Montreal, January 29, 2021 - Given the many high-profile acts of racial violence in 2020, Black History Month activities scheduled at the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) for February will take on even more significance. At a Council of Commissioners meeting in December 2020, the EMSB adopted a formal resolution to formally recognize Black History Month. Though schools observe Black History Month every year, EMSB Chair Joe Ortona says this year is particularly important. “There were a number of events that occurred that make us seriously reflect on issues of race,” he commented. “Though many of the more widely reported events took place in the US, we have issues here as well. These tragedies spark outrage all over the world. We are witnessing a coming-together of people to denounce racial injustice, and we wanted to show our commitment by voting on and passing a resolution, which we did unanimously.” Mr. Ortona also highlights a bright spot. “We’ve also been proud recently, a

REGISTRATION PROCESS:  The proper COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed for all schools when parents enter the building to submit the necessary documentation. All pupils registering for the first time are required to provide a birth certificate and vaccination records to the school the child will be attending. Parents will be asked to fill out forms which will allow the school to apply for the certificate of eligibility for English schooling. Under the Charter of the French Language, a certificate of eligibility is generally granted to children who did the majority of their elementary or secondary studies in English in Canada; whose mother or father did the majority of his/her elementary studies in English in Canada or whose brother or sister did the majority of his/her elementary or secondary studies in English in Canada. As a result of language legislation, this criteria excludes studies completed in the Quebec Private School system. Parents are asked to register at the EMSB ele

NEW INTERIM DIRECTOR GENERAL:   The Council of Commissioners of the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) have announced the appointment of   Russell Copeman   as its Interim Director General, effective immediately. “The current Council of Commissioners has been in office for less than a month, and we have a full plate of issues to address,” explains EMSB Chairman  Joe Ortona  . “These include first and foremost ensuring we continue to meet the needs of our students and their families, particularly during the ongoing pandemic. At the same time, our role is to set the strategic plan for the EMSB while hiring a permanent Director General – the one person who reports directly to the Council of Commissioners. “Russell has the leadership skills and understanding of our education system to guide the EMSB and advise the Council of Commissioners over the next few months. We are fortunate to have a public servant of his calibre on our team.” Russell Copeman For the past two years Mr. Copeman has