L'avenir de Montréal-Nord - English Montreal School Board

Commission scolaire English-Montréal ~ English Montreal School Board
EMSB
MESSAGE
FROM THE
CHAIR
www.emsb.qc.ca volume 11 | number 2 | Spring 2009
ANGELA MANCINI
The English Montreal School
Board got some very good news
recently when Kyle Wozniak, a
Grade 5 student at Willingdon
Elementary School, was granted
English admissibility. In early
February a Quebec government
administrative tribunal ruled that
11 year old Kyle was not eligible
to attend English school, citing a
lack of proof that his parents
received the "major part" of
primary education in English
in Canada.
While Kyle’s mother, Nina
Wozniak, went to French school
his biological father attended
English schools in Western
Canada. But because the parents
have been estranged since Kyle
was an infant, the father would
not provide an affidavit to prove
the son’s eligibility. The EMSB
Registration Division tried to
obtain the information on its own.
However, in one case there were
no records at a British Columbia
school because of a fire in the
1970s while a school in Stony
Plain, Alta., destroys records once
a former student reaches age 30.
The EMSB refused to remove
Kyle from Willingdon and instead
pursued the boy’s grandmother
and the father. On February 17
the grandmother send an affi -
davit to the EMSB, which was
transmitted to the Ministry. The
biological father soon followed
suit. Three weeks later an official
ruling in Kyle’s favor was sent to
the EMSB. I really must give full
The more than 1,500 students at LaurenHill Academy in St. Laurent
marked the EMSB's 10 th anniversary by becoming human letters and numbers.
credit to the dogged determination
of our Registration Division while
also expressing our gratitude to
the Quebec English School
Boards Association (QESBA)
for their valuable work on this
dossier. Sadly we have so many
children who cannot get their
English eligibility each year. We
advocate for them as best as
possible. But in this case we saw
a real wrong and we could not sit
by or see this young man taken out
of a school he was comfortable in.
The issue was pursued and we
have a happy ending.
It is unfortunate that we have
to deal with these type of problems
related to Quebec’s language
laws. As things are, the EMSB
is losing upwards of 400 students
a year since the introduction in
2002 of Bill 104. This law
amended Bill 101 to preclude
students with a year of English
private school instruction from
being eligible to attend an English
public school.
L’avenir de Montréal-Nord
Suite à la tension survenue l’an dernier entre deux écoles secondaires de Montréal-Nord,
30 élèves francophones et anglophones provenant de l’école Gérald McShane (CSEM) et de
l’école Jules Vernes de La Commission scolaire de la Pointe-de-l’île (CSPI) ont créé une murale
de glaise pour le centre communautaire de Montréal-Nord. « Le projet à été lancé pour aider les
enfants de la communauté à comprendre les évènements de cet été et à développer une vision pour
être capable de vivre en harmonie ensemble » explique Evelyne Alfonsi, directrice de l’école et
l’une des initiatrices du projet. La commissaire de la Commission scolaire English-Montréal et
présidente adjointe, Sylvia Lo Bianco, a assuré le financement avec l’arrondissement de Montréal-
Nord pour cette initiative. Michael Pellegrin, enseignant de 6 e année, a dirigé ce projet.
GERALD
MCSHANE
PAGE 12:
For More Scenes From the
EMSB’s 10 th Anniversary
INSIDE THIS EDITION
Important Dates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
SPECIAL Golf Tournament section . . . . . . . . .5-8
WIN A LIMO RIDE TO SCHOOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Public School Education Month . . . . . . . .10-11

2
www.emsb.qc.ca
EMSB EXPRESS | vol. 11 | N o 2 | Spring 2009
EXPRESSLINE
APPOINTMENTS
The EMSB Council of Commis -
sioners has approved a number of
new in-school/centre adminis -
trative appointments. Recently
appointed principals are: Maria
Palmieri, Lester B. Pearson High
School (from principal at Edward
Murphy Elementary); Cynthia
Koomas, Marymount Adult Centre
(from principal at
St. Laurent Adult
Centre): Nancy
Richer, Edward
Murphy (from
vice-principal at
Nancy Richer
Vincent Massey
Collegiate); and
Caterina Bernucci, St. Laurent
Adult Centre (from vice-principal
at St. Pius X Adult Centre). New
vice-principals are: Anna Maria
Borsellino, Dunrae Gardens
Elementary in T.M.R. (from teaching
at John F. Kennedy High School in
St. Michel); Saverio Servello, St.
Pius X Adult Centre (from teaching
at Westmount High School); and
Angela Vaudry, Vincent Massey
Collegiate (from teaching at James
Lyng High School in Ville Émard).
RETIREMENTS
Nick Furfaro retired as principal of
Marymount Adult Centre in Côte
Saint-Luc...Micheline Pilon, the
longtime administration officer in
the Office of the EMSB Director
General, retired in January after 27
years of service in the public
school system. At her retirement
reception, tributes came from
present day Director General
Antonio Lacroce, former Director
General Angelo Komatsoulis and
two of her former colleagues from
Lachine High School – Gordie
Naismith, who was the principal
and Robert T. Mills, the then viceprincipal
and current director
general of the Lester B. Pearson
School Board…About 180 people
attended the annual retirees'
dinner, which took place on
Editor:
Copy Editor:
Translation:
EMSB
October 21 at the Omni Mont-Royal
Hotel in downtown Montreal. The
evening honoured 98 retiring
employees of the EMSB who
worked as educators, adminis -
trators, professionals and support
staff, and whose combined years
of service to the Board added up
to 2,795 years. EMSB Chair Angela
Mancini, along with the senior
administrators from each region,
Adult Education and Vocational
Services, Pedagogical Services,
Buildings & Grounds, Community
Services, Financial Services,
Human Resources and the General
Directorate, presented each retiree
with a special thank-you gift of a
Forestville desk clock from Mosel.
One of the longest serving
employees honoured that evening
was former Assistant Director of
Pedagogical Services Irene
Konecny, who retired after 41 years
of service to the board.
TOP PRINCIPAL
Thirty-one exceptional leaders in
education from across the country
have been chosen as Canada’s
Outstanding Principals for
2009. The Canada’s Outstanding
Principals (COP) program is in its
fifth year and these winners will
join the assembly of more than
120 previous recipients of this
prestigious honour, which is
an initiative of The Learning
Partnership, a national not-forprofit
organization that has
championed public education in
Canada since 1993. Maria Di
Perna, the principal of the EMSB’s
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: express@emsb.qc.ca
Web site: www.emsb.qc.ca
Michael J. Cohen
Communications & Marketing Specialist, EMSB
Stuart Nulman
Aline Zerounian
Layout & design: Ponctuation Grafix Inc.
www.ponctuation.com
Legal Deposit:
Commissioner Syd Wise and Chairman
Angela Mancini congratulate retiree
Felix Gelbart (middle)
Bibliothèque Nationale du Québec
National Library of Canada
ISSN 1488-416X
East Hill Elementary School, was
the only winner from the province
of Quebec.
“Children are our world’s truest
and greatest hope,” said Ms.
Di Perna. “I have been blessed to
have them in
my life. And if
the definition of
work is ‘when
you’d rather be
doing some -
Maria Di Perna
thing else,’ then
I haven’t worked
a day in the last 34 years! Public
recognition is nice and I am
honoured to receive this award
from The Learning Partnership.
What is most rewarding is when
those around us appreciate what
we do and support us in our
accomplishments. It really is
always about the team.”
Ms. Di Perna has worked in the
public education system since
1975. In addition to East Hill, where
she has been since 2006, she also
served as principal at St. Monica
and St. Ignatius of Loyola in N.D.G.,
Cedarcrest in St. Laurent and St.
Kevin in Côte des Neiges. She was
a vice-principal at St. John Bosco
in Ville Émard and assistant to the
principal at Michelangelo and
Leonardo Da Vinci Schools in RDP.
Ms. Di Perna also taught for nearly
20 years before becoming an inschool
administrator, focusing a
lot of her attention on special
education. She was the president
of the Canadian Association of
Principals, the Association of
Administrators of English Schools
of Quebec and the Association of
Catholic Principals of Montreal.
GROUP
BAT MITZVAH
MEETING
Families interested in learning
more about the Group Bat
Mitzvah Program organized by the
YM-YWHA Ben Weider Jewish
Community Centre and the EMSB
are invited to attend an information
meeting on Tuesday, April 28
(7 p.m.). It will take place in room
J3 of the Ben Weider Jewish
Community Centre (5400 Westbury
Avenue) in Snowdon. This year
marks the first time such a program
is being offered in the West End for
girls between the ages of 11 and 13
not attending Jewish day schools.
The eight girls enrolled have been
attending classes since September,
with the actual ceremony and
reception to be held in the spring
at Beth Zion Congregation in
Côte Saint-Luc. There will be a
full report in the fall edition of
the Express. A bat mitzvah is a
coming-of-age ceremony marking
a Jewish girl's acceptance of
responsibility for carrying out the
commandments of the Torah. For
those seeking additional infor -
mation please call Susan at
(514) 737-6551 ext. 320 or Mike
at (514) 483-7200 ext. 7243 or via
email at: sapter@ymywha.com or
mcohen@emsb.qc.ca.
MARTIN SHEEN AND THE EMSB
Martin Sheen is pictured here (second from the left) with LBPHS
student Anthony Perrozzi, teacher Michael Sweet and
Carly McRae-Pétrin of James Lyng High School.
Emmy award-winning actor Martin Sheen has endorsed Lester B.
Pearson High School’s Learning for a Cause Project and has agreed
to write the foreword to the project’s 2009 anthology Raising
Humanity. While unable to attend the book’s launch last spring at
the Montreal North school, Mr. Sheen met with the project’s founder,
teacher Michael Sweet while on a recent visit to Montreal when
he spoke at the Power Within conference. This year’s anthology,
Raising Humanity, will explore the theme of “being human” through
poetry, fiction, drama and art. The anthology is accepting
submissions from any high school student throughout the board
and details on how to submit work can be found on the website at
www.LearningforaCause.org.
LEONARDO
DA VINCI GETS
RECOGNIZED
Leonardo Da Vinci Elementary
School in Rivière des Prairies
has officially became part of the
École Verte Brundtland (EVB). This
marked the second time an English
elementary school in Quebec
has become a member of the
Brundtland Environmental Group,
which has as its mandate to
promote pacifism, democracy,
solidarity and the environment.
This worldwide initiative was
established by Dr Gro Harlem
Brundtland, pioneer of sustainable
development and Director-General
of the World Health Organization.
A Brundtland Commission was
established by the United Nations
as an independent body to examine
the world's environmental and
development problems and propose
solutions. The EMSB’s Marymount
Academy in N.D.G. became an
EVB in 2007 while Willingdon
Elementary School, also in N.D.G.,
were accepted last year.
TÉLÉTHON
DES ÉTOILES
L’école primaire John Caboto a
participé pour la 29 e année au
Téléthon des Étoiles et a recueilli
5 122 $ pour la recherche sur
les maladies infantiles. Ils ont
présenté officiellement ces fonds
le 7 décembre lors d’une émission
de CTV. Cette tradition de l'école
ne peut avoir lieu sans l’aide des
parents, des enseignant(e)s et des
« amis de John Caboto ». Les fonds
ont été levés par le biais de dons,
de loteries et de ventes de gâteaux.
L’enseignante Mary Diano a de
nouveau été l’organisatrice en chef
de l’évènement. Les élèves, les
parents, les enseignant(e)s, le
personnel des services de garde
et les voisins de l’école primaire
Leonardo Da Vinci ont tous
participé à la levée de fonds pour
la Fondation du Téléthon des
étoiles. Après deux journées de
tenue décontractée où les élèves
de 6 e année ont vendu des
napperons, un groupe de parents
et d’élèves, mené par la directrice
Phyllis D’Amato, a parcouru les
rues autour de l’école et frappé aux
portes des maisons pour recueillir
plus de fonds pour le Téléthon du
samedi soir. Un montant de 2 500 $
a été remis à la Fondation.
OPRAH COMES
CALLING
David Marino, a 10 year old student
at Leonardo Da Vinci Elementary
School in R.D.P.,
took his talents
as a young jazz
singer/performer
to new levels
recently when a
David Marino
video clip of him
singing “New
York, New York” appeared on
Oprah Winfrey’s “Search for The
World’s Most Talented Kids” show.
THE AMAZING
MOLO
Romolo (Molo) Finelli, the physical
education teacher at Merton
Elementary School in Côte Saint-
Luc, was honoured by staff,
students and members of his family
recently for receiving the National
Excellence Award for Teachers
(NEAT) by the Heritage Education
Foundation. This award was
established in 2004 to recognize the
cont’d / suite à la page 9

EMSB EXPRESS | vol. 11 | N o 2 | Spring 2009
www.emsb.qc.ca
3
DATEBOOK
March 28 to April 4
Adult Learner’s Week
April 20 to 24
Volunteer
Appreciation Week
April 22
EMSB Volunteer
Appreciation Evening
Le Crystal
St. Laurent
Earth Day
April 23
Administrative
Assistants/Secretary’s Day
May 1
National Teachers Day
May 2
EMSB Chorale
Spring Concert
Oscar Peterson Hall
(7141 Sherbrooke Street West)
Loyola Campus,
Concordia University
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $10 for adults and
$5 for students and seniors.
Info: 514-483-7200, ext. 7234
May 12
National Denim Day
May 15
International Day
of Families
~ 2009 ~
June 18
EMSB Impact
Soccer Night
Saputo Stadium
June 23
Last Day of Classes
June 29
EMSB Scholarship
Golf Tournament
St. Raphael
MEETINGS
The EMSB council of commissioners
meet in public once a
month. These sessions begin
at 7:30 p.m. and are held in the
Laurence Patterson Conference
Room of the administration
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
meetings. To register for question
period please call 514-483-
7200, ext. 7264. The remaining
meetings scheduled for this academic
year are as follows:
April 29, 2009
May 27, 2009
June 17, 2009
New EMSB Nutrition Policy
The EMSB Nutrition policy is
currently undergoing some
remodelling in accord ance with
the Ministère de l’éducation, du
loisirs et du sport (MELS)’ new
provincial policy on healthy
eating and physical activity.
This policy regulates all food
distribution (sold or donated)
to students in all EMSB schools
and centres during regular
school activities (cafeteria,
daycare service, nutritional
support program, lunch service, vending machine, reward
program, regular fundraising and extracurricular activities).
EMSB Commissioners
Les commissaires de la CSEM
Electoral Division ~
Circonscription ~ 19
(Rosemount – Hochelaga
Maisonneuve
ANGELA MANCINI
Chairman
Présidente
Electoral Division~
Circonscription ~ 15
(Montréal Nord)
SYLVIA LO BIANCO
Vice-Chairman
Vice-présidente
Electoral Division ~
Circonscription ~ 14
(Saint-Michel)
ROCCO BARBIERI
Chairman, Executive Committee
Président, Comité exécutif
Representative, Quebec English
School Boards Association
Représentant, Association
des commissions scolaires
anglophones du Québec
Electoral Division ~
Circonscription ~ 9
(Mont-Royal – Saint-Laurent)
LIZ LEAMAN
Vice-Chairman,
Executive Committee
Vice-président, Comité exécutif
Electoral Division ~
Circonscription ~ 1
(Côte-Saint-Luc)
SYD WISE
Chairman, Education
and Facilities Committee
Président, Comité des
affaires pédagogiques et
des services éducatifs
Electoral Division ~
Circonscription ~ 2
(Montréal West)
JOSEPH LALLA
Chairman, Finance and
Legislative Committee
Président, des affaires
financières et législatives
Vice-Chairman, Adult
Education and Vocational
Services Advisory Committee
Vice-président, Comité consulatif
de L'éducation des adultes et
de la formation professionnelle
Electoral Division ~
Circonscription ~ 3
(N.D.G.)
ALBERT PEREZ
Electoral Division ~
Circonscription ~ 4
(Hampstead – Côte-Saint-Luc)
MARVIN HELFENBAUM
Alternate / Substitut Comité
de gestion de la taxe scolaire
de l’île de Montréal
Electoral Division ~
Circonscription ~ 5
(N.D.G. – Saint Henri –
Ville Émard)
ANNE WILLIAMS
Vice-Chairman, Education
and Facilities Committee
Vice-présidente, Comité des
affaires pédagogiques
et services éducatifs
Electoral Division ~
Circonscription ~ 6
(Saint Henri – Pointe Saint
Charles – Westmount –
Centre-ville)
RICHARD LALONDE
Electoral Division ~
Circonscription ~ 7
(Westmount)
GINETTE SAUVÉ-
FRANKEL
Electoral Division ~
Circonscription ~ 8
(Côte-des-Neiges –
Snowdon – Outremont)
ELLIE ISRAEL
Vice-Chairman, Finance and
Legislative Committee
Vice-présidente, des affaires
financières et législatives
Representative, Quebec English
School Boards Association
Représentante, Association
des commissions scolaires
anglophones du Québec
Electoral Division ~
Circonscription ~ 10
(Saint-Laurent)
BERNIE PRAW
Electoral Division ~
Circonscription ~ 11
(Saint-Laurent – Cartierville)
JAMES KROMIDA
Electoral Division ~
Circonscription ~ 12
(Ahuntsic)
JOSEPH PETRAGLIA
Chairman, Adult Education
and Vocational Services
Advisory Committee
Président, Comité consulatif
de L'éducation des adultes et
de la formation professionnelle
Electoral Division ~
Circonscription ~ 13
(Park Extension – Le Plateau –
Downtown)
JULIEN FELDMAN
Electoral Division ~
Circonscription ~ 16
(Saint-Léonard)
DOMINIC SPIRIDIGLIOZZI
Immediate Past Chair
Président sortant
Electoral Division ~
Circonscription ~ 17
(Saint-Léonard)
FRANK VERRILLO
Electoral Division ~
Circonscription ~ 18
(Rosemont)
AGOSTINO CANNAVINO
Member / Membre, Comité de
gestion de la taxe scolaire
de l'île de Montréal
Electoral Division ~
Circonscription ~ 20
(Saint-Léonard)
FRANK DI CESARE
Electoral Division ~
Circonscription ~ 21
(Anjou – Pointe-aux-Trembles –
Montréal Est)
TED DONNINI
Representative, Quebec English
School Boards Association
Représentant, Association
des commissions scolaires
anglophones du Québec
Electoral Division ~
Circonscription 22
(Rivière-des-Prairies)
ROSA CERRELLI
Electoral Division ~
Circonscription ~ 23
(Rivière-des-Prairies)
PATRICIA LATTANZIO
Parent Commissioners
Représentants
de parents
GAIL GIANNAKAS
ANGIE BERTONE
For a complete list of
which committees EMSB
commissioners sit on, please
log to the governance
section at www.emsb.qc.ca.

4
www.emsb.qc.ca
EMSB EXPRESS | vol. 11 | N o 2 | Spring 2009
FROM THE
DIRECTOR
GENERAL
ANTONIO LACROCE
The EMSB has been
fortunate to record budget
surpluses in each of the last three
years and we have made a point
of taking this money and
reinvesting it in our system.
Recently we unveiled plans of
how we intend to spend almost $4
million in funds which became
available as a result of an
operational surplus in 2007-2008.
The Council of Commissioners
has agreed to allocate
$3,858,000 towards a literacy
early intervention program over
three years ($1.2 million),
school/centre projects ($1,050
million), information technology
($870,000), washroom im -
provements for 10 high schools
and centres ($500,000), a
professional development plan for
support and professional staff
($200,000) and the marketing of
the youth sector ($38,000).
The EMSB recorded a
surplus of $1.5 million in 2006-
07, which was earmarked for
physical and washroom im -
provements across the network.
The previous year, a surplus
of $500,000 was used for
renovations in schools and centres.
The principal reasons for
corporate surpluses at the Board
is underspending on salaries,
better than expected results from
the Adult Education and
Vocational Services (AEVS),
unanticipated funding adjustments
by the Ministry and energy
savings. As for school and centre
surpluses, this is mainly due to
special allocations by the Ministry
that were confirmed only halfway
through the 2007-08 year. The
schools did not spend all of that
year's grant by June 30, 2008.
We have recorded these
surpluses during a time when our
enrolment has been dropping.
Simple demographics, a low
birthrate and the Quebec
language laws are the main cause
of this. But here at the EMSB
our objective remains to give our
students the best education
possible. I am so very proud of
our achievements.
The Montreal
Juniors
The EMSB teamed up with
the Quebec Major Junior Hockey
League’s Montreal Juniors
(www.juniordemontreal.com) this
season as the team reached out
specifically to high school students.
Over the last few months,
hundreds of students from
Royal Vale School, Westmount
High School, John Paul I Junior
High, Marymount Academy and
LaurenHill Academy were in
attendance for different games.
Some of the players even visited
the schools and took part in
ball hockey games and shootouts
in the gymnasium. Home games
for the Juniors are played at
the Verdun Auditorium, only a
block away from the De L’Église
Metro Station.
Sports Shorts
All the Way with the Impact
The Montreal Impact and the
EMSB continued the successful
stay-in-school program called
All the Way with the Impact
(Jusqu’au bout avec l’Impact),
designed to promote the
importance of persevering in
school. In addition, the Impact
introduced a new partnership
with the EMSB and UNICEF.
The official English launch took
place at Willingdon Elementary
School in N.D.G. featuring the
presence of star defender Adam
Braz, ambassador and former
star player Lloyd Barker and
team president Joey Saputo. The
All the Way with the Impact tour
is sponsored by the National
Bank and has expanded to
include other Montreal area
school boards. Over the last few
weeks, Barker has visited some
EMSB elementary and second -
ary schools to discuss with kids
the importance of staying in
school and striving for excellence.
He also carried the humanitarian
message of UNICEF. As part
of the partnership, EMSB
student purchased tickets to the
Impact’s historic CONCACAF
Champions League Quarterfinal
game against Club Santos
Laguna of Mexico on February
25 at the Olympic Stadium.
There will also be an EMSB
Night at Saputo Stadium on
Wednesday, June 17 when
PHOTO BY: PÉPE
Montreal Impact ambassador Lloyd Barker is greeted by Willingdon students.
Montreal hosts Toronto FC in a
CONCACAF Canadian title
match. The Impact will once
again hold a special ceremony
before the game highlighting
some of the most outstanding
students, and bursaries will be
awarded to the top students.
These bursaries are named in
honour of the late Tony Licursi,
the longtime Impact statistician
who died two years ago. Mr.
Licursi was a member of the
EMSB’s James Lyng High
School Alumni Association.
Le programme
Sports-Études
L’école secondaire Lester B.
Pearson de Montréal-Nord a
annoncé que son programme
Sports-Études étendra ses activités
de soccer et de hockey dans le
cadre d’une entente entre la
Commission scolaire English-
Montréal (CSEM) et la
Commission scolaire de la Pointede-l’île
(CSPL). Le programme
Sports-Études est un partenariat
formé par la commission scolaire,
l’école et les fédérations et clubs
de sports sous l’égide du ministère
de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du
Sport (MELS). Dès que les
élèves s’inscrivent au programme
Sports-Études, ils suivent le
programme d’études régulier du
ministère, de façon accélérée.
Typiquement, l’élève doit satisfaire
les exigences d’un diplôme de fin
d’études secondaires en près de
70 pour cent du temps alloué et
consacrer le reste du temps à des
activités athlétiques. L’emploi du
temps de l’école est organisé de
façon à ce que les élèves-athlètes
terminent leur journée d’école plus
tôt pour donner suffisamment de
temps à l’entraînement, l’étude et
le tutorat. Les entraîneurs, les
conseillers d’orientation et les
enseignants travaillent de concert
pour assurer le progrès acadé -
mique de l’élève.
Le programme Sports-Études
a été accordé à l’école secondaire
Lester B. Pearson en 2002 et il
compte actuellement près de 100
élèves inscrits. En sus du hockey
et du soccer, le programme offre
aux élèves la possibilité de
participer à divers autres sports,
dont le patinage artistique, le
karaté/kick-boxing, la gymnas -
tique, le plongeon, la natation et
le baseball. La CSPL a lancé
son programme Sports-Études à
l’école secondaire Antoine de
St-Exupéry quelques années
avant la CSEM. L’entente entre
la CSEM et la CSPL est la
première de ce genre. « Nous
espérons qu’en joignant nos
ressources nous serons en mesure
d’offrir un plus grand soutien
à nos élèves-athlètes » déclare
M. Gagné.
Alouettes Tour
The Montreal Alouettes offseason
“school is cool” basketball
jam has been visiting a number
of EMSB schools. Thus far
Dalkeith Elementary School in
Anjou. Dunrae Gardens in
T.M.R., General Vanier in St.
Léonard, Westmount High and
St. Gabriel and Point St. Charles
have been among the stops.
Cedarcrest in St. Laurent is on
the schedule for April 9.
Patineuses de Classe
Les élèves de l’école Dante
doivent être félicités pour leur
engagement à un sport compétitif
exigeant. Julia Bernardo, Rachel
Cecere et Jessica Iacono patinent
pour les Suprêmes, une équipe
de patinage artistique de
Saint-Léonard. Cette année, ces
jeunes patineuses ont remporté :
la médaille d’or au concours sur
invitation de Saint-Hubert et au
concours d’hiver de Patinage
Canada et une médaille d’argent
au concours sur invitation de
Pointe-aux-Trembles. Les patineuses
sont entraînées par l’enseignante
de 1 re année, Linda Sbriss.
EMSB sponsored
special needs
publication
A SUCCESS!
Have you read a copy of
Inspirations – A Snapshot of
Our Special Needs Community
yet? The EMSB sponsored
publication made its debut in
the fall and another edition will
be available shortly. While it
is distributed to Montreal area
school boards and via different
drop-off points across the city,
you can also read it online at
www.emsb.qc.ca/inspirations.
EMSB TO
HONOUR
VOLUNTEERS
The EMSB will hold its
eighth Volunteer Appreciation
Evening on Wednesday, April
22 at Le Crystal in St. Laurent.
This year’s event is being held
during National Volunteer Week
and under the theme of “You’re
a 10.” This recognizes both the
value of each volunteer and the
EMSB’s 10 th anniversary.
Time and space do not allow
the EMSB to honour all of
its nearly 1,500 volunteers in
person. Therefore, only those
individuals who have volunteered
for more than five years will
attend the reception, representing
some 500 people. However,
several thousand copies of a
commemorative program book
will be distributed to each school.
The LaurenHill Academy
School Band will be the musical
guests. Global Television anchor
Jamie Orchard and broadcaster
Luciano Pipia will return as
the emcees.
Merton’s Martlet
Students at Merton Elementary
School in Côte Saint-Luc and
their parents gathered at
McGill’s McConnell Arena one
day this winter to watch their
former physical education student
teacher Charline Labonté.
A gold medal winning goaltender
for Team Canada in the last
winter Olympics, she backstopped
her team to an 8-0 victory over
the University of Ottawa. Also,
members of the McGill team
and former Merton physical
education stageaires are Vanessa
Davidson (who scored several
goals) and equipment manager
Erika Petosa.

EMSB EXPRESS | vol. 11 | N o 2 | Spring 2009
www.emsb.qc.ca
5
English Montreal School Board
Annual Scholarship Fund
Golf Tournament
Monday, June 29, 2009
All proceeds go to the EMSB Scholarship Fund
40 Scholarships
Awarded Last Year!
Join us for a great day of golf
in support of our Scholarship Program!
GOLF SAINT RAPHAEL
1111 de l’Église, Île Bizard, Qc
514-696-4653
www.golfstraphael.ca
Register at
www.emsb.qc.ca/golf
For more information
please contact us:
Tel: (514) 483-7200, ext: GOLF (4653)
or email: golf@emsb.qc.ca
HONOURARY CHAIR
PHIL TERRIACA
President,
TLC Global Impression
FORMAT
Shotgun Start
Vegas style (best ball)
ITINERARY
08:00 - 09:30 Registration
08:30 - 10:30 Brunch
11:00 - 17:00 Golf
17:30 - 18:30 Cocktails
18:30 - 21:00 Dinner
PRICE OF TICKET
$210 golf & dinner
($85 tax receipt)
$75 dinner only
($25 tax receipt)

6
www.emsb.qc.ca
EMSB EXPRESS | vol. 11 | N o 2 | Spring 2009
EMSB hands out 38 cash sch
by STUART NULMAN
The English Montreal School Board (EMSB) distributed
38 cash scholarships of $500 each last fall to students
from the graduating class of 2008 at a ceremony held
at the St. Pius X Facility in Ahuntsic.
These scholarships were funded from the proceeds
of the fourth EMSB Scholarship Golf Tournament held
in June, 2007. Beneficiaries from the tournament,
which took place on June 27, 2008 will be chosen at
the end of the current academic year.
Scholarships were awarded to high school students
who are continuing their studies in a post-secondary
educational program.
The scholarships were divided into two categories.
Category I scholarships were presented to students
who have demonstrated a high academic achieve -
ment as well as involvement in school life activities
such as leadership, volunteerism, student council,
school sports, representing the school in different
events. Category II scholarships were awarded to
students who have persevered in the face of
overwhelming odds and personal difficulties.
Here is a look at
the winners:
CATEGORY I
Monica De Luca, Vincent Massey
Collegiate, Rosemount: During her
years as a student at Vincent Massey
Collegiate in Rosemount, Monica was
regarded as a good role model and an
outstanding leader. She served as a
senior house leader and was involved in
the school’s variety/fashion show, as well
as its basketball, volleyball and soccer teams. Monica also
distinguished herself as a volunteer at Our Lady of Pompei
School’s Day Care service during the 2006-2007 school
year, for which she earned the Community Service Award.
Riccardo Caimano, Laurier
Macdonald High School, St.
Léonard: Riccardo served with
distinction on two high profile student
activity positions: Student Leadership
president and editor of the school
yearbook. He has also participated in
the annual Brain Waves Gala fundraiser
and several community-related services that are part of
the obligations that go with being part of the International
Baccalaureate (IB) program.
Teresa Prioriello, Laurier
Macdonald High School, St.
Léonard: Teresa was a member of
Laurier Macdonald’s Yearbook Club.
She also was involved in community
service work, which was part of the
IB program.
Veronica Simeone, Lester B.
Pearson High School, Montreal
North: Veronica has had a fulfilling
student life at Lester B. Pearson High
School. She was involved with the
school’s annual Science Fair, the big
brother/big sister program, the coffee
house and the public speaking group.
She also volunteered her time as a peer tutor, and contributed
towards the spiritual graduation retreat by leading a program
dealing with readings of reflection and prayer.
Sabrina Taraborelli, Lester B. Pearson High
School, Montreal North: Known for her reliability,
trustworthiness and sense of responsibility, Sabrina
Taraborelli kept herself quite busy as a student at Lester
B. Pearson High School in Montreal North. She served
on the student council, was a member of
the Big Brothers/Big Sisters group and
participated in the school’s public
speaking contest and the annual Terry
Fox Run. She also volunteered as a peer
tutor and participated in the Secondary
V spiritual retreat.
Alice Wood, FACE High School,
downtown: Alice was a student who
always showed a positive attitude towards
her fellow students at FACE. She
tutored them in science and math and
was honoured for academic excellence in
Secondary V. She was also section leader
in Senior Band, and was involved in the
Secondary V theatrical production. She also received prizes
for her proficiency in physics, chemistry and French.
Shaadman Mohammad, FACE
High School, downtown: Shaadman
spent his high school years at FACE as
an all-round student. He was involved
in – and successfully completed – the
HOPS work study program. He
participated in the Waterloo Math
Competition and received the Math 536
prize. His high proficiency in math enabled him to tutor
his fellow students in the subject. Shaadman also took part
in the school’s Senior Band, as well as the Secondary V
theatrical production.
Anitha Selvarajah, Rosemount
High School: Anitha has been an
all-round student at Rosemount High
School. She was an active member of
the Student Council and served as its
treasurer. During her term in that
position, Anitha helped raise funds that
paid for many of the school’s activities.
She was also involved with putting together the school
yearbook. Anitha dedicated a great deal of time to
community and volunteer work. She participated in a
number of field trips to various soup kitchens, took part in
the YMCA’s Community Participation project (in which
she received her certificate of completion) and was a
dedicated peer tutor. For her efforts, Anitha received the
Rosemount High School Alumni Bursary, the Yearbook
Award and the Peer Tutoring Award. She is currently
enrolled in the Social Science program at Dawson College.
Pictured left to right: Rosemount High Principal Ginette Clarke,
Anitha Selvarajah, EMSB Chairman Angela Mancini and
Regional Director Angie Roumeliotis.
Nigar-Sultana Hossai, Rosemount
High School: Nigar-Sultana led a
very busy, yet fulfilling, student life at
Rosemount High School. She was a
member of the school band and was
involved in many of the school’s sports
teams. She also served on the Student
Council and participated in the HOPS
work study program. As well, Sultana was an extremely
dedicated school volunteer. Her activities included peer
tutoring, soup kitchen field trips, and the YMCA
Community Participation project. She also received an
impressive array of academic awards, including the
Academic and Athletic Achievement Awards, the Birks
Silver Medal, the Richard Huirt Award for excellence in
science and music, and the Spiritual and Community
Award. Sultana currently studies at Champlain College
in the IB-Science program.
Ayesha Vording, LaurenHill
Academy, St. Laurent: Ayesha was
an excellent student at LaurenHill
Academy and also was very active in all
school activities. She served as vicepresident
of the LaurenHill Student
Council and through this entity organized
several charity drives throughout the year.
Ayesha also ran the Environmental Club, was a member
of the Senior Jazz Band, participated in the HOPS work
study program and was a student representative to the
school’s Governing Board for two years. Ayesha’s
remarkable achievements as a LaurenHill student earned
her the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec Medal.
Nicholas Destounis, LaurenHill
Academy, St. Laurent: Nicholas was
one of those rare students who achieved
academic excellence and still found time
to be involved in many school groups and
activities. He was a member of the Jazz
Band, participated in several math
competitions, and competed as a member
of the school’s softball team.
Megan Smith , M.I.N.D. High
School, the Plateau: Besides
getting herself involved with
M.I.N.D.’s fundraising and prom
committees, Megan also became a role
model for elementary students, as she
volunteered her time to be a tutor and
mentor to several students from Bancroft
School, which is housed in the same facilities as M.I.N.D.
Tieu Linh Hoang, John F.
Kennedy High School, St. Michel:
Tieu Linh is one of those students who
gave of herself to other students on a
voluntary basis, yet maintained a strong
academic record. She was a peer tutor
at J.F.K., and helped students with
courses in which they were having
difficulty with or failing at. She also volunteered to be a
mentor to the school’s Secondary I and II students and was
involved with the Science Pathway program.
Flavia Papini, Royal Vale High
School, N.D.G: Flavia has had an
active, well-rounded student life at Royal
Vale as a leader and a volunteer. She
served as the student representative to
the governing board for two years, was
a finalist in the Science Fair and
competed as a member of several of the
school’s sports teams. Flavia was also involved as a peer
tutor for five years, participated in the school’s outreach
program dealing with breast cancer and the Free the
Children campaign, visited the elderly and collected goods
for different charitable organizations.
Jonathan Compagnon, Westmount
High School: Although Jonathan
spent two years as a student at
Westmount High School, he made a
solid contribution to the school
community during his short time there.
He was involved with the Yearbook
Committee and was a member of the
school’s curling and soccer teams. He also volunteered his
time to be a scorekeeper at GMAA and intramural games
that took place at the school. The teachers will always
remember Jonathan as a person who was ready to lend a
hand at all events and as someone whom they could always
call upon anytime.
Kathleen Perry-Theriault, Royal
West Academy, Montreal West:
Kathleen’s student life involvement at
Royal West centred around two things:
student council and the environment.
She was an executive of the student
council, where she helped organize a
number of school events, including the
winter carnival, BBQs and dances. She also headed the

EMSB EXPRESS | vol. 11 | N o 2 | Spring 2009
www.emsb.qc.ca
7
olarships from Golf Tournament
school’s Environment Committee and was responsible for
organizing Earth Week and putting together a recycling
program. Kathleen also participated in the HOPS work
study program.
Natasha Salter, Royal West
Academy, Montreal West: Natasha
is an intelligent, able student who was
involved in a wide assortment of school
activities. She served as an executive
member of the student council, where she
organized a number of school activities;
she competed as a member of the
school’s soccer, basketball and rugby teams; she organized
the dance show, and participated in the Hospital
Opportunity Program.
Marilyn Hoang, James Lyng High
School, St. Henri: Marilyn, while
devoting many hours to her school work
and family responsibilities, also looked
for opportunities that would allow her to
contribute to society. She was an active
member of the school’s leadership group,
and animated the group’s school life
activities for a number of years. Marilyn also volunteered
on a regular basis for the school’s breakfast program, and
served as a student guide for several school events, such as
the open house, parent night, etc. Also, Marilyn possesses
strong cooking skills, and used them to provide refreshments
for CLC events.
Sharna Dey, Marymount Academy,
N.D.G: Sharna exhibited a great deal
of dedication and leadership as a student
at Marymount Academy. She served as
president of the Student Council and
organized a fashion show that showcased
the multicultural nature of the Marymount
student body. She was also a tireless
volunteer around the school, whether it be providing support
for new students, giving tours of the school to families or
helping out in any way possible.
Ka Ho Wan, James Lyng Adult
Centre, St. Henri: Ka Ho arrived in
Montreal from his birthplace about three
years ago and in the short time he has
lived here, he graduated from James
Lyng Adult Centre as an honour
student. He has volunteered his time to
help students in Physical Science,
Chemistry and Physics, as well as tutored people within
his community in the arts and the Mandarin language. Ka
Ho is also an accomplished pianist and a talented artist
who received the Governor General’s Bronze Medal when
he graduated. He now attends Vanier College, where he
is a student in the Health Science program.
Nan Du, St. Laurent Adult
Centre: Nan Du believed that getting
an education was an important personal
goal for her. She enrolled at St. Laurent
Adult Centre when she was a young
mother, while pregnant with her second
child. She managed to balance home
and school life while she completed
her studies, and graduated with several academic awards
to her name.
Veronica Verardo, High School of
Montreal Adult Centre, the
Plateau: Veronica was regarded as a
student who was polite and a positive
influence on her fellow students. She
tutored them in math during her free
time. As well, Veronica organized the
school’s annual Christmas party, and
participated in CTV’s Spirit of Giving Campaign during
the Christmas holiday season.
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT PHOTOS: HOWARD KAY
CATEGORY II
John McCluskey, Vincent Massey
Collegiate, Rosemount: John has
autism and was non-verbal when he was
five years old. However, as a result of
his participation in the school’s athletic
and cultural activities, John has improved
his social skills tremendously. In fact, he
won the gold medal at a public speaking
competition that was held last year by the EMSB. He is
a serious and dedicated student who takes his commitments
quite seriously. He volunteered at St. Brendan School’s
special education class during the 2006-2007 school year,
competed on the wrestling team and managed several
basketball teams. During his years at Vincent Massey
Collegiate, John spent many of his lunch hours at the
Spiritual Community Room. He is now attending
Marianopolis College.
John McCluskey (second from the right) receives his scholarship
from (L to R) EMSB Chairman Angela Mancini, Regional Director
Marzia Michielli and Vincent Massey Principal John Pevec.
Sabastiano Maratta, Vincent
Massey Collegiate, Rosemount:
Sabastiano led a very active life as a
student at Vincent Massey Collegiate.
He was a member of the volleyball, tennis
and wrestling teams, as well as the
intramural floor hockey league. He also
served as a dedicated volunteer at
Edward Murphy School’s Daycare Centre. However,
Sabastiano is also an individual of remarkable determination
and perseverance in the face of a very difficult personal
circumstance. In February of 2008, he was diagnosed with
a brain tumour; although he missed almost two months of
school as a result, Sabastiano managed to keep up with his
studies and never stopped smiling – or let up his positive
attitude – throughout this trying time for him.
Samantha Goffredo, Lester B.
Pearson High School, Montreal
North: Samantha has overcome a
difficult and tragic circumstance – her
father was killed in a hit and run accident
last year – and through the support of her
teachers and friends, she was successfully
able to complete her Secondary IV and
V studies. She is now continuing her studies in CEGEP.
Luigi Ausilio, Lester B. Pearson
High School, Montreal North:
Luigi Ausilio is a hard working, resilient
and well-liked individual. Although he
has Pervasive Development Disorder
(which refers to a group of disorders
characterized by delays in the develop -
ment of socialization and communication
skills), Luigi has managed to overcome this obstacle and
graduate from high school, and is now attending CEGEP.
Nalou Chalifoux-Reis, M.I.N.D.
High School, the Plateau: Nalou
had an active student life at M.I.N.D.
She was a member of the fundraising
and prom committees and was on
the school’s honour roll throughout
Grade 11. She managed to accomplish
this despite a difficult personal life.
She was very persistent in accomplishing her goals, which
was to graduate from high school and enrol in college. The
staff is very proud of her achievements.
Despina Doukas, LaurenHill
Academy, St. Laurent: Despina
Doukas maintained a middle 80s average
throughout her high school years, despite
the fact that she suffers from a severe form
of Spina Bifida. She was transported to
and from school every day and always
had a child care worker available to her
on a regular basis. Yet throughout all those difficulties,
Despina’s high spirits and optimism never diminished.
Nadera Nawabi, Rosemount High
School: While in elementary school,
Nadera was assessed as having a
language-based learning disability.
Throughout her high school years she
received resource support as a student
in Rosemount’s English program.
However, this did not stop Nadera from
enjoying a normal student life at Rosemount. She was on
the school’s volleyball team and got involved in many
community-related activities, including the YMCA’s
Community Participation project, soup kitchen field trips
and spiritual community retreats. Nadera has also received
many awards for academic achievement, particularly for
excellence in History 44, Physical Science 416 and French
544. She also received the EMSB Certificate of Excellence
in French 544, Math 514 and Physical Science 416. She
is currently continuing her studies at Dawson College, in
the Exploration Science program.
Gift Samuel Tshuna, Westmount
High School: Gift was an inspiration
and a highly respected role model to his
fellow students at Westmount High
School. Gift has Muscular Dystrophy
and is wheelchair-bound. He has limited
mobility of his upper body. However, he
utilizes this disability not for sympathy,
but as a way of showing how perseverance through adversity
helps people accomplish their goals in life. A talented
public speaker, Gift would usually lead a lunch time club
for students who had difficulty socializing. He often spoke
to students at the Mackay Centre’s satellite class about the
importance of perseverance, and volunteered to speak to
the school’s Grade 7 students about his disability, and
became a role model to the younger students. He was also
involved in the school’s leadership program, music program,
and sang at many school events.
Gift Samuel Tshuna receives his scholarship from
Principal Michael Cristofaro, Reginal Director Paola Miniaci
and Chairman Angela Mancini.
Jillian Hill, Options II High School,
Ville Émard: Jillian is a determined
individual who was forced to leave school
due to difficult personal circumstances, yet
decided to give her education a second
chance, and has succeeded tremendously
as a result. She dropped out of high
school when she was halfway through
Grade 10 and went to work. Due to family difficulties, she
moved out and lived on her own. However, Jillian was
determined to get her high school diploma and came to
Options II in the fall of 2007. Although she didn’t have
any credits, she was given the chance to take Secondary V
courses. She applied herself and quickly became a model
student, who also helped her fellow students by becoming a
peer tutor. Jillian still lives independently and works part
time, but always managed to handle her school responsibilities
with a lot of focus and hard work. She is currently enrolled
in Vanier College’s Early Childhood Education program.
cont’d, see ‘scholarships’ on page 8

8
www.emsb.qc.ca
EMSB EXPRESS | vol. 11 | N o 2 | Spring 2009
Looking back at the
2008
Tournament
The EMSB held its fifth annual Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament
on June 27, 2008 at Club de Golf St. Raphaël in Île Bizard. Montreal
Impact president and noted businessman Joey Saputo served as the
honourary chairman.
A record number of 240 golfers helped raise a tournament high of
more than $40,000. Proceeds will go towards the EMSB Scholarship
Program, which benefits a number of graduating EMSB students so that
they can pursue their post secondary studies at a CEGEP or in vocational
education.
Besides 18 holes of golf, there was a brunch, dinner, plenty of
fabulous door prizes (a fur lined coat, golf clubs, a Montreal Impact
signed and framed jersey, a Dell laptop computer, an IMAC computer,
a weekend in St. Adolphe and jewelry) plus prizes for longest drive and
closest to pin. There was no hole-in-one recorded during the day.
Participants made valiant attempts at the 18 th hole, where an
automobile from Saturn Mondial was up for grabs.
The organizing committee for the tournament was chaired by Mario
Tirelli, deputy director general and ably assisted by his predecessor
Donald A. Reid. At the awards banquet, Mr. Tirelli and Mr. Reid thanked
Mother Nature for delivering five consecutive years of sunny skies for
the tournament.
‘scholarships’ – cont’d from page 7
Dool Nath Chowdhury, James
Lyng High School, St. Henri: Dool
Nath has endured several challenging
and difficult circumstances with his family
during his years in high school, yet he
faced them in private with a great deal
of dignity, without straying from his
commitment towards his future. He was
involved in a wide range of school activities, and was a
valuable member of the soccer team and the robotics club.
Dool was also the designated student coordinator of the
computer lab, and staff and students relied on his presence
and sound judgement for the programming that took place
there. He is also a very talented artist, whose works graced
the halls of the James Lyng facility.
Sara Muntasar, Marymount
Academy, N.D.G: Sara saw herself
through a difficult school situation that
could be devastating and confusing for
any student that goes through it. At the
beginning of Grade 11, the school was
notified one day that Sara had to leave
the building immediately because her
eligibility had run out. As a result, she remained at home
for several weeks while the school worked diligently to get
her an extension based on humanitarian grounds. The
extension was eventually granted, but it left an indelible
mark on Sara, who was several weeks behind in her classes
by the time she returned to school. She worked very hard
and put in a lot of extra hours in order to make up for the
lost time and achieve the academic success that she aimed
for, and eventually obtained. Sara also got herself involved
with a variety of school activities, and yet she always
managed to keep her grades up. She was active in the
student council, helped out with the “Penny Wars” charity
fundraiser and volunteered her time to make the Marymount
Cultural Fashion Show a major success.
Emilia Benevento, Royal Vale
High School, N.D.G: Emilia is a
person who is highly motivated to
succeed and despite the personal
setbacks and tragedies that she faced
as a student, she has managed to have
an active student life in high school.
While in elementary school, Emilia lost
a parent when she was in Grade 11. However, through
this and other setbacks, she has shown a great deal of hard
work and commitment towards her studies. She has been
on the school’s Honour Roll in grades 10 and 11,
participated in a number of the school’s sports teams, as
well as the science fair. Emilia also showed a great deal of
dedication to the community. She has participated in the
school outreach program by visiting the elderly on a regular
basis; she was active the in the school-wide “Free the
children” campaign; and she participated in the breast
cancer charity drive.
Michael D’Urso, Royal West
Academy, Montreal West: Michael
has had a successful time as a student at
a school that is as academically
challenging as Royal West Academy.
And he managed to accomplish this
while surviving two unspeakable
tragedies: the loss of both his parents –
at separate times – during his high school years. However,
Michael’s courage in the face of such tragedy enabled
him to continue his studies and student life at
Royal West. He participated on the school’s basketball
team, the science fair, as well as getting involved in some
community service.
Sarah Zia, Royal West Academy, Montreal West:
Sarah has grown up in difficult family circumstances, in
which she had to become an adult before her time, with all
the responsibilities and burdens attached
to it. However, she managed to maintain
a normal student life at Royal West
Academy. Many of her extra-curricular
activities at the school centred around the
environment and ecological awareness.
She was even involved with tree planting,
as well as tending the school’s garden.
Andrew Rabey, James Lyng Adult
Centre, St. Henri: Andrew overcame
personal hardship and tragedy and
emerged successfully as a student at
James Lyng Adult Centre. His father
passed away when he was 15 and he had
to leave school and find a job in order to
earn money to help support his mother
and his family. Determined to get his high school diploma,
Andrew enrolled at James Lyng Adult Centre to continue
his studies on a part-time basis, and he travelled every day
from his home in Chambly to attend classes, even in less
than ideal weather conditions. Always helpful to staff and
students, and never refused to help out when needed, he
also got himself involved with the school’s recycling program.
Andrew graduated this past June, and he hopes to study
telecommunications.
Sibusisiwe Sibanda, St. Laurent
Adult Centre: Sibusisiwe was a
recent arrival to Canada from her native
Zimbabwe, and quickly integrated
into Quebec society. While she was a
student at St. Laurent Adult Centre,
Sibusisiwe served on the student council
and sang in the school choir and solo
during last year’s graduation ceremonies. She is now
attending John Abbott College.

EMSB EXPRESS | vol. 11 | N o 2 | Spring 2009
EXPRESSLINE
cont’d from page 2
Molo and his students.
www.emsb.qc.ca
ENTER THE
9
EMSB Express Quiz
impact that teachers can have on their students, inspiring a love of learning
that can last a lifetime. “Molo,” as he is affectionately known, is a former
Olympic trampoliner and gymnastics instructor who was drawn to Merton
in 2003 because of its gymnasium and intimate environment. He’s been
a physical education teacher in the public school system for 21 years.
The focus of his teaching is in the area of circus skills.
EXCELLENCE IN FRENCH
PRIZES • A free limousine ride for the winner and seven
friends from Four Seasons on the last day of class.
Two “limo” rides will be drawn
• Different EMSB promotional items
F
our
• graduations
• weddings
• long distance
• airport pick up
• night on the town
Seasons
Chris 514.823.5127
luxury, comfort and professional service
Emily Vallée Watt and Anne Malcolm are congratulated for their awards.
The winners of the Robert Alfred Peck Prize for Excellence in French
were announced at the December EMSB Council of Commissioners
meeting. This year there were two winners, each of whom received 99
percent in their final year of high school in 2007-2008: Anne Malcolm
and Emily Vallée Watt of Royal West Academy each received medals
and cash prizes of $75. In attendance at the ceremony was their teacher,
Milada Prachar, Principal Mary Reynolds and Vice Principal Tony Pita.
The late Mr. Peck served as the superintendent of French for the Ministry
of Education, and held similar posts with the former Westmount School
Board and the former Protestant School Board of Greater Montreal.
OVATION AWARD
EMSB Express Quiz
CLUE: The answers to these questions can be easily found by looking through stories
in this newspaper and on the EMSB website (www.emsb.qc.ca).
1. Which school had all of its students form the letters “EMSB” and the number
“10” in their schoolyard ?
________________________________________________________________
2. Which EMSB elementary school did hockey star Angela Esposito attend?
________________________________________________________________
3. What date is EMSB Volunteer Appreciation Evening?
________________________________________________________________
4. Where will the 2009 EMSB Golf Scholarship Tournament take place?
________________________________________________________________
5. Which school recorded the EMSB 10 th anniversary theme song?
________________________________________________________________
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 via the internal mail system.
The deadline is Wed. April 29.
✁
Vince Lacroce (second from the right) is congratulated for his award by
(left to right) Regional Director Marzia Michielli, Chairman Angela Mancini,
Director General (and his father) Antonio Lacroce, Anna Maria Lombardo
(his wife and a teacher at Laurier Macdonald where they first met)
and Director of Student Services Lew Lewis.
EMSB Spiritual and Community Animator Vince Lacroce has received
the OVATION "Coup de Coeur" Award for his extensive project work and
his efforts to encourage students to believe in themselves and be the
best they can be. Mr. Lacroce works closely with approximately 1,500
students at Laurier Macdonald High School as well as Dante, General
Vanier, and Dalkeith Elementary Schools. "Mr. Vince," as he is
affectionately known, has developed and coordinated projects that
promote social awareness and community service in order to allow
students to develop a deeper sense of spirituality. He goes above and
beyond the call of duty in order to reach out to all his students.
EMSB
ADMINISTRATORS
HONOURED
The Association of Administrators
of English Schools of Quebec
(AAESQ) held its annual Awards
Luncheon. Approximately 130
people attended the event this
year to honour 10 of its members,
including four from the EMSB.
Director of Pedagogical Services
Sandra Furfaro was honoured for
her job as president of AAESQ for
the 2007-2008 academic year.
Regional Director Paola Miniaci
and Director of Adult Education
and Vocational Services Rosario
Ortona were honoured with the
AAESQ Outstanding Achievement
Award, given to a member who,
due to a particular outstanding
achievement, has clearly demon -
strated exemplary leadership in
education. Artemis Maravei, the
principal of Bancroft Elementary
School on the Plateau, was
presented with the AAESQ
Distinguished Service Award. This
is given to a member who has
made an outstanding contribution
to education. The emphasis is on
quality of service, performance
above and beyond the usual
responsibilities.
S’COOL LIFE
FUND
The S’Cool Life Fund national tour
touched down in Côte Saint-Luc
to make the DREAMS of students
at John Grant High School in
come true. Driven by children’s
DREAMS – Drama, Recreation,
Extracurricular, Arts, Music and
Sports – S’Cool Life Fund donates
grants to support programs and
activities to ensure that Canadian
elementary students have an
opportunity to explore their
imagination and creativity and
experience a more fun and exciting
school life. John Grant High
School is an alternative learning
setting that caters exclusively to
160 special needs students.
Officials from S’Cool Life Fund
John Grant staff and students
accept their cheque.
presented John Grant with a $4,990
grant to cover the cost of fitness,
arts and recreation equipment for
Secondary I students. Priszm
Income Fund representatives,
André Fosiy and Christian Boutin
were on hand to present a cheque
to the school and its students.
Principal Demetra Droutsas,
teacher Katherine Rendall Green
and Pre-Secondary I student
representatives Vanessa Watkins
and Angelica Rachiele expressed
their thanks to Priszm for the
generous contribution.
LANCEMENT
DU LIVRE
L’école primaire Coronation de
Côte-des-Neiges a été récemment
l’hôtesse du lancement officiel du
deuxième livre de l’enseignant
Patrick Charland intitulé « L’en -
seignement de la Robotique ». Au
cours des ateliers de robotique du
samedi, les élèves ont eu
l’occasion d’utiliser ce guide
d’utilisation de la robotique en
classe. L’enthousiasme régnait
alors que les élèves ont suivi, étape
par étape, les instructions du
nouveau livre qui les a aidé à
faire leur travail. Ce fut une mer -
veilleuse expérience pour tous.

10
www.emsb.qc.ca
EMSB EXPRESS | vol. 11 | N o 2 | Spring 2009
EMSB experiences another successful
The EMSB marked its third Public School Education Month
in January. This campaign is meant to highlight the system
in a number of ways, chiefly by encouraging prominent
graduates to return to visit their neighbourhood schools to
talk to students about the role public school education played
in leading them to their present-day success. These individuals
now serve as outstanding role models, as do many other
prominent Quebecers having or having had a link with area public
schools or vocational centres.
PLACE VERTU KIOSK
The EMSB had an information kiosk
at the Place Vertu Shopping Centre in
St. Laurent. Representatives, including
staff, students and parents, from four
elementary schools – Cedarcrest,
Parkdale, Carlyle, John Caboto, as well
as one adult centre – St. Laurent Adult
Centre – and one vocational centre – the
Shadd Business Centre showcased their
programs. The John Caboto Choir
Group performed for
shoppers on opening day.
La CSEM a eu un
kiosque d’information
au Centre d’achats
Place Vertu de Saint-
Laurent.
The John Caboto Choir
performs while staff
work the booth from the
Shadd Business Centre.
EDINBURGH
Dr. Victoria Kaspi, a Professor of Physics at McGill University, returned to her old
elementary school, Edinburgh in Montreal West. Dr. Kaspi holds the Lorne Trottier
Chair in Astrophysics and Cosmology and a Canada Research Chair in Observational
Astrophysics. She received a B.Sc. (Honours) in physics from McGill University in
1989, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Physics from Princeton University in 1991 and 1993
respectively. From 1994-96, she was both a Hubble Postdoctoral Fellow in the Jet
GARDENVIEW
Helen Georgaklis, a successful
financial consultant for the
Investors Group, where she
manages millions of dollars for
people planning their retirement,
returned to Gardenview
Elementary School in St.
Laurent. She is also the author
of a number of books. “ I used
to sit where you are today,” she
told more than 300 Cycle III
students. “I would come to
school every day, play with my
friends, work hard in my classes and try to learn as much as I could from my teachers.
Without school, you won’t get very far. You will not learn to focus, stay determined and
keep going even when you fail, and chances are you may fail a couple of tests, but you
need to keep going.”
Helen Georgaklis, conseillère financière pour le Groupe Investors, où
elle gère des millions de dollars pour des personnes qui planifient leur
retraite, a visité l’école primaire Gardenview de Saint-Laurent. Elle est
aussi l’auteure de plusieurs livres.
ROSLYN
On January 16 Anna Gainey
returned to Roslyn Elementary
School in Westmount. She is the
daughter of Montreal Canadiens
general manager and former team
captain Bob Gainey and the
executive director of the Gainey
Foundation. Speaking to Grade
6 students, Anna explained how
after the sudden passing two years
ago of her sister Laura, the third
of Bob Gainey’s four children,
the family decided to honour both
Helen Georgaklis is thanked by Gardenview Principal
Tina Lavranos and student Jeremy Mellul.
(Left to right) Anna Gainey is thanked by her former
teacher Roger Pelland and some Roslyn students.
Laura and her late mother, Cathy who passed away in 1995, with a foundation dedicated
to funding environmental and arts programs for youth. The foundation’s goal is to raise
$2 million by 2010 in support of this objective, building a lasting and fitting legacy for
two special people. Anna attended Roslyn for Grades 2 to 5 (1985-89) before the
family moved to France. Her brother Steven and late sister Laura were also Roslyn
students. Youngest sibling Colleen was only born in 1984 and the family moved to France
before she started school. Mom Cathy, who passed away16 years ago after a battle with
cancer, was actively involved with the Roslyn Home and School Association. “We lived
a few blocks away from the school on Belmont,” said Anna, who was reunited with her
former science teacher Roger Pelland. “This was a fun place and it gave me a good
foundation in speaking French before we moved to France where my dad coached and
played for a year.”
Anna Gainey a visité son ancienne école primaire Roslyn de Westmount.
Elle est la fille du directeur général des Canadiens de Montréal et
ancien capitaine de l’équipe Bob Gainey et directrice générale de la
Fondation Gainey.
DUNRAE
GARDENS
Dr. Kaspi is presented with an ecological friendly bag from these Grade 6 students.
Propulsion Laboratory and a Visiting Associate at the California Institute of Technology.
Prior to joining the McGill faculty in 1999, Dr. Kaspi was an Assistant Professor of
Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where she also held a Hubble
Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Center for Space Research. She told a gymnasium full
of students that she was born in Texas and moved to Montreal with her family at the age
of seven. When she entered Edinburgh, her goal was to one day become a lawyer. She
provided a fascinating PowerPoint presentation for students about the star system, getting
things off to a humorous start by asking the question: What is a star? She then showed
a photo of singer Britney Spears. “Not that kind of star,” she laughed. Students sat
glued to the screen and asked many interesting questions. The presentation ended with
Dr. Kaspi letting everyone listen to what a star sounds like.
Le Dr. Victoria Kaspi, professeure de physique à l’Université McGill a
visité son ancienne école primaire, Edinburgh, de Montréal-Ouest
Angelo Esposito returned
to his former elementary
school, Dunrae Gardens
(235 Dunrae) in Town of
Mount Royal. Esposito
brought his gold medal from
Team Canada’s title game in
the World Junior Hockey
Championships in Ottawa.
Esposito, who scored the
winning goal, is a National
Hockey League draft choice
and property of the Atlanta
Thrashers. He presently
plays for the Montreal
Juniors of the Quebec Major
Angelo Esposito presents a Montreal Juniors sweater to
Dunrae Gardens students. Pictured in the back row (left to
right) are: Juniors owner Farrel Miller, EMSB Commissioner
Liz Leaman, TMR Mayor Vera Danyluk, Mount Royal MNA and
Minister of International Relations Pierre Arcand, Principal
Darlene Kehyayan and EMSB Chairman Angela Mancini.
Junior Hockey League. Among those on hand to greet him were T.M.R. Mayor Vera
Danyluk, Mount Royal MNA and Minister of International Relations Pierre Arcand,
Montreal Juniors team owner Farrel Miller, EMSB Chairman Angela Mancini and
Commissioner Liz Leaman.

EMSB EXPRESS | vol. 11 | N o 2 | Spring 2009
www.emsb.qc.ca
11
Public School Education Month
Esposito received a “rock star” welcome in a packed gymnasium. Principal Darlene
Kehyayan and vice principal Anna Maria Borsellino prepared a special video tribute to
Esposito. This included a Grade 4 clip of a then nine year old Angelo performing
magic tricks and calling himself Il Magnifico. Two of his former teachers, Sylvie Mailhot
and Kiki Kastelorizios, spoke about what a model student he was and noted how he was
so polite, well behaved, hard working, and motivated. Even then he would practice his
skating early in the morning before classes started. Teacher Jean-Francois Dion, who is
still on staff, surprised Esposito with that 10 year old “magic” video. Three of Esposito’s
former classmates were reunited with him. For video highlights, a report on RDS and
photos from his visit, go to www.emsb.qc.ca.
La vedette de hockey, Angelo Esposito, a visité son ancienne école
primaire, Dunrae Gardens, de Ville Mont-Royal. Il a apporté sa médaille
d’or remporté avec l’équipe du Canada lors du tournoi mondial de hockey
junior qui s’est déroulé à Ottawa.
SCIENCE
OLYMPIAD
The EMSB presented its first
Science Olympiad at Laurier
Macdonald High in St. Léonard.
This event had 288 Cycle III
elementary and Cycle I secondary
students from 27 participating
schools test their creativity and
scientific knowledge by competing
Students work feverishly on their bridge project.
in two specific, science-related
challenges. “I am not going to crack” involved teams building a bridge from popsicle
sticks that supported the greatest load of water bottles. Royal West Academy in Montreal
West came in first place followed by Elizabeth Ballantyne School, also from Montreal
West, in second and John F. Kennedy High School from St. Michel in third. “Blast
Off” had teams building small rockets with straws and paper to see which one flew the
greatest horizontal distance. Honoré-Mercier from St. Léonard came in first, with East
Hill from RDP second and FACE School from downtown third.
La première Olympiade de sciences de la CSEM a eu lieu à l’école
secondaire Laurier Macdonald de Saint-Léonard. 288 élèves de 27 écoles
y ont participé et ont mis à l’œuvre leur créativité et leurs connaissances
scientifiques en prenant part à deux concours reliés aux sciences. Les
concours étaient ouverts aux élèves du Cycle 3 du primaire et du Cycle I
du secondaire ayant un penchant pour les sciences.
MARYMOUNT
Former NHL forward
and successful businessman
Robin Burns returned to
his former high school,
Marymount Academy in
N.D.G. Burns started his
hockey career with the
Montreal Jr. Canadiens,
where he played three
consecutive seasons from
1964 to 1967. He later
added 240 American
Principal Luigi Santamaria, students and Commissioner
Ellie Israel thank Robin Burns for his visit.
Hockey League (AHL) games to his portfolio with the Montreal Voyageurs and Hershey
Bears. He won the Calder Cup with the Bears during the 1973-74 season. Robin also
added 190 National Hockey League (NHL) games under his belt, playing with the
Pittsburgh Penguins, the Kansas City Scouts and the Colorado Rockies. He founded
the ITECH hockey brand in 1984 with the launch of his innovative fully clear facial
visor, a first in the hockey protective industry and a product that is still counted in the
line-up today. In May of 2004, ITECH merged with Mission Hockey to form Mission-
ITECH Hockey Ltd. Last September Mission-ITECH was sold to Bauer Hockey.
Burns told the students that he began playing junior hockey when he was 14 years old.
In Grade 10 he missed 62 days of class due to his hockey schedule. However, he fondly
remembers teachers staying with him late after regular school hours so he could pass his
courses. Burns, who met his wife of 44 years while studying at Marymount, is a father
of three and grandfather of nine
L’ancien avant de la LNH et homme d’affaires, Robin Burns, a visité son
ancienne école secondaire, l’Académie Marymount. Il a fondé la marque
de hockey ITECH en 1984 avec le lancement de son casque protecteur
facial totalement transparent, un produit qui est encore utilisé de nos jours.
En mai 2004, ITECH a fusionné avec Mission Hockey pour former Mission-
ITECH Hockey Ltée. En septembre dernier, cette compagnie a été vendue
à Bauer Hockey.
CORONATION
Dr. Albert Cohen
spoke to students at his
old elementary school,
Coronation in Côte des
Neiges. Dr. Cohen is the
chief of gastroenterology
at the Jewish General
Hospital. He brought with
him a large diagram of
the human stomach and a
gastroscope, an instrument
used for the visual ins -
pection of the interior of the
stomach by means of a
flexible fiberoptic tube inserted through the oral cavity and passing the length of the
esophagus into the stomach. “When I was in high school I did not know what I wanted
to do for my career,” Dr. Cohen confessed. “ Even in university I was not sure. When
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science part of me really wanted to become a writer.
I did end up deciding to go to Medical School and I really like being a doctor. So I want
you to know that if you stay in school you will have choices.”
Le Dr. Albert Cohen s’est adressé aux élèves de son ancienne école
primaire, Coronation de Côte-des-Neiges. Le Dr. Cohen est le chef du
département de gastroentérologie de l’Hôpital général juif.
JOHN F. KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL
Luigi Greco, an
associate director for
La Capitale Financial
Services, spoke at his old
high school, John F.
Kennedy in St. Michel.
La Capitale is the title
sponsor this year for
the EMSB Volunteer
Recognition Evening April
22. He talked about how
much he enjoys his job,
which involves hiring a
sales team and then training
them to deal with plans
focusing on family security,
Dr. Albert Cohen (top right) is thanked by Principal
Teresa Germano Saucier and Commissioner Ellie Israel.
Luigi Greco (seated front row) is thanked by John F. Kennedy
High School students and (standing) Principal Joseph Marra
(far left) and John Wright (far right).
retirement, liquidity and disability. “I’m following my dream and doing it with passion
and conviction,” he said. “Each and every one of you will create your own destiny.”
Luigi Greco, directeur adjoint des Services financiers La Capitale, s’est
adressé aux élèves de son ancienne école secondaire, John F. Kennedy de
Saint-Michel. La Capitale est le commanditaire principal de la Soirée de
reconnaissance des bénévoles de cette année, qui aura lieu le 22 avril.
Interested in seeing student photos?
Log on to www.emsb.qc.ca and go to the Press Room

SCENES FROM THE
EMSB’s 10 th Anniversary
EMSB CHAIRS
CARLYLE
OUR LADY OF POMPEI
SINCLAIR LAIRD
ROSEMOUNT TECHNOLOGY CENTRE
ROYAL VALE
EAST HILL
CEDARCREST
ST. DOROTHY
JOHN PAUL I
Dante students produce EMSB 10 th anniversary theme song
The EMSB has a new on-hold
message on its telephone system,
the official 10 th anniversary
bilingual song recorded by the
choir of Dante Elementary School
in St. Léonard.
“Maria’s passion for children,
music and technology inspired her
to compose and write many other
songs throughout the years,” said
Dante Principal Alice Buchanan.
“She has also composed the
Dante School theme song, our
kinder garten graduations and
our winter holiday song ‘C’est le
temps d’hiver.’”
The English version of the
EMSB 10 th anniversary song was
first written in May 2008. A
bilingual version was created in
December. The recording session
took place at Laurier Macdonald
High School in St. Léonard in
January, with 40 children aged nine
to eleven. The choir has held many
concerts and appeared at numerous
festivals and events. Its repertoire
is a combination of classical, folk,
modern and original compositions
and compilations created by Ms.
Alongi. Ms. Alongi wishes to
thank Sara Iatauro and Eddy
Hong of the EMSB and Alan
Taylor of Laurier Macdonald for
their technical support and Ms.
Buchanan, Assistant Director of
Pedagogical Services and former
school principal Roma Medwid
and Vice-Principal Ida Pisano
“for believing in me and support -
ing and encouraging my ideas
and creativity.”
155
BOUTIQUES ET POINTS DE SERVICE
STORES AND SERVICES
3131, BOUL. DE LA CÔTE-VERTU
SAINT-LAURENT H4R 1Y8
placevertu.com
Cartes cadeaux disponibles en tout
temps au Service à la clientèle
Gift Cards available at all times
at the Customer Service