DECEMBER 10, 2025 EDITION / VOLUME 28 NUMBER 3/ THE OFFICIAL BULLETIN OF THE EMSB (MIKE COHEN, EDITOR/MANON BOURASSA, TRANSLATION)
PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION: The EMSB has announced that Pre-School and Kindergarten Registration Week for the 2026-2027 academic year will take place from Monday, February 2 to Friday, February 6. If one child from a family is already enrolled in a particular school, a sibling registration period will take place a week earlier. In order to qualify for transportation, families must choose the EMSB elementary school nearest to their residence offering the French program of their choice. For Pre-School and Kindergarten, schools will offer flexible registration procedures. You can read all of the details in this press release.
PRIME MINISTER’S AWARDS: Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary School in Rosemount-Petite-Patrie Music teacher Arianne Asly-Verdon and John Caboto Academy in Ahuntsic Math, English, Citizenship, and Quebec Culture Jennifer De Leeuw have been awarded with a Regional Certificates of Achievement for the 2025 Prime Minister's Award (PMA) for Teaching Excellence. Ms. Asly-Verdon will be formally presented with this honor on December 15 by NDP Member of Parliament for Rosemount-La Petite Patrie Alexandre Boulerice. Ms. De Leeuw was presented with her award on November 21 by Federal Minister of Industry and MP for Ahuntsic-Cartierville Melanie Joly.
Read our detailed press release here
MEDIA COMMENTARIES:
Commissioners Chelsea Craig and Susan Perera wrote this piece on the state of government cutbacks
EMSB and QESBA Chair Joe Ortona wrote this piece about the Quebec Constitution
ADVERTISING NEWS FEATURE Geordie's Playground Festival - January 21-25, 2026
Brought to you by Montreal’s multi award-winning Geordie Theatre, Playground Festival at Montreal's Maison Theatre offers five imagination-fuelled days of live English theatre, engaging pre-show activities, and joyful community connection. This year’s lineup features Geordie’s ground-breaking productions Beyond Belief, 2061, and Celestial Bodies — powerful, imaginative stories exploring friendship, mental health, body image, self-discovery, and much more. Through Playground, Geordie aims to spark joy, imagination, and meaningful conversations, bringing audiences together in the way only live theatre can. To make the shows accessible to everyone, tickets are offered on a pay-what-you-decide basis. Families can also join creative activities, where kids build confidence and explore their imagination in a fun, supportive space. Free childcare will be available on Sunday, Jan 25, so the whole family can enjoy the festival to the fullest! More about the festival and each of the shows, along with study guides and mental health guides for each, can be found on Geordie’s website here
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| Dominic Trimarchi |
A GRAD AND HIS POEM: Dominic (Mimo) Trimarchi from the John F. Kennedy High School Class of 1968 wanted to share a poem he wrote for Remembrance Day, honouring those brave men and women who fought for our freedom as Canadians on the beaches of Normandy. You can read it here
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| The hallways were busy at LMAC. |
OPEN HOUSES: Open House season was very busy this fall. See our report from Laurier Macdonald High School
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| The Pedagogical Days included three engaging days of learning. |
A CELEBRATION OF LEARNING: The Educational Services Department of the EMSB recently organized board-wide Pedagogical Days, bringing together teachers from across the network for three engaging days of learning. Educational Consultants offered each day unique opportunities for collaboration, professional growth, and pedagogical innovation, reinforcing our shared commitment to educational excellence. A special thank you goes out to our student volunteers from our gracious host schools, James Lyng High School, Royal Vale and Michelangelo Elementary, who played a key role in guiding participants and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Their leadership, enthusiasm, and school spirit were truly inspiring and helped make the event a memorable experience for all.
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| Jamie and Adam Fernandes, with their mom Reyhan, accept their award. |
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH: The EMSB Students of the Month for November are Adam and Jamie Fernandes from Royal Vale School. Despite having an incredibly difficult year, which sadly saw Adam and Jamie lose their father to cancer, the siblings have channeled their pain into a positive for the community. At school, they are dedicated students and athletes, but outside the classroom, they give of their time to help others. Adam and Jamie are actively involved with Myra’s Kids Foundation, helping to support, console and be present for other grieving children. They consistently attend Myra’s Kids ongoing support groups and are active in ensuring the foundation’s summer camp is one filled with hope and joy. Additionally, Adam and Jamie’s compassion is also visible via their dedication to to NDG’s homeless community, as they often purchase and personally distribute food to those in need throughout the neighbourhood.
BUDGET: The Council of Commissioners of the English Montreal School Board has adopted a budget, with revenues of $ $459,458,409 for the 2025-2026 academic year. This includes a deficit of $7,818,268. EMSB Chair Joe Ortona emphasized that if the Quebec government provides permission to use 15 percent of the adjusted June 30, 2024 accumulated surplus as was allowed in previous years, then a balanced budget can still be achieved. Mr. Ortona added that the EMSB has deployed substantial efforts to reduce expenses in compliance with collective agreements while minimizing as much as possible impacts on students, including by not filling vacancies at all levels of the school board. “The scale of budgetary compressions required and the timing of their communication makes impacts on students, including those with special needs, unavoidable,” he stated. “I find it deeply regrettable that we have been placed in this situation.”
“The current budgetary situation was forced upon us by the Quebec government,” Mr. Ortona explained. “For the past 20 years we have been able to access 15 percent of our surplus. We implore the Quebec government to allow us to do so again. We have all worked hard to consolidate services at the board and school levels to save additional money.”
AUDITED STATEMENTS: The 2024-2025 audited financial statements of the EMSB were deposited at the meeting of the Council of Commissioners on December 9. The statements show a total deficit deficiency of revenues over expenses for the year in the amount $9 million, which is within the authorized budgeted deficit of $9.7 million (15 percent of the appropriated surplus). In accordance with Ministry of Education guidelines, the EMSB was able to appropriate (use) close to $9.7 million in 2024-2025 from the June 30, 2023 accumulated surplus for continued services to directly benefit students, including the continued investment in various initiatives.
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| EMSB Chair Joe Ortona hosted a Town Hall meeting. |
TOWN HALL: Mr. Ortona, joined by a number of commissioners, hosted a Town Hall at head office on December 3. Parents on hand were able to get a detailed briefing on the court action the EMSB and the QESBA are taking on Bills 21, 40 and 96.
EDUCATION AND CAREER FAIR: In case you missed it, here is small report from CityNews Montreal on our recent Education and Career Fair.
MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS : A number of schools learned about the recent municipal elections in class. Here is a terrific piece on CBC Television about what happened at LaurenHill Academy in St. Laurent.
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| John F. Kennedy HS staff and students meet museum officials before their tour. |
HOLOCAUST EDUCATION: The EMSB will be able to continue and enhance its Holocaust Education Program thanks to the renewal of a special grant from Federation CJA. This year’s activities formally kicked off on November 24 when students from John F. Kennedy High School in St. Michel visited the Montreal Holocaust Museum.
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| Commissioner Paula Killian accompanied the entourage. |
Last year’s program provided over 1,400 students and 120 staff from 24 schools meaningful, hands-on education and sensitization regarding the atrocities that occurred during the Holocaust and the enduring lessons it continues to impart. Students—from elementary, high school, and adult education centres primarily located in East End Montreal—engaged in powerful learning experiences over 28 events. The focus on the East End provided the opportunity for students from predominantly non-Jewish areas and backgrounds to learn, break down misconceptions, and become sensitive about current world issues. This can only support peace and tolerance moving forward. In total, the 21 schools participated in 29 distinct events: Eighteen schools visited the Montreal Holocaust Museum (MHM), where they toured the museum with a guide and participated in workshops. Others had the privilege of welcoming speakers from the MHM or presenters from the Foundation for Genocide Education, who shared personal testimonials and educational insights. One school also organized a video presentation facilitated by Lara Brady, adding another dimension to this impactful programming. The EMSB Council of Commissioners have adopted resolutions calling for Holocaust and genocide education to become mandatory. EMSB Chair Joe Ortona and members of the Council have also visited and toured the Montreal Holocaust Museum.
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| Carlyle students at the museum. |
CARLYLE EXPERIENCE: Recently, Carlyle Elementary’s Grade 6 students experienced a powerful and meaningful first visit to the Montreal Holocaust Museum, exploring artifacts, testimonies, and the history of the Holocaust to better understand the dangers of hatred and discrimination. This initiative was coordinated by Vince Lacroce, with leadership from Vanessa Lento, Dayna Fishman, and the school administration.
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| Eva Kuper with students. |
As a school, Carlyle is committed to fostering empathy, critical thinking, and global citizenship through impactful learning experiences. Their learning continued on December 8, when Holocaust Survivor Eva Kuper visited the school to share her story of survival and resilience. Carlyle remains committed to fostering empathy, critical thinking, and global citizenship in its students. This two-part learning journey reflects the school’s mission to encourage young people to understand the past, engage thoughtfully with the present, and help build a more compassionate future. Ms. Kuper will speak to students at JFK High on December 16. “By sharing the experiences of Holocaust survivors, we help students understand the devastating consequences of hatred and indifference,” said Mr. Lacroce. “Through education and reflection, we empower young people to become compassionate, informed, and responsible citizens who actively work toward a more just and inclusive society.”
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| Ellis at the piano. |
STUDENT AT CARNEGIE HALL: Recently, Ellis, a Grade 5 student at Carlyle International Elementary School, realized a dream sought by every musician: playing on the world-renowned stage at Carnegie Hall. For Ellis, this accomplishment did not happen overnight. She began studying piano seriously at the age of six and now practices over an hour and a half each day, increasing to nearly three hours during competition preparation. Her passion for the piano is fueled by the joy and calm it brings her, as well as the ability to express feelings and bring smiles to others through music. She is deeply inspired by the works of Chopin and Mozart and loves the beauty and emotion that emanate from their compositions. In addition to playing piano, she enjoys reading and making crafts. Ellis earned her opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall through the prestigious Special Venue Music Award international competition in Montreal, where she performed Debussy’s “Golliwogg’s Cakewalk.” She is now preparing to represent herself and her community once again at the 42nd Concours Musique de la Capitale in Quebec City.
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| Guests Lorraine Carpenter, Tim Salhany and Arielle Wizman got a warm welcome. |
MEDIA DAY: The Media Club at Carlyle, guided by facilitator Dan Laxer, hosted the owners of Cult MTL Newspaper, Lorraine Carpenter and Tim Salhany, and digital creator Arielle Wizman on December 8 for a true lesson in authentic learning. Also on hand were the music students of teacher Christine Crawford who performed their version of Leonard Cohen 's Hallelujah. Ms. Crawford later revealed that the group will write and release an original jingle to promote Cult MTL, an English language arts, culture and news website and monthly print publication. They have over 500,000 followers on Instagram. Lorraine is the editor; Tim takes care of sales. He is a Carlyle grad, as was his mom and grandfather. Lorraine attended Willingdon and Westmount High. Their daughter Irena is in Grade 3 at Carlyle and was a special guest of the Media Club. Arielle is also a Carlyle grad. Her mother taught there too. After spending 25 years in the corporate world, Arielle became a social media content creator. Follow her on Instagram @ariellewizman. Her forté is assisting businesses to get more clients. But she also stepped in to work for Mayor Peter Malouf in the recent TMR municipal election. Lorraine and Tim told the students how their Cult Montreal website evolved into a successful monthly print publication. There were plenty of questions and a lot of appreciation for their visit.
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| Bancroft students really enjoyed helping out at Sun Youth. |
SUN YOUTH VISIT: Recently, Grade 5 students from Bancroft Elementary School proudly carried forward a long-standing tradition of community service by volunteering at Sun Youth. For many years, due to its proximity to the school, Sun Youth has been a focal point at Bancroft School and in the community. This year, students assisted with preparing Christmas baskets for home delivery and helped organize the toy section. This visit not only strengthened an important partnership but also gave students a powerful, hands-on lesson in compassion, service, and community responsibility.
INSPIRATIONS NEWSPAPER : The Fall/Winter edition of Inspirations Newspaper, Quebec’s only English-language publication and resource hub focused on inclusion, disability, and mental well-being, is here, packed with stories that will make you think, spark hope, and help you take action toward a more inclusive community. Learn how inclusion really happens, how love knows no barriers; be inspired by people like Steven Atme who are taking action; discover small actions that make a big difference, like “mattering” and feel connected to a community that cares, from Wagar Adult Education Centre to Galileo Adult Centre to Luca "Lazylegz" Patuelli, Productions Spectrum, Simon Chang Concepts Inc. and the Montreal Centre for Learning Disabilities.…this issue is for you.
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| The Montreal Centre for Learning Disabilities accepts their award. |
SIMON CHANG AWARD: Inspirations News is proud to announce that the Simon Chang Difference Maker Award for Fall 2025 waàs presented to the Montreal Centre for Learning Disabilities (MCLD). Board members and volunteers were recognized by the Simon Chang Foundation for Change at Chang’s atelier on Chabanel on Nov. 12. Launched in 2018, the Simon Chang Foundation’s Arc of Life program was created to improve lives across generations by supporting causes such as neonatal care, special needs education and eldercare. A long-time sponsor of Inspirations, the Difference Maker Award was established five years ago to honour individuals and organizations making exceptional contributions to the special needs community. Founded over 50 years ago by parents seeking support for their children, the MCLD has grown into a vital, volunteer-driven organization offering advocacy, education and community programs for people of all ages living with learning disabilities (LD), ADHD, and mild autism spectrum disorder. Today, more than 50 volunteers—ranging from students to professionals—help carry forward its mission as a registered charity. In recognition of its five decades of service, Nick Katalifos, Director General of the EMSB, nominated MCLD for the award. “I’m very happy that this award is going to an organization so deserving of the honour,” said Mr. Katalifos. “The Centre does wonderful work supporting children with learning difficulties and inspires our community as a whole.”
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| Maryam Ganni with John Grant and Wagar students. |
EMPATHY TOUR: Inspirations News formally launched The Jackie Fisher Empathy Tour on December 3 in the auditorium at Wagar Adult Education Centre in Côte Saint-Luc in celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The Jackie Fisher Empathy Tour is a powerful and engaging initiative designed for both elementary and high school audiences across the Greater Montreal area. Led by one of three inspiring young women—Samara O’Gorman, Maryam Ganni and Sara Levitt—the tour promotes mental well-being through real stories of resilience, mental wellness, self-love. To kick off the tour that day Ms. Ganni, a legally blind motivational speaker, makeup artist, and entrepreneur, delivered her signature presentation, “Unstoppable Champions,” to students at John Grant High School and the Wagar Adult Education Centre. Through her personal story, Maryam inspires students to see beyond limits, embrace who they are, and turn the “impossible” into the “unstoppable.”
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| Sara Levitt got a rock star welcome at LaurenHill. |
This tour is made possible through the generous support of The Jaclyn Fisher Foundation. The initiative carries the late Jackie’s legacy forward by sharing her message of kindness, empathy, and inclusion with students across the Greater Montreal area. On November 25 Crohns’s disease, ostomy advocate and motivational speaker Sara Levitt gave a powerful presentation to 300 Grade 9 students at LaurenHill Academy in St. Laurent. For more information about The Jackie Fisher Empathy Tour, or to schedule a presentation at your school, please contact: info@inspirationsnews.com.
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| The McGill Honor Band event was a success. |
HONOR BAND: FACE High School recently welcomed the McGill Honor Band. This event brought together students from 22 high schools for a day! The students had the privilege of being conducted by Danielle Gaudry and working in sectionals with several McGill University professors. The day ended with a concert featuring the Honor Band and the McGill University Wind Symphony. Two FACE grads were part of the Wind Symphony: Philibert Gasse and William Boberg! The students had the pleasure of closing the concert with the musicians of the McGill Wind Symphony! Congratulations to Amélie Marandola, Chihiro Akamatsu Kawai, Elliott Paquin, Emeric Poiker, Zakary Favret and Eli Wesley-Lanctôt, who represented our school beautifully at this event! A big thank you to Dr. Gaudry and her team for organizing this event!
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| Students filled up 75 shoe boxes. |
JFK SHOE BOXES: The Girls Group at John F. Kennedy High School in St. Michel has once again come together in the spirit of compassion, filling 75 beautifully prepared shoe boxes that will be donated to women’s shelters across Montreal. Led by teacher Marietta Damiano and a dedicated group of Grade 7 students, the Shoe Box Project began three years ago with a simple goal: to bring comfort and a bit of holiday brightness to at-risk women during what can be an especially difficult time of year. Each box is thoughtfully packed with essential items: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, a toothbrush, deodorant, and makeup, along with a cozy winter accessory such as a hat, scarf, or pair of gloves. Students also tuck in a gift card and a handwritten holiday note to offer warmth, hope, and a personal touch. The project is made possible thanks to the generosity of students, staff, their families, and supportive local businesses.
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| Caroline Derome accepts her award. |
TEACHER RECEIVES AWARD: Caroline Derome, the music teacher at Nesbitt Elementary School in Rosemont, has been named a 2025 Teacher of Distinction. She received her award from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto on November 16.RCM Teachers of Distinction are leaders in the field of music and arts education, recognized for their contributions of creativity, dedication, innovation, and passion. This award is given to teachers across North America who are recognized as leaders in the field of music and arts education. Through their years of teaching experience, they provide mentorship to other teachers and instill a lifelong love of music and the arts in their students. There are only seven recipients from Canada this year among 1,400 nominations. Ms. Derome is a dedicated musician and educator known for her artistry, versatility, and commitment to nurturing musical excellence.
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| Athina Galanogeorgos (fourth from the right) was a teacher, school principal and assistant director Educational Services before she retired. She is congratulated here. |
RETIREES: Each year, the EMSB proudly hosts its annual retirees reception, an evening dedicated to honoring the educators, administrators, and staff who have devoted their careers to shaping young minds. This cherished tradition brings together colleagues, families, and board members to celebrate years of service, share memories, and express heartfelt appreciation for the lasting impact these individuals have made across the EMSB community. A total of 130 people attended the annual event, which took place on October 21 at Le Crystal Reception Hall in St. Laurent. The evening honored 99 retiring employees of the EMSB who worked as educators, administrators, professionals and support staff, and whose combined years of service to the Board added up to 2,415 years.
Please see our full story and the list of retirees
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| Students from Pierre de Coubertin at their Remembrance Day event. |
See this CityNews Montreal report
JE ME SOUVIENS: Je Me Souviens (JMS), a Canada Company educational program created in collaboration with the Royal Montreal Regiment (RMR) Foundation and le Royal 22ieme Régiment (R22eR), today officially launched its online Remembrance Day educational tools for Québec elementary and high school students. Entitled ‘Commemorating Bravery’, these educational modules offer students a unique opportunity to reflect on the importance of Remembrance Day and explore Canada’s rich military history. Modules are tailor-made to complement Québec’s Ministère de l’Éducation’s elementary and high school curriculums. “I have been using the JMS program in my classroom for five years,” adds Chantal Clabrough, Senior Social Sciences Teacher at Westmount High School. “These activities are very useful for teachers. The Québec curriculum includes some Canadian military history but finding inspiring and interesting content on Remembrance Day can sometimes be a challenge. JMS activities allow students to explore topics beyond the textbook and think critically about Canada’s role in conflict while learning about ordinary Canadians who did extraordinary things for their country. One of the surest ways to ensure a peaceful future is for young Canadians to understand the sacrifices of the past.”
MEDIA LITERACY WEEK: At East Hill Elementary School in RDP, the Media Program continues to equip students with essential media literacy skills, helping them question, analyze, and understand the media that shapes our world. This Media Literacy Week (October 27–31), the focus was on AI and the ways algorithms and digital content influence what we see and believe. Students are exploring these challenges and strengthening their critical thinking skills. Grade 6 students participated in this year’s Lions Club Peace Poster Contest with the inspiring theme “Together as One.” Through their artwork, students explored what unity, empathy, and connection mean to them. Each poster beautifully reflects their creativity and understanding that peace begins when we come together as one.
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| Fleurette gets some LDVA gratitude. |
CROSS-GUARD DAY: October 28 is National Cross-Guard Day and at Leonardo Da Vinci Academy in RDP, everyone wanted to sincerely thank dedicated cross guard, Fleurette! She has been keeping students safe crossing the street since 1999.
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| Jon Reider reads to Merton students. |
GRIEF AWARENESS MONTH: With November recognized internationally as Children’s Grief Awareness Month, the EMSB once again partnered with Myra’s Kids Foundation to sensitize youth and staff about the reality of children’s grief. Jon Reider, founder of Myra’s Kids Foundation, read his new children’s book: You Know I’m Here at Merton Elementary School in Côte Saint Luc and at Roslyn Elementary School in Westmount. The book helps children understand and navigate the emotions that follow the death of a loved one. Through simple, poetic language and comforting imagery, the book reassures children that even though someone they love has died, that person’s presence, even if unseen, continues in meaningful, loving ways. “Children often grieve quietly and invisibly,” said Mr. Reider. “My goal was to give them a voice, a story, and language for what they’re feeling. No child should believe they’re alone in their grief and my book is a simple reminder that their loved one will always remain a part of their life.”
At the EMSB, each November, Children’s Grief Awareness Month serves as a reminder for our community to look for signs of silent struggle and to create environments where ou youth feel safe expressing their emotions. Throughout the month, schools honoured children who suffered a loss by wearing blue, the internationally recognized colour of Children’s Grief as well as welcoming guests to speak to this sensitive issue.
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| Everyone into the pool!!! |
SWIMMING AT ST GABES: Students in SEEDS C and Transitions at St. Gabriel Elementary School have been participating in swimming lessons once a week at the Point St. Charles pool. Students have experienced remarkable growth beyond the pool. Through learning to swim, they’ve faced and overcome fears, built confidence, and developed resilience—key elements of social-emotional learning. Working closely with classmates, they practice teamwork, communication, and empathy as they encourage one another to reach new milestones. The swimming lessons are provided by the city of Montreal and will continue through the school year.
HOPE IN HANDS: From December 1 to 3, students from John Caboto Academy in Ahuntsic, Dante in St. Leonard and Edward Murphy Elementary in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve had the unique opportunity to engage with local homeless shelters and community organizations through the “Hope in Hands” Homelessness Summit. The initiative aimed to educate students about life on the streets of Montreal while fostering empathy, civic responsibility, and active volunteerism. The summit’s success was made possible through the collaboration of Personal Development and Community Involvement Animators Vince Lacroce, Veronica D’Agata and Mary Poullas, alongside the administration teams of the participating schools.à During the program, students met with representatives from Sun Youth, Old Brewery Mission, Chez Doris, and Dans La Rue, as well as individuals with lived experience of homelessness. They heard firsthand testimonials, learned about the challenges faced by homeless individuals, explored statistics on homelessness in Montreal, and gained insight into reintegration programs offered by local organizations. This tied in well with our 12th annual Sox in a box fundraiser where students were encouraged to donate one pair of new socks to help people in need, particularly in the winter months.
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| The Legacy Link is a true success. |
THE LEGACY LINK: On November 27, LINKS High School launched an innovative intergenerational exchange program called “The Legacy Link,” designed to bridge the gap between youth and seniors. The initiative will connect students with residents of local CHSLDs, fostering meaningful relationships and enriching both communities. The program is spearheaded by Vince Lacroce at LINKS High School, in collaboration with Ottavia Ranno, Leisure Technician at CHSLD Dante and Anna Gualtieri and Jenica Tandoc, teachers at LINKS . Through this partnership, students will engage in a variety of activities—including storytelling, arts and crafts, music, and digital literacy sessions—with seniors at CHSLD Dante and CHSLD Saint-Michel. These exchanges aim to promote empathy, cultural understanding, and social connection while addressing the isolation often experienced by the elderly. “The Legacy Link gives our students the chance to learn from the lived experiences of seniors while offering companionship and support in return,” said Mr. Lacroce. “We believe these connections will leave a lasting impact on both generation.”
PLAYING SHYLOCK: The Segal Centre is excited to share a special opportunity for high school groups to experience the Segal Centre’s upcoming production of Playing Shylock at an exclusive community rate. In an effort to make live theatre more accessible and affordable to schools in our area, we are offering a one-time discount on 50 tickets at $20 each (taxes included) for a student group booking — A 40 percent discount on our regular student group price! Playing Shylock is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that explores identity, culture, and the responsibility of representation in the arts. It invites audiences to reflect on timeless questions about justice, empathy, and the role of storytelling. These themes resonate deeply with students and connect meaningfully to subjects such as literature, ethics, and social studies. To enhance the experience, they will provide a study guide to support classroom discussions, and we are happy to offer a free post-show talkback session for the performance your school books into. Details about the production can be found here. The show runs from January 18 to February 8, 2026. Info: Stephanie McKenna. smckenna@segalcentre.org
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| Author Paige Walsh, Tata Group volunteers and some students. |
FIRST BOOK CANADA: First Book Canada, in partnership with Tata Group, hosted a Reading Celebration at Our Lady of Pompei Elementary School in Ahuntsic on December 5. Children’s author Paige Walsh, who has more than 50,000 Instagram followers, presented to the Grade 1 to 4 students, and each child received brand new books to take home, including a copy of her book Froggy: A Pond Full of Pals.
EMSB CHORALE NEWS: The EMSB Chorale, now in its 46th season, was thrilled to participate once again with the Orchestre philharmonique et Choeur des Mélomanes (OPCM) in Carmina Burana by Carl Orff, preceded by Stravinsky’s monumental The Rite of Spring. The choir sang three performances at the Maison symphonique on November 7 and 9 under the direction of the brilliant young conductor, Francis Choinière, who is a FACE School (EMSB) alumnus. It was an impressive event, with 180 choristers, a full symphony orchestra on stage and world-class soloists. Le Devoir music critic o noted that the youth choir gave a solid performance.
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| The Carmina Burana concert (Tam Lan Truong Photo). |
The Chorale held its annual Holiday Concert on December 6 at Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Montreal. Anne-Marie Denoncourt was at the piano and the choir once again welcomed the Salvation Army’s Citadel Band. Following Pat Abbott’s retirement as artistic director of the choir after leading it for 35 years, longtime associate conductor Marie-Eve Arseneau has now taken over the artistic reigns. She is also a music teacher at FACE School in the high school program. Pat continues to serve as executive director of the choir. For information on upcoming choir events or to audition for the winter/spring semester, contact Pat Abbott at pabbott@emsb.qc.ca
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| Erin Martellani and Anne-Maroa De Silva. |
SPCA CONNECTION: Erin Martellani, Program Lead: Humane Education of the SPCA de Montréal, and Anne-Marie De Silva, Culture & Citizenship in Quebec (CCQ) Consultant for the EMSB, have partnered together to create high-quality lesson plans and classroom presentations about animal welfare for EMSB students. Ms. Martellani’s presentations cover every grade level from K-6, with age-appropriate messages to encourage students to reflect on their relationship with animals and the planet. The presentations line up perfectly with the CCQ theme of Relationships between humans and the environment, and the sub-themes of Living Beings Around Us and our roles and responsibility towards living beings. The L.E.S. for each grade level along with the SPCA presentations will be offered to teachers at the Board Wide Professional Day on March 16 , in both English and French. EMSB is excited and honoured to work in conjunction with SPCA to provide such rich learning experiences for our students.
Here is a link to the SPCA presentations
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| The Gerald McShane Stars. |
MCSHANE ON THE ICE: From the very first puck drop to the final buzzer, the first annual Gerald McShane Elementary Hockey Tournament delivered an exciting, hard-fought day filled with talent, teamwork, and true sportsmanship. Players from all three participating teams, the Edinburgh Dukes, Royal Vale Dragons, and Gerald McShane Stars, gave it their all, showcasing skill, determination, and a deep respect for the game and one another. The atmosphere inside Arena Rolland was electric as parents, teachers, and classmates cheered on their teams. Every match was filled with fast-paced action, thrilling goals, and moments of genuine camaraderie that captured the true spirit of school sports. Three games had to go to shootout including the final. A huge thank you goes out to the coaches/Phys. Ed. teachers (Norm Katz, William Cho, Tony Bocchicchio and Jean Sebastien Truchy), referees, scorekeepers, and the many volunteers who made the day run smoothly. The tournament would not have been possible without the tireless support of principals Ms. Despina Michakis, Ms. Laetitia Kachmar and Mr. Timpano, the ever-dedicated hockey parents, GMS's PPO, sponsors Les Trois Traiteurs, Dolce Spore Laval, Keurig and Canadian Tire Place Verseilles, bakers and the wonderful staff of Rolland Arena. And, of course, a special thank you goes to Sonia D’Addario, Gerald McShane’s incredible Sports Coordinator, whose organization, energy, and attention to detail brought this entire event to life. From scheduling games to ensuring every player felt supported, Ms. D’Addario made the day a true celebration of school spirit and teamwork. The final game between the Royal Vale Dragons (RVS) and the Gerald McShane Stars (GMS) was a nail-biter that went all the way to a shootout. In a dramatic finish, Gerald McShane emerged victorious, earning the title of 2025 GMS Hockey Tournament Champions!
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| Jacqueline Simoneau |
OLYMPIAN VISITS: Gerald McShane Elementary welcomed artistic swimming star Jacqueline Simoneau, a three-time Olympian and world champion. With over 100 international medals,including 86 World Cup podiums and four historic Pan Am gold, Simoneau is also pursuing a doctorate in podiatric medicine at UQTR. Founder of the Aqua Unity project, she promotes inclusion in sport and supports groups like Cœliaque Québec and Fast and Female. She encouraged Grades 3 to 6 students to stay in school, dream big, and reach for the stars The school also had a visit from former Montreal Impact (now CF Montreal) goalkeeper Greg Sutton, now coaching at the university level. Mr. Sutton was a guest on the EMSB Podcast with Jack Chadirdjian who also spoke to the coordinator of the Sports Concentration Program, a student and the Principal.
You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3W-I0L595J0
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| Isabella (right) and her mom. |
OPERATION HOT MEALS: Operation Hot Meals is a project Royal West Academy student Isabella Guy started because she wanted to help people in Montreal who are experiencing homelessness, especially during the cold holiday season. Over the last two years, with the help of her family and Cote St-Luc BBQ, they were able to hand out 400 plus hot chicken meals, along with water, soda, brownies, and a handwritten card to every person they met. This year, on Sat.,à December 20, they will be returning to the shelters to distribute hundreds of meals again. Isabella’s goal is not only to feed people, but also to remind them that they are seen, valued, and not forgotten. Every meal is served with dignity, warmth, and respect. “We are also hoping to add something special this year: live Christmas music,” she said. “ I am reaching out to music schools and performers to see if anyone would be willing to come play violin, jazz, or any kind of festive music during the event. I believe that music can bring warmth, joy, and a sense of celebration to people who really need it. I am hoping to grow Operation Hot Meals each year, and I’m grateful for everyone who has supported the project so far. Together, we can make an even bigger impact in our community. It was an unforgettable experience that showed me how even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.” Isabella can be reached at isabellaguy16@gmail.com
ONBOARDING: The EMSB Human Resources Department held its first ever Special Education Onboarding/Orientation Event on November 7. HR, the Department of Student Services and union reps presented key information to new recruits.
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| Wrapping up another Sox in The Box. |
SOX IN A BOX: As temperatures drop across Montreal, the spirit of generosity is rising within the EMSB. Pierre de Coubertin Elementary School in St. Léonard hosted the 12th annual Sox in a Box Wrap-Up Event on December 9 in the school gymnasium. This annual initiative brings together students and staff from several others EMSB schools, Nesbitt Elementary, Dante Elementary, LINKS High School, Edward Murphy Elementary, Dalkeith Elementary, John Caboto Elementary, Carlyle Elementary, and Our Lady of Pompei—all joining forces to support Montrealers in need during the winter season. Wearing festive holiday colors, students collaborated to wrap donations of brand-new socks, which will be distributed to four charitable organizations serving vulnerable populations in the Greater Montreal Area: Old Brewery Mission, Sun Youth, Chez Doris, and Dans La Rue. Over the past twelve years, the Sox in a Box campaign has collected and donated more than 175,000 pairs of socks, a powerful reflection of the compassion and civic engagement of EMSB students, staff, and families. The success of this program was made possible through the collaboration of Personal Development and Community Involvement Animators Vince Lacroce, Veronica D’Agata and Mary Poullas, alongside the dedicated administration teams of all participating schools. A special thank you to the Ruvo family and Les Délices Lafrenaie, who generously donated Sox in a Box holiday treats to all participating schools. As major sponsors for more than 10 years, their unwavering support has played a vital role in the continued growth and impact of this initiative. This year’s Wrap-Up event featured special guests and media coverage, including Global News with host Laura Casella. VIVA Entertainment will provide festive holiday music throughout the morning, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. The EMSB participating schools are grateful to all participating schools, families, community partners, and organizations whose contributions help bring warmth, dignity, and hope to thousands across Montreal.
Watch this report on Global Montreal
Watch this second report on Global
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| The LMAC team was present in force at Edward Murphy School. |
HAIRPLAY AT EDWARD MURPHY: On November 28 the students from the hairdressing and barbering department of the Laurier Macdonald Career Center came to Edward Murphy Elementary School in Hochelaga -Maisonneuve to give back. The students offered free braids, cuts and fades.
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| Coronation students gave a boost to Multicaf. |
WE SCARE HUNGER: Coronation Elementary School’s Kids for Social Change students kicked off the year with an incredible first event: We Scare Hunger Movie Night! Held on October 23, families and students came together for an evening of movies, snacks, and community spirit. Admission was a non-perishable food item, and the school community showed up in full force with their generosity. Thanks to everyone who joined, they collected an impressive amount of food donations and raised $574.25 for Multicaf. The good work didn’t end there! After Movie Night, the dedicated Kids for Social Change students carefully sorted all the donations, and a group of them proudly delivered everything to Multicaf.
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| Class Act shown here at a King Charles III Coronation Medal. |
MUSICAL MAGIC AT ROSEMOUNT: The Rosemount High School Music Department has been very busy lately. Their newest performance ensemble Class Act was recently invited to perform as the opening act for the Vanier Big Band Evening held in November. Though Class Act is not specifically a Jazz band their variety of music and quality of content provided a warm mix of hope, promise, and talent in this next generation of music students. Under the direction of Anthony Cooperwood, Director of Bands at Rosemount Class Act performs a variety of music including Classic Pop, R&B, Jazz, Bossa Nova, and other contemporary favorites. One of the showcased pieces was their rendition of Montreal local Charlotte Cardin’s “Confetti.” The piece was entered into this year’s CBC Music Challenge to compete against other high school music ensembles from across Canada. Most notably, Class Act performed for the King Charles III Coronation Medal ceremony last Spring recognizing local Canadians for outstanding achievements. Furthermore, last week six members of the Rosemount Symphonic Winds performed with the second annual McGill University Honor Band. Under the direction of Debbie Best the Symphonic Winds are composed of both Secondary IV and V students together. The Honor Band selects students from across the provinces of both Quebec and Ontario. It then invites them to the McGill campus for a day of music rehearsals culminating in an evening performance with the McGill Wind Orchestra. Students receive the sheet music two weeks earlier to prepare. Students then have one day to put together a performance that would normally take a high school ensemble an entire semester to prepare.
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| The Montreal Police Department presents this cheque to Rosemount High. |
LE GRAND DEFI: Last Spring Rosemount High School was chosen to participate in le Grand Defi Pierre Lavoie. A handful of students attended the event back in May at the SPVM Headquarters and around that same time, the organization committed to providing some funding to be put towards the purchase of sports equipment. The organization and the SPVM presented a "big" cheque of $4,221 during an Assembly on Nov. 11.
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| Brandon, Damian and Julia. |
MY MINGO: Three Rosemount High School grads are behind a new magazine called Mingo, a bilingual lifestyle and inclusion publication focused on disability, accessibility, health, and community advocacy. They are brothers Brandon and Damian Amaral and Julia Scala from the Class of 2019. Mingo was built from a shared belief that visibility changes lives. While each of us pursued distinct professional paths in healthcare, communications, business and finance we remained driven by one unified purpose: to create a platform that amplifies underrepresented voices, highlights lived experiences, and bridges the gap between health, inclusion, and public awareness.What began as an idea between co-founders quickly evolved into a national movement. Within the first three days of our public launch, Mingo reached over 40,000 views, a milestone that confirmed both the urgency and the relevance of this work. That early response marked a turning point, demonstrating that there was a strong demand for thoughtful, responsible representation. Since then, Mingo has grown into a multi-platform initiative producing print and digital publications, long-form interviews, educational content, and community-driven campaigns. Through strategic partnerships with healthcare institutions, educators, nonprofit organizations, and national collaborators, we actively contribute to shaping conversations around accessibility, resilience, and social impact. The inaugural issue launched in the fall with strong community engagement. As a seasonal publication, Mingo continues to expand its editorial reach, with a dedicated digital application scheduled to launch in the near future. Alongside this growth, each of us continues to pursue advanced academic training and leadership roles across our respective fields while actively guiding Mingo’s long-term strategy, operations, and impact.
Go to www.mymingo.com or e-mail contact@mymingo.com
STORYTELLING: The East and West EMSB Elementary Storytelling Festivals will be held on April 7 – EAST ( hosted at Gerald McShane Elementary) and April 14- WEST (hosted at Willingdon Elementary, Senior Campus). Grades 5 and 6 students will showcase their bilingual storytelling talents.
PETITION FOR CROSSING GUARDS: In October 2024, a Royal West Academy student was hit by a car while walking to school. Currently, crossing guards cannot be assigned to high schools because children 12 and over are considered to be adult pedestrians by the SAAQ. Research suggests that adolescents may be at as much risk as younger kids when it comes to pedestrian safety, likely because of their small stature and developing cognitive ability. Royal West parents and NDG Liberal MNA Desiree McGraw have developed a petition requesting that the police have crossing guards stationed at high-risk intersections near high schools: https://www.assnat.qc.ca/en/exprimez-votre-opinion/petition/Petition-11823/index.html
ADULT EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL SERVICES
THE PIUS KITCHEN: In the last edition of the Focus we told readers about the beautiful new kitchens at St. Pius X Career Centre.
Please watch this podcast with Jack Chardirdjian to find out more
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| HSM students showcase the trees they planted. |
TREE ¨PLANTING: The HSM Adult Education Centre located in Plateau Mont-Royal, just east of Montreal’s downtown core, partnered with SOVERDI to plant six new trees. SOVERDI, a not-for-profit organization, implements urban greening strategies and plants trees to improve the quality of life and health of the population of Greater Montreal. Tree planting, with its numerous benefits, is central to cities' strategies for combating and adapting to climate change. The ARBRE plan – Acting for Resilience, Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration – contributes to the objectives of greening programs at various levels of government. The HSM administration, staff and students would like to thank Tristan Fillion and the SOVERDI team for their partnership!
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| The team from Patulli gave quite a pizza lesson. |
PATULLI VISITS : Marilyn Damato's students at Galileo Adult Education Centre took part in a hands-on pizza-making workshop with Patulli, a local mobile pizza company. During the two-hour session, students learned to make their dough from scratch, assemble their personalized pizzas, and cook them to the perfect temperature using their professional pizza ovens. The activity encouraged teamwork, creativity, helped build a strong sense of community within the classroom, and allowed them to practice and develop their cooking skills!
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| Remembrance Day at Galileo. |
REMEMBRANCE: In the spirit of Remembrance Day, students across the Galileo Academics and SVI–EmployABLE U programs had the privilege of engaging in meaningful activities that deepened their understanding of service, sacrifice, and the importance of remembrance. They were honoured to welcome Chief Jequier and MAT-3 De Grandpré-Lamothe for a powerful visit during which they shared stories from their service in the Canadian Armed Forces. Their reflections—ranging from leadership during challenging missions to the resilience and camaraderie forged through teamwork—offered students an authentic and inspiring look into the dedication required to serve our nation. The SVI–EmployABLE U students also had the honour of welcoming Sgt. Marc-André Renaud, whose presentation on the significance of Remembrance Day left a lasting impact. He spoke about the value of our soldiers, the sacrifices they make, and the importance of honouring those who have served and continue to serve. Students were especially moved by his personal stories and enthusiastically engaged with thoughtful questions about his experiences and life as a soldier.
ÉDITION DU MOIS DECEMBRE 2025 / BULLETIN DE LA CSEM
INSCRIPTIONS À LA PRÉMATERNELLE ET À LA MATERNELLE: La Commission scolaire English-Montréal (CSEM) a annoncé que la semaine des inscriptions à la prématernelle et à la maternelle pour l'année scolaire 2026-2027 se tiendra du lundi 2 février au vendredi 6 février. Si un enfant est déjà inscrit dans une école donnée, la période d'inscription pour ses frères et sœurs aura lieu une semaine plus tôt. Pour que les enfants soient admissibles au transport scolaire, les parents doivent opter pour l'école primaire de la CSEM la plus proche de leur domicile où le programme de français de leur choix est offert. À la prématernelle et à la maternelle, les écoles proposeront des modes d'inscription flexibles. Pour tous les détails, consultez le communiqué de presse : https://www.emsb.qc.ca/csem/nouvelles/emsb-will-offer-three-models-of-registration-for-preschool-and-kindergarten-campaign.
PRIX DU PREMIER MINISTRE : Arianne Asly-Verdon, enseignante de musique à l'école primaire Pierre Elliott Trudeau dans Rosemont–Petite-Patrie, et Jennifer De Leeuw, enseignante en mathématiques, anglais, culture et citoyenneté québécoise à l'Académie John Caboto à Ahuntsic, ont reçu chacune un certificat régional de mérite dans le cadre du Prix du Premier ministre pour l'excellence en enseignement 2025. Mme Asly-Verdon recevra officiellement cet honneur le 15 décembre des mains d'Alexandre Boulerice, député du NPD dans Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie. Mme De Leeuw s’est vu remettre son prix le 21 novembre par Mélanie Joly, ministre fédérale de l'Industrie et députée d'Ahuntsic–Cartierville.
Pour lire l’intégral du communiqué de presse
NOUVEAU JEU DE SOCIÉTÉ POUR LES ENFANTS : Les élèves de l'école primaire Pierre Elliott Trudeau ont eu l'occasion de présenter un nouveau jeu de société conçu pour aider les enfants à exprimer leurs émotions, et CTV était sur place pour couvrir l'événement. Le jeu intitulé Monsters on Patrol in the Digital World (Monstres en patrouille dans le monde numérique) a été créé par Centres Relier, un organisme à but non lucratif basée à Paris, en France, dont l'objectif est de le distribuer gratuitement dans les écoles et les hôpitaux canadiens. Conçu pour aider les enfants à exprimer leurs émotions et à parler des situations qui les préoccupent, il propose 30 monstres et 4 plateaux de jeu illustrant leur quotidien, ce qui facilite le dialogue. https://monstermoods.org/help
Le Playground Festival du Geordie Theatre - Du 21 au 25 janvier 2026 : Présenté par le Geordie Theatre, troupe montréalaise plusieurs fois primée, le Playground Festival à la Maison Théâtre de Montréal propose cinq jours riches en imagination avec du théâtre anglais en direct, des activités captivantes avant les spectacles et des rencontres communautaires chaleureuses. Au programme cette année, les productions révolutionnaires de Geordie Beyond Belief, 2061 et Celestial Bodies, des histoires puissantes et imaginatives qui explorent l'amitié, la santé mentale, l'image corporelle, la découverte de soi et bien plus encore. À travers Playground, Geordie vise à susciter la joie, l'imagination et des conversations enrichissantes, en rassemblant le public d'une manière que seul le théâtre en direct peut offrir. Afin de rendre les spectacles accessibles à tous, les billets sont proposés selon le principe « payez ce que vous voulez ». Les familles peuvent également participer à des activités créatives où les enfants renforcent leur confiance en eux et explorent leur imagination dans un espace ludique et stimulant. Une halte-garderie gratuite sera offerte le dimanche 25 janvier afin que toute la famille puisse profiter pleinement du festival! Pour en savoir plus sur le festival, les spectacles, ainsi que pour obtenir des guides pédagogiques et des ressources en santé mentale, rendez-vous sur le site Web de Geordie Theatre
JOURNÉES PORTES OUVERTES : La saison des journées portes ouvertes a été fort achalandée cet automne. Pour visionner notre reportage sur l'école secondaire Laurier Macdonald : https://emsbopenhouseblog.blogspot.com/2025/11/laurier-macdonald-high-school-open.html
ÉLÈVES DU MOIS : Les Élèves du mois de novembre de la CSEM sont Adam et Jamie Fernandes, de l'école Royal Vale. Malgré une année extrêmement éprouvante marquée par le décès de leur père des suites d'un cancer, ils ont transformé leur douleur en une force constructive pour la communauté. À l'école, ce sont des élèves et des athlètes assidus. En dehors des salles de classe, ils viennent en aide aux autres. Adam et Jamie sont activement impliqués dans la Fondation Myra's Kids, offrant soutien, confort et accompagnement à d'autres enfants vivant un deuil. Ils participent régulièrement aux groupes de soutien de la Fondation et veillent à ce que le camp d'été soit synonyme d'espoir et de bonheur. La compassion d'Adam et de Jamie se manifeste également à travers leur dévouement envers la communauté itinérante de NDG, en achetant et en distribuant personnellement de la nourriture aux personnes dans le besoin dans le quartier.
BUDGET : Le conseil des commissaires de la Commission scolaire English-Montréal a adopté un budget qui prévoit des revenus de 459 458 409 $ et un déficit de 7 818 268 $ pour l'année scolaire 2025 2026. Le président de la CSEM, Joe Ortona, a souligné que si le gouvernement du Québec autorise l'utilisation de 15 % de l'excédent accumulé ajusté au 30 juin 2024, comme par le passé, il sera encore possible d’atteindre l’équilibre budgétaire. M. Ortona a ajouté que la CSEM a déployé des efforts considérables pour réduire ses dépenses dans le respect des conventions collectives tout en minimisant autant que possible les impacts sur les élèves, notamment en s’abstenant de pourvoir des postes vacants à tous les niveaux au sein de la commission scolaire. « L'ampleur des compressions budgétaires exigées et le moment auquel elles nous ont été communiquées entraînent des répercussions inévitables sur les élèves, y compris ceux ayant des besoins particuliers, a-t-il déclaré. Je déplore vivement que nous soyons confrontés à une telle situation. »
« La situation budgétaire actuelle nous a été imposée par le gouvernement du Québec, a expliqué M. Ortona. Au cours des 20 dernières années, nous avons eu accès à 15 % de notre surplus. Nous demandons instamment au gouvernement du Québec de nous permettre de le faire à nouveau. Nous avons tous travaillé sans relâche pour consolider les services, tant au centre administratif que dans nos écoles, afin de réaliser des économies supplémentaires. »
FOIRE DE L’ÉDUCATION ET DES CARRIÈRES : Voici un bref reportage de CityNews Montreal qui met en lumière notre récente Foire de l'éducation et des carrières, au cas où vous l'auriez manquée.
CARLYLE AU CARNEGIE HALL: Tout récemment, Ellis, élève de 5e année à l'école primaire Carlyle, a réalisé le rêve de tout musicien : jouer sur la scène mondialement connue du Carnegie Hall. Pour Ellis, cette réussite ne s'est pas faite du jour au lendemain. Elle a commencé à étudier sérieusement le piano à l'âge de six ans et s'entraîne désormais plus d'une heure et demie par jour, et même près de trois heures lorsqu'elle se prépare pour des concours. Sa passion pour le piano est nourrie par la joie et la sérénité que cet instrument lui procure, ainsi que par la possibilité d'exprimer ses sentiments et de mettre un sourire sur le visage des gens à travers la musique. Elle est profondément inspirée par les œuvres de Chopin et Mozart, pour la beauté et l'émotion qui se dégagent de leurs compositions. En plus de jouer du piano, elle aime lire et faire de l'artisanat. Ellis a décroché sa place au Carnegie Hall grâce au prestigieux concours international Special Venue Music Award à Montréal, où elle a interprété Golliwogg's Cakewalk de Debussy. Elle se prépare maintenant à représenter une fois de plus sa communauté au 42e Concours Musique de la Capitale à Québec.
JOURNAL INSPIRATIONS: L'édition automne-hiver du journal Inspirations, seule publication et ressource en anglais au Québec axées sur l'inclusion, la diversité et le bien-être mental, est maintenant disponible. Elle regorge d'articles qui poussent à la réflexion, nourrissent l'espoir et incitent à agir pour créer une communauté plus inclusive. Découvrez comment l'inclusion se passe au quotidien, comment l'amour ne connaît pas de barrières; laissez-vous inspirer par des acteurs de changement comme Steven Atme; découvrez les petits gestes qui font une grande différence, comme « être important pour quelqu’un» et connectez-vous à une communauté qui se soucie vraiment des autres. Du Centre d’éducation des adultes Wagar au Centre d’éducation des adultes Galileo en passant par Luca Lazylegz Patuelli, Productions Spectrum, Simon Chang Concepts Inc. et le Centre de Montréal pour les troubles d'apprentissage... ce numéro vous est destiné.
HARMONIE D’HONNEUR: L’école F.A.C.E. a accueilli l’Harmonie d’honneur de McGill. Cet événement a rassemblé, l'espace d'une journée, des élèves de 22 écoles secondaires! Les élèves ont eu le privilège d'être dirigés par Dre Danielle Gaudry et de travailler en sectionnelle avec plusieurs enseignants de l'Université McGill. La journée s'est conclue par un concert mettant en vedette l'Harmonie d'honneur ainsi que l’Orchestre à vent de l'Université McGill. À noter que deux anciens de F.A.C.E. étaient parmi l’Orchestre à vent : Philibert Gasse et William Boberg! Les élèves ont eu le plaisir de clore le concert avec les musiciens de l’Orchestre! Bravo à Amélie Marandola, Chihiro Akamatsu Kawai, Elliott Paquin, Emeric Poiker, Zakary Favret et Eli Wesley-Lanctôt qui ont magnifiquement bien représenté notre école lors de cet événement! Un grand merci à Dre Gaudry ainsi qu’à toute son équipe pour la tenue de cet événement!
PERSONNEL RETRAITÉ: Chaque année, la CSEM est fière d'organiser une réception en l’honneur des retraités, soirée qui rend hommage aux enseignants et enseignantes, aux administrateurs et administratrices ainsi qu’aux membres du personnel qui ont consacré leur carrière à former les jeunes esprits. Cette tradition bien ancrée rassemble collègues, familles et membres du conseil afin de célébrer les années de service, partager des souvenirs et témoigner une profonde reconnaissance envers ceux et celles qui ont marqué la communauté de la CSEM par leur engagement. Au total, 130 personnes ont assisté à cet événement annuel, qui s'est déroulé le 21 octobre à la salle de réception Le Crystal, à Saint-Laurent. Au cours de la soirée, 99 employés retraités de la CSEM ont été honorés, soit des enseignants et enseignantes, des administrateurs et administratrices, ainsi que des membres du personnel professionnel et de soutien, totalisant tous ensemble 2 415 années de service au sein de la CSEM. Pour lire l’intégral du communiqué et consulter la liste des retraités :
JE ME SOUVIENS (JMS) : Programme éducatif de Compagnie Canada créé en collaboration avec la Fondation du Royal Montreal Regiment (RMR) et le Royal 22e Régiment (R22eR), Je me souviens a officiellement lancé aujourd'hui ses ressources pédagogiques en ligne portant sur le jour du Souvenir et destinées aux élèves du primaire et du secondaire au Québec. Intitulés « Commémoration de la bravoure », ces modules éducatifs offrent aux élèves une occasion unique de prendre conscience de l'importance du jour du Souvenir et d'explorer la riche histoire militaire du Canada. Les modules se veulent un complément aux programmes d'études du ministère de l'Éducation du Québec offerts au primaire et au secondaire. « J'utilise le programme JMS dans ma classe depuis cinq ans », déclare Chantal Clabrough, enseignante principale d’univers social à l'école secondaire Westmount. « Ces activités sont très utiles pour les enseignants. Le programme scolaire québécois aborde l'histoire militaire canadienne, mais il peut parfois être difficile de trouver du contenu inspirant et intéressant sur le jour du Souvenir. Les activités JMS permettent aux élèves d'explorer des sujets qui vont au-delà de ce que renferment les manuels scolaires et de réfléchir de manière critique au rôle du Canada dans les conflits, tout en découvrant des Canadiens ordinaires qui ont accompli des choses extraordinaires pour leur pays. L'un des moyens les plus sûrs d'assurer un avenir pacifique est de faire comprendre aux jeunes Canadiens les sacrifices du passé. » https://jemesouviens.org/fr/
SEMAINE DE L'ÉDUCATION AUX MÉDIAS : À l'école primaire East Hill de Rivière des-Prairies, le programme d’éducation aux médias continue de fournir aux élèves des compétences essentielles en matière d'éducation aux médias, les aidant à questionner, analyser et comprendre les médias qui façonnent notre monde. La Semaine de l'éducation aux médias (du 27 au 31 octobre) a mis l’accent sur l'intelligence artificielle et la manière dont les algorithmes et les contenus numériques influencent ce que nous voyons et croyons. Les élèves explorent ces défis et renforcent leur esprit critique. Cette année, les élèves de 6e année ont participé au concours d'affiches pour la paix du Lions Club ayant pour thème Together as One (Tous ensemble). À travers leurs créations, les élèves ont exploré ce que signifient pour eux l'unité, l'empathie et la connexion. Chaque affiche reflète magnifiquement leur créativité et leur compréhension du fait que la paix commence lorsque nous nous unissons.
PLAYING SHYLOCK : Le Centre Segal est ravi d'offrir aux groupes scolaires du secondaire une occasion unique de découvrir la prochaine production du Centre Segal, Playing Shylock, à un tarif communautaire exclusif. Dans le but de rendre le théâtre plus accessible et plus abordable pour les écoles de notre région, nous offrons une réduction unique sur 50 billets à 20 $ chacun (taxes incluses) pour les réservations de groupes d'élèves, soit une réduction de 40 % sur notre tarif habituel pour les groupes d'élèves! Playing Shylock est une pièce puissante et stimulante qui explore l'identité, la culture et la responsabilité de la représentation dans les arts. Elle amène le public à réfléchir à des questions intemporelles sur la justice, l'empathie et le rôle de la narration. Ces thèmes trouvent un écho profond chez les élèves et sont étroitement liés à des matières telles que la littérature, l'éthique et les sciences sociales. Afin d'enrichir l'expérience, un guide d'étude sera fourni pour faciliter les discussions en classe, et nous sommes heureux d'offrir une séance de discussion gratuite après le spectacle pour les réservations effectuées par votre école. Pour plus de détails sur la production : https://www.segalcentre.org/en/shows/2025-2026/playing-shylock. Le spectacle sera présenté du 18 janvier au 8 février 2026. Pour infos : Stephanie McKenna smckenna@segalcentre.org
NOUVELLES DE LA CHORALE DE LA CSEM : La Chorale de la CSEM, qui entame sa 46e saison, a eu le grand plaisir de chanter Carmina Burana de Carl Orff de nouveau avec l’Orchestre philharmonique et Chœur des Mélomanes, avec en première partie le célèbre Sacre du printemps de Stravinsky. Le chœur a chanté dans trois représentations à la Maison symphonique les 7 et 9 novembre dernier sous la direction du jeune et talentueux chef Francis Choinière, diplômé de l’école F.A.C.E. (CSEM). Ce fut un événement grandiose avec 180 choristes, un orchestre symphonique complet et des solistes de renommée internationale. Christophe Huss, critique musical du Devoir, a salué la solide performance du chœur de jeunes.
La Chorale a présenté son Concert annuel des Fêtes le 6 décembre à la cathédrale Christ Church au centre-ville de Montréal. Anne-Marie Denoncourt était au piano et le chœur a accueilli de nouveau l’Harmonie de l’Armée du Salut. À la suite du départ à la retraite de Patricia Abbott, directrice artistique de la chorale pendant 35 ans, Marie-Ève Arseneau a pris le relais, forte de son expérience comme cheffe associée depuis 20 ans. Elle enseigne également la musique aux élèves du secondaire à l’école F.A.C.E. Patricia demeure impliquée avec la chorale en tant que directrice générale. Pour tout renseignement sur les événements à venir ou pour passer une audition pour la chorale pour la session hiver/printemps, communiquez avec Patricia Abbott à pabbott@emsb.qc.ca.
CONNEXION SPCA : Erin Martellani, responsable du programme de l’Éducation à la compassion à la SPCA de Montréal, et Anne-Marie De Silva, conseillère en culture et citoyenneté québécoise (CCQ) à la CSEM, ont uni leurs efforts pour créer des plans de leçon et des présentations destinés aux élèves de la CSEM et portant sur le bien-être des animaux. Les présentations d'Erin Martellani s'adressent à tous les niveaux scolaires, de la maternelle à la 6e année, et proposent des messages adaptés à chaque groupe d’âge pour inciter les élèves à réfléchir à leur relation avec les animaux et la planète. Ces présentations s'harmonisent parfaitement avec le thème du programme Culture et citoyenneté québécoise « Les relations entre les êtres humains et l'environnement », ainsi qu'avec les sous-thèmes « Les êtres vivants qui nous entourent » et « Nos rôles et responsabilités envers les êtres vivants ». Les situations d'apprentissage et d'évaluation (SAÉ) pour chaque niveau, accompagnées des présentations de la SPCA, seront proposées aux enseignants lors de la journée pédagogique de la commission scolaire le 16 mars, en anglais et en français. La CSEM est ravie et honorée de collaborer avec la SPCA pour offrir à ses élèves des expériences d'apprentissage aussi enrichissantes.
INTÉGRATION : Le 7 novembre, le Service des ressources humaines de la CSEM a tenu son tout premier événement d’intégration et d’orientation pour le personnel en éducation spécialisée. Les équipes des RH, des Services aux élèves et les représentants syndicaux ont communiqué des informations clés aux nouvelles recrues de l’année scolaire 2024-2025.
L’ART DE CONTER : Les exposés du festival L’Art de conter de la CSEM au niveau primaire – secteur est et secteur ouest – auront lieu respectivement le 7 avril (à l’école primaire Gerald McShane) et le 14 avril (à l’école primaire Willingdon – Campus senior). Ce sera l’occasion pour les élèves de 5e et 6e année de faire briller leurs talents en narration bilingue.
SERVICES DE L’ÉDUCATION DES ADULTES ET DE LA FORMATION PROFESSIONNELLE
PLANTATION D’ARBRES : Le Centre d’éducation des adultes High School of Montreal (HSM), situé dans le quartier Plateau-Mont-Royal, à l’est du centre-ville de Montréal, s’est associé à la Société de verdissement du Montréal métropolitain (SOVERDI) afin de planter six nouveaux arbres. Organisme à but non lucratif, SOVERDI met en œuvre des stratégies de verdissement en milieu urbain et plante des arbres pour améliorer la qualité de vie et la santé de la population du Grand Montréal. La plantation d’arbres, avec ses nombreux bienfaits, est au cœur des stratégies urbaines pour lutter contre les changements climatiques et s’y adapter. Le Plan ARBRE – Agir pour la Résilience, la Biodiversité et la Restauration Écologique satisfait aux objectifs des programmes de verdissement à différents paliers gouvernementaux. L’administration, le personnel et les élèves du Centre HSM tiennent à remercier Tristan Fillion et l’équipe de la SOVERDI pour ce partenariat!
VISITES DE PATULLI : Les élèves de Mme Marilyn, du Centre d'éducation des adultes Galileo, ont participé à un atelier de préparation de pizzas avec Patulli, une entreprise locale de pizzas mobiles. Pendant cette séance de deux heures, ils ont appris à préparer leur pâte de A à Z, à assembler leurs pizzas personnalisées et à les cuire à la température idéale dans les fours professionnels de l'entreprise. Cette activité a favorisé le travail d'équipe, la créativité et renforcé le sentiment des élèves de faire partie de la communauté. Elle leur a également permis de pratiquer et de développer leurs compétences culinaires!
COMMÉMORATION : À l'occasion du jour du Souvenir, les élèves des programmes de formation générale et SISP EmployABLE U de Galileo ont eu le privilège de participer à des activités enrichissantes qui leur ont permis de mieux comprendre le sens du service, du sacrifice et l'importance de se souvenir. Ils ont eu l’honneur d’accueillir le chef Jequier et le MAT-3 De Grandpré-Lamothe, qui leur ont fait part de leur expérience au sein des Forces armées canadiennes au cours d’une visite marquante. Leurs témoignages, qui ont porté sur le leadership lors de missions difficiles, la résilience et la camaraderie forgées par le travail d’équipe, ont offert aux élèves une perspective authentique et inspirante sur l’engagement nécessaire pour servir notre pays. Les élèves du programme SISP EmployABLE U ont également eu le privilège de rencontrer le sergent Marc-André Renaud dont la présentation sur la signification du jour du Souvenir a profondément marqué les esprits. Il a parlé de la valeur de nos soldats, des sacrifices qu’ils font et de l’importance de rendre hommage à ceux qui ont servi et continuent de le faire. Les élèves ont été particulièrement touchés par ses récits personnels et ont participé avec enthousiasme en posant des questions réfléchies sur ses expériences et sa vie de militaire.
FACE: L’ école FACE a accueilli le Honour Band de McGill. Cet événement a rassemblé, l'espace d'une journée, des élèves de 22 écoles secondaires! Les élèves ont eu le privilège d'être dirigés par Dr. Danielle Gaudry et de travailler en sectionnelle avec plusieurs enseignants de l'Université McGill. La journée s'est conclue avec un concert mettant en vedette l'Harmonie d'Honneur ainsi que le Wind Symphony de l'Université McGill. À noter que deux anciens de FACE faisaient partie du Wind Symphony: Philibert Gasse et William Boberg! Les élèves ont eu le plaisir de clore le concert avec les musiciens du McGill Wind Symphony! Bravo à Amélie Marandola, Chihiro Akamatsu Kawai, Elliott Paquin, Emeric Poiker, Zakary Favret et Eli Wesley-Lanctôt qui ont magnifiquement bien représenté notre école lors de cet événement! Un grand merci à Dr. Gaudry et toute son équipe pour l'organisation de cet événement!
NOUVELLES DE LA CHORALE DE LA CSEM : La Chorale de la CSEM, qui entame sa 46e saison, a eu le grand plaisir de chanter Carmina Burana de Carl Orff de nouveau avec l’Orchestre philharmonique et Choeur des Mélomanes, qui donna également l’impostant Sacre du printemps de Stravinsky dans la première partie. Le chœur a chanté dans trois représentations à la Maison symphonique les 7 et 9 novembre dernier sous la direction du brillant jeune chef Francis Choinière, qui a fait ses études primaire et secondaire à l’école FACE (CSEM). Ce fut un événement grandiose avec 180 choristes, un orchestre symphonique au complet et des solistes de calibre international. Le critique musical du Devoir a noté la solide performance du chœur de jeunes.
La Chorale de la CSEM est maintenant dans ses dernières répétitions pour son concert annuel des Fêtes, qui aura lieu le samedi 6 décembre prochain à 16 h à la cathédrale Christ Church au centre-ville de Montréal. Anne-Marie Denoncourt sera au piano et le chœur accueillera de nouveau l’Harmonie de l’Armée du Salut. Il n’y a pas de billets pour ce concert. L’entrée se fera par contribution volontaire. Contribution suggérée: 15 $ par adulte. Suite à la retraite de Patricia Abbott comme directrice artistique de la chorale après 35 ans, Marie-Eve Arseneau a repris la direction artistique, forte de son expérience comme cheffe associée depuis 20 ans. Elle enseigne également la musique au secondaire à l’école FACE. Patricia demeure impliquée avec la chorale en tant que directrice générale. Pour des informations sur les événements à venir ou pour passer une audition pour la chorale pour la session d’hiver/printemps, communiquez avec Patricia Abbott à pabbott@emsb.qc.ca
The next Focus newsletter will be published on February 10, 2026. Deadline for submissions is Friday, February 6 at 11 am to mcohen@emsb.qc.ca .Le prochain numéro de Pleins feux sur Fielding sera publié le 10 février. Prière de soumettre vos articles au plus tard à 11 h 00 le vendredi 6 février à mcohen@emsb.qc.ca
