

Westmount High School

E M S B V I R T UA L

EDUCATION & CAREER FAIR

Grade 11 students will participate in webinars and tour the virtual exhibition hall, where they will be able to communicate directly

with representatives from CEGEPs, vocational centres and other pedagogical options that can lead to a post-secondary career.

The annual EMSB Education & Career Fair will take place virtually

on Wednesday, October 20

In the evening, parents and students from all grades will be invited to our

virtual open house from 6 pm to 9 pm.

For more information please stay tuned to www.emsb.qc.ca



The answers to these questions can be easily found by reading this issue of the EMSB Express.

The deadline is October 20, 2021.

NAME

SCHOOL

E-MAIL ADDRESS

Please cut out this form and bring it to the office of your school and ask that it be sent to Room 109 of the EMSB Head Office at 6000 Fielding Ave. via the internal mail system.

You can also access the form at www.emsb.qc.ca.

EMSB Express Quiz

CLUE:

1 Who is the new EMSB Director General?

___________________________________________________

2 Which commissioner is also the vice-chair of the EMSB?

____________________________________________________

3 What date is World Mental Health Day?

____________________________________________________

4 Eight teachers were presented with special awards from which restaurant?

____________________________________________________

5 What school does Vittoria Pisano from the Lasagna Project attend?

____________________________________________________

6 Who was the 2021 EMSB Volunteer of Distinction?

____________________________________________________

7 What does RAC stand for?

____________________________________________________

8 What do students at the St. Laurent Adult Eduation Centre call teacher Nick Galanogeorgos?

_____________________________________________________

9 What is the name of the band producing the new EMSB original song and video?

_____________________________________________________

10 How many days was the EMSB Storytelling Festival?

_____________________________________________________

WIN LAPTOP TRAYS COURTESY OF SHADD HEALTH AND BUSINESS CENTRE

GIFT CARD FROMA

EMSB PROMOTIONAL MERCHANDISE

COUPON FOR THE FAMOUS DIC ANN’S SAUCE

This includes the highly sought after COVID-19 contactless touch tool.

OR

OR

#

THEATRES

Go to www.cineplex.com to find the location closest to your neighbourhood

™/® Cineplex Entertainment LP or used under license

CERTIFICATES TO SEE A MOVIE AT

ENTER THE

EMSB EXPRESS QUIZ

CALENDRIER SCOLAIRE 2021 ~ 2022 SCHOOL CALENDAR

S E C T E U R D E S J E U N E S ~ Y O U T H S E C T O R

Holidays / Congé des fêtes

Fixed professional days Journées pédagogiques fixes

March Break Relâche scolaire

Last day of classes / Dernière journée de cours : June 23, 2022 / Le 23 juin 2022

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w w w. e m s b . q c . c aE X P R E S S | vo l . 2 5 | N º 1 | Fa l l 2 0 2 1 5EMSB teachers recognized for excellence

On the occasion of English Montreal School Board (EMSB) Teacher Recognition Day last May, eight teachers were presented with special awards from La Cage Brasserie Sportive, as well as certificates and gift cards for Chapters/Indigo. The winners were profiled on television by promotion co-sponsor CityNews Montreal.

The EMSB launched this ceremony seven years ago to coincide with National Teachers Day in the United States and recognize this profession towards the end of the academic year.

The EMSB received many nominations from parents for the awards, which fall into three categories. Groupe Sportscene, which owns La Cage, awarded $100 gift cards to teachers Vicki Theophilopoulos from Sinclair Laird Elementary School in Park Extension (youth sector); Joseph Romano from John Caboto Academy in Ahuntsic (physical education) and the team of Lea Zuravlyov, Mauro Corneli, Itzhak Raz, Patrick Bramm, Silvia Bilotto and Galina Gatsko (adult sector) representing the mathematics staff at John F. Kennedy Adult Education Centre in St. Michel.

Vicki Theophilopoulos Kindergarten teacher Vicki

Theophilopoulos has providedcalm, caring and intelligent supportto children, parents and colleaguesalike, not only through the periodof COVID-19 but throughout her tenure at Sinclair Laird. “Thisis a unanimous decision,” saidGoverning Board Chair AmandaListe. Ms. Vicki, whose motherMary was a longtime principal andeducator, has been an elementaryschool teacher at the EMSB for the past 14 years, 11 at SinclairLaird and prior to that Cedarcrest,Parkdale and Dunrae Gardens.

Joseph Romano Mr. Romano, who has been

with the EMSB since 2013, is recognized as a true team player and has been a great leader for the school. This is his second year at John Caboto. He has previously

worked at three other primary schools: St. Dorothy, Dante and Pierre Elliott Trudeau. Recognized as a selfless and dedicated individual, he is determined to improving the school environment. Passionate about his work, he is committed to offering extra- curricular activities that benefit students physically, emotionally, and socially from the moment they walk into the building until the day they graduate.

Mr. Romano is a great mentor, coach, motivator and supporter, as he challenges students to maximize their potential, convincing them that they can do anything they set

their minds to. He believes in them before they believe in themselves! Mr. Romano encourages students and gives them a reason to come to school feeling happy.

The Math Team at John F. Kennedy Adult

Education Centre Lea Zuravlyov, Mauro Corneli,

Itzhak Raz, Patrick Bramm and Galina Gatsko teach students at the Secondary I to V levels. John F. Kennedy Adult Education Centre offers Basic English courses and an academic program which can lead to a DES (Diploma of Secondary Studies), as well as

pre-requisite courses for CEGEP and professional programs leading to a DEP (Diplôme d'études professionnelles).

“The Math Department is recognized for their personalized approach to helping students succeed,” said Henrique Santana, a tutor who nominated the team. “Cumulatively they have been teaching in the adult sector for over 25 years. They are team of committed educators who are passionate about teaching adult learners. They are up to date in their teaching methods, using current technology tools to support students.”

Principal Elizabeth Lagodich notes that the group particularly enjoyed the holistic approach at JFKAEC with helping students succeed. “They work closely with re-education counselors and tutors to identify student needs,” she said. “Constantly working to hone their pedagogical skills through participating in regular professional development and professional learning communi -ties, they love what they do and it shows.”

For the complete story please

go to: https://www.emsb.qc.ca/ emsb/articles/emsb-teachers-recognized-for-excellence

Joseph Romano, Vicki Theophilopoulos and the Math Ninjas from John F. Kennedy Adult Education Centre joined by Principals David Servello, Elizabeth Lagodich and Derrek Cauchi and some students.

Beloved Leonardo Da Vinci Academy teacher Daniel Gaudette welcomed back

DONATIONS CAN BE MADE AT: https://www.mcgill.ca/seedsofchange/project/brains-need-ldva

While the Leonardo Da Vinci Academy community in RDP has worked alongside the Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital since 2016, when teacher Daniel Gaudette was diagno sed with a brain tumour in December 2020, their special relationshipinstantly became personal.

After persevering throughhis six-month battle, Gaudettemade his triumphant return tothe school in RDP in June bycarrying the Olympic torch tokick off the school’s NeuroOlympic Day. The specialevent served as both theschool’s annual fundraiser forthe hospital and an activity dayfor the students. A cheque waspresented to the Neuro duringthe closing ceremonies at 2:35 p.m.

Mr. Gaudette, who wasnamed one of the EMSB’smost outstanding teachers in2020, remains a belovedmember of the Leonardo DaVinci Academy staff. His diagnosis sent shockwaves throughout the community, with

students, staff and parentsrallying around him throughout his treatment. While still on leave, Gaudette supported the

school virtually during the lastschool year, and he plans to return full-time in September.

Since 2016, Leonardo Da

Vinci Academy has raised over$35,000 for the Montreal Neurological Institute.

Daniel Gaudette, other members of the staff and Principal Nadia Sammarco, join his wife, Olympian Nathalie Lambert and Ross Aiken of the Neuro for

this year’s cheque presentation of $15,850.


w w w. e m s b . q c . c a E X P R E S S | vo l . 2 5 | N º 1 | Fa l l 2 0 2 16Accolades

Eliane Goldstein, now a Secondary II student at Westmount High School, has launched her own podcast called The Effect on Us. Her goal is to teach people of all ages and raise awareness on different subject mat ters , particularly important and high-profile topics. She was named EMSB Student of the Month for June 2021.

“I want people to be more enlightened about these subjects and more open to talking about them,” Eliane says.

The podcast’s first season will be dedicated to the Holocaust and the effect it has had on people. Eliane interviewed different people who were affected by the Holocaust in each episode, whether it be a Holocaust survivor or their children and grandchildren, in order to share their stories. “My favourite part of the process is when I look up the people before their interview and then get to hear about them from themselves,” she explains.

The student’s podcast began as a project for her Bat Mitzvah and was an idea inspired by discussions with her Rabbi and mother. She based her first series on Holocaust survivor Joelle Krolik, who sadly passed before she was able to interview him. Still, Krolik’s story will be featured on the podcast and told by those who knew him.

While The Effect on Us began as a bat mitzvah project, Eliane has decided to go beyond this assignment, as she continues to tell people’s stories and delve into uncomfortable conversations. As a lover of listening to stories and learning, Eliane says, “I love the moment of realization, when you realize how amazing the story actually is, the moment where the whole story comes together.” Like her audiences, these moments have impacted Eliane and she hopes to continue learning alongside all of us. To listen to her podcast and go along with her on this journey of exploration and enlightenment go to this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1776234/8474295

Eliane Goldstein

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to define all of our lives, three St. Leonard elementary schools – Honoré Mercier, Pierre de Coubertin and Dante – came together towards the end of the last

academic year to honour the courage, selflessness and dedica -tion of their local heroes. Local healthcare workers joined fire -fighters from Firehouse 21 and SPVM officers from Station 42 to

participate in a special assembly at Honoré Mercier Elementary School. In addition to receiving special awards, these frontline workers also shared poignant stories from the past 15 months

with the students. “The pandemic has become a defining moment in the lives of our students, and we felt that it was important to show them some of the faces of our COVID-19 heroes,” said Sonia Marotta, Principal of Honoré Mercier Elementary School. “Our frontline workers have gone through so much and we believe it’s very important that our students not only learn about their lives, but have the opportunity to say thank you for keeping us all safe.”

The event was held in the school gymnasium and live -streamed to classrooms. There was a wonderful performance by the Honoré Mercier Bucket Drum -ming Club. “Where would we be today without the dedication and hard work of our healthcare

workers?” asked EMSB Chair Joe Ortona. “They have stepped up from day one and been there to attend to and care for the thousands of Quebecers who got the virus known as COVID-19. On a regular day, law enforcement is no easy task. During this pandemic the police have had their duties ex -panded to matters I am sure none of them ever thought possible. Today we also pay tribute to our firefighters. Fires do not stop because we are in a pandemic. Going into a burning building or attending to someone who needs medical assistance – because students, you may not be aware, but firefighters also serve as first responders – represent true dangers. But they come to work each day and are there when we need them.”

Vittoria Pisano, a 10-year-old from RDPand student at East Hill Elementary School,is the EMSB’s Student of the Month for May.She is raising money for Alzheimer’sresearch by selling lasagna dinners she makes from home. Her younger brother Jax,also an East Hill student, assists her. Chair

Joe Ortona recognizedher amazing work at thelast Council meeting.Subsequently, he andCommissioner PietroMercuri visited her atthe school. Vittoria’sgrandfather suffersfrom Alzheimer’s. Shehas already raised$5,000. An anonymous donor matched that amount. “It is so impressive for a 10-year-old girl,” said Mr. Ortona. “It is so rare in children. It is even rare in adults.” Added Mr. Mercuri: “It is touching and inspiring. It is extraordinary the amount of awareness she has raised.”

Frontline workers are thanked at an Honoré Mercier Elementary School ceremony.

Vittoria Pisano presents lasagnas to Chair Joe Ortona and Commissioner Pietro Mercuri.

THE LASAGNA PROJECT FOR ALZHEIMER’S

Vittoria Pisano

by Maxie Ornstein-Ostroff

PARENT CONFERENCE The EMSB Parents Committee held a Virtual Conference for Parents

on April 18. Dr. Earl Rubin, Director of The Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, kicked-off the event as the keynote speaker under the theme of “Resilience through the COVID Pandemic.” He spoke about the science, challenges and impact regarding COVID, vaccines for children and more. This was followed by a panel and Q&A composed of Dr. Rubin, Dr. Debbie Schwarcz and Montreal Gazette health reporter Aaron Derfel. All three are EMSB parents. You can view this fascinating session at https://youtu.be/9V4N4GWh2fY Dr. Earl Rubin

HONOURING FRONTLINE WORKERS

Secondary II Westmount High School student Eliane

Goldstein launches a podcast

PHO

TO: JO

HN

MA

HO

NEY



On April 20, the EMSBreleased “Volunteers: WorkingTogether to Meet the Challenge,”a special 30-minute video montagefeaturing photos, interviews and a special presentation honouringvolunteers at EMSB over the pasttwo years.

Brigida Sellato, EMSB Com-munications Consultant, gave awarm welcome to guests, saying“Your involvement in our schoolsis what makes the EMSB such aspecial place for our students andstaff.” She also introduced the2021 Volunteer of Distinction,Mary Nitti, who has been vol-unteering at Pierre Elliot TrudeauElementary School (PET) for 21 years.

During an in-person ceremony at the school, Ms. Nitti was presented by Tanya Alvares, the school’s principal, who called her PET’s angel and thanked her “from the bottom of my heart.”

“You have PET in your blood,” said Pela Nickoletopoulos, who was interim director general at the time. She was among several EMSB officials to attend the ceremony, including EMSB chair Joe Ortona and Commissioner Agostino Cannavino. Mr. Cannavino spoke about Ms.

Nitti’s “passion and dedication”over the year and how much timeshe devotes to the school.

In a virtual roundtable Q&A,Mike Cohen, Communications and Marketing Specialist for theEMSB, interviewed Mr. Ortona,Ms. Nickoletopoulos and CaleighSaucier, chair of the EMSBParents Committee.

In acknowledging the impres-sive level of volunteerism duringan especially difficult school yearmarred by the pandemic, Mr. Ortona said: “We have some greatparent volunteers from our parent network and the wider commu-nity who have always stepped up every year. We’re grateful for that. It’s what makes the English public education network, and the

EMSB, really special – and acommunity.” He acknowledgedthe time that parents spend onGoverning Boards, PPOs andHome and School Associations,within the special needs network,and on the Parents Committee. He encouraged others to becomeinvolved.

“Volunteerism is something wehave always valued at the EMSB,”added Ms. Nickoletopoulos. “It is an integral part of ourorganizational culture. Even if itwas done virtually this year,volunteers are still very involvedon a day-to-day basis. Therelationship between the parentsand the school is extremely

important to our schools. Without them, we wouldn’t be as success -ful as we are.”

Recalling her years as a high school principal, Ms.Nickoletopoulos said parentinvolvement in fundraisers, studentcouncil activities, school dances,was also very appreciated. “Thereis data that indicates that whenparents get involved in their child’sschool experience, there’s an effecton the child’s self-esteem,attendance and behaviour,” shesaid. “It has a positive effect onstudent success.”

Ms. Saucier said while shemisses the informal discussiongroups that come from meeting in person, the Parents Committee has been efficient and productive this year. Members have been meeting online from home, which, she said, has helped create a healthier

balance of home life, work and volunteerism for involved parents. “I’m proud to be here this year with this wonderful group of parents,” she said.

The video tribute also included a performance called “Rayon de soleil” from the chamber orchestra of FACE. From their homes, 12 students played a concerto for four violins under the direction of musical director Theodora Stathopoulis.

Jamie Orchard was introduced as Ambassador of the Year for 2021. Former anchor and news editor for Global TV, Ms. Orchard had served as a co-MC for previous volunteer appreciation evenings. As a mother of children who attended EMSB schools, she spoke fondly of her various volunteer jobs. Her favourite was the early-morning shift in theschool library. “I loved being inthe library and around books,” shesaid, noting that she was happilytold by the librarian what neededto be done. Plus, she said with alaugh, she got to “keep track” ofher son, on those days when shewas in the school building.

With a nod to all volunteers ofdistinction, many of whom sheinterviewed as an anchor at GlobalTV, Ms. Orchard said, “I reallythink it’s those people who makethe EMSB the great place that itis.” Despite school board politics,“at the base of it is this grassrootsof really committed parents whoreally want the best for theirchildren. That’s the magic of theEnglish school boards. They haveterrific parent support – parents who go and get involved.”

The montage ended with a thank you to the sponsors, which were La Capitale and 21st Century Food.

Special half-hour video encapsulates this year’s Volunteer Appreciation eventBy Kristin McNeill

Mary Nitti and her family.

Mary Nitti

Jamie Orchard with her husband Jean-Luc and sons Luc and Liam.

During an in-person ceremony at the school, Ms. Nitti was

presented by Tanya Alvares, the school’s principal, who called her

PET’s angel and thanked her “from the bottom of my heart.”

‘

‘ Commissioner Agostino Cannavino congratulates Mary Nitti.

Bassett, Nancy Clifton, Carol Corlett, Glennis Dahdah, Joanne Dahdah, Nijad

De Palma, Mary Fox-Thomas, Debbie Green, Bella Liberopoulos-Stark, Pat Loffredi, Angelo

Santoro-Petti, Frances Skagkos, Betty Sztych, Natalie Yaruch, Luba

VOLUNTEERS WITH 20 TO 24 YEARS OF SERVICE

Degano, Nives DeMichele, Dolores Falcone, Mary Federico, Bernadette Fenwick, Penny Kircoff (Vaudry), Mona Koehnlein, Christine Leibov, Barbara Livingstone, Hazel Marrazza, Mario

McMahon-Paolucci, Rose Newsome, Joan Pace, Luisa Sharma, Mahesh Spreckley Nakanacagi, Mary Trocard, Thora Ugolini, Alessandra Williams, Anne Wilson, Valerie

VOLUNTEERS WITH 25-PLUS YEARS OF SERVICE

list of volunteers continued on next page



10 TO 14 YEARS OF SERVICE

Adams, Jonathan Alexander, Rita Assaf, Steven Avanzato, Julia Backler, Mindy Barrafato, Rosanna Battista, Rosella Beaumier, Stephanie Behar, Vlada Binstock, Suzy Biunno, Joe Bordo, Heather Bruna, Tina Brunner, Kelli Bui, Tess Capplette, Serena Cardillo, Loredana Carpio-Mak, Luisa Chan, Susan Chan, Philip Chow, Suzie Ciancio, Nancy Clarke, Jacquie Colantoni, Teresa Coleto, Anna D'Amico, Diana De Andrade, Marta De Ciccio, Angela De Santis, Cynthia Di Iorio, Connie Dick, Caroline Donovan, Meghan Dore, Caroline Downey, Christine Drozhzhin, Alexander Fancy, Farah Fanzolato, Sheila Fedele-Vasile, Mary Federico, Rosemarie Finch, Susan

Fong, Lisa Fortugno, Francesco France, Lori-Ann Friedlansky, Debra Fuoco, James Gartner, Steve Gauthier, Annick Gentile, Lia Giatras, Elena Gilmour, Theresa Gould, Kevin Gravel (Switzman), Sissi Handal, Veronique Holder, Sandra Hussein, Alan Hynes, Debbie Iacono, Maria Jailos, Hannu Johnannesson, Lynn Juul, Anja Keeren, Katheline Kemerer, Bruce King, Sharon Kirsch, Richard Kobak, Paula (Ania) Kokotsis, Georgia Kontogiannou, Chrissa Koutrias, Costa Lacroque, Annie Landbo, Hanne Laviolette, Lorna Lavoie, Catherine Lobasso, Angela Macdonnell, Elizabeth Mandelos, Zoe Matsushnita, Tatsy Mazzariello, Franco Mazzoldi (Zaccaria), Josie McCaffrey, Charlotte Meissner, Tabatha

Meldrum, Douglas Meldrum, Patty Menard, Elizabeth Merrett, Tim Michas, Georgia Michetti, Brenda Mignacca, Anna Monereau, Anne Montanaro, Debbie Mucciarone, Maria Mula, Amy Nascimento, Isilda Noya, Rose Marie Papillo, Marisa Patel, Samantha Pelosi, Adriana Pesce, Josie Peters, Carmen Peters, Joanna Petrecca, Giovanni Piccirilli, Gianfranca Pinchuk, Ellen Primeau, Mario Rackover, Heidi Ramos, Roberto Ratic, Sylvie Reda, Marisa Riviera, Patricia Robitaille, Michelle Roll-Kirsch, Caryn Ronzales, Jerlyne Rowland, Alexandra Santini-Ferretti, Debbie Santino, Maria Scarano, Teresa Schafer, Cindy Scharing, Barbara Schwartz, Aileen Sciascia, Christina Selwood, Lesley

Shea, Sandy Soares, Cynthia Branco Strahl, Jen Tamburrino, Cathy Tarulli, Laura Teoli, Mary Gilda Tittler, Rebecca

Tortoricci, Nina Triassi, Josie Trigatti, Mina Uline, Paul Valente, Anabela Vasile, Mary Vella, Kathy

Vogas, Linda Voglini, Nadia Zanchetta, Nadia Zarate, Mary Beth Zorbas, Alex


Adler, Ellen Berneti, Benny Campese, Josie Colapelle, Paola Daoust, Manon Del Re, Maria Deschamps, Renée Di Re-Frattasi, Pina Fedenko, Nick Fiori-Iacampo, Anna Gow, Ian Greco, Sandra Greco, Maria

Lage, Addie Lambert, Laurent Lato, Carmela Lian, Jing Lopez, Sue Marcozzi, Lucia Markopoulos, Fotini Marra, Frank Marra, Laura Marra Zuanigh, Laura Patriarca, Victor Piedimonte, Lisa Princz, Vicky

Radhakrishna, Tanya Roberts, Todd Roberts-Joseph, Avice Scopino (Petrone), Gemma Skagkos, Betty Smyth, Patty Strban, Rose Mary Sweeney, Sharon Trineer, Leah Verrillo, Rosanna Vitale, Connie Yeursh, Susan


Abbatiello, Laura Abbott, Glen Abecassie, Tally Abergel, Audrey Adamakakis, John Adams, John Adams Macdonald, Amanda Addona (Argento), Beatrice Adler, Joanne Aitchison, Jono Algieri, Jack Amendola, Carolina Amzallag, Audrey Anobile, Tina Antonicka, Hanna Araujo, Amanda Arcuri, Anthony Aroyan, Caroline Arui, Julia Arundi, Claudia Atcovitch, Melanie Auchinleck, Ian Auger, Jamie Aziloglou, Thomas Babkine, Siobhan Bagarollo, Andrea Bailey, Cindy Barberio, Sonia Bateman, Suzanne Battista, Rosella Beardley, Jennifer Beaulieu, MJ Beckett, Kira Bédard, Marie-Hélène Belanger, Tabatha Bella Tederici, Daniela Bellucci, Lucia Benamrom, Sam Benitez, Boris Benjamin, Peter Benoit, David Benoit (Fraser), Julie Benoudiz, Shirely

Bentivegna, Rosalia Benzacar, Eric Beredetti, Andrea Bergevin, Tanya Berish, John Berman, Randi Bermingham, Stacey Berry, Tara Berson-Klen, Brandee Besson (Legault), Jessica Best, Debbie Bhagwandass, Janelle Biello, Anna Bissonnette, Julie Bizanis, Katherine Blampin, Emilie Blanchard, Genevieve Blanshay, Stephanie Boire, Catherine Bondi, Joseph Boswell, Kim Bouchard, Carolyn Boucher, Chantal Boulanger, Tania Bowen, Jason Boyce, Francine Bozzo (Padula), Angela Bradshaw (Barclay), Jennifer Branco, Jennifer Brookman, Lorne Brotherwood, Pippa Brunetti, Assunta Bultz, Alissa Buono, Antonio Burke, Jessica Burnatowski, Rita Burnett, Sally Buttino, Josie Cabizzosu, Milena Cacchiotti, Luigi Cacciatore (Algieri), Jocelyne Caci, Lina Calce, Perry

Calderone, Pina Cambone, Sandra Camelot, Garry Camerlingo, Alice Cammisano, Bonnie Campanile, Catherine Campione, Tony Canestrari, Catia Carrara, Costantino Carreiro, Debbie Carter, Erin Cartier (Teigrob), Marie-Hélène Caruso, Claudia Casale, Pina Castronovo, Maria Cecere, Tara Cerone, Rosa Cerone, Mena Cerqueira, Elisabete César, Michel Cheron, Nathalie Chiarella, Carla Chieco, Rita Chimienti, Vanessa Christensen, Lisa Christenson, Kristen Chronopoulos, Kathy Ciafro (Forlini), Patricia Ciampaletti, Sabrina Ciampini, Sandra Ciarlelli, Margherita Ciccone, Maria Clark (Desbiolles), Christine Cloutier, Julie Cloutier, John Coady, Michael Colabelli, Antonio Colalillo, Antoinietta Conforti, Tania Confronti, Cinsyra Corby, Carmela Corsi, Maria Corso, Elvira

Couch, Anna Coughlin, Chris Coussa, Amy Couture, Claudette Cracower, Lauren Crist, Chieko Cristiano, Teresa Cunsolo, Torina Cyr-Almanza, Linda D'Angelo, Antonella David, Robert Dawson, Anthea De Ciccio, Veronica De Cristofaro (Zaffino), Anna De Melo, Kathleen De Paola, Giovanna De Rosa, Sandra De Vito, Sophie De Vletter, Martien D'Elia, Franca Dell'Elce, Patricia Demerson, Paula DeMichele, Anna Der, Karen DeRosa, Franca Desautels, Eric Desmettre, Debra Dewolf (Johansberg), Christine Di Blasio, Anna Di Camillo, Luigi Di Iorio, Mary-Ann Di Manno, Julia Di Paola, Nadia Di Pardo, Adrianna Di Pasquale, Connie Di Raddo, Mirella Di Stefano, Patrizia Di Tella, Frank Dias, Josie D'Iglio, Carmie Dinolfo, Franca Diodati, Antony Dion, Karine

Dix-Holbrough, Elaine Djurovich, Mirko Domingos, Joe Faria Domingos, Tina Faria Douglas, Rebecka Dubuc, Sara Dudok, Samantha Dudych, Olya Duquette-Nicks, Kathleen D'Uva, Sara Duy, Joanne Dworkin-Rosen, Bonnie Edwards, Julia Eklove, Elka Elfassy, Judi Elkouby, Rica Ellenbogen, Mark Ellinger, Mark Enea, Antonina English, Maria Espitia-Silva, Monica Etrusco, Paula Fainsilber, Toby Falocio, Filomena Fanzolato, Ida Faraj, Nancy Farmer, Wendy Fasulo, Giuseppina Fasulo, Melissa Fernet, Lys Ferreira, Alirio Fiore, Josie Fiorino, Alba Fischini, Debora Fletcher, Jennifer Foley, Rosalie Fortin, Lisa Fortin, Laura Fortin, Isabelle Fortoul, Cecile Fossey, Myrtis Foxford, Robert Francis, Clotilde

Frattasio, Giulia Gaetano, Dominic Galasso, Celina Galati, Paul Galati, Dora Galati, Gianni Gallant, Brenda Galluccio, Tina Gandhi, Shalini Gangai, Vanessa Garcia, Irene Garofalo, Luigi Gasparini, Pietro Gattola, Amy Gaul, Isabelle Gelgoot, Lorrie Gentile (Milioto), Sonia Gharibian, Norm Giancarli Giambattista, Cinzia Giannini (Campisi), Debbie Giguère, Annick Girardi, Luisa Giroux, Isabelle Governale, Alessandra Grandejean, Cristine Grant, Angela Greco, Agata Grey, Corin Griffin, Lorraine Griffin-Kelly, Amanda Gruenheld, Samantha Gruosso, Assunta Guerra, Sandra Guimond, Carol Guttman, Hinda Hansen, Patricia Hardt, Chris Harris, Cynthia Hassib, Aiten Hasson, Dana Helfenbaum, Wendy Hernandez, Daly

Edward Murphy Elementary School volunteers help out at the breakfast club. From left: Betty Perard, Dolores De Michele, Jennifer Branco and Sandra Tartamella.

Some of the volunteers from Carlyle Elementary School.

list of volunteers continued on page 10



Instead of lunch buffets served by parents for teachers and staff during Teacher Appreciation Week, it was lovingly assembled individually boxed lunches, or gifts and cards delivered to the school. Rather than convening in the staff lunchroom for monthly Home and School meetings, it was sitting at the kitchen table after dinner to meet via video-conferencing. What stands out in the parent volunteering community during pandemic times was the heartfelt will to continue to help out and stay connected with their children’s schools.

Volunteering in schools has been a long and strong tradition at the English Montreal School Board (EMSB). Volunteers num-ber between 1,500 and 1,700 most years. While no count was taken in 2020-21, an informal check-in with several schools revealed that parents wanted to continue to volunteer as much as they could, within the limit of health direc-tives related to COVID-19. The question is: how did it change?

Different forms of “home and school” or parent participation organizations have always ex-isted. And with the advent of Governing Boards in the late 1990s, volunteerism increased even more with elected parents giving their time to the gover-nance of schools.

Active parent participation

Royal West Academy in Montreal West has a culture of active parent participation. The past year and a half has not quelled the desire to volunteer at the high school. Many of the an-nual activities and events were cancelled, but certain volunteer jobs like working in the library continued, but at reduced hours. The uniform store also cut short its hours, and purchase orders were done online and pick-up was by appointment.

But what was resounding, according to Angela Vaudry, the school’s principal, is the “what-can-we-do-for-you” attitude from parents. One teacher had help covering hundreds of textbooks in plastic, for example. “It takes the same village to support the people that raise the child with you,” she said, adding on to the common saying. It allows the teachers and staff a chance to “breathe a bit,” she said.

Heidi Rackover, co-president of Royal West’s Home and School Association, and in her fifth year on its executive, was in the process of passing the torch to other parents who will form the new leadership. The interest is there to fill the positions, she said. She described her final year in the role as “quiet.” Some of the big events that normally have large volunteer output from parents were cancelled, among them the science fair, book fair and open

house. While meetings were shorter, with less to plan, they were more well-attended, she noted. And, money was saved for the coffers for when the H&S can run those events once more.

Royal West’s version of the Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week took on a creative twist. Instead of a buffet lunch normally prepared and served by parents, teachers were offered a catered box lunch. “So many social pieces of those connections were missing this year,” said Ms. Vaudry. “They tried to find creative ways to support the school.”

Ms. Vaudry also works as president of the Association of Montreal School Administrators (AMSA), which represents principals of the EMSB. When the call went out to members to sit on the various committees, she felt “the response was overwhelming.” Over half of the membership responded, a higher number than usual, she said. It’s possible that people miss the networking and comradery that occur at regular in-person meetings, she ventured, and that members wanted to re-establish connections however they could.

Safety weighed heavily on agendas

Francesco Fortugno, who has been involved in his children's schools as a volunteer for over 10 years, was chair of Laurier Macdonald High School’s Gov-erning Board during 2020/2021. He said the regular items contin-ued to form the bulk of their discussions and voting at the St. Leonard school, though the topic of safety weighed heavily on the agendas bridging the two school years affected by COVID-19. “The school’s administration, and the directives from both the Board and the government, have assisted in alleviating some of the anxiety from parents and GB members. We all know we’re all doing our best to control any outbreaks,” he said. Attendance at the meetings “has been great,” he said, with

the virtual format providing a convenient way for parents to meet after work hours.

Principal of Leonardo Da Vinci Academy Elementary School in Rivière-des-Prairies, Nadia Sammarco, says it’s really a matter of thinking outside the box. For example, the festive and popular “Breakfast with Santa,” where some 25 parents would normally be on hand to serve breakfast to large groups of children, was adapted so that individually boxed breakfasts could be brought to classrooms, while music played on a cart wheeled down the hallway. And there was even Santa, who made a surprise appearance in each classroom doorway.”

Collaboration is key, said Ms. Sammarco. Teachers have been game to animate some of the activities normally put on by Home and School parents, for example Welcoming Day in September. Teachers learned the games developed by H&S and took on most of the animation.

In the spirit of collaboration, it goes both ways. Teachers have also reached out to parents asking for help in class activities.

Normally, the day celebrating 100 days of school has an in-class activity for Kindergartners, using objects in the classroom to count to 100. With the effort to reduce surface contact this year, parents were asked to prepare a kit of 100 objects for their child to bring to school.

Making school a happy place

“Despite this pandemic, at LDVA we feel it is very important to try to make school a happy place for the kids to be, and to assist the school however it needs it,” said Dina Paparelli, president of LDVA Home & School. The annual chocolate drive had to be cancelled but smaller fundraisers that could be organized from home were launched instead. The “Keep Safe” fundraiser raised money from the sale of small hand-sanitizer bottles and personalized face coverings for students. Others included a “dress down day” and the school’s traditional frozen yogurt distribution, which was adapted to include individually wrapped spoons and containers

to minimize contact. With a maximum of three parents setting up for the events at the school, the H&S was able to pull off a Halloween event and the holiday breakfast for the students in their class bubbles.

Rania Delis, principal of Edward Murphy Elementary School in Hochelaga-Maison-neuve, said the school normally appreciates having parents in the building to help out in various ways, while also giving them a chance to see what their kids are doing. Normally blessed with a dedicated group volunteers who step up for field trips and school-wide events like carnival, this year only a small number of the same parents are allowed in the building to keep some of the vol-unteer programs running. “We still have enough volunteers to get the job done, in order to service the school and to make sure every-one’s needs are met, including the families who need extra assis-tance this year,” said Ms. Delis.

The school’s breakfast program is one initiative fueled by volunteers in the school’s Parent

Parent volunteers found creative ways to stay active during pandemic school year

By Kristin McNeill

The Laurier Macdonald High School Governing Board meets virtually.

Leonardo da Vinci Academy Home and School members, Linda Terrigno and Melissa Fasulo,

work at the frozen yogurt distribution day.

continued on page 11

Royal West Academy parent volunteers do their jobs under the new normal.


w w w. e m s b . q c . c a E X P R E S S | vo l . 2 4 | N º 2 | S p r i n g 2 0 2 110Hill, Jayne Hinds (Bucchan), Helena Hipfner, Dagmar Hoch Bowen, Miri Holland (Johnson), Danielle Holowka, Arianna Hoolahan, Julie Hronjak, Nicki Hung, Julian Hunter, Andrea Leigh Iacullo (Pecora), Nicoletta Iasenzaniro, Assunta Ibelings, Hans Imperiale, Jenny Ishak, Nadine Iuliano, Ralph Jack, Tasha Jerome, Lori Joaquim, Maria-Louisa Johnstone, Chris Johnstone Kansou, Lydia Jones, Kathryn Judd, Lara Kabal, Angela Kalomiris, Koula Kandis, Roula Katsifolis, Nick Kaufman, Stacey Kelly, Nora Kenny, Mary Ellen Keshen, Mara Khalifa, Reisa Khoury (Bazinet), Emmanuelle Kilian, Paula King, Madeline Kisilewski, Jadwiga Klein, Thomas Knafo, Cindy Knafo, Florence Knecht, Karen Kolesnikow, Scott Kontolemos, Alexia Korb, Deborah Kounadis, Maria Koutroularas, Joan Krakow, Eve Kravitz, Wendy Krencisz, Melissa Kushmir, Julia La Rocca, Antonella Labelle, Colleen Lafond, Carole Laghi, Lisa Lambert, Alyssa Landreville, Loouise Langlois, Andre Lanni, Nadia Lapidus, Rona Lapinski, Danusia LaStarza, Lelia Lawless, Tracy Lawrence, Sabrina Le Gallie, Carina Lee, Andy Legace, Elaine Lemme, Michelina Lerede, Rosanna Lewarne, Andrea Lim, Debbie Little, Caroline Lo Bianco, Liviana Lobasso, Grazia Lobianco, Tania Lombardi, Ida Longo, Angela Lousky, David Macdonald, Patricia MacDonald (Casey), Tanya Macheras, Maria MacLaren, Eli

Macleay, Tom MacRae, Jason Magri, Lisa Mahoney, Julie Maione, Melissa Malenfant, Lisa Mancini, Rino Mangione, Maria Sabrina Manitt, Christopher Mannello, Rita Manocchio, Melina Marcone, Virginia Mardini, Linda Marinis, Maria Martineau, Marie-Josee Masciotra, Mary Mason (MacLaren), Jody Lynn Masson, Catherine Massone, Carmine Matthews, Merrill Mayne, Julie Mazzariello, Tina McFadden Purum, Munjula McGregor, Catherine Mckenzie, Jeffrey McLeod, Lindsay McLeod, David Medeiros, Veronica Mele, Sandra Melnyk, Alezandra Mendelson, Michael Mendis, Sally Mercuri, Pietro Meredith, Danica Merritt, Cindy Messina-Ceferatti, Framary Miccoli, Caroline Miceli, Charlie Michetti, Pasqualina Mignacca, Anna Milone, Sognia Mincoff, Murray Minichiello, Virginia Minorgan, Tiffany Minuto, Damiano Mirarchi (La Fratta), Nadya Mohammed, Lisa Monachino, Kendra Monagham, Maria Monniere, Rachel Montanaro-Dym, Maria Moodie, Erica Moore, Annie Morabito, Debbie Morello, Josee Morin, Louis-Philippe Morris, Rebecca Morrison, Andrea Muir, Michael Murphy, Marie Mussgnug, Lisa Nahorniak, Tamara Nakamura, Miyuki Nardelli (Argento), Elisa Nardi, Antoinetta Nedescu, Nicoleta Neish, Joelle Nicholls Wallace, Tia Nicolopoulos, Nancy Nikolakakis (Vokas), Niki Nishihata, Akiko Noakes, Kristin Noble, Monique Oiknine, Sylvia Olektonovitch, Elena Olivieri, Josie O'Neil, Ryan Ortchanian, Annie Ostroff, Steve Ouaknine, Myriam

Paccione, Candida Padulo, Maria Pagliuca, Tania Pallotta, Angela Pallotta, Loredana Palotta, Maria Panopalis, Aglaia Paparelli, Dina Papastraits, Peter Paquette, Suzanne Pardo, Ariella Pardo, Tayla Parisien, Shanna Passucci, Stephanie Patrizio, Franca Pavia, Sandra Pecora, Sonia Pelatt-Caron, Karyn Peluso, Nadia Pennefather, Lauren Penney, Janice Pepin, Paul Perrozzi, Maria Phaneuf, Caroline Piche, Genevieve Pierre, Cherylin Pietrangelo, Mario Pisto, Patrizia Pitt, Rebecca Pizzini, Franca Placentino, Melissa Plamondon, Chantale Popwycz, Irene Porter, Roberta Posteraro (Colaneri), Nadia Potvin, Annie Prata, Pina Preto, Ana Primus, Marilyn Primus, Marilyn Proska-Boivin, Hilegard Rabbat, Nathalie Rabiau, Marjorie Racaniello, Lina Racaniello, Stella Racaniello, Brigida Racaniello, Mary Rainelli, Maria Raitano, Mary Jo Ramirez, Maria Carmen Rapkowski, Darren Ravenda, Veronica Raykhlin, Lia Rea, Rosetta Reda, Bob Reda, Sabrina Renda, Rosanne Ribarova, Rossitza Richer, Kayla Riddell-Tauber, Marie Ridolfi, Nadia Rinaldi, Lisa Rinaldi, Nadia Rinaldi, Alex Rivard (Blondin), Christine Robertson, Ann Robichaud, Paul Rodger, Michael Rodier, Cindy Ronzales, Jerlyne Ross, Roberta Ross, Chana Ross, Andrew Rossi, Angela Rossi, Josie Rotstein, Shana Ruffalo, Patricia Ruffiri, Elisa Russo (Alfonso), Maria Rustemi, Genta

Sadeh, Elana Sakakibara, Sakaya Saleh Mohammed, Tasleem Salvo, Stefanie Santamaria, Marisa Santelli, Dino Santori, Rebecca Santullo, Ivana Saracino, Mark Sardelli, Sonia Sarli, Alfredo Sasso, Enza Saunders, Katie Scalia, Sandra Scalia, Lilla Scalia, Josie Scarola (Puma), Mimma Scarpato, Ernesto Schiano, Nancy Schipano (Milevoy), Rita Schwartz, Corey Schwartz, Lauren Scicchitano, Maria Sciortino, Josie Secko, David Segal, Susan Sernuck, Eileen Sexton, Bruce Shanks, Joyce Shea, Sarah Sheffren, Cassandra Shyavitz, Abby Sifakis, Janet Simard, Renee Sirimarco, Francine Smolarz, Claudio Sofer, Nathalie Soiferman, Ezra Sommer, Anna Sousa, Sandra Speranza, Tony Spetsieris, Anna Staples, Sarah Stark, Peggy Staunton, Frances Stein-Elman, Jacqueline Stern, Ronit Stern, Ally Stern, Alison Sticozzi, Grace Stirpe, Lina Stoddart, Sharon Strussione, Stefania Sung Hee, Kim Symansky, Leslie Szpoper, Marlene Tafuto (Baril), Anna Tagliamonti, Lori-Ann

Tagney, Ruby Tartamella, Silvia Tartamella, Sandra Tavares, Anabel Taylor, Cynthia Teoli, Laurie Thiel, Stuart Thomas, Georgina Thomas, Sabrina Thompson-Dudley, Margaret Tortorici, Maria Totaro, Rossana Tran, Jenny Tremblay, Carolynne Tremblay, Fidele Trudeau, Jason Trudeau, Genvevieve Trudel, Julie Tsouluhas, Anna Tstoumas, Andreas Tulloch, Kim Turcot, Pierre Tuzzolino, Analia Tzagrakis, Athena Ubha, Kumar Vaccaro, Angela Vaccaro, Rosalia Valkanas, Maronika Van Den Bosch, Paula Vardaro, Laura Varga, Edith Varga, Joseph Vassilyeva, Natalia

Venturella, Lorie Verducci, Lena Vibert, Tina Vigderhaus, Lisa Villeneuve, Chantal Vincent-Herscovici, Jesse Viscosi, Maria Vlitas Contomichalis, Demetra Wagner, Rose Walker, David Wallace, Siobhan Wang, Arthur Washington, Celenia Wasson, Haidee Welagedara, Anuradha Wen, Stella White, Tanya White, Mitchell Wilson, Lynn Wittman, Trinity Wolch, Ilana Wolkoff, Anita Wyse, Michelle Wysinski, Ania Xenocostas, Spyridoula Yanofsky, Alexandra Yarbrough, Yanci Yasvinski, Donald Yee, Carron-Ann Yiannatsoulios, Stravoula Zegarelli, Linda Zereik, Helene

Abelardo, Lysanne Accardi, Francesca Alalouf, Carole Alessandrini, Marco Alexis, Melissa Allooh, Waleed Alogbo, Simone Alsmadi, Zainab Amoroso, Francesco Amoruso, Nadia Andersen, Brian Christopher Andersen, Maja Rovsing Antenucci, Marisa Antippa, Sophie Antonio, Silvie Araujo, Sandra Argyriou, Maria Asencio, Monica Attiana, Kimia Augello, Charlotte Au-Pichette, Catherine

Avino, Amanda Aylward, Alison Baccari, Mary Bachellerie, Flore Bachmann, Rachel Bailo, Linda Baker, Kristie Ballan, Alicia Banks, Jennifer Barasso, Antonella Barberio, Nadia Barone, Valerie Barter, Renee Bastounis, Dina Batchoun, Melissa Batista, Sandra Batstone, Kelly Battista, Melinda Battista, Lina Battista, Carmela Beaulieu, Mario

Bedkowska, Anna Bedkowska, Barbara Bellon, Liana Belo, Melinda Benabou, Jessica Benbaruk, Sabine Berghout, Choukri Bermack, Jordanna Bernstein, Ashly Bérubé, Tanya Bibi, Josephine Bikas, Kyriaki Biunno, Carmela Blaine, Patrick Blais, Debra Blaise, Edwige Blake, Candace Blake, Caminee Blanchette, Annie Boghen, Jennifer Bongiorno, Josie

Boriak, Oxana Borrelli, Marisa Bouayad Agha, Youcef Boudreau, Dominique Bourgeois, Myriam Bozzo, Tania Brook, Katie Brook, Tara Brook, Shawna Brownrigg, Maimouna Bufo, Flora Burke, Pamela Buscio, Domenico Byer, Joy Cabral, Nelson Callender, Sharone Camard, Sophie Cambridge, Debbie Campeau, Sandrine Cancilla, Luciana Cannavino, Nadia

Cantini, Nancy Canzano, Ellie Carbone, Clotilde Carchedi, Carmy Cardillo, Franca Cardinale, Sonia Carestia, Angelina Carioti, Connie Carosello, Nadia Carreiro, Jennipher Cartier, Phillippe Cartier, Candice Cartillone, Melania Caruso, David Catalano, Giovanna Catalano, Meg Caternicchia, Enza Ceccarelli, Antoinetta Cercillo, Lissethy Cerroni, Gianni Cestra, Jennifer

Chan, Stanley Chan, Christopher Charest, Isabelle Cherella, Daniella Chiarappa, Tania Chiazzese, Gianni Chiazzesse, Angela Chinappi, Arlette Choy, Bonny Christos, Rafaella Ciabattoni, Giovanna Ciampini, Melanie Ciarlo, Johnny Ciccarelli, Stephanie Cilla, Barbara Civitillo, Antonietta Clarizio, Sabrina Clinunak, Carmen Coffey, Theresa Colafabio, Sabrina

VOLUNTEERS WITH 1 TO 4 YEARS OF SERVICE

The St. Gabriel Elementary School volunteer crew.

Volunteers from Roslyn Elementary School in Westmount.

5 TO 9 YEARS OF SERVICE – CONT’D

continued on next page


w w w. e m s b . q c . c aE X P R E S S | vo l . 2 4 | N º 2 | S p r i n g 2 0 2 1

Participation Organization (PPO). Last year it was has adapted to minimize contact by having breakfasts individually wrapped. Though sad to cancel the popular haunted house and dance during Halloween, the PPO made adap -tations to its more popular ones. Students received treat bags for Halloween; “Breakfast with Santa” was enjoyed by students in their classrooms, and a video was made that included everyone in the school. For teacher appreciation week, teachers and staff received pre-packaged bags of treats.

“We were fortunate that our Breakfast Club was allowed one volunteer per day to help,” said Sandra Tartamella, a PPO volunteer for the last 10 years and in her last. As is common with the many dedicated volunteers that make up parent participation organizations, it is an opportunity to be part of their children’s school and build community. “I was not expecting to leave with such a difficult situation happening. I enjoyed volunteering with a great group of parents these past years, and I have also made many friendships that I hope will last forever.”

Restrictions on volunteers had an impact

Willingdon Elementary School in NDG normally has a large and bustling group of volunteers. Parents would work shifts in the library, help with the garden, present at career day, provide assistance in special class activities, run movie nights, serve pizza, monitor corners during the Terry Fox Run and more. None of these roles happened last year, said Maya Doughan, vice principal of Willingdon’s School’s senior campus - but others are – and some have become a busy dossier for its Home and School Association.

Restrictions on volunteers within the school meant little opportunity for parents, students and staff to come together for events. But the parent community has “been very generous in donating funds to support H&S this year and in supporting our

fundraisers,” said Karen Negrete, who co-chaired Willingdon’s Home and School Association with Margo Stewart . I ts “Emergency Family Fund” took on a greater importance during the pandemic. Fundraising efforts grew in concert with its growing need, and more families were asking for help, said Ms. Doughan.

With far fewer events to organize this year, the H&S took the time to “get a bit more up-to-date and to improve our online presence,” said Ms. Negrete.

While the traditional and popular events like the Halloween haunted house and the “Welcome Back” corn roast had to be cancelled, the Willingdon H&S came up with several new fundraisers including an online “spirit-wear” clothing sale, an online sale of calendars display-ing student artwork and a virtual book fair.

And some annual traditions were re-created, like the Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week. The H&S invited students via an online platform to contribute artwork, which was then assembled and made into giant posters for each campus, and gifts and cards were wrapped and delivered to the school for the teachers and staff to enjoy during the week.

The backbone of the school

At Merton Elementary School in Côte St. Luc, Principal Rosana Caplan described Merton parents as the “backbone of the school.” Having parents present every day in the building, doing different things is not uncommon, whether it’s serving pizza or helping with reading, she said. “We miss their presence very much.”

According to Samantha Patel, president of Merton Home and School, the pandemic year did not put a crimp in their style. “Merton H&S never stops! Our parents are always thinking of creative things to do. Even with the pandemic, we have found ways to keep the fun things that the kids and teachers love.” She said even “just the smallest things like decorating the hallways, leaving fun surprises in

the classroom, planning small classroom bubble events, has been so nice and appreciated.”

Most volunteers made creative contributions from home, such as making decorations for teacher

appreciation week or organizing materials for special projects.

While annual favourites like the Terry Fox Run, family BBQ and winter camp for the senior grades had to be cancelled,

new ones sprung up. The H&S made the after-school enrichment program virtual, organized an online comedy show and added a soup lunch to the school’s other food fundraisers.

Colalillo, Gina Condo, Tania Condoroussis, Catherine Contarini, Fillippa Corbeil, Jesse Corbi, Stefania Costa, Jimmy Costanzo, Gina Côté, Réjean Courcelles, Melanie Craig, Nadia Crecco, Alessandra Cribari, Ivana Crisci, Marysa Cristiano, Rosie Croll, Alistar Cruz, Kembly Cucuzzella, Linda Cullen, Mieke Curie, Lisa Currie, Sophie Da Costa, Lory Da Costa, Sandie Da Costa, Shahida Dachille, Mariella Dagostino, Diana Dancause, Ann-Marie Daoud, Lama Wasim

D'Arienzo, Laura De Block, Helene De Bortoli, Patrick De Ciccio, Sabrina De Fazio, Carla De Guzman, Sherlyn de koos, Andras De Luca, Vanessa De Luca, Alex De Melo, Nancy De Palma, Nicola De Sousa, Ana Paula De Stefano, Teresa De Stefano, Pina Debrecen, Jennifer Decobellis, Tania Del Balso, Patrizia D'Elia (Sheikh), Sophia Denommé, Pascale Desai, Ushma Desbiens-Leighton, Alexandra Desforges, Myriam Desforges, Katherine Di Fruscia, Linda Di Giacomo, Domenico Di Giacomo, Brigitte Di Giosia, Anna

1 TO 4 YEARS OF SERVICE – CONT’D

At Merton Elementary School, staff member Amanda Beaver ( left) helps Samantha Patel, president of Merton Home and School, prepare for a pancake breakfast in December.

continued from page 9

11

continued on page 12

The executive committee of the Willingdon Home and School Association poses for a distanced photo outside the school in February. From left: Anna Calvert, Ania Muller, Andrea Archibald,

Veronica Santaguida, Margo Stewart, Amélie Bélanger and Karen Negrete.


Di Lena, Sonia Di Manno, Marco Di Martino, Maria Lisa Di Mauro, Lucia Di Michele, Mike Di Molfetta, Nadia Di Nezza (Matteo), Sophia Di Nolfo, Anna Di Nolfo, Natalie Di Pasquale-Farina, Pino Di Perna, Karen Di Pietro, Lidia Di Salvo, Ada Di Stefano, Diego Di Tiello, Marina Di Vaccaro, Alexandra Di Vicenzi, Sarah Dias-Forget, Terry Diaz-Almendariz, Jessica Dillon, Kieran Dionne-Boutin, Melissa Ann Discenza, Maria Teresa Dizazzo, Lea Doctor, Heidi Doherty, Nancy D'Onofrio, Cynthia Dorfman, Allison Dorschel, Winona Dos Santos, Robert Doubt, Jessica Dres, Niki Drivakos, Maria Dudley, Jo-Anne Dufour, Anique Dumais, Sandra Dumont, Stephane Dussault, Alain Dykes, Sabrina Elharrar, Vanessa Engel, Jody Epstein, Wendy Ermes, Sarah Falcone, Marilena Fanelli, Grace Farace, Marge Farella (Furfaro), Rachela Farella (Vaccaro), Franca Farrella, Imma Fascia, Carolyn Fata, Brunella Fava, Nadine Ferguson, Tanya Ferland, Guillaume Ferraesi, Sabrina Ferrara, Vivian Ferraro, Lori Fiaschetti, Richard Fiengo, Sabrina Flocari, Lois Fong, Julie Forget, Louise Forgione, Cassandre Frade, Rosemary Fragapane, Mirella Franco, Guiseppe Fratangelo, Melissa Fratino, Anna Daria Fuoco, Sonia Furiani, Suzie Furlong, Jennifer Gabbay, Vardit Gabriele, Sandra Galerio, Miranda Gallo, Sabrina Garcon, Celine Garofalo, Verena Gatien, Jennifer Gaudio, Nadia Gauris, Julie Gavita, Laura Gendron, Lyne Germile, Lisa Gervasi, Emily Gesualdi, Maria Ghandi, Unmesh Ghayourmanesh, Shaheen

Giambona, Maria Christina Glazer, Alyssa Gloria, Jacklyn Gnahore, Oliver Godfrey, Erin Golberg, Deborah Gomatos, Constantina Goodings, Alana Gove, Curt Grasso, Maria Teresa Greco, Sandra Grigat, Michelle Grunberg, Yosi Gueye, Lyta Guy, Marie Eve Halasz, Vanessa Hales, Lindsay Hamelin-Couture, Lea Harrar, Vanessa Hassan, Ahmad Hatt, Suzanne Havis, Tova Henriquez, Veronica Heppelle, Real Hernandes White, Maria Hernandez, Aurora Holgate, Emily Honiges, Lisa-Marie Horak, Jana Hussain, Ayesha Iacono, Giuseppina Iafrancesko, Cristina Iaizzo, Deanna Iannantuono, Nancy Ianniciello, Adelina Iavenditti, Lina Ierra, Angelo Infantino, Meri Ishmael, Jerry Iulianella (Ciambrone), Ivana Jean, Jamillah Jensen, Glen Jiwan, Zenith Jodoin, Annie Joo, Hannah Juhl, Hayley Kalogerakos, Eleni Kaluza Levy, Lisa Melanie Karabatsos, Maria Karam, Josee Lynn Karawi, Tamara Karbin, Ingrid Kasnakian, Paul Kastrounis, Kosta Kay, Esther Keating, Stephanie Keating, Stephanie Kelly, Brian Kiefer, Darcy Kim, Eun Ju (Michelle) Korakakis, Katherine Korifidou, Elpida Korman, Shawna Kousaie, Shanna Kowalchuk, Natalie Kozah, Sandra Kravitz, Kenton Lacroce, Joanne Lagace Dawson, Anne Lai, Beverly Laliberte, Danielle Lallouz, Melanie Lancelotta, Giovanna Lane, Dawn Lapolla, Nadia Lariviere, Erin Larocci, Melanie LaRocque, Néomie Lauro, Lisa Lazar, Suzie Le Moyenne, Kristen Leckner, Mitchell Lee, Hyunyoung Lee, Vivian Lee, Suzanne Lefebvre, Jasmine

Lemaire, Géraldine Lennox, Robert Lenteris, Ellie Leoci, Johnny Lepanto, Jenny Lesperance, Kathy Levy, Fred Libling, Lindsay Licata, Lynda Liguori, Marilena Lipardi, Caterina Liscio, Anita Liste, Amanda Litwack, Melani Lizza, Adriano Locopo, Laura Lomardo, Carmen Lombardi, Stephanie Lopes, Tina-Louise Lord, Richard Luu, Tony Maalouf, Linda Machado, Nicholle MacLeod, Jon Macri, Natalie Magill, Steve Maizza, Franca Manstavich, John Marateo, Frank Marci, Karina Marciante, Meryl Marco, Debbie Marovitch, Maureen Martin, Christina Martinek, Lenka Martino, Josie Martins, Christina Mascola, Angelica Masrani, Hala Masse, Bianca Massimo, Sabrina Mastromateo, Enza Materassi, Manuela Matlin, Julie Matocia, Sergio Mattiace, Maria Matticoli, Stephanie Mazzafero, Isabella McEnroe, Nicola McGraw, Kristen McKay, Leslie McKenna, Kerry McLean, Emily McRae, Lindsay Melfi, Antonietta Mendonca (Grossi), Tania Mercaldi, Enza Michael, Evangelia Michaud, Alexandra Mihalik, Teresa Miller, Josh Mirarchi, Elsa Mire, Naeema Mirijello, Luisa Mollica, Marco Monaco, Pina Monaghan, Mark Mondor, Karine Moneit, Toby Mongelli, Nicky Montagna, Elissa Monteleone, Connie Montesclaros, Aileen Morales, Amanda Morfopos, Catherine Moshonas, Tasia Mouline, Mouna Muallem, Michal Mullen, Jenn Mungiovi, Linda Munizaga, Tanya Muoio, Carla Murphy, Pamela Musgrave, Emily Narrea, Isabel Nelli, Micki

Nemeroff, Alex Nevin, Louise Nguyen, Lyn Normandeau, Louise Notarmaso, Maria Noto, Lisa Nunes, Victoria Nuniez, Miguel Nuniez, Silvia O'Doherty, Richard Ohayon, Einav Onofre Pinnheiro, Brunno Antonio O'Reily, Miranda Ortaaslan, Andy Ortona, Diana Pachis, Evi Packard, Shari Padvano, Gabriel Pagano, Sabrina Pagé, Renee Paglia, Joseph Palermo, Rosanna Palleria, Angela Palmieri, Amanda Panetta, Robert Panetta, Sabrina Pansera, Carmela Paolella, Valerie Paone, Maria Papacostas, Paraskevi (Voula) Papsodaro, Elizabetta Paradiso, Melissa Pareja, Arelie Parent, Esther Parente, Patricia Passalacqua, Lisa Passarelli, Sabrina Patel, Roshani Patel, Hema Patino Cienfuegos, Liliana Paz Bravo, Maria Pecora, Vittorio Pellerin, Genevière Pennimpede, Antonietta Pensato, Maria Perard, Betty Pereira, Betty Pereira, Roberta Pereira, Maggy Pereira, Elizabeth Pereira de Quieroz, Mandoela Pero, Angela Peruch, Carlo Petraglia, Felice Petrecca, Patrizia Petrella, Carmela Petrone, Grace Petti, Esther Philip, Brenda Pierce, Aimee Pimentel, Ashley Pimentel, Roxanne Piro, Laura Pisano, Stephan Polisena, Aldo Polonia, Anne Marie Polverari, Wendy Pompey, Earlene Ponari, Remo Poole, Eric Porello, Sara Posesorsky, Myriam Pouliot, Danielle Pratt, Lana Marie Prioletta, Sandra Proietti, Melissa Prosper, Richard Puterman, Rebecca Quidoz, Chantal Rail, Barbara Rain, Leann Rainone, Lydia Rainone, Cynthia Rajotte, Tami Raposo, Debbie Rashkovsky, Marlene

Ratic, Stephanie Ravelson, Lalaine Razian, Ramzi Reda, Barbara Reid, Denburk Renzi, Sandra Reynel, Helene Ricci, Candida Richardson, Florette Ridenti, Sonia Riley, Nadia Rinaldi, Michael Robbins, Amy Robert, Anne-Marie Robertson, Melissa Rodier, Elysa Rodrique, Jonathan Rohan, Caroline Rokem, Mika Romanelli, Giovanni Romano, Tania Romero, Isabel Rosario, Jessica Rosenberg, Michael Rossi, Carlo Rossy, Stephanie Rotherman, Andrew Rousseau, Anie Roussel, Julie Ruano, Rene Ruggi, Terri Ruvo, Mary Sabonger, Alex Sakkas, Georgia Salinas, Yvette Salvaggio, Vincenzo Samson, Marika Sananikone, Anna Sansalone, Claudia Sansone, Max Santoianni (Argento), Carolina Santone, Francesca Santos, Tanya Santosa, Sylvia Sanzari (Benfaras), Elena Melissa Sardelli, Luigi Sarrazin, Kim Sassi, Sana Sasso, Rosaria Scalia, Antonella Scarpelli, Tony Schiro, Cathy Schueller, Tina Scione, Lisa Sebastiani, Paola Segreti, Tania Sgrosso, Claudia Shaikh, Ashfag Shapiro, Emmie Shingler, Kate Ship, Gillian Siebos, Eleni Signorino, Nadia Sikender, Pat Silva, Jennifer Sim, Hyesuk Simas, Lucy Simas, Lucy Simbabwe, Josée Simeon, Abiola Simioni, Tania Simoes, Elizabeth Simonetti, Sandra Sollazzo, Claudia Sollecito, Mimma Sooyoun Cho, Stella Soroka, Robert Sorrenti, Aquilina Spanoudakis, Sia Spilitopoulos, Dionisia St. Louis, Jean-Philip Staffa, Grace Staffa, Graziella Starinieri, Sonia Ste-Marie, Jennifer Sternthal, Heidi

Stivaletta, Fernando Strazzero, Marie-Josee Suissa, Sandy Suter, Scott Syed, Shiraz Syer, Cassidy Szeles, Anna Maria Tacci, Jennifer Tancredi, Diana Tandubuana, Alicia Tarasco, Mike Tardiff, Diane Tavolaro, Linda Taylor (Alphonso), Adrienne Te, Bouny Teitelbaum, Pamela Tempestili, Sonia Teoli, Marie Teresi, Marylou Teroux, Valerie Terrigno, Linda Tessier De Carufel, Christine Thakor, Shuduksha Thomasino, Barbara Thony, Kattia Todaro, Venere Troczynski, Adam Troude, Gaelle Tsombanakis, Evangelia Tubb, Susan Tullio, Anita Turner, Justin Tzaferis, Terry Uchida, Megumi Uniat, Jennifer Ursi, David Vacca, Rosanna Vaccaro, Patrizia Valcelli, Giovanna Valente, Lisa Valente, Tony Valleta, Andrea Varanese, Anne Maie Varano, Teresa Varelas, George Varriano, Rino Varriano, Sandra Varricchio, Antonio Varvarikos, Catherine Vasseur, Maggie Vassiliou, Ioanna Velmahos, Pat Ventura, Kim Verone, Mirella Vetrano, Anna Vicario, Cinthia Vicino, Jennifer Vidakis, Irene Vienneau, Natalie Vigorito, Melina Villar, Marisa Vincelli, Lina Vitulano, Josie Vracotas, Nadia Ward, Nikki Weclas, Karolina White, Dominique Wiedow, Tia Wilkins, Janet Williams, Sarah Williams, Larry Wlasenko, Christina Wollacott, Kate Wong, Edmund Wong, Jui Ho Woo, Stanely Ye, Hui Young, Jennifer Young Lee, Hyun Zabbal, Viviane Zaccardo, Rita Zambito, Mariella Zarnegar, Pardis Zong, Li Jie Zoppi, Catia Zorko, William

w w w. e m s b . q c . c a E X P R E S S | vo l . 2 4 | N º 2 | S p r i n g 2 0 2 112VOLUNTEERS WITH 1 TO 4 YEARS OF SERVICE – CONT’D

Thank you for your support!

As a proud sponsor of our 2021 EMSB Virtual Volunteer Appreciation Evening, Joseph Mantagaris of 21st Century Food would like to say thank you to all EMSB stakeholders.

EMSB volunteers We appreciate you!

www.21stcenturyfood.com


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de la

CSEM

Les élèves de 3e et 4e année de l’école Royal Vale à NDG ont eu droit à un atelier virtuel de danse autochtone animé par Barbara Diabo, celle qu’on appelle Leaf Maker dans sa communauté de Kahnawake. Les élèves ont appris à dire bonjour, merci et au revoir dans la langue mohawk. Ils ont été initiés aux multiples formes qu’il est possible de réaliser dans une danse du cerceau. Ils ont appris que les communautés autoch tones d’aujourd’hui honorent leurs ancêtres tout en faisant un pont avec les temps modernes, en intégrant des mouvements traditionnels à la danse hip hop. Les élèves ont été sensibilisés à l’importance d’être reconnais sants envers la nature. Ils ont dansé au rythme de la musique, ce qui leur a permis de libérer leur énergie de manière thérapeutique. Ils ont également posé plusieurs questions à Leaf Maker, par clavardage. Les arts revêtent une importance particulière et essentielle afin d’aider les élèves à traverser cette période difficile et sans précédent. Les élèves tiennent à remercier la direction de l’école, ainsi que Leaf Maker, Nicolas Doyon des Services éducatifs et le programme « Culture à l’école » pour cette belle activité. Nia:wen – merci!

Les Départements de coiffure et d’esthétique du Centre de formation professionnelle Laurier Macdonald ont fait équipe avec Rocco Speranza, animateur spirituel et communautaire, pour faire la promotion de la deuxième édition annuelle de l’événement Trims for a Cure au profit du programme d’oncologie pour adolescents et jeunes adultes de l’Hôpital général juif. Des élèves et des enseignants qualifiés ont participé à cette grande cause en offrant des coupes de cheveux, des mises en plis et des soins de manucure le 12 avril 2021. L’objectif était d’amasser 5 000 $.

Un groupe de garçons de 5e secondaire du Collège Vincent Massey (CVM) de Rosemont ont consacré les trois dernières années à la construction d’une voiture. Lorsqu’ils étaient en deuxième secondaire, ils ont approché l’enseignante de sciences Sabrina Mancuso pour lui faire part de leur idée de construire une voiture sans

émissions de carbone. Gianni Di Blasio, Anthony Parente, Mathew Rosse, Alexander Pillot, Christopher Boa et Vincent Boa ont eu la chance d’assouvir leur passion pour la mécanique automobile et de construire une voiture de course au secondaire. Ils ont reçu l’appui de madame Mancuso, du personnel du CVM

et du club d’ingénierie de l’Université Concordia. Ils ont appris énormément tout en s’amusant. « Nous espérons que notre création prouvera à tous que l’éthanol – carburant sans carbone et renouvelable – devrait être utilisé dans nos voitures au lieu des carburants fossiles », s’est exclamé Vincent Boa.

Construction d’une voiture au CVM

Danse autochtone

L’école secondaire Lester B. Pearson de Montréal-Nord a récem-ment tenu sa Journée annuelle de l’empathie, organisée par le comité des élèves. L’objectif vise à cultiver la compassion et l’acceptation parmi les élèves. Au cours de la 1re période, chacun des élèves a trouvé une note autocollante positive sur son pupitre. Durant la 2e période, un panel d’élèves de leadership a animé une présentation à la grandeur de l’école sur l’empathie @livediff. À la 3e période, le comité des élèves a organisé des ateliers virtuels interactifs à l’intention des élèves de 4e se condaire, précédé d’un exposé de Joseph Monachino, animateur spirituel et communautaire. Et à la 4e période, certains membres du comité d’élèves ont pris part à un symposium du leadership féminin sur l’environnement organisé par The Study. L’idée était de faire en sorte que les élèves se sentent encore mieux accueillis à l’école Lester B. Pearson et qu’ils fassent preuve de gentillesse et de compassion les uns envers les autres. La bonté est contagieuse, mais la négativité l’est tout autant. Alors, affichez votre bienveillance #PearsonPride.

Jake Todaro s’est senti inspiré lorsque son enseignante de 5e année, Nina Wong, a demandé à la classe de répondre à la question « Que signifie pour vous le mot chez-soi »? Le concours de ré-daction pancanadien destiné aux élèves de 4e, 5e et 6e année était très important, car les gagnants avaient la possibilité de faire don d’une somme d’argent considé -rable à leur organisme provincial Habitat pour l’humanité. Jake a

été couronné grand vainqueur à son niveau. Un don de 30 000 $ sera versé en son nom et aidera une famille à créer son propre chez-soi à Montréal. L’élève de

l’école Gardenview de Saint-Laurent a réfléchi à sa propre ex-périence. Il a composé un poème où il raconte comment ses parents ont acheté une maison délabrée et l’ont patiemment rénovée, sans se décourager, pour en faire un sanctuaire où il se sent aimé et en sécurité. Pour consulter l’intégral de l’article : https://www.lapresse .ca/maison/2021-06-09/aider-des-familles-a-creer-leur-propre-chez-soi.php

Vaccination des élèvesLa CSEM a travaillé en collab-

oration avec le CIUSSS local afin de coordonner les rendez-vous de vaccination contre la COVID-19 pour les élèves âgés de 12 à 17 ans. Certains bâtiments scolaires ont été désignés comme centres de vaccination pour les élèves. Les membres du personnel qui n’avaient pas encore reçu leur première dose ont également pu se faire vacciner. Qui plus est, des établissements de la CSEM ont été ouverts au public après les heures de classe. Ainsi, les élèves âgés de 12 et 13 ans qui n’avaient

pas de formulaire de consente-ment ou les jeunes de 12 ans des écoles primaires avoisinantes ont pu recevoir le vaccin, à condition d’être accompagnés d’un parent.

« Tout s’est très bien déroulé », de déclarer la directrice de l’école secondaire John Grant à propos de l’expérience vécue à son école. « L’équipe du CIUSSS a fait preuve d’un grand profes-sionnalisme et s’est montrée très aimable avec nos élèves. Nous sommes tous très reconnais-sants. Les élèves avaient préparé des cartes de remerciement et

cuisiné des biscuits pour re-mercier les infirmières et le personnel administratif. »

Journée de l’empathie

PH

OT

O : T

ON

YA

FA

WN

Événement Trims for a Cure

Concentre-toi sur le bon

Focus on the good

La Presse souligne Jake Todaro


w w w. e m s b . q c . c a E X P R E S S | vo l . 2 4 | N º 2 | S p r i n g 2 0 2 114ADULT EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL SERVICES

EMSB program helps fast-track skilled workers to diploma

For the past several years, Galileo Adult Education Centre in Montreal Northhas had an important partnership with the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal to help with the social and socio-professional integration of clients withan intellectual disability and autism. Last year, Galileo was given the opportunityto work on a contract where visors had to be assembled via their work integrationprogram with this project. Galileo staff consulted with CIUSSS experts who playeda critical support role for the SVIS (Socio-Vocational Integration Services) teamto help coordinate the assembly and delivery of visors. This project required a new way of organizing the school’s workspace due to the many steps involved in putting together a visor. Tasks ranged from measuring and preparing transparency films, cutting foam and elastics to taping the pre-cut foam onto visors, stapling elastics and finally, disinfecting the visors before packaging them.

Galileo’s PPE performance

By Kristin McNeill

The Recognition of AcquiredCompetencies (RAC) is a smalland lesser-known service offeredby the English Montreal SchoolBoard (EMSB) – but it packs apunch. The option paves the wayfor someone with existing skillsand knowledge to prove theircompetencies in a certain trade andmore quickly earn their vocationaltraining diploma. And, it’s a wayfor the province to tap into thewealth of skillsets of people newlyarrived in Quebec.

There is a growing need for thisservice now, says Miriam Furfaro,Educational Consultant with theEMSB, who has been heading up and revamping EMSB’s RAC since 2016. Someone who already possesses job skills through years of work and life experience can have these tested through a series of assessments and be provided with official recognition of their competencies.

In line with one of the eight programs in EMSB’s Adult Education and Vocational Training sector, it also provides a training plan that helps the candidate develop any skills they lack in order to obtain the Diploma of Vocational Studies – or its French equivalent more commonly used, the DEP (diplôme d'études professionnelles). With the DEP, many can negotiate higher salaries, greater job security and more employment opportunities.

At one time, the focus was on the “Institutional and Home Care Assistance” program, which is preparation for an occupation in patient services or home care in the health and social services sector. Known popularly by its French name, the “préposé aux bénéficiaries (PAB)” program, has, in recent years become very popular. Over 300 people have ob-tained diplomas through EMSB’s RAC. Most have settled in Canadafrom other places in the world,learned about the programthrough word-of-mouth – andnow having proved their compe-tencies, are working in short-termfacilities, residences and private

homes. Many arrive in Canadahaving worked as qualifiednurses in their home country,explained Ms. Furfaro. “Theyall find jobs,” she said, but shewas also eager to describe theseven other programs offeredby EMSB.

They include: Accounting,Automobile Mechanics, Hair-dressing, Machining Technics,Professional Cooking, Secre-tarial Studies, and Welding andFitting. “It’s just a matter ofthese getting some of the spotlight,” she said.

Who does it benefit? The program benefits

someone who has a passion for cooking, for example, someone who has been developing skills their whole life without any formal training. Or someone working as a mechanic who has come up through the trade by learning for years from a family member. They may be poised to take over the family business but need certain qualifications.

Health care work and secretarial work are areas where many have developed skills over time. Someone can have years of experience by providing nursing assistance to a family member or working at office jobs. But, for employers, a worker often needs to have a diploma. This is where RAC comes in: It recognizes the skills the person has developed themselves over time and helps fill in training gaps to secure the paperwork leading to jobs with security, promotions or benefits.

“It’s really for people who have knowledge. It doesn’t matter how they acquired it,” said Ms. Furfaro.

In 2019, for the first time, the EMSB program provided acompetency certificate in welding.Its recipient, Caillan Loiseau, saidhe was interested in RAC becausehe wanted his DEP in welding.With several years of experience

under his belt, as well as having completed a welding appren-ticeship in British Columbia, Mr. Loiseau wanted more workopportunity in Quebec, where hewas planning on living. “Betweenmy apprenticeship and work expe-rience, I had already covered

most of what the DEP programteaches, so I wasn't interestedin taking two years to do thefull program. The RAC seemedlike the way to go. That way I could continue to work andhave my DEP much quicker,”he said.

He liked his instructor,whom he described as “easy to deal with, a fun guy to bearound and who definitely knewhis stuff!”

Mr. Loiseau was assessed ineach competency and was ableto obtain his diploma after onlya few visits to the school. He

proceeded to pursue differentjob options in Montreal andeventually settled in the Lower St. Lawrence. Already confident in the skills he acquired through his working life, he said the combination of his apprenticeship and the DEP he earned through RAC gave him room to negotiate a higher salary.

The EMSB’s Institutional and Home Care Assistance has been popular in recent years. Thomas Odin M. Sta Ana, a new immigrant to Quebec, said he wasn’t initially able to practice in healthcare in Canada when he first arrived in Quebec despite his degree in nursing from his home country, the Philippines. When he discovered there was a RAC for his area of expertise, he said it gave him an idea about the Canadian health -care setting. And, it helped him financially and gave him patient care experience in Quebec.

“What I liked the most was the stage because I was able to practice my profession and care for patients. The reason why I took nursing is

I love caring!” Through RAC, Mr. Sta Ana

was able to prove his skills wereequivalent between his Master’sdegree in medicine and surgerynursing from the Philippines andthe Canadian Bachelor’s degree innursing. He worked as a nurse

clinician at the MontrealNeurological Institute-Hospital and was reassigned to the McGillUniversity Health Centre Glen Site ICU during COVID-19. “I feelgreat contributing in these un -precedented times,” he said, andcalled all health care professionals“modern heroes of this world.”

How it works There are two routes a candi-

date can take towards earning thediploma: In the first, the teacherevaluates where the candidatestands in each provincially man-dated competency or “module.” In cooking, for example, there are 27 modules. The teacher can either send the candidate to the exam right away, bypassing any training, or can recommend the candidate take courses at the vocational centre in order to get the training they are missing to complete the skillset.

Those enrolled in EMSB’s service are called “candidates.” They are not students in the traditional sense, explained Ms. Furfaro. Many of them bypass the training program completely and prove their competencies through the RAC process, which is why they are considered candidates throughout. Some are in the program for just a matter of months. The teachers who do the assessments are people working in the trade itself.

While the global pandemic has stymied the flow of immigrant stu-dents into the program, there are candidates waiting for assessments in machining, cooking and hair-dressing, Ms. Furfaro explained.

It’s a beneficial program for all sides, she said, pointing to the hundreds of workers who obtained their DEPs through the RAC process to become much-needed Quebec orderlies. “To give them that opportunity to work in their field is really rewarding – for us as a school board and for them so theycan do more interesting work thanthey might otherwise need to do.”

For more information, visithttps://emsb-aevs.com/RAC/

Watch the video here. https://vimeo.com/511160993

Thomas Odin M. Sta Ana

Caillan Loiseau


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A graduate of St. Pius X Culinary Institute appeared on FoodNetwork Canada’s Top Chef Canada program. Aicia Colaccicompeted with 10 other fearless professional chefs from across thecountry, each bringing an unbelievable range of culinary styles,technical skill and diverse breadth of flavours. She made it to thefifth episode: https://tinyurl.com/rymdwyat

Aicia grew up in an Italian household surrounded by amazingfamily recipes, which inspired her love for pasta-making. After five

years as the Chef de Cuisine at Impasto in Montreal, she is now aprivate chef who sells her food online and hosts virtual cookingworkshops. Aicia maintains she thrives under pressure and is ready tocompete with the best chefs in the country to win the $100,000 grandprize, which she intends to put towards her new business hostingworkshops, events and catering. Aicia says that between the ages of20 and 23 she was working at an advertising agency. “I kind of toldmyself that there has got to be something better than this, so I enrolled in culinary school,” she said of St. Pius X CulinaryInstitute. “It was love at first sight.”

Common Core Basic English (CCBE) teacher Nick Galanogeorgos, affectionately known as “Mr. Nick,” has created a truly fun way to help his students learn English at the St. Laurent Adult Education Centre. Over the past two decades his students had always tried to persuade him to launch a YouTube channel with his lessons. Last January he recorded his first video and posted it on his classroom’s Facebook page. Colleagues and students know that Mr. Nick loves using sitcoms like Everybody Loves Raymond for listening, vocabulary and comprehension lessons, so it was only fitting that he would name the channel, “Everybody Loves English.” Although the videos are mainly aimed at intermediate CCBE students, Mr. Nick has also received some great feedback from elementary school teachers who tell him that they, along with their students, really loved the videos. He will continue adding new content and he hopes that sharing this resource with his students and colleagues will be helpful to anyone that needs it.

You can visit the YouTube page and subscribe to get notified every t ime a new video is posted https://www. youtube.com/c/EverybodyLovesEnglish or search for “Everybody Loves English”

ADULT EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL SERVICES

Pius grad on

With this in mind, the EMSB offers a full range of academic and vocational programs for students looking to complete their secondary school or pre-requisites for CEGEP and develop an exciting career in almost every sector of the workforce.

For more details, please go to

https://emsb-aevs.com/

Education is a life-long process.

Tel: 514.926.4426

Email: [email protected]

Website: thedirectors.ca + directentertainment.ca

: @directorsmtl

THE DIRECTORS is Montreal’s most sought after, award-winning, electrifying, energetic and unparalleled musical group for live and virtual, private and corporate events.

A Montreal-based entertainment agency specializing in:

· Fully live musical configurations · Virtual musical and variety entertainment · Customized shows and performances · Corporate songwriting and jingles · Talent management

THE DIRECTORS boasts a vast team of reputable and award- winning professional musicians, vocalists, songwriters, sound engineers, recording studios, film producers and concept creators.

We are thrilled to be producing the EMSB’s first

ever original song entitled “Share the Love

(We’re Better Together),” accompanied by a

video, promoting resilience and wellness.

The past 18 months have been a challenge

for us all! It is now time to look ahead to

better times.


By Kristin McNeill

A two-day storytelling festivalfor elementary school childrentook place online last spring.“What’s Your Story” was theEMSB’s 2021 rendition of itsannual event that has been runningfor some 30 years.

“On both days we witnessed the power of story to connect the teller to the audience,” saidorganizer Julie Tytler, PedagogicalConsultant, Literacy, with theEMSB. “Parents, grandparents,teachers, students and guests werewith every storyteller as theyshared something of themselves.It was truly inspiring!”

Storytellers were made up ofGrade 5 and 6 students from 13 schools who told stories in English and French.

Normally taking place annu-ally across all elementary schools, this year the event was optional. Still, 13 schools stepped up to the challenge. They were: Westmount Park, Willingdon in NDG, Elizabeth Ballantyne and Edinburgh in Montreal West, Merton in Côte St. Luc, Hampstead, Edward Murphy in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Leonardo da Vinci in Rivière-des-Prairies, John Caboto in Ahuntsic, Gardenview in St. Laurent, St. Raphael in Park Extension, FACE in down-town Montreal, and EMSB Virtual Learning.

It was designed to “hear real stories, personal stories” told in a more off-the-cuff way that had not been overly rehearsed.

The one-hour virtual events were attended by participants, their classes and teachers, parents and EMSB guests. Two storytellers represented each school, having been chosen as finalists in their classroom heats. Guests could be

seen clapping their hands aftereach story was told.

During the April 13 event,Minyu Kim from Westmount ParkSchool South told a creepy storyinvolving tents, flashlights andghosts to an audience that includedher dad, watching her live and lateat night from South Korea.

Anissa Hatahet from EMSBVirtual Learning told her story,“The Missing Phone,” from anoutdoor location, complete withthe sound of birds chirping, and the visuals of water flowing andgeese pecking in the grass nearby.

From Royal Vale School,Kristin Noble told us why weshouldn’t be afraid of cows.

Several scary tales were told,including Elizabeth Ballantyne’sNoam Perez who told the story “Trick, no Treat?” about a Halloween party gone awry and Phoenix Leroux’s “The Break-In,” a story about a possible robber in the house in the dead of night.

Others told stories of mishaps, accident-prone characters and one hilarious (though likely not at the time) story about a missing baby sister, who was eventually found under the couch: “Ma grande soeur…perdu !!!” by Willingdon’s Kiera Sexton.

Event is celebratory It starts in Grade 4, when

teachers give students an oppor-tunity to practice storytelling in preparation for the next school year when they can take part in the finals. In-school contests are held for Grades 5 and 6 to decide winners and runners up. Those students then go on to perform at the festival.

The event is meant to be celebratory and not competitive, Ms. Tytler explained. “They are all school winners. The festival


Elementary school finalists show off storytelling skills during two-day festival

Explore what the EMSB

has to offer in your area. emsb.qc.ca

Our EMSB High School Guide (emsb.qc.ca/highschoolguide) takes you through our secondary school network. You will discover what makes each school unique, and what each school offers as part of their focus programs and extra-curricular activities.

It is time to choose a high school?

James Lyng High School John F. Kennedy High School John Grant High School FACE High School LaurenHill Academy Laurier Macdonald High School Lester B. Pearson High School L.I.N.K.S. High School

MIND High School Marymount Academy International Rosemount High School Royal Vale High School Royal West Academy Vincent Massey Collegiate Westmount High School

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celebrates them all.” Stories are told in English and French, usually in equal proportions.

Last year, EMSB educational consultants created videos and re-sources to guide students through a “Five P” process that involves play, pitch, pick, practice and present.

Participants received a certificate, medal and a $15 Indigo gift card.

“Telling stories is a way to connect with others – and with the world, imagine new possibilities, and peek into another life,” said Ms. Tytler.

(1) Anissa Hatahet from EMSB Virtual Learning was among the storytellers with her story, “The Missing Phone." (2) Reuben Lousky proudly displays his certificate and gift for his participation in the storytelling festival. He told his story in French: "Mon accident de la planche à neige." (3) Leonardo da Vinci students Anthony Di Giambattista, left, and Nicholas Giannini told their stories "Struggle of a Lifetime" and "Mon aventure en Italie" on April 12.


Documents

High school students had pies on their ‘MIND’