Westmount High School wins Battle of the Books

-

 By Julian Taylor

EMSB Pedagogical Consultant|/Librarian

Every year, all EMSB high schools are invited to take part in “The Battle of the Books” (or “BoB” as it is affectionately known as by its participants); a quiz-show style competition where questions are based upon 12 pre-selected Young Adult novels that teams in each school read over the course of the school year. BoB allows students to explore a variety of literary genres while simultaneously developing teamwork skills. 

Launched at the Lester B. Pearson School Board in 2013, the Battle has grown steadily each year to include an increasing number of schools in the Quebec Association of Independent Schools and new this year, the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board. At the EMSB, it is an event that is organized by library technicians and librarians in the high schools as well as the Educational Services Department.

The triumphant Westmount High team.

The past few weeks have seen an exciting conclusion for the 2025 season of Battle of the Books here at the EMSB. From the initial six participating school teams, the top four highest-scoring teams, Laurier Macdonald High School, Westmount High School, Royal West Academy, and Vincent Massey Collegiate, competed at 6000 Fielding on the evening of April 22 to see which would be victorious. After an exciting two regular rounds and two lightning rounds, the team from Westmount High School won the coveted EMSB BoB Championship Banner.

On the evening of April 29, the team from Westmount High School then traveled to The Study School in Westmount to represent the EMSB in the Ultimate BoB Battle. Competing against them was Pierrefonds Community High School from the Lester B. Pearson School Board, Miss Edgar's and Miss Cramp's School from the Quebec Association of Independent Schools, and Laval Senior Academy from the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board. It was another high energy night as all four teams competed to see which team would be crowned the 2025 Ultimate BoB Champion. After the scores were tallied, it was a tie for first place between ECS and the EMSB’s own Westmount High School. The tie breaker question period began to see which of the two teams would come out victorious. It took only one question for the Westmount High School team to clinch the first place position and was declared the Ultimate BoB Champion for 2025! This is the first time in the history of the competition that an EMSB school team has won this title.

A scene from the EMSB finale.

Congratulations to the Westmount High School team and their coach, Library Technician Deborah French, for their historic win!

Special thanks also to all of the Educational Services professionals who took part again this year in all levels of the Battle of The Books competitions.


Popular posts from this blog

EMSB recognizes employees for 25 years of service

-
Image
For the first time in four years, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the  English Montreal School Board resumed its traditional Long Service reception to honour  employees with 25 years of service at Le Crystal in St. Laurent.   A total of 136 employees, ranging from teachers, administrators and support staff, were recognized for a quarter century of service.  This year EMSB Director General Nicholas Katalifos, honored those employees with a letter of congratulations and Monarch watches.  “For the past 25 years, your dedication to education, your diligence and your contributions to the English Montreal School Board has benefited many students and staff, " he said. You can see our photo album here . This year's  honourees were: Angela Spagnolo (fourth from the right) with commissioners and EMSB officials. From the central head office : Angela Spagnolo and Rick David from AEVS; Markela Zyglakis from the Office of the Director General; Annik Malenfant from...
Read more

Assistant Director of Educational Services Athina Galanogeorgos to retire

-
Image
Athina Galanogeorgos, Assistant Director of Educational Services, has announced she will retire. Her last day of work will be Nov. 21. The Association Québécoises des Cadres scolaires wishes to extend best wishes. Athina’s journey began when she and her parents emigrated from Greece while she was still a toddler. She quickly adapted to her new environment, learning English by watching television and becoming the family's interpreter at a young age. Her parents instilled in her a strong work ethic and a love for learning and education. They frequently read with her and filled their home with books she still treasures to this day. She has fond memories of attending Barclay Elementary School, where she was inspired by caring teachers who nurtured her love for learning. She went on to graduate from Malcolm Campbell High School and pursued her passion for languages and cultures at Vanier College, becoming fluent in both Italian and German. Athina Galanogeorgos Athina’s academic jour...
Read more

EMSB to recognize Volunteers of Distinction and present Lifetime Achievement Award

-
Image
Montreal, April 16, 2025 - On the occasion of National Volunteer Week,  which will be marked from April 27 to May 3, the English Montreal School Board will hold a special  reception and ceremon to honour two Volunteers of Distinction, as well as the presentation of the  Lifetime  Achievement Award.   The program will take place at the  St. Pius X Career Centre (9955 Papineau) in Ahuntsic on Tuesday, April 29   where the honourees, their families, EMSB commissioners, management, in-school administrators and Parents Committee executive members will be treated  to dinner catered by the culinary students. This will be followed by an awards ceremony  streamed live on the EMSB website.  A special guest for the evening was Tyson Philpot, the star wide receiver for the Montreal Alouettes who is excited to see the St. Pius X culinary students at work. He confided that if he was not a professional football player, he might have become a chef...
Read more